The Story

The Mandelson files released 02.06.2026 25min

On Monday, the government released more than a thousand documents related to Peter Mandelson’s controversial appointment as ambassador to the US. It’s one of the largest publications of secret documents to parliament in UK history. The files contain insights into how Mandelson operated and what he, and ministers, really thought of the prime minister. So what does all this mean for the embattled Keir Starmer? 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: Steven Swinford, political editor, The Times. Host: Manveen Rana. Producers: Micaela Arneson, Sophie McNulty. We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: Mandelson files release: ministers prepare for day of humiliation Further listening: When Andrew met MandelsonClips: Parliament.tv.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.

How to prepare for the AI job apocalypse 01.06.2026 26min

As AI continues to grow, its innovators have warned of its potential impact on jobs. Meanwhile, young people in the UK are facing record levels of unemployment. Fearing for his own teenage daughter’s future, one Microsoft veteran has taken matters into his own hands and used data to identify the most AI-proof jobs.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: Babith Bhoopalan, creator, AI Career Playbook.Thea Babith.Host: Luke Jones.Producers: Colette Fountain.We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more:My daughter wants a career that survives AI — so I ranked them Answered by an expert, the AI career questions every parent asksPhoto: Chona Kasinger 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.

Gisele Pelicot: "I don’t want to be a victim anymore" - The Sunday Story 31.05.2026 19min

Gisèle Pelicot has become a symbol of dignity, courage and defiance after waiving her anonymity and insisting her trial — in which dozens of men were accused of raping her while she was drugged unconscious by her husband — be held in public. In a rare interview, she speaks to Jane Garvey about why she no longer wants to be defined as a victim.This episode originally aired on Off Air with Jane an Fi on 26th May 2026. This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryHost: Jane GarveyProducers: Dave Creasey, Eve Salusbury and Rosie Cutler.Further reading: Gisèle Pelicot: Pornography is a scourge on childhoodWe want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comPhoto: 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.

How George Michael changed my life - The Saturday Story 30.05.2026 23min

Pressures of migrant parents, the shackles of family expectation, and the urge to reinvent yourself in 90s Britain - all themes that connect writer Sathnam Sanghera with George Michael. Growing up in Wolverhampton as the son of Sikh immigrants, Sanghera was a teenage Wham obsessive, later finding unexpected parallels with the pop star’s life, and his own.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: Sathnam Sanghera, contributor, The Times.Producer: Dave Creasey.Further reading: Sathnam Sanghera: how George Michael changed my lifeWe want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comClips: BBC, CNN, ITV. Faith - George Michael.Photo: Robert Wilson for the Times magazine.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.

Q&A: Iran latest and the Makerfield by-election 29.05.2026 28min

As discussions - and tensions - rumble on in the Middle East, what are the stumbling blocks that have prevented a peace deal so far? And the Makerfield by-election which could help decide our next prime minister is fast approaching; we’ve got all you need to know on both topics, in our monthly Q&A.This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryHosts: Manveen Rana and Luke Jones. Producer: Olivia Case.We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: Israel bombs ancient sites as it pushes deeper into southern LebanonFurther listening: Is Trump being out-negotiated over Iran?Clip: BBC.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.

Fordingbridge rape victim: “I’m the one being punished” 28.05.2026 27min

In January last year, a 14 year old girl we’re calling Olivia, was attacked by three boys in Fordingbridge in Hampshire. Two were aged 14 and one just 13 years old. One of the boys raped her while the other two filmed the attack. Just two months earlier, the older boys had attacked another girl in an underpass in the same town. The three boys were convicted of ten rape charges related to the two attacks. But they were given rehabilitation orders rather than jail time. It’s a decision which has sparked outrage. On Tuesday, the Prime Minister announced their sentence will now be reviewed. Now, Olivia and her family have spoken to The Times about the trauma they've experienced and what they hope will happen next. 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: Jessica Sharkey, crime correspondent, The Times.Host: Manveen Rana.Producers: Sophie McNulty, Harry Stott, Micaela Arneson.We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: Fordingbridge rape victim: I feel like I’m the one being punishedFurther listening: She convicted her rapist years after her deathClips: Channel 5 News, ITN, BBC, The Times. 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.

Is Trump being out-negotiated over Iran? 27.05.2026 34min

Iranian officials remain in Qatar, negotiating the details of a possible peace plan for the region. Discussions continue even after American strikes hit targets in southern Iran late on Monday. So, is peace actually within reach? What’s really on the table? And after months of escalation and bluster, could President Trump end up the biggest loser in all of this?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: Michael Stephens, senior associate fellow, RAND Europe and RUSI. Host: Manveen Rana. Producers: Sophie McNulty, Micaela Arneson. We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: Trump’s Iran peace deal will come with strings attachedFurther listening: How did Pakistan become the peacemakers?Clips: The White House, CNN, Channel 4 News, NBC News, Fox News. 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.

Unrest in the Falklands 26.05.2026 29min

A leaked Pentagon memo suggesting the US could withdraw support for British sovereignty over the Falkland Islands has thrust the remote territory back into the global spotlight. The controversy revived memories of war in 1982, when the Argentinian junta attempted to assert their own claim to the islands. The scars of that conflict are still deeply felt – so could US statements renew fears of invasion? And what is life like for islanders today?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: Matthew Campbell, foreign features editor, The Times and Sunday Times.Host: Luke Jones.Producers: Julia Webster and Sophie McNulty.We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: The Falkland Islands are richer than Britain, but anxiety’s in the airFurther listening: Why Svalbard could be in Putin’s sightsClips: Sky News, C5N, BBC.Photo: Sunday Times photographer Jack Hill.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.

Inside the Femosphere: No hook-ups and men must pay 25.05.2026 32min

With the manosphere in mainstream, make way for the "femosphere". A movement urging women to rethink love entirely. Less romance and more strategy, no splitting the bill and no over-investing emotionally. But is it a bleak vision of dating, or the future of feminism?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: Sarah Ditum, contributor, The Times.Host: Luke Jones.Producer: Dave CreaseyWe want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: No hook-ups and men must pay: inside the femosphereClips: The Female Dating Strategy, CNN.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.

She convicted her rapist years after her death - The Sunday Story 24.05.2026 31min

Sue Firth did all she could to bring the man who raped her to justice. Within hours of the assault, in the early morning of September 7 1985, she had reported it to police. A manhunt ensued, but yielded nothing. In 1997, aged 39, Firth died. But this was not the end of her story. Three decades after her death, all that she did on the night of the attack has helped to convict her rapist. This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryPlease be advised that this episode contains discussions of rape. If you or someone you know has been affected by anything in this podcast, help is available. Rape Crisis England & Wales is the feminist charity working to end child sexual abuse, rape, sexual assault, sexual harassment and all other forms of sexual violence.Call our free 24/7 Support Line on 0808 500 2222 or chat online at 247sexualabusesupport.org.uk.Guests: Martin Sills, brother of Susan FirthRobert Varey, former detective sergeant, South Yorkshire Police.Dave Stopfort, head of Major Incident Review team, South Yorkshire Police.Host: Lottie Hayton.Producer: Taryn Siegel.Further reading: Sue died in 1997 — and got her rapist convicted in 2026We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comPhoto: Courtesy of Martin Sills.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.

I made reality TV; it's even more extreme now - The Saturday Story 23.05.2026 12min

Former contestants on Married At First Sight this week made serious allegations of rape and sexual misconduct. All men accused deny any wrong doing. For TV producer and writer Daisy Goodwin, creator of shows like Grand Designs and Victoria, it’s another sign that reality TV is losing its grip, with people getting hurt. So how did we get here?Ready by: Daisy Goodwin, TV producer and writer for The Times.Producer: Dave Creasey.We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: I made reality TV shows — they are even more extreme nowClips: C4, BBC.Photo: 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.

LATEST: Andrew inquiry looks into 'sexual misconduct' allegations 22.05.2026 15min

Two significant developments surround the story of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. First, detectives investigating Andrew could examine allegations of sexual misconduct and corruption as part of their inquiry into potential misconduct in public office. Andrew has not been charged and denies all wrongdoing. Secondly, newly released government files show that it was the late Queen’s wish for Andrew to take on the prominent trade envoy role now under scrutiny.On The Royals podcast, Roya Nikkhah is joined by The Sunday Times’s Whitehall correspondent Katie Tarrant to discuss the latest police developments and unpack the government files. We also hear from Fiona Hamilton, chief news correspondent for The Times, on the Thames Valley Police briefing. Producer: Robert Wallace.Executive Producer: Priyanka Deladia.Read more: The Andrew files - read the documents in fullImage: Getty.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.

How did Pakistan become the peacemakers? 22.05.2026 29min

For decades, Pakistan was viewed by Western leaders with deep suspicion. They were accused of taking billions in US counter terrorism funding, while allegedly harbouring Taliban networks at the same time – even Osama Bin Laden himself. Now, that same country finds itself at the centre of efforts to broker peace between the US and Iran. So how did Pakistan pull off one of the most dramatic geopolitical reinventions of the modern era? And who's side are they really on?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 Sunday Times.Host: Luke Jones.Producer: Dave Creasey & Harry Stott.We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: Pakistan’s PM is ecstatic to be US-Iran peacemaker. Not everyone agreesClips: BBC, CNN.Photo: 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.

Has Britain become ungovernable? 21.05.2026 31min

With Sir Keir Starmer’s premiership on the brink, the revolving door of Number 10 feels like it has never been more pronounced. But is this true? Why is Britain burning through leaders at record speed? And has the country become fundamentally ungovernable?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: Josh Glancy, associate editor, The Sunday TimesHost: Luke JonesProducer: Sophie McNulty, Colette FountainWe want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: Seven PMs in ten years? How British politics got into this messFurther listening: Labour’s Brexit conundrum Clips:  BBC, 10 Downing Street - YouTube, The Guardian, Keir Starmer - Facebook, The Independent, Times Radio, Pharos Foundation, UK ParliamentPhoto: 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.

The return of Ebola 20.05.2026 26min

A new Ebola outbreak, driven by a rare strain of the virus, has struck the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda. The rapid rise in cases and deaths suggests that the virus had been circulating for some time before the alarm was raised. So why wasn’t it detected sooner? And have recent international aid cuts made us more vulnerable to outbreaks of infectious diseases? 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: Paul Hunter, professor in medicine, University of East Anglia. Host: Manveen Rana.Producers: Micaela Arneson, Julia Webster.We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: ‘There are bodies everywhere’: ghost of ebola returns to haunt CongoFurther listening: How the hantavirus cruise ship nightmare unfolded - The Saturday StoryClips: PBS, AFP.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.

Labour's Brexit conundrum 18.05.2026 30min

Andy Burnham, a potential leadership challenger to Sir Keir Starmer as PM, has said that re-running Brexit arguments is "the last thing we should do right now" after Wes Streeting put the EU back on the agenda. Ahead of one of the most significant by-elections in recent political history, could the Brexit debate define the future of the Labour party, as well as the country at large? 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: Max Kendix, political correspondent for The TimesJoe Twyman, founder and director of DeltapollHost: Manveen RanaProducers: Julia Webster and Harry StottWe want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: Keir Starmer latest: Wes Streeting’s EU stance ‘an attempt to derail Andy Burnham’Further listening:  Labour at warClips: BBC, Manchester Evening News, The Guardian Photo: Shaun Parkinson and 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.

Why Svalbard could be in Putin’s sights 18.05.2026 27min

The Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard is home to a Russian settlement where signs are in cyrillic and inhabitants pay for their groceries in rubles. It’s also at the heart of the scramble between global powers for resources, so as the Arctic sea ice melts opening up the region, could Svalbard become the next geopolitical flashpoint?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: Matthew Campbell, foreign features editor, The Sunday Times.Host: Manveen Rana.Producers: Harry Stott and Edward Drummond.We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: Polar bears, spy stations and Lenin: life on the Norwegian island in Putin’s sightsClips: Forces News, Russia 1.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.

Sunday Times Rich List: Britain’s Billionaire Exodus - The Sunday Story 17.05.2026 30min

This year’s Sunday Times Rich List offers a revealing snapshot of modern Britain’s fortunes, from the Gallagher brothers returning after their sell-out comeback shows, to David and Victoria Beckham officially joining the billionaire club. But beyond the celebrity headlines lies a much bigger story: Britain’s accelerating wealth exodus, as billionaires, investors and entrepreneurs increasingly move overseas. What’s driving the rich out of Britain and what could it mean for the country’s future?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: Robert Watts, Rich List compiler, The Sunday Times.Host: Manveen Rana.Producer: Dave Creasey.We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: The Sunday Times Rich List 2026 revealedIllustration: Emanuel Santos for The Sunday Times MagazineThis 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.

How the hantavirus cruise ship nightmare unfolded - The Saturday Story 16.05.2026 18min

The luxury cruise ship, MV Hondius, became a floating nightmare when passengers aboard the contracted hantavirus, leaving three people dead and triggering an international emergency response. But what really happened? And could the outbreak have been contained sooner?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: Shabnam Grewal.Producer: Dave Creasey.We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: Death on the hantavirus cruise ship: how a hellish month unfoldedPhoto: 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.

Labour at war 15.05.2026 31min

The Labour psychodrama continues. Wes Streeting resigned as health secretary on Thursday afternoon, stating that it was clear Sir Keir Starmer would not lead the Labour Party into the next general election. However he has not yet triggered a leadership contest. Meanwhile, Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, said he’ll plan to run for a parliamentary seat in a by-election. So, where does this leave the party? And what will happen next?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: Lara Spirit, deputy political editor, The Sunday TimesHost: Manveen RanaProducers: Sophie McNulty, Harry BlighWe want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: Keir Starmer latest - live pageFurther listening: What the hell’s going on in Westminster? Clips: Sky News, BBC, C4 News, Times RadioPhoto: 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.