The Story

In this insightful discussion, Dr. Linda Yueh, an esteemed economist from Oxford University and London Business School, delves into the escalating trade war between the U.S. and China. She unpacks the historical parallels of tariffs and economic strategies, shedding light on political motivations tied to issues like the opioid crisis. The conversation explores the complexities of global trade, from protectionism's effects to the rivalry's implications on consumers and companies. It’s a deep dive into how power struggles shape the future of international relations.

George Grylls, Defence Correspondent for The Times, dives deep into the controversial Chagos Islands dispute. He explains the UK’s long-held sovereignty and the implications of ceding control to Mauritius. The conversation touches on the historical injustices faced by the Chagossians, as well as the strategic significance of the U.S. military base there. With China's increasing influence, Grylls highlights how these geopolitical tensions could threaten UK-US relations, especially with a potential shift in political leadership.

Explore the chilling tale of Gypsy Rose Blanchard, who was manipulated by her mother, leading to her shocking actions. The podcast dives into the complexities of their abusive relationship, the aftermath of her mother's tragic murder, and Gypsy's tumultuous journey toward autonomy. Media sensationalism surrounding her story is examined, along with the paradox of newfound fame and her quest for forgiveness. It raises poignant questions about empathy, trauma, and the blurred lines between victimhood and villainy.

Patrick Maguire and Gabriel Pogrund, political journalists and co-authors of 'Get In: The Inside Story of Labour Under Keir Starmer,' reveal the complex dynamics within the Labour Party. They discuss how Starmer's leadership style is likened to that of an HR manager, raising questions about who truly rules the party. The duo also highlights the tensions between Starmer and Angela Rayner, the contrasting leadership styles, and the evolving challenges from the Corbyn era to the present. Their insights provide a fascinating look behind the curtain of party politics.

Dominic O’Connell, Business Presenter for Times Radio, dives deep into Thames Water's financial turmoil. He discusses the staggering £16 billion debt and the public frustration over sewage mismanagement. O’Connell highlights the tension between shareholder dividends and environmental responsibilities. The conversation touches on the company's leadership challenges and the implications of potential government intervention. Listeners also hear about the community's growing concerns for water quality and the need for better infrastructure amid ongoing restructuring efforts.

Witnessing history, the King makes a poignant visit to Auschwitz for its 80th anniversary, honoring Holocaust victims in a heartfelt ceremony. The podcast also explores Kate's new role at Tŷ Hafan Children's Hospice, reflecting on her connection to Princess Diana. In joyous news, Princess Beatrice welcomes her second child, marking a new chapter for the royal family. Discussions also touch on the younger royals' emerging roles and their growing public engagements.

Nina Khrushcheva, a Professor of International Affairs and great-granddaughter of Nikita Khrushchev, shares compelling insights on the current geopolitical climate. She argues that the West's reactions to Putin have inadvertently fortified his position in Russia. Khrushcheva reflects on her family's history and challenges the common narratives about Russia and the West, touching on the complexities of identity and nationalism today. Her thoughts on U.S.-Russia relations, the Ukraine conflict, and the potential pitfalls of provoking Putin offer a nuanced understanding of modern diplomacy.

Danny Fortson, the West Coast Correspondent for The Sunday Times, dives into the startling rise of DeepSeek, a Chinese AI that drastically impacted global tech values. He discusses how this development questions Silicon Valley's dominance and has been likened to a 'Sputnik moment' in the tech world. Fortson highlights the geopolitical tensions surrounding AI, including U.S.-China relations and chip wars. The conversation also touches on public concerns about censorship and the evolution of innovation amidst this shifting landscape.

Josie Ensor, a US correspondent for The Times with keen insights on health politics, delves into the fascinating intersection of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s 'Make America Healthy Again' movement and the 'crunchy moms' phenomenon. They discuss the rising influence of momfluencers promoting natural health choices amidst vaccine skepticism. See how personal experiences and misinformation shape parenting decisions in America’s complex health landscape, and explore the political dynamics driving this unexpected alliance.

George Grylls, Defence Correspondent for The Times, provides insights into the underwater conflict with Russian forces. He highlights alarming activities of Russian spy ships lurking near UK waters, raising national security concerns. The discussion covers the vulnerability of critical infrastructure like telecom cables and NATO's strategic responses. Grylls also delves into the covert operations of shadow fleets and oil tankers, emphasizing the rise of geopolitical tensions and the potential for sabotage in this new Cold War era.