The Story

Do looks matter? Pulchronomics, the study of economics and beauty, says they do. But just how much impact does being attractive have on your love life, career and happiness? Are our fortunes really determined by our looks? This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: thetimes.com/subscribeGuest: Tom Whipple, Science Editor, The Times. Host: Luke Jones. Times Poll: How attractive are you? Rate yourself out of fiveClips: Britain’s Got Talent ITV/Thames. Photo: Times Graphics. Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com

After two years of campaigning, Americans have cast their votes, with Trump riding a growing wave of momentum. This is how the night unfolded.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:Tom Newton-Dunn, covering the US election for The Times.Louise Callaghan, US Correspondent, The Times and The Sunday Times.Alistair Dawber, Washington Correspondent, The Times and The Sunday Times.Tom Calver, Data Editor, The Times and The Sunday Times. Host: Manveen Rana.Clips: NBC News, Fox News, PBS News, CNN.Photo: Getty Images/Times IllustrationGet in touch: thestory@thetimes.com

An investigation by the Sunday Times’ Insight team has revealed for the first time the extensive property empires of the King and Prince of Wales. The information includes details of the Duchies of Lancaster and Cornwall’s business deals with the NHS, schools and military that help fund the royals.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: Jonathan Calvert, Insight Editor, The Sunday Times.George Arbuthnott, Insight Deputy Editor, The Sunday Times. Host: Luke Jones. Clips: Channel 4, Parliament.Photo: Getty Images/Times illustration.Further listening: The SAS murders and the conspiracy to cover them up and Cash for places: The backdoor for overseas students into Britain's top universitiesGet in touch: thestory@thetimes.com

The new Tory leader Kemi Badenoch grew up in Nigeria and - as the state failed - was forced to complete her homework by candlelight. So how has that shaped her politically? What are her policies and can she resurrect the Tories and mount a challenge against the twin threats of Labour and Reform?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/thestory.Host: Luke Jones.Guests:Janice Turner, Columist and Interviewer, The Times.Daniel Finkelstein, Contributor, The Times and The Sunday Times. Clips: The Conservative Party, BBC, Sky, Times Radio.Image credit: GettyFurther listening: What happens if the American election is a tie?

As a bonus episode, we’re bringing listeners of The Story an episode from the new Money Podcast from The Times. Rachel Reeves’ first budget raised taxes by more than expected, borrowed more than predicted, and brought higher taxes on employers than forecast. But now, Holly is at hand with a podcast pick-me-up! It is time to get down to brass tacks as she is joined by experts whose job is to help you understand money better.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: Chris Etherington, tax analyst.Tom McPhail, pensions expert.Jo Noble, Money Editor, The Times and Sunday Times.Host: Holly Mead, Deputy Money Editor, The Times and Sunday Times. Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com

As Kamala Harris and Donald Trump face off tonight in their first TV debate, it’s more than just a political showdown - it's a battle of the sexes. The polls are too close to call with women heavily favouring Harris, while men lean towards Trump. Could the hot-button topic of abortion prove the issue that shifts the electoral balance?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: Sarah Baxter, former Deputy Editor, The Sunday Times. Host: Manveen Rana. Further listening: Why tech billionaires are backing TrumpFurther reading: Why Donald Trump is suddenly talking about cocaineGet in touch: thestory@thetimes.comClips: NBC, Fox, AP Archive.This episode was first published in September 2024.

As polling day approaches, fears are growing that the result will not be accepted by the losing side. The potential consequences range from election denialism to violence, and even civil war.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 Newton Dunn, covering the US election for The Times. Host: Luke Jones.Clips: MSNBC, CBS, New York Post, NBC News.Photo: Getty Images Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com

The Chancellor Rachel Reeves has raised taxes by £40 billion in the first Labour budget in fourteen years. Does it ‘fix the foundations’ or does it punish ‘working people’?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 Smith, Economics Editor, The Sunday Times. Host: Manveen Rana. Clips: Parliament live. Photo: Times Photographer Richard Pohle. Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com