

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

Nov 25, 2024 • 28min
Did the Queen hate Boris Johnson?
Tim Shipman, Chief Political Commentator for The Sunday Times and author of 'Out,' delves into the intricate dynamics between Boris Johnson and the Queen, revealing mixed feelings and tensions influenced by events like the prorogation of Parliament. He also reflects on the chaotic political era from 2016 to 2024, discussing Liz Truss's ideological struggles and Rishi Sunak's attempts to stabilize the Conservative Party. Shipman intertwines political insights with personal touches, including his literary aspirations for a political espionage novel.

Nov 24, 2024 • 26min
A Very British Scandal: How Captain Tom's charity got caught up in controversy [REPLAY]
James Beal, Social Affairs Editor at The Times, dives into the intricate scandal surrounding Captain Tom Moore's charity. He discusses the recent report from the Charity Commission, which found serious misconduct by Tom's family members without evidence of a crime. The conversation explores the challenges of managing charitable funds, transparency issues, and the controversies tied to Captain Tom's legacy. Beal also sheds light on the perplexing shift in the charity's focus and the personal funding dilemmas faced by the family.

Nov 23, 2024 • 50min
Planet Hope: Finding Hope for our Planet
Dive into the search for sustainable solutions with explorers and conservationists tackling ocean preservation. Discover innovative approaches like coral gardening and hope spots to combat biodiversity loss. Uncover groundbreaking technology that extracts drinking water from the air, addressing water scarcity and nutrition challenges. Enjoy breathtaking tales from a conservation photographer highlighting our planet's fragility. Learn how sound interactions impact wildlife conservation, especially for whales, emphasizing the need for urgent action to protect our environment.

Nov 22, 2024 • 33min
Putin’s “nuclear blackmail”
Join Edward Lucas, a Times columnist and expert on Russia, and Lt Gen Ben Hodges, former Commander of U.S. Army forces in Europe, as they dissect alarming shifts in nuclear strategy following U.S. military support for Ukraine. The Kremlin's threats heighten fears of potential Cold War-like confrontations. They discuss the implications for NATO, the psychological tactics employed by Russia, and the fragile state of European security. Insights into past military movements and the strategic landscape provide a sobering view of the current geopolitical tensions.

Nov 21, 2024 • 27min
Are food shortages the farmers' secret weapon?
In this engaging discussion, farmer and social media influencer Olly Harrison teams up with Will Humphries, a seasoned agricultural correspondent from The Times. They delve into the recent farmer protests in London against inheritance tax changes, raising questions about the future of family farms. The duo highlights the potential impact on food security if farmers strike and refuse to supply food, discussing the emotional and financial toll on farming families. Their insights reveal the complex relationship between government policies and the very sustenance that fills our fridges.

Nov 20, 2024 • 24min
Why young Brits are turning to Dubai
Will Lloyd, a reporter at The Sunday Times, delves into the rising trend of young Brits relocating to Dubai, attracted by its favorable economy and vibrant lifestyle. He contrasts the glitzy image of Dubai with hidden labor issues and human rights concerns, sparking conversations about the moral dilemmas faced by expatriates. The discussion also touches on the striking differences in justice systems between Dubai and the UK, and how Britain's socio-economic challenges prompt this modern exodus. It's an eye-opening exploration of globalization and lifestyle choices.

Nov 19, 2024 • 26min
Why Tim Spector wants to bring back the nanny state
Tim Spector, a Professor of Epidemiology at King's College London and co-founder of ZOE, argues that the government needs to treat ultra-processed foods like cigarettes. He discusses the potential for higher taxes on these foods to encourage healthier choices. The conversation highlights the failures of past food policies, the 'nanny state' debates, and urgent calls for preventive health measures. Spector advocates for clear labeling and subsidies for whole food producers, emphasizing the link between diet, public health, and climate responsibility.

Nov 18, 2024 • 27min
Korea's 4b 'anti-men' movement comes to America
In this discussion, Chiara Brown, Commissioning Editor at The Times Luxury, and Meera Choi, a sociology academic at Yale, explore the provocative 4B movement from South Korea, advocating for 'No sex, no babies, no marriage, no men.' They delve into its viral spread in America, fueled by reactions to misogyny and political shifts. Key topics include how the movement empowers women, the implications of declining fertility rates, and the necessity for gender collaboration in advancing equality. This dynamic conversation uncovers a shifting narrative in women’s rights.

Nov 17, 2024 • 33min
Undercover: The Times investigation into Turkish plastic surgery clinics [Replay]
Charlotte Wace, Special Projects Correspondent at The Times, dives into the alarming rise of British citizens traveling to Turkey for cosmetic surgery. She unveils the risks of surgical tourism, including tragic personal stories and fatal statistics. The role of social media in promoting these clinics is explored, highlighting influencer endorsements and aggressive marketing tactics. Wace also contrasts the less rigorous practices of Turkish clinics with the thorough assessments typical in the UK, emphasizing the urgent need for caution when considering overseas procedures.

Nov 15, 2024 • 30min
Trump, Putin and an uncertain future for Ukraine
Catherine Philp, World Affairs Editor for The Times and a seasoned journalist covering global conflicts, shares insights on the shifting dynamics in Ukraine following Donald Trump’s election. She discusses the mixed emotions in Kyiv, oscillating between despair and cautious optimism. The conversation dives into the intricate relationship between Trump and Putin, the emotional toll on Ukrainian troops, and the complex implications for U.S. military support. Philp also highlights the predictions for the conflict as winter approaches, emphasizing 2025 as a pivotal year for negotiations.