The Story

Sir Simon Mayall, retired lieutenant general with 40 years in the British Army, gives military analysis on invading Kharg Island. George Grylls, Washington correspondent for The Times, explains US policy, troop movements and political stakes. They discuss why Kharg matters, how raids or amphibious assaults might be carried out, logistics and risks to forces, and the wider strategic and market implications.

Katy Balls, Washington editor and columnist for The Times, offers sharp analysis of Pete Hegseth, a former soldier and TV host turned US secretary of war. She discusses his rise as the public face of the Iran campaign, his media-savvy messaging, controversies from his confirmation, cultural changes at the Pentagon and how the conflict could shape his political fate.

James Ball, a tech journalist and PhD researcher in AI, and Adam Levy, creator of the AI-generated investigation The Epstein Files and builder of the Distill app. They discuss building an AI-native investigation, how documents were ingested and curated, technical safeguards and quality controls, audience reaction, legal risks and fact-checking, and whether AI can replace human judgement in investigations.

This week, Channel 5 broadcast a dramatisation of the downfall of former BBC news anchor Huw Edwards, with Martin Clunes in the lead role. The programme traces the events that led to his sudden and very public fall from grace. Andrew Billen, veteran journalist who specialises in interviews with celebrities, politicians and writers at The Times, met Edwards on several occasions, including the day before his world came crashing down. In a compelling piece published this week, Billen reflects on the man he thought he knew.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: Andrew Billen, features writer, The Times.Producer: Dave Creasey.We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: I’ve met Huw Edwards, here’s what the TV drama gets right (and wrong)Photo: Getty ImagesThis podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chris Stokel-Walker, a technology journalist and author who covers digital culture, explains how prediction markets like Polymarket and Kalshi work. He describes the platforms, the surge in high-stakes betting on conflicts such as Iran, and concerns about insider trading and regulation. He also explores how these markets could shape information flows and the ethical risks of normalizing wagers on violence.

A rapid Q&A exploring who in Iran could realistically negotiate with the United States. They debate Pakistan’s role, shifting power toward the IRGC, and the plausibility of removing Iran’s supreme leader. The conversation covers the reported 15-point peace plan, Iran’s missile reach, and why Gulf states are holding back from retaliation.

Sarah Jones, Policing minister outlining government strategy and new law proposals to tackle county lines. Conversations cover how gangs adapt their business models, the rise of social-media lines and shifting drug types. Debate over proposed offences, safeguarding risks and coordination between forces is highlighted.

A former teenage dealer recounts being lured into county lines trafficking and locked in a trap house. He describes travel across towns to move drugs, the money and status that kept him hooked, and the violence that followed. He explains how intervention, a stabbing and reflection made him see the exploitation. He offers warnings for parents and young people at risk.

Rachel Baldwin, a CPS lawyer who explains how the Modern Slavery Act and the National Referral Mechanism work. Mike Brocken, a senior sergeant who runs Operation Sentry tackling county lines. They discuss children running whole drug lines, how safeguards and legal protections can be used or misused, and police operations and prosecutions aimed at disrupting organised crime.

Today we go inside Operation Titan, as North Yorkshire Police fight back against county lines drugs gangs. But with each line the police shut down, another pops up in its place, sometimes within days. The Sunday Times' northern editor David Collins investigates how to break the cycle. This is episode two of a five-part special investigation into county lines drug dealing, running in audio, video, print and digital from The Times and The Sunday Times.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 more: Drug dealers use anti-slavery law to escape prosecution | I was a county lines drug runner. I tried to quit, then I was stabbedWatch: School-age kingpins: why children now hold the key to county linesHost: David Collins.Producers: Kate Lamble and Taryn SiegelExecutive producers: Tim Walklate and Dan BoxWe want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comPhoto: Getty Images.This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.