Best Bus The Globe Podcasts (2024)

1
Exploding Pagers in Lebanon, Raising Tensions between Hezbollah and Israel 5:34

1h ago5:34

5:34

Authorities in Lebanon are blaming Israel for an apparent attack in which pagers, used by Hezbollah in Lebanon, exploded simultaneously. At least nine people were killed, more than 2,700 were injured. Tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, the Lebanese paramilitary group backed by Iran, had already been high and there were fears their frequent atta…

1
In France, A Shocking Story and Difficult Questions About Society 5:51

22h ago5:51

5:51

A rape case in France involving a woman whose ex-husband is on trial for drugging her and recruiting other men to sexually assault her. Now thousands have turned out to support her and many are asking hard questions about the culture that allowed this to happen for years. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Pr…

1
Should the U.N. Security Council be Reformed? 9:26

3d ago9:26

9:26

The Security Council is the United Nations' most powerful body, with the ability to impose sanctions and authorize the use of force. There are five permanent members of the council: Russia, France, China, the U.S and Britain. And any one of those permanent members can veto council resolutions. The U.S. is proposing expanding the number of permanent…

1
Around The World Today Series 7 Episode 5: The Future of Integrated Transport Networks in the UK 18:42

6h ago18:42

18:42

"Connecting the Dots: The Future of Integrated Transport Networks in the UK" In the final episode of Series 7, we explore the concept of integrated transport networks—a system where different modes of transport are seamlessly connected to provide a smooth, user-friendly experience. This episode examines the potential benefits of such networks, incl…

1
Making German Chocolate Without Using Cocoa 5:04

11h ago5:04

5:04

Cocoa beans, which are used to make chocolate, are mostly grown in a few places making them susceptible to the effects of extreme weather events, driven by climate change. We hear about a team in Germany that is developing a chocolate made without cocoa. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy…

1
Twelve Years in an Iranian Prison for a Punctuation Mark 4:44

1d ago4:44

4:44

It's been two years since the death of a woman in the custody of Iran's morality police led to protests across the country. The brutal government crackdown that followed continues today- with artists, journalists and activists targeted. NPR's Jackie Northam brings us the voices of some of those affected. Learn more about sponsor message choices: po…

1
Why Palestinians Often Struggle for Water in the Israeli-Occupied West Bank 10:23

2d ago10:23

10:23

Palestinians living in the occupied West Bank say springs are taken over by Israeli settlers and taps in towns barely run. And in Britain, Princess Catherine Announces She's Completed Chemotherapy. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

1
Afghan Women's Musical Protest 6:17

4d ago6:17

6:17

The ruling Taliban in Afghanistan issued a sweeping morality law in August. Among other things, it bans women's voices outside the home: no laughing, speaking loudly or singing. Afghan women outside the country are protesting the restriction by posting videos of themselves singing. We hear from some of them. Learn more about sponsor message choices…

1
Is Netanyahu an Obstacle to a Ceasefire Deal Between Israel and Hamas? 5:31

7d ago5:31

5:31

There has been nearly a week of protests in Israel following the death of six hostages held by Hamas. They're calling on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to agree to a ceasefire deal with Hamas, bringing the remining hostages held in Gaza home. But so far, no deal has been reached. We talk about how Israelis view their prime minister with …

1
Seeing a Changed Bangladesh from a Double-Decker Bus 5:56

8d ago5:56

5:56

Last month in Bangladesh, street protests grew into a movement that eventually ended the rule of the autocratic prime minister. Now the country is picking up the pieces and charting a new way forward. We board a double-decker bus in Bangladesh's capital, Dhaka, to talk to Bangladeshis about the future. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podc…

1
Around The World Today Series 7 Episode 4: The Renationalisation of UK Rail – Lessons from Europe 18:05

8d ago18:05

18:05

"On the Right Track: The Debate Over Renationalising UK Rail" In episode four, Around the World Today tackles the contentious issue of renationalising the UK’s railways. Since the privatisation of the rail network in the 1990s, the UK’s railways have faced criticism for rising fares, service fragmentation, and inconsistent performance. With growing…

1
A Constitutional Showdown in Mexico 5:19

9d ago5:19

5:19

There is a contentious fight in Mexico right now over constitutional reforms that would remake the judiciary. Opponents say the changes would weaken the judiciary's independence, but Mexicans elected a government with a super-majority, making these changes possible. Our correspondent in Mexico asks: in a democracy, what if the majority is wrong? Le…

1
Israel Mourns Dead Hostages; Gaza Civilians Don't Know Where to Go 7:37

9d ago7:37

7:37

Israel mourns six hostages, who were captured during the October 7th attacks by Hamas, and found by the Israeli military in Gaza, recently killed. We go to the funeral of one of the hostages, in Jerusalem. And in Gaza, nearly all residents have been displaced multiple times by evacuation orders from the Israeli military, into so-called humanitarian…

1
The Darker Side of the Allies' D-Day Victory in France 9:23

11d ago9:23

9:23

In the summer of 1944, as American and Allied soldiers celebrated the liberation of France from the Nazis, one French family experienced a trauma that would be felt for generations. A murder and sexual assault so traumatic they are only now coming to terms with it, 80 years later. And this wasn't an isolated incident. We hear their story. Learn mor…

1
The Pain and Frustration of Families of Israeli Hostages Held in Gaza 5:58

18d ago5:58

5:58

As the war drags on, families of hostages who have been held in Gaza for nearly eleven months are becoming increasingly frustrated and angry. Some of them release some of their pain by yelling their loved ones names into Gaza, in hopes of being heard. And the U.S. pressures Israel to change the way it evacuates civilians from parts of Gaza, amid fe…

1
Accusations that Amazon Mistreats Workers in India 8:02

15d ago8:02

8:02

Just like in the U.S., Amazon is a big e-commerce presence in India. And also like the U.S., Amazon's fulfillment centers in India have been the subject of complaints of unsafe conditions for workers. To understand what those conditions are like, we hear from some Amazon warehouse workers. Disclosure: Amazon is among NPR's financial supports and pa…

1
Around The World Today Series 7 Episode 3: Airports and Ownership – A Global Perspective 19:19

20d ago19:19

19:19

"Ownership Matters: A Global Look at Airports and Government Control"In the third episode of our series, we take a closer look at the ownership of airports, with a special focus on Cardiff Airport, which is owned by the Welsh Government. Unlike the majority of UK airports, which are privately owned, Cardiff Airport provides a unique case study in h…

1
Understanding Israel's Raids And Settler Expansion in the West Bank 10:15

16d ago10:15

10:15

On Wednesday Israel launched raids into the Occupied West Bank, they say to root out Hamas militants and prevent another attack like the one that occurred on October 7th. We hear the latest on those raids. And Israelis who believe the West Bank should be Israeli territory have significantly increased settlement activity since the war in Gaza starte…

1
The Tiny Island Nation Caught Between Two Superpowers 4:59

17d ago4:59

4:59

The island nation of Palau is at the center of tensions between the U.S., China, and Taiwan. We go there to see what the competition between superpowers looks like on the ground. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

1
The Story of an Underdog Sports Team and a Rock Star 8:35

22d ago8:35

8:35

At one time, in the 1970's, Watford Football Club in England was at the bottom of the rankings. Then rock superstar Elton John purchased the team and turned their fortunes around. Our London correspondent tells us the tale of the failing soccer club and the rock star. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privac…

1
Around The World Today Series 7 Episode 2: Taking Flight – The Future of UK Aviation 15:59

24d ago15:59

15:59

"Soaring to New Heights: The Future of UK Aviation"In the second episode of our series, Around the World Today turns its focus to the skies, exploring the future of the UK’s aviation industry. As a crucial component of international trade, tourism, and business, the aviation sector is facing unprecedented challenges. The industry must balance the n…

1
A Key Sticking Point in Gaza Ceasefire Talks 8:08

21d ago8:08

8:08

Work continues towards finding a path to a ceasefire in Gaza. U.S. mediators continue to communicate optimism, while the two sides, Israel and Hamas, seem to downplay the idea that progress is being made on their remaining differences. We hear about one major sticking point. Control of a strip of land in southern Gaza called the Philadelphi Corrido…

1
Around The World Today Series 7 Episode 1: The Future of UK Bus Transport 18:39

26d ago18:39

18:39

"Reinventing the Wheel: The Future of UK Bus Transport"In the inaugural episode of Series 7 of Around the World Today, we dive into the critical yet often overlooked world of UK bus transport. Buses are the backbone of many communities, connecting people to essential services, employment, and social activities. However, this vital mode of transport…

1
Why is the U.S. Sanctioning Some Israelis? 4:26

22d ago4:26

4:26

In an unprecedented step, the U.S. has imposed sanctions in recent months on about a dozen Israelis who it says have taken violent action against Palestinians and posed obstacles to peace. We hear from one Israeli who the U.S. has taken action against. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy…

1
Why Ukrainian Guards Are Patrolling This River for Fellow Ukrainians 6:28

22d ago6:28

6:28

Some Ukrainians are fleeing an unpopular conscription drive for troops. Ukrainian guards are on their trail. NPR's Joanna Kakissis takes us to one escape route along a river in Western Ukraine. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

1
78. The First Dog to Walk Around the World and More Reddit Questions 3:31

27d ago3:31

3:31

Tom Turcich (@TheWorldWalk) and I discuss Savannah, the first dog to walk the length of the earth in this week's behind the scenes

1
A Lithium Motherlode Causes Civil Unrest in Serbia 7:46

24d ago7:46

7:46

The world needs lithium to transition to a lower carbon future. The mineral is used in batteries, such as those found in electric vehicles. But extracting lithium can create huge environmental damage. We go to Serbia, where a proposed lithium mine is fueling social unrest. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR P…

1
The Urgency of the Situation in Sudan 4:52

25d ago4:52

4:52

Some 12 million people are displaced in Sudan as the military government battles a powerful paramilitary group. There is acute hunger and risk of famine for many. Peace talks hoping to resolve the crisis are being held in Geneva this week. We hear about the chances that those talks will succeed and details about conditions on the ground in Sudan. L…

1
What is the Strategy Behind Ukraine's Assault Into Russia? 5:16

28d ago5:16

5:16

Ukraine's attack into Russian territory surprised many. Including, it would seem, the Russians themselves. But what are the strategic goals Ukraine is hoping to achieve with this move? We hear from a retired U.S. lieutenant general. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy…

1
Youth in Charge in Bangladesh 7:29

29d ago7:29

7:29

Earlier this month a youth-led movement helped topple the government of an autocratic prime minister in Bangladesh. Now students sweep broken glass, direct traffic, and join the government. But can they rebuild a country? We go to the streets of Dhaka. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy…

1
The Opposition in Venezuela is Afraid 4:59

29d ago4:59

4:59

Following a disputed election in Venezuela, autocratic president Nicolàs Maduro is cracking down on the opposition. Thousands have been arrested and lawmakers are threatening social media sites and planning to close down civic groups. We hear from opponents of Maduro. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privac…

1
77. The World Walk @theWorldWalk 1:31:20

1M ago1:31:20

1:31:20

This episode is in collaboration with SafetyWing: https://safetywing.com/referenceID=26027440&utm_source=26027440&utm_medium=AmbassadorTom Tucich, tenth man to walk around the world, joins the podcast this week to discuss his 7 year journey that took him over 28,000 miles, 6 continents and 38 countries. He also discuses crazy stories from his journ…

1
How Hamas Looks Back at October 7th and the Events Since 5:53

1M ago5:53

5:53

In a rare interview with a Hamas leader our correspondent asks about the attacks of October 7th and the aftermath. He says the group has no regrets about launching the operation, but that mistakes were made. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

1
What We Know About Ukraine's Invasion Into Russia 4:41

1M ago4:41

4:41

Last week, in surprise move, Ukraine sent it's military into Russian territory. And so far the Russians have been struggling to mount a defense and kick them out. We hear what is known about the operation from our correspondent in Kyiv. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy…

1
Fighting a War and Keeping an Economy Afloat in Ukraine 4:34

1M ago4:34

4:34

Ukraine has competing needs from its military aged population. It needs many of them to join the military to fight the Russian invasion. But it also needs them in the workforce, to keep the economy going so it can afford to pay for the war effort. As our reporter in Kyiv tells us, the most recent conscription law has exacerbated the problem. Learn …

1
The Root Cause of the Race Riots in the UK 5:16

1M ago5:16

5:16

For over a week race riots have broken out in the United Kingdom, mostly in smaller, poorer, less diverse cities. The violence has been stoked by misinformation and disinformation online. Our reporter travels to one of the places that saw mob violence to understand why it's happening. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adc…

1
Crypto-currency Captive in Nigeria; German Chancellor Turned Fictional Crime Sleuth 7:47

1M ago7:47

7:47

A popular book and TV series in Europe imagines the straight-laced former German chancellor Angela Merkel solving crimes in her retirement. We unpack the premise's popularity. And an American has been jailed in Nigeria over a dispute the country has with the crypto-currency exchange Binance. Some say the man is effectively being held hostage. Learn…

1
76. The African Country No One's Ever Heard Of! (Are they the captain now?) 35:53

1M ago35:53

35:53

Ricky Seaman joins us this week in a FREE PREVIEW of PATREON episodes. Please support the show. I make more. https://linktr.ee/2beerstilltakeoffTopics discussed -Partying in Lebanon-Antarctica, is it real?-Amazonian tribes-Real Dictators podcast-Drew Binsky-CRAZY STORY IN SOMALILAND

1
Protests Force Bangladesh's Longest-Serving Prime Minister to Flee 8:51

1M ago8:51

8:51

This week the prime minister of Bangladesh fled the country by helicopter, forced out by a protest movement that started peacefully but became violent. We hear from our correspondent about the events that lead to this dramatic change in government. And we hear reaction from a journalist who had been jailed 6 years ago for criticizing that governmen…

1
Israel Waits for Retaliation From Iran; Some West Bank Men Want to Become Martyrs 10:21

1M ago10:21

10:21

Iran has vowed to strike Israel following the assassination of a Hamas leader on Iran's soil. We hear from Israelis watching and waiting as they know an attack is coming but the don't know when. And in the West Bank, the war between Israel and Hamas has sparked an increase in Palestinian men wanting to die fighting Israeli occupation. For more cove…

1
"We are hungry!" Nigerians Protest Soaring Food and Fuel Costs 9:14

2M ago9:14

9:14

In Nigeria, even two meals a day is becoming unaffordable to many. Demonstrators are protesting food inflation of more than 40 percent, and fuel costs that have tripled. And in China, live-streamers digitally clone themselves, raising questions about the future of labor in the age of A.I. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com…

1
Hezbollah and Hamas Memorialize Slain Leaders as Iran eyes revenge 9:39

2M ago9:39

9:39

Hezbollah and Hamas bury their slain leaders. And Venezuelan security forces arrest protesters of last weekend's presidential election. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

1
Thousands of Venezuelans Protest Presidential Election Results 8:12

2M ago8:12

8:12

Venezuelans continue to protest Sunday's disputed election in which President Nicolas Maduro claimed victory. The opposition says it has evidence that their candidate won. And in China, an informal social media poll favors one candidate for the US presidency. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy…

1
75. I SAW SOMEONE DIE IN VIETNAM (Patreon Episode) 4:09

2M ago4:09

4:09

Topics discussed -Volunteering in Tanzania -Learning Spanish and immersing in South America -VIETNAM STORY OMG! -Bribing cops

1
Ethiopia's Drought Forces New Cultivation Methods 5:38

2M ago5:38

5:38

People find new ways to grow food after severe drought in some regions of Ethiopia. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

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