

The Story
The Times
Drowning in news? Let The Story guide you. Each morning, hosts Manveen Rana and Luke Jones bring you today's most important story, told by the journalists who know what really happened. In depth, honest, and mixed in with exclusive reports and groundbreaking investigations.Discover the story behind the story with the flagship podcast from The Times and The Sunday Times. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 30, 2023 • 25min
Why MI5 is so worried about AI and the next election
The podcast discusses the potential threats of AI deepfakes to democracy, particularly in upcoming US and UK elections. It explores the dangers of deepfake videos, the impact on political elections, and the power of AI in market manipulation. The podcast also delves into the potential risks and worst-case scenarios of AI in the next decade, highlighting concerns such as unemployment crisis and the breakdown of trust in digital media. Overall, it provides insights into the urgent need for shared views and regulations on artificial intelligence.

Oct 28, 2023 • 25min
How Taylor Swift became the voice of a generation
Explore Taylor Swift's journey from country to pop and her political involvement. Discover her ability to influence an entire generation and mobilize fans through social media. Also discussed are her latest achievements, upcoming tour, and the significance of re-recording her album '1989'.

Oct 26, 2023 • 29min
Sextapes, gossip blogs, and Paris Hilton: How the noughties went toxic
Britney Spears talks about the toxic culture in the 2000s and the mistreatment of young famous women. The podcast explores the obsession with celebrity culture, the negative impacts of paparazzi, invasion of privacy, and gossip. It also discusses the rise of toxic celebrity culture, the impact of Paris Hilton's leaked sex tape, and the lasting effects of the Russell Brand allegations.

Oct 25, 2023 • 28min
Does Hamas have a strategy?
The podcast dives into the recent attacks by Hamas and Israel's retaliatory actions, discussing the devastating impact on innocent civilians and the need for a ceasefire. It examines the surprising and effective attacks by Hamas on Israel, questioning Israeli officials' assumptions. It explores the views of Palestinians in Gaza towards Hamas as repressive extremists, and the anger and fear towards Israeli strikes. The podcast also delves into the lack of clarity in the end plans for both parties, highlighting the power dynamics between them and the limited options for Hamas.

Oct 24, 2023 • 25min
Get out of jail free: The new Tory prisons policy
Former barrister Catherine Baksi discusses the overcrowding issues in prisons, the suggestion of delaying sentencing, challenges in imprisoning British nationals, the proposal to prioritize community sentences, prison overcrowding, underfunding, and the new Tory prisons policy focusing on reducing shoplifting and crime.

Oct 23, 2023 • 34min
Exposing a multibillion-pound cover-up at HS2
Investigative team members uncover the true cost of the HS2 rail project, revealing misleading information, whistleblower negligence, and the destruction of documents. The podcast explores the consequences faced by whistleblowers and the calls for a public inquiry into the hidden costs of HS2.

Oct 23, 2023 • 29min
What’s behind Britain’s shoplifting epidemic?
Rising incidents of shoplifting in the UK, including increasing violence. Issue highlighted in Bristol where co-op store experiences frequent incidents involving weapons. Exploration of government solutions, challenges faced by shopkeepers, and citizens' arrests. Shop owner shares personal experience with retail crime. Challenges faced by small retailers and implications for communities discussed.

Oct 19, 2023 • 28min
Israel-Gaza: Two of our Jewish writers reflect on the past two weeks
In this podcast, two Jewish writers reflect on the emotional impact of the Israel-Gaza conflict on British Jews. They discuss the fear and anxiety surrounding the conflict, the spike in anti-Semitism in Britain, and the complexities of the British Jewish relationship with Israel. They also explore the diversity of opinions within the Jewish community and the rise of anti-Semitism. The speakers highlight the importance of having conversations about the ongoing war and upcoming reporting and analysis.

Oct 18, 2023 • 24min
Israel-Gaza: How the conflict could spread
Catherine Philp, World Affairs Editor at The Times, discusses the recent attack on a hospital in Gaza and the fears of a spiraling regional conflict. Topics include conflicting reports on responsibility, global ramifications, Biden's visit to Israel, tension in the Middle East, and uncertainty in Gaza.

Oct 17, 2023 • 23min
The Great Big Bedbug Outbreak: Real or hype?
This podcast explores the recent bed bug outbreak in Paris and its potential spread to London. Experts provide advice on identifying and dealing with bed bugs, while discussing the increase in sightings and insecticide resistance. There is a focus on the mental toll of dealing with infestations and whether the media's coverage is exaggerated.