Thinking Straight (Pt 1): Conversion

Thinking Straight (Pt 1): Conversion

Author: The Times August 6, 2021 Duration: 37:57

Attempts at conversion therapy are taking place across the country: in village churches, Harley Street clinics and counsellors' treatment rooms. In this first episode of a seven-part series, reporter Emily Sargent goes undercover to explore the extremely secretive practice. 

This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today and get one month free at: thetimes.co.uk/storiesofourtimes.

If you, or someone you know, has been affected by the issues raised in this episode, the following organisations can help:

Switchboard provides an information, support and referral service for anyone who needs to consider issues around their sexuality.

Phone: 0300 330 0630 (10am-10pm).

Samaritans is available for anyone struggling to cope and provide a safe place to talk 24 hours a day.

Phone: 116 123

Guests: 

- Jayne Ozanne, director and founder, Ozanne Foundation; chair, Ban Conversion Therapy Coalition.

- Dr Qazi Rahman, senior lecturer, King's College London.

- Michael King, Emeritus Professor, University College London.

Host: Emily Sargent, journalist.

Clips: ITV News, Instagram: @xoutloudeuropeofficial, X-OUT-LOUD Europe, Core Issues Trust, BFI, BBC.

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.


Each morning, The Story arrives with a clear purpose: to move beyond the headlines and explore the forces and people shaping our world. Guided by the experienced reporting of Manveen Rana and Luke Jones, this daily podcast from The Times delves into the most significant political developments and news events with a level of depth and context that only their global network of journalists can provide. You’ll hear more than just summaries; you’ll get a nuanced understanding of why a story matters, who it impacts, and what might happen next. The analysis is sharp and the storytelling is compelling, designed to fit into your morning routine seven days a week. It’s a direct line to the frontline reporting and editorial expertise of one of the world’s most respected news organizations. This consistent, in-depth approach makes the podcast a reliable resource for anyone looking to truly comprehend the day’s events. Supported by readers of The Times and The Sunday Times, the production maintains a commitment to journalistic integrity and thorough exploration, ensuring every episode provides substance and clarity.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 108

The Story
Podcast Episodes
What can be done to keep MPs safe? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:20
In Westminster, the shock was palpable. How could this have happened again? While MPs' safety is being re-examined following the killing of Sir David Amess, a new bill has been proposed to end online anonymity. It's bein…
Eric Zemmour: Right-wing firebrand, potential president? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:41
As politicians in France vie to be the challenger in next year's French presidential election an outsider looks to be a contender. Who is Eric Zemmour, the right-wing journalist and author and what does he believe in?Thi…
The inside story of Newcastle United's Saudi takeover [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:16
In a landmark deal signed earlier this month, Newcastle United was bought by a Saudi Arabia-led consortium. The club now has the richest owners in the Premier League. Fans are ecstatic, but as money floods into the club,…
What are Vladimir Putin's mercenaries doing in West Africa? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:18
When a cargo plane containing four helicopters and a large consignment of military hardware touched down in the capital of Mali last month, observers raised an eyebrow. The kit was definitely from Russia – but was this t…
Tim Shipman on Boris Johnson's big gamble [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:48
Boris Johnson may have appeared unassailable last week at Conservative Party conference, but could the next few months cause the prime minister more of a headache than he's expecting? This podcast was brought to you than…
Testosterone in women's sport: What makes an athlete? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:35
In the UK, there is no clear consensus about how trans athletes should be included in competitive sport. Last month, a major review by the Sports Council Equality Group (SCEG) found that trans female athletes retain some…
Nine British soldiers and the murder of Agnes Wanjiru [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:17
Nine years ago Agnes Wanjiru was found dead in a septic tank in Kenya. The young mother vanished after British troops enjoyed a debauched night out in a hotel. Now detectives want to question the soldiers who were there.…
Prince Andrew: No way back [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:36
With allegations of sexual abuse, a dubious friendship with a convicted paedophile and a court case set to unfold in America, is it the end of the road for Prince Andrew? Should the Duke of York ever be allowed to play a…
Bonus episode: Damian Lewis and Helen McCrory [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:09
Something a bit different on Stories of our times today.Today's show consists of a recording that was thought to have been lost, of an electric performance at the 2014 Times and Sunday Times Cheltenham Literature Festiva…
Policing in the dock: What's wrong with the Met? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:12
The murder of Sarah Everard by serving Metropolitan Police officer Wayne Couzens has brought the force to a point of near-crisis. The government has announced an inquiry. How can the police regain women's trust?This podc…