The Story

Ten days ago, Natalie Harp was a name known almost exclusively to those in Washington's political circles but when a Democratic senator name-checked her in a campaign speech, it caused a war of words. So who is she and why does she matter so much to the president?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: Philip Wegmann, White House reporter, The Wall Street Journal.Host: Manveen Rana.Producers: Olivia Case, Jennifer Kennedy. We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: How Trump’s Ever-Present Executive Assistant Became the Talk of WashingtonFurther listening: The fraudsters pardoned by TrumpClips: Jon Ossoff / YouTube, Forbes, CNN, CSPAN, ABC7, One America News Network, Decoding Fox News / Twitter, Real News Insights, Global News, Brut / Facebook, Daily Mail, Fox.Photo: Getty Images.

Meteorologists are warning about a “Godzilla” El Niño which will cause extreme weather, food shortages and economic disruption. While the weather pattern happens regularly and mostly affects countries around the Pacific, its effects will be far reaching. What should we expect in the UK?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 Vaughan, environment editor, The Times. Host: Luke Jones. Producers: Robert Wallace and Julia Webster.We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: How will the ‘worst El Niño on record’ affect the UK?Further listening: Why this summer's drought could lead to food shortages Clips: BBC, Sky News, ITV News, 10News, Channel 4, The GuardianPhoto: Getty Images.

We’re publishing our monthly Q&A episode this Thursday. Send us your questions by Wednesday, 26 August, 12pm BST.We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comFurther listening: Q&A: Public transport hell and ‘creepy’ AI glasses

The Times has discovered that thousands of migrants are using a new, hybrid route to try to come to the UK: legal flights and visas, combined with illegal border crossings. But most don’t make it; the smuggling gangs detain them in Libya, to use them as slaves or for organ harvesting. Our reporter went to meet 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/thestoryGuest: Shayma Bakht, news reporter, The TimesHost: Luke Jones.Producers: Olivia Case, Julia Webster.We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: We stop two small boats a day from reaching Britain, say FrenchFurther listening: Were 60,000 migrants intentionally let into Spain?Photo: Denise Kelly, Dana Chan, Getty Images.

In his second administration, Donald Trump has so far pardoned or released approximately 1,800 convicted criminals. That includes rioters who stormed the Capitol, fraudsters who stole millions from their victims, and people with connections to the president. So why is Trump on a pardoning spree? And what impact might it have on his support? 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: Louise Callaghan, US correspondent, The Sunday Times. Host: Manveen Rana. Producers: Micaela Arneson. We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: I voted Trump. Now he’s pardoned the $20m Ponzi fraudster who conned meFurther listening: Is the American Dream dying? Clips: CBS News.Photo: Getty Images.

It’s the diet Trump’s inner circle are said to swear by: protein, fermented food and... not much else. Its creator, Sean O’Mara, promises that it works magic on your gut. The Times' feature writer Damian Whitworth’s spoke to him, and tried out the diet.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: Damian Whitworth, feature writer, The Times.Host: Manveen Rana.Producers: Olivia Case, Robert Wallace.Read more: I tried the Maga diet — it's steak and sauerkraut againWe want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comPhoto: John Angerson, The Times.

This is episode five of a five-part special investigation into county lines drug dealing from The Times and The Sunday Times first published in March.In the final episode of our county lines series, we hear how county lines drug gangs are continuing to shift their business model to avoid detection.Policing minister, Sarah Jones, explains how the government is planning to fight back. Plus, The Times’ crime editor David Woode sits down with The Sunday Times’ northern editor David Collins to discuss what they've learnt about the inner workings of county lines gangs.This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryHost: David WoodeProducers: Kate Lamble, Edward Drummond, and Taryn SiegelWe want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: I joined the police on a county lines crackdownPhoto: Getty Images.

Harry and Meghan are reportedly moving back to Britain with Archie and Lilibet, more than six years after leaving royal life for California. But why now — and how will their return work in practice?Roya Nikkhah is joined by Rosamund Urwin, chief news correspondent of The Sunday Times, to discuss the Sussexes’ shock decision, the King’s reaction and what it could mean for Prince William.They also examine Harry’s security concerns, the couple’s life in America and whether their return risks creating an alternative royal court — blurring the “half-in, half-out” boundaries established at Sandringham six years ago .What do you want to know about Harry and Meghan’s return to the UK? Get in touch: theroyals@thetimes.co.ukImage: GettyProducer: Robert WallaceVideo Producer: Eve ChadbournExecutive Producer: Priyanka DeladiaWatch us on YouTube.Read more: Prince Harry's third act: will it be a drama — or cause a circus?

This is episode four of a five-part special investigation into county lines drug dealing from The Times and The Sunday Times first published in March.Mike started selling drugs for a county lines gang when he was just a teenager. After being arrested and getting stabbed, he left that life behind. But he's been willing to share his experiences with The Times’ crime editor David Woode for the first time, explaining how he got caught 'under a spell'.  This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryHost: David WoodeProducers: Kate Lamble and Taryn Siegel. With thanks to the St Giles TrustWe want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: Inside the case of a 15-year-old caught with a machete and pistolFurther listening: Why I carried a knifePhoto: Getty Images.