The Story
The Times
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jan 12, 2025 • 38min
The Sunday Edition: The SAS murders and the conspiracy to cover them up - Part 2
In this gripping discussion, Jonathan Calvert and George Arbuthnott from The Sunday Times delve into the dark world of SAS misconduct in Afghanistan. They reveal shocking insights from over 6,000 secret documents, highlighting the chilling actions of a rogue SAS unit involved in civilian murders. The investigation faced relentless obstruction, with vital evidence disappearing and whistleblowers stymied. The guests emphasize the urgent need for military accountability and the frustrating quest for justice by victims' families amid a culture of cover-ups.
Jan 11, 2025 • 31min
The Saturday Edition: The SAS murders and the conspiracy to cover them up - Part 1
Join Jonathan Calvert and George Arbuthnott, investigative editors at The Sunday Times, as they unravel a chilling saga of alleged war crimes by the SAS in Afghanistan. They delve into the haunting revelations from a whistleblower who risked everything to expose the truth. The conversation covers the troubling night raids that led to civilian casualties and explores the internal conflicts and ethical dilemmas within military leadership. With a focus on accountability, this thought-provoking discussion unveils a web of potential cover-ups and urgent calls for inquiry.
Jan 10, 2025 • 28min
Donald Trump’s imperial ambitions
Josh Glancy, News Review Editor for The Sunday Times and former Washington correspondent, dives into Donald Trump's controversial ambitions of acquiring Greenland, the Panama Canal, and Canada. They discuss the geopolitical significance of Greenland amid rising tensions and local reactions to American interests. The conversation also touches on humorous notions like Canada potentially becoming the 51st state, while examining the implications of the so-called 'Donro Doctrine' and its resonance with U.S. dominance in foreign policy.
Jan 9, 2025 • 38min
The journalist who exposed Britain’s grooming gangs
Andrew Norfolk, the former Chief Investigations Reporter at The Times, dives deep into his groundbreaking work exposing Britain's grooming gangs. He shares the emotional turmoil and systemic failures he encountered while uncovering this shocking scandal. Norfolk discusses the impact of a major inquiry report, the complex cultural issues surrounding these abuses, and the backlash faced by those who speak out. His reflections on the repercussions of his reporting reveal both pride in raising awareness and frustration with ongoing misconceptions.
8 snips
Jan 8, 2025 • 32min
Is Elon Musk dictating the British political agenda?
Aubrey Allegretti, Chief Political Correspondent for The Times, shares insights into Elon Musk's surprising sway over UK politics. He discusses Musk's pointed critiques of figures like Keir Starmer and Jess Phillips, particularly amid the grooming scandal. The conversation uncovers how Musk’s tweets ignite debates on serious social issues, shifting focus from essential domestic matters. Allegretti also analyzes the backlash Musk faces in Europe, highlighting the complexities of modern political discourse shaped by social media.
Jan 7, 2025 • 31min
The decline of dating apps, and what could replace them
Hannah Skelly, a fashion writer at The Times, shares her humorous yet disheartening tales from dating apps, while Dr. Liesel Sharabi, an expert in communication technologies, dives into the shifting landscape of modern romance. They discuss the alarming decline of dating apps as users express frustration and burnout. The conversation includes thoughts on what might replace these platforms, like AI and augmented reality innovations, and emphasizes the significance of genuine, in-person connections over algorithm-driven matches.
Jan 6, 2025 • 28min
Why Donald Trump courted the wrestling world
In this engaging discussion, Josh Glancy, the News Review Editor for The Sunday Times, examines Donald Trump's intriguing ties to the wrestling world. He explores how Trump's theatrical persona leveraged wrestling's entertainment value to shape his political brand. The conversation also touches on Vince McMahon's crucial role in modern wrestling and how it resonates with American cultural dynamics. From nostalgic family bonding to the blending of sports and politics, this dialogue reveals the fascinating intersection that influences today's political landscape.
Jan 5, 2025 • 32min
Cocaine Inc. (Bonus) - Colombia: Seized and stolen again
Delving into the heart of the global cocaine trade, this discussion reveals Colombia's complex relationship with narco-trafficking and its historical context. The rise of guerrilla movements amid socio-economic disparities is explored, shedding light on their link to ongoing conflict. The intricacies of cocaine supply chains, particularly across the Colombia-Venezuela border, highlight corruption challenges. The narrative also touches on Ecuador's escalating violence and the innovative smuggling methods employed, while considering sustainable farming initiatives tied to the cocaine industry's impact.
Jan 4, 2025 • 42min
Cocaine Inc. (Bonus) - Question Time
Curious about drug trade and its implications? This discussion dives into the complexities of drug confiscation, from risky armed encounters to the challenges of incinerating seized substances. Ethical dilemmas in crime podcasting are explored, advocating for victim-centered narratives over criminal glamorization. The conversation also highlights Australia’s drug legalization experiments and how better public transport can diminish gang violence. Additionally, the interplay between cryptocurrencies and crime sheds light on modern money laundering techniques.
Jan 3, 2025 • 38min
Cocaine Inc. (Bonus) - The Artist
In this captivating conversation, Stephen Mee, a former cocaine trafficker turned artist, shares his incredible journey from the gritty world of the Cali Cartel to creating vibrant, surreal artwork. He reflects on his tumultuous past, including prison experiences and encounters with notorious criminals. Stephen sheds light on the dark opulence of cartel life, revealing the harsh realities and moral conflicts he faced. This transformation showcases the complexities of redemption and the lasting impacts of the cocaine trade on his life and society.
