The Story

Are we living in a world where there is pressure on those in the public eye to exude virtue above all else? Where has this sensibility come from and is it leading to a blandness in our arts and culture?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: thetimes.co.uk/storiesofourtimes.  Guest: James Marriott, Times columnist.Host: David Aaronovitch.Clips: The Late Show with James Corden, Thames TV, Rock Star Interviews on YouTube. 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 last few weeks, the Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has called for private schools in the UK to have their charitable status scrapped, but why?Also today, The Sunday Times launches its annual Parent Power Schools Guide. School league tables: the best UK primary and secondary schools revealedFind the best primary and secondary schools in your area with our guide to academic performance.This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: thetimes.co.uk/storiesofourtimes. Guest: Sian Griffiths, Education Editor, The Sunday Times.Host: Manveen Rana. Clips: Parliament TV, BBC Archive, BBC, Bloomberg, London Review of Books.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 Rishi Sunak outlasts his predecessor in the top job, just how is he doing? With polls suggesting a heavy Conservative loss at the next election, a cost of living crisis and strikes across numerous sectors, what can we make of the prime minister’s first few weeks in power?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: thetimes.co.uk/storiesofourtimes. Guest: Henry Zeffman, Associate Political Editor, The Times.Host: Manveen Rana.Clips: Sky News, Times Radio, Telegraph, Channel 4, UK Parliament, Channel 4 News.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.

Seventy-five percent of all lives lost to suicide in the UK are male. And one charity is leading a campaign to do something about it. For this year, The Times and The Sunday Times is supporting the Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) who help people in crisis.  To donate to The Times and Sunday Times Christmas Appeal visit thetimes.co.uk/christmasappeal or call 0151 284 2336.For help and support:CALM Helpline: 0800 58 58 58. Samaritans Helpline: 116 123This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: thetimes.co.uk/storiesofourtimes.Guests: - Harry Corin, mental health campaigner. - Ashley Hargreaves, CALM campaigner.Host: Manveen Rana.Clips: ITV News.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.

Putin’s invasion has ushered in a new era of industrial warfare. As the winter freeze sets in, the pace of the war has not yet abated. Weapon stocks are running low and Russia is rearming. The West now faces a choice: either summon the political will (and the money) to become an arsenal for democracy, or put pressure on Ukraine to make compromises. This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: thetimes.co.uk/storiesofourtimes. Guest: Roger Boyes, diplomatic editor, The Times. Host: Manveen Rana. Clips: BBC News, Channel 4 News, CNN, DW News.This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Over the weekend, reports emerged that the chair of the British Museum, ex-chancellor George Osborne, has been holding ‘secret’ talks with the Greek prime minister over the return of the Parthenon Sculptures to Greece. Also known as the Elgin Marbles, the pieces have become symbolic of a wider debate about colonial legacy and restitution in the cultural world. Supporters of the marbles staying put argue they were obtained legally, but Greece says they were stolen – so should they be returned?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: thetimes.co.uk/storiesofourtimes. With thanks to The British Museum.Guests: - Dame Mary Beard, classicist.- David Sanderson, arts correspondent, The Times.Host: David Aaronovitch.Clips: Channel 4 News, Times Radio, Reuters, CBC News, BBC World Service, Al Jazeera, ITV Good Morning Britain, LBC, UK Parliament, LSE, BBC Radio 4.  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.

Chinese cities have seen days of extraordinary protests calling for an end to the country’s zero-Covid measures, and for President Xi to step down. So what is it about this generation of students that’s motivated them to come out en masse on the streets for the first time since Tiananmen Square? And what does it mean for President Xi? This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: thetimes.co.uk/storiesofourtimes. Guest: Didi Tang, Beijing Correspondent, The Times.Host: Manveen Rana. Clips: BBC, Channel 4, The Telegraph, Reuters, CNN, NBC, CBS, Fox News.  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 stinging rebuke from the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom - which ruled that the devolved Scottish parliament cannot authorise an independence referendum - SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon has doubled down saying democracy itself is now at stake, and vowing to turn the next general election into a 'de facto' referendum. Could that work? And what does that even mean?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: thetimes.co.uk/storiesofourtimes. Guest: Kieran Andrews, Scottish Political Editor, The Times.Host: David Aaronovitch.Clips: Sky News, BBC News, The Guardian, Scottish National Party.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.

One hundred years ago, when the tomb of King Tutankhamun was discovered in Egypt, the world learnt of the treasures via The Times which had secured the exclusive rights and photographs. So just how did the newspaper get the scoop?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: thetimes.co.uk/storiesofourtimes. Guest: Nick Mays, archivist, The Times.Host: David Aaronovitch.Clips: BBC.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.

Every prime minister's last act in office is to choose a final list of people to elevate to the House of Lords, parliament's second chamber. And Boris Johnson's resignation honours are already kicking up a storm…This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: thetimes.co.uk/storiesofourtimes. Guest: Lara Spirit, Red Box reporter, The Times.Host: Manveen Rana.Clips: Parliament TV, Times Radio, Al Jazeera English, BBC News.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 2020, retired Gwent police officer Ricky Jones took his own life. Jones’s family - who he’d subjected to years of abuse - looked through his old iPhone to try to understand more about their husband and father. But it revealed things even they were not prepared for.This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: thetimes.co.uk/storiesofourtimes.   Domestic abuse helpline and support:England - Refuge - The freephone, 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline 0808 2000 247Wales - Live Fear Free - Helpline 0808 80 10 800Scotland - Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage Helpline 0800 027 1234Northern Ireland - Domestic and Sexual Abuse Helpline 0808 802 1414Articles: How a dead officer’s iPhone exposes misogyny, corruption and racism in a police forceGwent police officers joked about Jimmy Savile and ‘sex pests’ in the forceMy life as a female firearms officer in the misogynistic police boys’ clubGuests: David Collins, Northern Editor, The Sunday Times.Hannah Al-Othman, News Reporter, The Sunday Times.Host: David Aaronovitch. 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.

Romeo agents have infiltrated the West German Government by wooing secretaries of high-up officials. In the second part of this two-part series, a new agent reveals information about corruption at the very top.You can read Oliver Moody's article here.This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: thetimes.co.uk/storiesofourtimes. Guests:Gunnar Take, historian at the University of Stuttgart.Katja Hoyer, historian and author of 'Beyond the wall'.Host: Oliver Moody, Berlin Correspondent, The Times.Clips from: Timeline, Tele Studio West, Operation Romeo: The Love Commandos of the StasiThis 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.

What’s the best way to spy on your enemies? Sleep with their secretaries. In part one of this two-part series, new evidence is unearthed of East Germany‘s ruthless blueprint for Cold War sexpionage, revealing for the first time stories of the agents sent to seduce young women working for West Germany’s top politicians.You can read Oliver Moody's article here.This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: thetimes.co.uk/storiesofourtimes. Guests:Gunnar Take, historian at the University of Stuttgart.Katja Hoyer, historian and Visiting Research Fellow at King's College London.Host: Oliver Moody, Berlin Correspondent, The Times.This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Fast fashion clothing company Boohoo has exploded in popularity since the pandemic. After reports of appalling working conditions in 2020, the company had made a big show of trying to do better. So has it? A Times reporter goes undercover at one of their warehouses to find out.This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: thetimes.co.uk/storiesofourtimes. Guest: Tom Ball, Northern Correspondent, The Times.Host: Manveen Rana. Clips: Sky News, E!, Reuters, Times Radio.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.

Amid staff shortages, Covid backlogs and potentially the first national nursing strike in the NHS’s history, the health service is facing a challenging winter ahead. How did we get here? And just how bad could things get?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: thetimes.co.uk/storiesofourtimes. Guest: Shaun Lintern, Health Editor, The Sunday Times. Host: Manveen Rana. Clips: Sky News, WION, CBC News, 5 News. 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 was the worst-kept secret in US politics: that former President Trump would be running again in 2024. After a disappointing midterm election for Republicans, where Trump candidates under-performed, the announcement last week was met with a groan by many of Trump's own party. Now that he's in the ring, though, he's immediately the frontrunner. So can he win?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: thetimes.co.uk/storiesofourtimes. Guest: Ben Hoyle, Assistant Foreign News Editor, The Sunday Times. Presenter: Jenny Kleeman. Clips: CBS, Fox News, Candace Owens podcast, CNN, Washington Post, Newsnation, ABC News, Forbes.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.

Ukrainian troops forced Putin’s war machine into a chaotic exit from the city of Kherson last Friday. After eight months of Russian occupation, it was free.But as the Russians fled, stories of brutality and torture poured out. What scars has the occupation left on its remaining inhabitants, what poison has it left behind – and how can a devastated city return to something like normal life? This episode contains descriptions of torture. This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: thetimes.co.uk/storiesofourtimes. Guest: Marc Bennetts, foreign correspondent, The Times and The Sunday Times.Presenter: David Aaronovitch.Producer: Olivia Case.Clips: NBC News, Times Radio, BBC News, ITV News, CNN. 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 the 27th UN Climate Change Conference draws to a close, The Times’ environment editor Adam Vaughan has travelled deep into the Amazon rainforest talking to British-backed scientists at their base camp to find out whether the Amazon is at tipping point.This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: thetimes.co.uk/storiesofourtimes. Guest: Adam Vaughan, The Times’ environment editor.Host: Manveen Rana.Producer: Olivia Case.Clips: Channel 4, The Guardian, Times Radio.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.

Tomorrow, our newest Chancellor Jeremy Hunt will announce his Autumn Statement. In previews, he's prepared the country for 'some pain' to fill a £50 billion 'black hole' in the public finances. If this means Austerity 2.0, what have we learned from the first one?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: thetimes.co.uk/storiesofourtimes. Guest: David Smith, Economics Editor, The Sunday Times.Host: Manveen Rana.Clips: BBC News, Fox News, CNBC, Sky News, Parliament TV, Times Radio, Telegraph, The Guardian.This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The team behind one of the most successful Covid-19 vaccines have returned to their original mission: making cancer vaccines. The BioNTech professors say the jab will be with us before 2030. What will it mean for the future of cancer treatment? Who will get them? And if cancer isn't killing us, what will?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: thetimes.co.uk/storiesofourtimes. Guest: Tom Whipple, Science Editor, The Times.Host: Manveen Rana.Producer: Olivia Case.Clips: BBC, ITV, CNBC, Sky News.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 twelve years since Qatar was awarded the World Cup, a number of questions have been raised about the appropriateness of hosting the tournament there. For one Times sports writer preparing to cover the tournament, it’s taken him through the five stages of grief.This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: thetimes.co.uk/storiesofourtimes. Guest: Matt Dickinson, senior sports writer, The Times. Host: David Aaronovitch. Clips: TalkSport, Sky Sports News, RTE, Sky News, FA TV, ABC News, Euronews, DW News, Channel 4 News, ITN, CGTN, Sky Sports, Visit Qatar, Times Radio, Reuters, CBS News.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.

Draconian Covid rules and crackdowns on pro-democracy protesters turned the global business hub into a walled city. As it slowly reopens, expats are curiously divided on the power of Beijing - so what’s going on inside fortress Hong Kong?  This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: thetimes.co.uk/storiesofourtimes. Guest: Oliver Shah, Sunday Times associate editor.Host: Manveen Rana. Producer: Olivia Case.Clips: travelfilmarchive, izzitEDU, Real World Economics, ABC, SKY, WION, CNBC, SWCC lectures, Reuters, France 24, NBC, CNA, Bloomberg, Parliament TV, AFP.This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Home Secretary Suella Braverman is at the centre of a migration crisis after the Manston immigration centre was reported as unsafe, understaffed and 'wretched' by the borders watchdog. So, how did the situation unfold, what are the politics behind it and what do we know about the people risking their lives crossing the Channel to come to the UK?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: thetimes.co.uk/storiesofourtimes. Guest: Matt Dathan, Home Affairs Editor, The Times. Host: Manveen Rana.Clips: Sky News, ITV News, BBC News, Times Radio. This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Over 5.5 million farm birds have been culled to stem the largest outbreak of avian influenza ever recorded in the UK. The virus has spread to Britain’s seabirds causing a huge environmental impact and killing tens of thousands. From this week, all poultry and captive birds in England must be kept indoors. So what does it mean for the meat and eggs we eat? And how bad could the outbreak get?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: thetimes.co.uk/storiesofourtimes.Guest: Ben Spencer, science editor, The Sunday Times.Host: Manveen Rana.Producer: Olivia Case.Producer: Olivia Case.Clips: Sky News, CBS News, AP, TVB News, ITV News.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.

Tomorrow, for the first time since the election that many Americans still believe was 'stolen', voters in the US head back to the polls. Almost everything except the presidency is up for grabs – and for many Americans on both sides, the fate of the nation itself hangs in the balance. This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: thetimes.co.uk/storiesofourtimes. Guest: David Charter, US Editor, The Times. Host: David Aaronovitch. Clips: BBC News, TV Ontario, MSNBC, News 19 WLTX, NBC, CNN, CBS, ABC News, PAHomepage.com, Dr Oz, Sky News.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.

Brazil’s left-wing former president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has achieved a historic victory over his far-right rival, the incumbent president Jair Bolsonaro. With many seeing this election as the last chance to save the Amazon rainforest, will Lula be able to reverse Bolsonaro’s destructive policies?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: thetimes.co.uk/storiesofourtimes. Guest: Stephen Gibbs, Latin America correspondent, The Times and The Sunday Times.Host: Manveen Rana.Clips: Times Radio, CBC News, Deutsche Welle, Channel 4 News, Reuters, France 24, Al Jazeera. 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 recent years the once dominant social media platform has been hit by problem after problem. Fewer people use it, and revenues and profits are down. So just what has taken a bite out of Mark Zuckerberg’s empire?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: thetimes.co.uk/storiesofourtimes. Guest: Danny Fortson, West Coast Correspondent, The Sunday Times.Host: Jenny Kleeman. Clips: CNBC, Vator, NBC News, Queen City News, CBS News, France 24, Spotify, Comedy Central, Meta, Sky News, ITV News, CNN, Yahoo Finance.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.

Former US president Donald Trump is facing a host of legal issues. So which could prove the most problematic for him and what could be the consequences? Could any of them stop him becoming president a second time – or send him to jail? And if he is indicted or convicted, could America tear itself apart?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: thetimes.co.uk/storiesofourtimes. Guest: Hugh Tomlinson, Washington Reporter, The Times.Host: Manveen Rana.Producer: Olivia Case.Clips: MSNBC, BBC, GBH News, C-SPAN, Fox News, NBC News, CBS News, ABC, Newsy, WCNC, Salem Media, San Francisco Police Department.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.

A royal correspondent’s best sources are often the unseen aides, advisors and staff, working behind the scenes. Who are these advisors? What do they really do? And what can they tell us not just about how past stories unfolded – like Harry and Meghan's exit from the household – but the future of the royals? Book: Courtiers: The Hidden Power Behind the Crown by Valentine Low.This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: thetimes.co.uk/storiesofourtimes. Guest: Valentine Low, Royal Correspondent, The Times.Host: Jenny Kleeman.Producer: Olivia Case.Clips: Apple, CBS, ITV, Sky News, Entertainment Tonight, TalkTV.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.

At the end of his first week in power, Rishi Sunak already faces a backlash over his choice for home secretary. And more importantly, what can he possibly do to avert a recession? This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: thetimes.co.uk/storiesofourtimes. Guests: - Tim Shipman, chief political commentator, The Sunday Times. - Arthi Nachiappan, economics correspondent, The Times. Presenter: Manveen Rana. Clips: BBC News, Times Radio, ITV News. 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.

With Labour riding high in the polls, Keir Starmer is calling for an early general election. But after 12 years in the shadows, few members of Labour's top team, including Starmer himself, have had experience of government. So what are they doing to get ready? This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: thetimes.co.uk/storiesofourtimes. Host: Manveen Rana. Guest: Gabriel Pogrund, Whitehall Editor, The Sunday Times. Clips: BBC, UK Parliament, GB News, ITV, Channel 4 News, Times Radio, Sky News, The Guardian. 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.

Mortgage rates have risen sharply, hitting their highest levels in 14 years. We trace the ripple effect across the economy, as higher rates threaten to lay the foundations for another crash in the housing market.This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: thetimes.co.uk/storiesofourtimes. Guests:- Hannah Al-Othman, news reporter, The Sunday Times.- George Nixon, money reporter, The Times and The Sunday Times. Host: Jenny Kleeman. Clips: ITV, BBC News, Channel 4, Guardian, Sky News, Bloomberg. 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 October 2012, cyclist Lance Armstrong was banned from the sport for life and stripped of his record seven Tour de France titles after anti-doping authorities branded him a drug cheat. 10 years on we look back at one of the biggest sporting falls from grace with the journalist who spent years questioning Armstrong’s integrity.Article - Lance Armstrong: a decade on from disgraceThis podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: thetimes.co.uk/storiesofourtimes. Guest: David Walsh, Chief Sports Writer, The Sunday Times.Host: Will Roe.Clips: BBC, ABC News, WEDU Media, Channel 4, TalkSPORT, Oprah Winfrey Network, AP. 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.

She’s the shortest serving prime minister in British history.As the Conservative party embarks on the process of finding another new leader, Tim Shipman guides us through the process, the contenders (including the possible return of Boris Johnson) and what it all means for the country.This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: thetimes.co.uk/storiesofourtimes. Guest: Tim Shipman, Chief Political Commentator, The Sunday Times.Host: Manveen Rana.Clips: Sky News, Channel 4 News, BBC News.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.

Ten years ago, the Jimmy Savile affair shocked the nation, sparking a moral panic about child abuse and institutional cover ups. In response, the government launched a national inquiry in 2014. This week, after eight years and over £180m spent, the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse will release its final report. So what have we learned - and what has the inquiry achieved?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: thetimes.co.uk/storiesofourtimes.If you've been affected by issues raised in this episode, you can call Victim Support's 24/7 support line on 0808 168 9111. Guest: Sean O’Neill, senior writer, The Times. Host: David Aaronovitch.Clips: Channel 4 News, Sky News, 5 News, BBC News, ITV News, UK Parliament, IICSA.This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The new chancellor, Jeremy Hunt, has announced plans to scrap “almost all” the tax cuts in last month’s mini-budget and curtail support for households with energy bills after April. After weeks of economic uncertainty, will this be enough to steady the markets? And where does it leave prime minister Liz Truss?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: thetimes.co.uk/storiesofourtimes.Guests: Arthi Nachiappan, Economics Correspondent, The Times. Henry Zeffman, Associate Political Editor, The Times. Host: David Aaronovitch.Producer: Olivia Case.Clips: BBC News, Sky News, Times Radio, Channel 4 News, CNBC, GB News, Parliament TV.This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The second stage of the inquiry into the Post Office scandal begins this week, focusing on the computer system at the centre of the story. How much did the Post Office know about problems with its IT system while it prosecuted its staff?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: thetimes.co.uk/storiesofourtimes. Guest: Sabah Meddings, Chief Business Correspondent, The Sunday Times.Host: David Aaronovitch. Clips:  5News, Sky News, UCL Law.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.

China’s ruling Communist Party’s Congress begins on Sunday where Xi Jinping is expected to secure an unprecedented third term - effectively allowing him to stay in power for life. It comes at a time of heightened tension with the US over Taiwan. So what are Xi’s intentions?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: thetimes.co.uk/storiesofourtimes. Guest: Didi Tang, The Times' Beijing Correspondent.Host: Jenny Kleeman. Clips: Bloomberg, BBC News, BBC World Service, South China Morning Post, CCTV, New China TV, WION, Reuters, DW News, Richard Nixon Foundation, Associated Press.This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This month the Sunday Times turns 200 years old. To mark the occasion, Times Radio’s John Pienaar has been speaking to the editors: Emma Tucker, who's edited the paper since 2020, and John Witherow, the former Sunday Times editor who's just finished nine years at the helm of The Times. The conversation took place in front of an audience at the Cheltenham Literature Festival on Sunday. It’s a packed discussion covering the news industry, Emma and John's favourite stories, war reporting, and a little bit about a young Boris Johnson's rather brief stint as The Times reporter in Brussels. This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: thetimes.co.uk/storiesofourtimes. Guests: - Emma Tucker, Editor, The Sunday Times. - John Witherow, Chairman of Times Newspapers. Host: John Pienaar.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 been a long and twisting road: six months of ‘on again off again’, after Elon Musk made an offer to buy Twitter, only to back out a few months later. Two weeks before Musk and the social media company were set to face off in court to decide this, the world’s richest man changed his mind again and agreed to go ahead with his original offer after all. So, is this the end of the saga? Or just the first step of a much bigger plan?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: thetimes.co.uk/storiesofourtimes. Guest: Callum Jones, US Business Correspondent, The Times.Host: Jenny Kleeman.Clips: CNBC, CBS, CNN, MSNBC, BBC News, NBC News, Yahoo Finance,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 a legend many of us have grown up with: a plucky group of British officers, finding themselves trapped in a heavily guarded POW camp during the Second World War, try every trick they can think of to break out. But, in a new book by Ben Macintyre, we hear for the first time the real story of Colditz. A story that's not just more complicated, but far more interesting than the one we were told. This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: thetimes.co.uk/storiesofourtimes. Guest: Ben Macintyre, Associate Editor, The Times. Host: David Aaronovitch. Clips: BBC/Universal Studios, The Imperial War Museum.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.

Vladimir Putin turns 70 today. In recent weeks, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has seen territorial losses, a shambolic partial mobilisation, sham referendums and threats of nuclear attacks. So what possible outcomes are there for President Putin’s plan?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: thetimes.co.uk/storiesofourtimes.Guest: Roger Boyes, Diplomatic Editor, The TimesHost: David AaronovitchClips from: Sky News, ABC News, NBC News, ReutersThis 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.

We take a look at a popular Sunday Times feature about the National Scrabble Championships in the UK and uncover a hidden community of word nerds. Plus, tile by tile, we trace the evolution of the popular game - from going online during the pandemic to banning offensive words following the Black Lives Matter protests.This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: thetimes.co.uk/storiesofourtimes.Guest: Ralph Jones, writer and Sunday Times contributor. Host: Jenny Kleeman.Clips: Sky News, YouTube channel Dweebovision.This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The death of 22-year old Mahsa Amini whilst in police custody has sparked nationwide protests in Iran. The authorities have responded with a heavy crackdown, and it’s estimated over 130 people have died so far. As protests continue, could the death of one young woman lead to regime change?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today and get 3 months for just £1: thetimes.co.uk/storiesofourtimes.Guest: Ramita Navai, journalist, Sunday Times contributor, author of 'City of Lies: Love, Sex, Death, and the Search for Truth in Tehran', and host of 'The Line of Fire' podcast.Host: Manveen RanaProducer: Olivia Case.Clips: CBS News, WION, BBC News, France 24, Radio Farda, Sky News, NBC, ITN archive, TRT World, BBC Farsi, Middle East Matters.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 nine days of political pressure, chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng has u-turned on the government’s plan to abolish the top rate of income tax, saying he felt ‘humility and contrition’. So, what was the mood at the Conservative party conference as Kwarteng addressed his party? Plus, we learn more about the chancellor driving the policy formerly known as ‘Operation Rolling Thunder’.This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today and get one month free at: thetimes.co.uk/storiesofourtimes. Guests: - Henry Zeffman, Associate Political Editor, The Times. - Rachel Sylvester, Columnist, The Times.  Host: Manveen Rana. Clips: BBC, DW News, STV, Times Radio. 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 an international manhunt, the FBI and Interpol say they have found a man wanted on multiple charges in four US states, who faked his death before fleeing America for Scotland. But the Glasgow resident at the centre of the case insists he is the victim of a "monstrous" miscarriage of justice – that he is not Nicholas Rossi, but is Arthur Knight, an Irish-born orphan who has never visited the United States. Our reporter investigates.This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today and get one month free at: thetimes.co.uk/storiesofourtimes. Guest: Marc Horne, news reporter, The Times.Host: David Aaronovitch.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.

When the World Wide Web was launched in 1991, hopes for it were high. But three decades later, the internet seems to be defined not by interconnectivity and liberation, but by scandal, abuse and polarisation. Political journalist Marie Le Conte remembers a different internet -- from those early days. An internet that was fun, freeing and joyful. The 'good' internet.This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today and get one month free at: thetimes.co.uk/storiesofourtimes. Guest: Marie Le Conte, political journalistHost: Manveen Rana. Clips: CBSN, BBC, Sky News, Parliament TV, "Panic Attack " (C), The Paddingtons / Mercury Records.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 Christmas Day three years ago British businessman Marc Bennett was found dead in his four star hotel room in Qatar. He'd been successfully working on the country’s tourism industry but died in unexplained circumstances after being arrested and allegedly tortured by the country’s police. A British coroner ruled there was no evidence of suicidal intent. So what happened?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today and get one month free at: thetimes.co.uk/storiesofourtimes. Guests: Sean O’Neill, Senior Writer, The Times.Nancy Bennett, Marc's widow.Tony Bennett & Micki Bennett Marc’s parents.Host: Manveen Rana.Producer: Olivia Case.Clips: Breaking Travel News, Visit Qatar, BeIN SPORTS USA, Doha News Official, BBC, CNBC.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.

Leicester has always been held up as a beacon of multicultural Britain. But for more than two weeks, the city has witnessed religious clashes between young men from the Hindu and Muslim communities. The violence flared up after a cricket match, but is there more to this story than meets the eye? Has fake news stoked tensions? And could the Hindu nationalist ideology of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi have had an influence?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today and get one month free at: thetimes.co.uk/storiesofourtimes. Guests: Fiona Hamilton, Crime and Security Editor, The Times.Barnie Choudhury, Editor-at-large, Eastern Eye newspaper. Host: Manveen Rana.Clips: Leicestershire Police, Channel 4, Al Jazeera, One India News, Reuters, DW News, NDTV.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.

From Squid Game to K-pop to kimchi, South Korea has taken the planet by storm. How did a once-impoverished country turn its fortunes around? And what has it done for South Korea's standing abroad?'Hallyu! The Korean Wave' is on at the V&A in South Kensington until June 2023: https://www.vam.ac.uk/exhibitions/hallyu-the-korean-wave This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today and get one month free at: thetimes.co.uk/storiesofourtimes. Guest: Josh Glancy, Special Correspondent, The Sunday Times.Host: Jenny Kleeman. Clips: BBC News, Deutsche Welle, Oscars, ABC News, Blackpink, The White House.Film and music excerpts:Crash Landing on You, dir. Lee Jeong-hyo, NetflixI Know, Seo Taiji and Boys, Genie MusicInto the New World, Girls Generation, SM EntertainmentGangnam Style, Psy, YG EntertainmentButter, BTS, Hybe Corporation/Big Hit MusicBoombayah, BLACKPINK, YG EntertainmentParasite, dir. Bong Joon Ho, CJ EntertainmentSquid Game, dir. Hwang Dong-hyuk, NetflixThis 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.