Best BBC World Service Podcasts (2025)

1
Pope Francis, Pope Leo & Abuse: BBC World Service 9:48

25d ago9:48

9:48

Survivors of the Catholic sex abuse crisis Chris O'Leary & Tony Gribben discuss Pope Francis, Pope Leo XIV, the catholic sex abuse crisis and the reality for survivors with BBC OS from World Service on May 9, 2025.

1
Auntie Flo: Making plants dance 26:06

36m ago26:06

26:06

Brian D’Souza, aka Auntie Flo, is a Scottish musician, DJ and sound recordist who has played at some of the biggest festivals and clubs around the world. His compositions fuse field recordings from around the globe with cutting edge production techniques to transport the listener to different places and states. He has spent the last few years tryin…

1
Los Angeles: Clashes erupt for a third day as the US National Guard arrives 33:01

1h ago33:01

33:01

Tensions escalate in LA as 2,000 National Guardsman arrive, and crowds protest for a third day against raids on undocumented migrants. Also: Palestinians shot dead near an aid site, and the Galapagos Islands' postman.By BBC

1
Bill Gates: the importance of aid and philanthropy 22:59

35m ago22:59

22:59

Waihiga Mwaura, presenter of the BBC’s Focus on Africa programme, speaks to Microsoft co-founder and global philanthropist, Bill Gates. Mr. Gates, who is 69 years old, announced last month that he plans to give away 99% of his vast fortune over the next 20 years, predominately through his Gates Foundation. The foundation has already given over 100 …

1
US National Guard arrive in LA 47:25

4h ago47:25

47:25

National Guard units who earlier arrived in Los Angeles have engaged with protestors opposed to Donald Trump's immigration policies. They fired tear gas to try to force back the demonstrators. President Trump ordered their deployment after two days of confrontations between residents of a predominantly Hispanic area and local police. Also in the pr…

1
08/06/2025 13:16

7h ago13:16

13:16

Bridge Farm faces disappointment, and David has a brainwave.By BBC

1
Trump orders National Guard to LA after clashes 47:27

12h ago47:27

47:27

US President Donald Trump has deployed the National Guard to Los Angeles following clashes over raids on undocumented migrants. Also on the programme: we will hear from the President of the International Red Cross on Gaza; and the potential power of using "poo pills" containing freeze-dried faeces. (Photo: Protesters stand next to a burning shoppin…

1
More shootings in Gaza near aid distribution centre 30:43

1d ago30:43

30:43

Hamas says six people were killed by Israeli gunfire near an aid distribution centre in Gaza. Israel says it fired warning shots. Also: Trump says his relationship with Musk is over and Coco Gauff wins the French Open.By BBC

1
Gaza aid suspended again after 6 killed 47:11

1d ago47:11

47:11

There’s been another shooting near a US and Israeli-backed aid distribution centre in southern Gaza. The Hamas-run civil defence agency said 6 Palestinians were killed and several wounded by Israeli gunfire. The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation suspended aid distribution again, blaming threats from Hamas. Also in the programme: the runaway rodents who …

1
Growing concerns over escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza 44:04

1d ago44:04

44:04

Concern mounts over Gaza's deepening humanitarian crisis including the hospitals. We speak to a British doctor who's been working there. Also on the programme: a resident of Ukraine's second largest city tells us about the unprecedented Russian attack; and from the bromance to break up between Donald Trump and Elon Musk. We ask a former Tesla direc…

1
ایلان ماسک‌های دوران ما 59:05

1d ago59:05

59:05

صاحبان شرکت‌ها و سکوهای بزرگ در شبکه‌های اجتماعی، ایلان ماسک‌های دوران ما، صاحب ثروت افسانه‌ای و قدرت و نفوذ سیاسی روزافزونی شده‌اند. آیا شاهد ظهور شکل جدیدی از سرمایه‌داری هستیم؟ میهمان‌ها: کاوه آذرهوش، پژوهشگر رسانه و سیاست حامد شیبانی‌راد، پژوهشگر تکنولوژی دیجیتالBy BBC

1
The Happy Pod: Rodent on the run returns 27:39

1d ago27:39

27:39

Joy in China as Beanbag the Capybara returns after months on the run. The giant rodent's adventures had gripped social media. Also: an ingenious idea making cities greener; and the flatpack furniture world champion.By BBC

1
Why does Moldova matter to Putin? 17:27

1d ago17:27

17:27

Moldova is a country torn between pro-Western and pro-Russian factions. In September this year, Moldovans will vote for a new leadership, and pro-European observers are worried that Russia will try to influence the outcome of these elections. Why? Natasha Matyukhina from BBC Monitoring explains. This episode of The Documentary comes to you from The…

1
A sports show that defies convention 8:58

28m ago8:58

8:58

It’s a brand new sports show but one that tries to defy traditional convention when it comes to the interviews it features. We hear listeners’ thoughts on Not By The Playbook and we are joined by its producer Joel Hammer. Plus, why did the Africa Daily podcast recently end? Presenter: Rajan DatarProducer: Howard ShannonA Whistledown production for …

1
Man wrongly deported is back in US to face charges 34:53

2d ago34:53

34:53

Kilmar Ábrego García is returned to US to face criminal charges, three months after he was mistakenly deported. Also: Republicans try to contain Trump-Musk row, and study finds dehorning rhinos sharply cuts poaching.By BBC

1
How life is changing in Syria 25:16

2d ago25:16

25:16

For well over a decade, civil war blighted the lives of Syrians, as rebel forces battled against former President Bashar al-Assad and his brutal regime. More than 600,000 people were killed and 12 million others were forced from their homes during this time. In December last year, everything changed when Assad’s dictatorship was abruptly overthrown…

1
US-China trade war: The beginning of the end? 27:19

2d ago27:19

27:19

The US and China governments have announced their set to hold trade talks in London on Monday, so has a phone call between the presidents of the World's two largest economies begun the end of their ongoing tariff battle? Elsewhere, we discuss whether the fallout between Donald Trump and Elon Musk will have any dramatic changes to US government's po…

1
Cancer Costs and Mortgage Deals 25:51

2d ago25:51

25:51

Around 1 in 2 people living in the UK will be diagnosed with cancer during their lifetime according to Cancer Research UK. That stark statistic is a reminder how the disease can impact families up and down the country, but it's not just the health of people diagnosed that can forever be changed. The finances of those who survive the disease can als…

1
Cancer Costs and Mortgage Deals 24:42

1h ago24:42

24:42

Around 1 in 2 people living in the UK will be diagnosed with cancer during their lifetime according to Cancer Research UK. That stark statistic is a reminder how the disease can impact families up and down the country, but it's not just the health of people diagnosed that can forever be changed. The finances of those who survive the disease can als…

1
No sign of reconciliation between Trump and Musk 39:39

2d ago39:39

39:39

US President Donald Trump is "not particularly interested" in speaking to Elon Musk after the tech billionaire and former close political ally turned on him in a bitter and public war of words. Initial reports that the pair had scheduled a phone call came to nothing. With some among the MAGA branch of Trump's supporters rounding on Musk, we explore…

1
MAGA Republicans respond to Trump-Musk fallout 47:30

2d ago47:30

47:30

Donald Trump invested a lot of political capital in Elon Musk. And Elon Musk invested a lot of money in Donald Trump. Will their bust up cost them both? Also on the programme, who are the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation and what is known about them? And we meet Pedro Urruchurtu, one of the Venezuelan opposition figures who spent over a year in Argenti…

1
06/06/2025 12:57

2d ago12:57

12:57

Writer: Katie Hims Director: Kim Greengrass Editor: Jeremy Howe Ben Archer…. Ben Norris David Archer…. Timothy Bentinck Jill Archer…. Patricia Greene Ruth Archer…. Felicity Finch Tony Archer…. David Troughton Lilian Bellamy…. Sunny Ormonde Alice Carter…. Hollie Chapman Chris Carter…. Wilf Scolding Susan Carter…. Charlotte Martin Justin Elliott…. Si…

1
The News Quiz: Ep 7. Tariff Turmoil 28:34

2d ago28:34

28:34

Andy Zaltzman is joined by Armando Iannucci, Ria Lina, Ian Smith and Cindy Yu for more topical comedy quizzing. This week they explore Trump’s tariff turmoil, the King’s Canadian holiday, mixed messages in the Middle East and how the Department of Justice is having trouble finishing its sentences. Written by Andy Zaltzman. With additional material …

1
What does the Trump/Musk spat mean for the US business? 27:06

2d ago27:06

27:06

How has something meant to be big and beautiful, has created so much bad blood between he world's richest man, and the President of the world's richest economy? With the US stock markets just open we'll look at the continuing fall out from President Trump's explosive social media bust up with Elon Musk - and what it means for some of Mr Musk's most…

1
Trump says Musk has 'lost his mind' 32:34

2d ago32:34

32:34

Donald Trump has said Elon Musk has 'lost his mind' as the explosive row between the two men continues. Also: solving a brutal medieval murder, and what makes chimpanzees yawn.By BBC

1
How is Africa affected by the US travel ban? 32:37

2d ago32:37

32:37

Is Trump's latest travel ban part of a US disengagement from Africa? Why are many countries now shifting their views on Western Sahara in favour of Morocco? And how can digital skills be made more available for disabled people in Africa? Presenter: Audrey Brown Producers: Sunita Nahar, Patricia Whitehorne and Tom Kavanagh in London, with Charles Gi…

1
Trump-Musk fiery public row 47:58

2d ago47:58

47:58

Donald Trump has sought to downplay his public spat with Elon Musk, which erupted days after he left the president's administration. In an interview after hours of sparring, Mr Trump said things were 'going very well'. White House aides are reported to have arranged a call between the two men to broker a peace. Also, we'll talk to the Danish politi…

1
Convicted criminal and loyalist Winston Irvine reportedly expelled from the UVF 1:18:45

3d ago1:18:45

1:18:45

Nolan talks to Dr Aaron Edwards - author of "UVF: Behind the Mask"By BBC

1
Trump-Musk relationship implodes with insults and threats 35:02

3d ago35:02

35:02

Donald Trump and Elon Musk are involved in a rapidly escalating row, a week after the billionaire businessman left his job as a US presidential adviser. Also: gaming fans queue to buy the Nintendo Switch 2.By BBC

1
The future of the Alawites 29:10

3d ago29:10

29:10

In the wake of the Assad regime’s fall in Syria, thousands of Alawites, a minority Shia sect historically linked to the former regime, have fled to Lebanon. They are seeking refuge from discrimination and sectarian violence that has left over 1,000 civilians dead, including women and children. The late Hafez al-Assad, Bashar's father, became the mo…

1
President Trump and Elon Musk's relationship implodes 38:12

3d ago38:12

38:12

We speak to Ryan Mac, a reporter for the New York Times and the co-author of 'Character Limit: How Elon Musk Destroyed Twitter.'. Also: polls close in the Hamilton by-election where Reform UK's candidate was trying to win votes - just as the party's chairman quit; Robert De Niro and the Tribeca film festival; planned moon landing fails; and a new B…

1
Tensions rise as Trump and Musk clash following White House exit 26:29

3d ago26:29

26:29

Tensions are flaring between Donald Trump and his former adviser Elon Musk, just days after a seemingly cordial Oval Office departure. Plus, the European Union is calling on China to relax its grip on rare earth exports - vital components for everything from electric cars to household appliances. The restrictions have disrupted global supply chains…

1
Trump and Musk in furious public spat 49:12

3d ago49:12

49:12

Donald Trump and Elon Musk are having a furious and personal public row -- just a week after Mr Musk left the White House -- while Chancellor Merz of Germany is visiting the US. Also in the programme: Israel confirms arming Palestinian clans in Gaza; and Hollywood actor turned crypto critic Ben McKenzie. (Picture: President Donald Trump and Elon Mu…

1
Potential fungal “Agroterror”? 44:54

3d ago44:54

44:54

What is Fusarium graminearum and why were scientists allegedly smuggling it into the US? Also, Alpine Glacier collapse and an HIV capitulation. The FBI has accused two Chinese scientists of trying to smuggle a dangerous crop fungus into the US, calling it a potential agro-terrorist threat. But the fungus has long been widespread across US farms, an…

1
05/06/2025 13:07

3d ago13:07

13:07

Kirsty leads the way, and Akram is pleasantly surprised.By BBC

1
Nintendo's long-awaited Switch 2 has been released worldwide 26:28

3d ago26:28

26:28

As Nintendo launches its brand new Switch 2, we'll ask what the future holds for gaming consoles - as people increasingly stream their games. Before that, David Harper hears how the restrictions on exports of rare earth materials from China are hitting production of items including cars. Plus we've waited so long for sci-fi style deliveries from au…

1
Israeli military recovers two hostages' bodies in Gaza 31:06

3d ago31:06

31:06

Israeli minister says the retrieval of two Israeli hostages' bodies in Gaza shows only force will bring back those who are still alive. Also: Nintendo's newest console, and are the Dead Sea Scrolls older than thought?By BBC

1
Lesotho: Why are mothers against 'buetoothing'? 36:07

3d ago36:07

36:07

Mothers in Lesotho are campaigning against a needle sharing method which exposes drug users to the risks of HIV and other diseases, taking root in the country. What is 'bluetoothing' or 'hotspotting'? Also, the wider impact of the rising Islamist attacks in West Africa And why do people choose Hunger strikes as a form of protest, and are they effec…

1
President Trump bans citizens of 12 countries from entering the US 48:41

3d ago48:41

48:41

Those banned include people from Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, Haiti and Sudan. Citizens from another seven countries face travel restrictions. President Trump said the new rules were designed to protect Americans from dangerous foreign actors and to stop people overstaying their visas. We hear from Republican Congressman Clay Higgins, who supports t…

1
Should the Civil Service be attending Pride after organisers say no Executive party welcome? 1:18:26

4d ago1:18:26

1:18:26

Nolan talks to Green Party's Mal O'Hara and DUP MLA Peter MartinBy BBC

1
Lise Meitner 59:20

4d ago59:20

59:20

Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss the decisive role of one of the great 20th Century physicists in solving the question of nuclear fission. It is said that Meitner (1878-1968) made this breakthrough over Christmas 1938 while she was sitting on a log in Sweden during a snowy walk with her nephew Otto Frisch (1904-79). Both were Jewish-Austrian refugee…

1
US vetoes UN call for unconditional Gaza ceasefire 35:00

4d ago35:00

35:00

The US has vetoed UN Security Council's draft resolution calling for an "unconditional and permanent" ceasefire in Gaza. The other 14 members voted in favour. Also: how a daily cup of chickpeas can lower cholesterol.By BBC

1
The Global Jigsaw: Netanyahu’s media squeeze 33:29

4d ago33:29

33:29

The Israeli government’s push to transform the media landscape has been described by critics as a “hostile takeover” that poses a threat to press freedom. The Global Jigsaw takes a look at what people in Israel see about the war in Gaza on their TV screens. We examine the methods and the motives behind the prime minister’s media squeeze, and ask wh…

1
The impact of Trump’s tax bill 27:03

4d ago27:03

27:03

A report by the US Congressional Budget Office in Washington found Wednesday that President Donald Trump’s tax bill adds $2.4 trillion to US debt. Also, Rahul Tandon looks at the impact that hackers are having on some of the world's best-known retailers and other brands – North Face, Cartier and Victoria Secret are the latest companies being target…

1
Trump says Putin "will have to respond" to Ukraine drone attack 38:13

4d ago38:13

38:13

Donald Trump had a "good conversation" with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin over the phone, the US President said in a post on Truth Social. President Trump wrote that Putin "will have to respond" to Ukraine's drone attack on Russian bombers, and therefore the call would not "lead to immediate peace". The US has vetoed a UN resolution callin…

1
United Nations consider a new Gaza motion, opposed by the United States 48:43

4d ago48:43

48:43

The US vet a UN Security Council draft resolution that demanded an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. The meeting of ambassadors at the UN comes on the day the head of the International Committee of the Red Cross called the situation in the Gaza strip "worse than hell on earth". Donald Trump says he's had another phone convers…

1
04/06/2025 13:17

4d ago13:17

13:17

David makes a decision, and Justin’s suspicions are aroused.By BBC

1
Global stocks hit an all-time peak amid trade uncertainty 27:00

4d ago27:00

27:00

Global stocks hit an all-time peak: does it mean the global markets are really suffering, despite increasing uncertainty about the direction of the American economy? We'll also find out what affect some of President Trump's tariffs are likely to have in the US. You can contact us on WhatsApp or send us a voicenote: +44 330 678 3033.…

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