Best BBC World Service Podcasts (2024)

1
BBC World Service interview on Migration Sounds 5:13

9d 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
Britain agrees to hand back the Chagos Islands to Mauritius 32:22

18m ago32:22

32:22

The UK is to return the Chagos Islands to Mauritius after 50 years but will keep military base on Diego Garcia. Also: Lebanon says two soldiers have been killed by Israel, as Israel continues its Hezbollah offensive.By BBC World Service

1
President Biden opposes Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear sites 25:43

25m ago25:43

25:43

Joe Biden says he doesn't support Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear sites. Also: scientists analyse 130,000 brain cells of a fruit fly, and the ban on 'honking' in the Bangladeshi capital.By BBC World Service

1
Israel and Hezbollah clash in southern Lebanon 26:22

22m ago26:22

26:22

Israel's military says a team commander has died in the fighting, a day after it announced its invasion. Also: we ask how Israel will respond to Iran's missile attack, and reaction from the US vice-president debate.By BBC World Service

1
Iran launches massive missile attack on Israel as Netanyahu vows 'consequences' 32:29

31m ago32:29

32:29

Israel says 180 missiles were fired from Iran, most of which were intercepted. Also: Mexico's first female president Claudia Sheinbaum has been sworn in.By BBC World Service

1
Tyre in southern Lebanon 'feels like a warzone' 24:16

7m ago24:16

24:16

Israel's ground invasion in Lebanon continues. Also: scientists warn it may be too late to save many of Switzerland's glaciers; and the play with no rehearsal or director.By BBC World Service

1
Israel launches ground offensive in Lebanon 16:17

1h ago16:17

16:17

Israel launches a "localised, targeted" ground operation against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, backed by air strikes and artillery fire. The US says it supports the incursion and warns against mission creep.By BBC World Service

1
Israel says 'localised, targeted ground raids' under way against Hezbollah in Lebanon 30:57

3d ago30:57

30:57

The Israeli military says troops are carrying out raids on villages in southern Lebanon, while further air strikes hit Beirut. Also: hundreds unaccounted for in the US in the aftermath of Hurricane Helen.By BBC World Service

1
Hezbollah "ready if Israel invades Lebanon" 26:57

16h ago26:57

26:57

Hezbollah's deputy leader, Naim Qassem, says the group is ready if Israel invades Lebanon. Also: Marine Le Pen on trial accused of embezzling European parliamentary funds, and UK ends coal power after 142 years.By BBC World Service

1
Israeli air strikes hit Hezbollah targets in Lebanon and Houthi sites in Yemen 25:43

1d ago25:43

25:43

Lebanon's health ministry has said more than 50 people were killed in Israeli strikes on Sunday. Also: early results in Austria's general election indicate the far-right Freedom Party is heading for a victory.By BBC World Service

1
Bonus: The Global Story - Titan sub implosion 28:09

1d ago28:09

28:09

Your weekly bonus episode of The Global Story. When OceanGate's Titan submersible went missing last June, it sparked a monumental rescue mission which captured the attention of the world. After days of searching, authorities concluded that the vessel had suffered a catastrophic implosion, and that all five passengers died almost instantly. For the …

1
Netanyahu says killing of Hezbollah leader is 'historic turning point' 32:13

2d ago32:13

32:13

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says they have "settled the score" with the killing of Hassan Nasrallah, as Iran vows to avenge his death. Also: many killed and missing in Nepal floods.By BBC World Service

1
Hezbollah confirms death of leader Hassan Nasrallah after Israeli strikes on Beirut 23:35

3d ago23:35

23:35

The Iranian-backed group Hezbollah has described its leader Hassan Nasrallah as a martyr and vowed to continue its battle against Israel. An Israeli Defence Forces spokesman said his death made the world "a safer place".By BBC World Service

1
The Happy Pod: The young people changing the world 26:33

4d ago26:33

26:33

At the One Young World summit in Canada, we meet leaders and innovators from around the world including a 22-year-old MP, a woman using AI to tackle cyberbullying, and the founder of a fashion brand praised by Beyoncé.By BBC World Service

1
How the super-rich amass their incredible wealth 8:58

3d ago8:58

8:58

There are now almost 3,000 billionaires in the world today. But how do the super-rich amass their incredible wealth? The podcast Good, Bad Billionaire is back with season two to find out. We hear listeners’ reactions and questions, including what qualifies a billionaire to be featured on the show - and are there in fact more African billionaires th…

1
Blasts rock Beirut as Israel attacks Hezbollah HQ 29:21

3d ago29:21

29:21

Huge blasts in Beirut as Israel attacks Hezbollah HQ, reportedly targeting the group’s leader. Also: the ongoing violence in Haiti, and the man asked to leave a restaurant because his face was scaring customers.By BBC World Service

1
Hurricane Helene heads to US state of Georgia after hitting Florida 34:29

4d ago34:29

34:29

Hurricane Helene heads to US state of Georgia after hitting Florida. Also: Japan has a new prime minister; actress Maggie Smith dies.By BBC World Service

1
Zelensky unveils victory plan at White House 31:48

4d ago31:48

31:48

Volodymyr Zelensky has outlined his Ukrainian victory plan at the White House; Kamala Harris warned other aggressors would become emboldened if Putin won. Also: a new map of the Milky Way, and the world's oldest cheese.By BBC World Service

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

5d 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
Israel says troops are preparing for a possible ground incursion in Lebanon 30:36

5d 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
Israel carries out 'extensive' strikes in Lebanon as Hezbollah fires at Tel Aviv 35:28

6d 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
Israeli air strikes in Lebanon spread to Beirut 28:09

6d 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

7d 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
Israeli airstrikes kill hundreds of people in Lebanon 26:40

7d 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

8d 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
World leaders express growing concern about the danger of a regional war in the Middle East 29:40

8d 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

9d 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

9d 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

10d 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

10d 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

10d 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

11d 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
How Do You Attract and Retain ‘High Flyer’ Partners? 56:06

11d 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

11d 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

12d 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
Second wave of device explosions in Lebanon 28:41

12d 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

13d 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
Pagers explode across Lebanon; Hezbollah blames Israel 30:49

13d 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

14d 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
Secret Service: Agents' swift action halted Trump assassination attempt 26:30

14d 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

15d 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
FBI says Trump targeted in apparent assassination attempt at golf course 27:13

15d 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

16d 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

16d 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

17d 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

17d 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

18d 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

18d 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
Putin warns the West will be 'at war' with Russia if Ukraine gets new missiles 31:19

19d 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

19d 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

Podcasts Worth a Listen

BBC World Service Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide