The Story

In recent weeks Russia has increased its military presence on the Ukrainian border, worsening already-strained relationships with the West. But is Vladimir Putin really going to invade the former Soviet state?  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: - Peter Conradi, Europe Editor, The Sunday Times.- Marc Bennetts, Moscow correspondent, The Times and Sunday Times.Host: Manveen Rana.Clips: NBC, DW News, CBS, ABC.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 is a special episode of Stories of our times, where we join Times and Sunday Times correspondents around the globe. Here are their Christmas postcards. 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:  -Louise Callaghan, Middle East correspondent, The Sunday Times.-Sarah Baxter, Writer, The Sunday Times.-Oliver Moody, Berlin correspondent, The Times and The Sunday Times.-Tom Kington, Rome correspondent, The Times.Host: Calum Macdonald.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.

Prosecutors in Ghislaine Maxwell's sex trafficking trial have rested their case following two weeks of testimony. So, as the trial continues in New York, we look at the evidence set out so far.  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: Will Pavia, New York correspondent, The Times and Sunday Times.Host: Calum Macdonald. Clips: Channel 4, Reuters, ITV, CNBC, WPBF, WNBC, NBC.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.

Times columnist Giles Coren meets, Nestor Masudi, a chef from the Democratic Republic of Congo who arrived in the UK with nothing but - thanks to the support of the Scottish Refugee Council - now cooks with the very best.This episode is from the ‘Giles Coren has no idea’ podcast highlighting the Times and Sunday Times Christmas Appeal.For more information and details of how to donate to the The Times and Sunday Times Christmas Appeal go to: https://thetimes.co.uk/christmasappeal 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: Nestor Masudi, chef. Host: Giles Goren.This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Yesterday we listened back to our episode from August about an Afghan interpreter, Ahmadzai, whose life hung in the balance as the Taliban regained power.Today: what happened next.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: - Hanif Ahmadzai, former interpreter for British and American forces in Afghanistan.- Charlie Herbert, retired British Army major general.Host: Manveen Rana.Clips: Reuters, Parliament.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 we come to the end of 2021, we're revisiting some of the biggest stories of the year.Today, we look back to the moment the Taliban regained power in Afghanistan – as one former interpreter's life hung in the balance.Join us tomorrow for an update on Ahmadzai's story.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: - Ahmadzai, former interpreter for British and American forces in Afghanistan.- Charlie Herbert, retired British Army major general.Host: Manveen Rana.Clips: BBC, CBS, NBC, 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.

From Brazil to South Korea, Justin Bieber to Bukayo Saka, Pentecostal Christianity is suddenly everywhere. By 2050, the movement is predicted to have a billion believers. In America, Pentecostals were the bedrock of Trump's support, with more than half of them believing he'd been anointed by god. How has Pentecostalism become so popular? And should we be alarmed by its rapid spread? 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: Manveen Rana.Guest: Elle Hardy, journalist and author of Beyond Belief.Clips: Vice, The Hill, Right Wing Watch, 13Media, Pastor Alph Lukau.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 just a tiny collection of houses and a church. But could Steart in Somerset have found a pioneering solution for carbon capture? In partnership with the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, the village has flooded neighbouring land to help protect against future flooding caused by climate change - with surprising environmental benefits.More information on the The Times and Sunday Times Christmas Appeal can be found here: https://thetimes.co.uk/christmasappeal 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:-Kaya Burgess, science reporter and religious affairs correspondent, The Times.-Dr Hannah Mossman, Senior Lecturer in Ecology, Manchester Metropolitan University.-Dr Rachel Dunk, Principal Lecturer Environmental Management and Sustainable Development, Manchester Metropolitan University.Host: Manveen Rana.Clips: 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 1981, Alice Sebold gave evidence that sent a man she believed raped her to prison for 16 years. She wrote about her ordeal which took place in Syracuse, New York, and the subsequent trial in her memoir Lucky. When the book was turned into a film, producer Timothy Mucciante became concerned about some of the details that lead to the conviction of Anthony Broadwater.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: Rosie Kinchen, features writer, The Sunday Times.Host: David Aaronovitch.Clips: Syracuse.com, NBC News, Simon & Schuster Audio.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 the USA and Australia announced diplomatic boycotts of next year's Winter Olympics which are to be held in China. The announcements come at a time when the disappearance of China's top tennis player Peng Shuai last month after accusing a top politician of sexual assault further raised questions about China's human rights record. 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 AaronovitchGuests:-Didi Tang, Beijing correspondent, The Times-Matthew Syed, columnist, The Times and Sunday TimesClips from: ABC, BBC, CNN, France 24, Global News, ITV News, NBC, Reuters, Sky News, Sky Sports 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.

For years, Afghanistan’s female judges worked at the highest levels of the judiciary, sentencing members of the Taliban, Isis and Al-Qaeda. Since the Taliban swept to power this summer, they’ve been in hiding, in fear for their lives. Where do they go now? What does the British government, and the rest of the world owe these women?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: Manveen Rana.Guests: - Jane Mulkerrins, Associate Editor, The Times Magazine.- Zainab, Afghan judge.Clips: Reuters, NBC, 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.

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. - Prince 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.

Last Wednesday, 27 people died crossing the Channel from France in a small, inflatable dinghy. On the same day, many more did make it, landing on the beach in Kent. What is it actually like for the people trying to find their way to safety? And what are politicians doing to tackle these dangerous journeys?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:- Emma Yeomans, reporter, The Times.- Tom Ball, reporter, The Times.- Matt Dathan, home affairs editor, The Times.Host: Manveen Rana.Clips: CBC, Channel 4 News, 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.

The news of a new Covid variant swept the world in hours. Days later, new restrictions were introduced. Today: what the emergence of Omicron could mean for the next few months.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 Whipple, science editor, The Times.Host: Manveen Rana.Clips: eNCA, CBS, BBC, Sky News, Channel 4 News, Science Media Centre.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.

Fifty-five years ago, Barbados gained independence from Britain. Despite independence, Queen Elizabeth has remained head of state. Today, that's come to an end. Barbados has formally cut ties with the British monarchy and declared itself a republic. Will other realms in the Commonwealth follow? And what does the move mean for the royal family?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: Manveen RanaGuests: -Matthew Campbell, Foreign Features Editor, The Sunday Times.-Roya Nikkhah, Royal Editor, The Sunday Times.Clips: ITV News, Channel 4 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.

Domestic violence programmes have traditionally been tailored for the victims. Now, there’s a push to work with the perpetrators to stop their abusive behaviour. How do these programmes work? Can abusive men ever change?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. If you, or someone you know, has been affected by the issues raised in this episode, the following organisations can help:RespectFor perpetrators and victims of domestic abuse; respectphoneline.org.uk, 0808 802 4040RefugeFor women and children affected by domestic abuse; refuge.org.uk, 0808 200 0247Host: Manveen Rana.Guests:- Rosie Kinchen, features writer, The Sunday Times.- Lorraine, Drive case manager.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 Monday, after 16 months in solitary confinement, Ghislaine Maxwell will finally go on trial in New York, where she is charged with multiple sex trafficking offences relating to the Jeffrey Epstein sex abuse case. It's the most eagerly anticipated trial of the year, so what can we expect as it unfolds?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: Will Pavia, New York Correspondent, The Times.Host: Manveen Rana.Clips: BBC, CBS, PBS, CNBC, 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.

Europe is being battered by a fourth wave of Covid. Today we speak to our correspondent in Berlin, to find out how the German-speaking parts of Europe became the epicentre for both the fourth wave of the virus and a wave of antivax riots sweeping the continent.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: Oliver Moody, Berlin correspondent, The Times and The Sunday Times.Host: Manveen Rana.Clips: Euronews, France 24, DW News, ABC News Australia, CNN, Bloomberg, 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.

The NHS is under intense pressure, but since the peak of the pandemic public attention has largely moved elsewhere. Today we catch up with The Times' health editor – and with the doctors we spoke to in January, during the peak of the pandemic – to find out how the NHS is coping.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: - Kat Lay, health editor, The Times.- Dr Pushpo Babul Hossain, junior doctor.- Dr Adrian Boyle, emergency physician and Vice President of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine.- Anonymous respiratory doctor in south London.Host: David Aaronovitch.Clips: ITV 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.

Last week tensions at the border between neighbouring Poland and Belarus escalated as thousands of people, looking to start a new life in the West, were stranded in desperate conditions. Belarus has been accused of 'weaponising' the plight of migrants in a geopolitical standoff between the EU and its neighbour. So what's behind the situation - and what happens next?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: Peter Conradi, Europe Editor for The Sunday TimesClips: Al Jazeera, BBC, , DW News, France 24, Sky News, 7News.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.

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.

Last month, the government brought in a new law to stop under-eighteens using Botox and fillers for cosmetic reasons in England. But with reports of botched procedures and easy access to products online - is this law enough to tame the industry? And who's paying the price for beauty?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: Sevda Moyassari.Guests:-Arti Nachiappan, news reporter, The Times.-Ashton Collins, director, Save Face.-Helen, who had lip filler at a high street beautician.Clips: Channel 4, BBC, AFP 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 ink has dried on the agreement and the dignitaries have returned home - so what really happened at COP - and what does it mean for the planet?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: Manveen Rana. Guests: - Ben Spencer, science editor, The Sunday Times. Clips: COP26, Reuters, TDC, DW News, Sky News, Downing Street, Euronews, France 24, The NationalThis 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 used to be the stuff of sci-fi and futuristic Hollywood films. But now, artificially intelligent weapons are transforming armies around the world. A technological arms race has begun - should we be worried?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: Manveen Rana. Guests: - Matthew Campbell, foreign features editor, The Sunday Times. - General Sir Richard Barrons, former Commander of the UK Joint Forces Command.- General Sir Nick Carter, Chief of the Defence Staff.Clips: DW News, BBC, CBS, WION, MSNBC, Sky News, Slaughter Bots/Prof Stuart Russell, Double Down News, Al Jazeera, Warner Bros Pictures/Stanley Kubrick, France 24, Science Time.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 scandal at Yorkshire County Cricket Club has triggered a wave of resignations at the county and condemnation from all corners. It's led to an existential crisis for the game in this country. Today, the man at the heart of the story, Azeem Rafiq will speak to a parliamentary committee to discuss the alleged racist abuse and bullying he experienced while playing for Yorkshire CCC. So how did we get here? 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:-Elizabeth Ammon, cricket news reporter, The Times and The Sunday Times.-Taj Butt, chair of Quaid E Azam cricket league in Bradford.Host: Manveen Rana.Clips: Sky News, ITV News, 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.

Spectrum 10k was supposed to be Britain's biggest ever study of autism. But just weeks after launch, it was put on pause. As the genetics revolution picks up pace, could this be among the first of many such confrontations between researchers and those who feel threatened by their work? 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: - Holly Smale, bestselling author of the Geek Girl series. - Simon Baron-Cohen, director of the Autism Research Centre at the University of Cambridge.- Sue Fletcher-Watson, professor of developmental psychology at the University of Edinburgh.Host: David Aaronovitch.Producer: James Shield.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 sport in which men and women compete equally. But is horse racing all that it seems? New accusations paint a picture of a culture that condones threatening behaviour - and frowns upon those who report it. 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: - David Walsh, chief sports writer, The Sunday Times.Host: David Aaronovitch.Clips: BBC, Racing Post, Racing TV, Sports Tonight.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.

There was public outcry when MPs voted against stricter penalties for water companies dumping raw sewage into England’s rivers. But following a U-turn, the Government has now passed a new Environment Bill it says will reduce the amount of raw sewage polluting our waterways. But do the measures go far enough?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:Alice Thomson, Columnist, The Times.Hugo Tagholm, Surfers Against Sewage.Host: Manveen Rana.Clips: BBC, ITV, Sky, DW News, WaterElectroScan, Institute of Civil EngineersThis 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 Sunday Times investigation revealed this weekend that every chief Conservative Party treasurer in the past seven years gave the party £3m – and every one was offered a peerage. Manveen Rana speaks to the Insight team, renowned for carrying out some of the most groundbreaking investigations on Fleet Street. 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 Calvert, Insight Editor, The Sunday Times.-George Arbuthnott, Insight Deputy Editor, The Sunday Times.Host: Manveen Rana.Clips: Parliament TV, 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.

A debate on changing the procedure by which standards in Parliament are upheld last week led to a backlash from MPs - and a major u-turn. So, as the government defends itself against allegations of 'sleaze', where, does it leave the current system of policing standards in Westminster?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- Jonathan Calvert, Insight Editor, Sunday Times.Host: Manveen Rana.Clips: Parliament, BBC, Sky News, ITV NewsThis podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For the past six weeks, The Sunday Times has been reporting on the unsolved murder of Agnes Wanjiru, a young mother living near a British Army base in Kenya. She was last seen alive with a British soldier: 'Soldier X'.Today: the latest on the investigation, as members of Soldier X's regiment name the accused killer, and as one former soldier speaks to the police.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: - David Collins, Northern editor, The Sunday Times.- Hannah Al-Othman, news reporter, The Sunday Times.Host: Manveen Rana.Producer: James Shield.Clips: KTN News, NTV Kenya, Parliament TV, 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.

As the first week of COP26 draws to a close, we're going on a journey, deep into the heart of the Amazon rainforest to see how one indigenous tribe is fighting miners, farmers and Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro for survival.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: Christina Lamb, Chief Foreign Correspondent, The Sunday Times. Clips: AFP, Rainforest Documentary 2017 - STING & FRIENDS THE RAINFOREST SPECIAL.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.

Since 2016, a mysterious illness has affected US diplomatic and security staff working abroad. The symptoms include headaches, fatigue and problems with balance and memory, but are they victims of attacks with sonic weapons or is there another explanation?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 AaronovitchGuest: Warren Strobel, National Security Reporter for the Wall Street Journal.Dr. Suzanne O'Sullivan, consultant neurologist.Clips: BBC, CBC, CBS, CNBC, CNN, Global News, NBC, 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.

A year on from the US presidential election, America's most conservative citizens are relocating en masse to a remote region in the Pacific Northwest. Times filmmaker Alastair Good takes us into the American Redoubt, where talk of secession and civil war is routine.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: Alastair Good, deputy head of video and audio, The Times and The Sunday Times. You can watch Alastair's full film here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qy6RQJQ6J5wHost: Manveen Rana.Producer: Arlie Adlington.Executive producer: James Shield.Clips: CBS, ABC, BBC, C-SPAN, Radio Free Redoubt.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.

Lebanon is in economic crisis with shortages of food, medicine and electricity on the ground. Today, how did the country, whose capital was once described as the Paris of the Middle East, get here? And is there hope for the future?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: Manveen Rana.Guest: Richard Spencer, middle east correspondent, The Times.Clips: The Baim Collection: Soundtrack from 1961 film ‘This is Lebanon’, BBC, UPTIN, CNBC, Thames TV, Al Jazeera, Channel 4, RT.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 delegates from almost two hundred nations gather in Glasgow for the COP26 climate conference, the stakes couldn't be higher. But can the conference succeed if the leaders of some of the world's biggest polluting nations haven't even turned up?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: Manveen Rana.Guest: Ben Spencer, science editor, The Sunday Times.Clips: Al Jazeera, BBC, France 24, ITV, 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.

Will this winter be good, bad, or somewhere in between? Today we take stock of the pandemic, and science editor Tom Whipple helps us imagine what might be just around the corner.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: Tom Whipple, science editor, The Times.Clips: BBC, CNBC, CBC, CBS.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.

Perez Hilton was the original celebrity gossip blogger, who spared no one with his spiky, often malicious posts – and Britney Spears became a favourite target. As his actions come under fresh scrutiny, Sunday Times freelance writer Sarah Ditum assesses the impact he had on celebrity culture, and asks: how complicit were the rest of us?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: Manveen Rana.Guest: Sarah Ditum, freelance writer.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.

Ahead of the chancellor's budget and spending review tomorrow, we look for lessons from the past. Plus, The Times speaks with Rishi Sunak.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: Manveen Rana.Guests: - David Smith, economics editor, The Sunday Times.- Oliver Wright, policy editor, The Times.Clips: Parliament TV, NBC, Thames Television, Global News, ITV News, Channel 4 News, 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.

The desire to live forever is as old as life itself. Now some of the world's richest people are investing heavily in the science of immortality. Could we get to a point where dying becomes optional?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: Manveen Rana.Guests: -Tom Whipple, science editor, The Times.-Danny Fortson, West Coast correspondent, The Sunday Times.This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In Westminster, the shock was palpable. How could this have happened again? While MPs' safety is being re-examined following the killing of Sir David Amess, a new bill has been proposed to end online anonymity. It's being called David's Law – but how much does this proposal have to do with what actually happened to Sir David?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: Manveen Rana.Guest: Rosamund Urwin, media and technology correspondent, The Sunday Times.Clips: Times Radio, BBC, 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.

As politicians in France vie to be the challenger in next year's French presidential election an outsider looks to be a contender. Who is Eric Zemmour, the right-wing journalist and author and what does he believe in?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: Adam Sage, Paris correspondent, The Times.Host: David Aaronovitch.Clips: Al Jazeera, C A vous, France 24, Front Populaire, RMC.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 a landmark deal signed earlier this month, Newcastle United was bought by a Saudi Arabia-led consortium. The club now has the richest owners in the Premier League. Fans are ecstatic, but as money floods into the club, there have already been protests raising moral objections to the club's new owners. What does this deal tell us about the state of English football?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: Matt Lawton, chief sports correspondent, The Times.Host: Manveen Rana.Clips: Sky News, ITV, Sky Sports, Channel 4, talkSPORT, 5Pillars, BBC, CNN, The Mirror.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 a cargo plane containing four helicopters and a large consignment of military hardware touched down in the capital of Mali last month, observers raised an eyebrow. The kit was definitely from Russia – but was this the Russian army, or something else?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: Roger Boyes, diplomatic editor, The Times.Host: Manveen Rana.Clips: Al Jazeera, BBC, NBC, Euronews, France 24, 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.

Boris Johnson may have appeared unassailable last week at Conservative Party conference, but could the next few months cause the prime minister more of a headache than he's expecting?  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: Tim Shipman, chief political commentator, The Sunday Times.Host: Manveen Rana.Clips: BBC, ITV, Channel 4 News, 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 UK, there is no clear consensus about how trans athletes should be included in competitive sport. Last month, a major review by the Sports Council Equality Group (SCEG) found that trans female athletes retain some competitive advantages and that inclusion cannot always coexist with fairness and safety. While the new guidance has been welcomed by some, it's also faced criticism from LGBT+ groups. But what impact has the controversy around the topic had on trans athletes themselves?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:-Amelia Cox, journalist at TalkSport.-Verity Smith, trans rugby player, Trans Inclusion in Sports Youth Worker, Mermaids. -Sammy Walker, trans football player and writer.-Madeleine Pape, Olympian, postdoctoral researcher at the University of Lausanne.Host: Calum Macdonald.Clips: eNCA, The Guardian, ITV, CBS.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.

Nine years ago Agnes Wanjiru was found dead in a septic tank in Kenya. The young mother vanished after British troops enjoyed a debauched night out in a hotel. Now detectives want to question the soldiers who were there.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:-Hannah Al-Othman, news reporter, The Sunday Times-David Collins, northern editor, The Sunday Times. -Esther, Agnes Wanjiru's niece.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.

With allegations of sexual abuse, a dubious friendship with a convicted paedophile and a court case set to unfold in America, is it the end of the road for Prince Andrew? Should the Duke of York ever be allowed to play a public role again?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: Roya Nikkhah, royal editor, The Sunday Times.Host: Manveen Rana.Clips: 5 News, ABC Australia,BBC, CBS, Channel 5, Harpo Production, ITV News, NBC, Pitch@Palace, RNZ, 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.

Something a bit different on Stories of our times today.Today's show consists of a recording that was thought to have been lost, of an electric performance at the 2014 Times and Sunday Times Cheltenham Literature Festival - one of the most memorable in the festival's history - by husband and wife Damian Lewis and Helen McCrory of love poems from the poetry collection The Love Book edited by Allie Esiri.Earlier this summer, Damian rediscovered a recording of the event, which he offers here now to listeners as a tribute to his wife, who died in April this year at the age of 52. 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 murder of Sarah Everard by serving Metropolitan Police officer Wayne Couzens has brought the force to a point of near-crisis. The government has announced an inquiry. How can the police regain women's trust?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.'Sarah Everard murder: Killer and police shared abusive messages' was first reported by Fiona Hamilton, crime editor at The Times. Guests:- Josh Glancy, special correspondent, The Sunday Times.- Shabnam Chaudhri, former Detective Superintendent, Metropolitan Police.Host: Manveen Rana.Clips: BBC, Sky News, Channel 5.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.