From bleak TV comedies to #mumtok meltdowns, modern motherhood is often portrayed as joyless, exhausting, and even traumatic. How did fear become the dominant narrative around parenting? And what gets lost in the process?

This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestory

Guest: Alexandra Jones, writer, The Times.

Host: Taryn Siegel.

Producers: Aaliyah Ahmed and Taryn Siegel.

Further reading:

• Negative tales of motherhood nearly put me off having a baby
• What I wish I’d known before I had kids

Clips: Netflix/Motherland, Parliament TV.

Photo: Courtesy of Alexandra Jones.

Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com..

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Keir Starmer is changing course on the winter fuel allowance - where does it sit in the league table of political U-turns, and will it please anybody?

The political masterminds also discuss the Conservative Party's existential polling spiral, why Starmer's approval ratings have fallen so far in the year since the General Election was called, and why Hugo agrees with Polly that babies should get the vote.

Send your comments and questions to howtowin@thetimes.co.uk

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In New York, the P Diddy trial is in its second week. The case centres around ‘freak-offs’ - parties where it’s claimed he forced two ex-girlfriends to engage in sexual acts with male escorts. He denies the claims. As the trial enters its second week, here’s the update.

This podcast contains discussions of rape and sexual assault that some listeners may find upsetting. If you’ve been affected by anything you’ve heard in this podcast, you can visit the Rape Crisis website https://www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk/ or for domestic abuse, Refuge’s website https://www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk/ for help and support.

This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestory

Guest: Will Pavia, New York Correspondent, The Times.

Host: Luke Jones.

Producer: Olivia Case.

Further reading:

• My week at the Diddy trial, where laughter gave way to disturbed silence
• Diddy went to confront rival with three guns, ex-assistant says

Further listening:

• P Diddy on trial
• The P Diddy lawsuits: The downfall of a rap legend

Clips: Instagram / @Diddy, ABC, Fox, BBC, YouTube, NewsweekMag, CourtTV, Diaro As, CNN.

Photo: Getty Images.

Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com

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