The Story

Steve Boyes, a conservation biologist and National Geographic Explorer, joins to share his remarkable journey of resilience after personal challenges reshaped his outlook. He discusses the vital importance of protecting Africa's great rivers, emphasizing community-driven conservation that includes indigenous voices. Boyes reveals groundbreaking initiatives like the Great Spine of Africa project, highlights the Angolan Highlands' biodiversity, and stresses the urgency of water security for Africa's growing youth population. His vision for future generations is rooted in nature and community.

Constance Kampfner, Northern correspondent for The Times, delves into the tragic Southport attack, which claimed the lives of three young girls. She discusses the ongoing public inquiry and highlights systemic failures by multiple agencies that could have prevented the tragedy. Constance sheds light on troubling signs from the teen attacker, Axel Rudakubana, his history of violence, missed mental health assessments, and the family's desperate attempts to seek help. The episode underscores the complexities of youth radicalization and the challenges of intervention in mental health crises.

Almost 700,000 people are waiting to book their driving test in the UK, a record backlog which is being exploited by scammers. Our reporter Emma Kirwan found victims across the UK have already paid out more than £134,000 this year trying to book slots which don’t exist. So, she tracked down a scammer and got him on the phone.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: Emma Kirwan, reporter, Times Radio. Host: Manveen Rana.Producer: Olivia Case.Clips: Times Radio.Photo: Getty Images.Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.comThis 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.

Rachel Reeves has paved the way for potential tax rises. In a speech three weeks before the budget, the chancellor refused to commit to Labour’s manifesto promise to not raise National Insurance, income tax or VAT. With Nigel Farage also back-pedalling on tax cuts, is it time for the politicians to be more honest about the state of the economy?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: Oliver Wright, policy editor, The TimesHost: Manveen Rana.Producers: Shabnam Grewal, Alula Hart.Read more: Reeves: We must all do our bit to secure Britain’s futureFurther listening: Do bond markets rule the world?Clips: Sky News, The Guardian, Parliament TV, ITV Politics.Photo: Getty Images.Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.comThis 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.

Izzy Lyons, a reporter for The Sunday Times, shares her gripping first-hand account of the Huntingdon train attack, detailing the chaos as passengers confronted a knife-wielding assailant. Theo Usherwood, a political reporter for Times Radio, discusses the political fallout and implications for government policies on public safety. Together, they explore how timely police responses and the bravery of staff and passengers mitigated the situation. The conversation shifts to potential security measures and the broader debates around crime and safety in society.

Will Pavia, New York correspondent for The Times, dives into the dramatic mayoral race featuring 34-year-old Democratic Socialist Zohran Mamdani. They explore Mamdani's rapid rise as the frontrunner and the challenges of his ambitious plans for New York, including rent freezes and free childcare. Pavia discusses the significance of affordability amidst rising costs and Mamdani's innovative social media strategy that captured public attention. Insights on potential clashes with Trump and how Mamdani’s youth and humor have invigorated voters round out this captivating analysis.

In this engaging narrative, Olivia Case, a producer and reader for The Story, shares Gail Rice's bold journey into the world of hiring a male escort for her 70th birthday. Gail reflects on her struggles with aging and the disillusionment of dating apps, ultimately inspired by the film 'Good Luck to You, Leo Grande.' She candidly describes the awkwardness of her first experience, the disconnect, and her pursuit of vulnerability and fulfillment. After disappointment, she bravely attempts again, discovering a newfound sense of intimacy and empowerment.

Grégoire Courtine, a pioneering neuroscientist, and Jocelyne Bloch, an innovative neurosurgeon, discuss their groundbreaking NeuroRestore project, which uses brain signals to stimulate the spinal cord and restore movement after paralysis. They unravel the science behind the 'digital bridge' technology, the challenges of voluntary control, and inspiring patient stories. Suzanne Edwards shares her emotional journey from complete spinal injury to regaining movement, offering hope for new possibilities in recovery and highlighting the project's vision for widespread accessibility.

Joining the discussion are George Greenwood, an investigations reporter for The Times with expertise on royal finances, and Aubrey Allegretti, the chief political correspondent specializing in Westminster politics. They dissect the King’s controversial decision to strip Prince Andrew of his titles and evict him from Royal Lodge. The conversation highlights unprecedented parliamentary pressure, public outrage over lease revelations, and potential calls for greater transparency in royal finances, igniting debates on accountability within the monarchy.

Roisin Kelly, commissioning editor at The Sunday Times, dives into the controversial prescribing of Wegovy to teenagers, driven by rising obesity and parental desperation. She shares compelling stories, like 'Emma's,' illustrating how bullying and previous failed interventions lead families to seek medical help. Roisin also discusses the potential long-term impacts, the importance of evidence-based guidance, and the challenges of forming healthy relationships with food. With the clinic treating around 70 teens, she raises questions about the future of weight-loss drugs and their societal implications.