The Story

The multitude of interconnected wars engulfing the globe are leading many to draw parallels with 1939, the eve of the Second World War. Historian Sir Anthony Beevor – one of the world’s great chroniclers of the 20th century – is one of those raising the alarm, particularly about the threats posed by Russia. Following the release of his new book Rasputin and the Downfall of the Romanovs, we caught up with him at The Times and The Sunday Times-sponsored Cheltenham Literary Festival, to ask what the ‘mad monk’ of late-Imperial Russia can tell us about the country today, and just how dangerous this present moment is.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: Sir Anthony Beevor, historian and author of ‘Rasputin: and the downfall of the Romanovs.Host: Manveen Rana.Producer: Harry Stott.We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: Antony Beevor: Trump shows signs of dementia. He can’t be controlledFurther listening: Russia revives its nuclear armageddon project, Dead HandClips: BBC, France 24 English, MSNOW, USA Today, War Archives / Youtube, Old Broadcast / Youtube, Admiral Oliver Franklin Doom / Youtube.Photo: Getty Images.

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: thestory@thetimes.comRead 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.

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: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: The benefits system is failing. We hope to help fix itClips: Channel 4 News.Photo: Getty Images.

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: thestory@thetimes.com

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: thestory@thetimes.comRead 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.

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: thestory@thetimes.comRead 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.

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: thestory@thetimes.comRead 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.

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: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: Amy Winehouse: the lost interview - 'If I die tomorrow then cool'Further listening: My life with Freddie MercuryPhoto: Getty Images.

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: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: Should we feel sorry for (all) the nepo babies - Beckhams included?Photo: Getty Images.