The Real Story

Does America have a problem with the gerontocracy not making way for new blood? The podcast discusses concerns about Joe Biden's age and health, compares him to other world leaders, explores the concept of 'super-agers,' and addresses the need for generational change in leadership. It also explores the political implications of senators' decisions to stay in office, the influence of money in politics, and the debate over age and health in political candidates.

Ukraine's counter-offensive is running out of time, raising questions about NATO's commitment. Western support for Ukraine's conflict against Russia is crucial. Engaging in negotiations with Russia carries risks. Anxiety in European capitals over potential changes in the White House. The potential impact of a second Trump presidency on NATO. Continuous communication needed to maintain consensus on Ukraine's offensive.

A year after the death of Mahsa Amini, protests continue in Iran, highlighting the complexity of Iranian society, the importance of religion, and the fight for women's freedom. The podcast explores the tragic events leading up to Mahsa's death, the challenges faced by journalists in reporting freely, and the ongoing governance and social repression in Iran. It also discusses the factors contributing to the challenges faced by ordinary Iranians, including mismanagement, corruption, and the deteriorating economy.

Lucy Letby, a former neonatal nurse in England, discusses the difficulties whistleblowers face. The podcast explores the resistance organizations have towards whistleblowers, the consequences whistleblowers experience, and the need for greater protection and support. It delves into high-profile scandals in the healthcare industry, emphasizing accountability mechanisms. The chapter explores challenges faced by whistleblowers in various sectors and highlights the role of journalism. It also discusses the measures taken in the US to encourage whistleblowers and explores the expectations and hopes of whistleblowers for accountability and culture change.

Ecuador's drug violence and its impact on the recent presidential election are discussed, highlighting the link between government officials and organized crime. The escalating drug violence, the role of violence in politics, and the unexpected results of the election are explored. The fluidity of South American politics, Ecuador's detachment from the drug crisis, and the urgent need to address the country's decline into lawlessness are also discussed.

The podcast discusses engaging with the Taliban while keeping up pressure to reverse their treatment of women, exploring the perspectives of Afghan women, the history of negotiations, and the income sources of the Taliban. It also delves into the beliefs of the Taliban leader, tribal dynamics within the group, and the diverse perceptions of the Taliban in Afghanistan. The dilemma of providing humanitarian aid is examined, along with challenges and hopes for education and women's empowerment.

China has released a new documentary about its army’s preparations to attack Taiwan - the film includes interviews with Chinese soldiers who swear they'll give up their lives if needed in a potential invasion of the island.Tensions have been building for some time: Recently Taiwan’s ruling administration, led by the Democratic Progressive Party, has increased its weapons purchases from the US, while China has increased air and naval encroachments on the island. This week on the Real Story, we explore how real the risk of conflict is, why Taiwan is so important to China and the US, what Taiwan's strategy is and what an invasion might look like.(Photo: Tourists look on as a Chinese military helicopter flies past Pingtan island, one of mainland China's closest points from Taiwan, on August 4, 2022, ahead of massive military drills off Taiwan following US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to the self-ruled island. Credit Hector RETAMAL / AFP via Getty Images)Shaun Ley is joined by:Amanda Hsiao, Senior Analyst for China with the International Crisis Group's office in TaipeiDavid Sacks, fellow for Asia studies at the Council on Foreign Relations in Washington DCRick Waters, formerly the US State Department's top policy official on China, managing director on China for Eurasia Group in Washington DCAlso featuring:Mark Ho, a member of Taiwan's parliament for the Democratic Progressive PartyHenry Wang from the Centre for China and Globalisation in Beijing, which has links to the Chinese Communist Party.Produced by Ellen Otzen and Usman Azad.

Soldiers in the West African country of Niger announced a coup on national TV last week, saying they had dissolved the constitution, suspended all institutions and closed all borders. The coup was widely condemned, including by France, the UN and West African regional body ECOWAS. Niger was seen as the last solid ally of the West in the Sahel region. It’s also a country seen as vital to U.S. counter-terrorism efforts in Africa. There are concerns that the security situation in Niger and across the Sahel could deteriorate further. President Bazoum's government has been a partner to European countries trying to stop the flow of migrants across the Mediterranean Sea, agreeing to take back hundreds of migrants from detention centres in Libya. He has also cracked down on human traffickers in what had been a key transit point between other countries in West Africa and those further north.On the programme this week, we look at why Niger matters and how the coup could be making a troubled region even more fragile. Why did the presidential guards turn on the man they were hired to protect? How did France squander its historic advantage in a Francophone country? Will this coup make the citizens of Niger safer — or are the only winners the armed groups who roam the Sahel? Could the crisis in Niger spread into a wider regional conflict?Shaun Ley is joined by:Paul Melly, consulting fellow at the Africa programme at Chatham house Idayat Hassan, senior associate for the Africa program of the Centre for Strategic and International Studies and director of the Centre for Democracy and DevelopmentEbenezer Obadare, senior fellow of African studies at the Council on Foreign RelationsAlso featuring: Rama Yade, director of the Africa Centre at the Atlantic CouncilChris Ogunmodede, editor of the pan-African international affairs publication The RepublicPhoto: Supporters of General Abdourahamane Tchiani rally in Niamey, Niger - 30 Jul 2023. Credit: ISSIFOU DJIBO/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock Produced by Max Horberry and Ellen Otzen

A new drug, Donanemab, has been hailed as a turning point in the fight against Alzheimer's after a global trial confirms it slows cognitive decline.One trial was shown to have “significantly slowed” the progression of the disease—by 35%.Earlier this year, Lecanemab, the first drug to slow the destruction of the brain in Alzheimer's, received regulatory approval in America. Lecanemab was shown to slow the rate of cognitive decline by 27% in an 18 month study involving participants in the early stages of Alzheimer’s.Although not a cure, charities say the results in the journal JAMA mark a new era where Alzheimer's can be treated. The drug works in Alzheimer's disease, not in other types of dementia, such as vascular dementia. But the new drugs are not risk-free treatments. Brain swelling was a common side-effect in up to a third of patients in the Donanemab trial.The World Health Organisation forecasts more than 150m people around the world will be living with dementia by 2050. Until recently, we’ve been told that there are currently no approaches that have been proven to prevent Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.But are we beginning to see a future where we can make dementia a chronic condition, one you live with and die with but don’t die from? Are we inching closer towards a treatment for dementia? Can we ultimately prevent or cure the disease? In the battle against dementia, is the end in sight?Shaun Ley is joined by:Reisa Sperling - Professor of Neurology at Harvard Medical School and Director of the Center for Alzheimer's Research and Treatment at Brigham and Women’s Hospital.Dr Sandeep Jauhar - cardiologist and the author of "My Father's Brain", a memoir of his relationship with his father as he succumbed to dementia.Sir John Hardy - Professor of Neurodegenerative Disease at University College London.Also featuring:Paola Barbarino - chief executive of Alzheimer's Disease International.(Photo: Caregiver Nadia Chebil (L) helps Alzheimer's patient Jean-Marie (R) at "Les Papillons de Marcelle" house, in Arles, southeastern France, on May 9, 2023. Credit: Clement Mahoudeau/AFP via Getty Images)

Heatwaves are growing in frequency and intensity around the world due to climate change. Extreme heat is now gripping three continents - Europe, the US and Asia - and there is more to come. Temperatures are breaking records, driving wildfires and prompting serious health warnings and evacuations.Europe may see its hottest week ever. Islands off the South of Italy - Sicily and Sardinia - recorded temperatures of 48 degrees Celsius according to the European Space Agency and at least 2,000 people have been evacuated due to wildfires on the Spanish island of La Palma.In the US, a third of Americans are under extreme heat advisories.Japan has issued heatstroke warnings for millions. Meanwhile South Korea’s president has vowed to “completely overhaul” the country’s approach to extreme weather from climate change as at least 40 people die from flooding and landslides.So, what does extreme heat do to our bodies? How can countries and people adapt now - and in the future - to better deal with a hotter world? And are governments doing enough to deal with the effects of global warming and, if not, what more needs to be done?Shaun Ley is joined by:Dr Chandni Singh, senior researcher at the Indian Institute for Human Settlements and the lead author for Asia in the latest UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change reportJeff Goodell, journalist and author of 'The Heat Will Kill You First'Dr Eleni Myrivili, Global Chief Heat Officer to UN Habitat and senior advisor for resilience and sustainability to the city authorities in Athens, the capital of GreeceAlso featuring:Dr Sharmistha Sarangi, an Internal Medicine Specialist in IndiaPhoto: A child uses a fan as she and her mother wait at the entrance to the Sagrada Familia basilica in Barcelona, Spain, July 18, 2023 Credit: REUTERS/Nacho DoceProduced by Pandita Lorenz and Rumella Desgupta