The Story

Despite a surge in coronavirus cases, Boris Johnson is set on lifting all restrictions on what's been dubbed as 'Freedom day' next Monday in England. Today, we look at three examples: Israel, The United States and Australia, all of which have had varying success with vaccination programmes and easing lockdowns. Can we learn anything from their pandemic strategies?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: -Anshel Pfeffer, journalist for The Times, based in Jerusalem.-Bernard Lagan, Australia correspondent for The Times.-Will Pavia, New York correspondent for The Times.Host: Manveen Rana.Clips: DW news , The Telegraph, 7news Australia, Arirang, 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.

Over the weekend of the 4th July, as Americans celebrated their national holiday, a group of cyber criminals were working hard. Their attack left hundreds of companies scrambling to protect themselves against what may have been the biggest global ransomware attack ever seen. How did they do it and what does it tell us about our global cyber security?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: -Alistair Dawber, Washington correspondent for The Times and The Sunday Times.-Emily Taylor, Oxford Information Labs CEO.-Marc Bennetts, Moscow correspondent for The Times.Host: Manveen Rana.Clips: NBC, MSNBC, CNBC, Global News, France 24, 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.

Last Wednesday a group of gunmen broke into the home of President Moïse in Haiti. Posing as American drug enforcement officials, once inside they shot the president dead. Despite arrests being made, the events are still shrouded in mystery. What does this murder mean for the future of Haiti?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: Martin Fletcher, Foreign editor at The Times.Host: Manveen Rana.Clips: ABC, 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.

An investigation by The Sunday Times has uncovered a dangerous network of pickup artists who profess to know how to coach other men to improve their sexual prowess. How does this website operate and what does it offer its users?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: Shanti Das, News and features journalist for 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.

At times over the past few years this country has felt quite divided. But now, there's something we can all agree on: it's coming home. Who is the man changing 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: David Walsh, Chief sports writer at The Sunday Times. Host: Manveen Rana.Clips: BBC, Sky, Channel 4, ITV, TalkSport.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.

Students at Pimlico Academy in Westminster, have used boycotts and walk-outs to express their dissatisfaction over policies about their dress code, policies which they say are racist because they discriminate against natural black hairstyles. Today, we explore the politics of hair in British schools. 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: -Sian Griffiths, Education and Families Editor at The Sunday Times.-Emma Dabiri, writer, academic and broadcaster.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.

Increasing numbers of people from Iran are being sold an escape package out of Turkey and then onto the UK. Who are the men, women and children risking their lives crossing the world's busiest shipping route? And who are the people who sell them the trip?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: Louise Callaghan, Middle east correspondent for The Sunday Times.Host: David Aaronovitch.Clips: BBC, 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.

One week ago, South Africa's Constitutional Court found former President Jacob Zuma guilty of contempt for defying its order to appear at an inquiry into his alleged corruption. Who is the man behind the turmoil and what does this conviction mean for South Africa?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: Jane Flanagan, Africa correspondent for The Times. Host: Manveen Rana.Clips: BBC, SABC, 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.

Two weeks ago tensions bubbled up in the Black Sea as a British warship, HMS Defender, sailed through Ukrainian waters and encountered Russian forces. What really happened during those 36 minutes? It depends on who you ask…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: Rear Admiral Dr Chris Parry, former Royal Navy officer and former director general in the Ministry of Defence.Host: Manveen Rana.Clips: BBC, Sky News, Al Jazeera English, Reuters, The Sun, Sky News Australia, TASS.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 started 40 years ago as an academic movement to critique how historical racism may still be preventing people of colour in the United States from achieving true equality, now it's dividing America. What is critical race theory and why is it under attack?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 for The Times.Host: David Aaronovitch.Clips: Fox, PBS, 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.

As the pandemic was changing all of our lives, the most private of men was forced into the pressure cooker of public life, facing increasing public harassment. Sixteen months on, how well do any of us really know the doctor charged with keeping the country safe?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: -Ben Spencer, science editor, The Sunday Times.-Professor David Mabey, friend and former colleague of Chris Whitty.-Professor John Ashton, former president of the Faculty of Public Health and author of 'Blinded by Corona: How the Pandemic Ruined Britain's Health and Wealth'.Host: Manveen Rana.Clips: BBC Radio 4, BBC News, ITV, Sky News, 5 News, Euronews, Royal Society of Medicine, Gresham College, Nerys And The Soul Traders on YouTube, Darren Dutton 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.

Tomorrow voters in Yorkshire’s Batley and Spen constituency head to the polls for the fourth time in five years. The previously safe Labour seat is under threat and this by-election is seen as a test of Sir Keir Starmer’s leadership. The Conservatives are hoping to win and could get a helping hand from former Labour MP George Galloway who is running for the Workers party and may split Labour's vote. Manveen Rana went to find out what was happening locally. This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe before June 29th and save 50% on your first 6 months at: thetimes.co.uk/storiesofourtimes. Guests: -Tony Earnshaw, Democracy reporter at Yorkshire Live.-George Galloway, Workers Party for Britain candidate. -Julian Heather Liberal Democrat activist.-Nadeem Raja, general manager of the Indian Muslim Welfare Society.-Gulam maniyar, former Labour councillor.  Host: Manveen Rana.Clips: Sky News, BBC News, Joe.co.uk, ITV News, Conservative PartyThe by-election candidates are (listed alphabetically by surname):Paul Bickerdike - Christian Peoples AllianceMike Davies - Alliance For Green SocialismJayda Fransen - IndependentGeorge Galloway - Workers PartyTom Gordon - Liberal DemocratsThérèse Hirst - English DemocratsHowling Laud Hope - The Official Monster Raving Loony PartySusan Laird - Heritage PartyKim Leadbeater - Labour PartyOliver Purser - Social Democratic PartyCorey Robinson - Yorkshire PartyAndrew Smith - Rejoin EURyan Stephenson - Conservative PartyJack Thomson - UK Independence PartyJonathan Tilt - Freedom AllianceAnne Marie Waters - The For Britain MovementThis 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 not often that CCTV footage changes the political landscape. What does the scandal surrounding Matt Hancock tell us about the way government works? And what does his departure mean for the NHS and the pandemic?  This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe before June 29th and save 50% on your first 6 months at: thetimes.co.uk/storiesofourtimes. Guest: Steven Swinford, political editor, The Times.Host: Manveen Rana.Clips: BBC, ITV, Sky, The Telegraph.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 Turkish mob boss who's on the run, has been making unverified claims on YouTube about corruption and organised crime linked right to the top of president Erdogan's government. His tell-all videos have captivated the nation and turned him into an unlikely social media star. This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe before June 29th and save 50% on your first 6 months at: thetimes.co.uk/storiesofourtimes. Guest: Hannah Lucinda Smith, Turkey correspondent at 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.

From Nobel-winning greats and pacey thrillers to memoirs and historical novels, Times Radio's Stig Abell returns to the podcast for our guide to the best reads for the beach. This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe before June 29th and save 50% on your first 6 months at: thetimes.co.uk/storiesofourtimes. Books recommended in this episode:Non-fiction:1) The Sleeping Beauties And Other Stories of Mystery Illness by Suzanne O'Sullivan (hardback / audiobook)2) One Two Three Four: The Beatles in Time by Craig Brown (hardback / paperback / audiobook)3) Putin’s People: How the KGB Took Back Russia and Then Took on the West by Catherine Belton (hardback / paperback / audiobook)Fiction:1) Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro (hardback / audiobook)2) Sorrow and Bliss by Meg Mason (hardback / audiobook)3) The Passenger by Ulrich Alexander Boschwitz (hardback)Guests: -Robbie Millen, literary editor of The Times.-Andrew Holgate, literary editor of The Sunday Times.Host: Stig Abell. Clips: Baillie Gifford podcast; Suzanne O'Sullivan reading her own book on Audible; Meg Mason reading her own book at a Book People virtual event; Klara and the Sun from Faber on SoundCloud.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.

President Joe Biden put his VP Kamala Harris in charge of stemming the tide of migrants into the United States in March - a seemingly intractable problem. Since then, many have criticised Harris for not having made a visit to the US- Mexican border, despite being in charge of its management. After mounting pressure - yesterday the Vice President announced she would go and visit personally - but is it a little too late? Today we look at the reputation of a second-in-command who came into office with the world's expectations on her shoulders. 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: Alistair Dawber, Washington correspondent for The Times.Host: David Aaronovitch.Clips: NBC, 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.

Fraudsters make millions by exploiting a weak banking system, but who are the crooks behind it all? One of our journalists has turned the table on scammers by recording his calls with them and reporting their methods to the authorities. 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: Ali Hussein, Chief money reporter for The Times and The Sunday Times.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.

They've been booed and criticised but the England team insist they'll begin tonight's match by taking the knee. A former professional footballer tells us why it matters to the players so much.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: Clarke Carlisle, ex-professional footballer, pundit and mental health consultant.Host: Manveen Rana.Clips used: 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 marks five years since Britain voted to leave the European union. Today we go back to the heart of Brexitland in Boston, Lincolnshire.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: -Zoe Beaty, Freelance writer for The Times and local in Boston. Her article can be found here.-Iga Paczkowska, Boston resident.-Gerry Roffey, Boston resident.Host: Asya Fouks.Clips: BBC, 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.

Princess Diana's 1995 interview with BBC journalist Martin Bashir is among the most famous in broadcasting history. But last month an independent investigation found that Bashir had engaged in “deceitful behaviour” in a “serious breach” of the BBC’s guidelines. So why was Bashir rehired in 2016? And with a review of editorial policy now underway, does the scandal now threaten to engulf the whole corporation?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: - Rosamund Urwin, senior reporter, The Sunday Times.- Tom Bower, investigative journalist and former BBC Panorama reporter.Host: Manveen Rana.Clips from: 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.

Rebel MPs have been lining up to criticise plans to reduce the foreign aid budget from 0.7% of our national income to 0.5%, a loss of £4 billion. Today we explore the impact of these cuts In Westminster and in Mozambique - one of Africa's poorest countries.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, chief political correspondent, The Times.Andrea Wojnar, Mozambique Resident Representative of the United Nations Population Fund.Host: Manveen Rana.Clips from: BBC, CBS, and UNFPR.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 it was the first time world leaders have met since the pandemic began, there was a huge amount to discuss, including: vaccines, climate change and security. But how much was actually achieved at the G7 summit?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:Oliver Wright, policy editor, The Times.Lee Trewhela chief reporter, Cornwall Live. Host: Manveen Rana.Clips from: 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.

China has recently changed its two-child policy and is now allowing families to have up to three children legally. It's a move aimed to combat the country's plunging birth rate, but what does this major shift in policy mean for China?This episode describes the loss of a child. Samaritans is available for anyone struggling to cope and provide a safe place to talk 24 hours a day. Phone: 116 123 Email: [email protected] 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: Didi Tang, Beijing correspondent at The Times.Host: Manveen Rana.Clips from: BBC, 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 athletes and competitors all over the world prepare to descend on Tokyo, locals don't seem to want them to come. With just weeks to go, will the Olympics happen?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 Lloyd Parry, Asia editor for The Times.-Matt Lawton, Chief sports correspondent for The Times.Host: Manveen Rana.Clips from: CNN, France TV sport, 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.

Is medicine sexist, and is female health suffering as a result?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 Jill B. Delston from the University of Missouri, author of 'Medical Sexism: Contraception Access, Reproductive Medicine, and Health Care'.-Hope Docherty, who suffers with endometriosis. 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.

The fifteen year rule of Benjamin Netanyahu could come to an end this Sunday if a newly formed coalition government survives a vote of confidence. What will it mean for Israel if Netanyahu loses power? And what do we know about the man and the coalition set to replace him?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: Gil Hoffman, chief political correspondent and analyst for The Jerusalem Post. Host: Manveen Rana.Clips from: BBC, ITV, Al Jazeera, Reuters, France 24, PBS.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 outbreak of conflict back in November last year between the Ethiopian military and the Tigray People's Liberation Front, thousands have been killed, and millions are now displaced. Soldiers from neighbouring Eritrea are also involved and suspected of carrying out some of the most brutal violence on civilians. Now, the UN has warned of an imminent famine, which is endangering the lives of millions in the region. Despite this, the Ethiopian government rejects reports of mass atrocities as politically motivated. In today's Stories of our times podcast, we ask: what's happening in Tigray?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. Support helplines:the 24-hour freephone National Domestic Abuse Helpline, run by Refuge, on 0808 2000 247.the Rape Crisis national freephone helpline on 0808 802 9999 (12-2.30pm and 7-9.30pm every day of the year).Guest: Fred Harter, reporter for The Times.Host: Manveen Rana.Clips from: BBC, Al Jazeera, Reuters, France 24, MSF.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 small, rural Italian town of Vo' Euganeo was sealed off after recording Europe's first Covid death. But now some locals in the village have been dubbed the 'super-immunes' as their blood-tests show that they have an extraordinarily high number of antibodies which have grown rather than fallen as they've contracted the virus. What does this tell us about the fight against Covid-19?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: -Tom Whipple, Science editor at The Times.-Tom Kington, Rome correspondent at The Times.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.

One week from today, Boris Johnson has a big decision to make. Is it time to declare 'freedom day' on the 21st of June? Or could the government be walking into another mistake?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, chief political correspondent, The Times.- Ravi Gupta, professor of clinical microbiology at the University of Cambridge and member of NERVTAG.- Adam Finn, professor of paediatrics at Bristol Medical School, head of Bristol Children's Vaccine Centre and member of the JCVI.- Robert Read, professor of infectious diseases at the University of Southampton and member of the JCVI.- Christina Pagel, professor of operational research at University College London and member of Independent SAGE.- Tim Spector, professor of genetic epidemiology at King's College London and principal investigator of the ZOE Covid symptom study app.Host: Manveen Rana.Clips from: Times Radio, Channel 4 News, 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.

For much of the pandemic, university students have been confined to their halls for months on end. For some, drugs became a way to pass the time. But as lockdown lifts, will the rise in student drug taking have a more lasting impact?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:-Megan Agnew, The Sunday Times Magazine commissioning editor.-Claire, student. 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.

President Biden has launched a 90-day investigation into the origins of the virus, following reports which give fresh life to the Wuhan lab-leak hypothesis. Once regarded as a conspiracy theory, the idea is now being taken seriously by both American and British intelligence. So what changed?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: - Warren Strobel, national security reporter, Wall Street Journal.- Tom Whipple, science editor, The Times.Host: Manveen Rana.Clips from: ABC, 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 middle of one of the world's most beautiful rivers, the Drina, there now floats an island of rubbish – with no one taking responsibility. How did a landscape already ravaged by war become blighted by the peace that followed?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: Hannah Lucinda Smith, correspondent for The Times covering Turkey and the Balkans.Host: Manveen Rana.Clips from: 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.

Living the British dream – as dozens of TV shows testify – has always meant owning your own home. But today, if you’re a millennial in a city, a dream is quite possibly what it will remain. What's stopping millennials from getting on the housing ladder?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 Gowans-Eglinton, Acting Fashion Editor, 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.

It was a day that brought Westminster to a standstill. Today the Sunday Times Insight team analyses the nearly 7 hours of evidence the former Downing Street adviser Dominic Cummings gave to parliament last week. And we speak to relatives of those who died of Covid-19 about the questions still left unanswered.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, deputy Insight editor, The Sunday Times.Host: Manveen Rana.Clips from: Times Radio, BBC News, DW 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.

On Sunday afternoon, a Ryanair flight to Vilnius made a sudden and dramatic landing in Minsk. In what some have described as state sponsored kidnapping, a prominent Belarusian opposition activist was marched off the plane by members of the Belarusian KGB.What role has Russia played in this extraordinary episode? And with the clamour of international condemnation, will anything really 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.Guest: Edward Lucas, Russia expert and columnist at The Times.Host: Manveen Rana.Clips used: BBC News, Reuters, The Telegraph, Ruptly.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 the announcement of the divorce between Bill and Melinda Gates, a fuller picture of the Microsoft billionaire’s life is emerging. What could it mean for the world's biggest private charitable foundation – and what role might Jeffrey Epstein have played in the rift?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.Emily Glazer, business reporter, Wall Street Journal.Host: Manveen Rana.Clips from: CBS ABC, NBC, MSNBC, UN, 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 annual Sunday Times Rich List has identified a record-breaking 24 new billionaires this year. For many of us, it's been a bleak year with recurring lockdowns, businesses closed and workers furloughed. So how have these individuals managed to generate so much wealth, and what happens after the boom?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: Robert Watts, compiler of The Sunday Times Rich List.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.

It happened on the 22nd of May 2017, when a suicide bomber detonated a bomb as attendees of an Ariana Grande concert were exiting the Manchester Arena, leaving 22 people dead and hundreds injured. An investigation by The Sunday Times has found that a notorious Libyan drug gang operating in Manchester may have had more to do with the attack than previously known.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: David Collins, Northern editor for The Sunday Times.Host: Manveen Rana.Clips used: BBC and Sky.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 devastating results for Labour at the Hartlepool by-election have made it clearer than ever that the party is facing an existential crisis. But it's not the first time that Labour has been confused about its identity and purpose. What can Labour's past tell us about the party's 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.Guest: Steven Fielding, Professor of Political History at Nottingham University and co-author of The Churchill Myths.Host: Manveen Rana.Clips used: ITV, Sky, BBC, The Daily Mail.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.

Two-hundred Palestinians, including fifty-nine children have been killed in Israel's bombardment of the Gaza strip over the last week. Despite mounting global pressure on Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the exchange of rocket fire between Israel and Hamas looks likely to continue. Today we hear one woman's story as she and her family take shelter in the same home.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: Malak Mattar, Palestinian artist and student based in Gaza.Host: Manveen Rana.Clips used: CBC, Global News, BBC, Channel 4, Anadolu Agency, Middle East Eye, Instagram: @Malak_Mattar_Artist, White House, Instagram: @Tamer.Makalda, Instagram: @theimeu, Al Jazeera English.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.

Could the Indian Covid-19 variant pose "serious disruption" to lockdown easing and what does our response tell us about the future of our pandemic strategy?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 at The Times.Host: Manveen Rana.Clips used: Times Radio & 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.

Italy's Five Star Movement, a political party co-founded by comedian Beppe Grillo in 2009, promised radical change by putting citizens back in control of politics. Today the party is facing problems. Will this populist force change course or will it continue with its anti-establishment agenda?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 for 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.

Last week the Scottish National Party won a historic fourth term in government. With a commitment to hold another independence referendum – and a majority in the Scottish parliament for it – 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.Guests:- Kieran Andrews, Scottish political editor, The Times.- Sir John Curtice, professor of politics at the University of Strathclyde.Clips from: BBC, STV, ITV, Channel 4 News, Met Office.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.

Once hailed as a pain obliterating wonder drug, OxyContin helped give birth to one of the most devastating public health crises in the developed world.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: Patrick Radden Keefe, The New Yorker staff writer and author of Empire of Pain.Host: David Aaronovitch.Clips used: CBS News, CNN, C-Span, France 24, Kentucky Attorney General, KSBY, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, MSNBC, NBC News, Newsy, PBS, Purdue Pharma, Reuters, Tylenol, Vice, WAVY TV, WMUR 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.

All across India there are scenes of devastation and desperation as the country grapples with a brutal second wave of Covid-19. What went wrong? And will this crisis have a lasting impact on the political future of Prime Minister Modi?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:-Amrit Dhillon, Freelance journalist for The Times.-Hugh Tomlinson, South Asia correspondent for The Times.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.

A Sunday Times Insight investigation reveals a royal allegedly using their position to enrich themselves. Going undercover and working with Channel 4's Dispatches, the Insight team filmed HRH Prince Michael of Kent at a business meeting in which prospective clients were told he could be hired for £10,000 a day to make representations to Vladimir Putin’s tyrannical Russian regime. The investigation calls into question the way in which members of the royal family are permitted to make money and how they get involved in British foreign affairs.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, Editor of The Sunday Times Insight investigations team.George Arbuthnott, Deputy editor of The Sunday Times Insight investigations team.Host: Manveen Rana.Clips used: Russo-British Chamber of Commerce, Channel 4 Dispatches, Embassy of Russia, Reuters, BBC, Sambofias.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.

Northern Ireland's first minister, DUP leader Arlene Foster, has stepped down. Who will take over the top job? And what could it mean for the future of Northern Ireland?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 McDonald, contributing writer, The Sunday Times. - Sam McBride, political editor, Belfast News Letter.Host: David Aaronovitch.Clips: BBC, Belfast Telegraph, DUP, Channel 4, Euronews.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 cofounded Tinder in her twenties, then became the target of misogynistic trolling. Now her female-friendly dating app Bumble has made her one of the world’s wealthiest women aged just 31. How has Whitney Wolfe Herd changed the way we date forever?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: Jane Mulkerrins, Assistant editor of The Sunday Times Magazine.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.

On Thursday the 6th May, voters in Hartlepool will elect the first new MP since Boris Johnson and the Conservatives’ landslide victory in 2019. With polling showing the Tories on course to win the seat from Labour - what can we learn about the national picture from this constituency in the North East?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: Patrick Maguire, Red Box editor at The Times.Mhari Aurora, Red Box reporter at The Times.Host: Will Roe.Clips used: ITV & BBC.Full list of candidates standing in the Hartlepool by-election on Thursday, 6th of May:David Bettney - Social Democratic Party.The Incredible Flying Brick - The Official Monster Raving Loony Party.Hilton Dawson - The North East Party.Gemma Evans - Women's Equality Party.Rachel Featherstone - The Green Party. Adam Gaines - Independent.Andrew Hagon - Liberal Democrat.Steve Jack - Freedom Alliance. No Lockdowns. No Curfews.Chris Killick - [no description].Sam Lee - Independent.Claire Martin - Heritage Party.Jill Mortimer - Conservative Party. John Prescott - Reform UK.Thelma Walker - Independent.W. Ralph Ward-Jackson - Independent.Paul Williams - Labour 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.

President Joe Biden has proposed some of the most expansive and expensive economic reforms in America in recent political memory. He’s been keen to paint himself as a 21st century Franklin D. Roosevelt. How apt is that comparison? Will he pull his grand plans off?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: David Charter, US Editor for The Times.Host: David Aaronovitch.Clips used: CNBC, William J Clinton Presidential Library, CSPAN.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.