The Story

Richard Assheton, a freelance foreign correspondent for The Sunday Times, interviews Ali Kony, son of infamous Ugandan warlord Joseph Kony. Ali shares his chilling upbringing in the Lord's Resistance Army and the complexities of life with his father. He reveals his surprising ignorance of the viral Kony 2012 campaign and reflects on his difficult escape in 2021. The podcast explores themes of victimhood and perpetration, the rehabilitation of former child soldiers, and Ali’s conflicting emotions about his father.

James Marriott, a Times columnist and essayist, dives into the troubling decline of reading in our digital age. He discusses how the 18th-century reading revolution once democratized knowledge, contrasting it with today's drop in literacy. Marriott warns that smartphones and addictive app designs are eroding attention spans and complex thought. He links mass literacy to democracy, suggesting that its decline could threaten coherent public discourse. Additionally, he reflects on potential remedies, pondering if society can reverse this trend.

Oz Pearlman, a professional mentalist and former Wall Street analyst, shares his mind-reading escapades that have amazed the likes of Joe Rogan and Barack Obama. He reveals the psychological techniques behind his viral tricks, emphasizing that anyone can learn them. Oz discusses his transition from a teen magician to a $10m performer, detailing the challenges of live shows and his rigorous daily habits. With wit and insight, he debunks myths of supernatural powers while elaborating on his ambitions, including future performances for royalty.

Gabriel Pogrund, Whitehall editor at The Sunday Times and expert in UK politics, dives into the chaos surrounding Jeremy Corbyn's new venture, 'Your Party'. He discusses the conference turmoil and its potential impact on the left vote, especially against Zack Polanski and the Greens. Pogrund reveals the internal power struggles among key figures like Corbyn and Zahra Sultana, while highlighting the escalating controversies over membership and donations that threaten to splinter the party further. It’s a critical analysis of a pivotal moment in British politics.

Aubrey Allegretti, Chief Political Correspondent for The Times, and Rachel Mortimer, Deputy Money Editor at The Times, dive deep into the complexities of the recent budget. They discuss how the lack of surprises might impact Labour's election chances and analyze key tax changes like frozen thresholds and mansion taxes. Rachel highlights which households will feel the heat, focusing on the biggest losers. They also offer practical advice on navigating new financial realities, ensuring listeners are well-informed about what to expect.

Guest Hugo Daniel, an investigative reporter for The Sunday Times, dives deep into the tragic story of Michael Mann, a postmaster affected by the Post Office Horizon scandal. He discusses how faulty software led to wrongful accusations and a devastating impact on Mann’s life. Listeners learn about Michael's background, his harrowing experiences with investigators, and the heartbreaking details of his suicide letter. The episode highlights the family's fight for justice and acknowledgment of Michael's innocence, shedding light on a deeply flawed system.

In an insightful discussion, Mark Galeotti, a leading Russia expert and writer for The Sunday Times, dives into a controversial 28-point peace plan for Ukraine. He unpacks the Miami talks, revealing how business leaders, not diplomats, shaped the negotiation dynamics. Galeotti examines Ukraine's willingness to consider territorial concessions and the potential risks of ceding fortified cities to Russia. As he assesses both sides' manpower strains and Zelensky’s political vulnerabilities, he questions whether this plan could genuinely pave the way for lasting peace.

Helen Puttick, a reporter for The Times, explores alarming trends of strangulation during sex and the role of pornography in normalizing these practices. Samantha Browne, a former adult performer, shares her harrowing experiences with exploitation in the industry, highlighting the alarming impact of aggressive porn on young people's perceptions of sex. Baroness Gabby Bertin discusses her independent review advocating for regulation on violent porn, including the recent ban on depicting strangulation, and emphasizes the importance of protecting young audiences while balancing sexual freedom.

Louise Callaghan, a US correspondent for The Sunday Times, dives into the complexities of the trad wife movement and its link to rising divorce rates in the Deep South. She discusses how traditional gender roles, heavily influenced by church culture, are leading women to question their prescribed destinies. Surprising statistics reveal that divorce rates are increasing despite a push for early marriages. Louise shares personal stories and highlights a generational shift as women strive for independence, challenging entrenched norms in pursuit of happiness.

The rise of Tilly Norwood, the world's first AI actress, has ignited heated debates in Hollywood. Her ability to perform flawlessly and adapt her appearance raises questions about the future of acting. Creator Aline van der Velden shares insights on Tilly's development and the backlash from A-list stars. While some see her as a threat, others view her as a groundbreaking tool for creativity. We explore the implications of AI in film and whether it can coexist with human performers, setting the stage for an entirely new genre.