Stories of our times

The Labour psychodrama continues. Wes Streeting resigned as health secretary on Thursday afternoon, stating that it was clear Sir Keir Starmer would not lead the Labour Party into the next general election. However he has not yet triggered a leadership contest. Meanwhile, Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, said he'll plan to run for a parliamentary seat in a by-election. So, where does this leave the party? And what will happen next?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryGuest: Lara Spirit, deputy political editor, The Sunday TimesHost: Manveen RanaProducers: Sophie McNulty, Harry BlighWe want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: Keir Starmer latest - live pageFurther listening: What the hell's going on in Westminster? Clips: Sky News, BBC, C4 News, Times RadioPhoto: Getty Images.This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Donald Trump is in Beijing for his much-anticipated trip to see President Xi - the leaders meet today. But with the US seemingly stuck in a frozen conflict in the Middle East, does Xi see Trump as a lame duck? Will he help Trump persuade Iran to end the war or could the conflict embolden Xi's pursuit of Taiwan? And how could the trip affect the Asian pivot away from the USA and towards China?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryGuests:Professor Rana Mitter, S.T. Lee Professor of U.S.-Asia Relations, Harvard.Richard Spencer, China correspondent, The Times.Host: Manveen Rana. Producer: Olivia Case.We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: Summit of the superpowers: what's on the agenda for Trump and Xi?Further listening: The end of the ceasefire in Iran…..or notClips: CNA, Fox, Reuters, Al Jazeera, Richard Nixon Foundation / YouTube. Photo: Getty Images.This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This morning the Times broke the news that Wes Streeting had told allies he was preparing to resign as Health Secretary tomorrow to trigger a leadership contest. The story emerged just ahead of the King's arrival in Westminster for the state opening of parliament. What do we know now? And what does this mean for Starmer's future?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryGuests: Anna Mikhailova, political editor, Times RadioAubrey Allegretti, chief political editor, The TimesHost: John Pienaar, Manveen RanaProducers: Sandra Mitchell, Harry Bligh We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: Keir Starmer latest - live pagePhoto: Getty Images.This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As Keir Starmer clings on to his premiership, there's one man continuing his victory laps. Nigel Farage's party Reform UK was the big winner in last week's local elections, picking up more than 1,450 council seats. So, what's behind this? Is this just a blip – or the start of a new phase of British politics?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryGuest: Lara Spirit, deputy political editor, The Sunday Times.Host: Luke Jones.Producers: Callum Martin, Sophie McNulty.We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: New Reform councillor suspended after racist posts emergeFurther listening: “Keir Starmer couldn't run a bath.” What next for Labour?Clips: BBC, Manchester Evening News, LBC, Reform UK, APT. Photo: Getty Images.This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

An extraordinary day in British politics: Keir Starmer vows to fight on, but the resignations keep on coming. How long can the prime minister survive? What's next, and who will move first? Wes Streeting has one shot: will he take it? What is Andy Burnham's plan?Recorded at Temple Church as part of the Fleet Street Quarter Festival of Words.Hosts:Steven Swinford, political editor, The TimesPatrick Maguire, chief political commentator, The TimesGabriel Pogrund, editor of Insight, The Sunday TimesProducers: Euan Dawtrey, Harry KitsonExecutive producer: Molly GuinnessPicture credit: Getty Images This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Republican voters across the United States are rejecting ultra-processed foods, marking a striking political and cultural shift. But, how did the ‘bread basket of America' get so ultra-processed in the first place? And is this the moment Big Food faces a reckoning?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryGuest: Louise Callaghan, Americas correspondent, The Sunday TimesHost: Luke JonesProducer: Sophie McNultyWe want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: How Maga fell out of love with fast foodFurther listening: The momfluencers embracing ‘Make America Healthy Again'Clips: Robert F Kennedy Jr. - YouTube, The White House, Fox News, Charles McCall - Instagram, The Internet Archive, US National Archives, Pringles - YouTube. Photo: Getty Images.This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

More than 50 MPs have publicly urged Keir Starmer either to resign immediately or set out a timetable for his departure as PM, after he made a speech this morning attempting to save his premiership after last week's disastrous election results. So has he done enough to prove the doubters wrong for now?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryGuests: Anna Mikhailova, political editor, Times Radio.Steve Reed, Housing Secretary.Host: John Pienaar.Producer: Edward Drummond, Sandra Mitchell.We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: Rebel MP gathers names calling for resignationPhoto: Getty Images. This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Labour suffered historic losses in Thursday's elections, triggering dozens of the party's MPs to call for Keir Starmer's resignation. And yet, even with the party in disarray, the PM has so far remained defiant. So, can he survive? And what do the election results tell us about the country's political future? This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryGuest: Aubrey Allegretti, chief political correspondent, The TimesHost: Manveen RanaProducers: Sophie McNulty, Dave CreaseyWe want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: Challenge Keir Starmer by Monday or I will, Labour MP tells cabinetFurther listening: Reform shake Labour to its coreClips: BBC, ITN, Times Radio, The TimesPhoto: Getty Images.This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Amanda Knox was at the centre of one of the most gruesome murders and sensationalised trials of the 21st century. Accused of killing her flatmate, she transformed into a global media obsession almost overnight. Now, nearly two decades later, she's turning that experience into an Edinburgh Fringe comedy show. Is it brave, morally questionable, or both?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryGuest: Helen Rumbelow, feature writer, The Times.Host: Manveen Rana.Producer: Dave Creasey.We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: Amanda Knox: Why I've turned my life into an Edinburgh comedy showClips: ABC, CNN, BBC News, Sky News.Photo: Getty Images.This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Very few people get to see David Attenborough behind the scenes. Tony Lee Moral did, starting out as a young researcher alongside him at Bristol's legendary Natural History Unit. As Attenborough turns 100, what's it like to observe him in his natural habitat? Tony reflects on the charm, curiosity, exacting standards and quiet humanity that made him such a remarkable person to work with.This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryRead by: Tony Lee Moral.Producer: Dave Creasey.We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: David Attenborough at 100 — we've been lucky to watch him roam this planetClips: BBC.Photo: Getty Images.This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For now, the Prime Minister Keir Starmer vows to stay as the Reform leader Nigel Farage calls this a “truly historic shift in British politics”.Steven and Lara caught up at the Times office in Westminster just after 4pm to unpack the results from England's local council and mayoral elections, alongside national contests in Scotland and Wales, as Reform and the Greens surge and Labour suffer huge losses.Hosts:Steven Swinford, political editor, The TimesLara Spirit, deputy political editor, The Sunday TimesProducers: Euan Dawtrey, Harry KitsonPicture credit: Getty ImagesThis podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In Moscow, preparations are complete for tomorrow's Victory Day celebrations. This year's military parade will be pared back amid fears of Ukrainian drone strikes. So as the country marks its biggest celebration in muted style, five years into a grinding war, how are Russians feeling about their government and the economy? And what's been the true impact of the war in Iran?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryGuest: Alexander Gabuev, director, Carnegie Russia Eurasia Centre.Host: Rosie Wright.Producer: Callum Martin.We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: No tanks or missiles at Russia's scaled-back Victory Day paradeFurther listening: The descent into madness under PutinClips: YouTube, Times Now World, France24, FreakiAhhMilitary, APT, Daily Express.Photo: Getty Images.This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and Peter Mandelson's relationship with Jeffrey Epstein has been poured over by the press – but what about their relationship with one another? New Times reporting reveals they met for the first time in 1999 at an NSPCC charity event, and continued a mutually advantageous relationship for a decade. So how do the people who brought them together feel about it now? And what can it tell us about how power works in the upper echelons of British society?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryGuest: Hugo Daniel, general news reporter, The Sunday Times.Host: Manveen Rana.Producers: Harry Stott.We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: Revealed: When Andrew first met Peter MandelsonFurther listening: Starmer strikes back over Mandelson vetting scandalClips: Getty, The Lost Media Archive / Youtube, ITN.Photo: Getty Images.This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode was recorded before the latest announcement from President Trump pausing 'Project Freedom'.Earlier this week President Trump launched his latest move in the Iran war... 'Project Freedom' was designed to get ships through the Strait of Hormuz under US military escort. But Iran said the plan meant the US was breaking the ceasefire and the two countries began trading missiles again. The UAE's been hit too, at a time when it's increasingly turning to Israel for help. So how will the new allegiances being formed in fire reshape the region? Where are negotiations up to? And is there any hope of peace?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryGuest: Michael Stephens, consultant and senior associate fellow at the Royal United Services Institute and fellow at RAND Europe. Host: Manveen Rana. Producers: Olivia Case and Sophie McNulty.We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: Iran war latest: Hegseth says ceasefire holds but US ‘locked and loaded'Further listening: Is political violence America's new normal?Clips: Fox, Hugh Hewitt / YouTube. Photo: Getty Images.This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Scottish voters will head to the polls for the Holyrood parliamentary elections. To understand what's on people's minds, we visited Motherwell - a town where, for decades, Labour used to dominate. This year Labour appear to be haemorrhaging support across Scotland and may even fall to third place. And an unlikely party is emerging from the fallout.This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryGuests:Ross Thomson, editor, Wishaw PressRichard Bolton, community development officer, Forgewood Housing CooperativePaul Murphy, corporate services office, Forgewood Housing CooperativeJustin Parkes, industrial history curator, North Lanarkshire Council MuseumsHost: Manveen Rana.Producers: Taryn SiegelWe want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comFurther listening: Is Labour facing a bloodbath in Wales?Photo: Getty Images.This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

NHS spending has reached record highs and shows no sign of slowing down. The government poured in £205 billion last year, yet waiting lists remain stubbornly high and patient satisfaction is at an all time low. So where is all the money going? And if spending isn't the solution, what is?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryGuests: Eleanor Hayward, Health Editor, The Times.Tom Calver, Data Editor, The Times and The Sunday Times.Host: Luke Jones.Producers: Callum Martin and Micaela Arneson.We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: Why doesn't ever-growing money seem to improve the NHSFurther listening: Is your sofa toxic?Clips: BBC, The Guardian, Rishi Sunak / LinkedIn, The Sun, Reuters, The British Library, The Department of Health and Social Care.Photo: Getty ImagesThis podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

At his peak, Carl Hayman was widely regarded as the world's best tighthead prop. Then, in 2021, at just 41, he was diagnosed with early-onset dementia and probable CTE, a disease he believes was caused by the sport he loves, and one that has torn his life apart. In this intimate and devastating interview with David Walsh, Carl describes what happened, what he's doing for the players who come after him, and what concussion means for rugby's future. The final part of a two-part special investigation into the crisis facing this global game. You can listen to part one here.This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryGuest: Carl HaymanHost: David Walsh, chief sports writer, The Sunday TimesProducer: Sophie McNultyWe want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: Two best friends, two suicides. How did rugby let this happen?Further listening: Can rugby survive its head injury problem?Photo: Getty Images.This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Marriage rates are at their lowest since 1850, and it's predicted by 2050 just 3 in 10 of us will have tied the knot. Cohabiting is now the fastest-growing family type in the UK. So what's happening? Feminism, atheism, a mistrust of state intervention, or just an old fashion 'trend' dying out? And should cohabiting couples get the same rights as married ones?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryRead by:Hannah Betts, features writer, The Times.Will Roe, executive producer, The Story.Producer: Dave Creasey.We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: Why I will never get marriedPhoto: Robert Wilson for The Times MagazineThis podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Could Thursday's local elections herald the end of two party politics in England? Labour are expected to lose heavily to parties on the left and right. So how bad would it need to be for the party to replace the prime minister?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryGuests: Joe Twyman, co-founder and director, DeltaPoll Lara Spirit, deputy political editor, The Sunday Times.Host: Luke Jones. Producers: Micaela Arneson. We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: Angela Rayner weighs leadership challenge after local electionsFurther listening: ‘The punishment election': Is Labour facing a bloodbath in Wales? Clip: Daily Express. Photo: Getty ImagesThis podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Police have declared a terrorist incident after two Jewish men were stabbed in Golders Green. The suspect, Essa Suleiman, is in custody and the two men are stable. Plenty of questions remain as the Jewish community reels from the latest in a series of antisemitic incidents. How can Jewish communities be protected? This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryGuests:Matt Dathan, home affairs editor, The Times.Neil Basu, former head of UK counterterrorism policing.Host: Callum MartinProducers: Callum Martin, Olivia Case, Elizabeth Highfield, Sandra Mitchell.We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: What happened in Golders Green? How London stabbing attack unfoldedFurther listening: “They tried to firebomb my synagogue”: The rise in antisemitic attacksPhoto: Getty ImagesThis podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sir Keir Starmer has dodged a bullet on the Mandelson vetting scandal but did he expend too much political capital in the process? With local elections around the corner he's not out of the woods yet, so what can we expect from next week's results? And more than 60 days into the Iran war, Trump has proclaimed there's 'No more Mr. Nice Guy' - so are we about to see renewed military action from the USA? Hosts Manveen Rana and Luke Jones are here to answer your questions in our monthly Q&A.This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryHosts: Manveen Rana and Luke Jones. Guest: Aubrey Allegretti, chief political correspondent, The Times.Producers: Olivia Case and Callum Martin.We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: Iran war latest: Trump warns Tehran ‘No more Mr Nice Guy' in Truth Social postFurther listening: ‘The punishment election': Is Labour facing a bloodbath in Wales?Clips: The Independent, Sky. Image: @realDonaldTrump / Truth SocialThis podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

South Wales has been a Labour heartland since the party formed over a century ago, but speak to people there today and you'll find support leaving in droves. So can Labour avoid an electoral car crash? Could the other main parties capitalise? Ahead of the Welsh Senedd elections next week, we travelled to Swansea to take the political temperature.This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryGuests: Professor Matthew Wall, professor of politics, philosophy and international relations at Swansea University and principal investigator of the 2026 Welsh election study.Grant Berni, head of the Osprey's supporters club.Host: Manveen Rana.Producer: Harry Stott.We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: A walk round Pembroke Dock shows why Labour will lose Welsh electionFurther listening: Get ready for a pub brawl, it's local election timePhoto: Getty Images.This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Morgan McSweeney has told MPs that the revelations about Peter Mandelson's relationship with Jeffrey Epstein were like a knife through his soul. The more we learn about the appointment process, the madder it sounds. And the odd thing is that crucial decisions were not written down: there are no receipts. There's a mood building in the Labour Party that Keir Starmer will need to go big or go home: come up with a bold agenda, make the case for it and then deliver it. Has he got it in him?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryHosts: Steven Swinford, political editor, The Times. Patrick Maguire, chief political commentator, The Times. Lara Spirit, deputy political editor, The Sunday Times.Producers: Euan Dawtrey, Harry Kitson.Executive producer: Molly Guinness.We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: McSweeney and Barton raise new questions over PM's judgmentPhoto: Getty Images.This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

White House correspondents' dinner shooting suspect Cole Tomas Allen has been charged with attempting to assassinate the president. The White House says Saturday's attack is the third 'assassination attempt' on Donald Trump in the last two years. But what do we know about Allen? And what does this all tell us about the rise of political violence in America? This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryGuests:David Charter, assistant editor, US, The Times and The Sunday Times. Nick Bryant, journalist and author of Forever War America's Unending Conflict With Itself and the Substack History Never Ended.Host: Manveen RanaProducers: Julia Webster and Olivia CaseWe want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: Cole Tomas Allen: who is the alleged gunman at correspondents' dinner?Further listening: Can King Charles fix the special relationship?Clips: The Obama White House / YouTube, C-SPAN, OverDriveGamesAnime / YouTube, ABC, CBS, NBC, The New Yorker, KATU News.Photo: Getty Images.This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode was recorded before the events at the White House Correspondents' Association on Saturday.King Charles arrives in America today for a state visit to mark the country's 250th birthday. But with US-UK relations at a low over Iran - and the Epstein scandal still looming large - the stakes are high. Last week Trump said the monarch could help repair the special relationship so will soft power bring the allies back together?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryGuests:Kate Mansey, assistant editor, The Times.Sir David Manning, former British Ambassador to America and former advisor to the Royal Household. Host: Luke Jones. Producer: Olivia Case.We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: King's US visit can ‘absolutely' repair relations, says TrumpFurther listening: The Pope v TrumpClips: The Art of the Surge: The Donald Trump Comeback / Instagram, BBC, DailyMotion, The Royal Family Channel / YouTube, ABC. Photo: Getty Images.This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Shane Christie was one of the brightest rugby stars in New Zealand before suffering multiple concussions, leading to a brain injury that would slowly take everything from him. And his experience is far from unique. In this deeply personal account, David Walsh talks to Shane's former partner, Holly Parkes, to ask, What happened? What does Shane's story reveal about the sport he loved deeply? And can rugby survive the fallout? This is part one of a two-part special investigation into the crisis facing this global game. This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryGuest: Holly ParkesHost: David Walsh, chief sports writer, The Sunday TimesProducer: Sophie McNultyWe want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: The concussion filesClips: Harlequins - YouTube.Photo: Getty Images.This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hidden in a quiet Belgian archive, century-old colonial maps of the Democratic Republic of Congo may hold the key to an estimated $24 trillion in untapped minerals. Now the United States, backed by Trump, together with the likes of Jeff Bezos, want them. The curators, however, are in no hurry to hand them over.This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryWritten by: Madeleine Spence, deputy editor for News Review, The Sunday Times.Read by: Olivia Case.Host: Luke Jones. Producer: Dave Creasey.We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: The $24trn question: who owns these 100-year-old mining maps?Clips: DW, BBC.Photo: Getty Images, The Sunday Times.This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The American Dream is as old as the United States itself. But as the country marks its 250th anniversary, with economic uncertainty, political turbulence and social divisions all on the rise, do ordinary Americans still believe? The Times and YouGov spoke to 1800 of them to find out – and we've got their analysis.This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryGuests: David Charter, assistant editor (US), The Times.Tom Calver, data editor, The Times and Sunday Times.Host: Rosie Wright.Producer: Callum Martin and Olivia Case.We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: The American Dream is dying, Times poll revealsFurther listening: Five years on from the Jan 6 riots, how has the US president changed America?Clips: SullenToys / YouTube, Zohran Mamdani / YouTube.Photo: Getty Images.This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Attacks targeting the Jewish community have surged in recent weeks, with synagogues and community centres being hit. Many people are feeling increasingly vulnerable, but what's behind this escalation? And how is it impacting Jewish people?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryGuests: David Woode, crime editor, The TimesJosh Glancy, associate editor, The Sunday TimesHost: Luke Jones. Producers: Dave Creasey & Edward Drummond.We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: Jewish attacks ‘are why state-backed groups must be called terrorists'Further listening: Danny Finkelstein: How the world's antisemites turned on meClips: Channel 4, BBC News, ITV News, Times Radio, Daily Mirror.Photo: Getty Images.This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The shaky ceasefire between Iran and the US has been extended. Whether it lasts much longer or fighting resumes depends partly on Lebanon, where another fragile truce has been struck between Israel and the Iranian proxy group Hezbollah. So why is Lebanon so important to peace with Iran? And what happens if the ceasefire fails? This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryGuest: Jack Clover, assistant foreign news editor, The Times and The Sunday Times.Host: Luke Jones. Producers: Micaela Arneson, Edward Drummond. We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: With war in its DNA, will Hezbollah ever disarm?Further listening: Trump's ceasefire with Iran - what's in it and what's nextClips: Channel 4, The Guardian, CNN, Global News, Middle East Eye, Reuters. Photo: Getty Images.This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sir Olly Robbins dropped bombshell after bombshell when he spoke to MPs. Robbins, who was sacked as the Foreign Office's chief civil servant, has accused Downing Street of placing the department under constant pressure to get Lord Mandelson through vetting. He also said the prime minister had tried to find an ambassadorial job for Matthew Doyle, another Labour peer who's been in trouble for a friendship with a paedophile. Where does it all leave Sir Keir Starmer?Plus, we reveal when the next tranche of Mandelson files will be published.Steven Swinford, political editor, The TimesGabriel Pogrund, Whitehall editor, The Sunday TimesLara Spirit, deputy political editor, The Sunday TimesProducers: Euan Dawtrey, Harry KitsonExecutive producer: Molly GuinnessPicture credit: Parliament TVClips: Parliament TVThis podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Yesterday evening Sir Keir Starmer defended himself in Parliament, stating ‘the facts are incredible,' but ‘nobody' in Number 10 knew that Peter Mandelson failed security vetting. Addressing MPs, the prime minister rejected the suggestion that the government's desire to appoint Mandelson overrode security concerns. Immediately after, we caught up with the Times' political editor to ask, who exactly knew what when? And how does this all end?Mandelson denies any wrongdoing when it comes to his relationship with Epstein. This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryGuest: Steven Swinford, political editor, The TimesHost: Rosie WrightProducers: Sophie McNulty, Olivia CaseWe want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: Keir Starmer ‘put Mandelson job before security', say Labour MPsFurther listening: Can Keir Starmer survive the scandal over Mandelson and Epstein?Clips: Sky News, The Guardian, Keir Starmer - X, The Times, BBCPhoto: Getty Images.This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jane Coates' daughter Lucy was just 23 when she was shot and killed by her father, while visiting him in Texas. US authorities quickly ruled her death an accident and no charges were brought. But as The Sunday Times reveals holes in Lucy's father's account, Jane wants the case reopened.This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryGuest: Katie Tarrant, news reporter for The Sunday TimesJane Coates, victim's motherSam Littler, victim's boyfriend and witnessHost: Manveen RanaProducers: Julia WebsterWe want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: My daughter was shot dead by her father. Why wasn't he arrested?Father shot daughter dead after ‘arguing about Donald TrumpPhoto: Picture provided by the family, graphic by Kathia MestanzaThis podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A strict conservatorship, control of her finances, breakdowns, nonstop media pressure and divorce. It's been one hell of a journey for the Princess of Pop, but the latest news that Britney Spears has entered rehab leaves fans asking the question, will she ever be truly free?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryRead by: Helen Rumbelow, feature writer for the Times.Producer: Dave Creasey.We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: Controlled, hounded, scarred. Could Britney Spears ever truly be free?Clips: NBC, ABC, CNN, hugebritneyfan, britneyonline.Music: Baby One More Time - Britney Spears - Sony Music Entertainment.Photo: Getty Images.This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Yesterday afternoon in Manchester, a man was found guilty of a brutal rape for which an innocent person had been wrongly jailed for more than 17 years. We bring you a special update to our groundbreaking podcast series Seventeen Years - The Andrew Malkinson Story, which first highlighted this tragic miscarriage of justice.You can listen to the full series on The Times Investigates feed: https://pod.fo/e/3256f8Hosts: Will Roe & Emily Dugan, Sunday Times' Special correspondent.Producer: Will Roe. Clips: Greater Manchester Police. We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comIf you, or someone you know, has been affected by the issues raised in this episode, the following organisations can help:Rape Crisis England & WalesNHS - Help after rape and sexual assaultCriminal Cases Review CommissionAppeal - Charity and law practiceThis podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The prime minister says he's "furious" over the latest twist in the Epstein scandal, amid revelations the child sex offender's former friend Peter Mandelson was appointed British ambassador to the US despite failing security vetting. For months, ​​Keir Starmer insisted his ambassador was properly appointed. Today, he admitted this was not the case. So, what went wrong? And what does it mean for the future of Starmer's government? This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryGuests: Ollie Cole, Times Radio newsroom reporterLeigh Turner, former Ambassador to Austria and UkraineHost: Carolyn QuinnProducers: Sandra Mitchell, Sofia JohansonWe want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: Keir Starmer ‘furious' over Peter Mandelson vetting failurePhoto: Getty Images.This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The economic ripples caused by the Iran war are beginning to have an impact across the globe, from fuel rationing across South-East Asia, to fuel protests in Ireland. The IMF's recent report on the global economy makes for grim reading – and the UK comes out as one of the worst affected of the G7. So could food and fuel shortages be coming to the UK? And how will the government try to mitigate the worst effects?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryGuests:Rob Doran, director of Black Dog Crisis Management.Jack Barnett, economics correspondent, The Times.Host: Manveen Rana.Producers: Harry Stott, Micaela Arneson.We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: Britain preparing for food shortages as Iran war bites UK economy faces hardest hit from Iran war of G7, says IMFFurther listening: Trump's ceasefire with Iran - what's in it and what nextClips: BBC, ABC NEWS (Australia), RTE, Sky News.Photo: Getty Images.This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Behind the scenes of Iran's war, China's been forging alliances, stockpiling oil and building resilience in the form of renewable energy. So how could all of this help it attack Taiwan? When might it happen? And can anyone stop them?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryGuest: Cindy Yu, columnist and contributing editor, The Times and The Sunday Times.Host: Manveen Rana. Producer: Olivia Case.We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: Iran war latest: Ceasefire with US ‘to be extended by two weeks'Further listening: The Pope v TrumpClips: Fox, Bloomberg, Times of India, Hoover Institution.Photo: Getty Images.This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Over the weekend, Donald Trump posted an image of himself as a Jesus Christ like figure, which was subsequently deleted. It came after the President and the Pope exchanged a war of words over the conflict in Iran. What's behind this latest spat, and how could it affect Trump's standing among American's Christians?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryGuests: Kaya Burgess, science and religious affairs correspondent, The Times, and Christopher Hale, Democratic operative and author of Letters from Leo substack.Host: Manveen Rana.Producers: Edward Drummond.We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: Trump's row with Pope Leo could cost him dearly among Catholic votersClips: Times Radio, Fox News, Vatican News, 9News, BBC, Forbes, USA Today, CBS News. Photo: Getty Images.This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Viktor Orban, the far-right prime minister of Hungary who led the country for 16 years, was ousted in a landslide electoral defeat on Sunday. He lost to his former ally turned critic, Péter Magyar, despite a strong show of support from the Trump administration. So what does Orban's defeat mean for Trump? And for the far-right in Europe? This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryGuest: Oliver Moody, Berlin correspondent, The Times. Host: Manveen Rana. Producers: Micaela Arneson, Julia Webster. We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: Why Peter Magyar's victory is a warning to TrumpFurther listening: The election that could change HungaryClips: Al Jazeera, APT News, CSPAN, Fox, Associated Press, United 24 Media, The White House via YouTube.Photo: Getty Images.This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The city of Ranya– a small town in Northern Iraq– is more than 2,500 miles from Calais and Dunkirk. But it has a near monopoly on the people smuggling gangs that traffic migrants across the English Channel. The Times visited Ranya to meet the kingpins and ask: how did one village become responsible for Britain's small boats crisis?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryGuest: Shayma Bakht, reporter, The Times. Host: Luke Jones. Producer: Micaela Arneson.We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: I met the smuggling kingpins behind the deadly Channel crossingsFurther listening: ‘Repugnant' or necessary? The new asylum rulesClips: Getty Images, DRM News. Photo: Times Media Ltd.This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special two part podcast, Whitehall editor at The Sunday Times, Gabriel Pogrund, is joined by the preeminent investigative journalist and author Patrick Radden Keefe.On a cold November night in 2019, 19 year old Zac Brettler jumped to his death from the balcony of a luxury London apartment. Police concluded it was suicide, however, under Radden Keefe's forensic microscope together with Gabriel's own Sunday Times investigation, serious questions are raised about what really happened that night, and whether it was suicide after all. It's a tale rooted in London's criminal underground, and now the subject of Radden Keefe's latest book, London Falling.In episode 2: What really happened on the night Zac died? Gabriel gets hold of some crucial new evidence which calls into question the Met Police's investigation.This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryHost: Gabriel Pogrund - Whitehall editor at The Sunday Times.Guest: Patrick Radden Keefe.Producer: Dave Creasey.Executive Producer: Kate FordWe want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: The dead teenager, the lying suspect and the black box that proves itPhoto: The Times, design by Cecilia Tombesi.Click here to buy London Falling at the times bookshop.This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.