The Story

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  US midterms: Can the Democrats flip Texas? 16.10.2026 28хв

  On November 3, Americans will head to the polls for midterm elections that will determine who controls Congress for the final two years of Donald Trump’s presidency. While Trump himself isn't technically on the ballot, plummeting approval ratings means the elections are shaping up to be a referendum on his leadership. Republicans face a tough fight, even in traditionally conservative states such as Texas, where a fiercely contested Senate race could deliver a major upset. Will Texas really turn blue? And what would a Democratic victory in Texas mean for Trump’s political 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: Katy Balls, Washington editor, The Times. Host: Manveen Rana.Producers: Robyn Simon, Olivia Case. We want to hear from you - email: [email protected] more: Trump’s convention hurt my midterm chances, Ken Paxton says in leaked audio Further listening: Could Trump lose MAGA over Iran?Clips: CBS, C-Span, Fox, MS NOW, CNN, CNBC, KTXS News, James Talarico Youtube 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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  The social housing paradox : ‘Everything that’s wrong with the welfare system’ 15.10.2026 30хв

  Over 300,000 people live in ‘temporary’ or ‘supported’ housing, where government-funded rents have no upper-limit. For The Times’ Welfare Inquiry, investigative lead Katie O’Toole goes undercover at an ‘academy’ training landlords in how to profit off housing society’s most vulnerable. She also hears from tenants stranded in supported housing, where severe financial cliff edges penalise those who work. So, who is getting rich from this uncapped system? What is the human cost for those stuck inside it? And where does the system go from here?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: Fraser Nelson, columnist, The Times.Katie O'Toole, Welfare Inquiry investigative lead, The Times.Host: Luke Jones.Producer: Sophie McNulty.We want to hear from you - email: [email protected] more: The benefits system is failing. We hope to help fix itClips: Channel 4 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.
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  Bonus: The case against him | The Trial of Russell Brand Ep. 3 14.10.2026 18хв

  With our reporters following every word in court, the trial of Russell Brand began in earnest today. The prosecution laid out their case, calling Brand “ruthless, calculating, and manipulative…a sexual predator.” Brand has denied all charges against him.Watch or listen to The Trial of Russell Brand every weekday on Apple Podcasts, YouTube or listen on Spotify. Follow the show to never miss an episode.This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryWe want to hear from you - email: [email protected] 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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  Do we need to talk about Brexit? 14.10.2026 29хв

  Andy Burnham announced this week that UK and EU leaders will meet in November to discuss a reset in relations. Brexit has been bad for the country, Burnham said, and a closer relationship with Europe will foster economic growth and strengthen national security. Is he right? What is he hoping to accomplish in November? And is now the time to reopen the fraught debate over Britain’s decision to leave the EU?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 Wright, policy editor, The Times.Host: Manveen Rana.Producers: Micaela Arneson, Robyn Simon.We want to hear from you - email: [email protected] more: Andy Burnham: We’re ready for closer ties with the EUFurther listening: ‘It’s a disaster’: Leave voters on 10 years of BrexitClips: House of Commons, Labour Party, The Telegraph, Bloomberg, Euronews, France 24.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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  ‘A watershed moment' — why the Saudi airport strikes are so serious 13.10.2026 30хв

  Over the weekend, the Houthis attacked one of Saudi Arabia’s main airports twice, as well as other locations in the country. Fourteen people are dead so far, with hundreds injured, in what is the deadliest attack on the Kingdom in over a decade. Saudi Arabia is calling for international help, but will anyone come to their aid? And what’s the fallout in a rapidly destabilising region?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, consultant and senior associate fellow at the Royal United Services Institute and think tank RAND.Host: Manveen Rana.Producers: Olivia Case and Micaela Arneson.We want to hear from you - email: [email protected] more: Why does Saudi Arabia seem powerless to face down the Houthis?Further listening: What the lightning Houthi advance means for the worldClips: WION, BBC, Sky News, ABC News, Al Jazeera, News24, NBC, CBS, FirstPost.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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  Will Netanyahu win the most critical election in Israel’s history? 12.10.2026 28хв

  Israel’s general election on October 27th could be the country’s most consequential in its history. In the run up, the prime minister and his right-wing coalition have promoted a vision of the country’s future that is as uncompromising to its friends as its enemies. As the situation at home and abroad grows evermore dire, what impact will the victor have on the likelihood of peace in the middle east and the country's relationship with the rest of the world?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: Gabrielle Weiniger, Israel correspondent, The Times.Host: Manveen Rana.Producers: Robyn Simon.We want to hear from you - email: [email protected] more: Israel closes British consulate in Jerusalem blaming ‘hostile rhetoric’Further listening: The ticking time bomb Netanyahu faces at homeClips: CBS, CBC, Global News, Al Jazeera, France 24, CJN, Zeteo.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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  Amy Winehouse: the lost interview - The Sunday Story 11.10.2026 30хв

  The month marks the 20th anniversary of Amy Winehouse’s multi-platinum album Back to Black. Just after the album was released and Amy’s fame was beginning to skyrocket, journalist Ariel Leve met the young 23-year-old in LA for two hours, where Amy gushed about her new husband, laughed off the cruel media scrutiny, and mused about her legacy. That interview would never be seen or heard -- until 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: Ariel Leve, author and journalist.Host: Manveen Rana.Producer: Taryn Siegel.We want to hear from you - email: [email protected] more: Amy Winehouse: the lost interview - 'If I die tomorrow then cool'Further listening: My life with Freddie MercuryPhoto: 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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  Should we feel sorry for nepo babies? - The Saturday Story 10.10.2026 14хв

  They’re actors, rock stars, models — and the offspring of very famous parents. Some see this as joining in on the family business. Others see it as an unfair advantage. But is the backlash against them justified? Times Columnist Ben Machell weighs in on the nepo baby debate. 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 Machell, feature writer and columnist, The Times.Producers: Harry Bligh, Robyn Simon.We want to hear from you - email: [email protected] more: Should we feel sorry for (all) the nepo babies - Beckhams included?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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  Is Russia covering up a plague outbreak? 09.10.2026 31хв

  In Siberia last week, a Russian researcher working at an institute specialising in dangerous infectious diseases is believed to have died of unexplained pneumonia. Local media suggested it was pneumonic plague; the Kremlin continues to obfuscate. So what’s really happening? With its history of cover ups, can we trust what Russia is telling the world? And how worried should we 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/thestoryGuests:Rhys Blakely, science editor, The Times.Marc Bennetts, foreign correspondent, The Times.Host: Manveen Rana.Producer: Olivia Case.We want to hear from you - email: [email protected] more: Russia denies a plague outbreak. Its history of coverups is less reassuringFurther listening: Is Spain’s PM next for eviction?Clips: The 2nd militarised fire department of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant, the 6th paramilitary fire and rescue unit at Chernobyl, Dark Docs / YouTube, BBC, ABC, Настоящее Время, KGWNews8, 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.
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  The student protests putting Macron’s legacy at risk 08.10.2026 30хв

  The student protests that have rocked France for weeks reached a crescendo this week, when more than 250,000 teenagers, parents, teachers and union leaders took to the streets to voice their anger over dilapidated school buildings, staff shortages and complicated timetables. Some protests have resulted in shocking violence, and so far, the government has had limited success in quelling the unrest. So is there a fix for the French education system, or do the protests point to a deeper malaise? And what could it all mean for President Macron’s political legacy?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: Adam Sage, Paris correspondent, The Times.Host: Manveen Rana.Producers: Micaela Arneson, Harry Bligh.We want to hear from you - email: [email protected] more: Why are there student protests in France? The reasons behind the riotsFurther listening: Why is France in chaos again?Clips: La Press Libre, France24, BBC, Sky News, NBC 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.
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  Bonus: Kemi Badenoch bets the house on the economy 07.10.2026 32хв

  Kemi Badenoch's attack on Reform UK was all about character and her attack on Labour was all about economics. In her speech at the Conservative Party conference in Birmingham, she said she would to scrap inheritance tax on family homes and that under a Conservative government, couples would be able to leave an extra £1m inheritance tax free to their children. Badenoch was withering about Nigel Farage and Reform UK, saying: "The circus goes on and on and it will never stop because this is who Reform are — so to those who say ‘unite the right’, we are not uniting with that.” This week's episode of The State of It looks at the Conservatives' electoral strategy, their prospects — especially compared with a year ago — and the vibes among their MPs.Guests:Steven Swinford, political editor, The TimesBen Riley-Smith, political editor, The Sunday TimesLara Spirit, deputy political editor, The Sunday TimesPatrick Maguire, chief political commentator, The TimesProducers: Euan Dawtrey, Harry KitsonExecutive producer: Molly GuinnessPicture: 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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  The battle for the left in the heart of London 07.10.2026 32хв

  Tomorrow sees the Greens and Labour battle it out for control of Holborn and St. Pancras, following Keir Starmer’s resignation as the constituency’s MP last month. The stakes are particularly high for the Green candidate and leader Zack Polanski, who wants to prove his party can be a viable alternative to Labour on the left. But what are voters on the ground thinking? We head up to North London 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/thestoryGuests: Will Pavia, news and features writer, The Times.Giles Coren, restaurant critic and columnist, The Times.Sarah Elie, executive director, Somers Town Community Association.Henry Conlon, landlord, the Dublin Castle.Host: Luke Jones.Producer: Harry Stott.We want to hear from you - email: [email protected] more: What do voters in Holborn & St Pancras think of Zack Polanski?Further listening: Has Farage’s Clacton by-election backfired?Clips: ITV, LAFAGARI Media / Facebook.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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  Is Spain’s PM next for eviction? 06.10.2026 25хв

  Spain’s prime minister Pedro Sánchez has called a snap election, after losing a key vote on his housing reforms. Protests have been rocking the country since an 87-year-old woman was evicted on a stretcher. Sánchez is gambling that he can leverage the national fury to strengthen his party’s position, but could it backfire?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 Sharrock, Madrid correspondent, The Times.Host: Manveen Rana.Producers: Paige Reynolds, Olivia CaseWe want to hear from you - email: [email protected] more: Spain’s PM Pedro Sánchez: I am calling an early electionClips: The Guardian, ABC News, BBC, France 24, Democracy Now, BBC, CBS News, Deutsche WellePhoto: 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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  The UK’s overprescription epidemic 05.10.2026 30хв

  A Sunday Times investigation has found England is in an overprescribing epidemic. Adverse reactions to cocktails of medicines are sending a thousand older people to A&E every day, potentially causing deaths, and costing the NHS billions. So how was this overlooked for so long? And can an already overstretched and underfunded NHS fix the problem?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:John Lees, son-in-law of Joseph Darbyshire.Shaun Lintern, health editor, The Sunday Times.Professor Jugdeep Dhesi, consultant geriatrician at Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust.Host: Manveen Rana.Producer: Olivia Case.We want to hear from you - email: [email protected] more: Dad died after a fall. Was his prescription of 10 drugs to blame?Further listening: The neuroscientists reconsidering near-death experiences Photo: John and Angela Lees and family. 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 I broke free from my abusive boyfriend - The Sunday Story 04.10.2026 18хв

  When Times reporter Sasha Nugara fell for a charismatic musician she met online, she didn’t imagine she would end up in a coercive relationship. But love bombing quickly soured into manipulation and violence, and Sasha decided to break free – and seek justice. 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: Sasha Nugara, property reporter and columnist, The Times and The Sunday Times. Producers: Paige Reynolds, Micaela Arneson.We want to hear from you - email: [email protected] more: I’m 26. I never imagined I would be the victim of domestic abuseThis 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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  The Ranulph Fiennes mystery - The Saturday Story 03.10.2026 33хв

  Sir Ranulph Fiennes is one of the world’s greatest living explorers. After he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2020, he continued to speak publicly about his career and illness. That is, until 2024. Since then, he hasn’t been seen publicly, and many of those closest to him haven’t been able to reach him. So what is happening with Fiennes?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: Ben Ellery, deputy chief reporter, The TimesAlex Millington-Cotes, Sir Ranulph Fiennes’ stepsonHost: Luke JonesProducer: Robyn SimonWe want to hear from you - email: [email protected] more: Ranulph Fiennes ‘back home’ after living in care under assumed namesClips: CNN, Chartwell Speakers, 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.
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  Inside the Man City cheating scandal 02.10.2026 33хв

  In one of the biggest scandals in English football history, Manchester City football club was found guilty this week on all charges of serious breaches of the Premier League’s financial rules. So how did we get here? What will happen to Man City, and what does the scandal mean for the future of English football? 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: Martyn Ziegler, chief sports reporter, The Times and The Sunday Times.Host: Manveen Rana. Producers: Micaela Arneson, Harry Stott. We want to hear from you - email: [email protected] more: Manchester City verdict: what happens next?Further listening: The man who revealed Infantino’s world cup disasterClips: BBC, Sky, talkSPORT, ITV, @LouietheReporter via YouTube, ITN. 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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  Why does the UK have the most expensive energy in Europe? 01.10.2026 28хв

  The energy price cap goes up again today by 4% – but more pain is around the corner, with forecasts yesterday suggesting a further 16% rise in the new year. Why are UK energy prices, particularly electricity, much more expensive than the US and even most European countries? And while Andy Burnham is promising radical plans to bring them down, will this be enough? 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.Producers: Harry Stott.We want to hear from you - email: [email protected] more: Why does the UK have the most expensive energy in Europe?Further listening: Does Britain have an energy security problem? Clips: DWS News, Sky News, ITV, Channel 4, Martin Lewis Youtube.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 Tennessee’s only female death row inmate told us before her execution 30.09.2026 29хв

  Christa Pike is set to be executed today, making her the first woman to be put to death in Tennessee in 200 years. Ahead of the execution, Pike has spoken with The Times about her regrets, her fears, and what it’s been like awaiting her final hours. Thirty years on from her trial, she wonders, would she have gotten the same sentence in 2026?Warning: This episode contains descriptions of violence, murder, and sexual abuse.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: Olivia Empson, US correspondent, The Times.Host: Manveen Rana.Producers: Sophie McNulty, Micaela Arneson.We want to hear from you - email: [email protected] more: Christa Pike: ‘I have a kinship with Lindsay Clancy’Further listening: He went to jail for exposing America’s darkest 9/11 secret. Should Trump pardon him?Clips: WBIR, Times Radio, PBS, CBS, VICE News.Photo: Tennessee Department of Corrections/Reuters.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: Andy Burnham's radical British reset 29.09.2026 18хв

  The Labour party is jubilant. Andy Burnham has fired the starting gun for the next general election with one of the most consequential conference speeches in recent memory. Burnham used the speech to set out a series of major proposals, including an end to the triple lock, the abolition of first-past-the-post and closer ties with Europe. At the heart of his national project is a care service free at the point of use. Burnham has set out his vision which promises to put Britain on a different road. But can he persuade the country to buy it?Guests:Steven Swinford, political editor, The TimesBen Riley-Smith, political editor, The Sunday TimesProducers: Euan Dawtrey, Harry KitsonExecutive producer: Molly GuinnessPicture: 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.