The Story

This week delves into Prince Harry's ongoing legal struggles as he prepares for a Court of Appeal hearing over police protection during UK visits. Tensions rise within his charity following allegations of bullying and mismanagement, raising questions about its future. Meanwhile, insights into royal family dynamics reveal Harry's concerns for his children's safety and his fraught relationship with his father. The Queen's advocacy for domestic violence victims also sparks discussion on the need for legislative changes, showcasing a blend of personal and public engagements.

Peter Conradi, Europe Editor of The Sunday Times, dives into the fallout from Marine Le Pen's conviction for embezzling EU funds. He discusses how this legal blow may unexpectedly boost the popularity of far-right parties globally. The conversation highlights Le Pen's claims of judicial bias, the implications for her political future, and the rise of new party leadership amid legal challenges. Conradi also explores international far-right reactions, showcasing a united front against perceived judicial threats to their political aims.

Maxie Allen, a producer at Times Radio, shares his harrowing experience after getting arrested over a dispute with his daughter's school. Fiona Hamilton, Chief Reporter at The Times, provides expert insights into the legal ramifications of the case. They discuss the controversial police response, the emotional fallout from the arrest, and the implications for freedom of expression. The conversation raises critical questions about parental rights, harassment laws, and the growing tensions between authority and private communication.

Dominic O’Connell, a business correspondent for Times Radio and columnist for The Times, dives deep into the impact of Donald Trump's tariffs, aptly dubbed 'Liberation Day.' He analyzes the swirling speculation and uncertainty in global markets, particularly how they could shake up the UK's economy. The conversation touches on the strategic use of tariffs in auto trade negotiations, the ideological aspects of trade wars, and the political challenges facing the UK government as it navigates new economic landscapes. O’Connell's insights illuminate the complexities of modern trade relationships.

Jenny Kleeman, a journalist and author, dives into the fallout of 23andMe's bankruptcy and its implications for the millions who shared their DNA. She explores the chilling risks to genetic data security and whether our identities are truly anonymous anymore. Discussing personal motivations behind DNA testing, she unpacks the ethical dilemmas of data ownership and the emotional burden of unexpected results. The conversation also touches on the uncertain future of genetic data companies and the rising concerns over privacy in a rapidly evolving landscape.

Join Sir Niall Ferguson, a historian and Times columnist known for his free speech advocacy, as he dives into the complex clash between political power and academic freedoms. He explores how Trump's policies have reshaped university funding based on campus protests, particularly around contentious topics like the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Ferguson reflects on his own storied experiences in academia, highlighting the rise of cancel culture and the challenges it poses for free discourse. It's a captivating discussion on the future of speech in our educational institutions.

In this discussion, Josh Glancy, News Review Editor for The Sunday Times and former Washington correspondent, delves into Donald Trump's ambitious foreign policy. Topics include Trump's controversial remarks about Greenland and the Panama Canal, framed as a matter of U.S. national security. Glancy examines the historical context and diplomatic tensions surrounding these territories, as well as the implications for international relations in the face of climate change and geopolitical rivalries with China and Russia.

Chris Etherington, a tax expert from RSM UK, and Tom Selby, a pension specialist from AJ Bell, dive into the implications of Chancellor Rachel Reeves's Spring Statement. They discuss welfare cuts and tax enforcement, and how these changes could affect taxpayers, small businesses, and housing. The duo also highlights the complexities of fiscal drag, the burden on pensioners, and the urgent need for better financial guidance. Amidst all this, they sprinkle in some optimism, encouraging listeners to find joy in their financial journeys.

Matt Alt, a Tokyo-based translator and writer, explores how Japan's 'kidult' culture emerged amid economic turmoil, allowing adults to connect with their childhood interests. He discusses how this trend has shifted perceptions of adulthood in the West, especially for millennials and Gen Z. The conversation highlights the rise of anime and gaming as mainstream escapes and cultural influences on Western society. Alt reflects on how nostalgia for Japanese pop culture offers comfort and identity, showing that the intersection of youthful passions and adulthood is more relevant than ever.

David Charter, Assistant Editor (US) at The Times, shares insights on a serious security breach during the Trump administration involving leaked military discussions. He explores how a senior journalist inadvertently joined a high-level chat group and the implications for national security. The conversation dives into the accountability of officials involved, the risks to American servicemen, and the impact on U.S. relations with allies. They also discuss how these leaks reflect on the administration's approach to military commitments and internal decision-making processes.