The Story

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.

As the Labour Party meets in Liverpool for its annual conference, the dividing lines between the two biggest parties have rarely been more stark. Ahead of Sir Keir Starmer’s speech tomorrow, what might we learn about his plans for the party and the country?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: Caroline Wheeler, Political Editor, The Sunday Times.Host: Manveen Rana.Clips: Sky News, Parliament, The Labour Party, BBC News, Channel 4 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.

The hard right is on the rise in Italy. Giorgia Meloni’s Brothers of Italy party is tipped to win Sunday’s general election. If it does, she’ll become Italy’s first female prime minister - and the first hard right leader since the Second World War. So who is she? And what does her popularity tell us about the legacy of Italy’s fascist past?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: Tom Kington, Italy Correspondent, The Times.Host: Manveen Rana.Producer: Olivia CaseClips: Al Jazeera, CNBC, France 24, Fox news, Pepper Pig, PBS Newshour, Channel 4, CNN, Goffredo Mameli and Michele Novaro, Euronews, CriticalPast, 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.

Newly-appointed Prime Minister Liz Truss has inherited an economy in turmoil. With the nation on the verge of recession and significant challenges ahead, what might we expect to hear from tomorrow's “Fiscal Event”?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: Mehreen Khan, Economics Editor, The Times. Host: Manveen Rana.Clips: Channel 4, ITV, Al Jazeera, The Guardian, Sky News, BBC News, The Independent, Thames TV, GB News, 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.

The Women’s Super League kicked off this weekend, following the euphoria of the Lionesses' win at Euro 2022 this summer. How was that success won? We trace the little-known history of women’s football from struggle to the success - including a time when the Football Association banned the women's game completely. 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: Professor Jean Williams, author and sport historian.Molly Hudson, The Times Sport Reporter. Host: Manveen Rana. Clips: talkSPORT, BBC Sport, ITV News, Sky News, Sky Sport News, Radio 4 Woman’s Hour, BBC Archive.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.

Liz Truss will make her first foreign trip as prime minister this week to the UN general assembly in New York. She already has plenty of experience in global diplomacy, but has sometimes ruffled feathers with her approach. How is she viewed by the world’s media and governments and will she be able to win over her critics abroad?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:Sarah Baxter, director of the Marie Colvin Center for International Reporting, Stony Brook University, New YorkMarc Bennetts, foreign correspondent, The Times and The Sunday TimesDidi Tang, Beijing correspondent, The TimesPeter Conradi, Europe editor, The Sunday Times.Host: Manveen Rana.Clips: 10 News First, 7News, The Mirror, Newshub, The Hill, Centre for Policy Studies, The Guardian, Russia-1, CCTV, Times Radio, Talk TV, Bloomberg, Reuters.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 lifetime of preparation the former Prince of Wales became King Charles III. What kind of monarch will he be? What challenges will he face? And should the new King apologise for Britain's role in slavery and colonialism?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:Roya Nikkhah, Royal Editor, The Sunday Times.Lester Holloway, Editor, The Voice.Host: Manveen Rana.Clips: BBC, Novara Media, KernowDamo; CNN, Newsnation, The Telegraph, MyWorldNewsNetwork, COP 26, ITV, The Guardian, ET Canada.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 forces have retaken over 3000 sq miles of Russian-occupied territories in the northeast of the country. Could these developments signal a change in fortunes for Ukraine? And how might Russia respond?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: Richard Spencer, The Times' correspondent in Ukraine. General Sir Richard Barrons, former head of Joint Forces Command in the UK. Host: Manveen Rana. Clips: CNBC, DW News, Reuters. 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 her reign, Queen Elizabeth II saw more prime ministers than any previous monarch. What relationship did she have with them and what happens behind closed doors at the private weekly audience?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: Sir Anthony Seldon, contemporary historian and author 'The Impossible Office?: The History of the British Prime Minister.'Host: Manveen Rana.Clips: BBC News, AP Archive, Netflix, ITV, National Theatre, Times Radio, UK Parliament, United Nations, 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.

Over the course of her life the Queen visited every inhabited continent and met hundreds of world leaders, helping the UK forge relations across the globe. We hear from former Foreign Secretary Lord William Hague who joined her on a number of state visits and saw first hand the effect she had as a royal diplomat, on everyone from Prime Ministers and Presidents to the bowing goats of Oman.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: Lord William Hague, former Foreign Secretary.Host: Manveen Rana.Producer: Olivia Case and Edward Drummond. Clips: CTV, BBC, DW News, ABC Australia, Sky News, Sultanate of Oman TV, On Demand News, RTE, CBS, Euronews, Wild Film India, NBC, ABC News, AP, The Sun.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 course of her reign, Queen Elizabeth II sustained Britain's monarchy for seven decades, between the eras of steam and Zoom. She departed possessing the gratitude and respect of the overwhelming majority of her subjects who today find it hard to come to terms with a world from which she is absent. So what characterised the second Elizabethan Age?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: Sir Max Hastings, historian, journalist and columnist for The Times.Alwyn Turner, Senior Lecturer in History, University of Chichester.Host: Manveen Rana.Clips: BBC Archive, NBC News, CBS News, AP Archive, Iconic, Times Radio, 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 country now enters a time of national mourning for a nation to pay its respects to Her Majesty the Queen. Years of planning and centuries of tradition will be drawn upon as Queen Elizabeth II is laid to rest. So what do the next 10 days hold?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: Valentine Low, Royal Correspondent, The Times.Host: David Aaronovitch.Producers: Olivia Case and Edward Drummond. Clips: BBC, ITN.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 a Monday evening last month, 9-year-old Olivia Pratt-Korbel was shot dead in Liverpool by a stranger. It’s the latest in a spate of deadly gun and knife attacks in the city. So what’s going on in Liverpool’s underworld? Why is it seemingly so easy to get guns in the city? And why are so many dying at the hands of those they’ve never met? 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.Dr Robert Hesketh, Chartered Psychologist and Lecturer in Criminal Justice at Liverpool John Moores University.Host: David Aaronovitch.Producer: Olivia CaseClips: Merseyside Police, Sky, Liverpool Echo, ITV, The Sun.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.

Six months ago, The Times’ Africa correspondent Jane Flanagan spoke to us about her search for the cause of her long Covid symptoms. We catch up with her to find out how her treatment is going, and we look at the state of long Covid treatment.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:- Jane Flanagan, Africa correspondent, The Times.- Dr Melissa Heightman, National Specialty Advisor for Long Covid, NHS England.Host: Manveen Rana. Clips: UK Parliament, 5 News, BBC News, Sky 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.

Today, Liz Truss takes over as the new Conservative Prime Minister. So what do we know about her and how she will address the urgent challenges we face?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: Charlotte Ivers, Political Correspondent, Times Radio.Tim Shipman, Chief Political Commentator, Sunday Times.Host: Manveen Rana.Clips: Sky News, BBC News, Times Radio, LBC, 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 new prime minister will be announced today, and Boris Johnson will exit Downing Street tomorrow after just over three years in the job. What legacy will he leave behind? 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: Patrick Maguire, Red Box Editor, The Times. Host: Manveen Rana. Clips: BBC, UK Parliament, The Conservative Party, PA, STV News, Times Radio, 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.

They’re sitting in your hands, in your house and maybe even in your heart. But a global shortage of semiconductors means this tiny object has become a big problem – just as a British chipmaker has been sold to a Chinese-owned company. 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: Katie Prescott, Technology Business Editor, The Times. Host: Manveen Rana. Clips: CBS News, CNBC, Sky News, BBC News, European Commission.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 traditional summer blockbuster season is drawing to a close but in a world of prequels, sequels and remakes, independent films are finding it increasingly hard to break through. So why are we deluged by all these spin-offs?Guest: Kevin Maher, chief film critic, The Times. Host: Manveen Rana. Producer: Olivia CaseClips:Thor: Love and Thunder. © 2022 Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures. Director: Taika Waititi.Suicide Squad. © 2016 Warner Brothers Pictures. Director: David Ayer.Minions: The Rise of Gru. © 2022 Universal Pictures. Director: Kyle BaldaNope. © 2022 Universal Pictures. Director: Jordan PeeleSpider-Man: Far From Home. © 2019 Sony Pictures. Director: Jon Watts.Nomadland. © 2021 Searchlight Pictures, Walt Disney Company Nordic. © Director: Chloe Zhao.Kramer vs. Kramer. © 1979 Columbia Pictures. Director: Robert Benton.Hit the Road. © 2021 Director: Panah Panahi.The Matrix. © 1999 Warner Bros. Pictures, Roadshow Entertainment Directors: Lana Wachowski, Lilly Wachowski.Thirteen Lives. © 2022 Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer; Bron Creative; Imagine Entertainment; Magnolia Mae; Storyteller Productions. Director: Ron Howard.The Matrix Resurrections. © 2021 Warner Bros. pictures. Director: Lana Wachowski.Black Widow. © 2021 Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures. Director: Cate Shortland.Elvis. © 2022 Warner Bros. Pictures; Bazmark Films; The Jackal Group. Director: Baz Lurhman.The Godfather. © 1972 Paramount Pictures, Alfran Productions. Director: Francis Ford Coppola.Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back. © 1980 20th Century Studios, 20th Century Studios Home Entertainment Director: Irvin Kershner.Ghostbusters: Afterlife. © 2021 Columbia Pictures; Bron Creative; Ghost Corps; The Montecito Picture Company; Right of Way Films. Director: Jason Reitman.Iron Man. © 2008 Paramount Pictures, MORE. Director: Jon Favreau.Everything Everywhere All At Once. © 2022 Directors: Daniel Kwan, Daniel ScheinertBullet train. © 2022 Sony Pictures, Sony Pictures Releasing. Director: David LeitchBande à part. © 1964 Columbia Pictures. Director: Jean Luc-Godard.Captain Marvel. © 2009 Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures. Directors: Anna Boden, Ryan FleckDoctor Strange main theme. © 2019 Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures. Composer: Michael GiacchinoTop Gun theme - Danger Zone. 1986 ©Paramount Pictures. Composer: Giorgio Moroder. Lyricist Tom Whitlock.The Matrix Awakens - Main Theme. © 2021 Warner Bros Pictures. Composer: Don DavisJaws theme tune. © 1975 Universal Pictures. Composer: John Williams.Ghostbusters theme tune. © 1984 Columbia Pictures, Fórum Home Entertainment Hungary. Composer: Ray Parker Jr.Jurassic Park theme tune. © 1993 Universal Pictures, FilmFlex. Composer: John WilliamsLeague of DC Super Pets theme tune (Superman theme tune). © 2022 Warner Bros. Pictures © Composer: John WilliamsStar Wars: The Phantom Menace theme tune. © 1999 20th Century Studios, 20th Century Studios Home Entertainment. Composer: John WilliamsIron Man theme tune. © 2008 Paramount Pictures, MORE. Composer: Ramin DjawadiSweet Child of Mine, Thor: Love and Thunder film trailer version. © 2022 Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures. Composers: Steven Adler Saul Hudson, Izzy Stradlin, Duff McKagan, Axl Rose.Marvel opening theme. © 2016 Marvel Entertainment. Composer: Michael Giacchino.Godfather theme tune. © 1972 Paramount Pictures, Alfran Productions. Composer: Nino Rota.Reviews: Mojo.com; Clipped Coin; Looper; Karsten Runquist.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 August, we're revisiting some of our favourite episodes from the past year.Dolly Alderton - award-winning author, podcaster, screenwriter and Sunday Times Style's resident agony aunt - on love, friendship, sex, and being comfortable with yourself ahead of the release of the BBC adaptation of her memoir. Everything I Know About Love is available on BBC iPlayer.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: Dolly Alderton, author, podcaster, screenwriter, and columnist for Sunday Times Style.Host: Manveen Rana.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.

This week criminal barristers in England and Wales voted to go on an ongoing, uninterrupted strike arguing they’re not paid enough for legal aid cases. The strike will delay thousands of trials including rapes, murders and serious assaults. So how did we get here? And what happens when justice is put on hold?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: Jonathan Ames, legal editor, The Times and Emma Fielding, barrister at Foundry Chambers. Host: Manveen Rana.Producer: Olivia CaseClips: Sky; ITV; GB News; Rumpole of the Bailey: BBC / Thames Television / Sir John Mortimer. 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 promised a financial revolution - a liberation from money middlemen. But then the $3 trillion industry of cryptocurrency lost two thirds of its value in six months. So was it all a cult of personality? Or is the revolution still to come?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: Danny Fortson, West Coast Correspondent, The Sunday Times.Host: Manveen Rana.Clips: CNN, BBC News, CNBC, Danny in the Valley, CoinDesk, CBS, Crypto Mason, CryptoJack, Blake O'Neal.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 early hours of the 24th February, Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. As the country marks its Independence Day - and with little end to the conflict in sight - our correspondent takes stock and shares his thoughts about the people he’s met and the stories he’s heard.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: Maxim Tucker, Assistant Foreign Editor, The Times.  Host: Manveen Rana. Producers: Olivia Case, Edward Drummond, Priyanka Deladia, James Shield. Clips: Sky News, ITV News, NBC, TODAY, BBC, Times Radio, CBS, Reuters, 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.

In two weeks, Liz Truss or Rishi Sunak will become prime minister - a decision that will be made by members of the Conservative Party. So how does the rest of the country feel about the new PM? The Times spoke to focus groups of swing voters to find out - but just who is the roadrunner and who the wily coyote?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: Charlotte Ivers, political correspondent, Times Radio and columnist, The Sunday Times. Host: Manveen Rana. Clips: 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.

This August, we're revisiting some of our favourite episodes from the past year.In the summer of 1944, some of Adolf Hitler's most trusted senior officers narrowly failed in their attempt to assassinate him. But was that the whole story? A recently unearthed file reveals Britain had a man at the heart of Operation Valkyrie.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: Josh Glancy, special correspondent, The Sunday Times, andPrince Frederick Solms-Baruth V.Host: Manveen Rana.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 August, we're revisiting some of our favourite episodes from the past year. What happens when one half of a couple becomes a parent against their will?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: Jenny Kleeman, Times Radio presenter and investigative journalist.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.

Failed by everyone supposed to protect them, steelworkers were misled into moving £2.8bn out of their final salary pensions. Five years on they are still fighting for compensation.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: Imogen Tew, senior money reporter for The Times and The Sunday Times.Host: David Aaronovitch. Clips: Channel 4 News, GMB.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.

Energy prices have become a national crisis. But for the energy companies, things have never been better. Surely something has to give?  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: Jamie Nimmo, Associate Business Editor, The Sunday Times. Host: Manveen Rana.Clips: Times Radio, Sky News, BBC News, Channel 4 News, 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.

It’s been a year since the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan, during the chaotic withdrawal of western allied forces. Images of thousands of people desperate to leave the country were broadcast across the world. What happened to the Afghan people who were left behind? 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: Charlie Faulkner, correspondent for The Times in Afghanistan.Host: David Aaronovitch.Clips: Times Radio, BBC News, NBC Today, Sky News, Deutsche Welle, CBS News, CNN, Wall Street Journal, TRT World, 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.

This August, we're revisiting some of our favourite episodes from the past year.Xi Jinping is consolidating his position as the all-powerful president of China. But who is the man at the top of the sharpest pyramid in the world of politics?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.Host: David Aaronovitch.Guest: Michael Sheridan, former foreign correspondent for The Sunday Times and author of The Gate to China: A New History of the People's Republic & Hong Kong.Clips: ABC, South China Morning Post, No Comment TV, BBC, CCTV Video News Agency, Periscope Film, Al Jazeera, CBS, VICE 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.

This episode contains discussions of violence and suicide. It's 20 years since the murder of 10-year-old schoolgirls Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman horrified the nation. Times crime writer Sean O'Neill, who as a young reporter covered the story, talks to the detective who brought the killer to justice and reflects on the profound impact the case had on all those involved in it – including himself.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: Sean O’Neill, Senior Writer, The Times.Host: Manveen Rana. Clips: BBC 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.

Rishi Sunak and Liz Truss have got just five weeks left in the Conservative leadership contest. But with ballot papers already going out to party members, how much do we really know about the UK’s next prime minister? 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: Charlotte Ivers, Times Radio political correspondent and Sunday Times columnist. Host: Jenny Kleeman.Clips: Sky News, Guardian, AP, BBC News, The Mirror, GB News, UK Parliament, BBC Political Thinking with Nick Robinson. 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.