Home Podcasts The Poppy Day Bomb | Times Investigates
The Poppy Day Bomb | Times Investigates

The Poppy Day Bomb | Times Investigates

The Times 75 Episodes Oct 22, 2026

The Poppy Day Bomb is the 12th season of Times Investigates, an award-winning investigative and true crime podcast series from The Times and The Sunday Times. Each season delves into a different story, from war zones to suburban homes, pursuing brutal criminals and cult leaders. In this season, war correspondent Anthony Loyd investigates the life and fate of his colleague John Cantlie, who was kidnapped in Syria by Islamic State. Previous seasons have covered topics such as the killing of a 14-year-old boy, a Nazi bureaucrat who helped build modern Germany, and a businessman who charmed his way through British corridors of power.

Episodes

“They won’t believe me” | The Trial of Russell Brand Ep. 9
“They won’t believe me” | The Trial of Russell Brand Ep. 9 Oct 22, 2026 15:58 WARNING: This episode contains descriptions some listeners may find distressing.On the ninth day of the trial of Russell Brand, more than 20 witnesses gave evidence relating to Woman 5. This is the complainant who alleges she was raped in Brand’s home in 2009. Two of the witnesses told the court Woman 5 did not tell police at the time because she didn’t think she would be believed.The defence sugg
“He treated me like an animal” | The Trial of Russell Brand Ep. 8
“He treated me like an animal” | The Trial of Russell Brand Ep. 8 Oct 21, 2026 10:20 On the eighth day of the trial of Russell Brand, Woman 5 finished her testimony and was then cross-examined by the defence. Woman 5 said she felt “guilt and shame” but did not consent to a specific sexual act with Brand. The defence argued that she did consent and said Woman 5 had “idolised” Brand at the time.Russell Brand denies all the allegations against him.Rosamund Urwin and Charlotte Wace ar
“It happened in a flash” | The Trial of Russell Brand Ep. 7
“It happened in a flash” | The Trial of Russell Brand Ep. 7 Oct 20, 2026 23:10 WARNING: This episode contains descriptions some listeners may find distressing.On the seventh day in the trial of Russell Brand, Woman 5 told police she went willingly to Brand’s house, but during that visit something she didn’t consent to happened, and he allegedly raped her.Woman 4 and Woman 6 both allege Brand sexually assaulted them in their workplaces. The defence suggested Woman 4 did not h
“Don’t be a spoilsport” | The Trial of Russell Brand Ep. 6
“Don’t be a spoilsport” | The Trial of Russell Brand Ep. 6 Oct 19, 2026 18:32 WARNING: This episode contains descriptions some listeners may find distressing.On the sixth day of the trial of Russell Brand, Woman 3 took to the witness box. She alleges Brand orally raped her after he pulled her into a toilet in 2004.The defence suggested Brand invited her into the toilet where they had a “kiss and cuddle”.Russell Brand denies all the allegations against him.Rosamund Urwin and
“A wild look in his eye” | The Trial of Russell Brand Ep. 5
“A wild look in his eye” | The Trial of Russell Brand Ep. 5 Oct 16, 2026 17:30 On the fifth day of the trial of Russell Brand, Woman 2 took the stand. She described how Brand allegedly tried to pull her into a male toilet in 2001, going from a “friendly” person to a “wild-eyed maniac.”The defence suggested it could have been an invitation for a consensual encounter.Russell Brand denies all the allegations against him.Rosamund Urwin and Charlotte Wace are in court every day,
"I know what happened" | The Trial of Russell Brand Ep. 4
"I know what happened" | The Trial of Russell Brand Ep. 4 Oct 15, 2026 17:11 WARNING: This episode contains descriptions some listeners may find distressing.On the fourth day of the trial of Russell Brand we heard from the first complainant. She alleges that Brand raped her in 1999 in Bournemouth. In an emotional video interview, the court heard her describe to police how she “couldn’t breathe” and told him “no, I don’t want this.” The defence barrister suggested the encou
The case against him | The Trial of Russell Brand Ep. 3
The case against him | The Trial of Russell Brand Ep. 3 Oct 14, 2026 17:54 With our reporters following every word in court, the trial of Russell Brand began in earnest today. The prosecution laid out their case, calling Brand “ruthless, calculating, and manipulative…a sexual predator.” Brand has denied all charges against him.Watch or listen to The Trial of Russell Brand every weekday on Apple Podcasts, YouTube or listen on Spotify. Follow the show to never miss an epis
How to pick a jury | The Trial of Russell Brand Ep. 2
How to pick a jury | The Trial of Russell Brand Ep. 2 Oct 12, 2026 17:15 Today, the trial of Russell Brand began at Southwark Crown Court. Brand stands accused of seven charges, including rape and other sexual offences. He has denied all charges. In court today, the jurors who will decide Brand’s fate began to be chosen.Follow or subscribe to never miss an episode.This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimite
The Charges | The Trial of Russell Brand Ep. 1
The Charges | The Trial of Russell Brand Ep. 1 Sep 15, 2026 26:12 From provocative stand-up comedian to Hollywood leading man, Russell Brand will stand trial next month on seven charges of rape, sexual assault and indecent assault. He has pleaded not guilty to each. Every day throughout the trial, Luke Jones will be joined by Rosamund Urwin and Charlotte Wace, to dissect the evidence and discuss where the case might go next.Before the trial begins on Monday 12 O
Introducing | The Trial of Russell Brand
Introducing | The Trial of Russell Brand Sep 15, 2026 2:28 On Monday 12th of October, Russell Brand will stand trial in London’s Southwark Crown Court on seven charges of rape, sexual assault and indecent assault, relating to six women between 1999 and 2009.He has pleaded not guilty to each charge.We'll be bringing you daily updates throughout the trial.There will be no cameras inside the courtroom, no microphones, nor rolling news feed. Instead, we will
UPDATE - The woman on the balcony | Posh George: The criminal behind Farage Ep.6
UPDATE - The woman on the balcony | Posh George: The criminal behind Farage Ep.6 Aug 31, 2026 31:24 As Nigel Farage returns to Parliament with a parliamentary standards investigation hanging over his head, The Sunday Times Insight team are back with the latest developments since the original series was released.What is a sitting US federal judge doing at George’s penthouse? Separately, there are more questions for Posh George, Nigel Farage and Reform UK over their finances and relation
‘Daddy’ | Posh George: The criminal behind Farage Ep.5
‘Daddy’ | Posh George: The criminal behind Farage Ep.5 Jul 15, 2026 35:38 Nigel Farage realises one of his lifelong ambitions, as he becomes an MP, with the help of Posh George.  This leads to questions over George’s financial support for his ally. Did it breach parliamentary rules? And, the Insight team tries to make sense of Posh George and Farage’s ten-plus year friendship after the fallout from their reporting. Both George Cottrell and Nigel

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