The Story

Gabriel Pogrund, Whitehall editor at The Sunday Times and investigative journalist, unpacks the controversial ban on Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from an Aston Villa match. He discusses the failures of West Midlands Police and the damning Cooke report, revealing the questionable intelligence used to justify the ban. Gabriel also contrasts police transparency in the Netherlands with that of his own country, examines political fallout, and raises important questions about the intersection of policing and politics in this scandal.

Katie Gatens, Europe correspondent for The Sunday Times, shares vivid insights from Greenland, highlighting local fears about US interests in the territory. Oliver Moody, Berlin correspondent, discusses NATO's tricky position amidst escalating geopolitical tensions. They explore Greenland's strategic importance, fears of military presence, and the complex reactions of its residents. The conversation dives into potential US actions, from direct invasion to managing the status quo, revealing the intricate balance of power in the Arctic and NATO's future.

Gabrielle Weiniger, a seasoned Middle East correspondent, and Rana Rahimpour, an Iranian-British journalist, dive into the complexities of the Iran protests. They discuss how economic crises sparked nationwide demonstrations, the lethal government crackdown, and the role of social media during internet blackouts. Personal stories highlight the human cost, while Rana traces the historical context of protests, including the Green Movement. They ponder the implications of U.S. intervention and the unlikely scenarios for regime change.

David Charter, Assistant Editor at The Times and a seasoned political journalist, delves into the controversial figure of Stephen Miller. They explore how a liberal upbringing shaped his hardline conservative views. Charter discusses Miller's rise from speechwriter to Trump's influential advisor, highlighting his significant role in immigration policies and nationalistic rhetoric. Insightful anecdotes reveal Miller's early political activism and his tactics, including aggressive deportation measures and bold foreign policy decisions like the Greenland controversy.

Sathnam Sanghera, a bestselling author and Times columnist known for his insightful commentary on social issues, shares his personal journey of quitting social media after a decade-long dependency. He explores how platforms that once connected him transformed into sources of toxicity and addiction. Sathnam highlights the decline in social media usage and discusses the emotional toll of online abuse. With a shift towards private messaging, he reflects on the positive aspects of early internet days while ultimately championing real-life interactions over toxic online environments.

Journalist Jane Mulkerrins, Associate Editor at The Times, shares her insights after interviewing Monica Lewinsky. The discussion uncovers the complexities of being at the center of a political scandal, exploring the power dynamics and media frenzy surrounding Lewinsky's past. Jane highlights her trauma, the aftermath of the affair, and Lewinsky's journey to reclaim her narrative through public speaking and advocacy. The conversation also touches on how social media might shift public perception today, raising questions about accountability and societal change.

Emma Yeomans, a news reporter at The Times, highlights the disturbing rise of AI-generated non-consensual images linked to Elon Musk's Grok chatbot. She shares harrowing victim stories and the urgent calls for regulatory action amid a growing governmental backlash in the UK. Chris Stokel-Walker, a technology journalist, discusses Grok’s provocative design and its implications for legal frameworks like Section 230. Together, they explore the ethics, challenges, and potential consequences of unchecked generative AI in today's society.

In this discussion, Michael Evans, an experienced defense journalist, and Mogens Lykketoft, former Danish foreign minister, dive into the recent geopolitical maneuvers by Donald Trump. They analyze Trump's focus on Greenland, Colombia, and Mexico while unpacking the implications of the revived 'Donroe Doctrine.' Evans connects past U.S. interventions in Latin America to current strategies, while Lykketoft highlights threats to Danish sovereignty and warns of NATO stability. Their insights reveal the potential risks and global reactions to America's foreign policy direction.

Geraldine Scott, Assistant Political Editor at The Times, and Aubrey Allegretti, Chief Political Correspondent at The Times, dive into the turbulent landscape of UK politics. They discuss the impending challenges for Keir Starmer and Labour in 2026, including key elections and internal conflicts. The duo analyzes the rise of the Greens and Reform UK, and the implications for Labour's future. They also consider potential leadership contenders and assess how local elections could signal party fortunes, all while navigating the complex dynamics shaping British politics.

David Charter, assistant editor at The Times and seasoned political journalist, delves into the impact of Trump on American democracy. He discusses Trump's political rebound since January 6 and how he's sidestepped Congress through executive orders and strategic fund withholding. Charter highlights the implications of a recent immunity ruling and Trump's use of litigation as a political weapon. He also explores the reshaping of the military and the Justice Department's role in political pursuits, painting a vivid picture of a transformed presidency.