It's the weekend before Christmas and millions of people around the world are eagerly awaiting the arrival of Father Christmas. For many, it's feels like he's always been there, but where exactly did he come from? Turns out, it's been a pretty wild ride for Old Saint Nick, one that involves prostitution in the 3rd century, pagan winter feasting, and even the creation of New York City. And what if it transpires the loveable, jolly figure we know today, was formally a thin, wayward drunk? It's the origin story you thought you knew, one that spans thousands of years of history, and countless reinventions. How well do we really know St. Nicholas of Myra, Sinterklaas or Kris Kringle?

Written by: Waldemar Januszczak, Chief art critic of The Sunday Times.

Read by: Shabnam Grewal.

Producer: Dave Creasey.

Photo: Getty

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.

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In July 2025, married mother of two Kristin Cabot was caught on a kisscam embracing her also married boss, Andy Byron, at a Coldplay concert. A video of this moment went viral, with the suspected adultery between a tech CEO and his head of HR drawing mockery, abuse and threats from across the internet. In a Times exclusive, Josie Ensor interviewed Cabot and in this bonus episode of The Story we’re reading that article for you.

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: Josie Ensor, chief US reporter, The Times.

Producers: Harry Stott, Sophie McNulty.

Read more: Coldplay kisscam HR boss Kristin Cabot on 16 seconds that ruined her life

Clips: ABC7, The Tonight Show / Jimmy Fallon / NBC, 9 News Australia, MBC News, NBC News.

Photo: Lucy Lu for The Times

Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com

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.

Hollywood director Rob Reiner and his wife Michele were found dead last Sunday. His son has been charged with their murder. It’s seen an outpouring of emotion from Hollywood and across the world, but one person’s response was less than complimentary: Donald Trump. So what does the President’s latest incursion into Hollywood politics mean for the movie industry?

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

Guests:

• Hadley Freeman, columnist and features writer, The Times.
• Kevin Maher, chief film critic, The Times.

Host: Rosie Wright.

Producers: Harry Sott, Olivia Case.

Read more: Rob Reiner just wanted a happy home

Rob Reiner’s five best movies ranked, from Spinal Tap to Misery

Clips: When Harry Met Sally / Rob Reiner / Columbia Pictures; This is Spinal Tap / Rob Reiner / Embassy Pictures; A Few Good Men / Rob Reiner / Columbia Pictures; Being Charlie / Rob Reiner / Paladin; Build Series / Youtube, Film Courage / Youtube; PBS Newshour.

Photo: Getty Images.

Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com

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.