The Story

This episode was originally published last November. On Sept 12, 2001, Blerim Skoro was approached by a man and a woman while he was in prison. They turned out to be CIA agents. That one meeting would change the course of his life and lead him on a journey across countries, inside terrorist groups, as he tried to make it home to his family.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, US Correspondent, The Times and The Sunday Times.Host: Luke Jones.Producer: Taryn Siegel.Clips: Video filmed by Blerim Skoro, provided by ‘The Accidental Spy’, directed by Anthony Wonke.Photo: John Beck for The Times.Further reading: I gave my life to the CIA. They betrayed meGet in touch: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 10 May 2025

Fi's off today on important business, so Jane M is here! Normal schedule resumes tomorrow... whatever that means. Today, Jane and Jane chat power outages, Björn Ulvaeus, and Euston toilets.Plus, Jane speaks with David Collins, Northern Editor of The Sunday Times, about his book 'Saffie', which tells the story of the youngest victim of the Manchester Arena terror attack and her family's fight for justice.If you fancy sending us a postcard, the address is:Jane and FiTimes Radio, News UK1 London Bridge StreetLondonSE1 9GFSend your suggestions for the next book club pick!If you want to contact the show to ask a question and get involved in the conversation then please email us: [email protected] us on Instagram! @janeandfiPodcast Producer: Eve SalusburyExecutive Producer: Rosie CutlerHosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 9 May 2025

Tensions are rising between India and Pakistan after 26 people were killed in Kashmir - the disputed region that sits between them. Now, India has fired missiles into Pakistan and Pakistan says it’s killed dozens of Indian soldiers. But why is Kashmir a flashpoint and could this be the spark that takes the two nuclear powers to war?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestory Guest: Andrew Whitehead, former BBC India Correspondent and author of ‘A Mission in Kashmir.’Host: Luke Jones.Producer: Olivia Case.Further Reading: Why did India attack Pakistan? The Kashmir crisis explained.Photo: Getty Images.Get in touch: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 8 May 2025

How do hackers take down a high street staple? What started as a contactless payment outage at Marks and Spencer, quickly became the retail fortnight from hell, as cyber attacks have brought brands to a crashing halt in online trading over the last two weeks. So who is behind it, and what are their methods? And more importantly, how do you guard yourself in an evermore online world?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestory Guest: Mark Sellman, Technology Correspondent, The TimesHost: Luke JonesProducer: Rosie Stopher Further reading: Who are Scattered Spider hackers linked to the M&S cyberattack?M&S and Co-op cyberattackers ‘tricked IT into resetting passwords’M&S staff share war stories of ‘toughest’ week after cyberattack Clips: Sky News, BBC, ITV Photo: The Times Get in touch: [email protected]   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 7 May 2025

How do hackers take down a high street staple? What started as a contactless payment outage at Marks and Spencer, quickly became the retail fortnight from hell, as cyber attacks have brought brands to a crashing halt in online trading over the last two weeks. So who is behind it, and what are their methods? And more importantly, how do you guard yourself in an evermore online world?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestory Guest: Mark Sellman, Technology Correspondent, The TimesHost: Luke JonesProducer: Rosie Stopher Further reading: Who are Scattered Spider hackers linked to the M&S cyberattack?M&S and Co-op cyberattackers ‘tricked IT into resetting passwords’M&S staff share war stories of ‘toughest’ week after cyberattack Clips: Sky News, BBC, ITV Photo: The Times Get in touch: [email protected]   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 7 May 2025

Eight years before the Grenfell tragedy, a fire in a high-rise building killed six people. Now a Sunday Times investigation has raised serious questions about the cladding used on those flats and thousands of others in the UK. So is this Britain's biggest corporate scandal?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestory Guest: Martina Lees, Senior Property Writer, The Sunday Times.Host: Manveen Rana.Producers: Taryn Siegel Olivia Case.Further reading: A high-rise fire killed Catherine. The cladding firm kept on selling.Photo: Steve Bell / Shutterstock.Get in touch: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 6 May 2025

Eight years before the Grenfell tragedy, a fire in a high-rise building killed six people. Now a Sunday Times investigation has raised serious questions about the cladding used on those flats and thousands of others in the UK. So is this Britain's biggest corporate scandal?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestory Guest: Martina Lees, Senior Property Writer, The Sunday Times.Host: Manveen Rana.Producers: Taryn Siegel Olivia Case.Further reading: A high-rise fire killed Catherine. The cladding firm kept on selling.Photo: Steve Bell / Shutterstock.Get in touch: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 6 May 2025

You could say one of the few good things to come out of the pandemic was the chance to work from home, avoid the daily commute, and get a better work-life balance. But, for some hardy souls, being out of the office and away from the boss’s scrutiny is a chance to get a second job, or even a third... or forth. But how are they doing it, and is it 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/thestory Guest: Ben Ellery Host: Luke JonesProducer: Shabnam Grewal Further reading: The rise of ‘polygamous workers’ — and efforts to catch them outClips:tiktok.com/@rroomfies; tiktok.com/@martabassof; tiktok.com/@soambitiousdomm; tiktok.com/@salarytransparentstreet; instagram.com/thejamescooperjr/Photo: Getty Images.Get in touch: [email protected]      Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 5 May 2025

You could say one of the few good things to come out of the pandemic was the chance to work from home, avoid the daily commute, and get a better work-life balance. But, for some hardy souls, being out of the office and away from the boss’s scrutiny is a chance to get a second job, or even a third... or forth. But how are they doing it, and is it 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/thestory Guest: Ben Ellery, Crime Editor, The Times. Host: Luke Jones.Producer: Shabnam Grewal. Further reading: The rise of ‘polygamous workers’ — and efforts to catch them outClips:tiktok.com/@rroomfies; tiktok.com/@martabassof; tiktok.com/@soambitiousdomm; tiktok.com/@salarytransparentstreet; instagram.com/thejamescooperjr/Photo: Getty Images.Get in touch: [email protected]      Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 5 May 2025

This episode was originally published last January. For almost two years, two armies have fought a brutal civil war in Sudan, Africa’s third largest country. Over 150,000 have died, 11 million have been displaced and evidence of genocidal war crimes have emerged. So why has the war in Sudan been forgotten? The Times’ Special Correspondent Anthony Loyd has recently returned from a reporting trip on the frontline and tells The Story about the people he met.  This episode includes descriptions of war and rape.  This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestory Guest: Anthony Loyd, Special Correspondent, The Times. Host: Manveen Rana.  Producer: Edward Drummond. Clips: BBC.  Photo: Anthony Loyd/The Times.  Watch Anthony’s video from Sudan Further reading: Inside Sudan’s forgotten war: 150,000 dead, 11 million displaced Get in touch: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 3 May 2025

Finally, the crypto episode is here. And after a lowdown on the vibe shift towards the industry in Washington, Katie is joined by Binance's new CEO, Richard Teng, who is tasked with making the case for the company that was beset by scandal under previous CEO and founder, Changpeng Zhao “CZ”. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 2 May 2025

Virginia Giuffre died by suicide last week, aged 41. Jeffrey Epstein’s key accuser was instrumental in putting Ghislaine Maxwell behind bars and had also accused Prince Andrew of sexual assault. He’s always denied the claims and settled the case for a rumoured £12 million. So was justice done for Giuffre and the other survivors? And how did a woman from the right side of the tracks end up being trafficked around the world?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryIf you've been affected by anything you've heard in this episode, you can call the Samaritans on 116 123 or the Rape Crisis rape and sexual abuse support line on 0808 500 2222. Guest: Helen Rumbelow, Feature Writer and Columnist, The Times.Host: Manveen Rana.Producers: Olivia CaseHannah Varrall.Further reading: Virginia Giuffre’s battle to escape the pastVirginia Giuffre obituaryClips: BBC, Miami Herald, NBC, 60 Minutes Australia.Photo: Getty Images.Get in touch: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 1 May 2025

The trial of Sean Combs - the hip-hop producer and rapper otherwise known as P Diddy, Puff Daddy, Love, and a plethora of other aliases - will begin next week, with the jury selected on Monday. As he pleads not guilty to racketeering conspiracy, two counts of sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion, and two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution, how did he get to this point? And how did he build his celebrity empire? This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestory Guest: Megan Agnew, Senior Features Writer at The Times and Sunday Times.Host: Luke Jones.Producer: Rosie Stopher.Further reading: The downfall of Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs — by those who knew himFurther listening: The P Diddy lawsuits: The downfall of a rap legend Clips: NBC, CBS, PBS, BBC, Fox News, MTV, Off the Cuff Radio.Photo: Getty images. Get in touch: [email protected]. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 30 April 2025

Nigel Farage is throwing the kitchen sink at Labour and he’s not being subtle about it. As Reform UK ramps up its local election efforts, Farage is fielding candidates in councils up and down the country. But the real showdown is in Runcorn and Helsby, where Reform is plotting a high-profile coup in the upcoming by-election. What’s at stake in Runcorn, and why should Keir Starmer be worried? This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestory Guest: Geraldine Scott, The Times’ Senior Political Correspondent.Host: Manveen Rana.Producer: Euan Dawtrey, Taryn Siegel and Edith Rousselot. Further reading: Labour and Reform in fierce battle for Runcorn & Helsby seatClips: Sky News, Reform UK Youtube, Nigel Farage Youtube and Facebook, Channel 4, Green Party TikTok, Liberal Democrats Youtube.Photo: Getty Images.Get in touch: [email protected]  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 29 April 2025

An American Biosciences company claims to have ‘de-extincted’ prehistoric dire wolves. Next they plan to bring back the woolly mammoth and the dodo. But even if they could, should they? This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestory Guest: Tom Whipple, Science Writer, The Times. Host: Manveen Rana. Producer: Shabnam Grewal. Further reading:Why are scientists bringing back woolly mammoths from extinction?Long-extinct dire wolf to howl again thanks to ancient DNA Further listening: The cost of being ugly  Clips: Colossal Biosciences, Game of Thrones/HBO. Photo: Colossal Biosciences. Get in touch: [email protected]      Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 28 April 2025

Harvard has sued the Trump administration over multibillion-dollar funding cuts in the biggest escalation yet in the battle between the government and higher education. What does the showdown mean for the ideological freedom of American institutions and has Trump taken on a fight he can’t win? 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: Gerard Baker, Columnist, The Times and Editor-at-Large, The Wall Street Journal. Host: Manveen Rana.Producer: Sam Chantarasak.Clips: Bloomberg, NBC News, NDTV, C-SPAN, Getty/Grinberg, Paramount, Pathe Newsreels. Photo: Getty Images.Get in touch: [email protected]  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 27 April 2025

This episode was originally published last December. Australia is the first country to block under-16s from social media -- and age-verification AI could be a crucial tool in the ban. We spoke to our journalist who has been to the industry-leader’s HQ to find out if the technology actually works. And if it does, could the UK 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:Mark Sellman, Technology Correspondent, The Times.Helen Rumbelow, Feature Writer, The Times. Host: Manveen Rana.Producer: Sam Chantarasak.Further reading: Can AI tell if a teen lies about their age?Clips: ABC News, 10 News First Australia, BBC Radio 4. Photo: Getty ImagesGet in touch: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 26 April 2025

In this episode, Lucy and Holly ask why a new generation of investors is turning to one of the world’s oldest assets: gold. Joined by Brian Byrnes from Moneybox, together they unpack gold’s historical role in the economy, its incredible performance, and how it compares to trendier assets like Bitcoin and tech stocks. Is gold still relevant in a digital-first world? Why are younger investors increasingly drawn to it? And does it have any downsides? Plus, we hear from young financial coach Laura Ann Moore, on how it fits into our own long-term investment plan. Guests: Brian Byrnes, Head of Personal Finance at Moneybox Contact: Lucy and Holly at: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 25 April 2025

The Beatles will be the subject of four interconnected films - one for each member - planned for release close together in April 2028. We asked the author of a recent book on The Beatles to tell us how he’d make the films - and what is still left to discover about the most famous band in history. 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: Ian Leslie, author of John and Paul: A Love Story in Songs. To order a copy go to timesbookshop.co.uk. Free UK standard P&P on orders over £25. Special discount available for Times+ membersHost: Manveen Rana. Producer: Sam Chantarasak.Read exclusive extracts from Ian’s book: John Lennon, Paul McCartney and the grief that united two lost teens Paul McCartney and the song that made him John Lennon’s equal Clips: Sky News, ITN/Getty Images, BBC News/WISH-TV, C-SPAN. Photo: Getty Images.Get in touch: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 24 April 2025

What are the practical implications for trans women after the Supreme Court ruled that under equality law, sex means biological sex? And how is the Labour government grappling with the ruling? Last week we heard from one of the campaigners for single sex spaces. Today we speak to someone who was stunned by the court's decision.This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestory Guests:Helen Belcher, Managing Director, TransActual.Aubrey Allegretti, Chief Political Correspondent,The Times.Host: Manveen Rana.Producers: Rosie Stopher.Shabnam Grewal.Further reading: What caused Keir Starmer’s U-turn on whether trans women are women?Further listening: Defining a womanClips: UK Parliament, Times Radio.Photo: Getty Images.Get in touch: [email protected]      Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 23 April 2025

The Times’ crime correspondent David Woode sits down with a 19-year-old man who was recently imprisoned for carrying a knife. We get a rare insight into what someyoung people are really facing in London, and why he felt he had to arm himself with a deadly weapon. This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestory If you've been affected by issues in this podcast, you can find useful links and helplines here: https://talk.tv/helplines  Thanks to Marcus, Desmond Skyers and the St Giles Trust.  Host: David Woode, Crime Correspondent, The Times. Producer: Sam Chantarasak.Further reading: The Times Crime and Justice Commission Further listening: What’s behind the rise in knife crime on our streets Photo: Times photographer Richard Pohle. Get in touch: [email protected]      Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 22 April 2025

Following the death of Pope Francis on Easter Monday, cardinals from across the world will now descend on Vatican City in Rome to choose the next Pope. The Oscar-nominated film Conclave dramatised the political machinations and backstabbing involved in choosing a successor - so, with incriminating dossiers and secret plots, is fact about to mirror fiction? This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestory Guest: Tom Kington, correspondent in Rome for The Times. Host: Manveen Rana. Producer: Sam Chantarasak.Further reading: Pope Francis's legacy: Loved by millions, hated by the old guardClips: ABC News, Euronews, CBS News, CNN, Conclave/Focus Features. Photo: Getty.Get in touch: [email protected]  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 21 April 2025

Following the death of Pope Francis on Easter Monday, cardinals from across the world will now descend on Vatican City in Rome to choose the next Pope. The Oscar-nominated film Conclave dramatised the political machinations and backstabbing involved in choosing a successor - so, with incriminating dossiers and secret plots, is fact about to mirror fiction? This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestory Guest: Tom Kington, correspondent in Rome for The Times. Host: Manveen Rana. Producer: Sam Chantarasak.Further reading: Pope Francis's legacy: Loved by millions, hated by the old guardClips: ABC News, Euronews, CBS News, CNN, Conclave/Focus Features. Photo: Getty.Get in touch: [email protected]  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 21 April 2025

This episode was first published last August. When Alex Campbell suggested to his high school sociology class that they would be investigating a 40-year-old cold case, he had no idea where it would lead. Within a year, a serial killer had been identified. In his next class, they decided to try and overturn a wrongful conviction. And they did. So just how did Mr. Campbell breed a class of super sleuths?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestory Guest: Harriet Alexander, Senior Features Reporter, The Times and The Sunday Times.Host: Luke Jones.Producer: Taryn Siegel.Clips: WBIR Channel 10, NewsNation, WKRN News 2. Get in touch: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 19 April 2025

Ryan Peterson is the CEO of Flexport, a company that plans and manages shipping globally. Perfectly positioned, then, to lay out the inside story on how companies have been affected by President Trump's tariffs and what happens next. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 18 April 2025

Romance fraud is at an all time high, low-hanging fruit in the growing world of online scams. But what are the methods? Who falls for it? And are there ways we can all avoid 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/thestory Guests: Mary Chater, romance fraud victimAlexis Conran, TV and radio presenterHost: Luke Jones.Producer: Edith Rousselot.Further reading: The justice system is in crisis. We spent a year finding solutionsClips: The Real Hustle Youtube channel, Still Watching Netflix Youtube channel. Photo: Getty Images.Get in touch: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 17 April 2025

The Supreme Court has ruled that only people who are born female should be protected from discrimination as women under the Equality Act. What does the ruling change and how did we get here? Guest: Helen Joyce, director of advocacy at Sex Matters and author of Trans: When Ideology Meets Reality. https://oneworld-publications.com/work/trans/Host: Manveen Rana. Producers: Shabnam Grewal and Rosie Stopher.Clips: Times Radio, Supreme Court, BBC News Photo: Getty Images.Get in touch: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 16 April 2025

The government has taken control of one of the last steel-making plants in the UK, after its Chinese owners threatened to close it. Some ministers have accused China of sabotaging British Steel to force us to import from China. But is that what happened? Or, when it comes to steel-making, did this country long ago sabotage itself?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestory Guest: Dominic O’Connell, Business Correspondent, Times Radio.Host: Manveen Rana.Producer: Taryn Siegel.Clips: Times Radio, Parliament TV, British Film Institute/Getty Images.Photo: Getty Images.Get in touch: [email protected]   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 15 April 2025

Recreational use of the Class B drug 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/thestory Guest: 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: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 14 April 2025

The US Constitution seems to be clear, but that hasn’t stopped President Trump and his allies from dangling the possibility that Trump won’t vacate the office in 2029. Is this just media trolling, or is there actually an argument to be made here? We asked a constitutional expert for the answer.This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestory Guests:Will Pavia, New York Correspondent, The Times.Suzanna Sherry, Herman O. Loewenstein Chair in Law Emerita, Vanderbilt UniversityHost: Luke Jones.Producer: Taryn Siegel.Further reading: These Jack Kerouac letters are selling for $250,000. I read themClips: NBC News, CNN, NewsNation, Newsmax, The White House. Photo: Getty Images.Get in touch: [email protected]   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 13 April 2025

This episode was originally published last November. As inquiries about relocating to the Emirati city from the UK have risen four-fold in the past five years; what does its allure say about life back home?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryFurther reading: Dubai’s allure to UK youth should raise alarmhttps://www.thetimes.com/comment/columnists/article/allure-dubai-uk-youth-raise-alarm-xq7s8d8sgGet in touch: [email protected]: Will Lloyd, reporter at The Sunday Times.Host: Luke Jones.Producer: Will Roe.Photo: Getty images. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 12 April 2025

10 Downing Street is a rabbit warren of offices in a Georgian townhouse, and the centre of power in Britain. But how much control does it really exert over the rest of government, does it matter who has what job, and should we turn the whole thing into a museum? The political masterminds discuss how number 10 really works, and Polly explains why her husband thinks Canada is worse than North Korea. Send questions, comments and voicenotes to [email protected]. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 11 April 2025

Donald Trump and Xi Jinping are locked in a tit-for-tat trade war, as both sides refuse to back down from retaliatory tariffs. China was hit with a whopping 125 per cent levy on exports to the US, and has fought back with 84% tariffs on American goods. So who will blink first? 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: Rana Mitter, ST Lee Chair in US-Asia Relations at the Harvard Kennedy School. Host: Manveen Rana.Producer: Sam Chantarasak.Clips: Reuters, CBS News. Photo: Times Design.Get in touch: [email protected]  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 10 April 2025

As news unexpectedly emerged that the US and Iran are to hold talks in Oman this weekend, President Trump warned Tehran that it must either cut a deal to cease all nuclear weapons development, or face the very real threat of military strikes. But just as the Trump Administration is divided on whether or not to attack, so Iranian society is split between those who fear war and those who support removal of the regime at any cost. This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestory Guest: Sanam Vakil, Director of Middle East and North Africa programme, Chatham House and Holly Dagres, Senior Fellow at the Washington Institute. Host: Manveen Rana.Producer: Edith Rousselot.Further reading: Iran has every incentive to make a nuclear deal with TrumpClips: Sky News, Fox News, TikTok, Al Jazeera, Straight Arrow News, Reuters.Photo: Getty Images.Get in touch: [email protected]  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 9 April 2025

Britain’s obsessed with chicken - we eat more than a billion birds a year. And to (literally) feed our hunger, many farmers have turned to fast-growing birds. But now, a new initiative is persuading supermarkets and restaurants to try a slower-growing breed. Will it mean higher-welfare birds? This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestory Guest: Harry Wallop, Columist and Feature Writer, The Times.Host: Luke Jones.Producer: Olivia Case.Clips: Internet Archive / Prelinger Archives / The Chicken of Tomorrow (1948).Photo: Getty Images.Get in touch: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 8 April 2025

Stock markets around the world have taken a beating since Donald Trump unveiled his new tariffs. And it's not just the president's blue-collar base who'll feel the pain, so will his billionaire backers. As many in the MAGA coalition become more vocal, will Trump back down or hold fast to his 'medicine'?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: Gerard Baker, columnist, The Times.Host: Manveen Rana.Producers: Edward Drummond and Sam Chantarasak. Further reading: Trump tests America’s threshold for painClips: CNN, ABC News, CBS News, Bloomberg, NBC News, CNBC, BBC News, New York Post. Photo: Getty Images. Get in touch: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 7 April 2025

Last week, President Trump announced sweeping tariffs on nearly all countries, including ones that don't have any human inhabitants. In the process, Trump remade the global economy in a single press conference. But the economic theory that Trump is basing this new world order on might be entirely false.This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestory Guest: Mehreen Khan, Economics Editor, The Times.Host: Manveen Rana.Producer: Taryn Siegel.Clips: WSJ News.Photo: Getty Images.Get in touch: [email protected]  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 6 April 2025

This episode was originally published in February. Having ruled the Chagos Islands since the 1800s, the UK now wants to cede sovereignty of the tiny archipelago in the Indian Ocean to Mauritius. But one island is home to a secretive US military base and, with the growing threat of Chinese influence in the region, America is worried. Yesterday, the Mauritian PM said Sir Keir Starmer intends to “push ahead” with his deal - Whitehall suggested the same. But if it does happen, might it risk the relationship between Donald Trump and the British 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/thestory Guest: George Grylls, Defence Correspondent, The Times. Host: Manveen Rana.Producer: Olivia Case.Further reading: Trump’s secretary of state warns UK of China’s ‘malign influence.’Further listening: Bannon vs Musk: The battle for the soul of Donald Trump.Clips: The Times and The Sunday Times, Reuters, parliamentlive.tv, The Guardian, Reuters.Photo: Getty Images.Get in touch: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 5 April 2025

This week has provided no respite in the saga surrounding Prince Harry's resignation from the charity he founded, as news broke that he he will be in the Court of Appeal next week in his fight for tax funded police protection on UK visits. Plus, an update on the King's diary following his hospital visit and the Queen meets domestic violence campaigners. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 4 April 2025

The conviction of France’s far-right leader Marine Le Pen for embezzling European Union funds came as a major blow to her, preventing her from running in the 2027 presidential election race. Her party called the trial a 'witch hunt' and she accused the court of making a “political decision”, a sentiment shared by far-right politicians across the world. So, could Le Pen’s sentence strengthen far-right parties and benefit their leader’s popularity? And could she end up standing as president in any case?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestory Guest: Peter Conradi, Europe Editor, The Sunday Times. Host: Manveen Rana.Producer: Edith Rousselot.Further reading: Jordan Bardella: immigrants’ son to French far-right poster boyFurther listening: Young, French and voting hard-rightHow France’s left stopped a far-right surge Clips: AFP, France 24, Newsweek, TF1. Photo: Getty Images.Get in touch: [email protected]  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 3 April 2025

When Maxie Allen complained to his daughter’s primary school about the recruitment process for a new head teacher, he hoped it would result in more openness and transparency. Instead six uniformed officers from Hertfordshire police were sent to arrest Allen and his partner after the school objected to them sending numerous emails and to their criticisms including “disparaging” comments on a parents’ WhatsApp group. So, is this another case of police overreach? And what does it mean for our ability to criticise and communicate privately?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: Maxie Allen, producer, Times Radio, andFiona Hamilton, Chief Reporter, The Times. Host: Manveen Rana. Producers: Edward Drummond and Sam Chantarasak.Further reading: Police chief defends arrest of parents in school WhatsApp rowMet Police smash down door of Quaker meeting house to arrest activists.Get in touch: [email protected]   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 2 April 2025

Donald Trump will reveal his much-awaited tariffs today on a day he’s called ‘Liberation Day’, as world leaders and the global markets brace for impact. Speculation has been rife over how large they will be and who they will affect, as Britain's foreign secretary says we must ‘prepare for the worst.’ But what are Trump’s motives? And will they shatter the current economic world order? 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: Dominic O’Connell, Business Correspondent, Times Radio and Columnist, The Times. Host: Luke Jones.Producer: Sam Chantarasak.Clips: AP, NBC, Bloomberg, C-SPAN, Channel 4, Times Radio, Fox News. Photo: Times design.Get in touch: [email protected]    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 1 April 2025

Donald Trump will reveal his much-awaited tariffs today on a day he’s called ‘Liberation Day’, as world leaders and the global markets brace for impact. Speculation has been rife over how large they will be and who they will affect, as Britain's foreign secretary says we must ‘prepare for the worst.’ But what are Trump’s motives? And will they shatter the current economic world order? 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: Dominic O’Connell, Business Correspondent, Times Radio and Columnist, The Times. Host: Luke Jones.Producer: Sam Chantarasak.Clips: AP, NBC, Bloomberg, C-SPAN, Channel 4, Times Radio, Fox News. Photo: Times design.Get in touch: [email protected]    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 1 April 2025

Pioneering DNA testing company 23&me has filed for bankruptcy after failing to live up to its six billion-dollar promise. What does that mean for the data security of the fifteen million people who handed over their genetic information? And with at least 1 in 5 Britons having taken a commercial DNA test, is the age of genetic anonymity 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/thestory Guest: Jenny Kleeman, Journalist and Author.Host: Jane Mulkerrins. Producer: Olivia Case.Further reading: I took an ancestry test and it led me to 18 secret siblingsClips: Y Combinator / Youtube.Photo: Getty Images.Get in touch: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 31 March 2025

In the wake of a crackdown by the Trump administration on universities with threats to withhold funding following protests on campuses, Manveen Rana talks to Times columnist and a self-described free speech absolutist and academic Sir Niall Ferguson. 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: Sir Niall Ferguson, historian and Times columnist. Host: Manveen Rana. Producers: Emily Webb and Edward Drummond.Further reading: How DEI, cancel culture and bad boards are killing our universitiesClips: National Conservatism, Fox News, MSNBC, NBC News, CBS News, ABC News, Forbes.Photo: Getty Images.Get in touch: [email protected]      Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 30 March 2025

This episode was originally published in January. The US president-elect has sparked a series of diplomatic rows after saying he was willing to use military or economic force to take control of Greenland, the Panama Canal and Canada. How seriously should we take Donald Trump’s claims and where did they come from? 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: Josh Glancy, News Review Editor, The Sunday Times. Host: Manveen Rana. Clips: NBC News, Fox News, ABC News, Reuters/TV2, France Inter Radio. Photo: Getty Images Further reading: Why does Trump want Greenland?Further listening: Why Donald Trump courted the wrestling worldGet in touch: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 30 March 2025

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has delivered her Spring Statement - but what does it really mean for your money? Holly Mead is joined by Jo Noble, Chris Etherington and Tom Selby to break down the key takeaways - from welfare cuts to tax crackdowns - as they look at what was announced, what was left out, and what’s still to come later this year.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 29 March 2025

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: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 28 March 2025

It's been called "a big mistake", "reckless" and "the highest level of f**kup imaginable" - but just how did a senior journalist come to be added to a chat group between some of the US government’s most senior members who were discussing military action? As the Trump government look to downplay the incident, what does it tell us about how they view their allies and conduct their business? And what could the fallout be?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.Producers: Edward Drummond and Olivia Case.Clips: Fox News, CBS News, ABC News, Forbes.Photo: Getty Images. Get in touch: [email protected]   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 27 March 2025

The arrest and jailing of Istanbul’s mayor, Ekrem Imamoglu, Turkey’s main political challenger to President Erdogan, has sent shockwaves across the country. Thousands of demonstrators took to the streets to protest his detention and express growing concerns over Turkey's shift toward autocracy. Does this mark a turning point in Turkey’s democracy? And will Imamoglu still be able to stand in the 2028 presidential elections?  This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestory Guest: Andrew Finkel,  journalist and author of Turkey: What Everyone Needs to KnowHost: Manveen Rana.Producers: Sam Chantarasak and Edith Rousselot.Further reading: The Erdogan I knew is a mirror image of the man he’s just locked upClips: BBC News, Euronews, Reuters, Sky News. Photo: Getty Images.Get in touch: [email protected]  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 26 March 2025