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The Poppy Day Bomb is season 12 of Times Investigates, bringing you the best, award-winning investigative and true crime podcasts from The Times and The Sunday Times From war zones to suburban homes, pursuing brutal criminals and cult leaders, our podcasts go further than any other to uncover the truth In season 1, war correspondent Anthony Loyd investigates the life - and fate - of his colleague John Cantlie, who was kidnapped in Syria by Islamic State In season 2, crime correspondent John Simpson breaks down the wall of silence surrounding the killing of 14-year-old Corey Junior Davis In season 3 Berlin correspondent Oliver Moody uncovers the story of Hans Globke, the Nazi bureaucrat who laid the legal basis for the Holocaust - and helped build the modern German state In season 4, columnist David Aaronovitch follows the trail of charm and deception left by businessman Lex Greensill through the corridors of power in Britain In season 5, social affairs correspondent Emily Dugan asks whether the wrong man was sent to prison for a brutal attack on a mother of two In season six, Middle East correspondent Louise Callaghan steps into the weird world of ‘kittens’, ‘lions’, and televangelism surrounding a cult leader In season seven, journalists Brenna Daldorph and David Aaronovitch explore the dark past behind some of Britain’s wealthiest stately homes In season eight, feature writer Andrew Billen exposes a very British scandal at the world-famous Christ Church college, Oxford In season nine, David Aaranovitch steps into the online world of Patriotic Alternative, a far-right group using the Covid pandemic as a recruiting tool In season 10, journalists Peter Gillman and Emanuele Midolo investigate the death of one of our own, David Holden, the reporter whose killing became a Cold War whodunnit In season 11, social affairs editor James Beal follows a trail leading from a quiet British town to frozen Canada, where he discovers a man allegedly selling death online In season 12, reporter Mario Ledwith returns to his hometown in Northern Ireland, seeking answers about the bloody 1987 Remembrance Sunday attack Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Check latest episodes from Times Investigates podcast

“Half-truths spun into lies” | The Trial of Russell Brand Ep. 15

2026/10/30

On the 15th day of the trial of Russell Brand, the prosecution delivered their closing statement to the jury. Riel Karmy-Jones, the lead barrister for the prosecution, emphasised the complainants are six women who do not know each other, and have not sought compensation or the limelight. She described Russell Brand’s evidence as “half-truths spun into lies”, and suggested his account had been “wholly constructed” from the prosecution case. The defence will deliver their closing statement on Monday. Russell Brand denies all the allegations against him. Rosamund Urwin and Charlotte Wace are in court every day, and then join Luke Jones to unpack it all. 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 episode. Send us your questions: [email protected] 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: https://www.thetimes.com/subscribe/timesinvestigates/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Brand's wife gives evidence | The Trial of Russell Brand Ep. 14

2026/10/29

On the 14th day of the trial of Russell Brand, the wife of the comedian and christian influencer, Laura Brand, gave evidence. She told the court it was “clear it was hard for him to be monogamous” when the pair began dating in 2006, causing them to break up in 2007. After getting back together and marrying in 2017, she said Brand was “caring, kind” and “a wonderful father to our children.” In cross-examination, the prosecution highlighted Laura Brand did not know the comedian during the time period relating to 5 of the counts. Two former girlfriends of Russell Brand also provided statements as character witnesses. Russell Brand denies all the allegations against him. Rosamund Urwin and Charlotte Wace are in court every day, and then join Luke Jones to unpack it all. 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 episode. Send us your questions: [email protected] 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: https://www.thetimes.com/subscribe/timesinvestigates/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Brand gives evidence | The Trial of Russell Brand Ep. 13

2026/10/28

On episode 13 of the Trial of Russell Brand podcast, Russell Brand gave evidence for the first time. Brand’s defence went through the details of each alleged offence, which relate to six women. The comedian told the court two of the allegations of rape were actually consensual sex. He said a third alleged rape did not happen. Consent, Brand insisted, was “fundamental… more important than sex itself”. During cross-examination, the prosecution repeatedly asked why Brand hadn’t mentioned some of the details he gave in court during his earlier police interviews. Brand said “there’s been escalating recollection”. He denies all the allegations against him. Rosamund Urwin and Charlotte Wace are in court every day, and then join Luke Jones to unpack it all. 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 episode. Send us your questions: [email protected] If you, or someone you know, has been affected by the issues raised in this episode, the following organisations can help: Rape Crisis England & Wales NHS - Help after rape and sexual assault 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: https://www.thetimes.com/subscribe/timesinvestigates/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Invented, reimagined | The Trial of Russell Brand Ep. 12

2026/10/27

On the twelfth day of the trial of Russell Brand, the jury were directed to find the defendant not guilty on one count of indecent assault. The judge, Justice Bennathan, told the jury there was insufficient evidence for count 2. This is where Brand was alleged to have grabbed the arm of a woman in the offices of MTV and attempted to drag her into a toilet. However, a new count of “attempted indecent assault” was introduced in relation to the same incident. The court also heard the prosecution read the prepared statements Russell Brand gave police when he was initially interviewed. In those statements the former comedian suggested complainants had “invented” allegations or “reimagined” consensual sexual encounters, after what he called “fictitious and defamatory” reporting in the press. Russell Brand denies all the allegations against him. Rosamund Urwin and Charlotte Wace are in court every day, and then join Luke Jones to unpack it all. 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 episode. Send us your questions: [email protected] 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: https://www.thetimes.com/subscribe/timesinvestigates/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"Like he had been possessed" | The Trial of Russell Brand Ep. 11

2026/10/26

On the eleventh day of the trial of Russell Brand, a former assistant of the comedian remembered him having an “insane sexual appetite”. While Helen Berger didn’t remember witnessing Brand doing anything illegal, in her statement she said that she had worked with lots of celebrities around whom bad behaviour was normalised. “This was on another level.” The court also heard that the sister of Woman 3 was told Russell Brand’s eyes had become completely blank, like he was “possessed”, when he allegedly assaulted Woman 3 at a birthday party in 2004. Russell Brand denies all the allegations against him. Rosamund Urwin and Charlotte Wace are in court every day, and then join Luke Jones to unpack it all. 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 episode. Send us your questions: [email protected] 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: https://www.thetimes.com/subscribe/timesinvestigates/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Questions and sketches | The Trial of Russell Brand Ep. 10

2026/10/23

On the tenth day of the trial of Russell Brand, it was a non-sitting day for the jury. So, instead – you asked, we answered. We took the time to answer some of the many questions we’ve received. Will Russell Brand be cross-examined? And who is the Russell Brand look-alike who’s been in court every day? We’re also joined by court artist Priscilla Coleman, whose beautiful sketches have been making the rounds on social media. She tells us how she captures the scene through notes like “blonde potato”. The prosecution case will resume on Monday. Russell Brand denies all the allegations against him. Rosamund Urwin and Charlotte Wace are in court every day (when the jury is), and then join Luke Jones to unpack it all. 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 episode. Send us your questions: [email protected] Images and video: Getty, PA Media, MB Media 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: https://www.thetimes.com/subscribe/timesinvestigates/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“They won’t believe me” | The Trial of Russell Brand Ep. 9

2026/10/22

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 suggested Woman 5 had had consensual sex with Russell Brand and later regretted it. Russell Brand denies all the allegations against him. Rosamund Urwin and Charlotte Wace are in court every day, and then join Luke Jones to unpack it all. 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 episode. Send us your questions: [email protected] If you, or someone you know, has been affected by the issues raised in this episode, the following organisations can help: Rape Crisis England & Wales NHS - Help after rape and sexual assault 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: https://www.thetimes.com/subscribe/timesinvestigates/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“He treated me like an animal” | The Trial of Russell Brand Ep. 8

2026/10/21

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 are in court every day, and then join Luke Jones to unpack it all. 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 episode. Send us your questions: [email protected] 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: https://www.thetimes.com/subscribe/timesinvestigates/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“It happened in a flash” | The Trial of Russell Brand Ep. 7

2026/10/20

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 have a clear memory of the incident, and Woman 6 gave an inconsistent account about her clothing to a journalist. The defence will begin cross examination of Woman 5 tomorrow. Russell Brand denies all the allegations against him. Rosamund Urwin and Charlotte Wace are in court every day, and then join Luke Jones to unpack it all. 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 episode. Send us your questions: [email protected] If you, or someone you know, has been affected by the issues raised in this episode, the following organisations can help: Rape Crisis England & Wales NHS - Help after rape and sexual assault 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: https://www.thetimes.com/subscribe/timesinvestigates/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“Don’t be a spoilsport” | The Trial of Russell Brand Ep. 6

2026/10/19

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 Charlotte Wace are in court every day, and then join Luke Jones to unpack it all. 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 episode. Send us your questions: [email protected] If you, or someone you know, has been affected by the issues raised in this episode, the following organisations can help: Rape Crisis England & Wales NHS - Help after rape and sexual assault 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: https://www.thetimes.com/subscribe/timesinvestigates/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“A wild look in his eye” | The Trial of Russell Brand Ep. 5

2026/10/16

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, and then join Luke Jones to unpack it all. 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 episode. Send us your questions: [email protected] 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: https://www.thetimes.com/subscribe/timesinvestigates/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"I know what happened" | The Trial of Russell Brand Ep. 4

2026/10/15

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 encounter was instead a consensual one-night stand. Russell Brand denies all the allegations against him. Rosamund Urwin and Charlotte Wace are in court every day, and then join Luke Jones to unpack it all. If you, or someone you know, has been affected by the issues raised in this episode, the following organisations can help: Rape Crisis England & Wales NHS - Help after rape and sexual assault 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 episode. We want to hear from you: [email protected] 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: https://www.thetimes.com/subscribe/timesinvestigates/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The case against him | The Trial of Russell Brand Ep. 3

2026/10/14

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 episode. 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: https://www.thetimes.com/subscribe/timesinvestigates/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How to pick a jury | The Trial of Russell Brand Ep. 2

2026/10/12

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 unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here: https://www.thetimes.com/subscribe/timesinvestigates/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Charges | The Trial of Russell Brand Ep. 1

2026/09/15

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 October, we look back on Russell Brand’s career, and the allegations against him. New episodes daily from October 12th. Host: Luke Jones, with Rosamund Urwin, Chief News Correspondent for The Sunday Times and Charlotte Wace, Investigations Correspondent for The Times. 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: https://www.thetimes.com/subscribe/timesinvestigates/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Podcast reviews

Read Times Investigates podcast reviews

4.7 out of 5

42 reviews

★☆☆☆☆

YouLikeHerAlfie 2026/08/08

Bore George - No there there

Yawn

★★★★★

MP/AA 2023/09/04

A must listen

I have never written a review for a podcast (and have listened to many exceptional ones!) but this one deserves the time to appreciate. The story was ...

★★★★★

SolomonH21 2022/12/08

Amazing!!

This is one of the best podcasts I have ever listened to. Just wow

★★★★★

Mia.11 2022/10/17

Spectacular Podcast

I could not stop listening to this podcast! I binged it in two days and I'm left reeling! Absolutely riveting story. Excellent reporting, audio produc...

★★★★★

mhanso01 2022/08/12

Unbelievable

I have never written a review but this will be the exception. This is award winning reporting. It blends just the right amount of unbiased content wit...

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