
The Story
The Story: the flagship podcast from The Times and Sunday Times. One remarkable story, told in depth, each day. Hosts Manveen Rana and Luke Jones take you to the heart of the story you need to know with exclusive reports and investigations. Discover the story behind the story with world-class journalism from The Times and Sunday Times. The Story is available at the start of your day from Monday to Friday, with bonus ‘Inside the Newsroom’ episodes every Saturday for Times subscribers, available by connecting your subscription via Apple Podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Latest episodes

Mar 21, 2025 • 27min
Why the Baltics are preparing for Putin
Oliver Moody, the Berlin Correspondent for The Times and The Sunday Times, dives into the escalating tensions in the Baltic states, particularly Estonia's concerns about Russian aggression. He outlines historical struggles, NATO's military strategies, and potential responses to a Russian invasion. Moody highlights the fears and resilience of the Estonian people while discussing what the West can learn about defense from the region's precarious situation. The conversation also touches on personal security in today's shifting geopolitical landscape, blending serious topics with a dash of humor.

Mar 20, 2025 • 28min
How Britain's benefits system broke
It's predicted that, by the end of this Parliament, four million people in Britain will receive long-term sickness benefits–that’s the equivalent of losing the working-age population of Birmingham from the workforce. Columnist Fraser Nelson thinks it’s the biggest scandal in Britain today. So how did we get here? And can Labour fix it or will they leave already-vulnerable people worse off?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryGuest: The Times & The Sunday Times columnist Fraser NelsonHost: Luke JonesProducer: Emily WebbFurther reading: From welfare to warfare can define Keir StarmerFurther listening: Why are so many Gen Zers not working?Clips: BBC, Channel 4, Roman Styran / YouTube, jascow0 / YouTubePhoto: GettyGet in touch: thestory@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 19, 2025 • 27min
The '51st state' fights back
Donald Trump is coming for Canada. He first raised the prospect of making America's nearest neighbour its 51st state when campaigning for the presidency in 2016. No one was listening. But Canada's new Liberal Prime Minister, Mark Carney, has heard, and he's assembling a coalition of allies to counter the threat. Could this be the beginning of a wider effort to build a Western, anti-Trump, alliance?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryGuest: Josie Ensor US Correspondent, The Times. Host: Luke Jones.Producers: Edith Rousselot and Olivia Case.Further reading: Mark Carney’s in-tray as PM: from tariffs to Canadian sovereigntyClips: CTV News, C-Span, CNN, BBC, ABC News, Guardian News, AP News, CPAC, Global News.Photo: Getty Images. Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 18, 2025 • 28min
The town ripped apart by Mexico’s new Narcos
On the frontline of Mexico’s drug wars, rival cartels are exploiting a decades-old dispute about indigenous land rights and turning local people against each other - with fatal consequences. To appease Trump, the government has downplayed the violence in the south to focus on the US border, but if the cartels continue undeterred, could the US launch a military operation? This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryGuest: Louise Callaghan, US Correspondent, The Sunday Times. Host: Manveen RanaProducer: Sam ChantarasakFurther reading: Watch: inside the town torn apart by Mexico’s cartel violenceFurther listening: At the border crossing where Trump’s migrant ban is working Clips: Al Jazeera, Firstpost, Imagen Noticias. Photo: Natalia Meneses Alís for The Sunday TimesGet in touch: thestory@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 17, 2025 • 34min
Trump and the surprising history of American authoritarians
The word "unprecedented" is often used to describe Donald Trump's presidency. He's broken with convention repeatedly: from announcing tariffs on allies, to the suggestion that he wants to buy Greenland. But are these moves really without precedent? Or do Trump's politics echo that of 19th century US presidents, but with a more alarming twist?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryGuest: Nick BryantHost: Manveen Rana.Producer: Emily Webb.Clips: ABC News, CNBC, Niki Ashton Youtube, CBS News, New York Times, FOX, MSNBC, Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation & Institute, NBC, Washington Post, BBC.Photo: Getty Images. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 16, 2025 • 29min
The Sunday Edition: The gambling addicts hooked on crypto
This episode was originally published last August.The government says it wants to make the UK a global hub for crypto firms. But with the NHS warning it’s being left to ‘pick up the pieces’ as people get addicted to crypto gambling, are Labour’s plans wise? Our reporter visits one of the first clinics in the world, near Edinburgh, that is treating people who have cryptocurrency problems.This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryIf you’ve got any concerns about gambling, you can contact the national problem gambling charity GamCare's helpline on 0808 8020 133 or visit www.gamcare.org.uk for confidential support, advice and free counselling.Guest: Lily Russell-Jones, Senior Money Reporter, The Times and The Sunday Times.Host: Luke Jones.Producer: Olivia Case.Photo: Getty Images.Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 15, 2025 • 47min
The algorithm says we’re soulmates… Now what?
Hinge CEO, Justin McLeod, joins the podcast to discuss how online dating Apps have changed dating (for good or bad) and how AI may change it even more. While Danny argues that being direct might just be better than tech! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 14, 2025 • 43min
Murder In Cairo (Pt 2) - The wilderness of mirrors
In 1977, David Holden, chief correspondent of the Sunday Times, was sent to Cairo to report on crucial peace talks between Egypt and Israel. A day later his body was found with a single gunshot wound in the back. The paper's editor sent a team of reporters to the region to investigate, but who killed Holden and why are questions that were never answered. The mystery remained unsolved for decades. In part 2 a young reporter picks up the trail - can he succeed when all other leads have gone cold?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryGuests:Peter Gillman, former Sunday Times reporter and co-author of Murder in Cairo.Emanuele Midolo, reporter, The Times and Sunday Times and co-author of Murder in Cairo.Host: Manveen Rana.Producer: Edward Drummond.Further reading: The Cold War murder of our star reporter — solved after 48 yearsPhoto: Stanley Devon for Times Newspapers Ltd.Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 13, 2025 • 34min
Murder in Cairo (Pt 1) - The death of our star reporter
In 1977, David Holden, chief correspondent of the Sunday Times, was sent to Cairo to report on crucial peace talks between Egypt and Israel. A day later his body was found with a single gunshot wound in the back. The paper's editor sent a team of reporters to the region to investigate - but who killed Holden and why were questions that were never answered. The mystery remained unsolved for decades - until now.In part 1 Peter Gillman, investigative reporter, describes the search for answers.This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryGuests:Peter Gillman, former Sunday Times reporter and co-author of Murder in CairoEmanuele Midolo, reporter, The Times and Sunday Times and co-author of Murder in CairoHost: Manveen RanaProducer: Edward DrummondFurther reading: The Cold War murder of our star reporter — solved after 48 yearsFurther listening: Murder In Cairo (Pt 2) - The Wilderness Of MirrorsClips: ITN, Getty, Truth Tellers.Photo: Stanley Devon for Times Newspapers Ltd.Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 12, 2025 • 26min
How men's brains change when they become dads
In this engaging discussion, Ben Spencer, Science Editor of The Sunday Times and father of two, highlights how becoming a dad fundamentally alters men's brains, enhancing patience and emotional responses. He shares amusing anecdotes about the chaotic reality of toddler mealtimes, emphasizing the challenges parents face. The conversation also delves into the emotional struggles, like baby blues, that new fathers experience, shedding light on the urgent need for better parental support. Tune in for eye-opening insights into the science of fatherhood!