The Story

Melanie Leahy, a campaigner and mother who fought to expose deaths in Essex mental health care after her son Matthew died, tells her story. She discusses chaotic ward conditions, failures to investigate alleged assault, discovering patterns with other families, and mounting a national campaign that forced a statutory public inquiry. The conversation covers safety failures, legal action, and the drive for accountability.

Helen Down, a Times contributor who traced her brother’s 1990s sperm donations, tells a personal reunion story. She meets Leo and Lucy, explores how DNA matches revealed hidden relatives, and recounts the awkward first meeting turned warm connection. The conversation touches on inherited traits, mothers’ reactions, and the limits of tracking down distant donor siblings.

Melania Trump this week releases her new documentary 'Melania' which takes viewers inside the enigmatic first lady’s second term. Directed and produced by Melania herself, it's a project that's had plenty hype and some controversy. The studio Amazon MGM bought the rights for $40 million - the highest price ever paid for a documentary. So, what do we learn about real Melania - the power behind the throne with firm views on her husband’s actions?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: Meghan Agnew, Senior Features Writer, US.Host: Luke Jones.Producers: Dave Creasey and Micaela Arneson.We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: Sensitive Trump, Melania the boss… inside the first lady’s second termClips: The Today Show, BBC News. Rolling Stones, Gimmie Shelter, Decca Records (UK).Photo: 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.

Cindy Yu, Times columnist on UK–China diplomacy, and Isabel Hilton, longtime China watcher and founder of China Dialogue Trust, discuss Keir Starmer’s Beijing visit. They explore diplomatic signalling, security concerns and espionage stories. They debate China’s global ambitions, whether it seeks to police the world, and how smaller powers should navigate trade, red lines and pragmatic engagement.

Tense US–Iran moves and the deployment of warships loom large. Discussion covers nuclear deal context and risks around the Gulf and Strait of Hormuz. US immigration enforcement shifts and controversial tactics in Minneapolis draw scrutiny. UK party infighting, by-election battles and leadership manoeuvring create political turbulence at Westminster.

Coverage of possible US military action against Iran and the intelligence and movements suggesting strikes may be imminent. A look at how MAGA figures and advisers are split over use of force and how that shapes Washington politics. Shifts in messaging after the Minneapolis shootings and questions about who is shaping immigration policy. A note on Melania’s rising public profile and an upcoming movie.

Shanti Das, senior investigations reporter at The Times, went undercover to expose a booming black market for fake job sponsorships. She recounts secret meetings, how agents sell payroll-only visas, the paper trail companies create and the scale of Facebook groups driving demand. The investigation highlights risks, prices quoted and why tightened rules fuel this illicit trade.

Aubrey Allegretti, chief political correspondent for The Times, offers sharp analysis of the Starmer–Burnham clash. He unpacks the NEC decision, the timing and risks of a Gorton by-election, and why May’s polls are the real leadership test. He also explores internal rivals like Wes Streeting and the danger of a split left.

Kaya Burgess, religious affairs correspondent at The Times, explains who Sarah Mullally is and why her appointment is historic. Short, sharp accounts cover her nursing-to-bishop journey, safeguarding controversies, personality and public stances. Listens focus on internal church divisions, global backlash risks and the immediate tests awaiting the new leader.

Ben Gomes, Google technologist developing AI tools for tutoring and personalised learning. Sophie Winkleman, actress and campaigner warning about rising screentime and loss of embodied learning. They debate AI tutoring, personalised tools, handwriting and attention, classroom design that keeps learners active, and how to balance screens at home and in schools.