The Story

Epizódy

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  Can Burnham learn from Starmer's mistakes? 24.07.2026 25min

  Sir Keir Starmer is out. Andy Burnham is in. And after just days in Downing Street, the new prime minister has torn up his predecessor's playbook — swapping warnings of a hard inheritance for a blitz of cost of living giveaways. Is this smart repositioning after Starmer's early missteps, or a sugar rush that can't survive contact with the budget?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 Times.Host: Luke Jones.Producers: Elle Scott, Shabnam Grewal, Jennifer Kennedy.We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: Keir Starmer’s biggest success was something that didn’t happenFurther listening: The remarkable rise of Andy BurnhamClips: BBC, 10 Downing Street / Youtube, Andy Burnham / Instagram, Bus Aunty / Instagram.Photo: Getty Images. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  What ignited India's ‘cockroach’ revolt? 23.07.2026 30min

  Riot police in Delhi have fired tear gas and baton charged the biggest protest the city has seen in years; tens of thousands of young Indians, marching under the banner of the "Cockroach Janta Party", calling for an end to corruption and educational reform. But what exactly triggered this uprising? And could this be the biggest threat Modi has faced in 12 years of power?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: Amrit Dhillon, contributor, The Times.Alexander Balakrishnan, content creator based in Delhi.Host: Manveen Rana.Producers: Elle Scott and Shabnam Grewal.We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: Why India’s cockroach uprising is more than just a pest for ModiFurther listening: 'Influencer of influencers': Modi's strategy to win the Indian electionClips: Sky News, BBC, Sonam Wangchuk / Instagram, WION.Photo: Getty Images. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Does Britain have an energy security problem? 22.07.2026 29min

  A gas platform in the North Sea is at the centre of a fierce debate that has divided the country: should the UK be expanding fossil fuel infrastructure or going all-in on renewables? The Rough Field gas facility wants to repurpose depleted gas fields to solve Britain’s chronic shortage of energy storage. But should government funding go towards securing our current energy supply, or funding a greener 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: Jim Armitage, contributing editor, The Sunday TimesHost: Manveen RanaProducers: Micaela Arneson, Elle Scott. We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more:  This rig could treble Britain’s gas reserves, so why is it closing?Further listening: War, immigration, welfare: the in-tray for Burnham and his new cabinetClips: Parliament, BBC, The Guardian, LBC, Express, Sky News. Photo: Sunday Times Photographer Richard Pohle. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  War, immigration, welfare: the in-tray for Burnham and his new cabinet 21.07.2026 27min

  Britain’s new prime minister Andy Burnham revealed his key cabinet picks yesterday; so who’s in, who’s out and what does it tell us about the direction in which he’ll take the country? And as the Iran and Ukraine wars rumble on and the cost of living continues to bite, how will the PM handle the key problems in his in-tray?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 Times.Host: Manveen Rana.Producers: Olivia Case and Elle Scott.We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: Burnham on football, his father’s dementia and preparing for powerFurther listening: The remarkable rise of Andy BurnhamClips: Sky, Goalhanger, BBC, DWS News, Eureka UK, Global News.Photo: Getty Images. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Inside Scotland’s black-clad far right 20.07.2026 34min

  Around Scotland, something bizarre has been happening. Men dressed in black have gathered in military-style formations. The silent parades are filmed in grainy black and white. Experts describe the imagery as unmistakably fascist. So what is this? And why is it happening now? 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: David Leask, Scotland reporter, The Times & The Sunday TimesHost: Manveen RanaProducers: Sophie McNultyWe want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: Tensions rise over ‘fascist’ parades held across ScotlandFurther listening: Belfast on fireClips: LBC, Scottish Family Party - YouTube, Craig Houston - X, STV News.Photo: X - Craig Houston. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Why diamonds may not be forever - The Sunday Story 19.07.2026 29min

  Lab-grown stones are booming, threatening to crush the diamond trade. So, how is the industry coping? And what does this mean for Botswana, a country whose schools, hospitals, roads, and economy have been built by the profits from diamond mining? 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: Richard Assheton, foreign features, The Times and The Sunday Times.Host: Manveen Rana.Producer: Dave Creasey.We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comPhoto: Getty Images. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Can I be a dad and not a parent? - The Saturday Story 18.07.2026 10min

  Ben Kawaller suddenly has the urge to have children, but he would prefer not to raise them. Luckily, there is a growing online market that can help with that.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: Ben Kawaller, reporter and essayist. Producer: Dave Creasey.We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: I’ve decided to become a father. Does anyone want my sperm?Photo: Adam Grey for The Times. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  The remarkable rise of Andy Burnham 17.07.2026 31min

  Today, Andy Burnham will be crowned Labour leader. On Monday, he'll become Prime Minister -- Britain's fifth in as many years. But questions are still lingering over the direction he’ll take the government. And more than that, people are still trying to decipher who the man really is. We turn to our man in Westminster, who has spent plenty of time with Burnham, to try to get some answers.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: Patrick Maguire, chief political commentator, The Times.Host: Luke Jones.Producers: Harry Stott.We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: Andy Burnham wants to break ‘unaccountable state’Further listening: Will Burnham scrap the most expensive promise in politics?Clips: Andy Burnham / X, BBC, Coljax Parliament / Youtube, LBC, Nimrod Kamer / Youtube, Manchester Evening News, The Mirror.Photo: Getty Images. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  How war is changing Iran from within 16.07.2026 33min

  For the first time since the war began, a Times journalist has reported from inside Iran. World Affairs editor Catherine Philp travelled there for the week-long funeral of the former ayatollah, leaving just as US strikes resumed. Amid the latest escalation, how united is the country over the war? And what do the continuing hostilities mean for the daily lives of millions of people across Iran?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: Catherine Philp, world affairs editor, The Times.Host: Manveen Rana.Producers: Sophie McNulty, Jesse Fox.We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: US blockade begins in Strait while strikes on Iran enter fifth dayFurther listening: What Iranians really think of Trump’s peace dealClips: C-Span, BBC, Fox News, The Times, DRM News. Photo: Times Photographer Jack Hill. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  The method in the madness of Thomas Tuchel 15.07.2026 30min

  The England football team’s manager Thomas Tuchel has led  his squad to a World Cup semi-final against old rivals Argentina. A cerebral football obsessive, he has a tendency to self-immolate when things are going well. So is this the fate that awaits the Tuchel-England experiment? Or could the tensions between the manager and his star player Jude Bellingham actually prove the key to victory?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: Mehreen Khan, economics editor, The Times.Host: Manveen Rana.Producers: Jesse Fox, Harry Stott.We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: Thomas Tuchel’s tough love for England not without riskFurther listening: The men who made the World Cup - The Sunday StoryClips: Football Smash / Youtube, Sky News, Talk Sport, Sports Unfiltered / Youtube, BBC.Photo: Getty Images. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  What Finland can teach the NHS about treating psychosis 14.07.2026 27min

  It’s no secret that NHS mental health care is under strain - long waiting lists, disjointed communication between providers, and patients left in limbo. So how did it end up this way? And could a treatment model from Finland be the solution? The Sunday Times went to find out.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: Roisin Kelly, journalist and commissioning editor, The Sunday Times. Host: Luke Jones. Producer: Micaela Arneson. We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: What Lapland can teach the NHS about treating psychosisFurther listening: Britain’s mental health reckoning - part oneClips: Channel 4, Nottingham Inquiry.Photo: Getty Images. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  LATEST: The investigation into Ann Widdecombe's death 13.07.2026 19min

  Counterterrorism police are now leading the investigation into the alleged murder of former MP Ann Widdecombe. A 28-year-old man has now been re-arrested on suspicion of commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism.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:Oliver Wright, policy editor, The Times.Stephen Roberts, former Deputy Assistant Commissioner at the Metropolitan Police Jonathan Hall, Independent Reviewer of Terrorism LegislationHost: John Pienaar.Producers: Sandra Mitchell, Sofia Johanson, and Taryn Siegel.We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: Ann Widdecombe death: counterterrorism police leading investigationPhoto: Getty Images. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  The ultraconservative pastor behind the US Secretary of War 13.07.2026 31min

  As the Iran war reignites, there's a hidden figure influencing the American side. In an exclusive interview for The Times, Pete Hegseth’s pastor Doug Wilson says the conflict in Iran is a righteous battle against Muslims, homosexuality is evil, and women who dress immodestly are sluts. How is this ultraconservative influencing US foreign policy? And could we see his brand of Christianity in the UK?This podcast contains mention of some topics listeners may find offensive.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 Grylls, Washington correspondent, The Times.Host: Manveen Rana. Producer: Olivia Case.We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: Pete Hegseth’s pastor: ‘Women who dress immodestly are sluts’Further listening: Trump v the Supreme Court and Fi and Jane interivew Pastor WilsonClips: PBS, CNN, New Founding Podcast / YouTube, Pulp Fiction / Quentin Tarantino / Mirimax, The Independent, Blog&Mablog / YouTube, Daniel Foucachon / YouTube. Photo: Dominic Gwinn / Zuma Press. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Part 2 | Family Man: Could Alex Murdaugh be innocent? - The Sunday Story 12.07.2026 32min

  Alex Murdaugh stands accused of the brutal murders of his wife and son. As shocking evidence, devastating testimony, and disturbing secrets unfold in court, one question still hangs over everything: Did he actually do 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: James Lasdun, author of The Family Man.Host: Manveen Rana.Producers: Dave Creasey and Jesse Fox.Clips: CNN, CBS, Fox News, CourtRoomTV, WCSC, WIS News, WJCL, NBC, GMA.Image: Getty Images.Times Book Shop: The Family Man: Blood and Betrayal in the House of Murdaugh. We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Part 1 | Family Man: The shocking Murdaugh murders - The Saturday Story 11.07.2026 33min

  The Murdaugh family had power, wealth, and influence until two brutal killings exposed a world of stolen millions and deadly secrets. As the lies unravelled, a once-untouchable dynasty collapsed into one of America’s darkest true crime cases. But what really happened that night, and who is to blame?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: James Lasdun, author of The Family Man.Host: Manveen Rana.Producers: Dave Creasey and Jesse Fox.Clips: CNN, CBS, Fox News, CourtRoomTV, WCSC, WIS News, WJCL, NBC.Image: Getty Images.Times Book Shop: The Family Man: Blood and Betrayal in the House of MurdaughWe want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  LATEST: Why are Scotland Yard investigating Reform donations? 10.07.2026 16min

  More revelations are coming out about donations to Reform UK. The Sunday Times Insight team have discovered that the Metropolitan Police are investigating a £500,000 donation from the mother of convicted fraudster George Cottrell. How will this affect Farage’s chances in the Clacton by-election now scheduled for August? And what does it say about the state of political donations in the UK more widely?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: Gabriel Pogrund, insight editor, The Sunday Times.Richard Tice, Reform UK MP.Peter Geoghegan, investigative journalist.Host: Ayesha Hazarika.Producer: Musty Aziz.We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: Police investigate Reform donations by mother of fraudster who bankrolled FarageFurther listening: Posh George: The criminal behind FaragePhoto: Getty Images. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Why can’t Britain handle the heat? 10.07.2026 26min

  Summer 2026 is another scorcher, with temperature records being broken across Europe. Infrastructure in the UK is creaking; with trains cancelled, schools closed and people sweltering in their homes. Why does Europe seem to be heating up more than other continents? And could outlandish ideas hold the answer to cooling us down long term?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: Tom Whipple, science writer and special correspondent, The Times.Host: Manveen Rana.Producer: Harry Stott.We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: Heatwave exposes flaws in Britain’s ability to supply fresh foodFurther listening: Have we stopped caring about climate change?Clips: Channel 4, BBC, Sky News. Photo: Getty Images. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  On the Albanian island Ivanka Trump wants to buy 09.07.2026 31min

  Weeks of protests in Albania show no signs of stopping. Tens of thousands have been taking to the streets to oppose the proposed purchase and development of land by Donald Trump’s daughter and son-in-law. As the country’s tourist industry booms, there is a divide over the cost of development and the country’s sense of self. Our writer went to the island at the centre of a political and national identity crisis.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: Richard Assheton, features writer, The Sunday Times.Host: Manveen Rana.Producers: Taryn Siegel.We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: Is this the Kushners’ $5bn Albania resort? 350 yachts and a water parkClips: David Senra podcast, APT, X/@IsamyzyrajAlb, IG/@thebrickobserversatire, DW News.Photo: Richard Assheton. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  LATEST: Will Farage’s by-election gambit work? 08.07.2026 12min

  It’s been a rollercoaster 24 hours for Nigel Farage and Reform – a by-election called, a major party boycott, and now the spectre of a two horse race against Count Binface. So will his high risk play pay off as he takes his case to the people? And what do the voters of Clacton really think 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/thestoryGuests: Terry Stiastny, political correspondent, Times Radio.Rosie Wright, presenter, Times Radio.Peter Kellner, pollster and former president of YouGov.Host: John Pienaar.Producers: Sandra Mitchell, Sofia Johanson.We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: Will voters in Clacton back Nigel Farage second time around?Further listening: Nigel Farage resigns. What now?Photo: Getty Images. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Nigel Farage resigns. What now? 08.07.2026 30min

  After a Sunday Times investigation revealed Nigel Farage’s links to a convicted fraudster, and with the spectre of a parliamentary standards investigation looming over him, Farage will now put his fate in the hands of his constituents in Clacton in a by-election. But will this gambit work? And what does the Sunday Times journalist who led the investigation think 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/thestoryGuests: Gabriel Pogrund, Insight editor, The Sunday TimesFraser Nelson, columnist, The Times.Host: Manveen Rana.Producers: Sophie McNulty, Harry Stott. We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: Will risky resignation ploy pay off for Nigel Farage? Further listening: Posh George: the criminal behind FarageClips: Reform UK / Youtube, Sky News, BBC. Photo: Getty Images. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.