The Story

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  The neuroscientists reconsidering near-death experiences - The Saturday Story 26.09.2026 13min

  For centuries, people who’ve survived near-death experiences have told eerily similar and strange stories. They talk of bright lights, a feeling of euphoria, life flashing before their eyes. For much of that time, such accounts were often relegated to the realm of mysticism. But now, some scientists are beginning to reconsider what happens to you when you’re on the very edge of life and death.This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryRead by: John NaishProducer: Sophie McNultyWe want to hear from you - email: [email protected] more: The neuroscientists who had near-death experiences – and how it changed themPhoto: Getty ImagesThis 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.
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  Bonus: Earl Spencer, King Charles and the battle for Diana's legacy 25.09.2026 27min

  Did King Charles really tell Earl Spencer that Diana would soon be forgotten? In his new memoir, Swan Song, Diana’s brother makes a series of explosive claims about the King’s behaviour following her death — prompting a swift and unusually personal response from Buckingham Palace.Roya Nikkhah and Kate Mansey are joined by Andrew Morton, author of Diana: Her True Story, to examine Spencer’s disputed account and ask whether the Palace scored a “colossal own goal” by responding. He also reveals where Spencer’s version conflicts with Diana's own account, and explains why he believes the memoir is an attempt to take control of her story ahead of the 30th anniversary of her death.They also discuss William’s reported “multigenerational fury”, Harry’s relationship with the Spencer family and whether the book honours Earl Spencer’s pledge to protect Diana’s sons — or risks them reliving their grief.Who should have the final say over Diana’s story? Get in touch: [email protected] us on YouTube.Read more: Hypocrite Spencer is peddling Diana's privacy, say King's alliesFurther listening: Catherine, Meghan, Camilla, Diana — the price of marrying a princeProducer: Robert WallaceVideo Producer: Eve ChadbournExecutive Producer: Priyanka DeladiaImage: GettyThis 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.
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  How anti-immigration activists came face-to-face with migrants in the Channel 25.09.2026 25min

  Britain’s small boats saga has had a dramatic week. Wednesday saw 781 people arrive in Britain, the highest number of the year, while on Monday a dingy carrying 60 migrants was met at sea by the far-right activist ‘Danny Tommo’. Protests have since engulfed parts of the south coast, but why is this all happening now? And what can the government do to get a handle on it?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 Yeomans, news reporter, The Times.Host: Luke Jones.Producers: Jesse Fox, Robyn Simon.We want to hear from you - email: [email protected] more: How Danny Tommo came face to face with migrants in the ChannelFurther listening: Flights, visas, and kidnappers: The new migrant route to BritainClips: Danny Tommo YouTube, Channel 5 News, ITV News, BBC Hampshire & Isle of Wight, Al Jazeera, The Central Club podcast, Dan Wootton (Facebook), BBC Politics.Photo: Getty Images.This 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.
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   Inside the British town contaminated by forever chemicals 24.09.2026 23min

  In an area just north of Blackpool, a chemical factory sits on the River Wyre. In the past few years, journalists have detected large amounts of forever chemicals in land around the plant. And yesterday, some residents discovered they had high levels of these chemicals in their blood. So, what does this mean? And what can those tested do about it?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: George Odling, senior news reporter, The Times.Host: Luke Jones.Producers: Robyn Simon, Jesse Fox.With audio from: Lara Wildenberg.We want to hear from you - email: [email protected] more: Alarm over 'forever chemicals' in blood of Lancashire town residentsClips: CBN News, BBC News, BBC World Service, News4AJAX, ‘Dark Waters’ - Universal Pictures.Photo: James Speakman for The Times.This 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.
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  How Trump and Xi could decide the future of AI 23.09.2026 26min

  The US president will greet his Chinese counterpart at the start of a state visit later today. The two leaders will hold talks in Washington, DC tomorrow during which artificial intelligence is expected to be high on the agenda. Despite weeks of warnings about the devastation AI could cause to humankind, the two countries are locked in a battle for global domination of the technology. Could Donald Trump and Xi Jinping stop the escalation?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: Rana Mitter, professor of US-Asia relations, Harvard Kennedy School.Host: Luke Jones.Producers: Micaela Arneson, Jesse Fox.We want to hear from you - email: [email protected] more: China’s AI is not the best but it can still come firstFurther listening: Will superintelligent AI destroy humanity? Clips: BBC, LiveNOW from FOX, USA Today, CNBC, C-SPAN.Photo: Getty Images.This 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.
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  Can Burnham sweet-talk Trump at their first meeting? 22.09.2026 23min

  Andy Burnham will meet Donald Trump in person for the first time today at the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Top of the agenda are the conflicts in Iran and Ukraine, North Sea drilling, trade deals and AI. So who wants what? Will there be any curveballs? And can the PM charm his opposite number in this first face-to-face?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: Ben Clatworthy, Whitehall editor, The Times.Host: Luke Jones. Producers: Olivia Case, Robyn Simon. We want to hear from you - email: [email protected] more: Andy Burnham is set to meet Trump: here are the potential flashpointsFurther listening: Has space become the final frontier for war?Clips: Sky, BBC, Channel 4, The Guardian, GB News, AP, Parliament.live, United Nations / YouTube. NBC, France24. Photo: Getty Images and Wikimedia Commons.This 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.
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  How history is straining Poland’s ties with Ukraine 21.09.2026 29min

  Anti-Ukrainian sentiment is on the rise in Poland.The rift stems, in part, from a historical dispute over a wartime massacre of Poles 83 years ago, which has bubbled to the surface in recent months. So, how did relations sour so quickly? And what does this mean for Polish support in the war against Russia?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: Anthony Loyd, special correspondent, The TimesHost: Manveen RanaProducer: Sophie McNultyWe want to hear from you - email: [email protected] more: Poland and Ukraine reopen old wounds that lay buried for 80 yearsFurther listening: The Ukrainian plot to sink the Russian economyClips: BBC, Good Morning Britain, Gazeta Wrocławska, Grzegorz Braun - Facebook, Kancelaria Prezydenta RP - Facebook, RMF24.Photo: Jack Hill/The Times. This 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.
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  Why is Ironman so popular? - The Sunday Story 20.09.2026 14min

  Ironman ultra-triathlons demand competitors swim 2.4 miles, cycle 112 miles, and then run a full marathon, paying upwards of $1000 for the pleasure. It’s not everyone’s idea of a perfect Sunday, but for its growing base of devotees, it has become almost like a religion. So how did the sport grow from its low-key Hawaiian roots to a money-making global phenomenon? And what drives people to push their bodies to the limit?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryRead by: Rick Broadbent, sports writer, The Times.Producers: Harry Stott.We want to hear from you - email: [email protected] more: $1,000 for 140 miles of suffering (in the rain) — why is Ironman so popular?Photo: Getty Images.This 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.
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  Inside the Macklemore - Ed Sheeran tour fallout - The Saturday Story 19.09.2026 31min

  All of Ed Sheeran’s support acts have pulled out of his tour after his opening act Macklemore was dropped for making pro-Palestinian remarks on stage. So why has this become such a cause célèbre? What does it mean for Ed Sheeran? And what has happened through history when music and politics meet? 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: Jonathan Dean, executive editor of interviews for Culture and Books, The Times.Host: Manveen Rana. Producer: Olivia Case.We want to hear from you - email: [email protected] more: Ed Sheeran is in a £100m mess of his own makingFurther listening: My life with Freddie MercuryClips: teddysphoto / Instagram, BBC, NewsNation, Virgin Media One, Sky, Boston 25 News, ConcertChickCT / YouTube, Macklemore / Instagram, Nikki/YouTube, BV Concerts / YouTube, CNN.Music: Macklemore / Hind’s Hall / Bendo; Macklemore and Ryan Lewis / Thrift Shop / Macklemore LLC; Macklemore Ryan Lewis feat. Mary Lambert / Same Love / Macklemore LLC; G-Eazy & Macklemore / FDT (Pt. 2) / Def Jam; Greenday / American idiot / Reprise Records; Billie Holiday / Strange Fruit / Commodore; Kendrick Lamar / Alright / Top Dawg / Aftermath / Interscope;Ed Sheeran / Shape of You / Asylum / Atlantic; Ed Sheeran / What do I know / Asylum / Atlantic; Nina Simone / Mississippi Goddam / Philips Records. Photo: Getty Images.This 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.
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  Has space become the final frontier for war? 18.09.2026 23min

  The space race is on, but not as we’ve known it. Instead of a man on the moon, nations are jostling for who can plant weapons on the moon. In a major development this week, the US has announced that it has deployed a weapon to outer space – the first country to do so. But are other nations, like China and Russia, far behind?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: Larisa Brown, defence editor, The Times.Host: Rosie Wright.Producers: Eleanor Harrison-Dengate, Robyn Simon, Micaela Arneson.We want to hear from you - email: [email protected] more: US confirms weapons in space, prompting warning from China Clips: Air and Space Forces AssociationPhoto: Getty Images.This 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.
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   Has Trump paved the way to a united Ireland? 17.09.2026 28min

  President Trump sparked controversy during his recent trip to Ireland when he said a unified Ireland would be “a fantastic thing.” That was followed on Monday by Scottish, Northern Irish and Welsh leaders signing a pact pledging to break up the UK. With Prime Minister Andy Burnham set to meet with the Taoiseach Micheál Martin tomorrow, is a united Ireland now more likely?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: Jennifer Bray, political editor, The Sunday Times Ireland.Host: Manveen Rana.Producers: Robyn Simon. We want to hear from you - email: [email protected] more: Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish leaders sign ‘historic’ independence pactClips: The Times, The Sunday Times, and RTE NewsPhoto: Getty Images.This 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.
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  Bonus: Bill Gates on AI risk, regulation and the "vacuum of US leadership" 16.09.2026 28min

  The Microsoft co-founder tells Danny and Katie why AI is "ultra-different" from any previous technology - and why tech companies shouldn’t be responsible for controlling it. Speaking about a new report on AI and equity published by The Gates Foundation he also explores the “vacuum of US leadership” in AI regulation.The Interview is Times Tech's weekly conversation with the people shaping the future of technology.Watch on YouTube Read more: Bill Gates: My plan to keep the world safe in the age of AIGet in touch: [email protected] Presenters:Katie Prescott, Technology Business Editor, The Times.Danny Fortson, US West Coast Correspondent, The Sunday Times.Producer: Marnie Duke.Executive Producer: Priyanka Deladia.Video Producer: Bronwen Latham.Image: GettyThis 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.
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  How Lucy Letby’s hospital failed her victims 16.09.2026 23min

  The Thirlwall Inquiry into how Lucy Letby was able to murder babies at the Countess of Chester hospital has released a damning report. It found the hospital could have prevented at least three of the murders, if not for evidence of a pernicious “them and us” culture and a lack of safeguards. But what does this report mean for the hospital authorities? And will it have any bearing on Letby's attempts at an appeal?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: Sian Bradley, Northern correspondent, The Times.Host: Manveen Rana.Producers: Micaela Arneson, Eleanor Harrison-Dengate.We want to hear from you - email: [email protected] more: Lucy Letby inquiry: staff could have stopped three murders Further listening: Is there ‘new evidence’ in the Lucy Letby case?Clips: BBC, The Telegraph, The Mirror, True Criminals podcast, The Guardian, The Thirlwall Inquiry. Photo: Getty Images.This 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.
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  What the lightning Houthi advance means for the world 15.09.2026 28min

  The Iranian-backed Houthis have seized large swathes of territory in Yemen and taken control of the Bab al-Mandeb strait, a key shipping corridor between Asia and Europe. About 12 percent of global trade passes through the strait, including huge amounts of oil, so the move has sent energy prices skyrocketing. But, who are the Houthis? What’s their aim? And with regional powers wary of getting dragged into yet another war, who can stop them?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: Dr. Elisabeth Kendall, president of Girton College, Cambridge, specialising in Arabic and Islamic studies.Host: Manveen Rana.Producers: Olivia Case, Robyn Simon.We want to hear from you - email: [email protected] more: Houthis seized strait ‘without a fight’. Now they’re bracing for oneFurther listening: Inside the West Bank crisis driving Britain to actClips: PBS, CBS, BBC, France 24, Fox News, ABC, CNN.Photo: Mohammed Huwais for Getty Images.This 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.
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  Will superintelligent AI destroy humanity?  14.09.2026 29min

  Warnings about the dangers of AI are reaching fever pitch, with cases of AI agents going rogue and attempts by malicious actors to use the technology to create biological weapons. Industry whistleblowers are sounding the alarm about a technology they claim could destroy humanity, while AI CEOs are themselves making proposals for a slow down. So how do they plan to stop this march towards oblivion? And how scared should we all be?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: Chris Dorrell, technology correspondent, The Times.Host: Manveen Rana.Producers: Harry Stott, Leo Danczak.We want to hear from you - email: [email protected] more: Anthropic blocks ‘malicious’ AI use over biological weapons fearFurther listening: 'We don't understand the consequences' - Why I quit OpenAI - The Sunday StoryClips: CBS, BBC, CNN, Bloomberg, NBC, Sky.Photo: Tony Bell, Times illustration.This 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.
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  Cover-ups, incompetence, and ‘a litany of failures’ exposed at the Nottingham inquiry - The Sunday Story 13.09.2026 35min

  In June 2023, Grace O’Malley-Kumar, Barnaby Webber and Ian Coates were stabbed to death by Valdo Calocane, a paranoid schizophrenic who is currently serving an indefinite hospital order. The months-long public inquiry into their deaths has revealed a staggering number of failures by the authorities, and a widespread culture of denial and unaccountability. So what went wrong? And what lessons can be learned? 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: Fiona Hamilton, chief reporter, The Times. Host: Manveen Rana. Producers: Micaela Arneson, Jesse Fox.We want to hear from you - email: [email protected] more: Nottingham attacks: ‘We have no faith in the police. We want justice’ Clips: BBC, Sky News, The Nottingham Inquiry. Photo: Richard Pohle, The Times. This 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.
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  My life with Freddie Mercury - The Saturday Story 12.09.2026 25min

  When Freddie Mercury, lead vocalist of Queen and one of the all-time greats of rock music, died from Aids in 1991, he left his beloved Kensington house to his lifelong companion Mary Austin. Once engaged to the superstar – before they both realised he preferred men – Austin was by his side from unglamorous beginnings to global stardom. She exclusively reads the story of their extraordinary relationship for the Story.This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryRead by: Mary AustinProducers: Sophie McNulty and Taryn Siegel.Read More: My life with Freddie Mercury — by the best friend he nearly married We want to hear from you - email: [email protected]: Live Aid, Queen Youtube. Music Excerpt: Queen - Lily of the Valley (Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC)Photo: Getty Images.This 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.
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  He went to jail for exposing America’s darkest 9/11 secret. Should Trump pardon him? 11.09.2026 37min

  It’s 25 years since the 9/11 attacks; in the aftermath, the CIA hunted down those responsible – detaining suspects and subjecting them to ‘enhanced interrogation.’ One of the prisoners who was subjected to these tactics was Abu Zubaydah, who, at the time, was thought to be a top member of al-Qaeda. John Kiriakou, a former CIA operative who led the operation to capture Zubaydah, blew the whistle on the torture that prisoners like him experienced. As a result, Kiriakou went to prison, as well. Now, he’s asking President Trump for clemency. This episode contains descriptions of violence and torture. 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: Josie Ensor, chief US reporter, The TimesHost: Manveen RanaProducer: Sophie McNultyWe want to hear from you - email: [email protected] more: I went to jail for exposing America’s darkest 9/11 secret. Trump should pardon meFurther listening: The 9/11 suspect - part 1Clips: ABC News, C-SPAN, Cleared Hot Podcast.Photo: Michael McCoy for The Times.This 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.
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  How the AfD became a nightmare for Friedrich Merz 10.09.2026 31min

  The AfD’s thumping victory in the Saxony-Anhalt regional election has sent shockwaves across the German political landscape and left chancellor Friedrich Merz in a state of shock. With his popularity plummeting and further regional elections on the horizon, is Merz’s time almost up? And what does all of this tell us about the current state of German democracy? 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 Moody, Berlin correspondent, The Times. Host: Manveen Rana.Producers: Jesse Fox, Leo Danczak. We want to hear from you - email: [email protected] more: Firewall to keep AfD out is crumbling — how will Friedrich Merz react?Further listening: Germany’s radical right is surging. Can they be stopped? Clips: BBC, CNN, Channel 4 News, T Online, CBC News, Phoenix, APT.Photo: Getty Images.This 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.
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  Inside the West Bank crisis driving Britain to act 09.09.2026 31min

  Yesterday, foreign secretary Ed Miliband announced new sanctions on Israeli settlements in the West Bank in response to an increase in settler expansion and violence there. So what is really happening on the ground? Can UK sanctions prevent settlement expansion? And what does this mean for Britain’s relationship with Israel and the US?This podcast contains scenes some listeners may find upsetting. This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryGuests:Christina Lamb, chief foreign correspondent, The Times.Gabrielle Weiniger, Israel correspondent, The Times.Host: Manveen Rana.Producers: Olivia Case, Jesse Fox.We want to hear from you - email: [email protected] more: ‘My son was on my wife’s lap when the IDF shot him dead’Further listening:  The ticking time bomb Netanyahu faces at homeClips:  Parliamentlive.tv, BBC, UK Government / facebook, CNN, PBS, Channel 4, Al Jazeera.Photo: Kobi Wolf for The Sunday Times.This 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.