The Story

As a bonus episode, we’re bringing listeners of The Story an episode of our fellow Times podcast How To Win An Election.The prime minister wants to blame the last government for leaving the economy in a mess, just like David Cameron did in 2010 - but is the strategy working, and for how long?The political masterminds - and Hugo - discuss the whether voters will reward Starmer for being sensible, whether he should be more like Harold Wilson, and whether any Western government can get to grips with migration.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

Nightclubs are closing their doors at an alarming rate. Research by The Night Time Industries Association shows that as many as three clubs a week have closed since 2020. Our journalist went to Manchester to find out why they’re struggling - but is the underground clubbing scene really as threatened as it might seem? 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: Katie Gatens, Deputy Editor of News Review, The Sunday Times.Host: Luke Jones.Clips: Saturday Night Live/NBC.Photo: Joel Goodman for The Sunday TimesGet in touch: thestory@thetimes.com

With wars raging in Israel and Lebanon, no one was watching neighbouring Syria. Until an alliance of rebel forces launched an astonishing offensive a week ago, sweeping the north and taking the prized city of Aleppo. But who are they, who backs them, and why now?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.co.uk/thestoryHost: Manveen Rana.Guest: Mark Urban, Writer and Columnist, The Sunday Times.Clips: Channel 4 News, SkyNews, ABC News, The Telegraph.Image credit: Getty Images.Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.co.uk

Last week, Australia became the first country to block under 16s from social media. Age verification AI could be a crucial tool in the ban, so we spoke to our journalist who has been to the industry-leader’s HQ to find out if the technology actually works. And we ask, could the UK follow suit? 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:Mark Sellman, Technology Correspondent, The Times.Helen Rumbelow, Feature Writer, The Times. Read Helen’s report: Can AI tell if a teen lies about their age?Host: Manveen Rana.Clips: ABC News, 10 News First Australia, BBC Radio 4. Photo: Getty ImagesFurther listening: The myth of the X exodus The Times and The Sunday Times starter pack on BlueskyGet in touch: thestory@thetimes.com

Gregg Wallace, the presenter of one of the BBC's most popular programmes 'MasterChef' has stepped back from the show while allegations of historical misconduct are investigated. Over the weekend, he said complaints came from “a handful of middle-class women of a certain age” - a comment he has now apologised for. His lawyers say he denies behaviour of a sexually harassing nature but as the BBC faces pressure to pull the programme from the schedules, and even Downing Street has waded in, what now for the presenter - and for the BBC?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: Rosamund Urwin, Media Editor, The Sunday Times. Host: Manveen Rana.Clips: BBC, Gregg Wallace, Times Radio.Photo: Getty Images. Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com

It started two years ago, when Elon Musk bought Twitter, now X. People fled the social media platform, citing a change in the algorithm and concerns over the unchecked spread of misinformation, conspiracy theories and hate speech. Following the US election and Musk's appointment to Donald Trump's team, millions more have departed - including The Guardian newspaper. So, does this signal a sea change in our social media habits? Or is this just a momentary tiff?  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: Danny Fortson, US West Coast Correspondent, The Sunday Times.Host: Manveen Rana.Clips: CNN, MSNBC, NBC News, TalkTV.Photo: Getty Images.Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com

This week Ireland went to the polls in a general election where for the first time in the history of the republic, immigration was among the leading issues in voters’ minds as they cast their ballots. In August we looked at the rise of a new political movement in Ireland, inspired by American far-right groups and fuelled by anger over immigration.This episode was first broadcast on 20 August 2024.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: John Mooney, Investigative Reporter, The Sunday Times.Host: Manveen RanaFurther listening: Inside the Kinahan crime cartel and their €1 billion empireClips: Gript Media, Irish Mirror, Cllr Gavin Pepper, RTE News, Irish Times, Euronews, The National Party — An Páirtí Náisiúnta, Tucker Carlson, , Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com

As a bonus episode, we’re bringing listeners of The Story an episode from Off Air with Jane & Fi podcast from The Times.General David Petraeus, former director of the CIA, discusses global security, amongst many other things...If you want to contact the show to ask a question and get involved in the conversation then please email us: janeandfi@times.radioFollow us on Instagram! @janeandfiPodcast Producer: Eve SalusburyExecutive Producer: Rosie CutlerThis podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestory

Observers of Britain today might think of it as a more meritocratic and socially equal society than ever before. But, while the narratives have certainly moved on, the elites who run the political, economic and cultural life of the country remain much the same. 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: Sam Friedman, sociologist and co-author of “Born To Rule: The Making and Remaking of the British Elite.”Host: Luke Jones.Clips: BBC.Photo: Getty Images.Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com.