The Story

Steven Swinford, the Political Editor of The Times, offers sharp insights into the current turmoil of the Conservative Party. He delves into Kemi Badenoch's leadership challenges and her attempt to revitalize a 'distressed asset.' The discussion highlights internal party dynamics, concerns about defections, and the competition with Reform. Swinford also illuminates the long-term impacts of past policies, particularly Liz Truss's mini-budget, while assessing the unpredictable future of UK political leadership.

Jane Mulkerrins, Associate Editor of The Times Magazine, discusses the harrowing experiences of Ukrainian children kidnapped by Russia. She reveals chilling accounts of forced ‘re-education’ in camps where children face indoctrination and suppression of their identity. Mulkerrins shares the traumatic stories of Valerius Sidorova and Vladislav Boryak, detailing their captivation, the psychological impact of torture, and their long journeys to recovery. The conversation highlights the ongoing crisis and the troubling statistics surrounding the forced removal of nearly 19,500 children.

Join Gina Moseley, a paleoclimatologist and cave explorer, as she shares her fascinating journey into Greenland's ice caves. She reveals how ancient minerals and stalagmites unveil climate secrets from millions of years ago, showcasing periods of lush vegetation when CO2 levels mirrored today. Gina's work bridges the past and future, highlighting urgent climate changes and their global implications. With a personal touch, she reflects on humanity's stewardship role, fueled by a drive to explore and engage local Greenlandic communities in climate research.

Join award-winning reporter Ali Mitib as he delves into the chilling details of the Manchester synagogue attack. He shares eyewitness accounts of the confrontation with attacker Jihad al-Shamie, who brought terror to a Yom Kippur service. Mitib provides insight into police response and community heroics that likely prevented a larger tragedy. He also addresses the complexities surrounding antisemitism and the heightened security measures now in place. The stories of the victims and their defenders are truly moving and a reminder of community resilience.

George Greenwood, an investigative reporter at The Times, dives into alarming findings about doctors banned in other countries who still practice in the NHS. He reveals shocking cases, including a psychiatrist guilty of misconduct in New Mexico and a radiologist dismissed in Scandinavia, both managing to work in the UK. Greenwood discusses the failures of international regulatory cooperation and the dangers of 'jurisdiction shopping' where doctors exploit loopholes. He advocates for an international database to prevent this unsettling trend.

The atmosphere at the Labour Party conference is electric, with reactions to Keir Starmer's speech stirring mixed feelings among MPs. The podcast tackles Starmer's provocative comments about Nigel Farage and the risks they may entail. As leadership speculation brews, Andy Burnham's surprising unifying role comes to light. With the economy weighing heavily on voters' minds, discussions of Rachel Reeves' budget strategy reveal challenges ahead. The focus on immigration as a hot-button issue underscores the political landscape, setting the stage for upcoming battles.

Gabrielle Weiniger, The Times' correspondent in Tel Aviv, delves into the newly announced 20-point peace plan between Trump and Netanyahu. She outlines key elements like a long-term truce and hostage exchanges, while discussing the reactions from hardliners on both sides. With Netanyahu's ultimatum hanging over Hamas, she explores the political risks for Israel’s leadership and the mixed sentiments of both Israelis and Palestinians. Additionally, Gabrielle shares insights on potential governance for Gaza and the challenges that lie ahead for peace.

Jon Bonfiglio, a seasoned journalist specializing in Latin America, joins the discussion on the recent US naval strikes off Venezuela. He delves into the clash over whether the targeted boats were drug traffickers or innocent fishermen. Bonfiglio explores the Trump administration’s motives, arguing that oil and curtailing Chinese influence are primary incentives behind these actions. With rising tensions, he highlights the risks of miscalculation in international waters, Venezuelan public sentiment, and the revival of gunboat diplomacy in the region.

Joined by Gabriel Pogrund, Whitehall editor at The Sunday Times, Mehreen Khan, Economics editor at The Times, and Aubrey Allegretti, Chief political correspondent at The Times, the trio dives into pressing issues confronting Labour. They discuss scandalous ministerial changes shaking the government, the sluggish economy haunted by inflation, and the soaring small-boat crossings challenging asylum laws. Will these crises derail Keir Starmer’s leadership and reshape Labour’s future? Tune in for their insightful analyses!

Danny Fortson, West Coast correspondent for The Sunday Times and co-host of The Times Tech Podcast, explores the innovative Alpha School in Austin, Texas. He reveals how the school is pioneering a teacherless model, using AI and apps for personalized learning. Fortson discusses the unique two-hour learning system, incentivizing education with a currency called alpha coins, and the impact of this approach on students’ development. He shares mixed parental reactions and his own reservations about the school's capitalist model, questioning its suitability for all children.