The Story

Martina Lees, a Senior Property Writer at The Sunday Times, brings her expertise to discuss the catastrophic Grenfell Tower fire. She reflects on the impact of hazardous cladding, revealing systemic safety failures that exacerbated the tragedy. The conversation delves into personal stories from affected families and highlights the lack of accountability among corporations like Kingspan. Additionally, she emphasizes the urgent need for regulatory reform to prevent future tragedies and the ongoing fight for justice by survivors.

In this powerful discussion, Martina Lees, a Senior Property Writer for The Sunday Times, revisits the tragic Grenfell Tower fire of June 14, 2017. She shares heart-wrenching stories from families who lived in the tower. Listeners hear about the emotional aftermath and the ongoing quest for justice. Martina highlights the stunning contrast between the vibrant lives before the fire and the chaos during the tragedy. The narrative focuses on the failures in emergency response, emphasizing the horror and resilience of survivors.

Keiran Southern, West Coast Correspondent for The Times, joins to discuss the tragic death of Matthew Perry, spotlighting the dark realities of addiction in Hollywood. They dive into the grim legal actions against those involved in Perry's overdose, including a personal assistant and the so-called 'Ketamine Queen.' The conversation touches on the broader implications of substance abuse, the failures of the healthcare system, and the pervasive drug culture in the entertainment industry, reflecting on Perry's complicated legacy.

Katie Prescott, Technology Business Editor at The Times, dives into the shocking tragedy surrounding tech mogul Mike Lynch's yacht sinking off Sicily. She recounts the chaotic moments of the storm and the tragic loss of lives, including the impact on Lynch’s personal and professional legacy. Prescott also explores Lynch's dramatic rise and fall in the tech industry, his legal battles, and the emotional ramifications for the community. Their discussion reflects on how tragedy shapes narratives and legacies in the fiercely competitive world of technology.

Dr. Dahlia Scheindlin, a journalist and political analyst known for her work on democracy in Israel, delves into the alarming rise of civil unrest. She discusses the historical roots of Israel's divisions and the current political crisis that’s tearing society apart. With Netanyahu's assertions challenged, fears of civil conflict loom large. Scheindlin also examines the contrasting views within the nation, highlighting the tensions between Jewish and Palestinian citizens and questioning the future of democracy amidst escalating violence.

John Mooney, an investigative reporter for The Sunday Times, delves into the rising far-right movement in Ireland, tracing its roots to American influences and growing discontent over immigration. He discusses the violent protests in Dublin against a refugee facility and the impact of housing shortages on community tensions. Mooney highlights the complex relationship between historical Irish attitudes towards emigration and current far-right sentiments, showcasing how changing demographics are reshaping perceptions of outsiders in Ireland.

Josh Glancy, News Review Editor at The Sunday Times, offers keen insights into the political race as Kamala Harris gains momentum against Donald Trump. They discuss Trump's struggles to counter Harris's narrative and the challenges posed by shifting voter sentiments. The conversation delves into the bizarre tactics of modern campaigning, including outrageous rumors, and highlights key polling shifts that could impact the election. As the Democratic National Convention unfolds, the dynamics of the upcoming debates emerge as critical for both candidates.

In this engaging discussion, Johanna Thomas-Corr, Chief Literary Critic for The Times, and Laura Hackett, Deputy Literary Editor, explore the 50th anniversary of the Sunday Times Best Sellers list. They delve into how this prestigious list reflects Britain's cultural landscape and reading preferences. The guests analyze shifting trends in self-improvement literature, the influence of social media on cooking books, and champion iconic authors like Bill Bryson and Stephen Hawking. Their insights reveal how best-selling titles shape societal interests and cultural contexts.

James Ball, a tech journalist and author, delves into the political evolution of Elon Musk, once a political liberal turned controversial supporter of conservative causes. They discuss Musk's influential role on social media, particularly his $44 billion acquisition of Twitter and the implications for free speech. The conversation also uncovers the paradox of his advocacy versus operational realities on the platform, the onset of paid verification, and the challenges of misinformation. Ball highlights the crucial need for responsible governance in the digital age.

The discussion dives into the pressing issue of crypto addiction, spotlighting personal stories from those struggling with it. Listeners hear about a treatment center in Scotland that addresses this emerging crisis. There's a stark comparison between traditional gambling and the psychological toll of cryptocurrency trading. The challenges of identifying crypto addiction are examined, revealing broader public health implications. Finally, one individual’s emotional journey of recovery underscores hope and the importance of family connection.