The Story

After a groundbreaking investigation carried out by The Times back in the 1960s, an anti-corruption police unit was set up to investigate corruption in the Metropolitan police force. How did they do 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.Guest: Julian Mounter, former Times journalist.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're calling it the 'cash for cushions' scandal. How did the refurbishment of the prime minister's flat snowball out of control? And what lies ahead for Boris Johnson?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:- Steven Swinford, political editor at The Times.- Daniel Finkelstein, columnist at The Times.Host: Manveen Rana.Clips used: BBC, Sky News, ITV, 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.

During the coronavirus pandemic, Sweden’s approach has been different to most western European nations. But a year on, how have the Swedes fared, and did their government let them walk into a second 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: Daniel Öhman, investigative journalist at Sweden Public Radio.Host: Manveen Rana.Clips used: Channel 4, CBS News, TODAY and Sveriges Radio.On the 16th April, 2020, Manveen spoke to the Sunday Times' Middle East correspondent Louise Callaghan about life in Sweden: Listen to that episode on the 'Curious case of Sweden'.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.

Hundreds of children have succumbed to a mystery illness that can keep them in a sleeplike state for years and scientists are stumped. What does it feel like to sleep for months? And how do you treat the children who just won't wake 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.Guest: Suzanne O’Sullivan, neurologist.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.

In March, one digital art creation titled: "Everydays: The First 5000 Days" by artist Beeple, sold for a groundbreaking $69.3 million. What is digital art and why has it taken the world by storm?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:-Eddie Frankel, Art critics and art editor at Timeout.-Jane Mulkerrins, Assistant editor of The Sunday Times Magazine.Host: Manveen Rana.Clips used: AP archive, CNN, Christies.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 Donald Trump came to power promising to "build a wall." Throughout his term there was turmoil at the border. When Joe Biden took office, he vowed to change course and offer a more humane approach. But with record numbers of migrants crossing the border, and daily expulsions on the rise, has anything really 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.Host: Manveen Rana.Guest: Trisha Garcia, freelance journalist.Clips used: CBS, ABC, 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.

On Tuesday, the former police officer Derek Chauvin was found guilty of the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis last May. What does the verdict mean for racial equality and policing in the United States?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: -Andra Gillespie, Associate Professor at Emory University.-Josh Glancy, Washington bureau chief at The Sunday Times.Host: David Aaronovitch.Clips used: Reuters, AP, Sky News, NBC, BBC 5Live and 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.

Almost exactly a century ago, the state of Jordan was created with the help of the British. Now, the Hashemite Royal Family in Jordan have found themselves in the middle of a family crisis that could have major repercussions for the country's future, and for the security of the region.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:-Jassar Al-Tahat, Chief News reporter at Jordan News Daily and contributor for The Times.-James Barr, Historian and author of A line in the sand and Lords of the desert. Host: Manveen Rana.Clips used: The Guardian, DW News, Al Jazeera, Sky News, Movieclips 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.

The Covid-19 pandemic has caused global disruption and changed so many of our lives forever. Today we look at cases in which lockdown has presented individuals with the rarest of opportunities.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:-Laura Thompson, Dental hygienist.-James Bloodworth, Author and journalist.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.

An investigation by The Times has brought to light allegations of bullying, sexual harassment, exploitation and assault at Oxfam International's mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo. What happens when people delivering aid to a country in need become part of the problem?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, Chief reporter for The Times.Host: Manveen Rana.Clips used: Sky, ITV, CBC.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 summer, a hack of EncroChat phones by police forces led to the arrest of criminals involved in gangs, drugs and weapons across Europe. Who were those swept up in one of the biggest police operations of all time and where did EnroChat come from?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 James Smith, writer for The Sunday Times Magazine.Host: Manveen Rana.Clips used: Channel 4, DW, Euronews, 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.

Tensions have erupted in Northern Ireland once again, as leaders attempt to preserve a long-standing peace deal in the region. Twenty-three years after the Good Friday Agreement, why does peace in Northern Ireland seem so precarious 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.Guest: Henry McDonald, Author, journalist and contributor to The Sunday Times.Host: David Aaronovitch.Clips used: 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.

Last week it was announced by the government that so-called vaccine passports could be rolled out across the country to help ease lockdown measures. But should we be worried about what this might lead to?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 Knowles, Technology correspondent at The Times.Host: Manveen Rana.Clips used: Times Radio, Channel 4, BBC and 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.

At the end of last month, we saw the release of the Race and Ethnic disparities report, it was controversial and many called into question its integrity. Today we dissect 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:-Dr Mohammad S. Razai, Clinician and academic fellow at St. George's University of London.-Simon Woolley, Baron Woolley of Woodford and director of Operation Black Vote.-Kehinde Andrews, Author of The New Age of Empire.Host: Manveen Rana.Clips used: The Evening Standard, ITV News, BBC News, ITV Good Morning Britain, 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 longest serving royal consort has passed away after seven decades of steadfast support of our monarch. Today we take you to the moment his wife, Queen Elizabeth the second, learnt she would take over as Great Britain's Head of State. Guests:Kate Williams, royal historian.Matthew Parris, columnist for The Times.Host: Manveen Rana.Clips used: Pathé and Thames 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 government is proposing new laws that will allow academics, students or visiting speakers the power to sue universities for compensation, if they feel they've been censored or if their free speech is somehow restricted. The announcement has been controversial, but is it the best way to encourage free speech on campus?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 editor at The Sunday Times.Stephen Ceci, professor of psychology at Cornell University.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.

Not many feelings come close to the thrill of getting your foot on the property ladder after months of mortgages, solicitors and surveys. But what happens when things start to go wrong? The Sunday Times has been investigating an insurance giant, accused of issuing fraudulent inspection notes that have left leaseholders with vast repair bills.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:-Martina Lees, Senior property writer for The Times and The Sunday Times.-Martin Scott, Head of construction and engineering at Walker Morris Law Firm in Leeds.-Lydia Turnbull, leaseholder.-Snowden Mount, leaseholder.-Rebecca Goodson, leaseholder.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.

There's a looming crisis in the cemeteries of Britain: many of them are running out of space. How have we got here and what can we do about 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:-John Waite, volunteer, Highgate Cemetery.-Ian Dungavell, Chief Executive, Friends of Highgate Cemetery Trust.-Dr Julie Rugg, Cemetery Research Group, University of York.-Mohamed Omer, Board Member, Gardens of Peace Muslim Cemetery.Host: Leona Hameed.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.

Extraordinary scientific advances have taken place over the past year both because of Covid and despite it.Today we bring you three tales of human ingenuity you might have missed – and, for a change, nothing but good news.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.Guests: Tom Whipple, science editor, The Times.Lindley Johnson, planetary defence officer, Nasa.Dr Elena Adams, DART systems engineer, Johns Hopkins University.Further reading from The Times: 'Science is fast‑forwarding into the future', David Aaronovitch, December 2nd, 2020.'Deepmind finds biology’s ‘holy grail’ with answer to protein problem', Tom Whipple, December 1st, 2020.'More medical breakthroughs on the way thanks to BioNTech coronavirus vaccine', Tom Whipple, February 8th, 2021.'Nasa will crash rocket into asteroid to avert catastrophe', Will Pavia, April 30th, 2020.Clips used: ITV, CBC, BBC, TRT World, SpaceX.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 the Ever Given vessel was freed earlier this week, the world breathed a huge sigh of relief. But what does this incident tell us about international trade and globalisation?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 at the Sunday Times.Jill Treanor, City editor at the Sunday Times.Host: Manveen Rana.Additional reporting by Ben Spencer, the Science editor at the Sunday Times.Clips used: BBC, Anas Alhajji Twitter and 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.

In sub-Saharan Africa, people with albinism – those born without pigmentation in their skin, hair and eyes – have long been discriminated against and even hunted for their body parts, which are thought to hold magical healing powers. And during the pandemic, fear and misinformation have led some to embrace superstition over science, blaming people with albinism for the virus.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:- Robert Shivambu, South Africa media manager at Amnesty International.- Irene George, a woman living with albinism.- Cosmas Maduhu, lawyer and activist living with albinism.Host: Manveen Rana.Clips used: Channel 4, ABC News, BBC, Click on Detroit, United Nations, Al Jazeera, Amnesty International.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.

Tensions between the police and communities across the UK are at an all time high. One woman is behind the push to increase police powers. Who is Priti Patel and what's her plan for Britain?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 Dathan, Home Affairs editor at The Times.Host: Manveen Rana.Clips used: LBC, The Telegraph, The Independent, Metro.co.uk, ITV GMB, Evening Standard, Sky News, The Sun, BBC 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.

Around the country, girls who have suffered in silence for years at some of England's top schools are finally speaking out about the sexual abuse they've encountered. A stream of hundreds of harrowing stories has emerged. How was this ever allowed to happen? And what can be done to stop 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:-Sian Griffiths, Education and families editor at The Sunday Times.-Ben Ellery, News reporter at The Times.-Additional reporting from Isabelle Stanley.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.

Is it time to rethink the way British democracy works and reform the upper chamber of parliament?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: Gabriel Pogrund, Whitehall correspondent for The Sunday Times.Tom Calver, Senior data journalist at The Sunday Times.Lord Salisbury, member of the House of Lords.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 week the former Team GB and Team Sky doctor Richard Freeman was struck off the medical register after being found guilty of ordering a banned substance “knowing or believing” it was to dope a rider in 2011.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 at The Times.Host: Will Roe.Much of the original journalism by The Sunday Times' Chief sports writer, David Walsh.Clips used: Times Radio, TalkSPORT, BBC, Eurosport, OMN, Daily Mail, Olympic YouTube Channel, IBTimes UK, Cambridge University Darwin College lecture series and ARD.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 a year since the Covid lockdown began. Every aspect of our daily life has been affected and more than 146,000 people have died of the virus in the UK.  In today's episode, we check in with old friends we've featured on the podcast last spring to see how their lives have 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: - Lee Solomon, co-Director of Lilie's Funeral Home.- Spencer Craig, co-founder of Pure, a food-to-go business.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.

Throughout the pandemic, demand for dogs has soared, and thieves have taken note. Dog theft has skyrocketed over the last year with criminal gangs cashing in. How are they getting away with it? And what can be done to stop them?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: -Ameila Gabaldoni, Editorial assistant at the Sunday Times.-Lucinda Jasper, daughter of Mike Jasper, whose dog was stolen.-Neil Austin, Detective superintendent and commander at Operation Opal, the national intelligence team for serious and organised theft.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.

Yesterday the government published new plans for the future of the military. Manveen Rana speaks to the Chief of the Defence Staff, General Sir Nick Carter, about the changing face of war and Britain's future place in the 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.Guest: General Sir Nick Carter, Chief of the Defence Staff. Host: Manveen Rana. Clips used: BBC, AP, ITV, 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.

Almost ten years ago, the world watched as a future king got married. Now, after a bombshell interview, things couldn't feel further removed from that day when the royal family basked in the world's positive attention. How is Prince William planning on reshaping his family's image?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 correspondent at The Sunday Times. You can read Roya's piece on Prince William here. Host: Manveen Rana.Clips used: BBC News, CNN, ITV, Royal Family Channel, France 24, Sky News, CBS, NBC, Evening Standard.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.

Federico Umberto D’Amato, the former spy who created the country’s culinary bible, is accused of being behind the 1980 Bologna atrocity. Could this decades old mystery finally be solved?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 schools in England reopened after months of shutdown due to the pandemic, but has keeping kids out of the classroom come at a social greater cost than we realise?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: Shingi Mararike, news reporter at 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.

On Saturday night the Metropolitan Police arrested four people at a vigil for Sarah Everard. What went wrong that night? And what does it mean for the police and for women's rights?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.- Emma Yeomans, reporter, The Times.- Jack Hill, chief news photographer, The Times.- Hannah Rogers, fashion writer, The Times.Host: Manveen Rana.Clips used: Sky News, Counterfire.org.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.

Content warning: this episode contains discussion of eating disorders and mentions of suicidal thoughts.At times during the pandemic, it's felt like diet and exercise - or at least worrying about them - has become a national obsession. But what if your weight was already an obsession? Today we speak to people struggling with eating disorders, which have been on the rise in the past year, and examine the ways these conditions are still misunderstood.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: - Lara, recovering from an eating disorder.- Dave Chawner, standup comedian, presenter and author of Weight Expectations.- Dr Agnes Ayton, Chair of the Faculty of Eating Disorders at the Royal College of Psychiatrists.Host: Manveen Rana.Resources if you or a loved one are struggling:Samaritans: call 116 123 or visit: samaritans.orgBeat, the UK's eating disorder charity: beateatingdisorders.org.uk You can also try Hub of Hope, the UK’s leading mental health support database, which helps you connect with the support services in your area: hubofhope.co.uk.Clips used: Bloomberg, ITV.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.

New variants of COVID-19 have caused spikes in infections around the world and rang alarm bells about vaccine resistance. We speak to two scientists tracking mutant strains of the virus. How are these variants discovered? And just how dangerous are they?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of reader of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today and get one month free at: thetimes.co.uk/storiesofourtimesGuests:-Sharon Peacock, Professor of public health and microbiology at The University of Cambridge and Director of the COVID 19 Genomics UK consortium.-Dr Jeffrey Barrett, Director of COVID-19 Genomics at the Wellcome Sanger Institute. Host: David Aaronovitch.Clips used: BBC News, UK Government, Sky News, UK Parliament, ITV News, DW News, KTLA, Bloomberg, ABCThis 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.

Bitcoin is surging. Last month, it surpassed $50,000 per coin, and big institutions are buying in alongside retail investors. The new frenzy has started, partially due to Elon Musk's Tesla announcing its purchase of $1.5 billion worth of Bitcoin. So, why now? And what if the bitcoiners are right, and this is only the beginning? 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:Nic Carter, Partner at Castle Island Ventures and co-founder of Coin Metrics. Host: Asya Fouks.Clips used: CNN, CNBC, and 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 the final part of our Failures of State series, the Sunday Times Insight team take David Aaronovitch on a hunt for answers.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: David Aaronovitch.Links:- Failures of State: The Inside Story of Britain’s Battle with Coronavirus by Jonathan Calvert and George Arbuthnott.- Audiobook of Failures of State.- 'Revealed: Seven year coronavirus trail from mine deaths to a Wuhan lab', The Sunday Times.Clips used: BBC, CNA, PBS, CBC, AP, South China Morning Post, Al Jazeera, NBC, France 24, Chatham House, WION, 'Contagion' (2011) / Warner Bros, 'The Whistleblowers' (2007) / Carnival Films.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 more than a decade Alex Salmond and Nicola Sturgeon were the dream team that dominated Scottish politics, leading the charge for Scottish independence. But damning accusations have brought the pair into the spotlight. And with elections for Scottish parliament looming in May, what does this mean for the future of the SNP and Scottish independence?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:-John Boothman, Political correspondent in Scotland for The Sunday Times.-Stephen Gethins, Former Scottish National Party MP for North East Fife.Host: Manveen Rana.Clips used: Scottish Parliament TV and 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.

In a bombshell world exclusive interview, Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle, sat down with Oprah Winfrey and talked at lengths about reasons for their departure from the Royal Family. What's the future for the couples relationship with the palace?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: Valentine Low, Royal Correspondent for The Times.Host: Manveen Rana.Clips used: ITV Hub, Harpo Productions/CBS, NBC, CNN, BBC, Al Jazeera, ABC Australia, 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.

In the second of three episodes this week, the Sunday Times Insight team explains how Britain unleashed a second disastrous wave of the virus despite repeated warnings from experts.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.Links:- Failures of State: The Inside Story of Britain’s Battle with Coronavirus by Jonathan Calvert and George Arbuthnott.- Audiobook of Failures of State.- ‘Rishi Sunak was the main person responsible for Covid’s second wave’, The Times.Clips used: BBC, ITV, Sky News, Euronews, Unherd, 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.

Last year, a Sunday Times investigation exposed failures at the top of government which may have cost thousands of lives. Now the team behind those revelations has written the first major book telling the inside story of Britain's battle with coronavirus.In the first of three episodes this week, we examine what went wrong between January and March 2020.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.Links:- Failures of State: The Inside Story of Britain’s Battle with Coronavirus by Jonathan Calvert and George Arbuthnott.- Audiobook of Failures of State.- '38 days when Britain sleepwalked into disaster', The Sunday Times, April 19 2020.Clips used: BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Sky News, CNA, The Sun, Daily Mail, Met Office, ABC News, DW News.This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happened when Laura Pullman met the newly released Anna Delvey (AKA Sorokin) for The Sunday Times? Anna is a modern day Gatsby who scammed New York’s high society and ended up in prison.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: Laura Pullman, New York correspondent for The Sunday Times.Host: Manveen Rana.Laura's piece for The Sunday Times is available here.Clips used: ABC, Vanity Fair, 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.

Not many knew of Rishi Sunak until he was appointed Chancellor last year. Now a household name, today he will deliver his second budget which will be central to the government's ongoing response to the pandemic. But who is the man behind the red box?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: Matt Chorley, Times Radio host.Lord Daniel Finklestein, Times columnist and member of the House of Lords.Chris Lloyd, Chief feature writer at the Northern Echo and the Darlington Stockton Times.Host: Manveen Rana.Clips used: UK Parliament, HM Treasury, Northern Echo, Rishi Sunak MP, HM Government, BBC News, Times Radio.This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What would you do if your child couldn't stop gaming? Jenny Kleeman meets a teenage patient getting specialist help. 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 host.-Dr. Henrietta Bowden Jones, Director of the National centre for gaming disorders.-Kim and Lucas, Mother and son.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.

Texas is still reeling from an unprecedented energy disaster, where unusually cold temperatures brought their power grid to a standstill earlier this month. Now, as the dust settles and the ice melts, the blame game begins.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: -Michael E Webber, Professor of mechanical engineering at the University of Texas.-Chrishelle Palay and her daughters Faith and Skye, Director of HOME Coalition.-Lyle Larson, Republican Texas State Representative.-Gene Wu, Democrat Texas State Representative.-Celesté Arredondo-Peterson, Housing Justice Director at the Texas Organising Project.Host: Manveen Rana.Clips used: CBSN, KHOU 11, AP, MSNBC, The Guardian, Today Show.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 Supreme Court has ruled that Shamima Begum will not be allowed to return to the UK to fight her citizenship case. Begum, who was a teenager when she left Britain to join ISIS, has been fighting a legal battle to return home from the camp in northern Syria where she's currently detained. Today we revisit the first in our five part mini-series providing background on the case. To listen to the rest of the series search 'Bring Me Home' on Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.It was a chance meeting in a Syrian camp. A veteran war reporter, a young mother, and an interview that polarised a nation. Shamima Begum was just 15 years old when she and two of her school friends from Bethnal Green left Britain to join Islamic State. Five years later, with her fate still hanging in the balance, the Supreme Court will this week decide whether she can return to the UK to challenge the deprivation of her citizenship. This episode of the Stories of our Times podcast will form part of a week-long series. We'll explore: what should happen to British nationals who left to join Islamic State, and do we have a responsibility to bring them back?The rest of the Bring Me Home series:Episode 2, Life in the Camps Episode 3, Deradicalising Shamima Begu‪m‬Episode 4, Lessons from EuropeEpisode 5, A legal battle over Shamima Begum'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: Anthony Loyd, Foreign Correspondent, 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.

Features writer for The Sunday Times Rosie Kinchen examines what it's like to live through the ordeal of losing your daughter and never getting the recognition of what exactly 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.Guest: Rosie Kinchen, Features writer for The Sunday Times.Host: David Aaronovitch.Clips used: ITV news, Police Scotland.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.

If one day, you saw your newborn baby with a little bruise you couldn't explain, what would you do? Many people like Holly Kobayashi would ask a professional for advice and reassurance. Instead Holly set in motion a process which led to her son being taken away and a four-month long fight to win him back and prove that she could care for 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.Guests: -Emily Dugan, Social affairs correspondent for The Sunday Times.-Holly Kobayashi, mother of Adventure. 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.

Three years ago, a dramatic raid at the headquarters of a popular winter sports blew open a scandal at the International Biathlon Union. The former president, Anders Besseberg, has been accused of receiving gifts in return for favours. These are charges he denies. What happens to sporting integrity when those at the top are accused of corruption?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: David Aaronovitch.Clips used: IBU and 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.

Who is the Congresswoman who has split the Republican party with her toxic views?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, The Sunday Times Washington Bureau Chief.-Lisa Hagen, WABE Radio reporter.Host: David Aaronovitch.Clips used: Vice, AP, 11Alive, Stop the Steal, WABE, Bloomberg, CGTN, 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 Times has uncovered that spies are creating fake business profiles on the professional networking site so that they can identify targets and obtain classified information. Under fake profiles, agents offer money and lucrative business opportunities in exchange for sensitive information. What does this tell us about how China operates?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 at The Times.-Isabel Hilton OBE, Broadcast journalist and long term China watcher.-Philip Ingram, Former senior British intelligence officer.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.