David Edgar, a celebrated playwright with 50 years of experience, dives into the ever-pertinent dance between politics and theatre. Alongside columnists Manveen Rana and Matthew Bell, they tackle pressing issues like public sector pay disputes and the cultural divides spurred by urban speed limit debates. The trio explores how political narratives still pulse through modern performances, with Edgar reflecting on impactful works that resonate today. Their lively discussions reveal both the challenges and triumphs in keeping political themes alive on stage.

Matthew Parris, a sharp columnist for The Times, and Manveen Rana, host of the Story podcast, dive deep into the current political landscape. They discuss the UK's response to Trump's influence on Ukraine, weighing public sentiment against international complexities. Anecdotes from a Conservative whip reveal the surprising contrast between public personas and private lives in politics. The guests also inject humor into serious topics, from generational wealth disparities to the quirks of rural and urban relationships, all while pondering the therapeutic benefits of comedy.

Manveen Rana, a sharp journalist known for her political insights, and Patrick Kidd, a thoughtful writer on social matters, dive into pressing issues like the potential cutbacks on benefits for pensioners. They unravel the ethical quandaries of controversial topics, such as a suicide pod designed for autonomous choices. The conversation highlights generational wealth disparities and the cultural clash over free speech in universities, leading to a curious exploration of how technology might replace human touch. It's a thought-provoking discussion on the intersection of politics and society.

Anne Applebaum, a Pulitzer-prize winning historian, dives into how dictators like Putin cling to power and the vulnerabilities behind their regimes. Columnists Manveen Rana and Jimmy McLoughlin discuss the recent rail negotiations, highlighting the tensions between big business and labor. They also tackle the societal challenges around A-level results and the implications of the Ukraine conflict, emphasizing the fragility of democracy against autocratic forces. The conversation weaves through politics, education, and global strategies, painting a vivid picture of today's dynamics.

Catherine Philp, Anthony Loyd, and Manveen Rana are war journalists from The Times, each with deep experience covering violent conflicts. They share gripping tales from the Russia-Ukraine war and challenges of reporting in high-stakes environments. The discussion touches on the dangers they face, the ethical responsibilities of journalism, and how they navigate the emotional toll of their work. Their insights give a poignant glimpse into the harsh reality of frontline reporting and the human stories that often go untold.

Ed Vaizey, a commentator on AI's effects on democracy, discusses why fears of deepfakes impacting British elections were overblown. He examines their potential influence in the upcoming U.S. election. Columnists Manveen Rana and Matthew Syed weigh in on whether King Charles should address recent riots and debate the cultural significance of the Olympics versus the World Cup. They also delve into the significance of digital literacy as protection against misinformation, stressing the need for institutional strategies to enhance media trust.

Columnists Manveen Rana and Matthew Bell discuss Tory leadership race strategies to appeal to under-30s, the end of cash usage, and organized crime gangs in sheep rustling. They also explore the Tory Olympics metaphor, highlighting the competitive nature of the Conservative MPs aiming to lead the party and the challenges they face.

Keir Starmer, Angela Rayner, Rachel Reeves, and Pat McFadden's strategies for unity and productivity are analyzed. Discussion on Liz Truss's reaction to a negative reference and the impact on future legacies. Insights on the influence of the Quad in Labour Party decision-making processes.

Guest Manveen Rana, with insights from political experts, discusses the sudden general election announcement and parties' readiness. The podcast delves into campaign strategies, potential outcomes, and the chaos the election brings to Westminster.

In a special programme following the resignation of Boris Johnson as Prime Minister of the UK, we hear from columnist, author and former foreign correspondent Jonathan Freedland, and journalist, author and former editor of The Evening Standard and The Times Simon Jenkins, about where the country is headed next. Our host for the discussion is award-winning journalist and broadcaster Manveen Rana. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices