Best BBC World Services Podcasts (2024)

1
BBC World Service interview on Migration Sounds 5:13

11h ago5:13

5:13

An interview with Cities and Memory creator Stuart Fowkes on BBC World Service's Weekend programme, broadcast on 22 September 2024. The interview discusses the project and its importance in offering a different perspective in the portrayal of migration, as well as sound samples from the Mediterranean, Mexico and Slovenia.…

1
US, UK and other allies call for Israel-Hezbollah 21-day ceasefire 29:33

20m ago29:33

29:33

Israeli PM tells military to keep fighting with 'full force'. Also: President Biden announces the release of billions of dollars of aid for Ukraine, and the world's longest-serving death row inmate acquitted in Japan.By BBC World Service

1
Should museums give back looted treasures like the Benin Bronzes? 14:24

35m ago14:24

14:24

An indigenous red-feather cloak was recently returned to Brazil from a museum in Denmark - where it had been on display for hundreds of years. There are other examples of historic and precious artefacts being returned to their countries of origin. And this is leading to a growing pressure to return more, like the Hoa Hakananai'a, originally taken f…

1
Israel says troops are preparing for a possible ground incursion in Lebanon 30:36

21m ago30:36

30:36

The army chief told troops to be ready for a cross-border ground operation. The UN says more than 90,000 people have been displaced in Lebanon since Monday. Also: walking on the moon at Europe's lunar life simulator.By BBC World Service

1
How a North Korean defector became a K-pop idol 11:57

1h ago11:57

11:57

24-year-old Yu Hyuk is a North Korean defector who is about to make his debut as an idol in 1VERSE, the first K-pop band to include North Korean members. Before defecting to South Korea at the age of 13, Hyuk was so poor that he had to beg on the streets to survive. He initially had a hard time adjusting to the new environment but eventually found …

1
Israel carries out 'extensive' strikes in Lebanon as Hezbollah fires at Tel Aviv 35:28

23m ago35:28

35:28

The latest on the exodus from southern Lebanon, as well as international reaction. Also: Women and children are dying in Sudan's Darfur region as the healthcare system collapses, the 'hidden' crime wave in Cuba, and how to tell if someone is actually addicted to their smartphone.By BBC World Service

1
William and guests discuss a campaign to shut down an integrated Irish language school in east Belfast before it even opens 38:12

2h ago38:12

38:12

Why is a school for small children being turned into a political controversy?By BBC Radio Ulster

1
Israeli air strikes in Lebanon spread to Beirut 28:09

17m ago28:09

28:09

Officials say two days of attacks have created carnage across the country. Also: US IT firm CrowdStrike apologises for the world's worst computer glitch, and the country with a growing number of mountain gorillas.By BBC World Service

1
Thousands flee Israeli strikes in Lebanon 27:28

25m ago27:28

27:28

The Lebanese government says 558 people have been killed in Israeli strikes since Monday. Meanwhile, Hezbollah rockets trigger alarms in Northern Israel. Also: Sweden accuses Iran of stirring up division through hacking.By BBC World Service

1
Who is Sri Lanka’s new leader? 15:23

42m ago15:23

15:23

Anura Kumara Dissanayaka has just been elected as president in Sri Lanka’s first election since its economy collapsed in 2022. The National People's Power, the coalition alliance he ran for, drew support by promising to stamp out corruption and improve living conditions. But he faces the challenge of trying to sort out the country’s $92 billion deb…

1
Israeli airstrikes kill hundreds of people in Lebanon 26:40

41m ago26:40

26:40

Israel says it hit over one thousand Hezbollah targets and tells civilians in southern Lebanon to flee areas near the group's weapons. Also: Albania plans microstate within its borders.By BBC World Service

1
Dozens killed in Lebanon as Israel steps up attacks 33:42

2d ago33:42

33:42

Lebanon's health ministry says more than seven hundred people were injured in the bombardment. Also: Sri Lanka’s new president has been sworn in, and why vineyard owners need to adapt their wine with the times.By BBC World Service

1
Can a crystal bring humans back to life in case of extinction? 13:55

1h ago13:55

13:55

Time capsules preserve artefacts and memories so that people in the future can learn about a particular time in the past. Now scientists at the University of Southampton in the U.K. have come up with an innovative memento: a “memory crystal” that fits in your hand and contains the entire human genome. It’s essentially a manual that defines what mak…

1
World leaders express growing concern about the danger of a regional war in the Middle East 29:40

35m ago29:40

29:40

Israel and Hezbollah have threatened to increase their cross-border attacks, despite international appeals to calm the situation in the Middle East. Also: unknown Mozart music performed for first time in recent history.By BBC World Service

1
Bonus: The Global Story - The secret battle for the Murdoch empire 26:53

3d ago26:53

26:53

A bonus episode from The Global Story. Rupert Murdoch is locked in a secret court battle with three of his eldest children, over the future of his media empire.By BBC World Service

1
Israel limits gatherings in north as it continues targetting Hezbollah in Lebanon 31:48

17m ago31:48

31:48

Israel says the move to limit gatherings in the north of the country is needed because it expects Hezbollah to escalate rocket attacks from Lebanon. Also: hundreds of paratroopers mark daring WW2 offensive at Arnhem.By BBC World Service

1
The Happy Pod: AI offers blind runners more freedom 27:02

20m ago27:02

27:02

We hear about the freedom and independence a visually impaired man found by running with an AI guide. Also: South Africa's hospital train; an usual diplomatic job share; and the dog whose love of binmen has gone viral. Presenter: Jackie Leonard. Music composed by Iona HampsonBy BBC World Service

1
Listener feedback on The Midwife's Confession 8:58

2d ago8:58

8:58

We hear listeners' reactions to the BBC Eye investigation The Midwife’s Confession, which deals with the topic of infanticide in India - and in particular of baby girls. “It’s the responsibility of the BBC World Service to tell this story” says one listener. We are joined on the line from Delhi by the programme's presenter Amitabh Parashar and edit…

1
Top Hezbollah commander killed in Israeli strike on Beirut 32:42

34m ago32:42

32:42

Hezbollah confirmed Ibrahim Aqil's death after Israel said he was one of several senior Hezbollah figures killed in the strike. Also: Peppa Pig, Thunderbirds and Dalek voice actor David Graham dies aged 99.By BBC World Service

1
Israel and Hezbollah continue to exchange fire 33:39

19m ago33:39

33:39

Israel and Hezbollah exchange fire across the Lebanese border, there are fears the situation could spiral out of control. Also: a warning Haiti situation is catastrophic, and fussy eaters can blame their parents.By BBC World Service

1
P Diddy: What are the charges against the hip-hop mogul? 11:50

1h ago11:50

11:50

Two years ago, rapper and music mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs threw a lavish 53rd birthday party at his $61m mansion in Beverly Hills. A host of stars lined up to toast his career with a guest list that included Jay-Z, Travis Scott, Mary J Blige, Kehlani, Tinashe, Chris Brown and Machine Gun Kelly. The party coincided with his 30th year in the music ind…

1
William and guests discuss the impact the candidate for Governor of North Carolina could have on Donald Trump's campaign 18:09

1h ago18:09

18:09

Could past social media posts from politician Mark Robinson sway the 2024 US election?By BBC Radio Ulster

1
How Do You Attract and Retain ‘High Flyer’ Partners? 56:06

1h ago56:06

56:06

We are delighted to share with you the recording of our recent webinar, ‘How Do You Attract and Retain ‘High Flyer’ Partners?’, in which partnership specialists discuss navigating the recruitment process for high flyers and important issues facing such decision making within professional practice firms.n this recording, Chair Corinne Staves (Partne…

1
Israel says airstrikes on southern Lebanon have hit more than 100 targets 32:10

11m ago32:10

32:10

Israeli warplanes flew low over Beirut - creating sonic booms. Also: We look at the repercussions of false claims by Donald Trump that immigrants are eating pets, the EU sends 11 billion dollars to rebuild after Storm Boris and the runaway capybara in England thats captured international attention.By BBC World Service

1
Pagers and walkie-talkies banned at Beirut airport 33:40

30m ago33:40

33:40

The authorities in Lebanon have banned pagers and walkie-talkies from all flights out of Beirut. Also: Mohamed Al Fayed accused of multiple rapes by staff, and Ukraine energy sector faces 'sternest test yet'.By BBC World Service

1
How did thousands of pagers simultaneously explode in Lebanon? 16:07

29m ago16:07

16:07

This week thousands of pagers and walkie talkies exploded all at once in Lebanon. Dozens were killed and thousands injured. These gadgets were used to communicate by members of Hezbollah, a designated terrorist group in Lebanon. Israel is widely believed to be behind these attacks, but Israel has not confirmed or denied its involvement. There are f…

1
William and guests discuss ethnic minority concerns following recent racist violence 39:33

2d ago39:33

39:33

Is it time to denormalise paramilitary groups in our society?By BBC Radio Ulster

1
Second wave of device explosions in Lebanon 28:41

1h ago28:41

28:41

Hezbollah's walkie-talkies were targeted in another day of blasts in Lebanon killing at least 20 and injuring hundreds. Also: first US interest rate cut in four years, and scientists discover that gibbons like to dance.By BBC World Service

1
Russian arms depot erupts after a Ukrainian drone attack 32:03

42m ago32:03

32:03

Russian arms depot erupts after a Ukrainian drone attack where explosions can be seen from space. Also: Hezbollah blames Israel for exploding pagers across Lebanon, and US brand Tupperware files for bankruptcy.By BBC World Service

1
Why has badminton become code for sex in Hong Kong? 12:45

8d ago12:45

12:45

Sex education is a hot topic around the world. In Hong Kong, the Education Bureau has released teaching materials that suggest teenagers who want to have sex with each other should “go out to play badminton together” instead. The materials also encourage students to “resist” pornography and exercise self-control. That’s opened a discussion about se…

1
William and guests take a deep dive into the hundreds of boards overseeing Northern Ireland's public bodies. 23:07

2h ago23:07

23:07

Public bodies deal with nearly every aspect of our lives, but are they fit for purpose?By BBC Radio Ulster

1
Pagers explode across Lebanon; Hezbollah blames Israel 30:49

19m ago30:49

30:49

Hezbollah blames Israel for blowing up hundreds of pagers in Lebanon. Israel has yet to comment. Also: rapper Sean "Diddy" Combs awaits trial over sex trafficking charges; and Instagram boosts privacy on teen accounts.By BBC World Service

1
WHO chief blames racism for world's neglect of Sudan 32:28

29m ago32:28

32:28

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus calls the situation in Sudan very alarming and the largest displacement crisis in the world. Also: Flooding from Typhoon Yagi has killed more than 220 people in Myanmar. And how to windsurf from the Netherlands to the UK and back.By BBC World Service

1
The second Trump assassination attempt and the Secret Service 13:37

24m ago13:37

13:37

On Sunday authorities say a second attempt was made on the life of Donald Trump. A gunman was allegedly hiding in the bushes on one of Mr Trump’s golf courses just 500 yards from the US presidential candidate. He was spotted by a Secret Service agent who opened fire at the suspect and whisked Mr Trump to safety. The alleged gunman was later arreste…

1
How Stormont responded to the plight of Jewish refugees seeking to escape the Nazis during WWII. 22:14

20m ago22:14

22:14

Williams speaks with Noel Russel on his new book 'The Saved and the Spurned'.By BBC Radio Ulster

1
Secret Service: Agents' swift action halted Trump assassination attempt 26:30

17m ago26:30

26:30

The US Secret Service says agents' swift action foiled Donald Trump's 'assassination'. Also: the submersible which imploded as it descended to the Titanic, and the UK PM talks stopping migrants with the Italians.By BBC World Service

1
Trump 'assassination' attempt: What we know about the suspect 33:21

28m ago33:21

33:21

His known activity paints a mixed picture of his politics and he appears to have felt strongly about Ukraine's war effort. Also in this podcast: Germany introduces controls on all of its external borders, an American pastor held in a Chinese jail for 18 years is finally home, the BBC gets rare testimony from women in Iran who say they've been perse…

1
Why SpaceX sent a billionaire to walk in space 14:50

18m ago14:50

14:50

American entrepreneur and billionaire Jared Isaacman has become the first non-professional astronaut to walk in space. According to Time magazine, he paid $200million for the privilege. Georgina Rannard, a BBC climate and science reporter, talks us through the mission, including his super suit, and the risks involved. Georgina also updates us on th…

1
William and guests discuss the future of Casement Park Stadium. 55:20

1h ago55:20

55:20

Will the Casement Park Stadium ever be built? And if so, who should pay?By BBC Radio Ulster

1
FBI says Trump targeted in apparent assassination attempt at golf course 27:13

26m ago27:13

27:13

A man has been detained after US Secret Service agents spotted a rifle in the bushes at Donald Trump's Florida golf course. Also: MI5 security service in the UK lowers entry requirement for potential spies.By BBC World Service

1
Bonus: The Global Story - Money, money, money... and the US election 25:30

22m ago25:30

25:30

A bonus episode from The Global Story. Democrats and Republicans are donating billions to back candidates in November’s election. So far, the 2024 US election has been defined by surprises and unprecedented moments. But if one thing is certain, it's that the election will cost a lot of money. Donors from both major parties are donating billions of …

1
Fears of more fatalities as storm Boris lashes Europe 33:24

26m ago33:24

33:24

Romania has set up displacement camps after floods killed a number of people and destroyed thousands of homes. Also: Peru buries its former President, Alberto Fujimori, with a complex tussle over his legacy.By BBC World Service

1
The Happy Pod: The Aussie astronaut reaching for the moon 28:48

24m ago28:48

28:48

The woman who's beaten the odds to fulfil her childhood astronaut dream. Also: a photography camp for children in Belize; and Moo Deng, the viral baby pygmy hippo. Our weekly collection of happy stories and positive news.By BBC World Service

1
Listeners’ views on a plethora of sports 8:59

2h ago8:59

8:59

We hear your feedback on how the BBC World Service has covered an incredibly busy summer of sport - from big football tournaments to the Olympics. Over the top - or under-reported? The network’s head of sport Colin Patterson responds to your comments. Presenter Rajan DatarProducer Howard Shannon.A Whistledown Production for the BBC WS…

1
President Biden meets UK prime minister but no decision on Ukraine missiles 24:26

1d ago24:26

24:26

After the meeting, the British Prime Minister Keir Starmer gave no indication if the UK and US would allow Ukraine to use long-range weapons inside Russia. Also: stranded Nasa astronauts say being left behind was hard.By BBC World Service

1
Russia expels six British diplomats 31:45

28m ago31:45

31:45

Russia expels six British diplomats on the day the UK's PM is due to hold talks on Ukraine with President Biden at the White House. Also: China raises retirement age, and after 22 years the Grand Tour runs out of road.By BBC World Service

1
Wildfires and drought in Brazil - what does it mean for the Amazon? 14:34

11d ago14:34

14:34

Huge parts of Brazil are on fire. And it’s not just the drier areas. It’s the wetlands and the rainforests, too. Smoke from the fires can even be seen from space. Brazil has long struggled with wildfires, but they’re getting harder to control. And on top of this, Brazil is also experiencing its worst drought since records began 70 years ago. Leandr…

1
It's 100 years since the BBC began broadcast services from Northern Ireland 54:57

13d ago54:57

54:57

Talkback marks the milestone with a look at the role of the BBC in the story of NI.By BBC Radio Ulster

1
Putin warns the West will be 'at war' with Russia if Ukraine gets new missiles 31:19

14d ago31:19

31:19

The Russian president didn’t specify Moscow's response if Ukraine is given permission to use long-range missiles. Also: the technology hoping to help patients who have lost sensitivity in their hands and fingers.By BBC World Service

1
First private spacewalk a success 32:41

17h ago32:41

32:41

The SpaceX mission sees the first private spacewalk. Jared Isaacman was followed by fellow non-professional astronaut, Sarah Gillis. They were testing new space suits. Also: wine is made from bananas in Malawi, and Jon Bon Jovi helps talk woman off a bridge.By BBC World Service

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