Podcast · News

The Story

by The Times · English · News

New episodes: Daily
Typical length: 28 min
Latest: 7 Oct 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

7 Oct 2026 · 33 minNew

The battle for the left in the heart of London

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/thestory Guests: Will Pavia, news and features…

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Earlier episodes 29 most recent

6 Oct 2026 · 25 minNew

Is Spain’s PM next for eviction?

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/thestory Guest: David Sharrock, Madrid correspondent, The Times. Host: Manveen Rana. Producers: Paige Reynolds, Olivia Case We want to…
5 Oct 2026 · 31 minNew

The UK’s overprescription epidemic

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/thestory Guests: John Lees, son-in-law of Joseph Darbyshire. Shaun Lintern, health editor, The Sunday Times.…
4 Oct 2026 · 19 min

How I broke free from my abusive boyfriend - The Sunday Story

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/thestory Read 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: thestory@thetimes.com…
3 Oct 2026 · 33 min

The Ranulph Fiennes mystery - The Saturday Story

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/thestory Guests: Ben Ellery, deputy chief reporter, The Times Alex Millington-Cotes, Sir Ranulph Fiennes’…
2 Oct 2026 · 33 min

Inside the Man City cheating scandal

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/thestory Guest: Martyn Ziegler, chief sports reporter, The Times and The Sunday Times. Host: Manveen Rana. Producers: Micaela Arneson, Harry Stott.…
1 Oct 2026 · 28 min

Why does the UK have the most expensive energy in Europe?

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/thestory Guest: Tom Whipple, science writer and special correspondent, The Times. Host: Manveen…
30 Sep 2026 · 30 min

What Tennessee’s only female death row inmate told us before her execution

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/thestory Guest: Olivia Empson, US…
29 Sep 2026 · 19 min

Bonus: Andy Burnham's radical British reset

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 Times…
29 Sep 2026 · 30 min

What you need to know about the RAF Fairford incident

When police arrested five men on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act and explosive offences at RAF Fairford early Sunday morning, questions swirled: who was behind the foiled plot? Should Britain be concerned about its security vulnerabilities? But then the men were released on bail, and suddenly a different question arose: could this entire saga have been a terrible misunderstanding? This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestory Guests: Mario Ledwith, news reporter, The Times. General Sir…
28 Sep 2026 · 28 min

Russia revives its nuclear armageddon project, Dead Hand

Deep in Russia’s Ural Mountains lies a secret nuclear bunker, guarded by a gate that has never been seen before. Until now. A Sunday Times joint investigation has revealed that the Cold War-era bunker, long thought to be dormant, is being revamped as President Putin seeks to arm the country against potential nuclear attack. So what does this mean for the West? This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestory Guest: John Mooney, investigations editor in Ireland, The Sunday Times. Host: Luke Jones.…
27 Sep 2026 · 28 min

What happens when we stop reading? - The Sunday Story

When was the last time you read a book? Literacy rates have plummeted across the developed world since the advent of the smartphone and the consequences for society are chilling, says James Marriott. But why does it matter that fewer of us are reading books? And what happens if we all just stop? This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestory Guest: James Marriott, columnist, The Times. Host: Luke Jones. Producer: Jennifer Kennedy. We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.com Read…
26 Sep 2026 · 13 min

The neuroscientists reconsidering near-death experiences - The Saturday Story

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/thestory Read by: John Naish Producer: Sophie McNulty We want to…
25 Sep 2026 · 28 min

Bonus: Earl Spencer, King Charles and the battle for Diana's legacy

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…
25 Sep 2026 · 25 min

How anti-immigration activists came face-to-face with migrants in the Channel

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/thestory Guest: Emma Yeomans, news reporter, The Times. Host: Luke Jones. Producers:…
24 Sep 2026 · 24 min

Inside the British town contaminated by forever chemicals

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/thestory Guest: George Odling, senior news reporter, The Times. Host: Luke Jones. Producers: Robyn Simon, Jesse…
23 Sep 2026 · 27 min

How Trump and Xi could decide the future of AI

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/thestory Guest:…
22 Sep 2026 · 24 min

Can Burnham sweet-talk Trump at their first meeting?

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/thestory Guest: Ben Clatworthy, Whitehall editor, The Times. Host: Luke Jones. Producers: Olivia Case, Robyn Simon. We want…
21 Sep 2026 · 29 min

How history is straining Poland’s ties with Ukraine

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/thestory Guest: Anthony Loyd, special correspondent, The Times Host: Manveen Rana Producer: Sophie McNulty We want to hear from you - email:…
20 Sep 2026 · 14 min

Why is Ironman so popular? - The Sunday Story

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/thestory Read by: Rick Broadbent,…
19 Sep 2026 · 32 min

Inside the Macklemore - Ed Sheeran tour fallout - The Saturday Story

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/thestory Guest: Jonathan Dean, executive editor of interviews for Culture and Books, The Times. Host: Manveen Rana. Producer: Olivia Case. We want to hear from you…
18 Sep 2026 · 24 min

Has space become the final frontier for war?

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/thestory Guest: Larisa Brown, defence editor, The Times. Host: Rosie Wright. Producers: Eleanor Harrison-Dengate, Robyn Simon, Micaela…
17 Sep 2026 · 28 min

Has Trump paved the way to a united Ireland?

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/thestory Guest: Jennifer Bray, political editor, The Sunday Times Ireland. Host:…
16 Sep 2026 · 28 min

Bonus: Bill Gates on AI risk, regulation and the "vacuum of US leadership"

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 AI Get in touch: techpod@thetimes.co.uk Presenters: Katie Prescott, Technology Business Editor,…
16 Sep 2026 · 24 min

How Lucy Letby’s hospital failed her victims

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/thestory Guest: Sian Bradley, Northern…
15 Sep 2026 · 29 min

What the lightning Houthi advance means for the world

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/thestory Guest:…
14 Sep 2026 · 29 min

Will superintelligent AI destroy humanity?

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/thestory Guest: Chris…
13 Sep 2026 · 36 min

Cover-ups, incompetence, and ‘a litany of failures’ exposed at the Nottingham inquiry - The Sunday Story

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/thestory Guest: Fiona Hamilton, chief reporter,…
12 Sep 2026 · 26 min

My life with Freddie Mercury - The Saturday Story

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/thestory Read by: Mary Austin Producers:…
11 Sep 2026 · 37 min

He went to jail for exposing America’s darkest 9/11 secret. Should Trump pardon him?

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…

About The Story

The biggest stories, told in depth, daily. Join the world's best journalists to uncover what really matters. Hosted by Manveen Rana and Luke Jones. Published seven days a week and ready for you every morning. 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 Story is a English news podcast from The Times. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: The Times
Language: English
Category: News
New episodes: Daily
Typical length: 28 min
Latest episode: 7 Oct 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1501716010
Rights: Times Newspapers Limited 2024

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