BBC Podcasts

Topical comedy from the sharpest satirical minds in the business. Listen first on BBC Sounds, every Friday. Is the news driving you up the wall? You’re not alone. Let the comedians take the strain and work out what’s been funny this week. Features BBC Radio 4’s The News Quiz, Dead Ringers, The Naked Week and Too Long; Didn’t Read. Listen on BBC Sounds, seven days earlier than anywhere else, and subscribe to make sure that you don’t miss an episode.

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The Reith Lectures

BBC Radio 4

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Significant international thinkers deliver the BBC's flagship annual lecture series

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Assume Nothing

BBC Radio Ulster

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The teams assume nothing as they examine events through fresh eyes.

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The History Podcast

BBC Radio 4

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NEW In The History Podcast - Two Nottingham Lads: How two British men from Nottingham end up on opposite sides of the war in Ukraine.

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Uncanny

BBC Radio 4

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From ghostly phantoms to UFOs, Danny Robins investigates real-life stories of paranormal encounters. So, are you Team Believer or Team Sceptic? Written and presented by Danny Robins Editor and Sound Designer: Charlie Brandon-King Music: Evelyn Sykes Theme Music by Lanterns on the Lake Produced by Danny Robins and Simon Barnard A Bafflegab and Uncanny Media production for BBC Radio 4

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A Good Read

BBC Radio 4

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Find reading inspiration with favourite books chosen by our guests.

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Documentaries

BBC

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An indepth look at stories and issues from around the world. This podcast offers you the chance to access landmark series from our archive.

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BBC

BBC

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The BBC is the largest broadcasting organisation in the world. Its mission is to enrich people's lives with programmes that inform, educate and entertain. BBC World Service broadcasts to the world on radio, on TV and online, providing news and information in 32 languages.

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Desert Island Discs

BBC Radio 4

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Eight tracks, a book and a luxury: what would you take to a desert island? Guests share the soundtrack of their lives.

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6 Minute English

BBC Radio

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Learn and practise useful English language for everyday situations. Find more at https://www.bbclearningenglish.com Follow us at https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/followus

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Evil Genius with Russell Kane

BBC Sounds

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It’s good, bad, ugly - and very very funny. Changing the way we see heroes and villains in history.

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Comedy of the Week

BBC Radio 4

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Brighten your week with the latest BBC Radio 4 comedy.

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Lady Killers with Lucy Worsley

BBC Radio 4

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Lucy Worsley investigates the crimes of Victorian women from a contemporary, feminist perspective.

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More or Less

BBC Radio 4

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Tim Harford explains - and sometimes debunks - the numbers and statistics used in political debate, the news and everyday life

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Learning English Vocabulary

BBC Radio

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Build your English vocabulary with these short programmes. Each episode explores a new topic to improve your English. Find more at bbclearningenglish.com Follow us at bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/followus

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Discovery

BBC World Service

822

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Explorations in the world of science.

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Legend

BBC Radio 4

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Learning English Stories

BBC Radio

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Improve your English with these short dramas and stories. Find more at bbclearningenglish.com Follow us at bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/followus

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Learning English Conversations

BBC Radio

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Everyday expressions and real English conversations to help make your everyday conversations easier. Find more at bbclearningenglish.com Follow us at bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/followus

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Unexpected Elements

BBC World Service

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307

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The news you know, the science you don’t. Unexpected Elements looks beyond everyday narratives to discover a goldmine of scientific stories and connections from around the globe. From Afronauts, to why we argue, to a deep dive on animal lifespans: see the world in a new way.

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World Business Report

BBC World Service

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The latest business and finance news from around the world, on the BBC.

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Test Match Special

BBC Radio 5 Live

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The Test Match Special team bring you the very best reaction, insight & analysis of the Ashes Test series with daily episodes from down under.

1
The Martin Lewis Podcast

BBC Radio 5 Live

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Martin Lewis answers your financial questions, offering valuable money-saving tips.

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From Our Own Correspondent

BBC Radio 4

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Insight, wit and analysis from BBC correspondents, journalists and writers telling stories beyond the news headlines. Presented by Kate Adie.

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Health Check

BBC World Service

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Health issues and medical breakthroughs from around the world.

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The Global Story

BBC World Service

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Where the world and America meet, with episodes each weekday. The world is changing. Decisions made in the US and by the second Trump administration are accelerating that change. But they are also a symptom of it. With Asma Khalid in DC, Tristan Redman in London, and the backing of the BBC’s international newsroom, The Global Story brings clarity to politics, business and foreign policy in a time of connection and disruption.

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Everyday Ethics

BBC Radio Ulster

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Provocative weekly debate on moral, religious and ethical issues. From BBC Radio Ulster

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The Inquiry

BBC World Service

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The Inquiry gets beyond the headlines to explore the trends, forces and ideas shaping the world.

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The World Tonight

BBC Radio 4

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In depth reporting, intelligent analysis and major breaking news from a global perspective

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Moral Maze

BBC Radio 4

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Combative, provocative and engaging live debate examining the moral issues behind one of the week's news stories. #moralmaze

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Six O'Clock News

BBC Radio 4

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The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4.

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Last Word

BBC Radio 4

311

549

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Radio 4's weekly obituary programme, telling the life stories of those who have died recently

1
Scotcast

BBC Radio Scotland

191

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5d ago5d ago

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The BBC's Scottish news podcast, hosted by Martin Geissler. Conversation with trusted journalists and experts about the country's biggest stories.

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Global News Podcast

BBC World Service

268k

240

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The Global News Podcast brings you the breaking news you need to hear, as it happens. Listen for the latest headlines and current affairs from around the world. Politics, economics, climate, business, technology, health – we cover it all with expert analysis and insight. Get the news that matters, delivered twice a day on weekdays and daily at weekends, plus special bonus episodes reacting to urgent breaking stories. Follow or subscribe now and never miss a moment. Get in touch: globalpodcas ...

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Strong Message Here

BBC Radio 4

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Armando Iannucci hosts the programme that gives you a cast-iron guarantee to be laser-focused on decoding the baffling world of political language. Each week he'll be joined by a guest to crack open the political phrasebook and attempt to demystify the doublespeak. Why does everything now have to be 'turbo-charged'? What's the difference between a 'pledge' and a 'mission'? Why has my local MP been 'weaponised' and should I be worried? You'll be treated to a crash course in the dark arts of p ...

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The Briefing Room

BBC Radio 4

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David Aaronovitch and a panel of experts and insiders present in-depth explainers on big issues in the news

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Learning English Grammar

BBC Radio

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Learn English grammar with these short programmes. Each episode explores a new piece of grammar you need to improve your English. Find more at bbclearningenglish.com Follow us at bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/followus

1
Front Row

BBC Radio 4

666

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Live magazine programme on the worlds of arts, literature, film, media and music

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BBC Lê

BBC Brasil

757

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A equipe da BBC lê para você algumas de suas melhores reportagens.

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The Documentary Podcast

BBC World Service

226k

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A window into our world, through in-depth storytelling from the BBC. Investigating, reporting and uncovering true stories from everywhere. Award-winning journalism, unheard voices, amazing culture and global issues. From China’s state-backed overseas spending, to on the road with Canada’s Sikh truckers, to the frontline of the climate emergency, we go beyond the headlines. Every week, we take you into the minds of the world's most creative people and explore personal approaches to spirituali ...

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FPL Podcast from BBC Sport

BBC Radio 5 Live

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Have no fear, your FPL "experts" in ABB, Statman Dave and Chris Sutton are here! Join the FPL Podcast from BBC Sport every gameweek as they discuss, digress and debate all things FPL.

show series

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Ismo Leikola 26:29

2h ago26:29

26:29

We follow the Finnish comedian Ismo Leikola—known simply as Ismo—as he performs in both English and Finnish. We explore his distinctive brand of intellectual humour and how he enjoys creating theories about the world around him. ISMO was once named the funniest person in the world, and we gain a sense of his celebrity status, particularly in his ho…

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BBC News 00:00 2:50

15m ago2:50

2:50

The latest news from the BBC.By BBC

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The Matt Forde Focus Group: Boxing Day Special 28:14

7m ago28:14

28:14

Top political comedian Matt Forde reconvenes his Focus Group for a Boxing Day special with a Dickensian twist. Recorded in front of a live audience, Matt is joined by journalists, comedians and politicians – including former Cabinet Minister Michael Gove – to review the political state we're in through the lens of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol…

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You're Better Than That: FPL vs TCV 58:29

2h ago58:29

58:29

The FPL Podcast from BBC Sport takes on The Commentator's View in 5 Live's annual football quiz. Will John Murray and Ian Dennis beat Chris Sutton and Statman Dave? Will Ali Bruce-Ball stay impartial as quizmaster? And will they all stay friends? Five rounds:04:10 Clash of the Commentators20:25 Articulate27:35 Guesstimation38:40 Sutton Death48:25 B…

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Magnésio ajuda a dormir melhor? Esta e outras perguntas sobre o mineral 8:14

6h ago8:14

8:14

Nas redes sociais, há muito alarde de que magnésio seria a solução para insônia. Mas existe comprovação científica a respeito?By BBC Brasil

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BBC correspondents' look ahead to 2026 49:28

36m ago49:28

49:28

James Coomarasamy speaks to BBC correspondents around the world about the people and places, trends and technology that they are going to be keeping an eye on over the next 12 months. Much of that will be shaped by what has already happened in 2025 - we entered the year still focused on the wars in Ukraine, Gaza and Sudan. Now, people are worried a…

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Ismo Leikola 26:29

44m ago26:29

26:29

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2026: What next for the global economy? 17:27

5m ago17:27

17:27

Tariffs and trade wars dominated 2025, but what does the year ahead have in store? And what about the prospect for rising prices we’ve seen around the world? The BBC’s Deputy Economics Editor, Dharshini David, and North America Business Correspondent, Michelle Fleury, pick through what we learned last year and explore the trends likely to shape the…

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Rubio defends US actions in Venezuela 47:25

3h ago47:25

47:25

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told CBS news that the US will defend its interests in its own western hemisphere and insists Maduro is an indicted criminal. In this edition dedicated to the Venezuelan crisis; we hear from a Caracas resident; and the intriguing details of the operation to extract Nikolas Maduro. (Photograph: a supporter of Presid…

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Rubio defends US actions in Venezuela 47:25

3h ago47:25

47:25

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told CBS news that the US will defend its interests in its own western hemisphere and insists Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro is an indicted criminal. In this edition dedicated to the Venezuelan crisis; we hear from a Caracas resident; and the intriguing details of the operation to extract Nicolás Maduro. (Phot…

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04/01/2026 13:00

6h ago13:00

13:00

The residents reel from the events of New Year, and Jolene makes a shocking discovery.By BBC

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Rubio: America "not at war" with Venezuela 16:36

33m ago16:36

16:36

The Trump administration has warned Venezuela's remaining leaders to "do what is right" or "pay a big price". But the Venezuelan military has vowed to confront American aggression. Also: Sir Keir Starmer tells the BBC he wants closer alignment with parts of the EU. And a memorial service is held for the victims of the Crans-Montana fire in the Swis…

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What happens next in Venezuela? 47:30

12h ago47:30

47:30

The US will "run" Venezuela until a "safe, proper and judicious transition" can be ensured, Donald Trump has said, after US strikes led to the capture of the Latin American country's president and his rendition to New York. What happens next in Venezuela? There's been celebration and condemnation of America's intervention. We'll hear from in Caraca…

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What happens next in Venezuela? 47:30

23m ago47:30

47:30

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The Happy Pod: Christmas with the man I saved 26:52

13h ago26:52

26:52

A US woman whose bone marrow saved a father of three in Australia has spent Christmas with him and his family. Gennaro Rapinese, whose leukaemia was cured by the donation, greeted Cassidy Feeney at the airport in Perth with the words 'you saved my life'. Cassidy, who'd never met Gennaro before, says she decided to donate because she'd want someone …

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The Happy Pod: Christmas with the man I saved 26:52

24m ago26:52

26:52

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Margaret Atwood, writer 53:41

1h ago53:41

53:41

Margaret Atwood is a Canadian writer. She has published more than sixty books spanning novels, poetry, short stories, non-fiction, children’s literature, and graphic novels, and has been called “one of the sharpest and most imaginative novelists writing in English”. She is one of only four writers to have won the Booker Prize twice: for The Blind A…

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Male Adolescence, Faith Leadership, Global Events, Hopes for 2026 56:49

2h ago56:49

56:49

Chris Bennett, Dr Naomi Green, Michele Marken and Professor Duncan Morrow join Audrey Carville to reflect on some of the major ethical and faith themes of 2025, and offer their hopes for 2026. The panel discuss the alienation and dehumanisation of young men; changes and challenges in leadership of faith communities; as well as global conflict and p…

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The Ashes: Brook and Root give England promising start at the SCG. 37:45

15m ago37:45

37:45

England had the best of the opening day of the 5th and final Ashes Test with Harry Brook unbeaten on 78 and Joe Root on 72. But rain truncated the day with bad light and rain allowing only 45 overs. We hear from Brook plus Simon Mann is joined by Michael Vaughan, Phil Tufnell and Jonathan Agnew plus Eleanor Oldroyd talks to Glenn McGrath at the sta…

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Captured Venezuelan leader Maduro in New York 24:16

22h ago24:16

24:16

Nicolas Maduro has arrived at a detention centre in Brooklyn, New York where he will be held ahead of an expected first court appearance on Monday. Live TV showed Mr Maduro being led away in a hooded jacket and handcuffs by US agents after the plane transporting the captured Venezuelan president and his wife arrived at an air base north of the city…

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Captured Venezuelan leader Maduro in New York 24:17

29m ago24:17

24:17

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The power of nostalgia and a first kiss 23:11

1d ago23:11

23:11

Nostalgia. That sentimental feeling of the past. Memory is a powerful thing and we tend to look back on our firsts fondly. Your first phone, your first best friend, your first kiss… But it turns out you can also feel nostalgic for things you weren’t around for. In the last few years, for Gen Z, there’s been a huge rise in things like y2k fashion, o…

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The power of nostalgia and a first kiss 23:11

1d ago23:11

23:11

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The power of nostalgia and a first kiss 23:11

8m ago23:11

23:11

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Trump says US will 'run' Venezuela 19:12

1d ago19:12

19:12

Following the capture of the Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro by the US military, President Trump has said the United States intends to run the South American country until there can be a "safe, proper and judicious transition". The president was pressed by reporters about who would be running Venezuela during the transition period and offered few …

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Trump says US will 'run' Venezuela 19:12

18m ago19:12

19:12

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Trump: US intends to 'run' Venezuela, after the capture of President Nicolas Maduro 47:28

35m ago47:28

47:28

President Trump has announced the United States will run Venezuela until an orderly transition can be achieved, saying he wasn't afraid of putting boots on the ground. His comments came hours after US forces captured the Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro (and his wife) during an overnight raid in Caracas. Mr Trump said Mr Maduro would soon face narc…

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Trump: US intends to 'run' Venezuela, after the capture of President Nicolas Maduro 47:28

1d ago47:28

47:28

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Trump: US will "run" Venezuela 16:37

4m ago16:37

16:37

US launches strikes on Venezuela, captures its president, Nicolas Maduro, and takes him to New York. President Trump says he'll face "the full might of American justice" for alleged drug-trafficking offences. Venezuela condemns the attack but the opposition leader, Maria Corina Machado, says the country's "hour of freedom" has arrived. But Mr Trump…

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خامنه‌ای، قسمت اول 52:14

1d ago52:14

52:14

آیا بر اساس آنچه می‌دانیم می‌توانیم پیش‌بینی کنیم خامنه‌ای برای جمهوری اسلامی پس از خودش چگونه تدارکی دیده است؟By BBC

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US launches strikes on Venezuela and captures president 46:54

25m ago46:54

46:54

The United States has captured Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro and his wife and launched a “large-scale” strike against the country, according to US President Donald Trump. It follows weeks of heightened tension as the US president ramped up pressure on the Venezuelan leader. We get reaction from the US and wider region. Also in the programme:…

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US launches strikes on Venezuela and captures president 46:54

1d ago46:54

46:54

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Afghanistan's love poetry princess 26:28

6m ago26:28

26:28

Poetry about love between a man and a woman was banned by the Taliban in September 2025. For many Afghans, poetry is something which is very much a part of everyday life and has often been passed down in the oral, folk-law tradition. It weaves in and out of conversation effortlessly and is an important way of connecting with one another. In this ep…

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Afghanistan's love poetry princess 26:28

1d ago26:28

26:28

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Afghanistan's love poetry princess 26:28

1d ago26:28

26:28

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President Trump says US captures Venezuela's Nicolas Maduro 21:02

1d ago21:02

21:02

"The United States of America has successfully carried out a large-scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro, who has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the Country", writes President Trump on his Truth Social website. Venezuela has declared a national emergency and says military personnel and civilia…

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President Trump says US captures Venezuela's Nicolas Maduro 21:02

12m ago21:02

21:02

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Rebuilding a life amid Syria's ruins 28:19

14m ago28:19

28:19

Kate Adie introduces stories from Syria, China, the USA, Greece and Brazil. In the devastated Syrian district of Ghouta, a man calls out from the ruins to our correspondent Lyse Doucet and tells the story of how he is rebuilding his home - and his life - after the fall of the Assad regime. Chinese ambition continues to strive for pole position in t…

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The American Freedom Train and the invention of text messaging 1:00:30

10m ago1:00:30

1:00:30

Max Pearson presents a collection of the week's Witness History interviews from the BBC World Service. Our guest is Professor Barbara Keys, a specialist in US history at Durham University. We start with a celebration of the American Freedom Train, as the US prepares to mark 250 years of independence. Then, the South African railway enthusiast who c…

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Stokes "very eager" to continue as captain 35:13

17h ago35:13

35:13

Eleanor Oldroyd is alongside Jonathan Agnew and Stephan Shemilt to look ahead to the final Ashes Test at the SCG. They discuss what rides on this final Test with the series already gone and the long-term plan for England's red-ball side. England captain Ben Stokes tells Aggers he's keen to take Ashes revenge in 2027, whilst Aussie captain Steve Smi…

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Numbers of the year 2026 8:57

21m ago8:57

8:57

From record-breaking passenger numbers, to some more record-breaking numbers - courtesy of the Men’s football World Cup. We look forward to what 2026 might have in store for us - numerically of course. Presenter: Tim Harford Producers: Charlotte McDonald and Katie SolleveldProduction Co-ordinator: Maria OgundeleSound Mix: Rod FarquharEditor: Richar…

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More questions about Swiss fire 26:43

15m ago26:43

26:43

Officials investigating the ski resort fire in Switzerland say they're focussing on the bar's safety measures. Also: Iranian officials warn the US against intervention over protests; swapping life in the US for life in Russia; Argentina's 'tax innocence law'; the AI chatbot, Grok, says it will fix safeguards; and Venus Williams wins a wild-card ent…

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More questions about Swiss fire 26:43

2d ago26:43

26:43

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Astronauts and the future of space exploration 24:07

37m ago24:07

24:07

The first crew arrived at the International Space Station (ISS) 25 years ago. Since then, almost 300 people from some 20 nations have visited the orbiting laboratory. If you were born after November 2000, for your entire life, there has always been someone living in space. Astronauts Tim Peake and Nicole Stott share their experiences of living on t…

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Astronauts and the future of space exploration 24:07

2d ago24:07

24:07

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Living in space 24:07

2d ago24:07

24:07

The first crew arrived at the International Space Station (ISS) 25 years ago. Since then, almost three hundred people from some 20 nations have visited the orbiting laboratory. If you were born after November 2000, for your entire life, there has always been someone living in space. In our conversations astronauts Tim Peake and Nicole Stott share t…

1
Astronauts and the future of space exploration 24:07

2d ago24:07

24:07

1
Living in space 24:07

2d ago24:07

24:07

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Energy Costs for Families and Salary Sacrifice Pensions 26:17

2d ago26:17

26:17

New research suggests there are 6 million children across the UK living in fuel poverty, according to the charity National Energy Action. It defines fuel poverty as when a household has to spend at least 10% of its income to keep their home warm. It says the impact on children of living in a home which parents and carers struggle to keep warm can b…

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