Podcasts about host manveen rana

Keir Starmer is visiting China, becoming the first UK prime minister to travel to Beijing in eight years. His trip comes amid a queue of world leaders seeking meetings with Xi Jinping, as some countries look for leverage in an increasingly volatile global order. But can China be trusted as a global partner? And as the US appears to be stepping back from its role as the world's policeman, what kind of power is China prepared to become?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 at The Times & The Sunday Times.Isabel Hilton, journalist and China watcher.Host: Manveen Rana.Producers: Julia Webster, Harry Stott, and Sophie McNulty.We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: What Keir Starmer and Xi Jinping said in China (and what they meant)Further listening: Is China's mega-embassy a mega-spy base?Clips: BBC, World Economic Forum, CBS, APT, DRM NewsPhoto: 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 immigration rules have tightened in recent months, some migrants already working in the UK, whose visas have been cancelled, find themselves in a precarious position. Agents are selling a workaround, offering to arrange fake jobs which can be used to obtain real visas, in exchange for exorbitant fees. The Times went undercover, posing as a migrant facing deportation, to expose how this black market is operating.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: Shanti Das, senior investigations reporter, The Times.Host: Manveen Rana.Producer: Taryn Siegel.We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: How migrants are buying fake jobs to stay in the UK illegallyPhoto: 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.

Sir Keir Starmer has seen off a potential leadership challenge by blocking his rival – Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham – from returning to Westminster. But many Labour MPs have been deeply critical of the move, accusing the PM of orchestrating a “stitch up”. So was it worth it? And might Starmer face a leadership challenge anyway? 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 for The Times.Host: Manveen Rana. Producers: Micaela Arneson, Harry Stott. We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: What happens next for Labour and Keir Starmer?Further listening: Who will move first: Streeting or Burnham?Clips: Sky, Times Radio, BBC, Novara Media. 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.

It's the debate of our time. How much is too much and what's the impact of screentime for children? With a proposed ban on social media for under 16s being debated in the UK, and children arriving at primary school swiping books like phones, we take a deep dive into the impact, and future, of screentime and AI in schools. Actress and campaigner Sophie Winkelman, a prominent voice of the dangers of increased screentime for children and Ben Gomes, Chief Technologist at Google, who is leading in the implementation of AI in schools, set out the arguments.Guests: Sophie Winkleman, actress, campaigner and trustee of charity School-Home Support.Ben Gomes, Chief Technologist, Learning and Sustainability, Google.Host: Manveen Rana. Producer: Dave Creasey.Clips: Times Radio.Photo: Getty Images, Christopher L Proctor for the Sunday Times.Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.comThis 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.

President Trump made his much anticipated speech at Davos on Wednesday, saying he was “seeking immediate negotiations to acquire Greenland” but would not use force. Late on Wednesday evening, he posted on Truth Social that he wouldn't impose tariffs either. So where does this all leave European relations with the United States?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: Mehreen Khan, economics editor, The Times. Sir Peter Westmacott, former British ambassador to the United States.Host: Manveen Rana.Producers: Micaela Arneson, Julia Webster. We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.com Read more: Trump's Davos speech: eight bizarre moments you may have missedFurther listening: Tariffs, Trump and Greenland: ‘The end of the world as we know it'?Clips: The Guardian, World Economic Forum, New York Post, Associated Press. Photo: Getty Images.Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.comThis 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.

Keir Starmer has said that Donald Trump's plan to put tariffs on the UK and seven other countries which oppose his takeover of Greenland is ‘completely wrong.' Europe is considering its response, from counter tariffs to more radical options. So is this the start of a trade war or something even more serious?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 and The Sunday Times.Host: Manveen Rana. Producers: Olivia Case, Sophie McNulty.We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: Trump-Greenland latest: US president not serious about invasion, says StarmerFurther listening: Can Nato survive a hostile takeover of Greenland?Clips: CBS, BBC, Al Jazeera, CBC.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.

After a whirlwind day in Westminster, Robert Jenrick announced that he was defecting to Reform UK after being sacked by the Conservatives. But how much trouble does his defection spell for the Tories? Can he work with Nigel Farage? And what does this mean for the future of the British right?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 Times.Host: Manveen Rana.Producers: Sophie McNulty, Harry Stott.Read more: Ambush of Robert Jenrick opens new front in war with ReformFurther listening: Will mounting scandals sink reform?Clips: Kemi Badenoch / X, BBC, Reform UK / Youtube.Photo: Getty Images.Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.comThis 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 home secretary has said she has lost confidence in West Midlands Police Chief Constable Craig Guildford, after a "damning" report into the decision to ban Israeli football fans from a match with Aston Villa last year. Shabana Mahmood said the report from Sir Andy Cooke, the chief inspector of constabulary, identified widespread failings at the force. But how did we get here? What did this case teach us about the way policing and politics interact? And after yet another scandal, what next for the police?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: Gabirel Pogrund, Whitehall Editor, The Sunday Times.Host: Manveen Rana.Producers: Olivia Case and Taryn Siegel.Read more: Plot to attack Maccabi fans ‘should have been treated as hate crime'Clips: GB News, Sky, Parliamentlive.tv, Urban pictures. Photo: Getty Images.Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.comThis 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.

Anti-government protests in Iran have entered their third week, with observers saying that thousands may now have been killed in an ongoing crackdown against the demonstrations. But could these protests really bring down the Iranian regime? Who in the opposition could step in to take its place? And what could the US achieve by striking 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/thestoryGuests:Gabrielle Weiniger, Israel correspondent, The Times.Rana Rahimpour, Iranian-British journalist.Host: Manveen Rana.Producers: Harry Stott, Micaela Arneson.Read more: How Iran protesters are defying regime — secrets, lies and StarlinkClips: Radio Free Europe, The Guardian, The White House / Youtube.Photo: Getty Images.Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.comThis 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.

It had it all: sex, lies, FBI stings, and the first presidential impeachment for over a century. Thirty years on from the most famous “office romance” in modern politics, Monica Lewinsky reflects, in her own words, on the impact of being 'that women'. With former president Bill Clinton's conduct once again being questioned amid the Epstein files, we revisit 1998: the power imbalance, the media feeding frenzy, and the question that still lingers - who really paid the price? From global slut-shaming, to a life derailed at 24, this is the story of what happened next.Guest: Jane Mulkerrins, Associate Editor, Times Magazine.Host: Manveen Rana.Producer: Dave Creasey.Read more: Monica Lewinsky: I was called a bimbo and abused on a world stageClips: CNN, ABC, Fox News.Photo: Aaron Richter for the Times Magazine.Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.comThis 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 December, Elon Musk's AI chatbot ‘Grok' rolled out a new image-editing feature on his social media site, X. It didn't take long for users to exploit it, digitally undressing women and girls and spreading non-consensual deepfakes. But while a governmental backlash in the UK is growing, these photos are still flooding in. So how is this legal? And are we finally reaching a moment where the harms of AI can't be brushed aside?Update: As of this morning (9/1), X has disabled Grok's image generation tool for non-subscribers. Grok wrote in a reply that this was done “to ensure responsible use and address recent concerns about misuse for inappropriate content.”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:Emma Yeomans, news reporter, The Times.Chris Stokel-Walker, tech journalist and author. Samantha Smith, columnist at The Catholic Herald.Host: Manveen Rana.Producers: Sophie McNulty, Harry Stott. Read more: Elon Musk's AI undressing tool on Grok could be bannedFurther listening: Is 2026 the year of the AI backlash?Clips: NBC News, Fox News.Photo: Getty Images.Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.comThis 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.

After hitting Venezuela last week and capturing the country's president, Donald Trump turned his attention to Greenland - the US says it'll discuss ownership with Denmark next week. Trump's also talked about getting involved in Cuba, Mexico, and Colombia. So which country might be next? What is the ‘Donroe Doctrine?' And could this be the end of NATO?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: Michael Evans, contributor, The Times.Mogens Lykketoft, former Danish foreign minister and former president of the United Nations General Assembly.Host: Manveen Rana. Producers: Olivia Case, Micaela Arneson. Read more: What would a US takeover of Greenland look like? Four options examinedFurther listening: Is Trump's attack on Venezuela about drugs, politics or oil? Clips: Palm Beach Post, The White House, Forbes, Sky, Global News, CNN, Bloomberg. Photo: Getty Images.Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.comThis 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.

2025 was a year of tumult for an increasingly unpopular Labour government, while insurgent parties to their right and left shot up in the polls. But what will 2026 have in store? Will Keir Starmer's political downfall continue? And can the Greens and Reform continue their upward trajectories in the crucial local elections this May?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: Aubrey Allegretti, chief political correspondent, The Times.Geraldine Scott, assistant political editor, The Times.Host: Manveen Rana.Producer: Harry Stott.Read more: Here's what lies ahead for Keir Starmer and Labour in 2026Clips: Bloomberg, LBC, Sky, BBC, GB News, Reform / Youtube, Daily Mail / Youtube, Manchester Evening News / Youtube, The Independent / Youtube, Daily Express / Youtube, DRM News, The Mirror / Youtube, Conservatives / Youtube, Bold Politics with Zack.Photo: Getty Images.Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.comThis 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.

Today marks five years since the Jan 6 storming of the Capitol, and nearly one year of Trump 2.0. How has the US president already changed American democracy?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: David Charter, assistant editor (US), The Times.Host: Manveen Rana.Producer: Taryn Siegel.Read more: What has Trump done? Executive orders that matter — and one you missedClips: The Daily Mail, The Telegraph, CBS, Reuters, The Associated Press, The White House, Fox News, ITV News.Photo: Getty Images.Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.comThis 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 US has bombed Venezuela and abducted its President, Nicolás Maduro. But why did Donald Trump do it? And with Maduro now in New York awaiting trial, what's next for his country?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, US correspondent, The Times.Host: Manveen Rana.Producer: Harry Stott.Read more: Why has Trump attacked Venezuela now? A history of US interventionFurther listening: Are Trump's strikes in Venezuela a 'war on drugs' - or a grab for oil?Clips: The White House / X, Guardian News / Youtube. Photo: Getty Images.Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.comThis 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 2025 China continued to flourish. Despite the tariffs, it hit a record trade surplus of over $1 trillion, Chinese companies like DeepSeek took on the US tech giants and the country leveraged its soft power on social media sites like RedNote. With economic, technological and diplomatic might, will China try to take on America as the foremost global superpower in 2026? Or does its ruling party have another plan in mind?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. Clips: AP, @TheHumnitarian-gph / YouTube, CNBC, CGTN, Bloomberg, @ChemOutsourcingOfficial, @ChinaUncensored / YouTube, NBC, BBC, @CBC News, @TinaSourcing / YouTube, RedNote / Anzu Baibai. Photo: Getty Images.Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.comThis 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 the week between Christmas and New Year, we're listening back to some of our favourite episodes of 2025, this episode was first published in March.Japanese ‘kidults' revolutionised pop culture in the 90s and 00s, turning to their inner children to cope with economic crisis and post-industrial societal ills, despite being ridiculed. As the milestones of adulthood - property, marriage and careers - become increasingly difficult for millennials and Gen Z to achieve - are westerners now turning to ‘kidulting' to find answers? 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: Matt Alt, author of Pure Invention: How Japan Made the Modern World.Host: Manveen Rana.Producer: Sam Chantarasak.Further listening: Studio Ghibli: Is this the end for the Japanese studio that inspired Pixar?The South Korean culture machine that conquered the worldClips: SEGA, Pokémon Theme/POKEMON, MSNBC, CNN, AJ+, Sony, PlayStation, CBS, SXSW, TikTok/@otakuintokyo, TikTok/@kaitlyneats, Your Name/dir. Makoto Shinkai/CoMix Wave Films/Toho.Photo: Getty Images.Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com.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 the week between Christmas and New Year, we're revisiting some of our favourite episodes of 2025. This episode was first published in February.When James Coney's son Charlie missed milestone after milestone, he knew something wasn't right. It would take 12 years before one phone call would change their lives. They learned that, not only was there finally an answer, but Charlie's DNA had been used as part of a huge scientific breakthrough.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: James Coney, News Projects Editor, The Sunday Times.Host: Manveen Rana.Producer: Taryn Siegel.Photo: Times Media Ltd.Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com 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 the week between Christmas and New Year, we're revisiting some of our favourite episodes of 2025. This episode was first published in April.Recreational use of the Class B drug ketamine doubled in 2024. A Sunday Times investigation has looked into where it's coming from and why it's so hard to police.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 Gatens, Commissioning Editor, The Sunday Times News Review.Host: Manveen Rana.Producer: Olivia Case.Further reading: One gram of ketamine and its 4,000-mile journey to the UK. Further listening: The truth behind the drama AdolescenceIf you or someone you know needs drugs help or advice, visit talktofrank.comPhoto: Getty Images. Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.comThis 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, MI6 and the UK military issued a stark warning: Britain is already on the front line against Russia. And Moscow's tactics – from drone warfare to cyber attacks and sowing disinformation – are growing more sophisticated and aggressive. But is the UK taking the threat seriously enough? A former British army general explains what conflict with Russia would look like and how the UK should prepare. 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: General Sir Richard Barrons, former Commander of Joint Forces Command.Host: Manveen Rana. Producers: Micaela Arneson and Taryn Siegel. Read more: To repel Putin, Britain and Europe must be ready to punch back hardMilitary head: Britons must be ready to fight as Russian threat growsFurther listening: A continent prepares for war. Here's how it's doneClips: The Mirror, 10 News, BBC, LBC, Netflix / A House of Dynamite.Photo: Getty Images.Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.comThis 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.

Australia is still reeling after Sunday's terror attack on a Chanukkah event at Bondi Beach. At least 15 people were killed, in addition to one of the gunmen. We hear from a crime reporter who was at the scene just minutes after the massacre unfolded and ask, could the government have done more to prevent the attack? 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:Mark Morri, crime editor, Sydney Daily Telegraph.Bernard Lagan, Australia correspondent, The Times.Host: Manveen Rana.Producers: Taryn Siegel and Micaela Arneson. Read more: Leadership has been lacking in fight against antisemitismClips: Sky, News.com.au, ABC News Australia.Photo: Getty Images.Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.comThis 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 British army's new fleet of Ajax armoured vehicles was meant to be their new jewel in the crown: high tech machines for an army of the future. But after nearly a decade, and more than five billion pounds spent, the vehicles have been withdrawn after accusations they have caused life changing injuries to crews. Today, we hear from the ex-soldier who was once the head of testing these vehicles, speaking about his experience for the first time.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: Larisa Brown, defence editor, The Times.Rob Page, ex-British Army lieutenant colonel in charge of the armoured trials and development unit, 2019-2021.Host: Manveen Rana.Producer: Harry Stott.Read more: Army could have avoided Ajax vehicle injuries, says whistleblowerPhoto: Joshua Bratt for The TimesGet in touch: thestory@thetimes.comThis 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.

Warner Bros. Discovery - the revered studio behind Barbie and Casablanca - is up for sale. A bidding war has emerged between Netflix and Paramount. But could either acquisition change the film industry forever? And are these bids even legal?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:Kevin Maher, chief film critic, The Times.Louisa Clarence-Smith, US business editor, The Times.Host: Manveen Rana. Producers: Harry Stott, Olivia Case, Shabnam Grewal.Read more: Why Trump is really getting involved with the Warner Bros sagaFurther listening: Has Hollywood run out of ideas?Clips: Barbie / Great Gerwig / Warner Bros, The Dark Knight / Christopher Nolan / Warner Bros, Casablanca / Michael Curtiz / Warner Bros, Hamnet / Chloe Zhao / Universal Pictures, The Searchers / John Ford / Warner Bros, Dune / Denis Villeneuve / Warner Bros, Joker / Tod Phillips / Warner Bros, Beasts of No Nation / Cary Joji Fukunaga / Netflix, Warner bros intro / Max Steiner, House of Cards / Netflix, Sex Education / Netflix, WSJ, NBC.Photo: Getty Images.Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.comThis 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.

From today, under-16s in Australia will be banned from using social media platforms, a world-first. The ban has caused uproar among teenagers and a court case brought by two fifteen year olds is challenging the policy. Will the ban work? And could other countries follow suit? 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: Bernard Lagan, Australia correspondent, The Times. Poppy, teenager in Australia.Jo Gaeney, parent and teacher in Australia.John Ruddick, Libertarian MP for New South Wales. Host: Manveen Rana. Producer: Micaela Arneson. Read more: Less than a third of Australian parents will enforce under-16s social media banFurther listening: The AI that could block kids from social mediaClips: 10 News, AFP, 7 News, Sky News Australia. Photo: Adobe Stock.Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.comThis 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.

From former officials jailed after taking bribes to push pro-Putin propaganda, through to local councillors being expelled for offensive tweets, and leader Nigel Farage being accused of high school racism, Reform UK is struggling to stay scandal free. Will the party be able to weather the storm? Or will the waves of allegations start to shift the polls? 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 Times.Host: Manveen Rana.Producer: Shabnam Grewal, Harry Stott.Read more: Nigel Farage referred to police over Clacton campaign expensesFurther listening: Is Reform ready for power?Clips: BBC, Sky, GB News, LBC, ITV.Photo: Getty Images.Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.comThis 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 new book by New York Magazine's former star political writer, Olivia Nuzzi, has unleashed a chaotic slew of revelations about her alleged transgressive relationships with wayward politicians — and the US is hooked. But how did this increasingly bizarre he-said she-said story of conflicting accounts unfold? And what does it tell us about the nexus between politics and journalism - between power and those who are supposed to hold it to account in modern America? Guest: Will Pavia, New York Correspondent, The Times.Host: Manveen Rana.Producer: Dave Creasey.Read more: The Olivia Nuzzi saga is Nora Ephron's Heartburn for our social media age Brain worms and blue eyes: the RFK love triangle shocking AmericaClips: ABC, The Hill, Siriusxm, NY Post, The Bulwark.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.

On Tuesday the UN General Assembly met to discuss a plan for Palestinian statehood, two months after President Trump announced his twenty-point peace plan for Israel and Gaza. But has the fighting actually stopped? Is the region any closer to peace? And could Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's ongoing criminal trial derail the whole process?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: Gabrielle Weiniger, Israel correspondent, The Times. Host: Manveen Rana. Producers: Micaela Arneson, Olivia Case. Read more: ‘With or without Netanyahu, Trump will lead us to a two-state solution'Further listening: How Trump's Gaza deal could still unravelClips: WPLG Local 10, Fox, DW News, RTE News, The Guardian, WFAA / YouTube, Middle East Eye, NBC, Yvette Cooper / Twitter.Photo: Getty Images.Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.comThis 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 arguments over last week's budget continue; first chancellor Rachel Reeves was accused of misleading MPs and the public over the state of public finances, then the chair of the budget watchdog, the Office for Budget Responsibility, resigned. So how did this row unfold and where does it leave 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/thestoryGuest: Oliver Wright, policy editor, The Times.Host: Manveen Rana.Producers: Olivia Case, Shabnam Grewal.Read more: Did Rachel Reeves lie — and will she resign? Further listening: Do bond markets rule the world?Clips: The Telegraph, Times Radio, BBC, parliamentlive.tv, ITV News, Sky News.Photo: Getty Images.Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.comThis 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 2012 Ugandan warlord Joseph Kony went viral thanks to Kony 2012, a documentary about his atrocities. He's been on the run ever since. Today, the son who was groomed to be his father's heir tells his story for the first time.This podcast contains scenes some listeners may find distressing. 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: Richard Assheton, contributor, The Times and The Sunday Times.Host: Manveen Rana.Producer: Olivia Case.Further listening: Inside Haiti: face to face with the gangs ruling a desperate nation - the Sunday StoryClips: Channel 4, Clevver News, Kony 2012 / Jason Russell / Invisible Children, Inc., The White House / JosephyKony.ogvPhoto: Richard Assheton for The Sunday Times.Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.comThis 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.

After weeks of trailing, flip-flopping, and media briefings, the government finally unveiled its budget. And while there were no real surprises, questions– both practical and existential– remain. Has Rachel Reeves done enough to save her and Keir Starmer's jobs? And what will it mean for you, the listener? 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: Aubrey Allegretti, chief political correspondent, The Times, and Rachel Mortimer, deputy money editor, The Times and The Sunday Times.Host: Manveen Rana. Producer: Micaela Arneson. Read more: This budget may end up dooming Labour's election chancesWhat does the budget mean for you?Further listening: The BusinessClips: BBC News, Channel 4 News, ITV News, Sky News, Parliament.Photo: Getty Images.Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.comThis 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.

Of the thirteen sub-postmasters thought to have taken their own lives because of the Post Office scandal, only two have been named publicly. Michael Mann was one of them. Our reporter has spoken to his family, former partner and ex-colleagues to tell his story for the first time. 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, news reporter, the Sunday Times.Host: Manveen Rana.Producers: Edward Drummond and Shabnam Grewal.Read more: The forgotten postmaster ‘hounded to death' by investigators Further listening: The Post Office scandal: How a TV drama delivered justiceClips: ITV, Channel 4 News, ITV News, Horizon Inquiry. Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.comThis 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 prospect of peace in Ukraine may be edging closer, after the leak of a controversial 28-point plan to end the war prompted Ukrainian and Western officials to meet for ‘productive' talks in Geneva. Is this the beginning of the end? And how does the latest proposal ensure that Russia will not invade again?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: Mark Galeotti, Russia expert, writer, The Sunday Times. Host: Manveen Rana. Producer: Harry Stott, Micaela Arneson. Read more: Why Trump's 28-point peace plan may just be a trap for UkraineFurther listening: The girl who was kidnapped by Russia - the Sunday StoryClips: Bloomberg, NBC, BBC, AP, Tucker Carlson / YouTube, Laura Logan / YouTube, Africanews. Photo: Getty Images.Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.comThis 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 recent survey revealed that more than half of 16 to 34-year-olds have taken part in strangulation during sex, despite the risks of a loss of consciousness and stroke. Many feel a rise in choking in pornography is to blame, a practice the UK government is set to ban. Baroness Gabby Bertin has led an independent review which prompted the change in law.This programme contains descriptions of strangulation during sex. 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: Helen Puttick, reporter, The Times,Samantha Browne, campaigner and former adult performer and,Baroness Gabby Bertin, Conservative peer.Host: Manveen Rana.Producer: Alula Hart.Read more: Half of young adults have been choked during sex, survey finds Why the woman outlawing violent porn is just getting started Photo: Andrew Farrar for The Sunday Times.Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.comThis 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.

Across the Deep South, women raised to believe marriage was their destiny are now walking out, challenging the religious, cultural and political pressures that have shaped their lives. Meanwhile, the booming 'trad wife' movement, championed by conservative powerhouses like the late Trump supporter Charlie Kirk, is attracting a whole new generation of young women to embrace home and hearth and marry young. So, why are more marriages ending in divorce in the deep south than they are across liberal America? Could it mean the trad wife tradition will end in divorce?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, US correspondent, The Sunday Times.Host: Manveen Rana.Producer: Dave Creasey.Read more: Meet the Deep South divorcees escaping life as trad wivesClips: NBC, esteecwilliams.Photo: Corey Arnold, The Times Magazine.Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com.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 an attempt to court the favour of the post-Assad regime in Syria, western countries have recently de-proscribed former terrorist groups. What does that mean for those who were deprived of their citizenship for allegedly associating with those groups, back when the West banned 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: Anthony Loyd, special correspondent, The Times.Host: Manveen Rana.Producer: Taryn Siegel.Read more: Rabies, Russians and a return to scene of my kidnap, 11 years ago.Further listening: Palmyra: Syria's past, present and future.Clips: The Guardian, CNN, The Times, France 24.Photo: Anthony Loyd for The Times.Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Home secretary Shabana Mahmood announced sweeping changes to the asylum rules yesterday; the largest overhaul since the Second World War. The changes have apparently been inspired by Denmark but will they work or are they - as one Labour MP said - ‘repugnant'?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: Ben Clathworthy, Whitehall editor, The Times.Fraser Nelson, columnist, The Times.Host: Manveen Rana.Producers: Olivia Case, Micaela Arneson, Harry Stott. Read more: Shabana Mahmood speech: Asylum policy to cope with ‘volatile' worldFurther listening: Doomed to fail? Labour's asylum u-turnClips: Sky, Times Radio, parliamentlive.tv.Photo: Andrew Fox for The Sunday Times.Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For the first time, scientists have successfully sequenced Adolf Hitler's DNA, taken from a bloodstain in the bunker where he spent his final days. It's one of the most remarkable scientific studies in modern history, and the results are astonishing. They reveal a previously unknown medical condition, which finally uncovers the truth behind that famous wartime song, raise fascinating questions and resolve long-standing questions: Is Hitler of Jewish ancestry? Was he a schizophrenic? And what does his DNA tell us about evil?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 Blackburn, History Correspondent, The Times.Host: Manveen Rana.Producer: Dave Creasey.Clips: Times Radio, NBC, Channel 4/Blink Films UK.Read more: - Hitler had hidden genetic sexual disorder, DNA analysis reveals- Sunken port may provide clue to Cleopatra and Mark Antony's lost tombPhoto: Shaun Parkinson/Getty Images.Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Negotiations at the annual global climate change conference, or COP, are in full swing. But with consensus on the issue collapsing at home and abroad, including the US withdrawing from the landmark Paris agreement, is there even any point in the summit? We ask the UK's special representative for climate.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: Professor Rachel Kyte, UK special representative for climate.Host: Manveen Rana.Producers: Harry Stott, Olivia Case.Read more: Ed Miliband: Cop30 will prove net zero doubters wrongFurther listening: Have we stopped caring about climate change?Clips: United Nations / YouTube, TRT World, DW News / YouTube, Yahoo / YouTube, ITV, SABC News, News X World.Photo: Getty Images.Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Thousands of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein have been released by the US House Oversight Committee. One email alleges Donald Trump 'knew about the girls'. While the White House argues a selective leaking of this correspondence has created a fake narrative, what does this release tell us about the relationship between the US President and the convicted paedophile? 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: Josie Ensor, chief US reporter, The Times.Host: Manveen Rana.Producer: Taryn Siegel.Clips: NBC News, Fox News.Further Reading: What Epstein said about Trump in newly released emailsFurther Listening: Can Trump shake his Epstein problem?Photo: Getty Images.Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, The Times broke the news that the International Olympic Committee is a step closer to banning transgender women from competing in all female events. So why is the IOC acting now? And could President Trump have anything to do with it? 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: Martyn Ziegler, chief sports reporter, The Times and The Sunday Times. Host: Manveen Rana. Producer: Micaela Arneson.Read more: Transgender women to be banned from all female Olympic eventsFurther listening: New rules for trans athletes: fairness or exclusion?Clips: Sky News, Bloomberg, Sports Insider by DRM / YouTube, CBS Evening News, Sky News Australia, Associated Press, Sky News Sports. Photo: Getty Images.Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After the resignations of two of its most senior members of staff, the BBC is being questioned over allegations of institutional bias. Donald Trump has threatened to sue the organisation, and with negotiations about the continuation of the BBC's funding model underway, where does it leave our national broadcaster?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: Rosamund Urwin, media editor, The Sunday Times. Host: Manveen Rana. Producers: Edward Drummond, Shabnam Grewal, Harry Stott.Clips: News.com.Au, Reuters, TalkTV, NBC News, Bloomberg News, GBNews, BBC News, Sky News, ITV News.Photo: Getty Images.Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last year, tech billionaire Mike Lynch was given a second chance at life when he was acquitted of criminal fraud charges. But while celebrating with friends and family aboard his yacht, a freak storm arose. Lynch, his daughter, and five others were tragically killed. This week, deliberations begin over how much compensation his estate owes to the company he defrauded. Payments which could lead to bankruptcy.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 Prescott, technology business editor, The Times.Host: Manveen Rana. Producer: Micaela Arneson. Further listening: The tragedy of Mike Lynch and the sunken yacht Clips: Danny in the Valley, BBC, LeadersIn, Black Thunder / YouTube, Charlie Rose. Photo: Getty Images.Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Almost 700,000 people are waiting to book their driving test in the UK, a record backlog which is being exploited by scammers. Our reporter Emma Kirwan found victims across the UK have already paid out more than £134,000 this year trying to book slots which don't exist. So, she tracked down a scammer and got him on the phone.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: Emma Kirwan, reporter, Times Radio. Host: Manveen Rana.Producer: Olivia Case.Clips: Times Radio.Photo: Getty Images.Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gail Rice had given up on dating apps and was dreading old age. Then the psychologist had an idea — book a hotel room for a landmark birthday and pay a stranger to turn her on. Would it work?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: Olivia Case. Host: Manveen Rana.Producer: Dave Creasey. Read more: My 70th birthday treat? I hired a male escortClips: Good Luck to You, Leo Grande, Searchlight Pictures.Photo: Isabella Moore for The Times Magazine. Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Since January, one clinic in the UK has started prescribing the weight-loss medication Wegovy to 12-17 year-olds. For some, the results have been life-changing. But without evidence about the long-term impacts, is it safe?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: Roisin Kelly, commissioning editor, The Sunday Times.Host: Manveen Rana.Producer: Taryn Siegel.Read more: The children taking Wegovy to turn their lives aroundFurther listening: Why weight loss drugs will change even more than you thinkPhoto: Times Media.Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Donald Trump has threatened 100% tariffs on Chinese goods, while Xi Jinping hit back with export limits on rare earth minerals. As the two leaders come face to face in South Korea to make a deal, the stakes are high.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: Edith Rousselot and Alula Hart. Clips: CBS News, CNBC, AP News, Bloomberg TV.Photo: Getty Images.Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The government has announced plans to move migrants out of hotels and into accommodation on military barracks. The same plan Labour opposed when put forward by the Conservatives in 2023. What's behind the move and could it work? 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: Matt Dathan, home affairs editor, The Times. Host: Manveen Rana. Producer: Micaela Arneson. Read more: Asylum seekers to be housed in military sites instead of hotelsBillions ‘squandered on migrant hotels due to incompetence'Clips: Parliament, BBC, Times Radio, ITV, Getty Images. Photo: Getty Images.Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eight years ago, French bloggers began to claim the President's wife, Brigitte Macron, was born a man. As the false allegations spread internationally, the Macrons decided to take legal action. Yesterday, ten people appeared in a Paris court charged with cyberbullying and in the US, the right wing influencer Candace Owens faces a defamation suit. So where did this come from? And in a world of fake news, is there value in fighting for the truth?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: Charles Bremner, Paris contributor, The Times.Host: Manveen Rana.Producer: Olivia Case and Micalea Arneson.Clips: De de / YouTube, NBC, CNN, France24, Engineering Science, Theo Von Clips, Candace Owens / YouTube, Daily Wire Plus, BFMTV.Photo: Getty Images.Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The cyberattack which shut down Jaguar Land Rover for five weeks this summer, cost Britain nearly £2bn. It was just one of a series of attacks on big British businesses by teenage hackers who co-ordinate via the dark web. So who are they and how do we 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/thestoryGuests: Matilda Davies, data journalist at The Times and The Sunday Times andChris Stokel Walker, technology journalist. Host: Manveen Rana.Producer: Shabnam Grewal.Read more: Who are the hackers behind the Jaguar Land Rover cyberattack? , Jaguar Land Rover cyberattack nears £2bn in UK's costliest hackClips: BBC News, 5 News, ITV News, TALK TV, CHANNEL 4 News.Photo: Getty Images.Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's been described as the 'crime of the decade'. In just seven minutes, masked thieves stole the French crown jewels in broad daylight, from the most visited museum in the world: the Louvre. How did they pull off their audacious plan and will they get away with it? 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: David Chazan, Paris correspondent, The Times. Host: Manveen Rana.Producer: Dave Creasey. Read more: How the Louvre Heist UnfoldedClips: ITV News, Fox News, Sky News. Photo: Getty Images.Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.