The Story

This week the health secretary has urged people to “think very carefully” before flying overseas for plastic surgery as the NHS is left to “pick up the pieces". Medical tourism to Turkey for ‘Brazilian butt lifts’ and liposuction is surging despite the risks. Our correspondent goes undercover to expose the firms recruiting customers in London.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: Charlotte Wace, Special Projects Correspondent, The Times. Host: Manveen Rana.Get in touch: TheStory@thetimes.com / investigations@thetimes.comPhoto: Getty images.Clips: ITV, Talk TV. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The election of Donald Trump has raised serious questions about the flow of American funds and weapons to Ukraine's forces. So what is the mood in Kyiv and on the front line, and might some form of peace be on the horizon?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: Catherine Philp, World Affairs Editor, The Times. Host: Manveen RanaClips: The Times & Sunday Times; ABC News (US); BBC News; CBS News; Channel 4 News; The Straits Times; Fox News; NBC News.Photo: Getty Images Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Archbishop of Canterbury has resigned after being accused of mishandling abuse allegations against a man described as the “most prolific serial abuser” in church history. So what did the Archbishop know when? What fateful decision led to his downfall? And where does his departure leave the Anglican church - and the victims affected by abuse?If you or someone you know has been affected by sibling sexual abuse support and advice can be found with the Samaritans or The National Association for People Abused in Childhood.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: Kaya Burgess, Religious Affairs Correspondent, The Times. Host: Luke Jones.Clips: Channel 4 News, BBC News.Photo: Getty Images Further reading: Why did Justin Welby resign? The fateful decision that led to downfall Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Donald Trump has started to appoint key figures to his new administration, and one of the early picks is Tom Homan - his new ‘border tsar’. The president-elect says he wants to remove all 20 million people thought to be in America illegally. So how does he plan to do this, and what might the economic impact 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/thestoryGuest: Louise Callaghan, Senior US Correspondent, The Sunday Times. Host: Manveen Rana.Further reading: Tom Homan, the man who will ‘send in the troops’ to tackle migrationClips: Bloomberg, Fox News, CBC, Fox Business, Sky News, NBC News.Photo: Getty Images. Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you get a decent night’s rest regularly, you’re likely to be slimmer, happier and healthier. But with research suggesting that the more we think and worry about our sleep, the worse it gets, is it time to throw away our sleep-trackers and unfollow the TikTok ‘sleepfluencers’? 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/thestoryFurther reading: How to get a good night's sleep - and why you're not.Host: Manveen Rana.Guest: Tom Whipple, Science Editor, The Times.Clips: TikTok / milaandmike, TikTok / justin_agustin, TikTok / anastazia, TikTok / thesleepdoctor, TikTok / valerieribon, TikTok / alishaxnourie, TikTok / marjmaroket, TikTok / hanbanan.fit, TikTok / melfyx.Photo: Getty Images.Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For weeks, we were told the polls were too close to call. But when the votes were counted, the Democrats lost every single swing state - and the popular vote too. Nancy Pelosi, the former House speaker and Democrat party grandee has blamed President Biden for Donald Trump winning the White House as a Democrat blame game intensifies. So how did it all go so wrong for the Harris campaign? And what does her party need to do to reconnect with middle America?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: Christopher Hale, Democratic consultant and strategist.Nick Hanauer, tech entrepreneur and political economist.Host: Manveen Rana. Clips: Megyn Kelly; The View/ABC; NBC News; Instagram/realdonaldtrump; CNN; Votolatino; Newsnation; Hindustan Times; Al Jazeera English.Photo: Getty Images. Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As a bonus episode, we’re bringing listeners of The Story an episode from our sister podcast, The Royals with Roya and Kate. They have been in South Africa covering Prince William’s Earthshot Prize awards ceremony. Speaking afterwards, the Prince of Wales described the last year as “dreadful”, “brutal”, and “probably the hardest year of my life”.Host: Roya Nikkhah, Royal Editor, The Sunday Times.Kate Mansey, Assistant Editor, The Times.Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.co.uk  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Elon Musk has aggressively backed Donald Trump in the US election, raising questions about whether he may be part of Donald Trump's new administration. But what has led the one-time political liberal to come out in support of the president-elect and a raft of conservative causes? This weekend, we revisit an episode from August, looking at how the billionaire Tesla and X owner became politically involved.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  This episode was first published on 15th August 2024.Guest: James Ball, tech journalist and author.  Host: Manveen Rana.  Clips: X.com/Kamala Harris AI generated audio.   Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.co.uk  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Design, Getty Images.Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Donald Trump has stormed to victory, so what does his vision for the future of the US look like? Who will he take into the White House with him? And will his hard-talking rhetoric meet reality?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: Josh Glancy, News Review Editor, The Sunday Times. Host: Manveen Rana. Clips: Middle East Eye, CNN, Forbes, ABC News.Photo: Getty Images.Further reading:Who will be in Trump’s cabinet? From ex-rivals to golf partnersWhat a Trump presidency means for Ukraine, Middle East, Europe and AsiaThe Times website will be free to read until midnight on Thursday 7th November.Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The One Direction star is alleged to have died with a substance known as ‘pink cocaine’ in his system. This popular, dangerous high could mark a new phase in the world of drugs. So what is it?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.Guest: Kate Spicer, Writer, The Times. Substack: https://katespicer.substack.com/Clips: E! News, Virgin Radio, ABC7 News.Further reading: Liam Payne, drugs and the rise of pink cocaine. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kamala Harris’ campaign is pulling out all the stops to woo black and Latino Americans, over concerns that voters from these groups are signalling their support for Donald Trump in record numbers. Polling suggests some of the Democrat’s core base will peel away to vote Republican in this election – so what’s Trump’s appeal? And could their votes decide the election?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. Read Tom’s reporting:Can Kamala Harris win back Arab-American voters lost to Gaza?Host: Manveen Rana. Clips: Kamala Harris, Univision Noticias, Washington Post. Photo: Getty Images Further listening: Why tech billionaires are backing Trump What happens if the American election is a tie? Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When Sean O’Neill’s daughter Maeve died aged 27 from malnutrition caused by severe ME - myalgic encephalomyelitis - he faced years of waiting for an inquest to find out why the system failed her. That inquest has just ended, but will its ground-breaking conclusion change things for the hundreds of thousands of ME sufferers in the UK?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: thetimes.com/subscribeInformation and helpline services for ME are available at Action for ME and The ME Association.Further reading: My daughter died of ME. I had to fight the NHS for answers A scandal waiting for its Post Office momentGuest: Sean O’Neill, Maeve Boothby O’Neill’s father and Senior Writer, The Times.Host: Manveen Rana.Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com Image credit: O'Neill family. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.