The Story

Martyn Ziegler, Chief Sports Reporter for The Times, dives into the contentious issue of transgender athletes in the Olympics. He explores the IOC's potential ban on transgender women competing in female events and sheds light on the pressure for action stemming from recent controversies. Ziegler discusses the historical context of the eligibility debate, the nuanced differences between transgender and DSD athletes, and the varied reactions from the sports community. He also examines how political influences, including US leadership, have shaped this ongoing conversation.

Rosamund Urwin, media editor at The Sunday Times, dives deep into the BBC's recent controversies. She unpacks the fallout from a mis-edit on Panorama that led to key resignations, including Tim Davie. The discussion touches on allegations of institutional bias and antisemitism, alongside criticism of the BBC's trans coverage. Urwin also examines the implications for license fee payers and the broadcaster's struggle for credibility amid claims of 'fake news.' Can the BBC weather this storm? Urwin shares insights on its survival prospects.

Katie Prescott, technology business editor at The Times, delves into the tragic saga of Mike Lynch, the tech billionaire whose life ended suddenly during a storm after his acquittal of fraud charges. She explores Lynch's impressive rise with Autonomy, his controversial leadership style, and the aftermath of his $11 billion sale to HP. With ongoing legal battles and a £700 million civil judgment looming over his estate, Prescott discusses Lynch's legacy and the potential implications for his widow and descendants.

Helen Rumbelow, a Times feature writer specializing in culture and television, dives deep into the psychological game of The Traitors. She explores how the show reflects modern politics, revealing our trust issues and the charm-over-logic dilemma. Helen discusses the unpredictability of the game, how alliances dictate success, and the manipulation tactics used by traitors. She draws parallels to real-world politics, highlighting how charisma influences group dynamics, making this show a fascinating study of human behavior.

Steve Boyes, a conservation biologist and National Geographic Explorer, joins to share his remarkable journey of resilience after personal challenges reshaped his outlook. He discusses the vital importance of protecting Africa's great rivers, emphasizing community-driven conservation that includes indigenous voices. Boyes reveals groundbreaking initiatives like the Great Spine of Africa project, highlights the Angolan Highlands' biodiversity, and stresses the urgency of water security for Africa's growing youth population. His vision for future generations is rooted in nature and community.

Constance Kampfner, Northern correspondent for The Times, delves into the tragic Southport attack, which claimed the lives of three young girls. She discusses the ongoing public inquiry and highlights systemic failures by multiple agencies that could have prevented the tragedy. Constance sheds light on troubling signs from the teen attacker, Axel Rudakubana, his history of violence, missed mental health assessments, and the family's desperate attempts to seek help. The episode underscores the complexities of youth radicalization and the challenges of intervention in mental health crises.

Almost 700,000 people are waiting to book their driving test in the UK, a record backlog which is being exploited by scammers. Our reporter Emma Kirwan found victims across the UK have already paid out more than £134,000 this year trying to book slots which don’t exist. So, she tracked down a scammer and got him on the phone.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: Emma Kirwan, reporter, Times Radio. Host: Manveen Rana.Producer: Olivia Case.Clips: Times Radio.Photo: Getty Images.Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.comThis podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rachel Reeves has paved the way for potential tax rises. In a speech three weeks before the budget, the chancellor refused to commit to Labour’s manifesto promise to not raise National Insurance, income tax or VAT. With Nigel Farage also back-pedalling on tax cuts, is it time for the politicians to be more honest about the state of the economy?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: Oliver Wright, policy editor, The TimesHost: Manveen Rana.Producers: Shabnam Grewal, Alula Hart.Read more: Reeves: We must all do our bit to secure Britain’s futureFurther listening: Do bond markets rule the world?Clips: Sky News, The Guardian, Parliament TV, ITV Politics.Photo: Getty Images.Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.comThis podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Izzy Lyons, a reporter for The Sunday Times, shares her gripping first-hand account of the Huntingdon train attack, detailing the chaos as passengers confronted a knife-wielding assailant. Theo Usherwood, a political reporter for Times Radio, discusses the political fallout and implications for government policies on public safety. Together, they explore how timely police responses and the bravery of staff and passengers mitigated the situation. The conversation shifts to potential security measures and the broader debates around crime and safety in society.

Will Pavia, New York correspondent for The Times, dives into the dramatic mayoral race featuring 34-year-old Democratic Socialist Zohran Mamdani. They explore Mamdani's rapid rise as the frontrunner and the challenges of his ambitious plans for New York, including rent freezes and free childcare. Pavia discusses the significance of affordability amidst rising costs and Mamdani's innovative social media strategy that captured public attention. Insights on potential clashes with Trump and how Mamdani’s youth and humor have invigorated voters round out this captivating analysis.