Episodes

1d ago

The promise of pore-free, glassy, youthful-looking skin has made Korean beauty products a global phenomenon. Americans spent as much $1.7bn (£1.3bn) on K-beauty in 2024, according to industry estimates, and the US now imports more cosmetics from South Korea than any other country. How did the South Korean government help K-beauty ride the soft power wave that has also brought us TV shows like KPop Demon Hunters, and pop groups such as Blackpink and BTS? And what are the risks of buying into the ‘perfect’ beauty ideals that the industry promotes? Today, we speak to Elise Hu, the host of TED Daily Talks host and author of 'Flawless: Lessons in Looks and Culture from the K-Beauty Capital'. Producer: Hannah Moore Executive producer: Bridget Harney Mix: Marty Peralta Senior news editor: China Collins Photo: Model Lee Hyun-yi attends the photocall event celebrating the launch of AHC’s new product ‘Full Lift Eye Cream for Face’ at the FKI Tower Conference Center in Yeouido, Yeongdeungpo-gu. Credit: iMBC/Imazins via Getty Images.

2d ago

After the Port Arthur massacre in 1996, Australia tightened its gun laws, and has since been considered a world-leading example by gun control advocates of how to lessen the chances of mass shootings occurring. However, the mass murder of at least 15 people in an antisemitic attack at Bondi beach on Sunday has again raised the issue of gun access, and Australian prime minister Anthony Albanese has said he is “ready to fight” to strengthen the laws again. On today’s show, Ariel Bogle, an investigations reporter with Guardian Australia, explains why the number of guns in Australia has been rising, and how stricter laws might be received in the country. Producers: Hannah Moore and Xandra Ellin Executive producer: James Shield Mix: Marty Peralta Senior news editor: China Collins Photo: Photo of unregistered handguns that were returned to police, near Smederevo, Serbia. Credit: Dimitrije Goll /EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock

3d ago

President Trump says a Ukraine peace deal is ‘closer than ever’ following talks in Berlin with European officials and a delegation from Ukraine. But is it? As the fourth anniversary of Russia's full scale invasion approaches, no peace deal can be agreed without Vladimir Putin’s support. Can he be persuaded to accept anything short of a Russian victory? We speak to the BBC’s Russia editor, Steve Rosenberg. Producers: Valerio Esposito, Viv Jones and Xandra Ellin. Executive producer: James Shield. Senior news editor: China Collins. Mix: Travis Evans. Photo: Russian President Vladimir Putin. Credit: Gavriil Grigorov/Sputnik/Pool via Reuters.

4d ago

Australia is reeling after its deadliest mass shooting in decades, in which gunmen opened fire on Jewish people gathered for a Hanukkah event on Bondi Beach in Sydney. At least 16 people have been killed – among them a 10-year-old and a Holocaust survivor. The massacre has triggered a reckoning in Australia and beyond. While some are asking how this horror could have happened, others believe an attack like this was grimly inevitable after a string of antisemitic incidents in Australia in the past few years. In today’s episode, we speak to the BBC’s Religion Editor Aleem Maqbool and the ABC’s Hamish Macdonald to explore why antisemitism has surged since October 7th 2023, and why many Jewish communities feel their governments aren’t doing enough to keep them safe. Producers: Cat Farnsworth and Lucy Pawle Mix: Travis Evans Senior news editor: China Collins Photo: Rabbi Yossi Freidman at a memorial for shooting victims at Sydney's Bondi Beach. Mark Baker /AP

5d ago

Fighting broke out last week on the Thai-Cambodian border, despite a US-brokered ceasefire in July. The conflict was one of the eight wars that President Trump claimed to have ended, so why did this peace deal unravel? We speak to Jonathan Head, the BBC’s southeast Asia correspondent, from Surin on the Thai side of the border. Producers: Xandra Ellin and Sam Chantarasak Executive producer: Bridget Harney Senior news editor: China Collins Mix: Travis Evans Photo:

Dec 12

**This episode contains descriptions of abuse and violence** In November, the Italian parliament voted unanimously to introduce the term “femicide” into the country’s legal code. The murder of a woman – on account of her gender – is now a distinct crime, punishable with a life sentence. The United Nations reported that last year nearly 50,000 women and girls were killed by intimate partners or family members. Italy is the latest country to adopt a specific law in an effort to curb violence against women following a string of brutal murders of young women. One of the most publicised was Giulia Tramontano, who was repeatedly stabbed by her partner while seven-months pregnant. Her murder - along with another case – sparked fierce outrage across Italy, culminating in the new law being passed. In this episode, we hear from Giulia’s sister, Chiara Tramontano, and the BBC Southern Europe correspondent Sarah Rainsford. Producer: Valerio Esposito Executive Producer: James Shield Mix: Travis Evans Senior News Editor: China Collins Photo: A framed photo of Giulia Tramontano at her funeral. Credit: Alessandro Memoli/KONTROLAB/LightRocket via Getty Images)

Dec 11

Europe is facing the prospect of ‘civilizational erasure’. That is the official view of the Trump administration, as put in a radical policy document that was released late last week. The US government’s new National Security Strategy paints the most complete picture yet of who the administration sees as its allies and its adversaries, and it has left Europe’s leaders reeling. Today, we speak to the BBC's State Department correspondent, Tom Bateman, about how Trump has turned traditional US foreign policy on its head. Producer: Viv Jones, Lucy Pawle and Hannah Moore Executive producer: James Shield Sound engineer: Travis Evans Senior news editor: China Collins (Photo: US President Donald Trump boards Air Force One, 9 December, 2025. Credit: Jonathan Ernst/Reuters)

Dec 10

This week, Syrians have been celebrating the first anniversary of the fall of the Assad regime and the end of almost 14 years of civil war. In the year since, the former jihadist turned leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, has been on an international charm offensive. But has life improved for ordinary Syrians back home? And has Sharaa proven himself to be the reformer the west wants him to be? Today we’re joined from Damascus by the BBC’s international editor, Jeremy Bowen. Producer: Sam Chantarasak Executive producer: James Shield Senior news editor: China Collins Mix: Travis Evans Photo: A young girl sits on her father's shoulders during a parade marking the first anniversary of the ousting of the Bashar al-Assad regime in Idlib, Syria. Bilal al-Hammoud/EPA/Shutterstock

Dec 9

**This episode contains discussion of bullying and suicide** Australian teens are bracing for a new law coming into effect this week that will ban social media accounts for anyone under the age of 16. The Government says the legislation is designed to protect the mental wellbeing of Australian children and teens – but it’s already proving controversial, not least among American tech companies and some politicians who see the ban as a threat to free speech. In today’s episode, we are joined by Katy Watson, the BBC’s Australia correspondent, to discuss how the country became a global test case for a bold new policy – and crucially, whether it will succeed. Producers: Cat Farnsworth, Aron Keller and Xandra Ellin Mix: Travis Evans Senior News Editor: China Collins Photo: A teen using her phone ahead of social media band for users under 16. Hollie Adams/Reuters

Dec 8

After an Afghan national was charged with shooting two National Guard members in Washington DC, President Donald Trump called for sweeping changes in immigration policy and pledged to "permanently pause migration" from all "third world countries". Afghan nationals, especially those who worked with the US mission in Afghanistan, may now find themselves in a particularly precarious position. Asma and Tristan discuss these rapid recent policy changes, and the BBC’s Mahfouz Zubaide shares recent reporting on how Afghans in America are getting caught up in the crackdown. Producers: Viv Jones, Xandra Ellin Executive Producer: Bridget Harney Senior News Editor: China Collins Mix: Marty Peralta Photo: People leave flowers at the scene where two National Guard members were shot in Washington DC. Credit: Will Oliver/EPA/Shutterstock

Dec 5

Fifa’s president, Gianni Infantino, is widely expected to award Donald Trump the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize on Friday, at the draw for the 2026 World Cup in Washington DC. The prize has led to scrutiny over Infantino’s close relationship with Trump, along with concerns that Trump might move matches from host cities and fears over visa delays or refusals for travelling fans and officials. We speak to Dan Roan, the BBC’s sports editor, about why Infantino is cosying up to Trump, and what it means for football and global diplomacy. Producer: Sam Chantarasak and Aron Keller Sound engineer: Travis Evans Senior news editor: China Collins (Image: Fifa President Gianni Infantino shows US President Donald Trump the World Cup Trophy in the Oval Office. Credit: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

Dec 4

When China began cracking down on the spiritual movement Falun Gong in the 1990s, its leader and some followers moved to the United States. From there, they started the Epoch Times, a free newsletter. But in the past decade, the organisation has grown to become a conservative media empire – with a Pentagon press pass, a slick TV arm, and many millions of dollars in revenue. How did they do it? The story involves a mysterious spiritual leader, a dance troupe, and even a federal indictment. What does the meteoric rise of the Epoch Times say about how media and politics in the United States have changed in the last decade? We speak to Brandy Zadrozny, who has investigated the Epoch Times for NBC News. Producer: Lucy Pawle and Cat Farnsworth Sound engineer: Martin Peralta and Travis Evans Senior news editor: China Collins Photo: Members of the Falun Gong protesting in New York. Credit: Alex Segre/BBC Images)

Dec 3

President Donald Trump has pardoned Juan Orlando Hernández, a former president of Honduras who was serving a 45-year sentence for drug trafficking and weapons offences. It was only last year that Hernández was convicted in a New York courtroom of being part of a huge drug trafficking conspiracy, after being extradited to the US. Prosecutors said the operation flooded America with cocaine and turned Honduras into a “narco-state”. But Trump has claimed the investigation was a Biden administration “set up”, and Hernández is now a free man. As the Trump administration ramps up its military threats against Latin American drug cartels, including multiple strikes on alleged drug trafficking boats in the Caribbean, why has it pardoned Hernández? Will Grant reports. Producer: Xandra Ellin, Hannah Moore and Viv Jones Executive producer: James Shield Sound engineer: Travis Evans Senior news editor: China Collins (Photo: Juan Orlando Hernandez being escorted by US agents for extradition in 2022. Credit: Fredy Rodriguez/Reuters)

Dec 2

Are we living through the slow death of reading - replaced by an addictive screen culture that fragments our attention and floods us with trivial or unreliable information? Writer and voracious reader James Marriott believes we are entering a post-literate age with profoundly negative consequences for education, culture and democracy itself. In today's episode, James traces how an 18th century ‘reading revolution’ shaped the modern-world - and what might follow its sudden decline. Producers: Aron Keller and Sam Chantarasak Editor: James Shield Mix: Travis Evans Senior news editor: China Collins Photo: The al-Nahda al-Arabiya library in central Baghdad. (Credit: Ahmed Jalil/EPA)

Dec 1

Last June, Israel and the United States carried out coordinated strikes on nuclear and military sites across Iran in what became known as the 12-day war. The aim was clear: destroy Iran’s nuclear-enrichment facilities amid warnings that Tehran was dangerously close to developing a nuclear weapon. But conflicting reports in the immediate aftermath left the public uncertain about how effective the operation really was. Six months after the bombings, we speak with Parham Ghobadi, senior reporter for BBC Persian, about what the war actually achieved, the current state of Iran’s nuclear programme, and what daily life inside Iran looks like today. Producer: Viv Jones and Valerio Esposito Executive producer: James Shield Sound engineer: Travis Evans Senior news editor: China Collins (Photo: A US Air Force B-2 Spirit stealth bomber. Credit: US Air Force)

Nov 28

Pope Leo is on his first official visit abroad, and there are already signs he’s willing to use his position to speak out on controversial matters. His recent comments about abortion and the rights of migrants have created headlines in the United States, and raised eyebrows from some conservatives who see the first American pope challenging President Trump’s policies. It wouldn't be the first time that a pope has weighed in on politics. From Nazism to communism and the Cold War, from refugees to climate change, popes have used their position to influence global affairs. In this episode we speak to author and presenter Edward Stourton, who has covered religious affairs and the USA extensively for the BBC, about what power Pope Leo XIV has, and what lessons he can learn from his predecessors. Producers: Lucy Pawle and Sam Chantarasak Executive producers: James Shield and Bridget Harney Senior news editor: China Collins Mix: Travis Evans Image: Pope Leo XIV visits Ankara, Turkey on 27 November. Vatican Media Handout/EPA/Shutterstock

Nov 27

The backlash over the opening of Shein’s first brick and mortar store in Paris this month is just one in a series of controversies and complaints over the ultra-fast fashion retailer. As the company looks to go public, we explore whether its business model can withstand the world’s scrutiny. Laura Bicker, the BBC’s China Correspondent, tells us what she found in the Guangzhou factories supplying Shein, and co-host Tristan Redman heads to the Paris store. Producer: Hannah Moore Executive producers: Bridget Harney and James Shield Mix: Travis Evans Senior news editor: China Collins Photo: A customer shops at Shein in Paris, France. Sarah Meyssonnier/Reuters

Nov 26

Miss Universe 2025 has been rocked by controversies and chaos, from stage falls and contestants storming out, to judges quitting and allegations of vote rigging – which the organisers deny. The pageant – styled as a celebration of women of all backgrounds and nationalities – has suffered waning international attention in recent years, with many questioning the ideals of femininity it seems to espouse. Could the drama of this year’s competition get people watching again? BBC journalist and Miss Universe expert, William Lee Adams, joins us to discuss. Producers: Xandra Ellin and Hannah Moore Executive producer: James Shield Mix: Travis Evans Senior news editor: China Collins

Nov 25

A ceasefire took effect in Gaza just over six weeks ago, and although both sides have accused the other of multiple violations of the agreement, there has not been the return to full-blown war that many feared. But the ceasefire agreement that was signed in early October was not a complete peace settlement. It left many issues still to be negotiated. That ceasefire was part of the first phase of President Trump’s peace plan. Last week, that plan came a step closer to reality when a resolution endorsing it was adopted by the UN Security Council. Within that 20-point plan - which covers everything from how to disarm Hamas, to who should govern Gaza – there are many sticking points that are still unresolved. We speak to Yolande Knell, the BBC's Middle East correspondent in Jerusalem, and ask whether Trump’s plan can still bring a permanent peace to Gaza. And what could happen if it fails? Producer: Viv Jones Executive producer: James Shield, China Collins Mix: Travis Evans Senior news editor: China Collins Photo: Hamas militant in Gaza city. Reuters/Dawoud Abu Alkas

Nov 24

American, Ukrainian and European negotiators met in Switzerland on Sunday to discuss a US-proposed peace plan to end the Russia-Ukraine war. Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelensky, was faced with a dilemma last week – either make concessions to Putin, or risk losing US support. But Zelensky said there were "signals that President Trump's team hears us", and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said a "tremendous amount of progress" had been achieved. We’re joined by the Oscar-winning Ukrainian film-maker Mstyslav Chernov, and by BBC Ukraine correspondent James Waterhouse, to discuss how Ukrainians feel about the leaked peace plan. Producers: Cat Farnsworth and Lucy Pawle Executive producer: James Shield Mix: Travis Evans Senior news editor: China Collins Photo: Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky sits inside a vehicle. Credit: Susana Vera/Reuters.

Nov 21

The US is essentially boycotting this weekend’s G20 summit in South Africa over accusations that the white Afrikaners are ‘being killed and slaughtered’ and that white farmers are having their land ‘illegally confiscated. The South African government say the claims are "widely discredited and unsupported by reliable evidence". Today we speak to BBC correspondent Andrew Harding, who lived and worked in South Africa for over a decade, to find out where these claims came from. Producers: Sam Chantarasak and Xandra Ellin Executive producer: China Collins Senior news editor: China Collins Mix: Travis Evans Photo: Afrikaner farmers rally to show support for President Trump in Pretoria, South Africa. Credit: Kim Ludbrook/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock

Nov 20

** This episode contains some very distressing details, including of killings, sexual violence and the experiences of children in war** More than 150,000 people have been killed and about 12 million have been forced from their homes since Sudan's civil war began in 2023. But more than two years on, the reasons for the conflict are still not clear. And there are questions about why the international community - including the United States - isn’t doing more to try and stop the supply of weapons to Sudan, and to bring the fighting to an end. On today’s episode, we are joined by BBC Africa correspondent Barbara Plett Usher, who has been reporting on Sudan since the 1990s, and Nawal Al-Maghafi, a senior investigations correspondent, whose recent reporting from Khartoum has brought to light the particular tragedy facing children in this war. Producer: Hannah Moore Executive producer: James Shield Mix: Travis Evans Senior News Editor: China Collins Photo: A child who lost his leg due to artillery shelling by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), stands at a displacement camp in Al-Dabbah, Sudan. Credit: El Tayeb Siddig/Reuters.

Nov 19

The American lawyer, oil lobbyist and master strategist Don Pearlman is said to have chain-smoked his way through almost every UN climate gathering from the early 1990s until his death in 2005. Some of those who saw Pearlman operate in Kyoto, where the first legally binding international agreement on climate change was agreed in 1997, say he created the playbook for stalling climate talks. The Kyoto protocol was never ratified by the United States, and Pearlman is now the subject of a major play, Kyoto, which has just transferred from London to the Lincoln Center in New York. As the COP30 climate summit takes place in Brazil, we speak to BBC climate journalist Jordan Dunbar, who’s been trying to piece together the true story of the man once nicknamed ‘the high priest of the carbon club’. Producers: Aron Keller and Cat Farnsworth Eexecutive producer: James Shield Mix: Travis Evans Senior news editor: China Collins Photo: Don Pearlman at the Kyoto summit / BBC.

Nov 18

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman – MBS – will be welcomed at the White House on his first visit to Washington since the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi led to global outrage. MBS has always denied involvement in Khashoggi’s murder. Nevertheless, both he and Saudi Arabia were ostracised after the killing. Tuesday’s meeting between President Trump and Saudi Arabia’s de facto ruler will build on a relationship between the two leaders which has endured the scandal. But can both parties walk away from these strategic talks with what they want? On Trump’s part, some movement towards the Abraham Accords; and for MBS, a chunky defence package. We talk to BBC security correspondent Frank Gardner. Producers: Cat Farnsworth and Lucy Pawle Executive producer: James Shield Mix: Travis Evans Senior news editor: China Collins Photo: President Trump and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Brian Snyder/Reuters

Nov 17

In the last 72 hours, comments from President Trump and his administration have sparked fresh debate about whether the US could – or should – resume the kind of nuclear weapons tests that were halted over 30 years ago. The current debate centres on whether Trump plans to test nuclear delivery systems, such as missiles, or nuclear warheads. The latter would be a major reversal of a long-standing policy, as the US has not tested a nuclear warhead since 1992, but it’s unclear what the plans involve. Today, Tristan speaks to Serhii Plokhy, a history professor at Harvard and author of The Nuclear Age, about what it would mean to return to an era of nuclear testing. Producers: Viv Jones, Xandra Ellin, Aron Keller Executive producer: James Shield Mix: Travis Evans Senior news editor: China Collins Photo: Mushroom cloud rises during Operation Crossroads nuclear weapons test. Reuters

Nov 14

**This episode contains themes of sexual abuse and grooming** Calls to release all the Epstein files are growing, after Wednesday’s bombshell release of over 20,000 pages of documents related to the sex trafficking scandal. The private messages released by the estate of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein have increased scrutiny on what President Trump may have known about Epstein’s behaviour. The White House has told the BBC the documents ‘prove literally nothing’. The furore continues to intensify, but there is one woman who has all the answers: Epstein’s long-time associate Ghislaine Maxwell. So who is the disgraced British socialite and what is her role in the scandal? Today we talk to the BBC’s New York correspondent Nada Tawfik, who has covered the case for over a decade. Producers: Sam Chantarasak and Aron Keller Executive producer and senior news editor: China Collins Mix: Travis Evans Photo: Ghislaine Maxwell with Jeffrey Epstein. US Department of Justice/PA Wire

Nov 13

Donald Trump has spent this year trying to negotiate a deal to end the war in Ukraine. So far, Vladimir Putin doesn’t seem interested in the US’s proposals. One man who has successfully negotiated with Russia – and with many of America’s adversaries – is Roger Carstens, former Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs. From 2020 to 2025 he worked to free dozens of US citizens taken hostage and wrongfully detained around the world, including in Russia. Securing their release often required complex deals that took years to put together. What does it take to successfully negotiate with Putin’s Russia? Producer: Lucy Pawle Executive producer: James Shield Senior news editor: China Collins Mix: Travis Evans Photo: Roger Carstens. Credit: BBC

Nov 12

The BBC has this week been rocked by a series of controversies, leading its Director General and Head of News to resign, and President Donald Trump threatening to sue the corporation over an edit it made to his January 6th, 2021 speech in one of its programmes, which the BBC admits was misleading. How did the management of the world’s most trusted news broadcaster reach crisis point, and what does this tell us about today’s media landscape? BBC culture and media editor Katie Razzall explains. Producers: Viv Jones, Xandra Ellin and Hannah Moore Executive producer: James Shield Sound engineer: Travis Evans Senior news editor: China Collins This podcast was edited on 12 November 2025. We removed a reference to Donald Trump “threatening to remove BBC journalists’ access to his press conferences". This statement should have been attributed to a reported briefing by a senior White House official. (Photo: BBC headquarters in London. Credit: Andy Rain/EPA/Shutterstock)

Nov 11

For much of the 21st century, our social lives have been shaped, at least in part, on the internet. But in an age of influencers, generative AI, complex algorithms, and politically entangled technocrats, some users say social media is growing less, well, social. So, is social media dead? Or is it just becoming something else? We speak with New Yorker staff writer Kyle Chayka about what happened to social networks, and what their transformation suggests about the future of media. Producers: Xandra Ellin and Aron Keller Executive Producer: James Shield Mix: Travis Evans Senior News Editor: China Collins Photo: Social media apps on a phone.Yui Mok/PA

Nov 10

President Donald Trump has warned that he will target Nigeria if the government there "continues to allow the killing of Christians". For months, campaigners and politicians in Washington have been alleging that Islamist militants were systematically targeting Christians in Nigeria. But how true are the claims that there is a persecution – or even a genocide – of Christians in the West African country? And how does Nicki Minaj come to thank him for his intervention? We speak to the BBC’s global religion correspondent, Lebo Diseko. Producers: Xandra Ellin and Cat Farnsworth Executive producer: Annie Brown Mix: Travis Evans Senior news editor: China Collins (Photo: People walk along a street flanked by St. Joseph Catholic Church and Kano Road Central Mosque in Kaduna, Nigeria, 4 November, 2025. Credit: Marvellous Durowaiye/Reuters)

Nov 7

The man Donald Trump has called a "great leader", and who has long provoked admiration in MAGA circles, suddenly finds himself in an unusual position – at odds with the US president on an issue of critical importance. Viktor Orban, Hungary’s prime minister, is visiting the White House on Friday to try to resolve a dispute over Russian oil and gas. Orban wants to keep buying it, but Trump wants countries to wean themselves off Russian energy and help put the brakes on Russia’s war in Ukraine. Will Trump choose to keep an old friend close, or put pressure on Putin? We speak to Nick Thorpe, the BBC’s correspondent in Budapest, who has covered Orban since the 1980s. Producer: Viv Jones Executive producer: James Shield Senior news editor: China Collins Mix: Travis Evans Photo: U.S. President Donald Trump and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban. Suzanne Plunkett, Reuters.

Nov 6

Even before Zohran Mamdani was elected as New York’s first Muslim mayor, his critics frequently cited London as a sort of cautionary tale, suggesting that New York under Mamdani could go “the way of London.” That’s because London already has a liberal, Muslim mayor - Sadiq Khan. But is that where the similarities end? We talk to Tim Donovan, a former BBC reporter who covered London politics for decades. And we ask Mr Khan himself what it’s like to be a local politician with an international profile - especially when your most persistent critic, is a tenacious man called Donald Trump? Producers: Xandra Ellin, Valerio Esposito and Cat Farnsworth Mix: Travis Evans Senior news editor: China Collins Image: New York City mayor-elect, Zohran Mamdani, waves to his supporters after winning the 2025 New York City Mayoral race. Jeenah Moon / Reuters

Nov 5

For years, Colombia has been one of the United States’ closest allies in the region – a key partner in the war on drugs. But now this relationship is coming under strain amidst a personal feud between President Trump, and Colombia’s president Gustavo Petro. In today’s episode, we speak to BBC Mundo’s William Marquez to examine the history of the US-Colombia alliance, and what might be at stake if it falls apart. Producer: Aron Keller Executive producer: James Shield Mix: Travis Evans Senior news editor: China Collins Photo: Colombian President Gustavo Petro. Credit: Reuters/Luisa Gonzalez

Nov 4

The Trump administration faces a Supreme Court challenge on Wednesday over its use of tariffs, an economic policy that has upended global trade. This case, which has been described by the President in epic terms, questions the legality of Trump’s signature economic policy - and poses one of the biggest existential threats to his second term so far. In today’s episode, we speak to small business owners across the US, and to BBC business reporter Natalie Sherman, who will be at the Supreme Court this week. Producers: Hannah Moore and Valerio Esposito Executive producer: James Shield Mix: Travis Evans Senior news editor: China Collins Image: US President Trump unveils new tariffs on so-called Liberation Day. Jim Lo Scalzo/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock

Nov 3

Discussion of nuclear weapons has returned both to our news cycle and to the cultural conversation. Last week, President Donald Trump said that the US would resume testing nuclear weapons. Meanwhile, several recent films and books imagine a near future scenario where a nuclear attack is threatened or carried out. Tristan talks to Carlo Masala, professor of international relations at the Bundeswehr University Munich and author of If Russia Wins. His book imagines a scenario where Russia attacks a Nato country to see whether the alliance will respond, risking a nuclear confrontation. Masala believes Russia is already engaged in ‘hybrid warfare’ with Europe, and he wrote his book as a warning to the west. Producers: Viv Jones, Aron Keller, Xandra Ellin and Valerio Esposito Executive producer: James Shield Mix: Travis Evans Senior news editor: China Collins Image: A photo published by Swedish armed forces that it says shows a Russian mig-31 fighter jet that took part in the violation of Estonian airspace. Swedish Armed Forces/ Reuters. Credits: The War Game (1965) / Dir: Peter Watkins / BBC Dr Strangelove (1964) / Dir: Stanley Kubrick / Columbia Pictures A House of Dynamite (2025) / Dir: Kathryn Bigelow / Netflix

Oct 31

On Thursday, Donald Trump and President Xi Jinping of China held a closed-door meeting in South Korea. The subjects of negotiation ran the gamut — from rare earth minerals, to fentanyl, to computer chips — and, according to President Trump’s subsequent news conference, the two parties reached a long-awaited deal. But exactly what did the world’s two most powerful men agree to? The BBC’s China Correspondent, Laura Bicker, joins us to discuss. Producers: Hannah Moore and Xandra Ellin Executive Producer: Annie Brown Senior News Editor: China Collins Mix: Travis Evans IMAGE: U.S. President Donald Trump shakes hands with Chinese President Xi Jinping as they hold a bilateral meeting at Gimhae International Airport, on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, in Busan, South Korea, October 30, 2025. REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein.

Oct 30

The Trump administration has centred on Tren de Aragua – a Venezuelan prison gang – as a justification for cracking down on Venezuelan immigrants, and for several attacks on boats in the Caribbean Sea. When President Trump designated the gang a Foreign Terror Organisation, and invoked a 1798 law that allows presidents to swiftly deport citizens of enemy countries, civil rights groups accused his government of using these measures as a way to deport Venezuelans without due process. Trump has argued he’s acting to "eliminate the presence of all foreign gangs and criminal networks bringing devastating crime to US soil". We speak to Jonathan Blitzer, staff writer at the New Yorker, who has been reporting on how Tren de Aragua became a major focus of Trump’s domestic and foreign policy. Producers: Viv Jones and Aron Keller Executive producer: James Shield Mix: Travis Evans Senior news editor: China Collins Image: An alleged member of the Tren de Aragua in detention. Reuters.

Oct 29

After months of tense negotiations, President Trump has announced that he has terminated trade talks with Canada. The reason: a new Canadian TV commercial featuring an anti-tariff message from an old Ronald Reagan speech. The ad played during a World Series game and ran on various US cable channels, angering President Trump. The ad is just the latest skirmish between the US and its neighbour to the north. We speak to the BBC’s senior Canada reporter, Nadine Yousif, about how we got here and what the future has in store for the relationship between the two countries. Producers: Valerio Esposito and Xandra Ellin Executive producer: Annie Brown and James Shield Sound engineer: Travis Evans Senior news editor: China Collins (Photo: US President Donald Trump (R) meets Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney (L) in the Oval Office at the White House, Washington DC,7 October, 2025. Credit: Evelyn Hockstein/Reuters)

Oct 28

The controversial right-wing podcaster Candace Owens is being sued by the French president and his wife in a US court. The Macrons are accusing Owens of spreading a conspiracy theory that Brigitte Macron was born a man. So where has this theory come from? We speak to the BBC’s Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty, host of the Fame Under Fire podcast, about what the Macrons are risking by filing the lawsuit – and whether it’s only adding more fuel to the flames. Presenter: Tristan Redmond Producer: Sam Chantarasak and Lucy Pawle Executive producer: Annie Brown Sound engineer: Travis Evans Senior news editor: China Collins (Photo: Candace Owens. Rebecca Cook/Reuters)

Oct 27

President Trump is in Asia this week to strike deals with several countries, including with China. One of the big questions overshadowing the trip is Taiwan’s future. China has long vowed to "reunify" with self-governing Taiwan and has not ruled out the use of force. On Sunday, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the US wouldn’t abandon the island in exchange for a favourable deal with China. But a tug of war has been playing out inside the Trump administration over whether a military battle for Taiwan – if China did try to seize it – would be in America’s best interests. We speak to writer and analyst James Crabtree about what to expect from Trump’s visit to Asia and where Taiwan goes from here. Producers: Viv Jones and Xandra Ellin Executive producer: James Shield Mix: Travis Evans Senior news editor: China Collins Image: Taiwanese people observe the changing of honor guards in Liberty Square in Taipei. Ritchie B Tongo/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock.

Oct 24

Giorgia Meloni is Italy’s first female Prime Minister, and her political star has risen rapidly - from working class roots in Rome, to becoming one of the most important and divisive leaders in Europe. A populist whose party has roots in Italian fascism, and who takes a hard right stance on migration and family values, she has formed a kinship with Donald Trump, who this month alone has promoted her autobiography and her speeches online, and called her “beautiful” on stage. In today’s episode, journalist Barbara Serra joins us to discuss Meloni’s increasingly crucial role in US-European relations. Producers: Hannah Moore and Valerio Esposito Executive producer: James Shield Mix: Travis Evans Senior news editor: China Collins Photo: YOAN VALAT/POOL/EPA/Shutterstock

Oct 23

Since the Taliban takeover in 2021, the US has contributed billions of dollars in aid to Afghanistan for food and medical care – a lifeline in a country ravaged by two decades of war. But earlier this year, following deep cuts to USAID under the Trump administration, more than 400 USAID-backed medical clinics have closed, and for pregnant women in desperate need of care, the impacts are devastating. The BBC’s South Asia and Afghanistan correspondent, Yogita Limaye, tells us about the families she met on her recent reporting trip, and the lives lost because women did not get the care they needed. Producer: Hannah Moore Mix: Travis Evans Senior news editor: China Collins Picture: Taliban bans female medical education, Afghan female doctors and midwives face setback, Kabul, Afghanistan, 24 Dec 2024. Samiullah Popal/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock

Oct 22

***This episode contains themes of sexual abuse and grooming*** The memoir of Virginia Giuffre, one of Jeffrey Epstein's most well-known accusers, was published posthumously this week, repeating allegations against Epstein as well as Prince Andrew. The revelations come as Prince Andrew gave up his royal titles, amongst renewed and increasing scrutiny over his relationship with the convicted sex offender Epstein. Prince Andrew continues to vigorously deny all the allegations, but the loss of his titles is a big symbolic moment that allows the rest of the Royal Family to distance themselves from him. His downfall was accelerated by a disastrous 2019 interview with the BBC. We speak to the interviewer Emily Maitlis, now host of the News Agents podcast, about that day, and how Prince Andrew’s story gives us an insight into the ways in which Jeffrey Epstein functioned. Producers: Sam Chantarasak, Lucy Pawle and Xandra Ellin Executive producer: China Collins Sound engineer: Travis Evans Senior news editor: China Collins (Photo: Prince Andrew. Credit: Toby Melville/Reuters)

Oct 21

The Louvre Museum in Paris was closed for 2 days as the police investigated a brazen heist which resulted in the theft of France's “priceless” crown jewels. Thieves wielding power tools broke into the world's most visited museum in broad daylight, before escaping on scooters with eight items of jewelry of great historical significance. Erin Thompson, Professor of Art Crime at The City University of New York, tells us about the crime that has stunned France - and the rest of the world. Producers: Viv Jones, Aron Keller, Valerio Esposito and Cat Farnsworth Executive producer: Annie Brown Mix: Travis Evans Senior news editor: China Collins Image: A security employee near the glass Pyramid of the Louvre Museum, Paris. Benoît Tessier/Reuters

Oct 20

AI companies are seeing a monumental surge in investment – but some experts are now warning of the risks of an economic bubble. Could AI be the biggest market bubble since the dot-com crash? Or is it a genuinely transformative technology that’s simply taking time to deliver? We speak to the BBC’s Evan Davis. Producers: Aron Keller and Xandra Ellin Executive Producer: James Shield Mix: Travis Evans Senior news editor: China Collins

Oct 17

On Wednesday, President Trump confirmed that he has authorised the CIA to take covert lethal action in Venezuela. The revelation came off the back of a series of US strikes on Venezuelan boats accused of transporting drugs in the Caribbean Sea, which resulted in the death of 27 people in what some human rights experts are calling "extrajudicial executions". The US military operation has the region on edge, leaving analysts wondering whether this is just part of a new war on drugs, or a push to bring down the Maduro regime. The BBC's Will Grant briefs us on these latest developments, and the CIA's history in Latin America. Producers: Viv Jones and Valerio Esposito Editor: Annie Brown and James Shield Sound engineer: Travis Evans Senior news editor: China Collins Image: Miguel Gutierrez/Shutterstock

Oct 16

Reporting on the war in Gaza has only been possible because of the work of Palestinian journalists, because the Israeli government will not let foreign broadcasters – including the BBC – inside the territory to report freely, even now a ceasefire is in place. One month ago, freelance journalist Ghada Al-Kurd began sharing voice notes with us, talking about her life, her family, and her days reporting in Gaza City. Her job is dangerous – almost 200 journalists have been killed in Gaza in the past two years – and even with a ceasefire in place, safety is far from reach. Ghada has continued to report for us through her displacements, sharing her treasured memories of pre-war Gaza, and her fears and hopes for its future. Producer: Hannah Moore. Executive producer: James Shield. Mix: Travis Evans. Senior news editor: China Collins. Image: Ghada Al Kurd

Oct 15

“If there’s a fight, we’ll fight to the end”, a Chinese commerce ministry spokesperson said on Tuesday, of the increasingly fierce trade war playing out between the US and China. As President Donald Trump threatens imposing 100% tariffs on goods coming from China, his counterpart, President Xi Jinping, has restricted US access to its rare earth minerals – which are vital to producing everything from smartphones to fighter jets. With the two leaders due to meet in South Korea later this month, can they break the stalemate, or will they plunge the world’s two biggest economies into a global trade war? BBC China correspondent Stephen McDonnell joins us to discuss how the world’s two largest economies got locked in stalemate – and what it could mean for the cost of the goods we all buy. Producers: Cat Farnsworth and Hannah Moore Mix: Travis Evans Senior news editor: China Collins Image: Russian Matryoshka wooden dolls, depicting US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Yuri Kochetkov/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock

Oct 14

President Trump’s administration may have frozen foreign aid but this week it’s giving Argentina a $20 billion lifeline. It's a move his critics are suggesting is more about politics than sound economics. Argentina’s president, the chainsaw-wielding Javier Milei, is a friend and close ally of Trump’s. On on Tuesday, Milei will visit the White House to discuss the details of this new rescue plan. We ask the BBC’s South America correspondent, Ione Wells, whether Trump is ditching ‘America First’ economics to bail out Argentina, or whether this is a financial gamble that could pay off. Further reading: "How Milei's 'Thatcherite' economics divided his nation - but won over Trump" https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c9865l8540eo Producer: Viv Jones. Executive producer: James Shield. Mix: Neil Churchill. Senior news editor: China Collins. Photo:Reuters/Al Drago

Oct 13

Donald Trump is in Israel today on a victory lap after securing what he claims is the beginning of lasting peace in the Middle East. The Gaza ceasefire – and with it, the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners – follows weeks of intense talks brokered by American negotiators. Some of the hostage families have credited the US president with achieving the ceasefire, but his team has more experience in the New York real estate world than in diplomacy. So how exactly did they achieve a deal? And will Hamas really agree to its next phase – disarming and having no role in Gaza’s future? Guest: Lyse Doucet, chief international correspondent. Producers: Lucy Pawle and Sam Chantarasak. Executive producer: James Shield. Mix: Travis Evans. Senior news editor: China Collins. Image: A member of the internal security forces loyal to the Palestinian group Hamas, mans a checkpoint in the Gaza Strip. Photo by Eyad BABA / AFP via Getty Images.

Oct 10

Israel and Hamas have approved President Trump’s plan for a ceasefire and approved a framework including the release of all the hostages and the withdrawal of Israeli troops from parts of Gaza. It is being described as the first phase of a wider agreement, but is the deal secure enough to last? We speak to Liran Berman, whose brothers Gali and Ziv are amongst the last hostages, Laila Ezzat Al Shana, a mother in Gaza, and the BBC’s state department correspondent, Tom Bateman. Producers: Sam Chantarasak and Aron Keller Executive producer: James Shield Senior news editor: China Collins Mix: Travis Evans Image: Reactions in Gaza after President Trump announced that Israel and Hamas agreed on the first phase of a Gaza ceasefire. Dawoud Abu Alkas/Reuters

Oct 9

It’s been called ‘Australia's trial of the century’. Erin Patterson, the mushroom murderer, was sentenced last month and given a life sentence, but that wasn’t the end of the story. Both the prosecution and the defence are lodging competing appeals. Patterson wants her conviction overturned, and if her appeal succeeds there could be a retrial. Her prosecutors, however, say her 33 year sentence is ‘manifestly inadequate’ and they want to see her receive longer jail time. These are the latest developments in a story that has launched a flurry of true crime podcasts, books and documentaries. A TV drama is in production, and one of Australia's most eminent writers has announced she’s writing a book about it. The BBC’s Katy Watson talks us through how this suburban triple-murder story became the focus of the increasingly voracious true-crime industry. Producers: Viv Jones, Xandra Ellin and Valerio Esposito Executive producer: Annie Brown Mix: Travis Evans Senior news editor: China Collins Image: Erin Patterson. AAP/James Ross via REUTERS

Oct 8

The billionaire Larry Ellison could soon control huge portions of America’s AI, attention economy and legacy media. He already owns swathes of AI infrastructure and is preparing to takeover TikTok, whilst his son, whose company already owns Paramount, is preparing a deal to buy Warner Bros. Discovery. So who is this ‘CEO of everything’, and how is his family dynasty becoming the 21st Century’s Rockerfellers? Producers: Sam Chantarasak and Aron Keller Executive producer: Annie Brown Sound engineer: Travis Evans Senior news editor: China Collins (Photo: Rupert Murdoch and Larry Ellison look on, at the White House, in Washington, US, 3 February, 2025. Credit: Elizabeth Frantz/Reuters)

Oct 7

On October 7 2023 Hamas attacked Israel, taking 251 people hostage. Gali and Ziv Berman were among them – twin brothers who lived on a kibbutz near the Gaza border. They were 24 years old. Now, after 2 years they are among the remaining hostages still being held in captivity. But in the last few days the prospect of ending the war in Gaza and releasing the remaining hostages seems closer than ever. That possibility gives Gali and Ziv’s older brother Liran Berman cautious hope. Liran speaks to Asma at length about his memories of October 7th, his quest to get his little brothers out of Gaza, and who he will give credit to if the peace deal succeeds. Producers: Valerio Esposito, Lucy Pawle and Cat Farnsworth Editor: Annie Brown Mix: Travis Evans Senior news editor: China Collins Image: Liran Berman by Valerio Esposito

Oct 6

Mediators for Hamas and Israel are set to meet in Egypt on Monday for indirect talks, after Hamas agreed to a US peace plan. It’s a stunning diplomatic breakthrough for Donald Trump, whose plan proposes an immediate end to fighting and the release within 72 hours of 20 living Israeli hostages held by Hamas. Today we discuss with the BBC’s State Department correspondent, Tom Bateman, how President Trump reached such a significant breakthrough with Israel and Hamas, and whether his approach to deal making could actually pay off. Producers: Cat Farnsworth and Aron Keller Mix: Travis Evans Senior news editor: China Collins Image: Gaza City on Sunday 5th October, 2025. Mahmoud Issa/Reuters

Oct 3

This week, some of the world’s most influential comedians have travelled to Saudi Arabia, for comedy festival organized by the government of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The bill for the Riyadh Comedy Festival includes superstars like Aziz Ansari, Dave Chapelle, Kevin Hart and Louis CK. And the event has attracted significant backlash, with critics accusing the participating comedians of helping Saudi Arabia to “comedy-wash” its record on human rights and free speech. We speak to the comedian Gianmarco Soresi, who has been highly critical of peers who chose to play the festival, and from BBC security correspondent and resident Saudi Arabia expert, Frank Gardner. Producers: Xandra Ellin and Valerio Esposito Executive producers: James Shield and Annie Brown Mix: Travis Evans Senior news editor: China Collins

Oct 2

On Monday, President Trump outlined his proposal for a peace deal in Gaza, a moment he described as ‘potentially one of the great days ever in civilisation’. In a press conference announcing the plan, the President name-dropped Sir Tony Blair and said the former UK Prime Minister would have a key role in the governance of post-war Gaza. Blair has been part of high-level talks with the US and other parties about ending the conflict. To many in the Middle East he remains a divisive figure who is remembered primarily for his role in the US-led invasion of Iraq. So how did Blair become a central figure in this latest plan to end the war in Gaza, and what does this tell us about diplomacy under Trump 2.0? Asma Khalid speaks to the BBC’s diplomatic correspondent James Landale, who charts the story of Blair’s involvement in the Middle East and his warm relationship with President Trump. Producers: Sam Chantarasak, Viv Jones Senior news editor: China Collins Mix: Travis Evans Picture: Former Prime Minister Sir Tony Blair. Credit: Victoria Jones/PA Wire

Oct 1

After getting the red-carpet treatment at the UN in New York last week, the former al-Qaeda fighter who now leads Syria is about to hold an election. But is Syria’s new president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, really about to transition the country into democracy? Or does he have other plans? The BBC's senior international correspondent Orla Guerin joins us from Damascus, where she’s been speaking to Syrians about the country’s future. Producers: Cat Farnsworth and Valerio Esposito Executive producer: James Shield Mix: Travis Evans Senior News Editor: China Collins Image: Syria’s President Ahmed al-Sharaa. Khalil Ashawi / Reuters

Sep 30

Mistrust in science has never been higher. Fewer people are getting vaccinated, a known vaccine skeptic is leading the most powerful health agency in America and an outbreak of measels in Texas this year led to the first fatalities in almost a decade. Then, in August, a gunman opened fire on the headquarters of the Centre for Disease Control with many speculating he was fuelled by misinformation about health. Increasingly this misinformation is being exported around the world. Marianna Spring is the BBC’s Social Media Investigations Correspondent and tells the story of how suspicion of science in America helped radicalise a British mom with devastating consequences. Producers: Cat Farnsworth and Lucy Pawle Executive producer: Annie Brown Mix: Travis Evans Senior news editor: China Collins Image: Martin Pope / Getty

Sep 29

Israel’s Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu visits the White House later today, as details from the Trump administration’s 21-point plan to end the war were revealed over the weekend. As Israel continues its offensive in Gaza City, Netanyahu has vowed to ‘finish the job’ against Hamas and shows little sign of making concessions to end the war. Netanyahu has a proven history of getting what he wants from US presidents – so will the same happen at Monday's meeting? Today we speak to the BBC’s chief international correspondent Lyse Doucet who has reported on Netanyahu for three decades. Producers: Sam Chantarasak, Xandra Ellin, Aron Keller and Cat Farnsworth. Executive producer: Annie Brown Mix: Travis Evans Senior news editor: China Collins Image: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addresses the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) at U.N. headquarters in New York City, U.S., September 26, 2025. REUTERS/Jeenah Moon

Sep 26

On Monday President Trump and the U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. held a press conference in which they made extraordinary new claims about autism. They suggested a potential link between the use of Tylenol during pregnancy and the development of autism. They also advocated spacing out childhood vaccinations. The two men's interest in the link between vaccines and autism goes back decades but these claims did not originate in the US. They trace back to the UK in 1998, when disgraced former doctor Andrew Wakefield first published his now-debunked theory linking MMR vaccines to autism cases in children. Today on the Global Story science journalist Adam Rutherford explains how the Wakefield vaccine conspiracy became the biggest medical disinformation disaster in recent history, and how these ideas found fertile ground in the Trump administration. Producers: Viv Jones, Valerio Esposito Executive producer: Annie Brown, James Shield Mix: Travis Evans Senior news editor: China Collins Image: President Donald Trump, in front of U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr., delivers remarks linking autism to childhood vaccines and to the use of popular pain medication Tylenol for pregnant women and children, claims which are not backed by decades of science, at the White House. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque

Sep 25

On Tuesday night, Donald Trump signalled a drastic U-turn in his position on Ukraine, claiming in a Truth Social post that Kyiv could win the war against Russia, and take back all the land it has lost. The Kremlin was quick to dismiss his assertion, saying it has, “no alternative” but to continue its offensive. So, is this just another rhetorical turn from the US president, or has something materially changed in Ukraine’s favour? Vitaly Shevchenko, Russia editor for BBC Monitoring, joins us to discuss. Producers: Hannah Moore and Valerio Esposito Executive producer: James Shield Mix: Travis Evans Senior news editor: China Collins

Sep 24

Heads of state and high-level diplomats have descended on New York to attend the 80th annual United Nations General Assembly. During a meandering address, President Trump railed against immigration and green energy, claimed credit for a spate of recent diplomatic victories, and questioned the legitimacy of the UN as an institution. How right is the president about the diminishing power of the UN? And what is his vision for a path forward? Today, Asma reports from the United Nations General Assembly in New York, where she speaks to BBC Diplomatic Correspondent James Landale and BBC New York Correspondent for the United Nations Nada Tawfik. Producers: Samantha Chantarasak and Xandra Ellin Executive producer: Annie Brown Sound engineer: Travis Evans Editor: China Collins (Photo: Donald Trump speaks during the general debate of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). Credit: Sarah Yenesel/EPA/Shutterstock)

Sep 23

Apple is promising to make more products in the US, backed by a $600bn investment over the next four years. But after decades of relying on Chinese manufacturing that promise is going to be tough to keep. Today we’re joined by journalist and author Patrick McGee to discuss whether Apple can navigate the demands of Donald Trump’s America First agenda and disentangle itself from a made-in-China business model. Producers: Hannah Moore and Aron Keller Executive producers: James Shield and Annie Brown Mix: Nicky Edwards, Travis Evans Senior news editor: China Collins Picture: Apple CEO Tim Cook in Cupertino, California, U.S. September 9, 2025. REUTERS/Manuel Orbegozo

Sep 22

World leaders are currently gathered at the United Nations in New York for the annual General Assembly. This year, the future of the Palestinian territories hangs in the balance: several nations like the UK, France, Canada, and Australia are formally recognising the state of Palestine for the first time. The Trump administration strongly opposes the move, warning that it could embolden Hamas and provoke Israel into annexing the West Bank. How did some of Israel and America’s staunchest allies decide that the time is right to recognise a Palestinian state? We speak to BBC diplomatic correspondent Paul Adams who has spent years reporting from the Middle East. Producers: Xandra Ellin and Viv Jones Executive producer: James Shield Mix: Travis Evans Senior news editor: China Collins Image: Members of the U.N. Security Council vote on a draft resolution demanding a ceasefire in Gaza, at U.N. headquarters in New York City, U.S., September 18, 2025. Eduardo Munoz/Reuters

Sep 19

At the height of the cold war in the 1970s, the Soviet Union set up an international song contest to rival Eurovision. It was called Intervision, and like its western counterpart, featured a bevy of cheesy songs, sequins and highly flammable outfits – albeit with a different political message. Intervision burned bright and fast – disappearing long before the fall of the Berlin Wall. But this weekend, with Russia still exiled from the Eurovision Song Contest because of its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Vladimir Putin is reviving the competition, and the USA is due to compete. In today’s episode, BBC Moscow correspondent and Eurovision superfan Steve Rosenberg explores the intertwined histories of Eurovision and Intervision, and the politics behind Putin’s decision. Producers: Hannah Moore and Valerio Esposito Executive producer: Annie Brown Sound engineer: Travis Evans Editor: China Collins (Photo: The international music contest Intervision at Zaryadye Park in Moscow. Credit: Maxim Shipenkov/EPA/Shutterstock)

Sep 18

President Trump is in the UK on a State visit, where he’s been hosted by the royal family and is set to meet with Prime Minister Starmer. The two leaders appear to have a strong relationship. But there's one big issue that’s become a sticking point between them. Increasingly, free speech in the United Kingdom is a hot button rallying cry among the conservatives in the United States. Why have Republicans in America become so obsessed with free speech across the Atlantic? Especially when a crackdown on speech is kicking off at home. This programme includes language which some listeners find offensive. Producers: Cat Farnsworth, Viv Jones and Xandra Ellin Executive producer: Annie Brown and James Shield Mix: Travis Evans Senior news editor: China Collins Image: US President Donald Trump on second State Visit to the UK. Kirsty Wigglesworth/PA Credit: Father Ted/Hat Trick Productions/Channel 4

Sep 17

On Tuesday, as Israel launched its long-anticipated ground invasion of Gaza City, a United Nations commission of inquiry concluded that Israel has committed genocide in Gaza. Israel's foreign ministry said it categorically rejected the report, denouncing it as "distorted and false". The report is a major moment in the ongoing debate over whether the situation in Gaza meets the legal definition of a genocide. We speak with BBC Geneva correspondent Imogen Foulkes about the evidence. Producers: Viv Jones, Xandra Ellin Executive producer: James Shield Mix: Travis Evans Senior news editor: China Collins Image: Displaced Palestinians evacuate Gaza City. Mahmoud Issa/ Reuters

Sep 16

The assassination of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk shocked America and exposed the depth of its political divides. Since a suspect has been arrested, the search for clear motive has only become more complicated. In today’s episode, the BBC’s Social Media investigations correspondent Marianna Spring examines the meaning of the inscriptions on the bullet casings associated with the murder. The markings take us into the dark corners of the internet, but what do they tell us about why Charlie Kirk was killed? Producers: Cat Farnsworth, Aron Keller and Lucy Pawle Executive producer: Annie Brown Mix: Travis Evans Senior news editor: China Collins Image: Utah Governor Spencer Cox. Cheney Orr/Reuters

Sep 15

France is in political turmoil. President Emmanuel Macron has just appointed his fifth prime minister in two years. But it’s unclear whether he’ll be able to form a government. There are calls for Macron's resignation amid nationwide protests and shutdowns. He is running out of options. Waiting in the wings is Marine Le Pen, whose far-right National Rally party has surged in popularity and seems poised to take power. On Sunday at a rally in Bordeaux, she repeated calls for new national elections. So how did this party, with its controversial history, rehabilitate its image? And what would the first far-right government since World War Two mean not just for France, but for Europe and the rest of the world? Producers: Lucy Pawle, Sam Chantarasak Executive producer: James Shield Mix: Travis Evans Senior news editor: China Collins Image: Marine Le Pen. Yoan Valat/EPA/Shutterstock

Sep 12

On Wednesday, the divisive conservative political activist Charlie Kirk was shot and killed on the first stop of his ‘American Comeback Tour’, where he invited students to engage him in political discussion. Kirk was the founder of the conservative nonprofit Turning Points USA and one of Donald Trump’s most powerful advocates, especially among young people. But his impact stretched far beyond the United States, as he leveraged social media to reinvent the right's image around the world. Today, we speak to Semafor political correspondent, David Weigel, about the blueprint Kirk pioneered for winning young minds to the conservative cause. Then, we speak to Daniel Ogoloma, who partnered with Kirk for a debate while he was a student at Oxford University. He tells us about his plan to bring Kirk’s ideas into Nigerian politics. Producers: Viv Jones, Xandra Ellin, Valerio Esposito, Lucy Pawle, Sam Chantarasak Executive producer: Annie Brown Mix: Travis Evans Senior news editor: China Collins Photo credit: Trent Nelson / The Salt Lake Tribune / Reuters

Sep 11

Donald Trump wants to broker peace in two of the world’s most intractable wars: Gaza and Ukraine. But this week, both crises have escalated – and the man he’s tasked with solving them has no previous diplomatic experience. Steve Witkoff, a real estate mogul and Trump’s closest confidante, is now at the center of American foreign policy as the ‘envoy for everything’. On today’s Global Story, we speak with the BBC’s State Department Correspondent, Tom Bateman, and ask whether Witkoff’s unconventional style is a weakness – or a strength. Producers: Cat Farnsworth and Aron Keller Executive producer: James Shield Mix: Travis Evans Senior news editor: China Collins Image: President Donald Trump and Steve Witkoff. Sarah Yenesel/EPA/Shutterstock

Sep 10

On Tuesday, Israel carried out a series of unexpected bombings, targeting senior Hamas leaders. The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) said it was a "precise strike" on those responsible for the October 7 attacks, but the Qataris have called the strike a "blatant violation" of international law. Qatar has been mediating indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas to end the conflict in Gaza. In the US, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Trump was notified about plans of the strike ahead of time, but said, “Unilaterally bombing inside Qatar, a sovereign nation and close ally of the United States [...] does not advance Israel or America’s goals”. On today's Global Story, we talk to the BBC's Chief International Correspondent, Lyse Doucet, about the impact this could have on future peace talks. Producers: Hannah Moore and Valerio Esposito Executive producer: Annie Brown Mix: Travis Evans Senior news editor: China Collins Image: Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sept 8 2025. Menahem Kahana / AFP via Getty Images.

Sep 9

Hundreds of workers, most of them South Korean nationals, were detained last week at a Hyundai plant in Georgia after the largest immigration raid of Trump’s second term. The raid puts two of the administration’s key priorities to the test - cracking down on illegal immigration and bringing manufacturing back to America - but has it exposed a conflict between the two policy goals? We speak to BBC Verify US Correspondent Nick Beake who has been to the site, and to Jake Kwon from the BBC Seoul bureau, about whether this has jeopardised relations between the US and one of its major trading partners. Producers: Sam Chantarasak and Xandra Ellin Executive producers: James Shield and Annie Brown Mix: Travis Evans Senior news editor: China Collins Image: US immigration raid at Hyundai-LG plant in Georgia. Shutterstock/EPA

Sep 8

In Brazil this week an alternate reality is unfolding: a former president, who allegedly tried to incite an insurrection to overturn an election, is on trial. A verdict is expected this week, and he may go to prison for the rest of his life. On January 8th 2023, Jair Bolsonaro’s supporters broke into government buildings, demanding to overturn the result of the election Bolsonaro had lost. In the aftermath of those events, Bolsonaro was accused of masterminding a plot for a military coup. He denies these claims and says the charges are politically motivated. President Trump has called the trial a “witch hunt” and gone to extreme measures to try to influence its outcome. But have his attempts to influence the trial backfired? We speak with Ione Wells, the BBC’s South America correspondent, who has been reporting from inside the trial. Producers: Viv Jones and Valerio Esposito Executive producer: Annie Brown Mix: Travis Evans Senior news editor: China Collins Image: Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro in Brasilia on July 17, 2025. Mateus Bonomi / AFP via Getty Images

Sep 5

In 1994, Ukraine surrendered the world's third-largest nuclear arsenal, inherited from the collapsed Soviet Union, in exchange for security assurances from the US, Russia, and the UK. Ukraine’s denuclearisation is often considered a huge success story in nuclear non-proliferation, but in retrospect, it may have paved the way for Putin's 2022 invasion. As talk of US-European security guarantees for Ukraine resurfaces in the context of tentative Russia-Ukraine peace talks, we speak with BBC Paris correspondent Andrew Harding about the history of the 1994 agreement, and consider whether Ukraine would ever again believe promises made to protect it. Producers: Sam Chantarasak and Xandra Ellin Executive producer: Annie Brown Mix: Travis Evans Senior news editor: China Collins France's President Emmanuel Macron (R) and Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky arrive to chair the Coalition of the Willing Summit, at the Elysee presidential palace in Paris, on September 4, 2025. Ludovic Marin/ Getty

Sep 4

President Xi Jinping said humanity faces "a choice between peace and war” as China paraded a huge arsenal of weapons – including nuclear missiles – in Beijing yesterday. Xi's military parade, watched over by Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un, seemed a provocation to the west – most notably, Donald Trump – and a signal of his will to redraw the world order, lessening China’s reliance on the US. In today's episode, the BBC's Celia Hatton considers: how long will China's friendships last with world leaders who have for years been its rivals? Producers: Hannah Moore and Lucy Pawle Executive Producer: James Shield Mix: Travis Evans Senior News Editor: China Collins Image: Xi Jingping at a WW2 anniversary reception at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. Florence Lo/Reuters

Sep 3

Today, we’re joined by BBC International Editor Jeremy Bowen to explore oppositional visions for a post-war Gaza — one from the Americans and the other from the rest of the western world. There are two competing international visions for the future for Palestinians: much of the Western world will recognise Palestinian Statehood at this month’s United Nations General Assembly in a push towards the two-state solution; whilst Donald Trump has touted plans for a US-controlled Gaza riviera. But how do these ideas line up with reality on the ground, as Netanyahu’s government continues to bombard the Gaza Strip, approves plans for expanding settlements and expresses support for a ‘Greater Israel’ that expands across the Middle East? We consider Gaza’s future with BBC International Editor Jeremy Bowen. Producers: Samantha Chantarasak and Xandra Ellin Executive Producer: Annie Brown Mix: Travis Evans Senior News Editor: China Collins Image: President Trump Meets With Visiting Israeli PM Netanyahu At The White House. Anna Moneymaker/Getty

Sep 1

This is the new Global Story. We’re back daily with a new team, new stories and a new mission. Meet co-hosts Asma Khalid and Tristan Redman. They’ll tell the intertwined story of America and the world - and how each shapes the other, daily. And they’ll be backed by the finest newsroom in the business.

Mar 28

Ever since Donald Trump returned to the White House in January, his representatives have been following through on promises to slash federal spending. Their latest target is public media, and this week fierce Trump-loyalist Marjorie Taylor Greene led a hearing demanding that the bosses of NPR and PBS justify their government funding. Public broadcasting has been a longtime bugbear for many conservatives, who say it is tainted by a liberal bias. So, as pressure mounts, can these organisations survive? On today's episode, Lucy Hockings speaks to Micah Loewinger, co-host of On the Media, a podcast covering the intersection between politics and the media – it's made by WNYC, a member station of NPR. They discuss the resilience of public media, and consider what defunding it could mean for free speech and accountability in the modern political landscape. Producers: Laurie Kalus and Peter Goffin Technical producer: Mike Regaard Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas Senior news editor: China Collins

Mar 27

Malcolm and Simone Collins hope to have 10 children to help avoid what they see as a pending demographic collapse. They tell Lucy Hockings that as pronatalists they want to promote the dangers of falling fertility rates and encourage other people to have more children. Whereas many people might see their lifestyle as extreme, pronatalism seems to be gaining support at the heart of the Trump administration. But some people worry that some pronatalist practices cross the line into eugenics and that the far right are also adopting the ideology. Our correspondent in Washington, Nomia Iqbal, helps us to put it all in context. Producers: Richard Moran and Mhairi MacKenzie Technical producer: Frank McWeeny Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas Senior news editor: China Collins

Mar 26

The baby boomer generation has become the richest in history. In recent years there has been some degree of animosity between the boomer generation and their younger millennial counterparts. The millennial generation have been much less well off than their parents and are often stereotyped as living beyond their means. But this could all be about to change. Now younger people are expected to inherit billions from their parents. It’s expected to be the largest transfer of wealth in human history. But that won’t be shared out equally… So, what are the social and economic implications of The Great Wealth Transfer? Lucy Hockings speaks with BBC business correspondent Erin Delmore and the BBC's population correspondent Stephanie Hegarty. They discuss what The Great Wealth Transfer could mean for the millennial generation. Producers: Richard Moran, Eleanor Sly and Alice Aylett Roberts Sound engineer: Ricardo McCarthy Assistant editors: Richard Fenton-Smith and Sergi Forcada Freixas Senior news editor: China Collins

Mar 25

London Heathrow saw all its flights cancelled on Friday after a fire at a local power supply station. The news led to rampant speculation online – rumours of foreign interference, accusations against executives, and angry questions about who was to blame. So why wasn’t there a contingency plan to keep such an essential transport hub running? Caitríona Perry is joined by Theo Leggett, the BBC’s international business correspondent, to discuss Heathrow’s temporary closure and what it says about the vulnerabilities of our major infrastructure. Producers: Laurie Kalus and Alice Aylett Roberts Sound engineer: Stephen Bailey Assistant editors: Richard Fenton-Smith and Sergi Forcada Freixas Senior news editor: China Collins

Mar 24

How sounds could be damaging your health. Long-term exposure to the noises of everyday city life has been linked to higher levels of stress, diabetes and heart disease. On this episode, presenter Jonny Dymond speaks to the BBC’s health and science correspondent James Gallagher about life in two of the world’s loudest cities – Barcelona in Spain and Dhaka in Bangladesh. And James puts his own body to the test, to find out how it responds to the most annoying sounds. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Producers: Peter Goffin and Tom Kavanagh Sound engineers: Mike Regaard and Jack Graysmark Assistant editors: Richard Fenton-Smith and Sergi Forcada Freixas Senior news editor: China Collins

Mar 21

The mayor of Istanbul, Ekrem Imamoglu, was arrested on Wednesday on corruption and terror charges he insists are politically motivated. Considered the leading candidate to face Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan at the next election, Mr Imamoglu's eligibility had been thrown into doubt after his university degree was annulled earlier this week. His detention is being compared to President Erdogan's own arrest when he was Istanbul mayor more than a quarter of a century ago - a moment widely seen as the catalyst for his rise to national stardom. On this episode, Jonny Dymond is joined by journalist and author Elcin Poyrazlar, and BBC Monitoring's Dilay Yalcin. They discuss how Turkey has changed under Erdogan’s leadership, and consider what the arrest of his rival says about his fears for future. Producers: Laurie Kalus, Tom Kavanagh and Eleanor Sly Sound engineers: Jack Graysmark and Mike Regaard Assistant editors: Richard Fenton-Smith and Sergi Forcada Freixas Senior news editor: China Collins

Mar 20

We spend around a third of our lives sleeping. But many people struggle with insomnia or have difficulty staying asleep, and research shows that bad sleep can increase the risk of multiple health conditions. How harmful is bad sleep to our health? And what can we do about it? Jonny Dymond speaks with Professor Russell Foster, Director of the Sleep and Circadian Neuroscience Institute at the University of Oxford, and author and sleep expert Dr Nerina Ramlakhan about how people can get enough sleep. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com Producers: Alice Aylett Roberts and Beth Timmins Sound engineers: Mike Regaard Assistant editors: Richard Fenton-Smith and Sergi Forcada Freixas Senior news editor: China Collins

Mar 19

On Tuesday night, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that combat against Hamas in Gaza had resumed in full force. This followed several hours of early morning air strikes targeting Gaza, which killed more than 400 people, according to the Hamas-run health ministry, making it one of the deadliest days of the conflict so far. Jonny Dymond speaks to the BBC’s Jon Donnison, who witnessed the strikes from the Israeli border town of Sderot. He helps us to understand this latest escalation and why Israel has decided to return to war. Producers: Richard Moran, Mhairi MacKenzie and Tom Kavanagh Assistant editors: Richard Fenton-Smith and Sergi Forcada Freixas Senior news editor: China Collins

Mar 18

The Russian leader has been mulling a 30-day ceasefire proposal put forward by the US, ahead of talks with Donald Trump on Tuesday. Will Vladimir Putin accept a temporary pause in fighting, let alone a long-term deal? What are the pressures that could sway him toward peace, or cause him to drag out the war in Ukraine? On this episode, presenter Jonny Dymond speaks to journalist Owen Matthews, author of the book “Overreach: The Inside Story of Putin’s War”. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Producers: Peter Goffin and Tom Kavanagh Sound engineers: James Piper and Mike Regaard Assistant editors: Richard Fenton-Smith and Sergi Forcada Freixas Senior news editor: China Collins

Mar 17

Argentina’s football star Diego Maradona is once again back in the spotlight as a long-delayed trial examining the circumstances around his death gets underway in Buenos Aires. When Diego Maradona died in 2020, Argentinians took to the streets, united in both grief and in the celebration of a soccer legend. But it didn’t take long before suspicions around his death started to circulate. In today’s episode, we look at the trial involving his medical team and ask why Maradona’s legacy is still so strong. Lucy Hockings is joined by Marcela Mora y Araujo. She’s a journalist based in Buenos Aires who translated Diego Maradona’s autobiography. Producers: Laurie Kalus and Alice Aylett Roberts Sound engineers: Mike Regaard and Jonny Hall Assistant editors: Richard Fenton-Smith and Sergi Forcada Freixas Senior news editor: China Collins

Mar 14

Over the past decade fentanyl use has spiked, leading to tens of thousands of deaths in the United States. Most of the deadly drug enters the US via its border with Mexico, concealed deep within vehicles and even hidden inside food packages. The Trump administration has previously accused the Mexican government of colluding with the drug cartels. He’s now hoping that the threat of import tariffs on Mexico will stem the flow of the deadly drug into the US. The Mexican government has responded to potential import tariffs by deploying national guard troops along its northern border. So can Mexico’s new president Claudia Sheinbaum get the fentanyl crisis under control? Jonny Dymond is joined by the BBC’s special correspondent Quentin Sommerville, who has been on the ground at the US-Mexico border and has visited one of the drug cartels’ operations. He also speaks to the BBC's Mexico and Central America correspondent Will Grant. Producers: Richard Moran, Alice Aylett Roberts and Eleanor Sly Sound engineer: James Piper Assistant editors: Richard Fenton-Smith and Sergi Forcada Freixas Senior news editor: China Collins

Mar 13

How did Saudi Arabia come to host leaders from the US, Russia and Ukraine for peace talks? Just a few years ago, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman was publicly identified as the man who ordered the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. As a result, he was referred to as a pariah by former President Joe Biden. So, how did MBS go from pariah to peacemaker? Jonny Dymond speaks to journalist Jonathan Rugman, producer of the BBC documentary 'The Kingdom' about the life of Mohammed bin Salman. Producers: Richard Moran, Tom Kavanagh, Mhairi MacKenzie and Eleanor Sly Sound engineer: Mike Regaard Assistant editors: Richard Fenton-Smith and Sergi Forcada Freixas Senior news editor: China Collins

Mar 12

The former president of the Philippines Rodrigo Duterte has been arrested by the International Criminal Court on charges of crimes against humanity. Duterte oversaw a bloody war on drugs that left tens of thousands of people dead, but he remains extremely popular with many in the Philippines, who say he cleaned up their country. On this episode, presenter Jonny Dymond speaks to the BBC's Southeast Asia correspondent Jonathan Head about Duterte’s years in power, and why the current government in Manila has turned him over to the ICC. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Producers: Peter Goffin and Tom Kavanagh Sound engineers: Mike Regaard and Jonny Baker Assistant editors: Richard Fenton-Smith and Sergi Forcada Freixas Senior news editor: China Collins

Mar 11

When Syria's Bashar al-Assad was toppled in a lightning offensive in December, his successor Ahmed al-Sharaa promised to unite a broken country. Barely three months on, a surge in fighting between pro-Assad gunmen and transitional government security forces has reportedly left hundreds of civilians dead and exposed the enduring divides in Syrian society. As al-Sharaa vows a national dialogue will continue, has his grand vision for Syria already fallen at the first hurdle? Jonny Dymond is joined by the BBC's Middle East correspondent, Lina Sinjab, and BBC Monitoring's MENA expert, Hesham Shawish. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experience to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via Whatsapp on +44 330 123 9480. Producers: Laurie Kalus, Tom Kavanagh and Mhairi MacKenzie Sound engineers: Mike Regaard and Dafydd Evans Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas Senior news editor: China Collins

Mar 10

The people of Greenland go to the polls for an election this week at a time when Donald Trump says he wants to take over the autonomous Danish territory. The US President hasn’t ruled out using military force, arguing that America needs the world’s biggest island for Arctic security. A majority of Greenlanders say they don’t want to be owned by the US, but many are asking serious questions about whether it should seek independence. Jonny Dymond speaks with the BBC's Europe correspondent Nick Beake and Ulrik Pram Gad, a Senior Researcher at the Danish Institute for International Studies, about the Danish view of the potential US land-grab and the likelihood of an independent Greenland. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Producers: Peter Goffin, Tom Kavanagh and Alice Aylett Roberts Sound engineers: Dafydd Evans and Mike Regaard Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas Senior news editor: China Collins

Mar 7

In February, hackers launched what is being considered the biggest heist of all time, when they stole almost $1.5bn from the cryptocurrency trading platform, Bybit. The record theft reportedly went down in just two minutes, and it set in motion a race against time to freeze some of the funds before the culprits could cash out. Soon, evidence began to point to Lazarus, an elite hacking group widely linked to the North Korean intelligence agency. So with analysis suggesting the country's malicious activity is on the rise, how are international governments fighting back, and are we more vulnerable to sophisticated cyber threats than ever before? Lucy Hockings is joined by the BBC's cyber correspondent, Joe Tidy. They examine how the hack was carried out, and consider what it means for the wider crypto landscape, as Donald Trump announces his plans for a US cryptocurrency reserve. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Producers: Laurie Kalus and Eleanor Sly Sound engineers: Dafydd Evans and Jonny Baker Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas Senior news editor: China Collins

Mar 6

China's retaliatory tariffs on US agricultural exports could hit President Trump's rural heartlands. This week, 3,000 of China’s most influential politicians have gathered for the annual National People’s Congress. Premier Li Qiang referred to the economy as a “giant ship” moving “steadily towards the future.” But behind the optimistic rhetoric, China faces significant challenges. Among them, a renewed trade war with the United States. In recent days, China has imposed retaliatory tariffs on US goods, specifically targeting agricultural exports from key states like Iowa, Illinois or Kansas. So, is Xi Jinping taking the trade war straight to Iowa? And how will these new tariffs impact Trump’s heartland? On this episode, Lucy Hockings speaks to the BBC's North America business correspondent, Michelle Fleury, and Shawn Yuan, from the BBC's Global China Unit. (Picture: Headshot of China's President Xi Jinping. Credit: Agustin Marcarian/Reuters) Producers: Richard Moran and Tom Kavanagh Sound engineer: Mike Regaard Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas Senior news editor: China Collins

Mar 5

Vaccine mistrust is on the rise. And when US President Donald Trump's new cabinet met for the first time last week, all eyes were on the new Health and Human Services Secretary, Robert F Kennedy Jr who has long been known as a vaccine sceptic. With doubts about vaccines increasing in many parts of the world, will his appointment have an effect on the way vaccinations are viewed globally? Presenter Jonny Dymond speaks to Jim Reed, a BBC health reporter and Dorcas Wangira, the BBC’s Africa Health Correspondent, in Nairobi. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via Whatsapp on +44 330 123 9480. Producers: Alice Aylett Roberts, Eleanor Sly and Tom Kavanagh Sound engineer: James Piper Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas Senior news editor: China Collins

Mar 4

After a tense meeting between Presidents Trump and Zelensky in the Oval Office on Friday, relations between the US, Ukraine, and European allies seem to have reached a new low. Meanwhile, ties between the White House and the Kremlin appear to be warmer than they have been in decades. President Trump has publicly praised his close relationship with Vladimir Putin, fuelling speculation about whether this move signals a new direction in diplomacy or if there is a strategic calculation behind Washington’s pivot to Moscow. Sumi Somaskanda discusses the Trump-Putin dynamic with the BBC's State Department correspondent Tom Bateman, and Vitaly Shevchenko from BBC Monitoring. (Photo: Composite image of Donald Trump, Credit: Nathan Howard/Reuters, and Vladimir Putin, Credit: Sergey Bobylev/Reuters) Producers: Richard Moran and Tom Kavanagh Sound engineer: Dafydd Evans Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas Senior news editor: China Collins

Mar 3

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has been on a diplomatic rollercoaster in the last few days. His meeting with Donald Trump descended into argument and accusation on Friday. Then, he was greeted with open arms by European leaders at a summit in London. Following that meeting, British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced a new plan for Europe’s defence of Ukraine – but said it needs US support to succeed. So, where do this hectic series of events leave Zelensky? Is his relationship with Trump permanently damaged? And does he have any cards left to play? On this episode, presenter Sumi Somaskanda speaks to the BBC’s diplomatic correspondent James Landale and the BBC's Daniel Wittenberg, who was in the Oval Office for the meeting between Trump and Zelensky. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via Whatsapp on +44 330 123 9480. (Picture: Volodomyr Zelensky at a summit with European leaders in London. Credit: Javad Parsa/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock) Producers: Richard Moran and Peter Goffin Sound engineer: Stephen Bailey Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas Senior news editor: China Collins

Feb 28

Emilia Pérez is the most talked-about movie of awards season. But despite a divisive premise about a Mexican drug boss seeking gender affirming surgery, it's the fallout off-screen which is causing controversy. The re-emergence of offensive tweets by its lead star, trans actress Karla Sofía Gascón, has derailed the movie's momentum. After promoters pivoted to remove her from marketing, the film has still seen significant success, but ahead of the Oscars, debate is growing about the extent to which this scandal has harmed its performance. Lucy Hockings is joined by BBC culture reporter Noor Nanji and Matthew Belloni, entertainment journalist and founder of the digital media platform, Puck. They dissect the noise around the movie, and consider what Academy voters might be thinking. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. (Photo: Composite image of Karla Sofía Gascón, Credit: Mario Anzuoni/Reuters, and Academy Awards statuette, Credit: Caroline Brehman/EPA) Producers: Laurie Kalus and Tom Kavanagh Sound engineers: Phil Bull and James Piper Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas Senior news editor: China Collins

Feb 27

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is expected to travel to Washington on Friday, after a preliminary deal was agreed to share his country's mineral resources. Kyiv insists it is still seeking additional security guarantees from the US, before anything is signed. Meanwhile, Ukraine's long defence against Russia's invasion continues, and three years into the war some frontline troops have told the BBC they feel revitalised after the Trump administration excluded them from controversial negotiations with Vladimir Putin. But can they really fight on? On today's episode Jonny Dymond is joined by the BBC's international editor, Jeremy Bowen. We hear his take on the current attitudes of those inside Ukraine, after reuniting with some of the people he met there during the first weeks of war. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via Whatsapp on +44 330 123 9480. Producers: Peter Goffin, Laurie Kalus, and Mhairi MacKenzie Sound engineer: Phil Bull Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas Senior news editor: China Collins

Feb 26

The number of cancer cases among the under-50s around the world appears to have risen sharply in the past 30 years. Studies have shown that there are rising cases of breast, colorectal and other cancers in people in their 20s, 30s and 40s. But what is driving the increase in younger adults getting cancer and can anything be done to stop it? Presenter Jonny Dymond speaks to freelance health journalist David Cox about what scientists think could be driving this worrying trend. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via Whatsapp on +44 330 123 9480. Producers: Alice Aylett Roberts and Eleanor Sly Sound engineers: Mike Regaard and Phil Bull Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas Senior news editor: China Collins

Feb 25

The challenges and opportunities facing Beijing. China has been recalibrating its economic, political and diplomatic strategies since Donald Trump returned to the White House. From renewing the state’s relationship with powerful tech giants to expanding Chinese influence in the developing world, President Xi Jinping is preparing his country for a new international order. On this episode, presenter Jonny Dymond speaks to the BBC’s China correspondent Laura Bicker. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via Whatsapp on +44 330 123 9480. (Picture: Headshot of China's President Xi Jinping. Credit: Adriano Machado/Reuters) Producers: Peter Goffin and Mhairi MacKenzie Sound engineers: Mike Regaard and Phil Bull Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas Senior news editor: China Collins

Feb 24

What have Russians won and lost during the conflict in Ukraine? Three years after the start of its full-scale invasion, Russia has entered talks with Donald Trump – and not Kyiv – about ending the war. For Vladimir Putin, this could be a chance to end the conflict on his terms, and forge a new international order with Russia and the US at its centre. But what about the people who live under Putin’s rule? What do Russians stand to gain from these talks? On this episode, presenter Lucy Hockings is joined by the BBC’s Russia editor Steve Rosenberg. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via Whatsapp on +44 330 123 9480. Producers: Peter Goffin and Mhairi MacKenzie Sound engineer: Mike Regaard Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas Senior news editor: China Collins

Feb 21

With President Trump back in the White House, his Brazilian former counterpart Jair Bolsonaro is attempting his own return to high office. Bolsonaro has been nicknamed the 'Trump of the Tropics' but he is facing a lot of hurdles to reclaim his position. He has been barred from standing in the next election by the courts and he has been charged with planning a coup. Jonny Dymond is joined by the BBC's South America correspondent Ione Wells. They discuss the close relationship between Trump and Bolsonaro and ask whether or not Brazil’s former president might ever be able to return to office. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. (Picture: Headshot of Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro. Credit: Adriano Machado/Reuters) Producers: Alice Aylett Roberts, Laurie Kalus and Beth Timmins Sound engineer: Mike Regaard Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas Senior news editor: China Collins

Feb 20

A decade of migration through the eyes of a German city. Ten years ago Germany opened its borders to more than a million people at the height of Europe’s so-called migrant crisis. A decade later, that warm welcome has cooled as issues of culture, integration and national identity spark fierce debate across the continent. With German elections just days away, the BBC has revisited one migrant family and the city they landed in, to see how life has changed since 2015 – and what their experience says about the way Europeans now view migration. On this episode, Jonny Dymond is joined by the BBC’s Berlin correspondent Jess Parker, and Mark Lowen, the BBC’s former southern Europe correspondent who covered the refugee crisis for years. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via Whatsapp on +44 330 123 9480. Producers: Peter Goffin and Mhairi MacKenzie Sound engineers: Hannah Montgomery and Mike Regaard Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas Senior news editor: China Collins

Feb 19

The mineral-rich east of the Democratic Republic of Congo has been dogged by conflict for more than 30 years, since the 1994 Rwandan genocide. Violence has once again seen an uptick in recent months as the M23 rebel group has captured a number of key cities and towns. Led by ethnic Tutsis, the militia has long been associated with the Rwandan government by the UN and others, but President Paul Kagame has consistently dismissed the links. But, as international attention on the humanitarian situation in the eastern DRC grows, is this a line he can sustain? On this episode, Jonny Dymond is joined by the BBC's Deputy Africa Editor, Anne Soy. They track the origins of the conflict, and consider the incentive behind Rwanda's alleged involvement. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Producers: Laurie Kalus and Beth Timmins Sound engineer: Dafydd Evans Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas Senior news editor: China Collins

Feb 18

With the Trump administration threatening to redirect America's foreign defence spending from Ukraine and Europe to other parts of the world, European leaders are grappling with what the future of their security could be without US support. Jonny Dymond is joined by the BBC's diplomatic correspondent James Landale. They discuss the threat of Russia and how Europe could defend its borders if the United States were to withdraw its money and manpower from the continent. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Producers: Alice Aylett Roberts, Eleanor Sly and Laurie Kalus Sound engineer: Gareth Jones Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas Senior news editor: China Collins

Feb 14

In a surprise move this week, US President Donald Trump announced that his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin had agreed to begin negotiations to end the war in Ukraine. The pair held what Washington described as a "lengthy and highly productive" phone call, ending an effective boycott of high-level diplomatic dialogue with the Kremlin by western leaders. Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky, who spoke separately with President Trump, has emphasised his scepticism about Russia's readiness for peace. So, does this moment mark the first step towards formal talks? On this episode, Jonny Dymond is joined by the BBC's Chief International Correspondent Lyse Doucet. She dialled in from the Munich Security Conference, where Ukraine looks to be high on the agenda. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Producers: Alice Aylett Roberts and Tom Kavanagh Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas Senior news editor: China Collins

Feb 13

Antimicrobial drugs like antibiotics have saved countless lives and transformed the health of humanity. Before these drugs were discovered, even something as simple as a papercut could be life-threatening. Some of the greatest advances in the development of these drugs have been forged in wartime. But now those same wars threaten the progress that has been made. Host Jonny Dymond speaks with the BBC's Global Health correspondent Dominic Hughes about the hidden threat that wars around the world pose to modern medicine. And also the BBC’s Abdujalil Abdurasulov who has been speaking to soldiers and hospital staff in Ukraine to see how antimicrobial resistance is affecting their ability to treat casualties. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Producers: Peter Goffin and Mhairi MacKenzie Sound engineer: Mike Regaard Assistant editors: Alice Aylett Roberts and Sergi Forcada Freixas Senior news editor: China Collins

Feb 12

President Bukele has offered to house US criminals in El Salvador's mega-jail, built as part of his crackdown on drug gangs. Since taking office he has arrested thousands of people, but many remain in jail without facing trial. Host Jonny Dymond speaks to BBC Mundo's Leire Ventas who is one of the few journalists to have been inside the mega prison. Our correspondent in Central America, Will Grant, tells us the story of two mothers - one who welcomes President Bukele's approach and another who says it has torn her family apart. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Producers: Richard Moran and Mhairi MacKenzie Sound engineer: Ben Andrews Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas Senior news editor: China Collins

Feb 11

Will Canadians sour on this special relationship amid Trump’s tariff threats? Canada and the US share the world’s longest undefended border and one of the closest alliances in the world. But President Trump’s new tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminium, and his comments about making Canada the 51st US state, have strained those longstanding ties. Can the friendship last? On this episode, presenter Jonny Dymond speaks to Jayme Poisson, host of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation podcast Front Burner, and The Global Story’s reporter Peter Goffin. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Producers: Peter Goffin and Mhairi MacKenzie Sound engineer: Jack Graysmark Assistant editors: Sergi Forcada Freixas and Richard Moran Senior news editor: China Collins

Feb 10

Luis Rubiales, the former president of Spain's football federation, is on trial accused of sexual assault for kissing the player Jenni Hermoso at the 2023 World Cup medal ceremony. Hermoso told the trial last week that the incident "stained one of the happiest days of my life". Rubiales, who has denied any wrongdoing, is expected to give evidence in the coming days. Host Lucy Hockings speaks to The Global Story's very own Sergi Forcada Freixas about how the incident stole headlines from the World Cup win. And our gender and identity correspondent Sofia Bettiza explains how the case has fuelled a conversation on sexual assault and consent that has been simmering in Spain for years. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Producers: Richard Moran and Beth Timmins Sound engineers: Stephen Bailey Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas Senior news editor: China Collins

Feb 7

Many companies are calling staff back to the office for more or all of the working week. When the Covid-19 pandemic upended the usual way of doing business around the world, most firms were forced to change their typical operating practices, allowing employees to work remotely where possible. But what may have looked like a permanent revolution at one stage is becoming a distant memory for some workers. Host Caitríona Perry talks to the BBC’s employment correspondent Zoe Conway and Stanford University economics professor Nicholas Bloom about whether working remotely for all or part of the week is better for business efficiency, and why some employers are calling time on the practice. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Producers: Tom Kavanagh, Peter Goffin and Laurie Kalus Sound engineers: Mike Regaard, Stephen Bailey and Annie Smith Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas Senior news editor: China Collins

Feb 6

President Donald Trump wants to take over Gaza and rebuild it as an international hotspot for business and tourism. The plan could drastically change the future of the Middle East. For decades, US presidents have said that establishing a sovereign Palestinian state, to exist alongside Israel, is the only way to achieve a permanent peace. But can that ever happen if Gazans are moved out of Gaza, as President Trump has suggested? On this episode, presenter Jonny Dymond speaks to the BBC’s diplomatic correspondent Paul Adams and the longstanding – if distant – diplomatic hopes for two-state solution. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Producers: Peter Goffin and Mhairi MacKenzie Sound engineers: Mike Regaard and Annie Smith Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas Senior news editor: China Collins

Feb 5

The long-running economic battle between the world's two biggest economies has escalated. This week US President Donald Trump brought tariffs against China in an effort to strongarm the growing superpower into submission and strengthen American markets. But Beijing hit back, raising its own tariffs, escalating a trade war that could have implications for both countries. Trump is betting that tariffs will make America, and American people, richer. But does anyone win in a trade war? On this episode, Lucy Hockings speaks to the BBC’s Asia Pacific editor Micky Bristow, and Ritika Gupta, a North America business correspondent, about why Trump loves tariffs and what impact a trade war between China and America could have on the global economy. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Producers: Alice Aylett Roberts, Mhairi MacKenzie and Eleanor Sly Sound engineer: Stephen Bailey Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas Senior news editor: China Collins

Feb 4

The deposed President Bashar al-Assad has been linked to the multi-billion dollar trade of a narcotic called Captagon. Syria's new rebel leaders have promised to stamp it out. So what will it take to end the country's association with the drug? Presenter Caitríona Perry speaks to the BBC's Emir Nader, who has been reporting on the drug trade in the Middle East. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Producers: Peter Goffin and Eleanor Sly Sound engineers: Mike Regaard and Jonny Baker Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas Senior news editor: China Collins

Feb 3

Since the end of World War Two and Nazi rule, Germany has been hyper-vigilant about keeping right-wing hardliners out of government. For decades, mainstream politicians have shunned parties like the AfD. But now, with a federal election just weeks away and the AfD rising in the polls, a frontrunner in the race for chancellor has accepted the party’s support on an immigration bill. It’s an unprecedented step. But does it mean the far-right is being normalised? On this episode, Jonny Dymond speaks to the BBC’s correspondents in Berlin, Damien McGuinness and Jess Parker, about the evolution of the AfD, and how the party’s growing popularity challenges the way Germans think about their own politics and history. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Producers: Peter Goffin, Laurie Kalus and Mhairi MacKenzie Sound engineer: Mike Regaard and Jonny Baker Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas Senior news editor: China Collins

Jan 31

Tetiana and Oleh Plachkov have spent their whole lives in Melitopol, a city in eastern Ukraine. They fell in love, married and had a daughter Lyudmila. They started a business, running two restaurants, popular with their neighbours for special occasions. But since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, their family has been torn apart like so many in Ukraine. Jonny Dymond speaks to our eastern Europe correspondent, Sarah Rainsford, about one family among many whose loved ones have disappeared under the Russian occupation. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Producers: Richard Moran and Eleanor Sly Sound engineer: Hannah Montgomery Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas Senior news editor: China Collins

Jan 30

Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians are heading north to find out what is left of their homes after 15 months of war. On this episode, our host Jonny Dymond speaks to Farida Alghol, who has made the journey back to Gaza City and her parents. We also ask our correspondent Nick Beake what the future holds for the people and territory of Gaza. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Producers: Peter Goffin, Tom Kavanagh, Alice Aylett Roberts and Beth Timmins Sound engineer: Hannah Montgomery and Mike Regaard Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas Senior news editor: China Collins

Jan 29

The speed at which the new Chinese chatbot app DeepSeek has risen to prominence has taken many by surprise. Now the most downloaded free app in the US, DeepSeek seems to require less powerful computer chips than its American tech rivals. The release of this low-cost AI model sent shockwaves through US stock markets, with Nvidia - the company behind the high-tech chips powering many AI investments - being the hardest hit. On Monday, Nvidia’s share price dropped by 17%, wiping out around $600bn in market value. So, where has DeepSeek come from, and what’s behind its ability to spook investors? What could this mean for the future of chip manufacturing and the US's historic dominance in the world of AI? Jonny Dymond speaks to Chris Miller, historian on semiconductor chips at Tufts University and author of Chip War: The Fight for the World's Most Critical Technology. Jonny is also joined by the BBC’s North America business correspondent Ritika Gupta to discus the impact DeepSeek has had on the stock markets. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Producers: Richard Moran and Eleanor Sly Sound engineer: Hannah Montgomery Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas Senior news editor: China Collins

Jan 28

​Since returning to the White House, Donald Trump has made a string of expansionist foreign policy announcements, angering several of his international counterparts. After reiterating his ambitious intention to purchase Greenland, and renaming the Gulf of Mexico, the US president doubled down on his insistence that Washington should regain control of the Panama Canal, the essential shipping passage he claims has been commandeered by China. Built by the United States in the early twentieth century, the waterway transformed global trade and marked America’s emergence as a superpower on the world stage, before being transferred to Panamanian control via a 1977 treaty. So why has Donald Trump got it in his sights now? On this episode Jonny Dymond speaks to Julie Greene, a professor of American studies at the University of Maryland, about the storied history of the Panama Canal. And the BBC’s North America business correspondent Michelle Fleury discusses the politics and economics behind the Trump administration's diplomatic pursuit of the trade route. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Producers: Laurie Kalus, Mhairi MacKenzie and Beth Timmins Sound engineer: Annie Smith Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas Senior news editor: China Collins

Jan 27

It’s 80 years since the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp was liberated. As we commemorate the memory of the six million Jews and other groups murdered by the Nazis in the Holocaust, a survivor of Auschwitz tells us why it’s more important than ever to remember what happened there. On today's episode Lucy Hockings speaks to Tova Friedman, an American author and therapist, and one of the youngest Auschwitz survivors. Tova arrived at the extermination camp at the age of just five years old. She now speaks to young people in person and via TikTok about how she survived a year in Auschwitz as a very young child. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Producers: Alice Aylett Roberts and Beth Timmins Sound engineer: Dafydd Evans and Mike Regaard Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas Senior news editor: China Collins

Jan 24

On Thursday, Thailand's long-awaited same-sex marriage law came into effect, with more than a thousand couples thought to have officially tied the knot already. The legislation comes after years of campaigning, and at a moment when a public yearning for change is being increasingly felt on the political stage. Characterised by its conservative establishment and royalist military, Thailand has nonetheless developed a reputation as a haven for LGBTQ+ people in Asia, and has now become the largest country on the continent to legally enshrine equal marriage rights. On today's episode, Lucy Hockings is joined by Ruchaya 'Rayya' Nillakan, after she and her wife were officially married along with more than a hundred other couples at a mass celebration in a luxury Bangkok shopping mall. Also there was the BBC's South East Asia correspondent, Jonathan Head, who explains how this landmark moment came about, and considers why the majority of Thailand's Asian neighbours are yet to follow suit. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Producers: Laurie Kalus, Tom Kavanagh, and Mhairi MacKenzie Sound engineer: Dafydd Evans Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas Senior news editor: China Collins

Jan 23

For centuries, people have pursued the dream of eternal youth. It might seem like the stuff of myth or science fiction, but researchers have been making fascinating progress in understanding what happens in our bodies as we age. There’s optimism that we might soon be able to use drugs to slow down or even reverse how we age, extending the number of years we live healthy, productive lives. What’s more, some of us might be taking these drugs already. On today’s episode, Lucy Hockings speaks to Dr Andrew Steele, author of ‘Ageless: The new science of getting older without getting old’ to find out whether we might drink from the fountain of youth in our lifetime. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Producers: Richard Moran and Tom Kavanagh Sound engineer: Annie Smith Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas Senior news editor: China Collins

Jan 22

It's a moment of change in the Middle East. A ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, and Hezbollah in retreat in Lebanon. Iran and its proxies are weakened and Syria has slipped from its grasp. Now, with President Trump officially installed in the White House, what impact might his presidency have on the region? Will he forge new ties between Israel and Saudi Arabia? And what about his rocky relationship with Iran? To discuss, Jonny Dymond is joined by the BBC’s security correspondent Frank Gardner. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Producers: Alice Aylett Roberts, Laurie Kalus and Eleanor Sly Sound engineers: Hannah Montgomery and Jonny Baker Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas Senior news editor: China Collins

Jan 20

Donald Trump has been sworn in as the 47th US president. In his inaugural speech he promised to put America first and said "the golden age of America begins right now". The ceremony, held inside the Capitol building because of freezing temperatures in Washington, saw Mr Trump flanked by his family, political allies, and the billionaires running Silicon Valley’s biggest tech firms. Mr Trump said he would immediately begin a review of trade policies - and that new tariffs would bring in massive amounts of money to enrich Americans at other countries' expense. He repeated threats to take over the Panama Canal - claiming that China had taken control of the waterway. The Global Story has teamed up with other BBC podcasts to dissect Trump's speech. Jonny Dymond is joined by James Cook and Chris Mason from Newscast, Anthony Zurcher and Marianna Spring from Americast, and Victoria Derbyshire from Ukrainecast. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Producers: Richard Moran, Jack Maclaren, Teodora Agarici and Shiler Mahmoudi Sound engineer: Ricardo McCarthy Assistant editors: Sergi Forcada Freixas and Chris Gray Senior news editors: China Collins and Sam Bonham (Photo: Donald Trump during his inauguration as 47th US president. Credit: Chip Somodevilla/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)

Jan 20

As oaths and speeches ring out across Capitol Hill on inauguration day, we take you inside the White House where unseen junior staffers are scrambling to prepare for four years in office. And we ask whether Donald Trump’s second term, armed with a Republican-controlled Congress, is set to be more effective than his first. Jonny Dymond speaks with Katie Johnson, President Barack Obama’s former personal assistant, about what it was like to enter the White House on inauguration day in 2009. Jonny also speaks with Courtney Subramanian about how Donald Trump's second presidential term might differ to his first. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Producers: Laurie Kalus, Tom Kavanagh and Kate Eagleton-Etheridge Sound engineer: Dafydd Evans Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas Senior news editor: China Collins (Picture: White House. Credit: BBC)

Jan 18

With just hours to go before Donald Trump's second term as president official begins, extreme weather conditions in Washington DC have led to last minute changes to his inauguration. On this episode, Caitríona Perry is joined by Sumi Somaskanda and Courtney Subramanian to talk about how Donald Trump's second term might be different and what President Biden might do next. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. And every Saturday until the inauguration of Donald Trump on the 20th of January, we bring you an update on his Path to the Presidency. Follow or subscribe to The Global Story wherever you get your BBC podcasts, so you don't miss an episode. You can email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com Producer: Richard Moran, Peter Goffin, Eleanor Sly and Charlie Jones Sound engineers: Mike Regaard and Jack Graysmark Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas Senior news editor: China Collins

Jan 17

As Joe Biden’s term as President of the United States draws to a close, he’s trying to define his international legacy. From the Ukraine war, to the Gaza ceasefire, to the US pulling out of Afghanistan; Biden’s tenure has seen US involvement in multiple world events and conflicts. So how will his impact beyond American shores be remembered? And has he left the US stronger or weaker than it was before he took office? The BBC’s diplomatic correspondent, James Landale, speaks with The Global Story’s Jonny Dymond to discuss the effect that Joe Biden’s presidency has had on different parts of the world. We also hear the stories of some of those who have been directly affected by US foreign policy in Ukraine and Afghanistan. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Producers: Alice Aylett Roberts, Eleanor Sly and Peter Goffin Sound engineer: Dafydd Evans and Mike Regaard Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas Senior news editor: China Collins

Jan 16

Following intense negotiations, Israel and Hamas have arrived at a ceasefire deal to end more than 15 months of war in Gaza. All Israeli hostages being held by Hamas will be released, while Israel’s soldiers will withdraw fully from Gaza, and allow 600 aid trucks per day to enter the devastated territory. Despite outgoing US president Joe Biden’s insistence that the terms of the deal are similar to what his administration had put before both parties back in May, the man waiting to take his place in the White House, Donald Trump, is already taking credit for getting Hamas and the Israeli government to the agreement. The BBC’s Chief International Correspondent Lyse Doucet joins The Global Story’s Jonny Dymond to break down the terms of this landmark agreement, and tells us how the warring parties ultimately arrived at an accord. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Producers: Richard Moran, Tom Kavanagh and Beth Timmins Sound engineer: Mike Regaard Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas Senior news editor: China Collins

Jan 15

After 15 months of conflict, a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas is in sight. But the war has left so many dead, so much destroyed, and a region shaken and redrawn. As so many are hoping for a deal that will quiet the guns, we're using this moment to take stock. Jonny Dymond speaks to BBC Middle East correspondent Hugo Bachega about what has been lost, and whether anything has been gained, after 466 days of war. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Producers: Richard Moran, Beth Timmins and Mhairi MacKenzie Sound engineer: Gareth Jones Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas Senior news editor: China Collins

Jan 14

It’s been a week since wildfires started sweeping through Los Angeles, California, destroying swathes of the city and reducing communities, homes and schools to little more than rubble and ash. The inferno has now ravaged an area larger than Manhattan. Some fires have been extinguished but many are still burning, and with warnings in place for high winds, LA’s exhausted firefighters and residents have more difficult days ahead. Jonny Dymond speaks with BBC freelance reporter Lucy Sheriff about her experience of evacuating and losing her house and community, all while six months pregnant. They also discuss what rebuilding Los Angeles might look like. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Producers: Alice Aylett Roberts, Peter Goffin, Eleanor Sly and Richard Moran Sound engineers: Ben Andrews and Jonny Baker Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas Senior news editor: China Collins

Jan 13

Ever since the release last summer of her box office hit It Ends With Us, Blake Lively has been dominating gossip columns, as a reported rift with co-star Justin Baldoni became increasingly public. Rumours and allegations followed, from sexual harassment and smear campaigns to bullying and creative sabotage. But rival lawsuits filed by the pair in recent weeks have fanned the flames, shedding new light on the covert warfare of celebrity PR in the process. On this episode, Lucy Hockings speaks to BBC entertainment reporter, Yasmin Rufo who has been following the story and interviewed Blake Lively on the red carpet at the UK premiere for the movie. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Producers: Laurie Kalus, Beth Timmins and Peter Goffin Sound engineer: Mike Regaard Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas Senior news editor: China Collins (Picture: Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively. Credit: Reuters/Caitlin Ochs)

Jan 11

US President-elect Donald Trump has been sentenced to unconditional discharge over his hush money conviction. Trump has been spared any penalty, including jail time or a fine, but he will still take office as the first US president with a felony conviction. On this episode, Caitríona Perry is joined by Sumi Somaskanda and Courtney Subramanian to discuss the impact Donald Trump's sentencing could have on his presidency. Plus, the political dispute which has ensued following the most destructive wildfires ever to hit Los Angeles, and how some of the incoming president’s picks could fare as they prepare to face crucial confirmation hearings. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. And every Saturday until the inauguration of Donald Trump on the 20th of January, we bring you an update on his Path to the Presidency. Follow or subscribe to The Global Story wherever you get your BBC podcasts, so you don't miss an episode. You can email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com Producer: Tom Kavanagh Sound engineer: Gareth Jones Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas Senior news editor: China Collins (Picture: Donald Trump during a news conference at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida. Credit: Reuters)

Jan 10

The world’s richest man, Elon Musk, has revolutionised every industry he has ever worked in – from online payments and electric vehicles to space travel and satellite communications. Now he’s positioning himself as a major force in global politics. He is already going to play a key role in the United States as an advisor to President Donald Trump, but he has also turned his attention to Germany and the UK. Lucy Hockings speaks with Mike Wendling and Jessica Parker about whether Musk's motivations for getting involved in European politics are professional or personal. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Producers: Alice Aylett Roberts and Alix Pickles Sound engineer: Mike Regaard Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas Senior news editor: China Collins (Picture: Elon Musk. Credit: Reuters)

Jan 9

US President-elect Donald Trump has repeated his intention to take control of Greenland, the Arctic territory controlled by Denmark. Greenland sits between the US, Europe, and the dominant Arctic power that is Russia. And further heating up tensions in the region is the fact that climate change is chipping away at the ice, creating new shipping routes and making key oil, gas and mineral resources easier to access. On this episode, Katya Adler is joined by the BBC’s defence correspondent Jonathan Beale and journalist and author Tim Marshall to discuss the intensifying competition in the region and if we are heading for a new ‘cold war’ in the High North. Producers: Alice Aylett Roberts and Alix Pickles Sound engineers: Phil Bull and Mike Regaard Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas Senior news editor: Sara Wadeson

Jan 8

On Monday, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau ended months of speculation about his future, in a resignation speech outside his Rideau Cottage residence in Ottawa. Amid plummeting opinion polls, internal party pressure had been mounting for him to vacate the Liberal leadership, after Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland dealt him what many saw as a decisive blow when she quit the government in December. So as the battle to replace Mr Trudeau gets underway, what does Canada's political landscape look like, with the Conservative opposition eagerly anticipating a looming election? On today's episode Sumi Somaskanda is joined by the BBC's Jessica Murphy in Toronto, and The Global Story reporter Peter Goffin. They discuss the Trudeau legacy, and the man poised to become the next long-term Prime Minister, Pierre Poilievre. Plus, the impact of a new Trump administration across the border. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Producer: Laurie Kalus Sound engineer: Mike Regaard Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas Senior news editor: China Collins Photo credit: Reuters

Jan 7

The conflict in Gaza has continued into 2025 but there is still hope for a ceasefire as talks resume in Doha. Previous attempts at achieving peace have failed, but with the arrival of Donald Trump as the new US President in less than two weeks – could this be the moment that a ceasefire deal finally succeeds? On this episode Sumi Somaskanda speaks with the BBC's Gaza correspondent Rushdi Abualouf and the BBC's diplomatic correspondent Paul Adams about the hopes for a ceasefire between Israel and Gaza this year, and whether the arrival of Donald Trump will change the course of events in the Middle East. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Producers: Alice Aylett Roberts and Tom Kavanagh Sound engineers: Jonny Baker and Phil Bull Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas Senior news editor: China Collins

Jan 6

Surrogacy is a booming global industry generating billions of dollars every year. But while demand for surrogacy is rising - more and more countries are taking steps to ban it completely. Most recently in Italy – where the far-right government has passed a new law that makes surrogacy a “universal crime”, putting it on the same level as child abuse and human trafficking. So, is surrogacy exploitative or empowering women? On this episode Lucy Hockings speaks with the BBC's gender and identity correspondent Sofia Bettiza about how to balance the desire of gay or infertile couples to become parents with the rights of the women who carry the children. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Producer: Alice Aylett Roberts Sound engineers: Ben Andrews and Daniel Ehrlich Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas Senior news editor: Sara Wadeson

Jan 4

Donald Trump and Joe Biden have offered competing statements in the aftermath of the New Year’s killings. In a break with tradition, the president-elect has tried to wield his influence at home and abroad before officially taking office. BBC chief presenters Sumi Somaskanda and Christian Fraser are joined by BBC supervising editor Courtney Subramanian to discuss the balance of power in Washington, Elon Musk’s growing involvement in world politics, and whether Congressman Mike Johnson has enough support to remain the speaker of the house. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. And every Saturday until the inauguration of Donald Trump on the 20th of January, we bring you an update on his Path to the Presidency. Follow or subscribe to The Global Story wherever you get your BBC podcasts, so you don't miss an episode. You can email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com Producers: Peter Goffin, Eleanor Sly and Charlie Jones Sound engineers: Mike Regaard and Gareth Jones Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas Senior news editor: Sara Wadeson

Jan 3

The wreck of a Spanish galleon, the San José, is thought to hold a cargo of gold, silver and emeralds worth $18 billion dollars. It’s laid on the seabed off the coast of Colombia for more than 300 years, after being sunk by the British. Decades after it was discovered, a debate still rages among various groups who think they have the right to retrieve the San José’s long lost cargo. On today's episode, Lucy Hockings speaks to marine archaeologist Dr Rodrigo Pacheco-Ruiz and our business correspondent Gideon Long to find out who’s claim to the wreck is strongest. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Producers: Richard Moran and Beth Timmins Sound engineer: Mike Regaard and Ben Andrews Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas Senior news editor: Sara Wadeson

Jan 2

A majority of Canadians say too many people are being allowed in the country, for the first time this century. Multiculturalism and the acceptance of newcomers are central to Canada’s national identity. But amidst record-breaking population growth, a cost of living crisis and a shortage of affordable housing, many Canadians have begun to question whether the country has the capacity to keep accepting hundreds of thousands of migrants each year. On this episode Azadeh Moshiri is joined by the BBC’s Celia Hatton, who has travelled across Canada speaking to politicians, activists and asylum centre workers about the Canadian immigration debate. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Producers: Peter Goffin and Alix Pickles Sound engineers: Mike Regaard and Frank McWeeny Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas Senior news editor: Sara Wadeson

Dec 31, 2024

Just a year ago, the 2024 presidential campaign was shaping up to be a slightly dull affair. Instead, the last 12 months turned out to be one of the most eventful, controversial and unpredictable in US political history. In January, Donald Trump will be sworn in for his second term as president, marking the start of a new chapter in Washington DC. So, before that, BBC chief presenters Caitríona Perry and Sumi Somaskanda take a moment to reflect on covering a momentous year in US politics. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. And every Saturday until the inauguration of Donald Trump on the 20th of January, we bring you an update on his Path to the Presidency. Follow or subscribe to The Global Story wherever you get your BBC podcasts, so you don't miss an episode. You can email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com Producers: Richard Moran, Peter Goffin and Charlie Jones Sound engineer: Daniel Ehrlich Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas Senior news editor: Sara Wadeson

Dec 30, 2024

The Taliban's decision to ban women from attending midwifery and nursing courses ends their last hope of gaining an education. When the Taliban returned to take control of Afghanistan in 2021 it imposed a hardline vision of Islamic rule – but there was some hope, that perhaps, women and girls’ education would be spared. However, girls were soon barred from attending school and university - leaving only the option to attend nursing and midwifery courses. Now, that choice has been taken away, making Afghanistan the only country in the world that explicitly stops women from being educated. On today's episode, Azadeh Moshiri speaks to a 20-year-old woman we are keeping unnamed to protect her safety. She was training to be a midwife and has now lost her last route to education. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Producers: Beth Timmins, Annie Brown and Alice Aylett Roberts Sound engineer: Mike Regaard Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas Senior news editor: Sara Wadeson

Dec 27, 2024

Lab-grown meat is often touted as the solution to climate-friendly meat production. But in some parts of the world, governments are introducing laws to stop it from being produced. Why are some countries trying to ban it, before it’s even on the shelves? Host Lucy Hockings speaks with Graihagh Jackson host of The Climate Question programme on the BBC World Service and our Asia business reporter Nick Marsh, about whether cultivated meat is a potential solution to the climate crisis or just a gimmick. At the moment, we’re sharing some of our most popular episodes from the past twelve months, including this one. All of these episodes and many more are available to watch on the BBC World Service’s YouTube channel. Just search for “The Global Story” on YouTube to find us. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Producers: Alice Aylett Roberts and Beth Timmins Sound engineers: Ben Andrews and Hannah Montgomery Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas Senior news editor: Sam Bonham

Dec 26, 2024

2024 is expected to be a record-breaking year for tourism, with more travellers going on holiday than ever before. But hotspots like Venice, Hawaii and Bali are also struggling from overtourism. Rajan Datar, host of the BBC's Travel Show, has been meeting people who live in some of the world's tourism hotspots and tells Lucy Hockings about the impact huge numbers of visitors are having on communities and the environment. At the moment, we’re sharing some of our most popular episodes from the past twelve months, including this one. All of these episodes and many more are available to watch on the BBC World Service’s YouTube channel. Just search for “The Global Story” on YouTube to find us. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Producers: Alice Aylett Roberts, Richard Moran and Eleanor Sly Sound engineers: Johnny Hall Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas Senior news editor: Sara Wadeson

Dec 25, 2024

In countries across the world women are deciding to delay motherhood. Increased access to education, more career opportunities and less financial stability means that more and more women are having children later in life. But fewer babies now, could mean more economic pressures on the rest of us in the future. Katya Adler explores this complex topic with the BBC's population correspondent Stephanie Hegarty and Joyce Harper, professor of reproductive science at University College London. At the moment, we’re sharing some of our most popular episodes from the past twelve months, including this one. All of these episodes and many more are available to watch on the BBC World Service’s YouTube channel. Just search for “The Global Story” on YouTube to find us. We need you to help us understand and tell The Global Story. Email ideas and thoughts to theglobalstory@bbc.com. You can also message or leave a voice note on WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Producers: Alice Aylett Roberts, Beth Timmins and Miriam Quayyum Sound engineers: Mike Regaard and Hannah Montgomery Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas Senior news editor: Jonathan Aspinwall

Dec 24, 2024

A new BBC investigation has found that Myanmar's once-formidable military now controls less than a quarter of the country's territory. The surging resistance movement has been fuelled by young pro-democracy activists who fled to jungle camps following a brutal crackdown by the ruling junta in 2021. As the BBC witnesses the activities of one key militia group up close, we reveal their secret weapon — spies who are bringing down the army from the inside. On today's episode, Lucy Hockings is joined by BBC Burmese editor Soe Win Than and Rebecca Henschke, one of the journalists behind the investigation. They recount the events which inspired these fighters and explain why, despite their success, victory still feels a long way off. To listen to the full investigation, search for The Documentary wherever you get your BBC podcasts. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Producers: Laurie Kalus and Annie Brown Sound engineers: Ben Andrews and Mike Regaard Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas Senior news editor: Sara Wadeson

Dec 23, 2024

BBC correspondents forecast the leading news stories for the year ahead. If 2024 was the year of elections - around half the world’s population went to the polls this year alone - then 2025 will be the year the election winners try and deliver on their promises. Among them, incoming US president Donald Trump — who has criticised the status quo domestically, and abroad. The world will also enter 2025 with wars in the Middle East, Ukraine and Sudan showing no signs of ending - could there be any breakthroughs? And - in the fight against climate change - is 2025 the year greenhouse gas emissions peak? On this episode Azadeh Moshiri asks the BBC’s top correspondents for their predictions on what they think will happen in the next 12 months. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Producer: Ben Carter Sound engineers: Ben Andrews and James Beard Assistant editors: Sergi Forcada Freixas and Richard Fenton-Smith

Dec 21, 2024

How the Democrats are recalibrating after November’s loss, and how the new Trump administration will deal with environmental issues. On this episode, we also examine the key role that media has had in shaping the incoming president’s cabinet and agency leadership picks. Host Caitríona Perry is joined by Sumi Somaskanda and by Supervising Editor at the BBC’s Washington DC bureau, Courtney Subramanian. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. And every Saturday until the inauguration of Donald Trump on the 20th of January, we bring you an update on his Path to the Presidency. If you don’t want to miss an episode, follow or subscribe to The Global Story wherever you get your BBC podcasts. You can email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com Producers: Tom Kavanagh and Charlie Jones Sound engineer: Mike Regaard Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas Senior news editor: Sara Wadeson

Dec 20, 2024

The BBC's Jeremy Bowen has been speaking to HTS leader Ahmed al-Sharaa. In just a matter of weeks, he has gone from governing the province of Idlib, to leading a rebel offensive on Damascus, to becoming the de facto leader. After interviewing al-Sharaa at the presidential palace which until recently was the heart of Bashar al-Assad's regime, Jeremy speaks to Lucy Hockings for this episode of The Global Story. So, is he really a reformed radical? Will he respect the rights of women? And even if these are his intentions, is he the man who can make it happen? The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Producers: Richard Moran, Tom Kavanagh and Alix Pickles Sound engineers: Mike Regaard Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas Senior news editor: Sara Wadeson

Dec 19, 2024

The BBC has spoken to Israeli reservists who are refusing to return to the war in Gaza. Imbued with a sense of national duty following the October 7th attack by Hamas, but now troubled by the things they’ve witnessed in Gaza, some Israeli soldiers say they won’t return to the army. We hear from one soldier who compares the devastation inflicted by Israel’s military in the Gaza Strip to an apocalypse, and said his colleagues would routinely loot and vandalise Palestinian houses, claims denied by the Israeli military authorities. BBC special correspondent Fergal Keane has spoken to several of them, and tells our presenter Azadeh Moshiri why their stories reflect deep political divisions which exist within Israeli society. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Producers: Tom Kavanagh and Alix Pickles Sound engineers: Mike Regaard Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas Senior news editor: Sara Wadeson

Dec 18, 2024

For months a court room in the small French town of Avignon has demanded the world’s attention and shaken attitudes towards sexual violence and consent. Throughout the trial, Gisèle Pelicot has faced the 50 men accused of her rape and sexual assault while she was unconscious, drugged by her husband. On today's episode Caitríona Perry speaks to the BBC's Paris correspondent Andrew Harding about Gisèle Pelicot and how she refused to carry the shame of the 51 men she faced in court. If you need support with the issues we’ve been talking about, you could speak to a health professional, or an organisation that offers support. Details of help available in many countries can be found at Befrienders Worldwide: www.befrienders.org. In the UK, you can find a list of organisations that can help at bbc.co.uk/actionline The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Producers: Richard Moran, Alix Pickles, Mhairi MacKenzie, Eleanor Sly Sound engineers: Rohan Madison and Mike Regaard Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas Senior news editor: Sara Wadeson Picture credit: EPA

Dec 17, 2024

Next year, Mexico will become the first country in the world to begin electing all its judges by popular vote. The radical judicial reform was passed by the Senate in September, where the ruling Morena party hold a commanding majority. They argue the change will promote transparency and accountability in a justice system which has faced accusations of corruption, nepotism, and bowing to political and criminal pressure. But critics say it is a direct threat to democracy which weakens the ability of the judiciary to hold the government to account - including the Supreme Court. On today's episode, Lucy Hockings is joined by the BBC's correspondent in Mexico, Will Grant. They examine the politics behind this shakeup, and discuss why many members of the legal community are protesting the measures. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Producers: Mariana Hernández Carrillo and Laurie Kalus Sound engineer: Rohan Madison Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas Senior news editor: Sara Wadeson

Dec 16, 2024

Donald Trump's return to the White House is seen as a potential threat to European security. Some believe he could abandon the transatlantic military alliance Nato - but the organisation's new secretary general Mark Rutte seems convinced he will be persuaded to stay. On this episode of The Global Story, Katya Adler speaks with the BBC's defence correspondent Jonathan Beale about what impact losing the alliance’s biggest financial backer would have on the war in Ukraine - and the reasons why the incoming US President might be convinced to remain in Nato. Producers: Alice Aylett Roberts, Laurie Kalus and Eleanor Sly Sound engineer: Philip Bull Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas Senior news editor: Sara Wadeson

Dec 14, 2024

Trump's immigration plans, their effect on agriculture, and social media clashes. On this episode, Caitríona Perry is joined by Sumi Somaskanda and North America correspondent Anthony Zurcher. They discuss Donald Trump's key policy priorities as it gets closer and closer to his inauguration. This week the president-elect vowed to end automatic citizenship for anyone born in the United States on his first day in office. Mr Trump reiterated his plans for mass deportation for undocumented immigrants. What impact would that have on agriculture - a sector that relies heavily on migrant labour? The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. And every Saturday until the inauguration of Donald Trump on the 20th of January, we bring you an update on his Path to the Presidency. If you don’t want to miss an episode, follow or subscribe to The Global Story wherever you get your BBC podcasts. You can email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com

Dec 13, 2024

In 2022, mass protests erupted in Iran after the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini in police custody. Those protests dissipated after a fierce crackdown. But individual acts of defiance and stories that tell the cost of activism have been making the headlines in recent weeks. In this episode, Parham Ghobadi tells Azadeh Moshiri about the life of Kianoosh Sanjari, a young man who faced the brunt of government oppression, and took his own life in an apparent final act of defiance against the regime. Producers: Richard Moran and Alix Pickles Sound engineer: Mike Regaard Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas Senior news editor: Sara Wadeson

Dec 12, 2024

Is artificial intelligence making social media more dangerous? With online personalities increasingly dictating the way many of us live our lives, we are firmly in the age of the influencer. And with the advent of AI influencers, longstanding concerns about unrealistic beauty standards or unattainable lifestyle goals, are being argued even more strenuously by critics of the industry. But are the feeds of these AI-generated models any less 'real' than the enhanced profiles we have been exposed to for years? On today's episode, Lucy Hockings is joined by the BBC's cyber correspondent Joe Tidy. He reveals all on his recent trip to meet the creators of one of the world's most successful AI influencers, Aitana... Producers: Laurie Kalus and Mariana Hernández Carrillo Sound engineer: Mike Regaard Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas Senior news editor: Sara Wadeson

Dec 11, 2024

This episode contains descriptions of violence and sexual violence. When Bashar al-Assad’s power was challenged in 2014, the Islamic State group filled the vacuum in Syria. Now the Assad regime has fallen, ending 50 years of rule by the family. Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, the rebel group who toppled the president, are now faced with governing a country occupied by various factions. On today's episode, Azadeh Moshiri speaks to Barry Marston, the head of the BBC's jihadist media team, to ask how much of a threat the Islamic State group is today, and whether this new power vacuum could present them with a new opportunity for their brand of terror? The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Producers: Richard Moran and Eleanor Sly Sound engineer: Phillip Bull Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas Senior news editor: Sara Wadeson

Dec 10, 2024

Syria’s notorious Saydnaya prison is one of many that have been liberated as rebels take control of the country. We hear from our correspondent Barbara Plett Usher who has been inside the prison where thousands of opposition supporters are said to have been tortured and executed under the Assad regime. Family members rushed in to see if their relatives were among those released. But will these people find answers in their search? And what will this mean for Syria’s future? On this episode Azadeh Moshiri is joined by the BBC’s Middle East regional editor Sebastian Usher who compares the collapse of the regime to the start of the civil war, which began in 2011. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Producers: Alice Aylett Roberts and Beth Timmins Sound engineer: Ben Andrews Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas Senior news editor: Sara Wadeson

Dec 9, 2024

President Bashar al-Assad has fled Syria, ending 50 years of authoritarian rule by his family. Over the weekend, rebels who had already taken Aleppo and Hama began to close in on the city of Homs and set their eyes on the capital Damascus. As it became clear that Assad had fled, the BBC's Lina Sinjab crossed the border from Lebanon, becoming the first western journalists to report from Damascus as a new era began. She tells Azadeh Moshiri how some Syrians celebrated while others looted the president's former home. And our Chief International Correspondent, Lyse Doucet, explains what the future might hold for Syria, now that everything has changed. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Producers: Richard Moran and Sergi Forcada Freixas Sound engineer: Mike Regaard Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas Senior news editor: Sara Wadeson

Dec 7, 2024

In a week of high-stakes diplomacy, President Joe Biden's decision to pardon his son, Hunter Biden, has sparked intense debate. On this episode, Caitríona Perry is joined by Sumi Somaskanda and North America correspondent Nada Tawfik. They examine the implications of Biden’s decision on the future of presidential pardons and discuss how Donald Trump’s incoming administration plans to reshape America’s role on the global stage. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. And every Saturday until the inauguration of Donald Trump on the 20th of January, we bring you an update on his Path to the Presidency. If you don’t want to miss an episode, follow or subscribe to The Global Story wherever you get your BBC podcasts. You can email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com Producers: Eleanor Sly and Charlie Jones Sound engineer: Mike Regaard Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas Senior news editor: Sara Wadeson

Dec 6, 2024

Australia will ban children under 16 from using social media, after its parliament approved the world's strictest laws. Tech companies could be fined up to A$50m ($32.5m; £25.7m) if they don't comply. But as many parents know, keeping teenagers off social media is a challenge. So, can a ban like this really work? And how might it be implemented? In this episode, Lucy Hockings speaks to the BBC's cyber correspondent Joe Tidy and our correspondent in Australia, Katy Watson. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Producers: Richard Moran and Beth Timmins Sound engineer: Dafydd Evans Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas Senior news editor: Sara Wadeson

Dec 5, 2024

President Yoon Suk Yeol is facing impeachment after declaring – and then lifting – martial law. South Korea is often seen in the West as a beacon of democracy, but its history is marked by coups, martial law and brutal crackdowns on public protest. On this episode, Azadeh Moshiri speaks to Jake Kwon from the BBC’s Seoul bureau, and the former head of the BBC's Korean service, Su-Min Hwang. They unpack South Korea's dramatic recent political history and look at what these events reveal about the country's democracy today. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Producers: Peter Goffin, Tom Kavanagh, Annie Brown, Eleanor Sly, and Mariana Hernández Carrillo. Sound engineers: Dan Ehrlich and Mike Regaard Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas Senior news editor: Sara Wadeson

Dec 4, 2024

With just weeks left in office, President Biden is making moves that could define his legacy. He has issued an official pardon for his son Hunter, who was facing possible prison sentences in two criminal cases. Biden's decision has already prompted furious claims of hypocrisy from Republicans, and the White House has announced that the President is considering more pardons before the end of his term. In recent weeks, the president has also allowed Ukraine to use US long-range missiles to strike inside Russia and has announced a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah. On this episode Azadeh Moshiri is joined by our North America correspondent Anthony Zurcher and the BBC’s Diplomatic correspondent James Landale. They examine how these decisions might shape Biden’s legacy, impact Donald Trump’s second term, and shape the future of the Democratic party. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Producers: Richard Moran and Alix Pickles Sound engineer: Jonny Hall Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas Senior news editor: Sara Wadeson

Dec 3, 2024

The long-running civil war in Syria has unexpectedly sprung back into the spotlight after rebel groups launched a surprise offensive on Aleppo, one of the country’s largest cities. Syrian president Bashar al-Assad has vowed to crush the rebel uprising, prompting air strikes from Russian forces allied with his regime. This is an unexpected resurgence of a conflict that has been largely dormant for years. Azadeh Moshiri speaks with BBC Monitoring's jihadist media specialist Mina Al-Lami and BBC correspondent Barbara Plett Usher about who these rebels are and whether this will this redraw the lines of the Syrian conflict. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Producers: Alice Aylett Roberts, Tom Kavanagh and Mhairi MacKenzie Sound engineers: Ben Andrews and Jonny Hall Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas Senior news editor: Sara Wadeson

Dec 2, 2024

Belgium has become the first country in the world to pass a law to give labour rights to sex workers. They will be entitled to health insurance, pensions, sick days and maternity leave. Prostitution involves millions of people worldwide but will this new law protect these people from abuse and exploitation? Katya Adler speaks to the BBC's gender and identity correspondent Sofia Bettiza. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Producers: Alice Aylett Roberts and Mariana Hernández Carrillo Sound engineers: Gareth Jones and Mike Regaard Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas Senior news editor: Sara Wadeson

Nov 29, 2024

Does Israel’s deal with Hezbollah move the region closer to lasting peace? The agreement reached this week will save lives and allow thousands of displaced Lebanese and Israelis to return to their homes – if it holds. But the conflict in Gaza is expected to intensify, as the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vows to ramp up pressure on Hamas. Can Joe Biden or Donald Trump broker another ceasefire? And how will Iran react as it watches its network of proxy groups fall apart? On this episode Katya Adler speaks to the BBC’s international editor Jeremy Bowen. Producers: Peter Goffin and Eleanor Sly Sound engineer: Mike Regaard Assistant editors: Sergi Forcada Freixas and Alice Aylett Roberts Senior news editor: Sara Wadeson

Nov 28, 2024

The UK parliament is preparing to vote on whether terminally ill adults in England and Wales can request assistance to end their life. The potential social change this bill could herald has seen commentators compare it to the legalisation of abortion, the abolition of the death penalty, and the introduction of same-sex marriage. But despite strong public support, and the growing number of countries sanctioning assisted dying in some form, ethical questions mean it remains a divisive and emotionally charged issue. On today’s episode, Katya is joined by the BBC's global health correspondent Dominic Hughes. They look at the proposed UK legislation, and discuss how it compares to existing laws on assisted dying throughout the world. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Producers: Laurie Kalus and Alix Pickles Sound engineer: Mike Regaard Assistant editors: Sergi Forcada Freixas and Alice Aylett Roberts Senior news editor: Sara Wadeson

Nov 27, 2024

Every few years governments around the world compete in global rankings to see which nation is deemed to have the best school system in the world. Schools in Asia often get the best results, and other countries like Estonia and Canada are also highly praised. But in many parts of the world there are often huge barriers to getting children into the classroom at all - such as poverty, climate change and war. On today's episode, Lucy Hockings speaks to the BBC's Sean Coughlan and Professor John Jerrim from University College London about which countries have the most successful education systems in the world and what others can learn from them. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Producers: Alice Aylett Roberts and Eleanor Sly Sound engineers: Mike Regaard and Ben Andrews Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas Senior news editor: Sara Wadeson

Nov 26, 2024

A Hong Kong court has sentenced dozens of pro-democracy leaders to years in jail for subversion. All but two of the so-called Hong Kong 47 were jailed in the biggest trial yet under a sweeping national security law imposed by China shortly after explosive pro-democracy protests in 2019. A day later, influential pro-democracy figure Jimmy Lai testified in a trial that could see him spend the rest of his life behind bars. So what does the future look like for the city’s pro-democracy movement? On today's episode, Sumi Somaskanda speaks to Danny Vincent, a BBC reporter in Hong Kong who has been following the lives of the protesters since 2019. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Producers: Richard Moran, Laurie Kalus and Beth Timmins Sound engineer: Mike Regaard and Ben Andrews Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas and Alice Aylett Roberts Senior news editor: Sara Wadeson

Nov 25, 2024

The BBC sits down with the former German chancellor. For nearly two decades Angela Merkel was one of the most influential politicians and most powerful women on in the world. Now, three years after stepping down, what does she make of the current state of world politics – from the threat posed by Russia, to the return of Donald Trump, and the rise of the far right in Europe? On this episode, the BBC's Europe Editor, Katya Adler, tells Caitríona Perry what she learned from her interview with Angela Merkel in Berlin, including the ex-chancellor's experiences with Vladimir Putin, and her handling of the 2015 migrant crisis. Producers: Peter Goffin and Alix Pickles Sound engineers: Gareth Jones Assistant editors: Sergi Forcada Freixas and Richard Moran Senior news editor: Sara Wadeson

Nov 23, 2024

As the US President-elect continues to assemble his top team, it hasn’t been plain sailing. His nomination of Matt Gaetz for the attorney general role led to days of headlines and frenzied analysis by the media and online. Now, after less than a week, he’s withdrawn. On Thursday afternoon, Caitríona Perry spoke with Sumi Somaskanda and digital reporter Kayla Epstein to discuss this bombshell and the other appointments President Trump has made this week. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480.

Nov 22, 2024

Why President Volodymyr Zelensky’s vision for the end of the war may be changing. After a week of escalation between Ukraine and Russia, we look at the prospect of a peace agreement being reached in 2025. With Moscow making gains on the ground and Donald Trump’s election victory casting uncertainty on the future of US military aid, Zelensky has said Ukraine must do everything it can to end the war through diplomacy next year. But what would Vladimir Putin want from a peace deal? And what is Zelensky willing to give up? On this episode, Lucy Hockings speaks to the BBC’s diplomatic correspondent Paul Adams, who is in the Ukrainian city of Dnipro. Producers: Peter Goffin and Alix Pickles Sound engineers: Jack Graysmark and Mike Regaard Assistant editors: Sergi Forcada Freixas and Richard Moran Senior news editor: Sara Wadeson

Nov 21, 2024

Air pollution in parts of India and Pakistan has been likened to witnessing a dystopian movie. India's capital Delhi has been blanketed in a thick layer of smog, with the city's residents complaining of choking and stinging eyes. In neighbouring Pakistan, Lahore has also recorded sky-high air pollution in recent weeks. On today's episode, Sumi Somaskanda hears from Devina Gupta about what it's like to be living in Delhi at the moment. And Dr Gary Fuller (Imperial College London) explains the impact severe air pollution can have on our health, from birth through to our final years. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas to help us tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Producers: Alice Aylett Roberts, Richard Moran and Beth Timmins Sound engineer: Mike Regaard Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas Senior news editor: Sara Wadeson

Nov 20, 2024

Logan Paul is among the most recognisable social media personalities on the planet. From YouTuber to entrepreneur and even professional wrestler, his fearless approach has seen him amass a loyal following of millions. Now, as the influencer faces criticism over his role in promoting various crypto projects, the BBC looks into his history in the digital currency industry. On this episode, Sumi Somaskanda is joined by Matt Shea and Jamie Tahsin, who are behind the new BBC documentary 'Logan Paul: Bad Influence?' They discuss Logan Paul's flourishing career, the controversy surrounding influencer-led cryptocurrency projects, and how the incoming Trump administration in the United States could transform the crypto landscape. Listeners in the UK can see the full film on iPlayer here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m00256wn The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas to help us tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Producers: Laurie Kalus and Mhairi Mackenzie Sound engineer: Mike Regaard Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas and Richard Moran Senior news editor: Sara Wadeson

Nov 19, 2024

What the resignation of the Church's most senior figure, Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, means for Anglicans worldwide. An independent report found that the Church of England failed to act on allegations that more than a hundred boys were physically and sexually abused by a man running Christian summer camps in the UK and Zimbabwe. What does this mean for the millions of Anglicans in Africa, many of whom were already feeling out of step with the UK leaders of the Church? On this episode, Lucy Hockings speaks to the BBC’s religion editor Aleem Maqbool and the BBC’s correspondent in Zimbabwe Shingai Nyoka. WARNING: This episode includes discussions of child sexual abuse. Some listeners may find this content disturbing. Producers: Peter Goffin and Alix Pickles Sound engineers: Hannah Montgomery and Mike Regaard Assistant editors: Sergi Forcada Freixas and Richard Moran Senior news editor: Sara Wadeson

Nov 18, 2024

Language is constantly changing. But exposure to social media has seen younger generations, from millennials to Gen Z and Gen Alpha, adopting new terms at a pace never seen before. On this episode, we consider how internet culture is influencing the way many of us speak, as traditional media loses its grip on standard discourse. From vocabulary to grammar, is it possible for politicians to control or protect language, and what is the future of the spoken word in the age of artificial intelligence? Lucy Hockings is joined by journalist and author Sophia Smith Galer and Neil Edgeller from BBC Learning English. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas to help us tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Producers: Eleanor Sly and Laurie Kalus Sound engineers: Jack Graysmark and Mike Regaard Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas Senior news editor: Sara Wadeson

Nov 16, 2024

US President-elect Donald Trump is assembling his future White House team, blending political allies with some surprising choices. Among his picks are vaccine sceptic RFK Jr as health secretary and Elon Musk to head a newly created "Department of Government Efficiency." On this episode, Caitríona Perry is joined by Sumi Somaskanda and digital reporter Bernd Debusmann Jr. to discuss a period of transition for Joe Biden and Donald Trump, as one prepares to leave the White House and the other plans his return. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480.

Nov 15, 2024

Singapore has some of the harshest drug laws in the world. The penalties for trafficking illegal narcotics include decades in prison and even a death sentence. Citizens of Singapore face consequences even if they take drugs while abroad. The government argues its zero-tolerance policy towards drugs – including cannabis - is an effective deterrent. Katya Adler speaks to journalist and documentary maker Linda Pressly about whether Singapore's harsh drugs laws really deter drug crimes. You can listen to Linda's full documentary 'Assignment: Singapore – drugs, rehab, execution' by searching for The Documentary wherever you get your podcasts. Producers: Alice Aylett Roberts and Peter Goffin Sound engineers: Mike Regaard and Phil Bull Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas Senior news editor: Sara Wadeson

Nov 14, 2024

What the president-elect's inner circle says about his priorities. Donald Trump is surrounding himself with loyalists, billionaires and political newcomers as he prepares for his second term in the White House. On this episode, Caitríona Perry asks the BBC’s senior North America correspondent Anthony Zurcher about new additions to Team Trump like Elon Musk, and notable absences, like Ivanka Trump. Producers: Peter Goffin and Tom Kavanagh Sound engineers: Mike Regaard and Gareth Jones Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas Senior news editor: Sara Wadeson

Nov 13, 2024

Chancellor Scholz’s three-party coalition government has fallen apart, leaving Germany mired in a period of political instability. Disagreements between the chancellor and his finance minister Christian Lindner had bubbled for months, ultimately leading to the latter’s dismissal. That prompted two of Lindner’s party colleagues to resign, effectively dismantling the coalition and leaving the chancellor at the head of a minority government. The political turmoil in Berlin comes as Donald Trump’s second election victory leaves the world wondering whether American support will be pulled from Ukraine. Germany is the European Union’s largest economy, but its manufacturing sector has been struggling, while consumers have been affected by high inflation. The BBC’s Berlin correspondent Damien McGuinness and The Guardian’s Berlin correspondent Kate Connolly tell host Katya Adler about the roots of this crisis, and discuss how it may have ramifications around Europe and beyond. Producers: Tom Kavanagh and Alix Pickles Sound engineers: Mike Regaard Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas Senior news editor: Sara Wadeson

Nov 12, 2024

Can the world fight climate change without the US? Donald Trump’s election victory threatens to derail the COP29 climate talks taking place in Azerbaijan this week. The US is one of the world’s biggest sources of carbon emissions but the president-elect has called global warming a hoax, championed the oil industry and promised to withdraw from international climate agreements. On this episode, Lucy Hockings speaks to the BBC’s US climate correspondent Carl Nasman and the host of the BBC podcast The Climate Question, Graihagh Jackson. Producers: Peter Goffin, Alice Aylett Roberts and Beth Timmins Sound engineers: Jonny Baker and Ricardo McCarthy Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas Senior news editor: Sara Wadeson

Nov 11, 2024

The proportion of people without children is growing around the world. For some, this new reality reflects changing social attitudes and a desire not to have children, but for others, the decision has been taken out of their hands by a range of factors. The latest statistics available reflect the extent to which this has become a global phenomenon: while the US birth rate is at a record low, China reported its first population decline in six decades in 2022. The BBC’s population correspondent Stephanie Hegarty tells host Lucy Hockings that economic concerns are among the most important when it comes to individuals and couples deciding whether or not the time is right to have a baby, and discusses how the concept of “male malaise” is impacting fertility rates. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Producers: Tom Kavanagh, Laurie Kalus and Mariana Hernández Carrillo Sound engineer: Phil Bull Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas

Nov 9, 2024

President-elect Donald Trump has begun appointing his incoming administration. In the span of two months, he will hire four thousand political appointees and move back into the White House. With the Democrats losing the presidential election and control of the Senate, the party now faces a critical reckoning: What went wrong for Kamala Harris and her campaign? On this episode, the BBC's Caitríona Perry, Sumi Somaskanda, and Katty Kay discuss what the next few weeks in US politics may look like after Donald Trump's election victory. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Producer: Aiden Johnson Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas Senior news editor: Sara Wadeson

Nov 8, 2024

Thousands of North Korean troops have been sent to Russia to support their war in Ukraine. The US government says thousands of troops are now in the Kursk region – right next to the Ukrainian frontline. Can North Korean soldiers fighting for Russia change the dynamics of the war in Ukraine? And how does North Korea benefit from this arrangement? Katya Adler speaks to the BBC’s Ukraine correspondent James Waterhouse and Seoul correspondent Jean Mackenzie about whether North Korea's entry into the Ukraine war will turn it into a truly global conflict. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Producers: Alice Aylett Roberts and Mariana Hernández Carrillo Sound engineers: Phil Bull and Mike Regaard Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas Senior news editor: Sara Wadeson

Nov 7, 2024

Leaders across the world have been reacting to Donald Trump's stunning victory in the US presidential election. America's president-elect returns to the global stage in the context of multiple ongoing conflicts, and economic uncertainty for major players. So as international governments adjust to his seismic comeback, how might the policy decisions of a second Trump administration be felt worldwide? On this episode Lucy Hockings is joined by the BBC's diplomatic correspondent James Landale, to discuss the potential implications in Ukraine, the Middle East, China, Europe, and beyond... The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Producers: Laurie Kalus, Tom Kavanagh, Mariana Hernández Carrillo, Beth Timmins, and Eleanor Sly Sound engineer: Mike Regaard Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas Senior news editor: Sara Wadeson

Nov 6, 2024

The former president claims he's been given an "unprecedented mandate" by voters. On this episode, Azadeh Moshiri speaks to BBC Chief Presenter Christian Fraser about the prospect of a second Trump term. And Katya Adler asks BBC Correspondent Will Grant and BBC Digital reporter Bernd Debusmann about the mood in the Trump camp, and where Kamala Harris underperformed. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Producers: Peter Goffin and Richard Moran Sound engineers: Hannah Montgomery and Jonny Baker Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas Senior news editor: Sara Wadeson

Nov 5, 2024

On the final day Americans cast their votes, the US presidential election remains tighter than ever. Success for either candidate depends on their ability to win over undecided voters in swing states — a diverse group with varied backgrounds, concerns, and voting histories. How have Kamala Harris and Donald Trump been trying to convince them? And which states lie in their path to victory and the White House? Lucy Hockings speaks to the BBC’s senior North America correspondent Gary O’Donoghue and digital reporter Ana Faguy, who tell us which of the early results might give an indication of who's in the lead. Listen to our previous episode on the Senate, House and Governors races that could shape the United States here: https://link.chtbl.com/OtherRaces The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Producers: Richard Moran, Laurie Kalus, Mariana Hernández Carrillo, and Mhairi Mackenzie Sound engineer: Mike Regaard Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas Senior news editor: Sara Wadeson

Nov 4, 2024

Harassment, threats and intimidation against local officials are increasing ahead of the election. When the majority of Americans vote tomorrow, it is these election workers that will come face to face with democracy… and the growing mistrust some feel towards the process. The BBC’s Mike Wendling travelled to the battleground state of Wisconsin to hear about the fears of election workers there as the election drew closer. He tells Azadeh Moshiri about the climate of conspiracy and election denialism that has led to them being targeted. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Producers: Richard Moran and Tom Kavanagh Sound engineers: Jack Graysmark and Hannah Montgomery Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas Senior news editor: Sara Wadeson

Nov 2, 2024

With just days to go until Americans cast their votes, the race for the presidency is in its final stretch. On this episode, the BBC’s Caitríona Perry, Sumi Somaskanda, and Katty Kay break down what to look out for on election night. Will a result be known that night? Which key states and demographics are most likely to shape the outcome? The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists around the world. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Producer: Aiden Johnson Sound engineer: Gareth Jones Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas Senior news editor: Sara Wadeson

Nov 1, 2024

Inside a BBC investigation that exposed the allegations against Michael Jeffries. The former fashion boss has pleaded not guilty to charges of sex trafficking and prostitution. Jeffries – who turned Abercrombie and Fitch into one of the world’s biggest clothing brands – was arrested along with his life partner and their fixer, and accused of exploiting aspiring male models through force, fraud and coercion. On this episode, Lucy Hockings speaks to BBC Investigations Correspondent Rianna Croxford, who has spent three years investigating the claims against Jeffries. WARNING: This episode includes details of alleged sexual abuse. Producers: Peter Goffin and Eleanor Sly Sound engineer: Ben Andrews and Gareth Jones Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas Senior news editor: Sara Wadeson

Oct 31, 2024

A BBC team has spent months getting under the bonnet of a rapidly growing migrant route. Almost overnight Vietnam has become the largest single source of migrants making the dangerous channel crossing to reach the UK. Speaking to one man who has been involved in the criminal network for decades, we uncover a world of forged documents, premium services and shattered dreams. Lucy Hockings speaks to the BBC’s Paris Correspondent, Andrew Harding and our reporter in Bangkok, Thu Bui. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Producers: Richard Moran and Mariana Hernández Carrillo Sound engineer: Michael Regaard Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas Senior news editor: Sara Wadeson

Oct 30, 2024

As well as electing a president, Americans will also choose hundreds of governors, representatives, and senators. While these races have been overshadowed by the surprisingly dramatic presidential election, they may well determine how much power and success Kamala Harris or Donald Trump has in the White House. On this episode Caitríona Perry speaks to our digital reporter Sam Cabral about the key down ballot races to watch as the results come in. And fellow digital reporter Holly Honderich explains why some Americans will also get to vote directly on one of the elections most divisive topics: abortion. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Producers: Richard Moran, Beth Timmins, Mariana Hernández Carrillo Sound engineer: Philip Bull Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas Senior news editor: Sara Wadeson

Oct 29, 2024

How could Kamala Harris or Donald Trump affect Israel, Gaza and the wider region? The spiral of violence in the Middle East – from the Hamas attacks on October 7, to the catastrophic loss of Palestinian life, to Israel’s growing fights with Hezbollah and Iran – has dominated US foreign policy and become a major issue in this year’s presidential election campaign. Harris and Trump both say they want to bring peace and security to the region. So how do they plan to do it? On this episode, Sumi Somaskanda speaks to the BBC’s International Editor Jeremy Bowen in Jerusalem and the BBC’s North America Correspondent Nada Tawfik. You can listen to our other special episodes looking at the impact the US election might have around the world here: America and... the World: https://link.chtbl.com/gqWrGSMT America and... the war in Ukraine: https://link.chtbl.com/9pQYuDqP America and... China: https://link.chtbl.com/CNFrjcPA America and... Climate change: https://link.chtbl.com/zgemOWRX America and…Migration https://link.chtbl.com/TGSmigration The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Producers: Peter Goffin, Beth Timmins and Richard Moran Sound engineer: Mike Regaard and Ben Andrews Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas Senior news editor: Sara Wadeson

Oct 28, 2024

A Japanese schoolboy was fatally stabbed by a stranger outside a school in China last month. The killing caused outrage and increased diplomatic tensions between Tokyo and Beijing. Japan blamed the attack on rising xenophobia and online nationalism in China. It was the third high-profile attack on a foreigner in recent months, all of which China has described as “isolated incidents”. On this episode, Katya Adler is joined by BBC digital journalist Fan Wang, and Kerry Allen, who is a China media analyst at BBC News. They discuss whether growing Chinese cyber-nationalism is fuelling violence against foreigners and what impact it is having on China’s reputation abroad. Producers: Alice Aylett Roberts and Mariana Hernández Carrillo Sound engineers: Stephen Bailey and Hannah Montgomery Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas Senior news editor: Sara Wadeson

Oct 26, 2024

Iran has downplayed the impact of a series of Israeli airstrikes on military facilities that have raised fears of further escalation. Early on Saturday, Israel carried out what it described as “precise and targeted” airstrikes in response of "months of continuous attacks" from Iran. On this episode, Azadeh Moshiri speaks with the BBC’s Chief International Correspondent Lyse Doucet and Parham Ghobadi from BBC Persian. They examine the immediate and broader implications of these attacks and discuss the big question: What does Tehran do next? The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. You can contact us at theglobalstory@bbc.com Producer: Alice Aylett Roberts Sound engineer: Mike Regaard Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas Senior news editor: Sara Wadeson

Oct 26, 2024

Just a few days ahead of election day, Kamala Harris and Donald Trump are neck and neck in the polls. The BBC’s Caitríona Perry, Sumi Somaskanda, and Katty Kay explore the intricacies of this tight race and discuss whether one candidate in the US presidential election holds the lead. Every weekend The Global Story brings you "Path to the Presidency," where we delve into the state of the race and examine what’s on the minds of those closest to it. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists around the world. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Producer: Aiden Johnson Sound engineer: Hannah Montgomery Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas Senior news editor: Sara Wadeson

Oct 25, 2024

The women of Ukraine are on the frontline in many respects. They make up the majority of those fleeing abroad to escape the war and protect their children. They are also increasingly keeping Ukrainian society functioning, as more and more men are conscripted into the army to fight. The Witches of Bucha, as they call themselves, are a volunteer air defence unit made up almost entirely of women, now helping to protect Ukraine’s skies. On this episode, Katya Adler is joined by the BBC’s Eastern Europe correspondent Sarah Rainsford, who has just returned from a reporting trip to Bucha, and BBC Journalist Olga Malchevska, who is from Ukraine. They look at how Ukrainian women have been stepping up and filling the gaps left behind by the country’s men at war. They also discuss how the conflict may change traditional gender roles in Ukraine. Producers: Tom Kavanagh and Eleanor Sly Sound engineers: Mike Regaard and Hannah Montgomery Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas Senior news editor: Sara Wadeson

Oct 24, 2024

Canada and India are locked in a fierce diplomatic row, after Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau doubled down on allegations that senior Indian officials were involved in the murder of a Sikh activist on Canadian soil. Delhi has called the claims "preposterous", and last week the two nations expelled their top diplomats, as relations sank to a historic low. Such a rapid public escalation between democracies is considered largely unprecedented in modern diplomacy, so how are Canada's western allies reacting? On this episode Caitríona Perry is joined by the BBC's South Asia correspondent Samira Hussain, and diplomatic correspondent James Landale. They examine the fallout, explain why the issue of Sikh separatism is so controversial in India, and consider the strategic dilemma the US and others are facing as they debate their own response. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Producers: Laurie Kalus, Mhairi MacKenzie, and Alix Pickles Sound engineers: Phil Bull and Hannah Montgomery Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas Senior news editor: Sara Wadeson

Oct 23, 2024

King Charles’s first visit to Australia since becoming the head of state has reignited the debate over cutting ties with the royals. His tour has been met with fanfare and protest; cheers and heckles — including by Senator Lidia Thorpe in Parliament. So what do Australians think of the monarchy’s role in their country? What would it take to become a republic? Is there still a place for the monarchy in Britain’s former colonies? On this episode Lucy Hockings speaks to the BBC’s Australia correspondent Katy Watson and Royal correspondent Sean Coughlan. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Producers: Peter Goffin and Alix Pickles Sound engineer: Jack Graysmark and Philip Bull Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas Senior news editor: Sara Wadeson

Oct 22, 2024

How might Donald Trump or Kamala Harris try to tackle immigration to the US? People crossing the southern border has become a hot button topic in the next month’s election. Former president Donald Trump’s forceful policies have helped him motivate a base of loyal supporters. Whereas Vice-President Harris has had just weeks to convince Americans that she has a plan. What do we know about their policies, how they differ and what impact they would have? Sumi Somaskanda speaks to our Mexico, Central America and Cuba correspondent, Will Grant. He explains why so many people are leaving the region and how the next president might impact its southern neighbours. And our politics reporter in Washington DC, Bernd Debusmann, helps us separate the facts from the headlines on one of the election's most contentious political issues. You can listen to our other special episodes looking at the impact the US election might have around the world here: America and... the World: https://link.chtbl.com/gqWrGSMT America And... the war in Ukraine: https://link.chtbl.com/9pQYuDqP America and... China: https://link.chtbl.com/CNFrjcPA America and... Climate change: https://link.chtbl.com/zgemOWRX The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Producers: Richard Moran, Eleanor Sly and Mariana Hernández Carrillo Sound engineer: Mike Regaard and Ben Andrews Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas Senior news editor: Sara Wadeson

Oct 21, 2024

Abandoned houses – or “akiyas” – have become a symbol of the crisis facing Japan’s population. But a wave of young foreign bargain hunters has started snapping up some of these abandoned homes, inspired by viral DIY videos and social media influencers. Lucy Hockings speaks to the BBC’s Tokyo correspondent Shaimaa Khalil, who has been to meet some of the people bringing akiyas back to life. Producers: Peter Goffin, Alix Pickles and Alice Aylett Roberts Sound engineer: Mike Regaard Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas Senior news editor: Sara Wadeson

Oct 20, 2024

Sumi Somaskanda and Anthony Zurcher respond to questions about the upcoming US election. In this collaboration between The Global News Podcast, The Global Story, and Americast, Oliver Conway presents listener questions on the key topics shaping the vote.

Oct 19, 2024

The key election issues in the swing state of Arizona and America’s image abroad. On this episode, Caitríona Perry, Sumi Somaskanda, and Katty Kay explore election security and the international focus on the 2024 US election. Every weekend The Global Story brings you "Path to the Presidency," where we delve into the state of the race and examine what’s on the minds of those closest to it. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists around the world. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Producers: Aiden Johnson and Tom Kavanagh Sound engineer: Mike Regaard Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas Senior news editor: Sara Wadeson

Oct 18, 2024

There is an overcrowding crisis in UK prisons. There are also problems with gang violence, drug abuse, self harm and a record number of weapons now being made in jails. To deal with the chronic overcrowding, the UK government has begun releasing thousands of prisoners early in England and Wales. Katya Adler is joined by senior UK correspondent Sima Kotecha to talk about her time inside one of Britain's most notorious jails as they examine how the prison system in England and Wales has been stretched to breaking point. Producers: Alice Aylett Roberts and Eleanor Sly Sound engineers: Matt Dean and Mike Regaard Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas Senior news editor: Sara Wadeson

Oct 17, 2024

Israel’s assassination of Hassan Nasrallah, the long-standing leader of Hezbollah, represented a major escalation in its war with the Lebanese militant group. With the region on the brink of a widening conflict, we look at how Israel's attacks on Hezbollah's leadership have potentially weakened the organisation, and what that could mean for the course of the war. Host Katya Adler asks the BBC's security correspondent Frank Gardner how the conflict between Hezbollah and Israel escalated and what each actor might do next. Producers: Tom Kavanagh, Alice Aylett Roberts, Peter Goffin and Beth Timmins Sound engineers: Jonny Hall and Mike Regaard Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas Senior news editor: Sara Wadeson

Oct 16, 2024

How disinformation and advanced technology might influence the 2024 vote. Why do people fall for online conspiracy theories, and what happens when disinformation shapes real-world events? On this episode, Lucy Hockings is joined by the BBC's disinformation and social media correspondent, Marianna Spring, to explore how conspiracy theories and the rise of AI could shape the upcoming election in the United States. They discuss the role disinformation played in the 2020 vote, leading to real-world consequences, and how these conspiracies continue to undermine the US election system today. They also examine the growing influence of AI in generating and spreading false narratives, and what this could mean for the upcoming presidential race. You can listen to Marianna Spring’s series ‘Why Do You Hate Me? USA’ on BBC Sounds, or wherever you get your podcasts. Producers: Pete Ross and Alix Pickles Sound engineer: Mike Regaard Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas Senior news editor: Sara Wadeson

Oct 15, 2024

Could the US election result threaten support for Kyiv? Since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the United States has led the world in providing aid to Kyiv, with contributions totalling more than $175bn. But agreeing additional assistance in Congress has become increasingly difficult, with the attention of the Republican right fixed on domestic priorities. So, as November's presidential election approaches, what could victory for either Kamala Harris or Donald Trump mean for the trajectory of the war? For the latest in a series of episodes about how the impact of the US election will be felt worldwide, Sumi Somaskanda is joined by the BBC's Ukraine correspondent, James Waterhouse, and news correspondent, Will Vernon. They discuss how delays to US aid have directly affected the war on the ground, and what we know about the policy positions of the candidates for the White House. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Producers: Laurie Kalus, Alix Pickles, Mariana Hernandez-Carrillo, and Mhairi MacKenzie Sound engineers: Hannah Montgomery, and Ricardo McCarthy Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas Senior news editor: Sara Wadeson You can find more of this series in our feed - just look for episodes titled 'America and...'

Oct 14, 2024

The BBC’s Africa Eye has been following one man’s journey as he travels hundreds of miles on the open ocean in the hopes of reaching Europe. Mouhamed is one of a growing number of people attempting to travel from Senegal to Spain’s Canary Islands. The journey is ten times longer than the boats crossing the Mediterranean, taking days and sometimes week across parts of the Atlantic Ocean. It is also riskier and more lethal. You can watch the full documentary 'Dark Waters: Africa's Deadliest Migration Route' - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ajX6NaVks3w Caitriona Perry speaks to Blanca Munoz and Efrem Gebreab who followed Mouhamed’s journey for the BBC’s Africa Eye. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Producers: Richard Moran and Tom Kavanaugh Sound engineer: Mike Regaard Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas Senior news editor: Sara Wadeson

Oct 12, 2024

How Hurricane Milton and Middle East tensions may impact the US election. On this episode, the BBC’s Caitríona Perry, Sumi Somaskanda, and Katty Kay examine the devastating aftermath of Hurricane Milton, which has resulted in at least 16 deaths in Florida. They discuss the political implications of the hurricane and how escalating tensions in the Middle East are shaping the landscape of the upcoming US elections. Every weekend The Global Story brings you "Path to the Presidency," where we delve into the state of the race and examine what’s on the minds of those closest to it. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists around the world. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Producers: Aiden Johnson and Eleanor Sly Sound engineers: Darcy O'Bree and Jack Graysmark Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas Senior news editor: Sara Wadeson

Oct 11, 2024

Hurricane Milton has left millions of homes across Florida without power, less than a fortnight after hurricane Helene ravaged states across the south-eastern US. Misinformation surrounding both storms has become rife online, including the false narrative that the government is manipulating the weather ahead of November's election. Further debunked allegations that recovery funds were redirected towards illegal migrants have been adopted by mainstream Republicans, causing widespread political fallout, even as a bipartisan recovery effort continues. On this episode, Azadeh Moshiri is joined by our correspondent in the US, Tom Bateman, and BBC Verify reporter, Marco Silva. They discuss what's happening both on the ground and online, and consider how these events could influence the presidential election. Additional reporting comes from Elizabeth Rizzini. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Producers: Laurie Kalus, Alix Pickles, and Mariana Hernandez-Carillo Sound engineer: Mike Regaard Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas Senior news editor: Sara Wadeson

Oct 10, 2024

Israeli air strikes have forced more than 1.2 million Lebanese to flee their homes in the past few weeks, and have killed more than 2,000 people in the country in the past year. While the fighting has escalated in recent weeks, there have been regular exchanges of fire between Hezbollah and Israel since October 2023. Hezbollah initially began firing missiles into Israel in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza amid Israel’s war against Hamas, and continues to say that such attacks will only stop with a ceasefire there. Meanwhile, Israel has also launched a ground invasion of southern Lebanon, and there are fears of further escalation with key Hezbollah backer Iran, which recently fired rockets at several military targets in Israel. Caitríona Perry talks to Beirut-based BBC Arabic correspondent Rami Ruhayem about how Lebanon is coping with the intensification of a conflict which had been simmering for months. Producers: Richard Moran, Tom Kavanagh and Mariana Hernandez-Carrillo Sound engineer: Mike Regaard Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas Senior news editor: Sara Wadeson

Oct 9, 2024

In our age of wireless technology, it might be hard to believe that we’re all connected by a few hundred cables running along the sea bed. From the memes we send to friends, to the intelligence used by the military, virtually all internet data between the continents travels along wires thinner than a human hair. If they sound vulnerable, it’s because they are. On average a hundred are accidentally severed each year. And security experts are warning they could be a target for military or terrorist sabotage. Caitríona Perry speaks to Nicole Starosielski, professor at the University of California, Berkeley and author of The Undersea Network, who guides us through these secretive networks. And our security correspondent Frank Gardener helps us understand how vulnerable they are. Producers: Richard Moran and Alix Pickles Sound engineers: Mike Regaard and Hannah Montgomery Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas Senior news editor: Sara Wadeson

Oct 8, 2024

The United States and China have had a turbulent history. In recent years, diplomatic relations between the world's two largest economies reached what many observers described as a new low, and despite some growing signs of stability, the future remains uncertain. So, how might this precarious situation be impacted by the upcoming US election? For the latest episode in this special series, Sumi Somaskanda is joined by the BBC's China correspondent Laura Bicker, and our business correspondent Michelle Fleury. They tackle big issues from trade and the economy, to defence and national security, and consider what victory for either Kamala Harris or Donald Trump could mean for the ongoing Sino-American relationship. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Producer: Laurie Kalus Sound engineers: Stephen Bailey, Hannah Montgomery, and Ben Andrews Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas Senior news editor: Sara Wadeson If you want to hear more from our 'America and...' series, why not listen to the first episode here: https://link.chtbl.com/gqWrGSMT

Oct 7, 2024

The late leader of the Cuban Revolution, Fidel Castro, famously called Cuba “the safest country in the world”. But more and more Cubans are starting to speak out about crime on their streets. And increased violence isn’t the only problem it is facing. Blackouts, food shortages and a lack of water are all fuelling a mass exodus from the country. On this episode, Caitríona Perry speaks to our Cuba correspondent Will Grant about what its rising crime rate reveals about life on this struggling island. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Producers: Tom Kavanagh, Alice Aylett Roberts and Mariana Hernández Carrillo Sound engineers: Ricardo McCarthy and Gareth Jones Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas Senior news editor: Sara Wadeson

Oct 6, 2024

In this special bonus episode of The Conflict Lyse Doucet reflects on some of the biggest moments from the Israel-Gaza war. She is joined by BBC colleagues Jeremy Bowen, Anna Foster and Rushdi Abualouf, who have been reporting from around the region and they discuss what could happen next in the Middle East.

Oct 5, 2024

Middle East tensions, catastrophic flooding and a vice-presidential debate. What events could shake up the US race? Caitríona Perry, Sumi Somaskanda, and Katty Kay discuss what “October Surprises” could change the course of the US presidential election. Until the US election, every weekend The Global Story brings you "Path to the Presidency," where we delve into the state of the race and examine what’s on the minds of those closest to it. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Producer: Aiden Johnson Sound engineer: Ben Andrews Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas Senior news editor: Sara Wadeson

Oct 4, 2024

It’s almost a year since Hamas launched an attack inside Israel, triggering the start of the current war in Gaza. Tens of thousands of Palestinians have died in Israel’s bombing campaigns since Hamas’s October 7 attack, and Israel’s recent ground invasion of Lebanon has widened the conflict even further. The Middle East is once again on the brink of a deep and damaging, widespread conflict that will have an impact well beyond the region. To mark one year on from the start of the current war, The Global Story host Katya Adler is joined by Jackie Leonard from the Global News Podcast. The BBC's security correspondent Frank Gardner and Middle East correspondent Yolande Knell answer some of the most-asked questions about what’s really going on in the region and what might happen next. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Producers: Alice Aylett Roberts, Pete Ross, and Judy Frankl Sound engineer: Jack Graysmark Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas Senior news editor: Sara Wadeson

Oct 2, 2024

Following Iran’s missile attack on Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed retaliation. President Biden is telling the Israeli leadership that any attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities is off limits. So, how will Israel respond to the 180 missiles that Iran fired across its border? And what has the reaction been in Iran? On this episode of the The Global Story, Azadeh Moshiri is joined by our Diplomatic correspondent Paul Adams and BBC Persian reporter Parham Ghobadi. They explore why Iran has chosen this moment to attack Israel and what Benjamin Netanyahu might do in response. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Producers: Sergi Forcada Freixas and Eleanor Sly Sound engineer: Hannah Montgomery Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas Senior news editor: Sara Wadeson

Oct 2, 2024

Republican JD Vance and Democrat Tim Walz have been facing off in a surprisingly amicable vice-presidential debate which focussed strongly on policy. Rather than resort to personal jabs, the pair seemed laser-focussed on the records of their respective running mates, covering topics from immigration to abortion and the economy. In this shortened campaign some analysts have suggested the event carried heightened importance, but did the performance of either candidate move the needle and were voters really paying attention? Caitríona Perry is joined at the debate venue in New York by the BBC’s North America reporter Kayla Epstein for her immediate reaction to proceedings. The clips in this episode are from the CBS News Vice Presidential Debate. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Producers: Laurie Kalus and Alix Pickles Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas Senior news editor: Sara Wadeson

Oct 1, 2024

How could Kamala Harris or Donald Trump shape the global response to the climate crisis? As one of the world’s largest producers of fossil fuels and carbon emissions, the US plays a pivotal role in addressing climate change. The environmental policies of the next president could reshape American industry and the economy, while influencing the global fight against climate change. On this episode, Sumi Somaskanda speaks to the BBC’s climate editor Justin Rowlatt and Carl Nasman, who covers US climate issues for the BBC. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Producers: Peter Goffin, Tom Kavanagh and Eleanor Sly Sound engineer: Hannah Montgomery Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas Senior news editor: Sara Wadeson

Sep 30, 2024

The brutal rape and murder of a student on a bus in Delhi shocked the world in 2012. Yet despite the Indian government introducing stricter laws on sexual violence, little progress has been made to actually make women safer. Last month there were widespread protests after the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at the hospital where she worked. What should India’s leaders do differently to protect women at home, at work and on the streets? On this episode, Katya Adler speaks to the BBC’s India correspondent Soutik Biswas and presenter Devina Gupta. Producers: Alice Aylett Roberts, Laurie Kalus, Tse Yin Lee and Peter Goffin Sound engineers: Dafydd Evans and Mike Regaard Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas Senior news editor: Sara Wadeson

Sep 28, 2024

What do the leaders gathered at the United Nations this week make of the US election? Caitríona Perry, Sumi Somaskanda, and Katty Kay discuss the global perspective on the election.They also look at the implications of New York City Mayor Eric Adams’ indictment for the Democrats and preview the key strategies each campaign will focus on in next week’s vice-presidential debate. Until the US election, every weekend The Global Story brings you "Path to the Presidency," where we delve into the state of the race and examine what’s on the minds of those closest to it. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Producer: Aiden Johnson Sound engineer: Mike Regaard Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas Senior news editor: Richard Fenton-Smith

Sep 27, 2024

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 past two weeks, the US Coast Guard has been hearing testimonies from former employees and industry experts, to try to identify what went wrong. On this episode, Azadeh Moshiri is joined by the BBC's science editor, Rebecca Morelle, to discuss the most revealing evidence, and consider whether the tragic event could have been avoided. Producers: Laurie Kalus and Eleanor Sly Sound engineers: Phil Bull and Mike Regaard Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas Senior news editor: Richard Fenton-Smith

Sep 26, 2024

Israel and Hezbollah’s intensifying conflict is affecting a country already on edge. Over 90,000 people have been displaced in Lebanon as cross-border violence, ongoing for nearly a year, has reached new heights. More than 600 people have been reported killed across Lebanon since Monday, when Israel began an intense air campaign to destroy what it said was infrastructure built up by Hezbollah since they last fought a war in 2006. Israeli reservists have been called up and the military has been told to be ready itself for a possible incursion into southern Lebanon. Hezbollah, designated a terrorist organisation by several Western countries, has fired rockets back, targeting Tel Aviv for the first time. The US, the EU, and other allied nations have called for a 21-day ceasefire across the Lebanon-Israel border. On this episode of The Global Story, we explore the escalation in hostilities and look at what people living in Lebanon think of Hezbollah. We also look at the country’s unique political system and demographics and consider how the Lebanese economy could be further affected by the conflict. Caitríona Perry is joined by our correspondent in Beirut, Carine Torbey, and by Hesham Shawish, from BBC Monitoring. Producers: Tom Kavanagh and Eleanor Sly Sound engineer: Mike Regaard and Jeremy Morgan Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas Senior news editor: Richard Fenton-Smith

Sep 25, 2024

November’s presidential election could highlight the political power of the largest minority group in the United States. Roughly one in five people in the US identifies as Latino, and in a close race, which way they vote could prove crucial, particularly in several swing states being keenly targeted by both major parties. On this episode of The Global Story, we explore the main political issues of importance to Latinos and examine some of the Spanish-language misinformation being disseminated in order to influence voters. With just weeks to go until the next occupant of the White House is decided, we look at how the Democrats and Republicans are targeting their messaging in order to win around crucial votes from the community. Caitríona Perry is joined by US Digital reporter Bernd Debusmann Jr. and the BBC’s South America correspondent Ione Wells. Producer: Tom Kavanagh Sound engineer: Philip Bull and Ben Andrews Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas Senior news editor: Richard Fenton-Smith

Sep 24, 2024

The United States has long been seen as the world’s leading superpower. It is home to the globe’s biggest military and political force – but has many diplomatic challenges. From the wars raging in Europe and the Middle East, to the growing influence of global rivals like China, to the potential proliferation of nuclear weapons in Iran and North Korea. This year’s presidential candidates Donald Trump and Kamala Harris have very different ideas about how to manage America’s complicated relationship with other powerful nations. Our host Sumi Somaskanda speaks with the BBC's chief international correspondent Lyse Doucet and our diplomatic correspondent James Landale about America's place in the world and how the two different presidential nominees might shape this role. Producer: Alice Aylett Roberts. Sound engineers: Mike Regaard and Phillip Bull. Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas. Editor: Richard Fenton-Smith.

Sep 23, 2024

The BBC sees first-hand the desperate conditions civilians in Sudan are living through. With the world’s attention trained on the war in Ukraine and the devastation in Gaza, another conflict which has been raging since April 2023 has received comparably little coverage. The war between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces paramilitary group has taken a horrific toll on the country. Just this month, the head of the UN’s World Health Organization warned that around 25 million people – half of the population – is in need of some form of support, with famine and disease rampant. 12 million people have already been forced from their homes by the war – the highest figure for any conflict in the world. Host Katya Adler discusses the country’s current plight with the BBC’s former Sudan correspondent James Copnall, and International Correspondent Nawal Al-Maghafi, who was recently granted rare access to visit camps for internally displaced people in Port Sudan and at the Adre border the country shares with Chad. Producers: Richard Moran, Tom Kavanagh and Alice Aylett Roberts. Sound Engineers: Pete Wise and Mike Regaard. Assistant Editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas. Senior News Editor: Richard Fenton-Smith.

Sep 21, 2024

Caitríona Perry and Sumi Somaskanda discuss voter sentiment in Michigan, how race and gender are affecting the election campaign, and the aftermath of a second apparent assassination attempt on Donald Trump. Until the US election, every weekend The Global Story brings you "Path to the Presidency," where we delve into the state of the race and examine what’s on the minds of those closest to it. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Producer: Aiden Johnson. Sound Engineer: Mike Regaard. Assistant Editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas. Senior News Editor: Richard Fenton-Smith.

Sep 20, 2024

Rupert Murdoch is locked in a secret court battle with three of his eldest children, over the future of his media empire. The news mogul owns some of the most influential outlets in the world, including Fox News, The Wall Street Journal, and The Times of London. It has been reported that Mr Murdoch wants to amend a family trust to ensure his son and political disciple Lachlan inherits controlling voting rights at News Corp and Fox, but a campaign to unseal the proceedings has been unsuccessful. On this episode, Lucy Hockings is joined by the BBC's culture and media editor Katie Razzall, and Brian Stelter, chief media analyst at CNN. They unpack what we know about the succession fight, and discuss whether the public should have a right to know what's going on behind closed doors. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Producers: Laurie Kalus and Alix Pickles. Sound Engineers: Nicola Brough and Mike Regaard. Assistant Editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas. Senior News Editor: Richard Fenton-Smith.

Sep 19, 2024

Mohamed Al Fayed was an Egyptian billionaire businessman who owned Harrods in London, one of the world's most famous department stores. He also owned the Ritz Hotel in Paris and Fulham Football Club, and famously courted the British Royal Family. But a new BBC investigation reveals he's also accused of being a serial rapist and abuser of women in his employment. Katya Adler speaks with Cassie Cornish-Trestrail and Keaton Stone about Al Fayed's alleged crimes and we hear first-hand testimony from the women speaking out. Warning: this conversation contains details some may find distressing. You can hear the full investigation on the podcast World of Secrets, Season 4: Al Fayed – Predator at Harrods. Producer: Alice Aylett Roberts. Sound Engineers: Ben Andrews and Mike Regaard. Assistant Editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas. Senior News Editor: Richard Fenton-Smith.

Sep 18, 2024

More blasts have been reported in Lebanon, after a series of pagers exploded across the country. In what appears to be a highly sophisticated attack, devices used by the armed group Hezbollah were targeted, and the operation has captivated the security community. Hezbollah blames Israel, with which they have been exchanging cross-border fire for months, and has vowed to retaliate. With multiple reports attributing responsibility to Israeli spy agency Mossad, how much do we really know about what happened? On this episode, Azadeh Moshiri is joined by the BBC's security correspondent Frank Gardner, to discuss the paper trail behind the planning of the attack, and what it could mean in the context of the wider war. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Producers: Laurie Kalus and Alix Pickles. Assistant Editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas. Senior News Editor: Richard Fenton-Smith.

Sep 18, 2024

Can Taylor Swift and Elon Musk swing the vote for Harris or Trump? From Billie Eilish to Oprah, Hulk Hogan to Kid Rock, the rich and famous are lining up behind the 2024 presidential candidates. But will Americans vote the way their favourite celebrities tell them too? Or is it all just window dressing for the presidential campaigns? In this episode Caitríona Perry speaks to reporter Ana Faguy from the BBC’s Washington Bureau and Ashley Spillane, a former president of Rock the Vote, who has written a report for Harvard University about celebrities’ impact on democratic participation. Producers: Peter Goffin, Eleanor Sly and Keiligh Baker. Sound Engineer: Ricardo McCarthy. Assistant Editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas. Senior News Editor: Richard Fenton-Smith.

Sep 17, 2024

How are Afghanistan’s women and girls coping with harsh new restrictions? When the Taliban took back power in 2021, it promised to uphold women’s rights with the limits of what it called “Islamic law”. But officials have placed strict limits on women’s education, employment opportunities, dress codes and, now, even the volume at which they speak. In this episode, Katya Adler speaks to the BBC’s South Asia Correspondent Yogita Limaye, who has been interviewing Afghan women about their feelings of hopelessness, the state crackdown on protests and a growing mental health crisis. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Producers: Peter Goffin and Eleanor Sly. Sound Engineers: Hannah Montgomery and Rohan Madison. Assistant Editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas. Senior News Editor: Richard Fenton-Smith.

Sep 16, 2024

Violent unrest is forcing Ireland to reckon with increasing hostility to high levels of immigration, which has not traditionally been a major point of political debate. That is changing, however, with roughly one in five Irish residents today born overseas. The country is grappling with a burgeoning far right movement, with much of the conversation happening on social media. In recent years, hostility towards foreigners which has been nurtured online has spilled over into the real world, the most stark example being a widely-covered riot in Dublin in November 2023. So how is a country which has historically been shaped by the emigration of its own people dealing with the issue of immigration in the 21st century, and is Ireland’s political establishment ready to meet the challenge? On this episode of The Global Story, Washington DC-based host Caitríona Perry is joined by the BBC’s Dublin reporter Aoife Moore, and by Shane Harrison, who worked as the BBC’s Ireland correspondent for three decades. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Producers: Tom Kavanagh, Alice Aylett Roberts and Laurie Kalus Sound Engineer: Mike Regaard Assistant Editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas Senior News Editor: Richard Fenton-Smith

Sep 14, 2024

Did the Harris-Trump debate actually change voters' minds? Caitríona Perry, Sumi Somaskanda, and Katty Kay discuss the state of the 2024 US election, explore what’s happening behind the scenes of the campaigns, and provide insights into how both voters and candidates are preparing for election day. From now until the US election, every weekend The Global Story brings you "Path to the Presidency," where we delve into the state of the race and examine what’s on the minds of those closest to it. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Producer: Aiden Johnson. Sound Engineer: Ben Andrews. Assistant Editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas. Senior News Editor: Richard Fenton-Smith.

Sep 13, 2024

Ever since the Kremlin’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine there have been widespread reports of Russians reporting fellow citizens to the police for anti-war views; often leading to prosecution and, in some cases, prison sentences. It’s revived memories of the Soviet past when informing on colleagues and neighbours was actively encouraged. Katya Adler speaks to our Russia editor Steve Rosenberg about the people he has met who have been caught up in this new wave of denunciations. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Producers: Alice Aylett Roberts, Eleanor Sly and Beth Timmins. Sound Engineers: Antonio Fernandes and Rohan Madison. Assistant Editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas. Senior News Editor: Richard Fenton-Smith.

Sep 12, 2024

Inside a 30-year mission to expose a pattern of infanticide. In the 1990s, midwives in northern India admitted that they were regularly paid to kill new-born baby girls whose families did not want them. It’s an issue that speaks to India’s complicated relationships with gender, caste and wealth. So what do these killings say about the status of women and girls in India? And why are some babies still being rejected by their families in 2024? Katya Adler speaks to journalists and filmmakers Amitabh Parashar and Anubha Bhonsle, who have just made a documentary for the BBC called “The Midwife’s Confession”. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Producers: Peter Goffin and Eleanor Sly. Sound Engineers: Dafydd Evans and Philip Bull. Assistant Editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas. Senior News Editor: Richard Fenton-Smith.

Sep 11, 2024

The Republican and Democratic presidential candidates traded claims over key election issues including the economy, immigration and abortion. They discussed policy but personal attacks also dominated their first debate. So, who had a good night, and to what extent will this debate sway voters, with less than two months to go before polling day? Sumi Somaskanda hosts this episode from Philadelphia, where the debate took place. She’s joined by Courtney Subramanian and Bernd Debusmann, from the BBC’s North America digital team. Producers: Richard Moran and Tom Kavanagh. Sound Engineer: Hannah Montgomery. Assistant Editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas. Senior News Editor: Richard Fenton-Smith.

Sep 10, 2024

Brazil’s Supreme Court has banned the social media platform X - formerly known as Twitter. It was one of the platform’s biggest markets, with millions of Brazilians using it. The boss of X, Elon Musk, has complained that the move is destroying free speech but the country's top judge says it is necessary to stop the spread of disinformation. Katya Adler speaks with Daniel Gallas and Leandro Prazeres from BBC Brazil about the battle between free speech and disinformation in Brazil. And if other countries could follow Brazil’s lead in blocking access to X. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Producers: Tom Kavanagh, Alice Aylett Roberts and Tse Yin Lee. Sound Engineer: Philip Bull. Assistant Editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas. Senior News Editor: Richard Fenton-Smith.

Sep 9, 2024

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 dollars in the hopes of seeing their candidates win the White House and hundreds of local races. So, what is all that money spent on? And what impact is it having on US politics? Katya Adler speaks to the BBC’s correspondent in Washington DC, Anthony Zurcher, and Matt Foster from American University, also in the capital. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Producers: Richard Moran and Alix Pickles. Sound Engineer: Hannah Montgomery. Assistant Editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas. Senior News Editor: Richard Fenton-Smith.

Sep 6, 2024

Israel has been rocked by huge protests after six hostages being held in Gaza were shot and killed last weekend. Fury at the Netanyahu government’s handling of negotiations with Hamas has prompted a wave of public indignation which has spilled into the streets. We examine whether or not the demonstrations and rising international pressure over the number of Palestinians being killed in Gaza, will force Benjamin Netanyahu’s government to change its position. On today's episode, host Katya Adler is joined by the BBC’s International Editor Jeremy Bowen, who has been reporting from the Middle East for decades. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Producers: Peter Goffin, Laurie Kalus and Tom Kavanagh. Sound Engineer: Jack Graysmark. Assistant Editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas. Senior News Editor: Richard Fenton-Smith.

Sep 5, 2024

BBC analysis has identified almost 200 settler outposts in the West Bank, which are illegal under both international and Israeli law. Experts say these outposts are able to seize large swathes of land more rapidly than settlements, and are increasingly linked to violence and harassment towards Palestinian communities. And the BBC World Service has seen documents showing that organisations with close ties to the Israeli government have provided money and land used to establish them. On today's episode, Sumi Somaskanda is joined by Matthew Cassel, who shot and directed the new film 'Settlements Above the Law' from BBC Eye Investigations. He talks about the Palestinians he met who have been forced from their homes, and the settlers they say are responsible. He also discusses calls for the international community to target powerful organisations inside Israel, as critics question the impact of sanctions against individual settlers. You can see the full investigation here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fxLDYkX7l9A The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Producers: Laurie Kalus and Tom Kavanagh. Sound Engineers: Hannah Montgomery, Mike Regaard, and Phil Bull. Assistant Editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas. Senior News Editor: Richard Fenton-Smith.

Sep 4, 2024

The Hungarian prime minister has become a hero to many US conservatives. So how has Mr Orban changed Hungary throughout his 14 years in power? And why is he such an appealing figure to right-wing politicians around the world? In this episode, Sumi Somaskanda speaks to the BBC’s Central Europe correspondent Nick Thorpe, who has been covering Mr Orban’s career since the 1980s. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Producers: Peter Goffin, Eleanor Sly and Alix Pickles. Studio Engineers: Mike Regaard and Jeremy Morgan. Assistant Editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas. Senior News Editor: Richard Fenton-Smith.

Sep 3, 2024

Nearly a decade ago, China promised to provide 10,000 remote villages in Africa with free digital TV access. It was a sign of warm relations between Bejing and the continent - as well as being another step in China’s plan to spread its influence across the globe. Caitriona Perry speaks with Shawn Yuan and Ankur Shah from the BBC's Global China unit about whether China really managed to expand its power in Africa by giving away free satellite TV. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Producers: Alice Aylett Roberts and Beth Timmins. Sound Engineers: Jeremy Morgan, Stephen Bailey and Hannah Montgomery. Assistant Editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas. Senior Editor: Richard Fenton-Smith.

Sep 2, 2024

Two Nasa astronauts are stuck in space after their Boeing Starliner spacecraft suffered technical problems. It’s the latest in a long line of crises facing the company, which is one of the largest and most important in the United States. So, is this one failure too far for Boeing? Sumi Somaskanda speaks to the BBC’s business correspondent Theo Leggett and climate and science reporter Georgina Rannard about the problems facing Boeing and if its Starliner space programme is in trouble. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Producers: Alice Aylett Roberts, Beth Timmins and Tom Kavanagh. Sound Engineers: Ben Andrews and Mike Regaard. Assistant Editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas. Senior Editor: Richard Fenton-Smith.

Aug 30, 2024

Telegram CEO, Pavel Durov, is under investigation over criminal activity on the messaging app. He spent four days in detention after being arrested when arriving in France and is now barred from leaving the country. Sumi Somaskanda speaks to the BBC's Cyber Correspondent, Joe Tidy about what Durov's arrest means for Telegram. And what it signals about future moderation on social media platforms... and the limits of free speech. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Producers: Richard Moran and Alix Pickles. Sound Engineer: Stephen Bailey. Assistant Editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas. Senior Editor: Richard Fenton-Smith.

Aug 29, 2024

Almost 2,000 Ukrainians have been convicted of collaborating with Moscow since Russia's invasion of their country in 2022. But, the UN and others say the legislation under which they were sentenced is being applied too broadly, and fails to show empathy towards those living under occupation. As Kyiv focusses on a new front in the ground war inside Russia, we hear from eastern Ukraine, where some feel they have been unfairly targeted by their government. The BBC's Ukraine correspondent, James Waterhouse, joins Caitríona Perry to recount the testimonies of those accused of collaboration, and discuss how the Kursk incursion could be impacting the ongoing defence effort inside Ukraine. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Producers: Laurie Kalus and Tom Kavanagh. Sound Engineers: Phil Bull and Mike Regaard. Assistant Editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas. Senior News Editor: Richard Fenton-Smith.

Aug 26, 2024

Israel and Hezbollah say they don't want war - but they are both ready for it. In the early hours of Sunday morning, they exchanged heavy fire across the border with Lebanon. It’s an escalation that had been brewing for weeks, and some feared it could spark a wider, all-out conflict in the region. So, have we managed to avoid that? Or does the threat of war still loom? Sumi Somaskanda speaks to our correspondent in Jerusalem, Jon Donnison about how the violence unfolded and where it might lead next. Our previous episode with all the background on Hezbollah: https://link.chtbl.com/-cXmyJAg The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Producers: Richard Moran, Alix Pickles and Tse Yin Lee. Sound Engineer: Mike Regaard. Assistant Editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas. Senior Editor: Richard Fenton-Smith.

Aug 26, 2024

How politics and culture wars are shaping education choices for some parents. Arizona is one of a growing number of American states offering taxpayer-funded vouchers to families who send their children to private schools or homeschool them. They say it gives parents more control over how – and what – their children learn. But what does this mean for the future of public education in the US? On this episode, Caitríona Perry speaks to BBC journalists Alex Last and Ellie House, who have made a documentary about school choice in Arizona. You can listen to it by searching "Assignment: Rejecting Public Education in Arizona" on The Documentary podcast from the BBC World Service. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Producer: Peter Goffin. Sound Engineers: Philip Bull and Ricardo McCarthy. Assistant Editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas. Senior Editor: Richard Fenton-Smith.

Aug 23, 2024

She vowed a 'new way forward' in what was billed as the biggest speech of her career. The atmosphere was electric when Kamala Harris took to the stage for the final night of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. But did she succeed in convincing those watching at home that she should be named the next President of the United States? On this episode, Caitríona Perry is in Chicago with Courtney Subramanian and Brandon Drenon from the BBC's digital team. They discuss the key moments from the Democratic National Convention and examine how Donald Trump and the Republicans are shifting their strategy to target Kamala Harris as the confirmed Democratic nominee. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Producers: Alice Aylett Roberts and Tom Kavanagh. Sound Engineer: Ben Andrews. Assistant Editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas. Senior Editor: Richard Fenton-Smith.

Aug 22, 2024

At the start of August, the world watched as 16 political prisoners were released by Russia in the biggest prisoner swap with the west since the Cold War. But what will life be like as opposition figures in exile? Sumi Somaskanda speaks to the BBC's Will Vernon who tells the stories of Russian dissidents who have faced intimidation and violence since leaving the country. They are also joined by our Eastern Europe correspondent Sarah Rainsford was expelled from Russia after decades of reporting. She is the author of "Goodbye to Russia" which details how Vladimir Putin’s time in power has reshaped the country. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Producers: Richard Moran and Alix Pickles. Sound Engineer: Mike Regaard and Jonny Baker. Assistant Editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas. Senior Editor: Richard Fenton-Smith.

Aug 21, 2024

After ruthlessly outmanoeuvring hundreds of rivals, Mohammed bin Salman has become the most powerful man in Saudi Arabia. The crown prince believes his sweeping vision for the country will bring in investment, top flight sport and visitors from around the world. His only demand in return... absolute loyalty. So, is MBS unstoppable? On this episode Caitríona Perry speaks to Jonathan Rugman, journalist and producer of a new documentary “The Kingdom: The World’s Most Powerful Prince”, which shines a fresh light on how he got to power and how far he’ll go to maintain it. They are also joined by the BBC World Service Arab Affairs Editor Sebastian Usher, who has spent time in Saudi Arabia for many years. Listeners in the UK can watch “The Kingdom: The World’s Most Powerful Prince” on iPlayer: https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/m001zprm/the-kingdom-the-worlds-most-powerful-prince The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Producer: Richard Moran. Sound Engineer: Mike Regaard and Jack Graysmark. Assistant Editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas. Senior Editor: Richard Fenton-Smith.

Aug 20, 2024

The US president vows to be "the best volunteer" for Kamala Harris's election campaign. Addressing the party's National Convention in Chicago, an emotional Joe Biden told Democratic supporters that they are in a battle for the "very soul of America." The four-day event will confirm Harris as the Democratic presidential candidate to take on Donald Trump. On this episode, Sumi Somaskanda is in Chicago with Courtney Subramanian and Bernd Debusmann from the BBC's digital team. They discuss what President Biden might do during his remaining time in the White House and the role he could play in the Harris-Walz campaign. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Producers: Peter Goffin and Richard Moran. Sound Engineer: Matt Dean. Assistant Editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas. Senior Editor: Richard Fenton-Smith.

Aug 19, 2024

It has been declared a global health emergency twice in two years. Mpox – formerly known as Monkeypox – is spreading rapidly across Africa and has also been detected outside the continent. And scientists are worried about the speed at which a new strain is being transmitted. On this episode, Lucy Hockings is joined by Dorcas Wangira our Africa Health correspondent and Dominic Hughes the BBC’s Global Health correspondent. They discuss what risk mpox poses to the wider global population and how worried we should be. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. This episode was made by Alice Aylett Roberts and Laurie Kalus. The technical producers were Jeremy Morgan and Phil Bull. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Richard Fenton-Smith.

Aug 16, 2024

Major tech titans like Elon Musk are openly backing Republicans for the first time. This week, Donald Trump’s chat with the owner of X solidified their friendship after years of animosity. And he’s not the only tech entrepreneur shifting his support to the Republicans. So, is Silicon Valley, the traditionally left-leaning hub of tech, really moving to the right? On this episode, Lucy Hockings speaks to digital reporter Mike Wendling and business reporter Natalie Sherman about how one of the wealthiest zip codes in California might impact the race for the White House. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. This episode was made by Richard Moran and Alix Pickles. The technical producer was Jeremy Morgan.The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Richard Fenton-Smith.

Aug 15, 2024

The world's largest live-streaming platform, Twitch, faces an uncertain future. Media reports suggest that parent company Amazon has become frustrated by its failure to make profit, and rumours are swirling of a third round of layoffs within a year. But does its loyal audience of 240 million active monthly users make it too big to fail? On this episode, Caitríona Perry is joined by BBC tech reporter Tom Gerken, and the BBC's former gaming correspondent Steffan Powell. They examine what makes Twitch unique, and discuss whether the platform is under threat from its rivals. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. This episode was made by Laurie Kalus and Tom Kavanagh. The technical producers were Ben Andrews and Jonny Baker. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Richard Fenton-Smith.

Aug 14, 2024

Could this offensive sway the dynamics of the war in Kyiv’s favour? Thousands of Russians have been evacuated from border regions as Ukrainian forces continue to gain ground. Meanwhile Vladimir Putin has called the offensive a “major provocation” and vowed to “kick the enemy out”. In this episode, Sumi Somaskanda is joined by Vitaly Shevchenko, Russia Editor for BBC Monitoring and co-host of Ukrainecast, and Francis Scarr, a Russia expert from BBC Monitoring. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Producers: Alice Aylett Roberts, Beth Timmins and Peter Goffin. Sound Engineers: Jonny Hall and Ben Andrews. Assistant Editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas. Senior Editor: Richard Fenton-Smith.

Aug 13, 2024

The Democratic convention in Chicago is fast approaching - the moment when Kamala Harris is due to be officially confirmed as the party’s nominee to replace President Biden. So we're asking how this dramatic change at the top of the ticket has impacted polling ahead of November’s election. What do the numbers tell us in the crucial swing states, and which issues will move the dial for the voters who could tip the balance in the race against Donald Trump? On this episode, Sumi Somaskanda is joined by Courtney Subramanian from the BBC’s digital team in Washington DC and Eli Yokley, US politics analyst at polling firm Morning Consult. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. This episode was made by Laurie Kalus and Tom Kavanagh. The technical producers were Jonny Hall and Gareth Jones. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Richard Fenton-Smith.

Aug 12, 2024

Indonesia is building a brand-new capital city - twice the size of New York – in the middle of a rainforest. The current capital city, Jakarta, suffers from pollution, congestion, flooding, is prone to earthquakes and is also one of the fastest sinking cities in the world. The new high-tech metropolis called Nusantara aims to be carbon-neutral and better protected from natural disasters. But the project is facing some major hurdles and has fallen well behind schedule. On this episode Caitríona Perry is joined by Astudestra Ajengrastri and Rebecca Henschke to find out if Nusantara can live up to its environmental promises and if Jakarta will still be saved from sinking beneath the ocean. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. This episode was made by Alice Aylett Roberts and Beth Timmins. The technical producer was Dafydd Evans. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Richard Fenton-Smith.

Aug 9, 2024

How a street dance from New York made it to the Games. Breaking is an art form, a cultural touchstone, and now an Olympic sport. So what does it take to be a champion? And can breakers use this moment in the spotlight to inspire the next generation of b-girls and b-boys? On this episode Azadeh Moshiri is joined by BBC Sport Correspondent Katie Gornall and Zack “Cracker Zacks” Slusser, the vice president of Breaking DanceSport for USA Dance. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Producers: Alix Pickles and Peter Goffin. Sound Engineers: Phil Bull and Jonny Baker. Assistant Editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas. Senior Editor: Richard Fenton-Smith.

Aug 8, 2024

Violent anti-immigration protests have been taking place in cities across the UK for more than a week, leading to hundreds of arrests. The unrest has been linked to the online spread of misinformation about the fatal stabbing of three young girls in the seaside town of Southport in late July. With more protests expected, police have insisted the situation is “manageable” and praised the thousands who have turned out in counter-demonstrations. But how did an isolated attack lead to riots throughout the country? On this episode Caitríona Perry is joined by the BBC’s investigations correspondent, Daniel De Simone, to explain what’s been happening both on the ground and online, and examine how far-right groups looked to capitalise on uncertainty following the tragic events in Southport. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. This episode was made by Alice Aylett Roberts, Laurie Kalus, Peter Goffin, and Beth Timmins. The technical producer was Phil Bull. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Richard Fenton-Smith.

Aug 7, 2024

How do the Democratic and Republican VP nominees compare and how they will impact the 2024 race. Kamala Harris has chosen the Minnesota governor, Tim Walz, to be her running mate in November's presidential election. Mr Walz is a former teacher and military veteran, who's expected to appeal to rural working-class voters. He's made an impact on social media in recent weeks by labelling former President Trump and his running mate, JD Vance, as "weird". The Trump campaign has dismissed Mr Walz as a dangerously liberal extremist. In this episode, Caitríona Perry speaks to our US Special correspondent Katty Kay and Jude Sheerin, who has led the BBC’s online coverage of the past four presidential elections. With both tickets now officially set for the Presidential election, you may want to listen back to our episode covering the moment when Trump announced JD Vance as his VP pick. You can listen to it here: https://links.bbcpodcasts.com/oFsJImFd The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. This episode was made by Richard Moran and Alix Pickles. The technical producer was Gareth Jones. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Richard Fenton-Smith.

Aug 6, 2024

Australia is a proud ‘migration nation’ with a third of its population born abroad. But many foreigners with disabilities or medical conditions are often denied a visa – and those already living in Australia face the threat of being made to leave. Campaigners are now pressuring ministers over policies that the UN has labelled as discriminatory. Lucy Hockings speaks with our Australia correspondent Katy Watson about the country's migration policies and how they have affected her own family. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Producer: Alice Aylett Roberts and Tom Kavanagh. Sound engineers: Ben Andrews, Jack Graysmark and Mike Regaard Assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas Senior news editor is Richard Fenton-Smith

Aug 5, 2024

The high stakes talks which freed some of Putin's harshest critics. The biggest prisoner exchange between Russia and the West since the Cold War era took place last week, with 24 people released in total, including former US Marine Paul Whelan, and journalist Evan Gershkovich. In this episode, Azadeh Moshiri speaks to the BBC's Eastern Europe correspondent Sarah Rainsford and our Security correspondent Gordon Corera. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. This episode was made by Richard Moran and Tse Yin Lee. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Richard Fenton-Smith.

Aug 2, 2024

Project 2025, described as a possible policy blueprint for a second Trump presidency, has become a lightning rod on the campaign trail. Donald Trump has been attempting to distance himself from it for weeks, stating that he had no involvement. Meanwhile, Democrats have recently intensified their criticism of the measures outlined in its pages. After the architect of Project 2025 - Paul Dans - stepped down earlier this week, Trump's campaign stated it would welcome the demise of the project. In this episode, Sumi Somaskanda speaks to the BBC's North America correspondent Anthony Zurcher and Bob Costa, Chief election & campaign correspondent for CBS News. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. This episode was made by Richard Moran, Eleanor Sly and Tse Yin Lee. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Richard Fenton-Smith.

Aug 1, 2024

Iran vows to avenge the killing of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh on its soil. A week of deadly air strikes – in the Israeli occupied Golan Heights, in Lebanon and Iran – have once again brought Israel to the cusp of a multi-front war. Sumi Somaskanda speaks to BBC International Editor Jeremy Bowen and BBC Middle East Correspondent Hugo Bachega about the threat of a wider conflict with Iran and its proxies Hamas and Hezbollah. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. TGS is part of the BBC News Podcasts family. The team that makes The Global Story also makes several other podcasts, such as Americast and Ukrainecast, which cover US news and the war in Ukraine. If you enjoy The Global Story, you may well like some of our other pods, too. To find them, simply search on your favourite podcast app. This episode was made by Peter Goffin and Alix Pickles. The technical producer was Dafydd Evans. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Richard Fenton-Smith.

Jul 31, 2024

What can we learn from the biggest IT outage in history? A glitch at the major cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike brought banks, hospitals, airports, and thousands of businesses to a standstill. It was a reminder that our digital world is reliant on a few big companies to keep it running. So how vulnerable are they to accidents or attacks that could shut down wide sections of society? Lucy Hockings speaks to the BBC's Cyber Correspondent Joe Tidy. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. TGS is part of the BBC News Podcasts family. The team that makes The Global Story also makes several other podcasts, such as Americast and Ukrainecast, which cover US news and the war in Ukraine. If you enjoy The Global Story, you may well like some of our other pods, too. To find them, simply search on your favourite podcast app. This episode was made by Peter Goffin and Alix Pickles. The technical producers were Jack Graysmark and Mike Regaard. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Richard Fenton-Smith.

Jul 30, 2024

Protests have erupted across Venezuela, with thousands taking to the streets over the outcome of the country's presidential election on Sunday. President Nicolás Maduro, who electoral authorities say won a third term, blamed the "extreme right" for stirring unrest as security forces clashed with those demonstrating. Meanwhile, the opposition are questioning the legitimacy of the official result, and say they have proof their candidate Edmundo González secured a clear victory. With a growing number of western leaders also showing scepticism, what next for the South American nation as it continues to navigate a severe economic crisis and crippling rates of emigration? On this episode, Sumi Somaskanda is joined by the BBC's regional correspondents Ione Wells and Will Grant to discuss the struggles millions of Venezuelans are facing, and examine the political context. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Producer: Laurie Kalus and Beth Timmins Sound engineer: Jack Graysmark and Mike Regaard Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas Editor: Richard Fenton-Smith

Jul 29, 2024

Just over a year ago, a devastating crash involving three trains killed nearly 300 people and injured more than 800 in India’s eastern Odisha state. It was one of the deadliest train crashes in history. But this isn’t the only crash to happen on Indian railways – one of the largest railway networks in the world. Lucy Hockings talks to Alessandra Bonomolo – the director of a new BBC documentary about last year’s collision called Why Trains Crash - and BBC India correspondent Soutik Biswas. They discuss why so many train crashes happen in India. Could the Odisha rail crash have been prevented - and are we doing enough around the world to make our railways safe? The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Producer: Alice Aylett Roberts and Tom Kavanagh Sound engineer: Gareth Jones and Ben Andrews Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas Editor: Richard Fenton-Smith

Jul 26, 2024

France is grappling with climate, security and political turmoil as the Games officially begin. So what’s the mood on the streets of Paris? Will this be the “greenest” Olympics and Paralympics ever, as organisers have promised? And could the Games offer a lifeline to President Emmanuel Macron after disappointing parliamentary elections? James Reynolds speaks to the BBC’s Paris Correspondent Andrew Harding. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. TGS is part of the BBC News Podcasts family. The team that makes The Global Story also makes several other podcasts, such as Americast and Ukrainecast, which cover US news and the war in Ukraine. If you enjoy The Global Story, you may well like some of our other pods, too. To find them, simply search on your favourite podcast app. This episode was made by Peter Goffin, Alix Pickles and Eleanor Sly. The technical producers were Jack Graysmark and Philip Bull. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Richard Fenton-Smith.

Jul 25, 2024

Divorce rates have been in decline across the West for decades. Experts put this down to a variety of factors, from fewer marriages to a widening dating pool, but cultural differences mean it is difficult to draw broad conclusions on the trends around splitting up. So how can we judge how attitudes to divorce have changed? On today's episode Lucy Hockings is joined by divorce mediator and former BBC presenter Joanna Gosling, as well as Marina Adshade, a professor at the University of British Columbia who focusses on the economics of sex and relationships. They interrogate some of the stats on divorce, and discuss how the process of dissolving marriage is portrayed in popular culture. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Producer: Alice Aylett Roberts, Laurie Kalus and Emilia Jansson Sound engineer: Hannah Montgomery and Phil Bull Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas Editor is Richard Fenton-Smith

Jul 24, 2024

Over 150 people have been killed in violent clashes across Bangladesh. The protests started with students demanding an end to the quota system that reserved a third of public sector jobs for the relatives of veterans from the country’s war for independence from Pakistan in 1971. But now the Supreme Court has ruled just 5% of the roles can be reserved. The protests represent the biggest challenge to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the world’s longest-serving female head of government. In this episode Caitríona Perry speaks to the BBC World Service South Asia Regional Editor Anbarasan Ethirajan, and Sabir Mustafa, who was the head of the BBC’s Bengali language service for 22 years and now works for VOA. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. This episode was made by Alice Aylett Roberts and Tom Kavanagh. The technical producers were Ben Andrews and Mike Regaard. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Richard Fenton-Smith.

Jul 23, 2024

A look at a much-debated slogan, and a journey through the land that it refers to; from the River Jordan to the Mediterranean sea. Since the start of the war between Israel and Hamas last year, the cry “From the River to the Sea” has been heard more and more as a pro-Palestinian slogan. But what river? What sea? And what exactly does the phrase mean? It is the subject of intense controversy. BBC Current Affairs journalist Tim Whewell joins our presenter Lucy Hockings to discuss his journey from the River Jordan to the Mediterranean Sea, across a tiny stretch of land - that is perhaps the most argued-over in the world. Tim has produced a two-part series about his journey for The Documentary podcast. You can listen to it by searching The Documentary wherever you get your BBC podcasts. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. This episode was made by Beth Timmins, Laurie Kalus and Peter Goffin. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Richard Fenton-Smith.

Jul 22, 2024

A growing number of senior Democrats are throwing their support behind Kamala Harris to become the party's presidential nominee, after Joe Biden dramatically quit the race. The US president withdrew from November's election on Sunday, having faced weeks of calls to step aside following a calamitous TV debate against Republican opponent Donald Trump. President Biden immediately endorsed his vice president as his favoured candidate, who says she intends to "earn and win" the nomination. In this episode, James Reynolds is joined by former BBC Washington correspondent Nick Bryant and special correspondent Jim Naughtie for their reaction. And the BBC's US special correspondent Katty Kay also drops in to give her assessment of how this impacts campaigning for both parties. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. This episode was made by Laurie Kalus, Richard Moran and Alice Aylett Roberts. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Richard Fenton-Smith.

Jul 19, 2024

Donald Trump has accepted his nomination at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, rounding off one of the most consequential weeks in modern US political history. Just days after facing down an attempt on his life, the former president delivered a characteristically meandering speech to a rapturous reception. Meanwhile, incumbent President Joe Biden is facing fresh calls from fellow Democrats to stand aside, with new reports suggesting he may be closer than ever before to doing so. Caitríona Perry is joined by BBC reporter Kayla Epstein, from inside the convention, to discuss how it has set the stage for rest of the campaign, and the additional pressure its success may have piled onto the Biden camp. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. This episode was made by Laurie Kalus and Tom Kavanagh. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Richard Fenton-Smith.

Jul 18, 2024

Asia’s richest man, Mukesh Ambani, celebrated his son’s marriage with a series of star-studded bashes. The guest-list included Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg and Kim Kardashian. Katy Perry, Rihanna and Justin Bieber gave private performances. Lucy Hockings speaks to BBC Business presenter Rahul Tandon and BBC India Business correspondent Nikhil Inamdar about the celebration of the century, and what this lavish party says about India’s ultra-rich. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. TGS is part of the BBC News Podcasts family. The team that makes The Global Story also makes several other podcasts, such as Americast and Ukrainecast, which cover US news and the war in Ukraine. If you enjoy The Global Story, you may well like some of our other pods, too. To find them, simply search on your favourite podcast app. This episode was made by Peter Goffin, Richard Moran and Eleanor Sly. The technical producers were Jack Graysmark and Hannah Montgomery. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Richard Fenton-Smith.

Jul 17, 2024

The authoritarian leader marks 30 years in power. Alexander Lukashenko has become a key ally for Vladimir Putin since the start of the war in Ukraine. He’s also spent the last three decades tightening his grip on Belarus, launching a brutal crackdown on his political opponents. How has this veteran of Soviet politics shaped Eastern Europe? Caitríona Perry speaks to BBC Russia Editor Steve Rosenberg and Belarusian journalist Gennadiy Kot from BBC Monitoring. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. TGS is part of the BBC News Podcasts family. The team that makes The Global Story also makes several other podcasts, such as Americast and Ukrainecast, which cover US news and the war in Ukraine. If you enjoy The Global Story, you may well like some of our other pods, too. To find them, simply search on your favourite podcast app. This episode was made by Peter Goffin and Alix Pickles. The technical producers were Hannah Montgomery, Jack Graysmark and Mike Regaard. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Richard Fenton-Smith.

Jul 16, 2024

We're at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee for a defining moment in the US presidential race after the assassination attempt against former President Donald Trump. Republican and Democratic leadership have called for unity, and a cooling of rhetoric. But is this consistent with the mood of the American public, in an election campaign which is so highly charged and so divisive? And we’ll find out all about Donald Trump’s new vice-presidential running mate JD Vance. Caitríona Perry speaks with North America correspondent Tom Bateman and US reporter Mike Wendling. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. TGS is part of the BBC News Podcasts family. The team that makes The Global Story also makes several other podcasts, such as Americast and Ukrainecast, which cover US news and the war in Ukraine. If you enjoy The Global Story, you may well like some of our other pods, too. To find them, simply search on your favourite podcast app. This episode was made by Laurie Kalus and Alice Aylett Roberts. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Richard Fenton-Smith.

Jul 15, 2024

Former Brazilian wellness influencer Kat Torres was an inspiration to women across the world. Her rise from poverty in the favelas to a European modelling career, gave her the credibility to amass more than a million Instagram followers who trusted her to fix their lives. Now, she’s been convicted on charges of modern slavery. The BBC has spoken to dozens of women who say they were exploited, in testimonies which reveal the dark details of a secretive sorority used to lure women into a life of forced labour and sexual exploitation. On this episode, Sumi Somaskanda is joined by two of the journalists behind the new BBC investigation, Hannah Price and João Fellet. And for the first time, we hear from the self-styled ‘guru’ herself from inside the walls of a Brazilian prison. Listeners in the UK can watch the full documentary from BBC Eye Investigations and BBC Brasil, ‘Like, Follow, Trafficked: Insta’s Fake Guru’ here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m0021dyj/eye-investigations-like-follow-trafficked-instas-fake-guru Those elsewhere in the world can access it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ozF3l2IxwKs The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. TGS is part of the BBC News Podcasts family. The team that makes The Global Story also makes several other podcasts, such as Americast and Ukrainecast, which cover US news and the war in Ukraine. If you enjoy The Global Story, you may well like some of our other pods, too. To find them, simply search on your favourite podcast app. This episode was made by Laurie Kalus and Beth Timmins. The technical producers were Mike Regaard and Jack Graysmark. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Richard Fenton-Smith.

Jul 12, 2024

Polling suggests that less than half of Americans hold favourable views of the highest court in the land. Its willingness to overturn laws on some of the most politically divisive issues - abortion, gun rights and presidential immunity - has drawn new attention to the institution...and the nine justices. Caitriona Perry speaks to Jan Crawford, the National Legal Correspondent for the BBC's partner in the US, CBS. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. TGS is part of the BBC News Podcasts family. The team that makes The Global Story also makes several other podcasts, such as Americast and Ukrainecast, which cover US news and the war in Ukraine. If you enjoy The Global Story, you may well like some of our other pods, too. To find them, simply search on your favourite podcast app. This episode was made by Richard Moran and Eleanor Sly. The technical producer was Hannah Montgomery. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

Jul 11, 2024

Critics of President-elect Masoud Pezeshkian say he is just a figurehead, and that control ultimately rests with Ayatollah Khamenei. Pezeshkian has vowed to heal the divisions caused by the Mahsa Amini protests and open up “constructive” talks with the West. But does he have the power and the will to do it?Sumi Somaskanda speaks to BBC Persian's senior reporter Parham Ghobadi, and women's affairs reporter Faranak Amidi. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. TGS is part of the BBC News Podcasts family. The team that makes The Global Story also makes several other podcasts, such as Americast and Ukrainecast, which cover US news and the war in Ukraine. If you enjoy The Global Story, you may well like some of our other pods, too. To find them, simply search on your favourite podcast app. This episode was made by Peter Goffin and Alix Pickles. The technical producer was Jack Graysmark. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

Jul 10, 2024

Questions surround President Joe Biden’s run for re-election this November. After an underwhelming performance in the first debate with Republican rival Donald Trump, calls for the incumbent to step aside and let somebody else stand as the Democratic candidate have grown louder within the party. With concerns over the president’s fitness for office hanging like a cloud, we look at whether or not the Democrats could nominate an alternative candidate without his agreement, and examine some of the contenders who could potentially enter the fray. Host Caitríona Perry speaks with the BBC's US Special correspondent Katty Kay and North America correspondent Anthony Zurcher about the president’s fight to stay on his party’s ticket. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. TGS is part of the BBC News Podcasts family. The team that makes The Global Story also makes several other podcasts, such as Americast and Ukrainecast, which cover US news and the war in Ukraine. If you enjoy The Global Story, you may well like some of our other pods, too. To find them, simply search on your favourite podcast app. This episode was made by Tom Kavanagh and Alice Aylett Roberts. The technical producers were Mike Regaard and Jack Graysmark. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

Jul 9, 2024

Many expected the far right to win France's snap election, but not only did they lose, they came in third. Instead, it was a left-wing coalition that won the most seats in the French Parliament. But, with no party securing an outright majority, the country’s political future is still uncertain. Host Caitríona Perry speaks with the BBC’s Europe digital editor Paul Kirby and Sophie Pedder Paris Bureau Chief for The Economist about where France goes next. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. TGS is part of the BBC News Podcasts family. The team that makes The Global Story also makes several other podcasts, such as Americast and Ukrainecast, which cover US news and the war in Ukraine. If you enjoy The Global Story, you may well like some of our other pods, too. To find them, simply search on your favourite podcast app. This episode was made by Alice Aylett Roberts and Tom Kavanagh. The technical producers were Jack Graysmark. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

Jul 8, 2024

Lab-grown meat is often touted as the solution to climate-friendly meat production. But in some parts of the world, governments are introducing laws to stop it from being produced. Why are some countries trying to ban it, before it’s even on the shelves? Host Lucy Hockings speaks with Graihagh Jackson host of The Climate Question programme on the BBC World Service and our Asia business reporter Nick Marsh about whether cultivated meat is a potential solution to the climate crisis or just a gimmick. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. TGS is part of the BBC News Podcasts family. The team that makes The Global Story also makes several other podcasts, such as Americast and Ukrainecast, which cover US news and the war in Ukraine. If you enjoy The Global Story, you may well like some of our other pods, too. To find them, simply search on your favourite podcast app. This episode was made by Alice Aylett Roberts and Beth Timmins. The technical producers were Ben Andrews and Hannah Montgomery. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

Jul 5, 2024

On Thursday, voters in the UK delivered a decisive political verdict. Keir Starmer became the new Prime Minister, as the Labour party won a landslide victory. The Conservatives, who have run Britain for 14 years, suffered the worst election defeat in their long history. So, who is Keir Starmer? And can his party deliver the change the people voted for? Lucy Hockings speaks to Rob Watson - the BBC World Service's UK Political Correspondent. He explains how the Labour majority will command a huge majority in the House of Commons, but not necessarily the same level of support among the public. TGS is part of the BBC News Podcasts family. The team that makes The Global Story also makes several other podcasts, such as Americast and Ukrainecast, which cover US news and the war in Ukraine. If you enjoy The Global Story, you may well like some of our other pods, too. To find them, simply search on your favourite podcast app. This episode was made by Richard Moran, Alix Pickles, Peter Goffin and Eleanor Sly. The technical producers were Ricardo McCarthy. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

Jul 5, 2024

It's a year since we flocked to cinemas to experience the Barbenheimer phenomena. But some industry insiders are worried that was an anomaly and disguised the trouble facing Hollywood. So, what can we look forward to from this summers blockbusters? Why aren't they living up to the hype of years gone by? And can the industry get back to the golden summers of Jaws, Top Gun and Jurassic Park? The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. TGS is part of the BBC News Podcasts family. The team that makes The Global Story also makes several other podcasts, such as Americast and Ukrainecast, which cover US news and the war in Ukraine. If you enjoy The Global Story, you may well like some of our other pods, too. To find them, simply search on your favourite podcast app. This episode was made by Richard Moran and Eleanor Sly. The technical producer was Gareth Jones and Michael Regaard. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

Jul 4, 2024

President William Ruto has cancelled new tax hikes after demonstrators stormed parliament. Young, middle-class Kenyans coordinated the protests on social media. BBC Senior Africa Correspondent Anne Soy tells Caitríona Perry this was unlike any protest movement Kenya has ever seen. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. TGS is part of the BBC News Podcasts family. The team that makes The Global Story also makes several other podcasts, such as Americast and Ukrainecast, which cover US news and the war in Ukraine. If you enjoy The Global Story, you may well like some of our other pods, too. To find them, simply search on your favourite podcast app. This episode was made by Tom Kavanagh and Tse Yin Lee. The technical producer was Gareth Jones and Jack Graysmark. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

Jul 3, 2024

The far right in France are hoping to enter government for the first time since World War Two. Marine Le Pen's National Rally party won the first round of this surprise election – which has thrust French society into its biggest political turmoil in decades. Now, politicians and parties opposed to a far-right government are working together – tactically withdrawing from races to block the National Rally’s path to victory. Caitríona Perry chats with the BBC's Paris correspondent Hugh Schofield about whether the opposition plans are likely to work or if there will be a radical new government in France. TGS is part of the BBC News Podcasts family. The team that makes The Global Story also makes several other podcasts, such as Americast and Ukrainecast, which cover US news and the war in Ukraine. If you enjoy The Global Story, you may well like some of our other pods, too. To find them, simply search on your favourite podcast app. This episode was made by Alice Aylett Roberts and Eleanor Sly. The technical producers were Jack Graysmark and Hannah Montgomery. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

Jul 2, 2024

2024 is expected to be a record-breaking year for tourism, with more travellers going on holiday than ever before. But hotspots like Venice, Hawaii and Bali are also struggling from overtourism. Rajan Datar, host of the BBC's Travel Show, has been meeting people who live in some of the world's tourism hotspots and tells Lucy Hockings about the impact huge numbers of visitors are having on communities and the environment. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We’re keen to hear from you, wherever you are in the world. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell The Global Story. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. #TheGlobalStory. The Global Story is part of the BBC News Podcasts family. The team that makes The Global Story also makes several other podcasts, such as Americast and Ukrainecast, which cover US news and the war in Ukraine. If you enjoy The Global Story, you may well like some of our other pods, too. To find them, simply search on your favourite podcast app. This episode was made by Alice Aylett Roberts, Richard Moran and Eleanor Sly. The technical producer was Johnny Hall. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

Jul 1, 2024

After a turbulent decade in British politics, this is the week that UK voters will head to the polls. The election could see the Conservative party ousted after nearly 15 years running the country. Could Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s gamble on a summer election bring about a generational political shift? Lucy Hockings speaks to the BBC World Service’s UK Political Correspondent Rob Watson about the campaign. And finds out why the BBC’s Disinformation Correspondent Marianna Spring has been tracking the election across 24 social media accounts. TGS is part of the BBC News Podcasts family. The team that makes The Global Story also makes several other podcasts, such as Americast and Ukrainecast, which cover US news and the war in Ukraine. If you enjoy The Global Story, you may well like some of our other pods, too. To find them, simply search on your favourite podcast app. This episode was made by Richard Moran and Eleanor Sly. The technical producer was Johnny Hall. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

Jun 30, 2024

The first US presidential debate is over, but questions about Joe Biden's age and his fitness to stand office just won't go away. The President's performance against Donald Trump was stumbling - sometimes even incoherent - which could spell disaster for the Democrats. But what do we really know about Joe Biden's brain - and also about the health of Republican candidate Donald Trump? This bonus episode of The Global Story was published in November 2023, but it's still relevant. It explores whether Biden really is too old to be President of the United States and the science and politics of the campaign for the White House. In the episode, introduced by Caitróna Perry, Katya Adler talks to our Medical Editor, Fergus Walsh, and our Special Correspondent in Washington, Katty Kay. TGS is part of the BBC News Podcasts family. The team that makes The Global Story also makes several other podcasts, such as Americast and Ukrainecast, which cover US news and the war in Ukraine. If you enjoy The Global Story, you may well like some of our other pods, too. To find them, simply search on your favourite podcast app. This extra episode of The Global Story was made by Neal Razzell, Alice Aylett Roberts and Emilia Jansson. The technical producers were Matt Dean, Tom Brignell and Mike Regaard. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

Jun 28, 2024

The candidates' age becomes an even greater focus after the first televised debate of the 2024 presidential election campaign. President Biden – sounding hoarse and at times muddling his words – gave a stumbling performance in a 90-minute showdown with Donald Trump. Meanwhile, Trump repeated falsehoods – from abortion to taxes and the deficit – and at first avoided answering if he would accept the 2024 election result. Caitríona Perry is at the CNN Presidential Debate venue in Atlanta with Courtney Subramanian, from the BBC Digital team. They speak to former BBC US correspondent and author Nick Bryant. TGS is part of the BBC News Podcasts family. The team that makes The Global Story also makes several other podcasts, such as Americast and Ukrainecast, which cover US news and the war in Ukraine. If you enjoy The Global Story, you may well like some of our other pods, too. To find them, simply search on your favourite podcast app. This episode was made by Peter Goffin and Alix Pickles. The technical producer was Ricardo McCarthy. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

Jun 27, 2024

Is she dead or alive? Ruja Ignatova launched a fake cryptocurrency that conned investors out of more than $4 billion. Then, with the police on her trail, she vanished. A years-long investigation has led BBC journalists down a rabbit hole of scams, spies and organised crime – including the new allegation that Ignatova may have been murdered by the suspected king of the Bulgarian underworld. But what is fact and what is rumour? Katya Adler is joined by Rob Byrne from the BBC podcast “The Missing Cryptoqueen”, and Storm Theunissen from BBC Eye Investigations, who directed the Panorama film “The Missing Cryptoqueen: Dead or Alive?” TGS is part of the BBC News Podcasts family. The team that makes The Global Story also makes several other podcasts, such as Americast and Ukrainecast, which cover US news and the war in Ukraine. If you enjoy The Global Story, you may well like some of our other pods, too. To find them, simply search on your favourite podcast app. This episode was made by Peter Goffin and Alix Pickles. The technical producer was Hannah Montgomery. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

Jun 26, 2024

A US court has finalised a plea agreement, which will see Julian Assange become a free man. The divisive WikiLeaks founder had been facing eighteen separate counts relating to national security, but instead admitted to a single espionage charge in exchange for time served. After pleading guilty to the offence in the Northern Mariana Islands, a US Pacific territory, the United States' longstanding extradition request was nullified, and Mr Assange is now returning to his native Australia. Caitríona Perry caught up with the BBC’s North America correspondent Nomia Iqbal, and former legal correspondent Joshua Rozenberg for their reaction to the deal. They consider how the legal saga has impacted Julian Assange’s image, and what it could mean for the future of free speech. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. TGS is part of the BBC News Podcasts family. The team that makes The Global Story also makes several other podcasts, such as Americast and Ukrainecast, which cover US news and the war in Ukraine. If you enjoy The Global Story, you may well like some of our other pods, too. To find them, simply search on your favourite podcast app. This episode was made by Laurie Kalus and Beth Timmins. The technical producer was Rohan Madison. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

Jun 25, 2024

Can Saudi Arabia balance tradition with safety as the climate crisis deepens? Nearly 2 million people braved temperatures exceeding 50C to visit the holiest city in Islam this month. At least 1,300 of them died. So what went wrong? And what does the future hold for Hajj, as attendance numbers, and temperatures, continue to soar? Caitríona Perry speaks to BBC Religion Editor Aleem Maqbool and our Egypt correspondent Sally Nabil. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. TGS is part of the BBC News Podcasts family. The team that makes The Global Story also makes several other podcasts, such as Americast and Ukrainecast, which cover US news and the war in Ukraine. If you enjoy The Global Story, you may well like some of our other pods, too. To find them, simply search on your favourite podcast app. This episode was made by Tom Kavanagh and Peter Goffin. The technical producers were Hannah Montgomery and Julian Farmer. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

Jun 24, 2024

Tesla’s shareholders want to give him $56 billion. Now, it's up to a judge if he gets it. The sum is astounding: more than the 2023 federal budget of Nigeria or Pakistan; more than twice Israel’s annual military budget; more than the individual GDPs of 100 countries. We look at Elon’s record at Tesla and examine why some investors say he needs the money to stay engaged. Sumi Somaskanda talks to BBC Business reporter Natalie Sherman and Tim Higgins, author of “Power Play: Tesla, Elon Musk, and the Bet of the Century.” The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. TGS is part of the BBC News Podcasts family. The team that makes The Global Story also makes several other podcasts, such as Americast and Ukrainecast, which cover US news and the war in Ukraine. If you enjoy The Global Story, you may well like some of our other pods, too. To find them, simply search on your favourite podcast app. This episode was made by Laurie Kalus and Neal Razzell. The technical producer was Antonio Fernandes. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

Jun 21, 2024

Sextortion is the fastest-growing scam affecting teenagers globally and has been linked to more than 27 suicides in the US alone. Many of the scammers appear to be from Nigeria - where authorities are under pressure to do more. It’s feared that sextortion is under-reported due to its sensitive nature. But US crime figures show cases more than doubled last year, rising to 26,700. But what types of sextortion crimes are on the rise and what’s being done to stop them? In this episode, Katya Adler is joined by our Cyber correspondent, Joe Tidy and Alex Goldenberg, Director of Intelligence at the Network Contagion Research Institute at Rutgers University. WARNING: This episode deals with issues of suicide and depression. If you are experiencing distress, despair or suicidal thoughts, contact a local mental health care provider. If you live in the US or Canada, you can call or text 9-8-8 to be connected to a support line. You can learn about the resources available in the UK at www.bbc.co.uk/actionline Or you can access help anywhere in the world through Befrienders Worldwide at www.befrienders.org The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We’re keen to hear from you, wherever you are in the world. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell The Global Story. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. #TheGlobalStory. TGS is part of the BBC News Podcasts family. The team that makes The Global Story also makes several other podcasts, such as Americast and Ukrainecast, which cover US news and the war in Ukraine. If you enjoy The Global Story, then we think that you will enjoy some of our other podcasts too. To find them, simply search on your favourite podcast app. This episode was made by Beth Timmins and Laurie Kalus. The technical producer was Hannah Montgomery. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

Jun 20, 2024

Many Ukrainians are going into hiding to avoid mobilisation squads sending them to the front line. But as war with Russia continues, Kyiv is struggling to recruit enough men to defend their country. Conscription has become a divisive issue, and with the age of draft eligibility recently decreasing to 25, it is a topic which some believe could threaten national unity. On this episode, Katya Adler speaks to BBC correspondent Jean Mackenzie, and BBC Monitoring’s Russia Editor Vitaliy Shevchenko. They examine some of the fears around enlisting, as well as the resentment of others who have served, and explain how conscription is changing the fabric of Ukrainian society. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories, and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com. You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. TGS is part of the BBC News Podcasts family. The team that makes The Global Story also makes several other podcasts, such as Americast and Ukrainecast, which cover US news and the war in Ukraine. If you enjoy The Global Story, then we think that you will enjoy some of our other podcasts too. To find them, simply search on your favourite podcast app. This episode was made by Laurie Kalus and Eleanor Sly. The technical producers were Hannah Montgomery and Mike Regaard. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas, and the senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

Jun 19, 2024

As reactors and waste grow, Finland’s fix is a lone example. Sixty nuclear power plants are under construction worldwide, and a further 110 are planned. Yet no one really knows what to do with the lethal waste. It’s been piling up for decades. Now, in a giant network of tunnels 450m underground, the Finns say they have the world’s first permanent solution. Lucy Hockings talks to the BBC’s Adrienne Murray, who has toured the tunnels, and Graihagh Jackson, from The Climate Question podcast. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories, and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com. You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. TGS is part of the BBC News Podcasts family. The team that makes The Global Story also makes several other podcasts, such as Americast and Ukrainecast, which cover US news and the war in Ukraine. If you enjoy The Global Story, then we think that you will enjoy some of our other podcasts too. To find them, simply search on your favourite podcast app. This episode was presented by Lucy Hockings. It was made by Pete Ross and Neal Razzell. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas, and the senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

Jun 18, 2024

The question of when, or whether, to allow young children to have their own smartphones is a dilemma for parents around the world. One town in Ireland decided to take action to make it easier for parents to say no. Greystones made global headlines when the headteachers from all of the town’s primary schools came together to invite parents to sign up to a voluntary code, pledging not to buy phones for children until they reached secondary school. Around a year after the ‘ban’ of sorts came into effect, the BBC’s Beth McLeod travelled to the town in County Wicklow to investigate the impact. Through conversations with teachers, parents, children and Ireland’s health minister, she tells us about the origins of a policy designed to minimise exposure to potentially harmful online content, and hears how some people want the big tech companies headquartered in nearby Dublin to do more to prevent young people from accessing damaging material on their platforms. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We’re keen to hear from you, wherever you are in the world. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell The Global Story. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. #TheGlobalStory. TGS is part of the BBC News Podcasts family. The team that makes The Global Story also makes several other podcasts, such as Americast and Ukrainecast, which cover US news and the war in Ukraine. If you enjoy The Global Story, then we think that you will enjoy some of our other podcasts too. To find them, simply search on your favourite podcast app. This episode was made by Tom Kavanagh and Alice Aylett Roberts. The technical producers were Hannah Montgomery and Mike Regaard. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

Jun 17, 2024

The war in Ukraine has shifted the balance of power between Moscow, Pyongyang, and Beijing. As the geopolitical landscape evolves, new alliances and meetings come into focus. After Vladimir Putin's visit to China in May, there are now reports of an imminent meeting between the Russian President and Kim Jong Un. The North Korean leader has recently hailed his country's ties with Russia, saying the two nations are "invincible comrades-in-arms." Katya speaks to the host of the BBC’s Lazarus Heist podcast, Jean Lee, and the Financial Times’ Seoul bureau chief, Christian Davies. They discuss what North Korea's end game is and how worried the rest of the world should be. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We’re keen to hear from you, wherever you are in the world. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell The Global Story. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. #TheGlobalStory. TGS is part of the BBC News Podcasts family. The team that makes The Global Story also makes several other podcasts, such as Americast and Ukrainecast, which cover US news and the war in Ukraine. If you enjoy The Global Story, then we think that you will enjoy some of our other podcasts too. To find them, simply search on your favourite podcast app. This episode was made by Richard Moran and Rachel Hagan. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

Jun 14, 2024

Millions of women around the world will start the menopause this year, but research shows that many are unprepared for it. For a long time, the menopause has been a taboo subject, a fact which both of our guests are seeking to change. Kirsty Wark is perhaps best known for presenting the BBC’s Newsnight programme, but she also hosted the groundbreaking documentary ‘The Menopause and Me’ in 2017. Professor Joyce Harper of the Institute for Women's Health at University College London is an expert on the menopause, and author of the book ‘Your Fertile Years’. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We’re keen to hear from you, wherever you are in the world. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell The Global Story. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. #TheGlobalStory. TGS is part of the BBC News Podcasts family. The team that makes The Global Story also makes several other podcasts, such as Americast and Ukrainecast, which cover US news and the war in Ukraine. If you enjoy The Global Story, then we think that you will enjoy some of our other podcasts too. To find them, simply search on your favourite podcast app. This episode was made by Alice Aylett Roberts, Tom Kavanagh and Rachel Hagan. The technical producer was Hannah Montgomery. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

Jun 13, 2024

Ever since Israel launched its Gaza offensive in October, it has also been exchanging fire over its northern border with the Shia militia group Hezbollah in southern Lebanon. The Iran-backed Hezbollah are ideologically aligned with Hamas, and say they won’t back down until Israel agrees to a ceasefire in Gaza. Now, some in the region are concerned increasing tensions could lead to a full-blown ground war. On Wednesday, Hezbollah confirmed an Israeli airstrike had killed one of its senior field commanders, before responding with its own barrage of rockets. In Israel domestic pressure to act is increasing, and arguments for the IDF to engage Hezbollah further have been bolstered in recent weeks by bushfires in the north of the country sparked by rocket-fire. As rhetoric ramps up, Lucy Hockings is joined by BBC correspondents Lina Sinjab and Hugo Bachega to discuss whether Israel can really afford a new ground operation, and those calling for de-escalation. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We’re keen to hear from you, wherever you are in the world. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell The Global Story. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. #TheGlobalStory. TGS is part of the BBC News Podcasts family. The team that makes The Global Story also makes several other podcasts, such as Americast and Ukrainecast, which cover US news and the war in Ukraine. If you enjoy The Global Story, then we think that you will enjoy some of our other podcasts too. To find them, simply search on your favourite podcast app. This episode was made by Laurie Kalus and Rachel Hagan. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

Jun 12, 2024

President Biden's son, Hunter, has been found guilty of lying about his drug use when buying a gun in 2018. Hunter Biden now faces a possible prison term of up to 25 years, although a sentence of that length for a first-time offender is highly unlikely. The high-profile trial comes as his father runs for re-election. It is the first time a sitting president's child has been found guilty of a crime. But what does Hunter’s conviction mean for President Biden? In this episode, our host Caitríona Perry is joined by our North America correspondent, Nomia Iqbal and our US reporter who has been covering the trail in Delaware - Bernd Debusmann Jr. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We’re keen to hear from you, wherever you are in the world. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell The Global Story. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. #TheGlobalStory. TGS is part of the BBC News Podcasts family. The team that makes The Global Story also makes several other podcasts, such as Americast and Ukrainecast, which cover US news and the war in Ukraine. If you enjoy The Global Story, then we think that you will enjoy some of our other podcasts too. To find them, simply search on your favourite podcast app. This episode was made by Alice Aylett Roberts, Beth Timmins and Pete Ross. The technical producer was Ben Martin. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

Jun 11, 2024

In the past week, 180 million people voted in elections for the European Union parliament. While the centre-right remains the biggest grouping – and made gains – it was the seats picked up by hard-right parties that captured the headlines. In France, the far-right National Rally won an unprecedented share of the vote. And President Emmanuel Macron shocked Europe by calling a snap general election. For today's episode, Katya Adler is wearing her other hat, as the BBC's Europe Editor. As the story unfolds, she takes us from results night in Brussels to a train to Paris to cover the snap election. You can listen to our previous episode "Fascism in Italy: Has the country moved on from its past?” here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fascism-in-italy-has-the-country-moved-on-from-its-past/id1715473158?i=1000657436379 The Global Story delivers trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. TGS is part of the BBC News Podcasts family. The team that makes The Global Story also makes several other podcasts, such as Americast and Ukrainecast, which cover US news and the war in Ukraine. To find them, simply search on your favourite podcast app. This episode was made by Richard Moran and Eleanor Sly. The technical producer was Jonny Baker. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

Jun 10, 2024

Record rains in southern Brazil have displaced almost 600,000 people. Some will never get to go home. A vast area, including the wealthy city of Porto Alegre, remains saturated a month after devastating storms. President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has declared it a “climate catastrophe.” Officials triaging overlapping humanitarian and economic crises are writing off whole neighbourhoods – telling residents these places can never be made safe. Caitríona Perry speaks with BBC Brasil reporters Daniel Gallas and Leandro Prazeres, who have been finding out what this means for people in the flood zone, and asks if there are lessons for all of us in a warming world. The Global Story delivers trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. TGS is part of the BBC News Podcasts family. The team that makes The Global Story also makes several other podcasts, such as Americast and Ukrainecast, which cover US news and the war in Ukraine. If you enjoy The Global Story, then we think that you will enjoy some of our other podcasts too. To find them, simply search on your favourite podcast app. This episode was made by Neal Razzell and Eleanor Sly. The technical producers were Gareth Jones and Phil Bull. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

Jun 7, 2024

President Biden has announced executive action to reduce the number of people crossing unlawfully into the US. American voters often cite immigration as among the most important issues on their mind ahead of the election in November. Many have been waiting to see how the president will respond to rival Donald Trump's strong rhetoric on the issue. But can his plan win over undecided voters without alienating his core supporters? The BBC's Angelica Casas in San Antonio, Texas shares her reporting from the border. And Nomia Iqbal, our correspondent in Washington DC guides us through a political minefield for the Democrats. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We’re keen to hear from you, wherever you are in the world. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell The Global Story. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. #TheGlobalStory. The Global Story is part of the BBC News Podcasts family. The team that makes The Global Story also makes several other podcasts, such as Americast and Ukrainecast, which cover US news and the war in Ukraine. If you enjoy The Global Story, then we think that you will enjoy some of our other podcasts too. To find them, simply search on your favourite podcast app. This episode was made by Richard Moran and Eleanor Sly. The technical producer was Gareth Jones. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

Jun 6, 2024

The results of the Indian general election were met with surprise the world over. Despite doing enough to secure an historic third term, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will now rely on coalition partners in order to govern, after his BJP party failed to retain an outright majority. So what went wrong in a campaign widely expected to be a coronation, and why did analysts fail to predict a resurgence among opposition parties? Caitríona Perry is joined by our South Asia regional editor Anbarasan Ethirajan, and BBC presenter Devina Gupta to discuss how this result could alter India’s political landscape. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We’re keen to hear from you, wherever you are in the world. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell The Global Story. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. #TheGlobalStory. TGS is part of the BBC News Podcasts family. The team that makes The Global Story also makes several other podcasts, such as Americast and Ukrainecast, which cover US news and the war in Ukraine. If you enjoy The Global Story, then we think that you will enjoy some of our other podcasts too. To find them, simply search on your favourite podcast app. This episode was made by Laurie Kalus and Eleanor Sly. The technical producer was Gareth Jones. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

Jun 5, 2024

The Russian full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 changed the lives of students, shop keepers and nurses who unexpectedly found themselves fighting for their country. It has also transformed childhood, with many young people seeing fathers, brothers and sisters head to the front line. A generation already disrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic, are now facing up to displacement, violence and bleak years ahead. The BBC's eastern Europe correspondent, Sarah Rainsford, travelled to Ukraine to hear the stories of Angelina, Daniel and Lera. She tells us how the conflict has impacted their lives and how they adapting to overcome this new set of challenges. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We’re keen to hear from you, wherever you are in the world. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell The Global Story. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. #TheGlobalStory. The Global Story is part of the BBC News Podcasts family. The team that makes The Global Story also makes several other podcasts, such as Americast and Ukrainecast, which cover US news and the war in Ukraine. If you enjoy The Global Story, then we think that you will enjoy some of our other podcasts too. To find them, simply search on your favourite podcast app. This episode was made by Richard Moran, Rachel Hagan and Eleanor Sly. The technical producer was Gareth Jones. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

Jun 4, 2024

Measles is one of the most contagious diseases known to humanity – and one of the most preventable. But the number of cases around the world nearly doubled last year, and the US, UK and others have seen measles outbreaks in 2024. Katya Adler asks BBC health reporter and doctor Smitha Mundasad about the dangers of measles, why vaccination rates have fallen, and what these outbreaks say about our vulnerability to other illnesses. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We’re keen to hear from you, wherever you are in the world. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell The Global Story. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. #TheGlobalStory. The Global Story is part of the BBC News Podcasts family. The team that makes The Global Story also makes several other podcasts, such as Americast and Ukrainecast, which cover US news and the war in Ukraine. If you enjoy The Global Story, then we think that you will enjoy some of our other podcasts too. To find them, simply search on your favourite podcast app. This episode was made by Alice Aylett Roberts and Peter Goffin. The technical producer was Hannah Montgomery. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

Jun 3, 2024

Nearly 80 years after the death of Benito Mussolini, you can still find some Italians who openly proclaim their loyalty to the dictator and give the fascist salute at rallies. That behaviour would be punished with jail time in Germany. But in Italy it’s mostly met with indifference. So why do Italians seem so casual about the country’s links to fascism, past and present? And what does it mean at a time when right-wing forces are on the rise across Europe? Katya Adler speaks to the BBC’s Rome correspondent Mark Lowen, who’s just made a documentary about neo-fascism, and the Italy correspondent for The Economist, John Hooper. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We’re keen to hear from you, wherever you are in the world. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell The Global Story. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. #TheGlobalStory. The Global Story is part of the BBC News Podcasts family. The team that makes The Global Story also makes several other podcasts, such as Americast and Ukrainecast, which cover US news and the war in Ukraine. If you enjoy The Global Story, then we think that you will enjoy some of our other podcasts too. To find them, simply search on your favourite podcast app. This episode was made by Peter Goffin and Beth Timmins. The technical producer Mike Regaard and Philip Bull. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

Jun 1, 2024

Mexico is in the midst of its bloodiest ever election. The country will get its first female President but this vote has been overshadowed by the murder of dozens of local candidates. Drug cartels are expanding their power and ordinary Mexicans say they fear for their safety. Will a new leader make a real difference? Katya speaks with the BBC's Mexico correspondent Will Grant and Latin America and Caribbean Editor Vanessa Buschschlüter. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We’re keen to hear from you, wherever you are in the world. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell The Global Story. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. #TheGlobalStory. The Global Story is part of the BBC News Podcasts family. The team that makes The Global Story also makes several other podcasts, such as Americast and Ukrainecast, which cover US news and the war in Ukraine. If you enjoy The Global Story, then we think that you will enjoy some of our other podcasts too. To find them, simply search on your favourite podcast app. This episode was made by Alice Aylett Roberts, Richard Moran and Tom Kavanagh. The technical producers were Mike Regaard and Phil Bull. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

May 31, 2024

Donald Trump has been convicted on all 34 counts of falsifying business records in his historic criminal trial in New York. He called the verdict a “disgrace” and maintained his innocence - the sentencing happens on 11 July. This episode is a collaboration with our friends at Americast. Listen to more episodes of Americast wherever you get your podcasts. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We’re keen to hear from you, wherever you are in the world. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell The Global Story. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. #TheGlobalStory. The Global Story is part of the BBC News Podcasts family. The team that makes The Global Story also makes several other podcasts, such as Americast and Ukrainecast, which cover US news and the war in Ukraine. If you enjoy The Global Story, then we think that you will enjoy some of our other podcasts too. To find them, simply search on your favourite podcast app. This episode was made by Tim Walklate and Richard Moran with Catherine Fusillo and Claire Betzer. The technical producer was Dafydd Evans. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

May 30, 2024

Spain, Ireland and Norway have formally recognised a Palestinian state, as have about 140 other countries. But Israel’s most influential allies, including the US, have said they will not do so until there is a mutually agreed peace deal. Katya Adler asks the BBC’s Diplomatic Correspondent James Landale what this acknowledgment of statehood could mean for Palestinians, and what diplomatic tools governments are using to influence Israeli policy in Gaza. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We’re keen to hear from you, wherever you are in the world. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell The Global Story. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. #TheGlobalStory. The Global Story is part of the BBC News Podcasts family. The team that makes The Global Story also makes several other podcasts, such as Americast and Ukrainecast, which cover US news and the war in Ukraine. If you enjoy The Global Story, then we think that you will enjoy some of our other podcasts too. To find them, simply search on your favourite podcast app. This episode was made by Peter Goffin and Beth Timmins. The technical producer Mike Regaard. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

May 29, 2024

Will Kennedy draw votes from Biden or Trump? It is one of the key questions in US politics. For answers, our reporters Lucy Proctor and Mike Wendling went to several Robert F Kennedy Jr’s events to hear from his supporters directly. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email theglobalstory@bbc.com or message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. TGS is part of the BBC News Podcasts family. The team that makes The Global Story also makes several other podcasts, such as Americast and Ukrainecast, which cover US news and the war in Ukraine. If you enjoy The Global Story, then we think that you will enjoy some of our other podcasts too. To find them, simply search on your favourite podcast app. This episode was made by Neal Razzell and Rachel Hagan. The technical producer was Dafydd Evans. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

May 28, 2024

A BBC investigation has uncovered the use of child labour in the supply chains of some of the world’s most luxurious fragrances. The BBC’s evidence reveals that, during the 2023 jasmine picking season, children in Egypt - some as young as five years old - were working in dangerous conditions throughout the night, often earning as little as a dollar a day. All the luxury perfume brands claim to have zero tolerance on child labour. Katya speaks to Ahmed ElShamy and Natasha Cox, from the BBC Eye Investigations team. You can watch BBC Eye's Perfume's Dark Secret on the World Service Youtube page. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We’re keen to hear from you, wherever you are in the world. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell The Global Story. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. #TheGlobalStory. TGS is part of the BBC News Podcasts family. The team that makes The Global Story also makes several other podcasts, such as Americast and Ukrainecast, which cover US news and the war in Ukraine. If you enjoy The Global Story, then we think that you will enjoy some of our other podcasts too. To find them, simply search on your favourite podcast app. This episode was made by Alice Aylett-Roberts, Tom Kavanagh and Emilia Jansson. The technical producer was Phil Bull. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

May 27, 2024

Founded in 1753, the British Museum was designed to securely showcase some of the world’s most valuable objects, a guardianship role now enshrined in UK law. So, it was nothing short of a scandal when last year it emerged that up to 1500 of its artefacts had disappeared – some allegedly stolen by a museum insider. The BBC’s Culture Editor Katie Razzall has spoken to some of those studying what happened. She joins Katya to consider whether the iconic institution remains fit for purpose, and if it should have the right to keep a hold of many of its controversially acquired items in the first place. For more on this topic, you can search for Katie’s new nine-part series ‘Thief at the British Museum’ wherever you get your BBC podcasts. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We’re keen to hear from you, wherever you are in the world. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell The Global Story. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. #TheGlobalStory. TGS is part of the BBC News Podcasts family. The team that makes The Global Story also makes several other podcasts, such as Americast and Ukrainecast, which cover US news and the war in Ukraine. If you enjoy The Global Story, then we think that you will enjoy some of our other podcasts too. To find them, simply search on your favourite podcast app. This episode was made by Laurie Kalus. The technical producer was Dafydd Evans. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

May 24, 2024

It is 30 years since the end of apartheid in South Africa and Nelson Mandela was elected as the country's first black president. Since then, Mandela’s party - the African National Congress - has dominated politics, delivering every president. People are going to the polls again at the end of this month. Nomsa Maseko, the BBC's South Africa correspondent tells us what the elections might mean for the rainbow nation as voters weigh frustration and loyalty to Mandela's ANC party. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We’re keen to hear from you, wherever you are in the world. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell The Global Story. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. #TheGlobalStory. The Global Story is part of the BBC News Podcasts family. The team that makes The Global Story also makes several other podcasts, such as Americast and Ukrainecast, which cover US news and the war in Ukraine. If you enjoy The Global Story, then we think that you will enjoy some of our other podcasts too. To find them, simply search on your favourite podcast app. This episode was made by Richard Moran, Tom Kavanagh and Rachel Hagan. The technical producers was Gareth Jones. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

May 23, 2024

The war in Ukraine has turned from a relative stalemate to a major Russian offensive in the past few weeks. Several villages on Ukraine's north-eastern frontier near the city of Kharkiv have fallen under Moscow's control. Now overstretched Ukrainian troops are struggling to contain the most significant ground offensive since 2022. On this episode Katya Adler is joined by the BBC's Ukraine correspondent James Waterhouse and the host of Ukrainecast Vitaly Shevchenko to discuss whether Russia is starting to win the war with Ukraine. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We’re keen to hear from you, wherever you are in the world. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell The Global Story. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. #TheGlobalStory. The Global Story is part of the BBC News Podcasts family. The team that makes The Global Story also makes several other podcasts, such as Americast and Ukrainecast, which cover US news and the war in Ukraine. If you enjoy The Global Story, then we think that you will enjoy some of our other podcasts too. To find them, simply search on your favourite podcast app. This episode was made by Alice Aylett Roberts and Emilia Jansson. The technical producers were Ben Andrews and Dafydd Evans. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

May 22, 2024

India is in the middle of the biggest election the world has ever seen, and social media has become a vital political tool for candidates trying to reach around a billion voters across the country. Katya Adler is joined by Devina Gupta and Shruti Menon in the BBC’s Delhi bureau for a look inside the digital campaigns of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his main opponent, Rahul Gandhi. And they ask, how can Indian avoid the threat of online disinformation and deepfakes? The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We’re keen to hear from you, wherever you are in the world. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell The Global Story. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. #TheGlobalStory. The Global Story is part of the BBC News Podcasts family. The team that makes The Global Story also makes several other podcasts, such as Americast and Ukrainecast, which cover US news and the war in Ukraine. If you enjoy The Global Story, then we think that you will enjoy some of our other podcasts too. To find them, simply search on your favourite podcast app. This episode was made by Peter Goffin and Beth Timmins. The technical producers were Mike Regaard, Hannah Montgomery and Ricardo McCarthy. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

May 21, 2024

Iran is reeling after the death of President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash. The country is already trying to balance deepening conflicts in the Middle East and political pressure from its own. Could this be a moment for change in Tehran? Or will the regime only tighten its grip on power? Katya Adler speaks to the BBC’s Chief International Correspondent Lyse Doucet about Iran’s next move. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We’re keen to hear from you, wherever you are in the world. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell The Global Story. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. #TheGlobalStory. The Global Story is part of the BBC News Podcasts family. The team that makes The Global Story also makes several other podcasts, such as Americast and Ukrainecast, which cover US news and the war in Ukraine. If you enjoy The Global Story, then we think that you will enjoy some of our other podcasts too. To find them, simply search on your favourite podcast app. This episode was made by Peter Goffin and Beth Timmins. The technical producers were Ben Andrews and Philip Bull. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

May 20, 2024

For decades, China has been 'on the rise'. In that time, perceptions in the West have shifted from seeing the country as a manufacturing centre, to a potential partner to a possible threat. But how does China see the West? And if Beijing is hoping to bring a change in the global order, is it on a collision course with governments in the West? The BBC's security correspondent Gordon Corera has been taking a deep dive into this relationship for a new podcast series 'Shadow War: China and the West', which is available here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/m001z66c The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We’re keen to hear from you, wherever you are in the world. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell The Global Story. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. #TheGlobalStory. TGS is part of the BBC News Podcasts family. The team that makes The Global Story also makes several other podcasts, such as Americast and Ukrainecast, which cover US news and the war in Ukraine. If you enjoy The Global Story, then we think that you will enjoy some of our other podcasts too. To find them, simply search on your favourite podcast app. This episode was made by Alix Pickles and Richard Moran. The technical producers were Hannah Montgomery and Mike Regaard. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

May 17, 2024

Over recent months rappers Drake and Kendrick Lamar have been exchanging diss tracks in a bitter lyrical battle which has caught the attention of fans and media alike. Characterised by scathing personal attacks and incredibly serious allegations, their beef has divided the industry, with some members of hip-hop royalty suggesting they took things too far. Now the furious jibes have stopped, how will this chapter in music history be remembered? To discuss the fallout, Sumi Somaskanda is joined by BBC Radio 1 & Radio 1Xtra's Kenny Allstar, and Billboard's Carl Lamarre, who consider whether this will go down as the greatest rap feud of all time. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We’re keen to hear from you, wherever you are in the world. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell The Global Story. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. #TheGlobalStory. TGS is part of the BBC News Podcasts family. The team that makes The Global Story also makes several other podcasts, such as Americast and Ukrainecast, which cover US news and the war in Ukraine. If you enjoy The Global Story, then we think that you will enjoy some of our other podcasts too. To find them, simply search on your favourite podcast app. This episode was made by Laurie Kalus. The technical producers were Hannah Montgomery and Dafydd Evans. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Sam Bonham. (Photo: Musicians Drake (L) and Kendrick Lamar (R). Credit: Prince Williams, Joseph Okpako / Getty)

May 16, 2024

What Michael Cohen’s testimony means for the case and the US election. The former president’s lawyer once said he’d take a bullet for Donald Trump. Now, he’s trying to sink the knife as the prosecution’s key witness. Caitriona Perry in Washington talks to Madeline Halpert, who has been in court covering the trial from the start, and our North America Editor Sarah Smith. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com, or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. The Global Story is part of the BBC News Podcasts family. The team that makes The Global Story makes several other podcasts, including Americast and Ukrainecast. To find them, simply search on your favourite podcast app. This episode was made by Neal Razzell, Rachel Hagan and Emilia Jansson. The technical producer was Dafydd Evans. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

May 15, 2024

Neom, Saudi Arabia's ambitions city of the future, promises a car-free, carbon-free space open to all. At the heart of the plans are two skyscrapers as tall as the Empire State building, carved into the desert in a straight line for more than 100 miles. But can this dream ever become a reality? BBC Verify's Merlyn Thomas has been investigating allegations that Saudi security forces were permitted to use lethal force while clearing inhabitants from the vast building site. Our Middle East Business Correspondent, Sameer Hashmi, tells us that Saudi Arabia is banking on Neom to help future proof its economy, but that they might struggle to cover the rising costs of the project. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We’re keen to hear from you, wherever you are in the world. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell The Global Story. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. #TheGlobalStory. The Global Story is part of the BBC News Podcasts family. The team that makes The Global Story also makes several other podcasts, such as Americast and Ukrainecast, which cover US news and the war in Ukraine. If you enjoy The Global Story, then we think that you will enjoy some of our other podcasts too. To find them, simply search on your favourite podcast app. This episode was made by Richard Moran. The technical producers were Gareth Jones and Hannah Montgomery. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

May 14, 2024

For weeks, tens of thousands of Georgians have been protesting against a new law that they say threatens democracy and freedom of speech. It targets civil society organisations and independent media that receive foreign funding. But its opponents say it is an attempt by the Georgian government to mimic Russian policy. Katya Adler speaks to the BBC’s Nina Akhmeteli who is in Tbilisi and Politico’s reporter in the region Gabriel Gavin. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We’re keen to hear from you, wherever you are in the world. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell The Global Story. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. #TheGlobalStory. The Global Story is part of the BBC News Podcasts family. The team that makes The Global Story also makes several other podcasts, such as Americast and Ukrainecast, which cover US news and the war in Ukraine. If you enjoy The Global Story, then we think that you will enjoy some of our other podcasts too. To find them, simply search on your favourite podcast app. This episode was made by Alice Aylett Roberts, Peter Goffin and Emilia Jansson. The technical producers were Emma Crowe and Hannah Montgomery. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

May 13, 2024

Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says the rise in domestic violence and violence towards women has become a "national crisis". Katya Adler speaks with our Sydney correspondent Katy Watson and BBC journalist Tiffanie Turnbull about how Australia has responded to this growing violence and what can be done to stop it. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We’re keen to hear from you, wherever you are in the world. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell The Global Story. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. #TheGlobalStory. The Global Story is part of the BBC News Podcasts family. The team that makes The Global Story also makes several other podcasts, such as Americast and Ukrainecast, which cover US news and the war in Ukraine. If you enjoy The Global Story, then we think that you will enjoy some of our other podcasts too. To find them, simply search on your favourite podcast app. This episode was made by Alice Aylett Roberts. The technical producers were Emma Crowe and Hannah Montgomery. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

May 10, 2024

Ever since a French police operation in 2020 which compromised the highly encrypted telecommunications network, EncroChat, organised crime bosses across Europe have been looking over their shoulders. Law enforcement agencies were granted access to a treasure trove of evidence – hundreds of millions of messages – and it has led to arrests and convictions on an unprecedented scale. Now, the BBC has gained access to 10,000 messages which contributed to the downfall of one of the UK’s most feared families. On today’s episode, Katya speaks to investigative reporter Bronagh Munro, who reveals how this secretive organised crime group were stopped, as they sought revenge for a daring challenge to their authority. Listeners in the UK can watch the full BBC Panorama episode ‘The Crime Bosses who Terrorised a City’ here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m001ysrj/panorama-the-crime-bosses-who-terrorised-a-city Or for more on EncroChat, search for the six-part BBC series ‘Gangster Presents... Catching the Kingpins’ wherever you get your podcasts. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We’re keen to hear from you, wherever you are in the world. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell The Global Story. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. #TheGlobalStory. The Global Story is part of the BBC News Podcasts family. The team that makes The Global Story also makes several other podcasts, such as Americast and Ukrainecast, which cover US news and the war in Ukraine. If you enjoy The Global Story, then we think that you will enjoy some of our other podcasts too. To find them, simply search on your favourite podcast app. This episode was made by Laurie Kalus and Alix Pickles. The technical producers were Hannah Montgomery and Gareth Jones. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

May 9, 2024

The President downplays demos as summer nears. What's next for the US student movement? The noisy protests over the war in Gaza are at a crossroads: the academic year is winding down and students are graduating or heading home, just as the Israeli military has begun fighting Hamas in Rafah. Sumi Somaskanda talks to BBC’s North America Correspondent Nomia Iqbal and BBC US Correspondent Helena Humphrey about what they’ve seen on campuses across the US whether President Biden’s call for order jeopardises the youth vote. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. We are part of the BBC News Podcasts family. The team that makes The Global Story also makes several other podcasts, such as Americast and Ukrainecast, which cover US news and the war in Ukraine. If you enjoy The Global Story, then we think that you will enjoy some of our other podcasts too. To find them, simply search on your favourite podcast app. This episode was made by Neal Razzell and Rachel Hagan. The technical producer was Gareth Jones. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

May 8, 2024

It has been five years since Notre-Dame de Paris was devastated by fire. Now, thanks to a massive restoration effort, French President Emmanuel Macron says the cathedral will partially reopen in December. Katya Adler speaks to the BBC’s Paris correspondent Hugh Schofield and journalist Madeleine Schwartz of The Dial Magazine about the special place Notre-Dame holds in the hearts and minds of the French people, and why people from all over the globe pitched in to help save it. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We’re keen to hear from you, wherever you are in the world. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell The Global Story. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. #TheGlobalStory. The Global Story is part of the BBC News Podcasts family. The team that makes The Global Story also makes several other podcasts, such as Americast and Ukrainecast, which cover US news and the war in Ukraine. If you enjoy The Global Story, then we think that you will enjoy some of our other podcasts too. To find them, simply search on your favourite podcast app. This episode was made by Peter Goffin and Beth Timmins. The technical producer was Matt Hewitt. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

May 7, 2024

Argentina’s chainsaw-wielding President Javier Milei is implementing his radical economic agenda in a bid to stop spiralling inflation. But are Argentinians happy with how Mr Milei is reshaping their nation? Katya Adler speaks with the BBC's South America correspondent Ione Wells about her interview with the right-wing politician, his love for Margaret Thatcher and the Rolling Stones, and what it is like to interview world leaders. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We’re keen to hear from you, wherever you are in the world. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell The Global Story. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. #TheGlobalStory. The Global Story is part of the BBC News Podcasts family. The team that makes The Global Story also makes several other podcasts, such as Americast and Ukrainecast, which cover US news and the war in Ukraine. If you enjoy The Global Story, then we think that you will enjoy some of our other podcasts too. To find them, simply search on your favourite podcast app. This episode was made by Alice Aylett Roberts. The technical producers were Ricardo McCarthy and Mike Regaard. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

May 6, 2024

The 12 months that followed the Coronation of Charles III have been marked by illness and family troubles. How has the king navigated these challenges? What is the role of a monarch in the 21st Century? And what does the future hold for the British monarchy? Adam Fleming speaks to BBC royal correspondent Sarah Campbell and journalist and royal biographer Robert Hardman. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We’re keen to hear from you, wherever you are in the world. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell The Global Story. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. #TheGlobalStory. The Global Story is part of the BBC News Podcasts family. The team that makes The Global Story also makes several other podcasts, such as Americast and Ukrainecast, which cover US news and the war in Ukraine. If you enjoy The Global Story, then we think that you will enjoy some of our other podcasts too. To find them, simply search on your favourite podcast app. This episode was made by Peter Goffin. The technical producers were Hannah Montgomery and Ricardo McCarthy. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

May 3, 2024

As part of an investigation into the conduct of Israel's security forces in the West Bank, which has been under military occupation for more than half a century, the BBC has pieced together what happened on the day two boys were killed. With violence having surged in the enclave in the months since the Hamas led attack on Israel on 7 October, the BBC team also found evidence of civilians threatened with weapons and increasing tensions. On today’s episode, Katya is joined by director Josh Baker and reporter Isobel Yeung. They discuss what they saw and share the interviews they conducted on the ground while navigating gun battles, combat raids and secret meetings. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We’re keen to hear from you, wherever you are in the world. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell The Global Story. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. #TheGlobalStory. The Global Story is part of the BBC News Podcasts family. The team that makes The Global Story also makes several other podcasts, such as Americast and Ukrainecast, which cover US news and the war in Ukraine. If you enjoy The Global Story, then we think that you will enjoy some of our other podcasts too. To find them, simply search on your favourite podcast app. This episode was made by Richard Moran and Rachel Hagan. The technical producer was Matt Hewitt. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

May 2, 2024

When President Putin ordered Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Kyiv’s western allies assembled unprecedented sanctions packages to target the Kremlin’s access to international funds. That included freezing an estimated $300bn of central bank assets, the majority of which are held in Europe. As domestic enthusiasm for Ukrainian aid has dimmed in some western nations, the question about how to use these frozen funds has risen rapidly up the international agenda. On today’s episode, Katya is joined by Ben Chu, BBC Newsnight’s Economics Editor, and Tom Keatinge, from the Centre for Finance and Security at the RUSI think tank. They discuss whether new US legislation could pressure European leaders to make a decision on the fate of the frozen assets, and consider the risk of retaliation by Russia. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We’re keen to hear from you, wherever you are in the world. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell The Global Story. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. #TheGlobalStory. The Global Story is part of the BBC News Podcasts family. The team that makes The Global Story also makes several other podcasts, such as Americast and Ukrainecast, which cover US news and the war in Ukraine. If you enjoy The Global Story, then we think that you will enjoy some of our other podcasts too. To find them, simply search on your favourite podcast app. This episode was made by Laurie Kalus, Alix Pickles and Neal Razzell. The technical producers were Hannah Montgomery and Matt Hewitt. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

May 1, 2024

A record number of Americans are taking their own lives, and suicide is now the second-leading cause of death in the US for people under the age of 35. Why is this happening? How can you get help if you need it? And how is the US responding to what President Biden calls a ‘crisis’ in youth mental health? Mark Lowen speaks to BBC North America correspondent Will Vernon. He’s been to North Carolina State University, which has seen a string of student suicides over the past two years. They are joined by Jordan Burnham, a suicide survivor and youth mental health advocate in the US. WARNING: This episode deals with issues of suicide and depression. If you are experiencing distress, despair or suicidal thoughts, contact a local mental health care provider. If you live in the US or Canada, you can call or text 9-8-8 to be connected to a support line. You can learn about the resources available in the UK at bbc.co.uk/actionline. Or you can access help anywhere in the world through Befrienders Worldwide at www.befrienders.org The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We’re keen to hear from you, wherever you are in the world. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell The Global Story. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. #TheGlobalStory. The Global Story is part of the BBC News Podcasts family. The team that makes The Global Story also makes several other podcasts, such as Americast and Ukrainecast, which cover US news and the war in Ukraine. If you enjoy The Global Story, then we think that you will enjoy some of our other podcasts too. To find them, simply search on your favourite podcast app. This episode was made by Peter Goffin and Beth Timmins. The technical producers was Gareth Jones and Matt Hewitt. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

Apr 30, 2024

The war in Ukraine has increased tensions in Europe as governments across the continent look to secure a peaceful existence. Expanding military service, increasing defence spending and joining Nato are only a few options available. But the importance of self-defence becomes clearer each day as Donald Trump, who is famously not fond of Nato, may move back into The White House. So what are countries going to do? Katya Adler speaks to BBC Europe correspondent Nick Beake and BBC Russian Service journalist Oksana Antonenko, who is based in Latvia, about their experiences and stories from the Baltic countries and other nations bordering Russia. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We’re keen to hear from you, wherever you are in the world. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell The Global Story. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. #TheGlobalStory. The Global Story is part of the BBC News Podcasts family. The team that makes The Global Story also makes several other podcasts, such as Americast and Ukrainecast, which cover US news and the war in Ukraine. If you enjoy The Global Story, then we think that you will enjoy some of our other podcasts too. To find them, simply search on your favourite podcast app. This episode was made by Alice Aylett Roberts and Emilia Jansson. The technical producer was Philip Bull. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

Apr 29, 2024

The president has fired “a bazooka” of money into the economy. Will voters reward him? Joe Biden says the economy is doing great thanks to a series of policies he calls Bidenomics. The idea is to jump-start the US following the COVID collapse with massive investments in the industries of the future: EVs, microchips, solar power and so on. Almost six months out from the election, the IMF says the US is growing at twice the rate of other G7 countries. But how do American voters feel about the economy? Katya talks to the BBC’s Economics Editor, Faisal Islam, and our Chief Presenter in Washington, Caitriona Perry. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. The Global Story is part of the BBC News Podcasts family. The team that makes The Global Story also makes several other podcasts, such as Americast and Ukrainecast, which cover US news and the war in Ukraine. If you enjoy The Global Story, then we think that you will enjoy some of our other podcasts too. To find them, simply search on your favourite podcast app. This episode was made by Neal Razzell and Beth Timmins. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

Apr 26, 2024

This summer Paris will host the Olympic and Paralympic Games for the first time in a century. Excitement in the city is growing, but so is the list of problems facing organisers. Critics have warned that the river Seine is too polluted for the planned swimming competitions, and security concerns are at an all time high following threats from the Islamic State group (IS) to European sporting events. Katya Adler speaks to BBC sports editor Dan Roan and Paris correspondent Hugh Schofield about what Parisians think about the incoming spectacle, and whether it can truly leave a legacy on the city. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We’re keen to hear from you, wherever you are in the world. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell The Global Story. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. #TheGlobalStory. The Global Story is part of the BBC News Podcasts family. The team that makes The Global Story also makes several other podcasts, such as Americast and Ukrainecast, which cover US news and the war in Ukraine. If you enjoy The Global Story, then we think that you will enjoy some of our other podcasts too. To find them, simply search on your favourite podcast app. This episode was made by Alice Aylett Roberts, Emilia Jansson and Peter Goffin. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

Apr 25, 2024

Homelessness in the United States is at its highest level on record. It’s a topic which is presenting challenges for liberal and conservative politicians alike, and this week the nation’s Supreme Court convened to hear its most significant case on homelessness in decades. Why? It could allow cities across the country to effectively make being homeless illegal. On today’s episode, Adam Fleming speaks to the BBC’s Samantha Granville who is reporting from LA – where almost a third of the US homeless population resides. We hear how people sleeping on the streets there feel about facing criminal punishment, and consider the political significance of this case in a presidential year. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We’re keen to hear from you, wherever you are in the world. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell The Global Story. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. #TheGlobalStory. The Global Story is part of the BBC News Podcasts family. The team that makes The Global Story also makes several other podcasts, such as Americast and Ukrainecast, which cover US news and the war in Ukraine. If you enjoy The Global Story, then we think that you will enjoy some of our other podcasts too. To find them, simply search on your favourite podcast app. This episode was made by Laurie Kalus and Alix Pickles. The technical producers were Matt Hewitt and Mike Regaard. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

Apr 24, 2024

A decade ago, the world's eyes were focused nervously on West Africa when Ebola ravaged the region. It left 11,000 people dead in its wake. Now the epidemic is over, does the threat of its return loom and what lessons did the world learn? Arrival of vaccines are a game changer – but new strains can still pose a challenge. The BBC’s Africa Correspondent Anne Soy tells Mark Lowen what horrors she saw on the ground when the region was struck. And Naomi Grimley, from the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change and former Global Health Correspondent at the BBC, shares what the world learnt from the largest Ebola epidemic in history. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We’re keen to hear from you, wherever you are in the world. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell The Global Story. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. #TheGlobalStory. The Global Story is part of the BBC News Podcasts family. The team that makes The Global Story also makes several other podcasts, such as Americast and Ukrainecast, which cover US news and the war in Ukraine. If you enjoy The Global Story, then we think that you will enjoy some of our other podcasts too. To find them, simply search on your favourite podcast app. This episode was made by Richard Moran and Rachel Hagan. The technical producers were Frank McWeeny and Matt Hewitt. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Sam Bonham. Additional reporting by Caroline Loyer.

Apr 23, 2024

Ever since he rose to the top of the Catholic Church in 2013, Pope Francis has had a reputation in international media as a moderniser. His forthright defence of the environment, and unprecedented outreach to members of the LGBT community, are examples of progressive positions which have caused friction with more conservative members of the faith. But a recent document released by the Vatican, headlined by its staunch opposition to gender reassignment and surrogacy, is now challenging that liberal image. So how should we define the Pope’s ideology? On this episode, Mark Lowen is joined by the BBC’s Religion Editor Aleem Maqbool, and long-time Vatican reporter Delia Gallagher. They consider the conflicting expectations from liberal and conservative Catholics, and ask how Pope Francis might be planning for both his legacy and eventual successor. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We’re keen to hear from you, wherever you are in the world. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell The Global Story. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. #TheGlobalStory. The Global Story is part of the BBC News Podcasts family. The team that makes The Global Story also makes several other podcasts, such as Americast and Ukrainecast, which cover US news and the war in Ukraine. If you enjoy The Global Story, then we think that you will enjoy some of our other podcasts too. To find them, simply search on your favourite podcast app. This episode was made by Laurie Kalus and Alix Pickles. The technical producers were Mike Regaard and Frank McWeeny. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

Apr 22, 2024

After weeks of tit for tat strikes between Iran and Israel, the dust appears to be settling on a confrontation that the whole world has nervously observed. But both sides have crossed what was previously seen as a red line. The BBC’s Chief International Correspondent, Lyse Doucet, sits down with BBC Persian Journalist Parham Ghobadi to discuss whether the Middle East can breathe a sigh of relief. And the BBC’s Diplomatic Correspondent James Landale joins from Jerusalem to consider what might happen next. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We’re keen to hear from you, wherever you are in the world. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell The Global Story. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. #TheGlobalStory. The Global Story is part of the BBC News Podcasts family. The team that makes The Global Story also makes several other podcasts, such as Americast and Ukrainecast, which cover US news and the war in Ukraine. If you enjoy The Global Story, then we think that you will enjoy some of our other podcasts too. To find them, simply search on your favourite podcast app. This episode was made by Richard Moran and Rachel Hagan. The technical producer was Jonny Hall. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

Apr 19, 2024

Gaza is on the brink of famine. The UN says more than half the population – over a million people – could face catastrophic hunger. But the process of delivering aid is slow and dangerous. The BBC’s Diplomatic Correspondent James Landale tells Mark Lowen about taking part in an air drop of food and other supplies to Gazans. And the Palestinian journalist Ghada Ouda shares what it’s like to live on humanitarian aid in the city of Rafah. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We’re keen to hear from you, wherever you are in the world. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell The Global Story. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. #TheGlobalStory. The Global Story is part of the BBC News Podcasts family. The team that makes The Global Story also makes several other podcasts, such as Americast and Ukrainecast, which cover US news and the war in Ukraine. If you enjoy The Global Story, then we think that you will enjoy some of our other podcasts too. To find them, simply search on your favourite podcast app. This episode was made by Peter Goffin and Beth Timmins. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

Apr 18, 2024

The elderly Swiss women behind a landmark ruling. For nearly a decade, they argued that Switzerland’s weak climate policies violated their human rights. Their victory – the first of its kind in the European Court of Human Rights – sets a precedent 46 countries must now follow. Our climate reporter, Georgina Rannard, has been covering the case for years. She shares the women’s personal stories, while climate lawyer Sophie Marjanac explains what it could mean for those seeking climate justice everywhere. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email: theglobalstory@bbc.com or message/leave a voice note via WhatsApp: +44 330 123 9480. The Global Story is part of the BBC News Podcasts family. The team that makes The Global Story also makes several other podcasts, such as Americast and Ukrainecast, which cover US news and the war in Ukraine. If you enjoy The Global Story, then we think that you will enjoy some of our other podcasts too. Look for them on your favourite podcast app. This episode was made by Laurie Kalus, Alix Pickles and Neal Razzell. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The assistant editor was Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor was Sam Bonham.

Apr 17, 2024

Following the knife attack in a shopping mall in Sydney, speculations and false allegations were spread online at an alarming rate. It even led to an innocent man being labelled as the attacker. Mark Lowen speaks to the BBC’s Sydney correspondent Katy Watson on the shock and sorrow in the country. And BBC Disinformation & Social Media Correspondent Marianna Spring tells him about her experience confronting one of the people at the heart of the social media frenzy. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We’re keen to hear from you, wherever you are in the world. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell The Global Story. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. #TheGlobalStory The Global Story is part of the BBC News Podcasts family. The team that makes The Global Story also makes several other podcasts, such as Americast and Ukrainecast, which cover US news and the war in Ukraine. If you enjoy The Global Story, then we think that you will enjoy some of our other podcasts too. To find them, simply search on your favourite podcast app. This episode was made by Alice Aylett Roberts and Emilia Jansson. The technical producers were Mike Regaard and Dafydd Evans. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

Apr 16, 2024

India will host the world's biggest election this year when nearly one billion people will vote. Organisers have vowed to set up polling stations within 2km of every citizen, but India's vast size means this will be a challenge. The country's 15 million election officials must travel to coastal towns, mountain villages, remote islands and dense jungles to reach every voter. Katya speaks with BBC journalist and presenter Devina Gupta and India correspondent Soutik Biswas to break down the big numbers and discuss how it is possible to organise an election on this scale. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell The Global Story. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com. Or, message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. #TheGlobalStory. The Global Story is part of the BBC News Podcasts family. The team that makes The Global Story also makes several other podcasts, such as Americast and Ukrainecast, which cover US news and the war in Ukraine. If you enjoy The Global Story, then we think that you will enjoy some of our other podcasts too. To find them, simply search on your favourite podcast app. This episode was made by Alice Aylett Roberts and Devina Gupta. The technical producers were Hannah Montgomery and Mike Regaard. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

Apr 15, 2024

Israel says 99% of the missiles and drones fired by Iran on Saturday night were intercepted without hitting their targets. Iran said the assault was in response to a deadly attack on an Iranian diplomatic compound in Syria two weeks ago. Now all eyes are on how Israel will respond to Iran's unprecedented move. James Reynolds talks to the BBC’s Chief International Correspondent, Lyse Doucet, who says the attack marks “a whole new chapter” in the relations between Iran and Israel. James is also joined by the BBC’s security correspondent Gordon Corera, and Siavash Ardalan from BBC Persian, to discuss how the players at the centre of this confrontation might decide their next move. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We’re keen to hear from you, wherever you are in the world. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. The Global Story is part of the BBC News Podcasts family. The team that makes The Global Story also makes several other podcasts, such as Americast and Ukrainecast, which cover US news and the war in Ukraine. If you enjoy The Global Story, then we think that you will enjoy some of our other podcasts too. To find them, simply search on your favourite podcast app. This episode was made by Richard Moran. The technical producer was Annie Smith. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

Apr 12, 2024

This weekend marks a decade since 276 schoolgirls were abducted by Boko Haram militants in Chibok, northern Nigeria. The world united in rage, with millions sharing the #bringbackourgirls campaign. Despite that, ten years later, many of the girls still haven't returned home. And Nigeria is reckoning with another wave of mass kidnappings. Two BBC journalists - Yemisi Adegoke and Azeezat Olaoluwa - have recently visited Chibok, a town guarded on all sides by the military. They bring us the stories of the girls who escaped, the families still missing their daughters and the men repenting for their role in abduction. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell The Global Story. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com. Or, message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. #TheGlobalStory. The Global Story is part of the BBC News Podcasts family. The team that makes The Global Story also makes several other podcasts, such as Americast and Ukrainecast, which cover US news and the war in Ukraine. If you enjoy The Global Story, then we think that you will enjoy some of our other podcasts too. To find them, simply search on your favourite podcast app. This episode was made by Richard Moran and Rachel Hagan. The technical producer was Michael Regaard. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

Apr 11, 2024

There’s no playbook for when a ship the size of the Eiffel Tower knocks over a bridge spanning more than two kilometres. The BBC’s Bernd Debusmann Jr has been on the water with the divers picking through the wreckage of the Francis Scott Key Bridge. BBC News chief presenter Sumi Somaskanda has been talking to Maryland’s key political players. The two tell Adam Fleming about the jeopardy – for Baltimore and President Biden’s leadership. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We’re keen to hear from you, wherever you are in the world. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell The Global Story. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com. Or, message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. #TheGlobalStory. The Global Story is part of the BBC News Podcasts family. The team that makes The Global Story also makes several other podcasts, such as Americast and Ukrainecast, which cover US news and the war in Ukraine. If you enjoy The Global Story, then we think that you will enjoy some of our other podcasts too. To find them, simply search on your favourite podcast app. This episode was made by Neal Razzell and Rachel Hagan. The technical producer was Michael Regaard. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

Apr 10, 2024

The US government is suing some of the biggest tech companies on the planet – Amazon, Apple, Google and Meta – in antitrust cases. The face of Washington’s crackdown is Federal Trade Commission Chair Lina Khan, the youngest person ever to hold the post. So, who is the woman taking on Silicon Valley? And can she succeed? To answer these questions, host Adam Fleming speaks the BBC's North America business correspondent Michelle Fleury and former North America tech reporter James Clayton. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We’re keen to hear from you, wherever you are in the world. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell The Global Story. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. #TheGlobalStory. The Global Story is part of the BBC News Podcasts family. The team that makes The Global Story also makes several other podcasts, such as Americast and Ukrainecast, which cover US news and the war in Ukraine. If you enjoy The Global Story, then we think that you will enjoy some of our other podcasts too. To find them, simply search on your favourite podcast app. This episode was made by Peter Goffin, Alice Aylett Roberts and Beth Timmins. The technical producer was Matt Hewitt. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

Apr 9, 2024

It’s two years since occupying Russian troops departed the Ukrainian town of Bucha. The trail of death and destruction they left behind has been widely condemned, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky among those who have alleged Russia committed war crimes there. On today’s episode Katya speaks with BBC Eastern Europe Correspondent Sarah Rainsford, who recently returned to Bucha to hear from survivors. They’re also joined by the BBC’s International Editor Jeremy Bowen, who was among the first journalists to arrive on the scene in Bucha in 2022. They consider whether international law is sufficiently equipped to prosecute allegations of war crimes, and if tangible justice is possible. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We’re keen to hear from you, wherever you are in the world. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell The Global Story. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. #TheGlobalStory The Global Story is part of the BBC News Podcasts family. The team that makes The Global Story also makes several other podcasts, such as Americast and Ukrainecast, which cover US news and the war in Ukraine. If you enjoy The Global Story, then we think that you will enjoy some of our other podcasts too. To find them, simply search on your favourite podcast app. This episode was made by Peter Goffin, Laurie Kalus, Beth Timmins and Rachel Hagan. The technical producers were Hannah Montgomery and Mike Regaard. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

Apr 8, 2024

It's 30 years since the genocide in Rwanda took the lives of an estimated 800,000 people. The anniversary also marks three decades since Victoria Uwonkunda fled the country with her family. Now a BBC journalist, she has returned for the first time to confront those awful days and see how the country has worked toward forgiveness, reconciliation and brighter future. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We’re keen to hear from you, wherever you are in the world. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell The Global Story. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. #TheGlobalStory The Global Story is part of the BBC News Podcasts family. The team that makes The Global Story also makes several other podcasts, such as Americast and Ukrainecast, which cover US news and the war in Ukraine. If you enjoy The Global Story, then we think that you will enjoy some of our other podcasts too. To find them, simply search on your favourite podcast app. This episode was made by Richard Moran. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Jonathan Aspinwall.

Apr 5, 2024

Jo Floto – who’s covered conflict for more than two decades - takes us back to the first text he received from Gaza on Oct 7th. It simply said: “They’ve started a war.” In the six months since, he and his team have been working flat out in what he calls the toughest assignment of his life. He tells his old friend, Katya, where he thinks the war could go next. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com. Or, leave a voice note or message via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. The Global Story is part of the BBC News Podcasts family. We make several other podcasts, such as Americast and Ukrainecast, which cover US news and the war in Ukraine. If you enjoy The Global Story, we think that you will enjoy some of our other podcasts, too. Find them on your favourite podcast app. This episode was produced by Neal Razzell, Peter Goffin, Alix Pickles and Rachel Hagan. The technical producer was Phil Bull. The assistant editor was Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor was Jonathan Aspinwall.

Apr 4, 2024

For decades the Japanese entertainment industry ignored allegations that Johnny Kitagawa – a powerful music mogul who died in 2019 – had sexually abused young men and boys who he’d promised to turn into stars. Last year, the BBC aired a documentary by journalist Mobeen Azhar which shed new light on the accusations, and led to a reckoning across Japanese pop music. Azhar has been following up on the scandal and its aftermath in a new documentary. He joins Katya Adler and BBC presenter Mariko Oi, who grew up in Japan idolising J-pop stars. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com or leave a voice note or message via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. The Global Story is part of the BBC News Podcasts family. The team that makes The Global Story also makes several other podcasts, such as Americast and Ukrainecast, which cover US news and the war in Ukraine. If you enjoy The Global Story, then we think that you will enjoy some of our other podcasts too. To find them, simply search on your favourite podcast app. This episode was made by Alice Aylett Roberts, Peter Goffin and Beth Timmins. The technical producer was Michael Regaard. The assistant editor was Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor was Jonathan Aspinwall.

Apr 3, 2024

Mixed-sex raves are illegal in Iran. Partygoers risk fines, prison or lashes from the morality police. But that doesn’t stop invite-only, clandestine clubs from thriving. Now more and more Iranian female DJs are joining the illegal dance floors of Iran and some are even touring the world. The BBC’s Faranak Amidi tells Katya about a new generation of culture warriors. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com. Or, leave a voice note or message via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. The Global Story is part of the BBC News Podcasts family. The team that makes The Global Story also makes several other podcasts, such as Americast and Ukrainecast, which cover US news and the war in Ukraine. If you enjoy The Global Story, then we think that you will enjoy some of our other podcasts too. To find them, simply search on your favourite podcast app. This episode was produced by Laurie Kalus and Alix Pickles. The technical producer was Sam Dickinson. The assistant editor was Sergi Forcada Freixas and the editor was Jonathan Aspinwall.

Apr 2, 2024

China has the largest elderly population in the world. Pension and health care systems are struggling to cope at a time when women are having fewer babies. Can the country afford to grow old as its economy slows? Katya speaks with the BBC's China correspondent Laura Bicker about how Beijing plans to tackle this ticking demographic time bomb. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We’re keen to hear from you, wherever you are in the world. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell The Global Story. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. #TheGlobalStory The Global Story is part of the BBC News Podcasts family. The team that makes The Global Story also makes several other podcasts, such as Americast and Ukrainecast, which cover US news and the war in Ukraine. If you enjoy The Global Story, then we think that you will enjoy some of our other podcasts too. To find them, simply search on your favourite podcast app. This episode was made by Alice Aylett Roberts and Richard Moran. The technical producers were Mike Regaard and Matt Hewitt. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Jonathan Aspinwall.

Apr 1, 2024

Almost as soon as the company Open AI released ChatGPT4, people started to ask...will it take my job? On this episode, we’re concentrating on more hopeful questions. Aleks Krotoski is a social psychologist and presents the BBC Radio 4 series The Artificial Human and Daniel Susskind is an economist at the Institute for Ethics in AI at Oxford University. They help us think about was we might futureproof our careers in this new world and the opportunities AI might open up for us. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We’re keen to hear from you, wherever you are in the world. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell The Global Story. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. #TheGlobalStory The Global Story is part of the BBC News Podcasts family. The team that makes The Global Story also makes several other podcasts, such as Americast and Ukrainecast, which cover US news and the war in Ukraine. If you enjoy The Global Story, then we think that you will enjoy some of our other podcasts too. To find them, simply search on your favourite podcast app. This episode was made by Alix Pickles, Laurie Kalus and Beth Timmins. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Jonathan Aspinwall.

Mar 29, 2024

The Wall Street Journal reporter, who is the first US journalist charged with spying in Russia since the Cold War, has now been imprisoned for a year. His detention has been repeatedly extended and he is yet to face trial. His family, colleagues and the US government vehemently deny the accusations. We talk with two BBC journalists who know Evan - Will Vernon and James Beardsworth. We hear what he’s like as a friend and journalist, and what his detention means for reporting on Russia. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC experts around the world, with Katya Adler. We’re keen to hear from you, wherever you are in the world. #TheGlobalStory We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell The Global Story. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note on WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Today’s podcast was made by Bethan Ashmead Latham, Alice Aylett Roberts and Richard Moran. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Jonathan Aspinwall.

Mar 28, 2024

In a new BBC documentary, a single Ukrainian infantry company find themselves in a life or death battle to defend the eastern front against intense Russian attacks. Jamie Roberts tells us how he managed to get such rare access and what the fate of these men tells us about the reality of the frontlines in Ukraine. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We’re keen to hear from you, wherever you are in the world. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell The Global Story. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. #TheGlobalStory The Global Story is part of the BBC News Podcasts family. The team that makes The Global Story also makes several other podcasts, such as Americast and Ukrainecast, which cover US news and the war in Ukraine. If you enjoy The Global Story, then we think that you will enjoy some of our other podcasts too. To find them, simply search on your favourite podcast app. This episode was made by Neal Razzell, Peter Goffin, Laurie Kalus, and Rachel Hagan. The technical producer was Hannah Montgomery. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Jonathan Aspinwall.

Mar 27, 2024

Sam Bankman-Fried was the golden boy of cryptocurrency. He was dubbed the king and saviour of the industry. But this week he will be sentenced to possibly decades in prison for fraud and money laundering, and his firm, FTX, went bankrupt. Joe Tidy, the BBC's cyber correspondent tells us about SBF - the man he interviewed before his trial. And Erin Delmore, our North America business correspondent explains what his downfall means for the future of crypto. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We’re keen to hear from you, wherever you are in the world. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell The Global Story. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. #TheGlobalStory The Global Story is part of the BBC News Podcasts family. The team that makes The Global Story also makes several other podcasts, such as Americast and Ukrainecast, which cover US news and the war in Ukraine. If you enjoy The Global Story, then we think that you will enjoy some of our other podcasts too. To find them, simply search on your favourite podcast app. This episode was made by Peter Goffin, Neal Razzel, Beth Timmins and Alix Pickles. The technical producer was Matt Hewitt. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Jonathan Aspinwall.

Mar 26, 2024

When Guyana discovered huge offshore oil reserves in 2015, it transformed the prospects of a country which had a been an economic and political backwater. But, as one of the countries most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, will drilling for oil be a windfall or a curse in the long run? Stephen Sackur has just returned from Guyana for the BBC's HardTalk programme where he spoke to the people making the decisions about Guyana's future, and the people who will have to live with the consequences. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We’re keen to hear from you, wherever you are in the world. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell The Global Story. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. #TheGlobalStory The Global Story is part of the BBC News Podcasts family. The team that makes The Global Story also makes several other podcasts, such as Americast and Ukrainecast, which cover US news and the war in Ukraine. If you enjoy The Global Story, then we think that you will enjoy some of our other podcasts too. To find them, simply search on your favourite podcast app. This episode was made by Richard Moran. The technical producer was Matt Hewitt. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Jonathan Aspinwall.

Mar 25, 2024

On this episode, we’re covering two very different stories. After the Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the attack on a concert hall in Moscow, we’re revisiting a previous episode asking how much of a threat the group still pose. Mina al-Lami from BBC Monitoring tells us that the groups fortunes fell in 2023, with them claiming far fewer attacks. And Josh Baker from The Shamima Begum Story podcast joins us to explain why they still pose a credible threat. Previous episode: Islamic State group – spent force or present threat? https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p0h42vkq Also, as spring approaches in the United States, millions of young people are heading off on spring break. But some cities have had enough of student revellers unwinding and the chaos that can arrive with them. Terry Ward, a travel writer and BBC contributor tells us what it’s like to go on spring break. And Beatriz Diaz from BBC Mundo explains why Miami is discouraging spring breakers. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We’re keen to hear from you, wherever you are in the world. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell The Global Story. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. #TheGlobalStory The Global Story is part of the BBC News Podcasts family. The team that makes The Global Story also makes several other podcasts, such as Americast and Ukrainecast, which cover US news and the war in Ukraine. If you enjoy The Global Story, then we think that you will enjoy some of our other podcasts too. To find them, simply search on your favourite podcast app. This episode was made by Alice Aylett Roberts and Emilia Jansson. The technical producers were Mike Regaard and Hannah Montgomery. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Jonathan Aspinwall.

Mar 22, 2024

Politicians across Europe have long been grappling with the issue of irregular migration, and their attempts to stem the influx of people across the Mediterranean – often by force – have yielded mixed results. But an $8.1 billion agreement signed last week between the EU and Egypt has attracted attention as the most prominent example so far of an alternative approach - investing more heavily in Africa - to address the reasons people leave in the first place. The agreement has not come without scrutiny, with senior MEPs saying Europe is ‘bankrolling dictators’ in Egypt and Tunisia. On this episode Katya is joined by BBC population correspondent Stephanie Hegarty, and the Atlantic Council’s Alissa Pavia, to discuss the implications of outsourcing Europe’s migration policy. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We’re keen to hear from you, wherever you are in the world. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell The Global Story. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. #TheGlobalStory This episode was made by Laurie Kalus, Beth Timmins, and Alice Aylett Roberts. The technical producers were Mike Regaard and Hannah Montgomery. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Jonathan Aspinwall.

Mar 21, 2024

US intelligence says China may use Tik Tok to interfere in the presidential election. Now Washington is debating a bill that would force the app’s Chinese owners to sell up, even as politicians like Joe Biden use Tik Tok as a campaign tool. So, how might Beijing use social media to undermine American democracy? And would selling or even banning Tik Tok do anything to stop it? Lyse Doucet speaks to BBC North America correspondent John Sudworth and Wired senior political writer Makena Kelly. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We’re keen to hear from you, wherever you are in the world. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell The Global Story. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. #TheGlobalStory The Global Story is part of the BBC News Podcasts family. The team that makes The Global Story also makes several other podcasts, such as Americast and Ukrainecast, which cover US news and the war in Ukraine. If you enjoy The Global Story, then we think that you will enjoy some of our other podcasts too. To find them, simply search on your favourite podcast app. This episode was made by Peter Goffin, Beth Timmins and Emilia Jansson. The technical producers were Hannah Montgomery and Matt Hewitt. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Jonathan Aspinwall.

Mar 20, 2024

Since conflict broke out in April 2023, it has been almost impossible for international media to report from Sudan. In that time, stories of horrific violence and sexual violence have been told by hundreds of thousands of people who have fled the country. Feras Kilani, the BBC Arabic special correspondent, has just returned from Sudan, where he got a rare insight into life in the country. Mercy Juma, the BBC Africa correspondent also tells Lyse Doucet about the survivors of ethnic violence and sexual assault she met in Chad, the neighbouring country where hundreds of thousands have fled. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists around the world. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell The Global Story. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com. You can also message us or leave a voice note on WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. #TheGlobalStory This episode was made by Richard Moran, Bethan Ashmead-Latham and Alix Pickles. The technical producers were Matt Hewitt and Hannah Montgomery. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Jonathan Aspinwall.

Mar 19, 2024

The Princess of Wales is at the centre of a media storm. Statements from Kensington Palace and the release of an edited family photo have only spurred further rumour and speculation about her health and her absence from public life. In this episode we ask how the royal family’s publicity team handles major stories like this one, how the British monarchy is adapting to the 21st Century media landscape, and why people are so interested in the royals’ private lives. Our presenter Adam Fleming is joined by BBC Royal Correspondent Daniela Relph and Simon Lewis, the former communications secretary to Queen Elizabeth, now co-presenter of the BBC podcast “When It Hits the Fan”. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC experts around the world. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell The Global Story. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com. You can also message us or leave a voice note on WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. #TheGlobalStory This episode was made by Peter Goffin and Beth Timmins. The technical producers were Emma Crowe and Hannah Montgomery. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Jonathan Aspinwall.

Mar 18, 2024

The Demilitarised Zone - the strip of no-man’s land separating North and South Korea – is the unlikely home to a tiny community of South Koreans. But, 70 years since it was established as a symbol of peace following the Korean war, the village of Taesung is now seeing its population decline rapidly. Over the past year tensions have flared between the two countries in the peninsula, and in January North Korean leader Kim Jong Un officially abandoned the longstanding policy of reunification with the South. In this episode Adam Fleming speaks to the BBC’s Seoul correspondent Jean Mackenzie about the symbolic importance of Taesung, and asks what life is like there after she gained a rare level of access to the village. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We’re keen to hear from you, wherever you are in the world. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell The Global Story. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. #TheGlobalStory This episode was made by Laurie Kalus and Bethan Ashmead Latham. The technical producer was Hannah Montgomery. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Jonathan Aspinwall.

Mar 15, 2024

More than 100 million Russians are expected to vote for the next president over the coming days. Officially, there are four candidates on the ballot, but if you were watching Russian TV, you're likely only going to hear one name...Vladimir Putin. We're taking a moment to tune in to the election coverage inside Russia and ask what you might believe if you were following the election through a screen in Moscow, Omsk or Rostov-on-Don. Mark Lowen speaks to Francis Scarr who keeps a close eye on Russian media channels for BBC Monitoring, and Oleg Boldyrev, who is covering the election for the BBC from Riga, Latvia. The Global Story brings trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email theglobalstory@bbc.com, or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. This episode was made by Richard Moran, Laurie Kalus and Emilia Jansson. The technical producer was Matt Hewitt. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Jonathan Aspinwall.

Mar 14, 2024

The signs Xi Jinping’s woes are growing: a deputy diminished. Missing ministers. Stricter security laws. And we haven’t even mentioned the economy. Is President Biden right to suggest China is not rising, but in relative decline? Adam Fleming talks to Celia Hatton, the BBC’s Asia Pacific Editor, and Rana Mitter, host of several BBC documentaries about China and a professor of US-China relations at the Harvard Kennedy School. The Global Story brings trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email theglobalstory@bbc.com, or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. This episode was made by Neal Razzell and Beth Ashmead Latham. The technical producer was Hannah Montgomery. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Jonathan Aspinwall.

Mar 13, 2024

Powerful gangs are elbowing their way into the race for power after Haiti’s Prime Minister Ariel Henry was forced to resign. Hundreds of gun-wielding groups are terrorising the capital’s streets and have plunged the long-suffering nation into anarchy. Aid agencies warn of a looming famine and more than 15,000 Haitians have been left homeless by the attacks. Our Chief International Correspondent, Lyse Doucet speaks to the BBC's Vanessa Buschschlüter, and a journalist living in Haiti, Harold Isaac. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We’re keen to hear from you, wherever you are in the world. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell The Global Story. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. #TheGlobalStory This episode was made by Alice Aylett Roberts and Rachel Hagan. The technical producers were Philip Bull and Hannah Montgomery. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Jonathan Aspinwall.

Mar 12, 2024

The most famous waterway in the Americas is running dry. The water level in the Panama Canal is falling critically low, which means the number of ships that can pass through has been reduced. This is having a major impact on the international shipping industry with delays to deliveries and increased costs. James Reynolds speaks with the BBC's North America Business Correspondent Michelle Fleury who has been to Panama to find out more. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We’re keen to hear from you, wherever you are in the world. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell The Global Story. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. #TheGlobalStory This episode was made by Alice Aylett Roberts, Peter Goffin, Alix Pickles and Jay Gardner. The technical producers were Matt Hewitt and Mike Regaard. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Jonathan Aspinwall.

Mar 11, 2024

As war continues in Gaza, a cultural row is flaring on the other side of the world over Israel’s involvement in the 2024 edition of the Eurovision Song Contest. The country’s act was initially blocked from entering the world's largest music competition as its proposed lyrics were deemed too political, but they have since been cleared to compete. This has outraged many on social media, with some fans calling for other countries to boycott the event. Eurovision's organisers, the European Broadcasting Union, insist the contest is apolitical, but they have invited scrutiny in recent years particularly over the decision to ban Russia from competing due to its ongoing invasion of Ukraine. On this episode James Reynolds discusses the fallout with Eurovision reporter Daniel Rosney, and they consider whether it’s ever possible for Eurovision to stay out of politics. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We’re keen to hear from you, wherever you are in the world. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell The Global Story. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. #TheGlobalStory This episode was made by Laurie Kalus and Alix Pickles. The technical producers were Mike Regaard and Matt Hewitt. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Jonathan Aspinwall.

Mar 8, 2024

Hollywood’s big night is upon us, and the studios have spent millions of dollars to make sure their favourite contenders win. Are the Academy Awards really about honouring cinematic achievement? Or does it all come down to campaigns and connections? Presenter James Reynolds speaks to film journalist Tom Brook, who has covered every Oscars since 1982, and Leila Latif, a journalist who has worked on Oscar campaigns. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell The Global Story. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com or message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. #TheGlobalStory. This episode was made by Peter Goffin and Emilia Jansson. The technical producers were Matt Hewitt and Mike Regaard. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Jonathan Aspinwall.

Mar 7, 2024

How big money is chasing a tiny number of voters. It’s (almost) official: Joe Biden will face Donald Trump in November. Both men did well enough on Super Tuesday to look ahead to the general election. Now, it gets interesting. The campaigns need to find the few Americans still unsure who should be president and get in their heads. James Reynolds talks to the BBC’s Special US correspondent, Katty Kay, and Eli Yokley, from Morning Consult. More episodes to understand the US election: Meet Trump's new inner circle: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/meet-trumps-new-inner-circle/id1715473158?i=1000642760501 Joe Biden's ageing brain: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/joe-bidens-ageing-brain/id1715473158?i=1000636759143 We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell The Global Story. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com or message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. #TheGlobalStory This episode was made by Richard Moran and Neal Razzell. The technical producer was Matt Hewitt. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Jonathan Aspinwall.

Mar 6, 2024

The disappearance of flight MH370 is the greatest unsolved mystery in aviation. Ten years after the plane vanished from radar with 239 passengers and crew on board, only a few traces have been found. Could a new radio technology finally help locate the missing aircraft and give families the answers they desperately need? James Reynolds assesses the latest evidence about what happened to MH370 with the BBC's South East Asia correspondent Jonathan Head and Alessandra Bonomolo, director of a new documentary on the disappearance of MH370 – Why Planes Vanish: The Hunt for MH370. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We’re keen to hear from you, wherever you are in the world. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell The Global Story. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. #TheGlobalStory This episode was made by Alice Aylett Roberts and Bethan Ashmead Latham. The technical producers were Matt Hewitt and Hannah Montgomery. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Jonathan Aspinwall.

Mar 5, 2024

Young people around the world are having less sex than older generations. It had been assumed that coming of age in an era of dating apps would mean that Gen Z were more sexually active, but that is not the case. In this episode, Katya Adler speaks with Kaye Wellings, Professor of Sexual and Reproductive Health at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine and BBC journalist Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty about why Gen Z are being dubbed 'the sexless generation'. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We’re keen to hear from you, wherever you are in the world. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell The Global Story. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. #TheGlobalStory This episode was made by Alice Aylett Roberts and Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty. The technical producers were Rohan Madison and Hannah Montgomery. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Jonathan Aspinwall.

Mar 4, 2024

The rise of defending world, European and Premier League champions Manchester City has been as rapid as it has been controversial. From allegations of sportswashing against its Emirati ownership, to the no less than 115 charges it is facing for alleged violations of football’s financial rules, headlines about the club’s off-field conduct are eclipsed perhaps only by their sustained on-field dominance. On today’s episode, Katya is joined by football writers Simon Stone and Rory Smith to explain how City Football Group have supercharged their development by revolutionising a specific business model surrounding the acquisition of sister clubs across the world. They discuss whether this has set an irreversible trend of multi-club ownership, amidst fears that competition within the beautiful game could be under threat. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We’re keen to hear from you, wherever you are in the world. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell The Global Story. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. #TheGlobalStory This episode was made by Jay Gardner, Laurie Kalus and Emilia Jansson. The technical producers were Mike Regaard and Hannah Montgomery. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Jonathan Aspinwall.

Mar 1, 2024

His tricky campaign balancing act. A surprise court ruling in Alabama that found frozen embryos to be children has put reproductive rights back on the national agenda. Donald Trump has called himself “the most pro-life president” in US history, but some of his socially conservative supporters want him to go further and back a national ban. Mr Trump is not keen, but Democrats are delighted. They believe any talk of abortion could swing voters toward President Biden. Katya speaks to BBC Washington Correspondent Nomia Iqbal and Barbara Carvalho, director of polling at the Marist Poll, at Marist College, New York. The Global Story brings trusted insights from BBC experts around the world. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com or message us or leave a voice note on WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Today’s podcast was made by Peter Goffin and Bethan Ashmead. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Jonathan Aspinwall.

Feb 29, 2024

The United States has just returned to the Moon for the first time in 50 years. But they are not the only country in the world with their sights set on space exploration. Why are countries like India, China, Japan and Saudi Arabia trying to complete their own lunar landings? Katya Adler speaks with Dr Kevin Fong, presenter of the BBC podcast 13 Minutes to the Moon and Jonathan Amos the BBC’s science correspondent. The Global Story brings trusted insights from BBC experts around the world, with Katya Adler. We need you to help us understand and tell The Global Story. Email ideas and thoughts to theglobalstory@bbc.com. You can also message or leave a voice note on WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Today’s podcast was made by Alice Aylett Roberts and Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Jonathan Aspinwall.

Feb 28, 2024

The city the world is watching. Overflowing with hungry refugees and facing a lethal showdown between Hamas and Israeli forces, Rafah is at the heart of an urgent push for peace. Children are scavenging for food even as aid trucks line up over the border in Egypt and diplomats try to avert a further humanitarian catastrophe. President Biden is positive a deal can be reached. But Israel says its hostages must be home by Ramadan, or else. Katya speaks to the BBC’s Gaza correspondent, Rushdi Abualouf, and our special correspondent in Jerusalem, Fergal Keane. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC experts around the world. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com or message us or leave a voice note on WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Today’s podcast was made by Neal Razzell, Bethan Ashmead Latham and Laurie Kalus. The technical producer was Ricardo McCarthy. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Jonathan Aspinwall.

Feb 27, 2024

In countries across the world women are deciding to delay motherhood. Increased access to education, more career opportunities and less financial stability means that more and more women are having children later in life. But fewer babies now, could mean more economic pressures on the rest of us in the future. We explore this complex topic with the BBC's population correspondent Stephanie Hegarty and Joyce Harper, professor of reproductive science at University College London. The Global Story brings trusted insights from BBC experts around the world, with Katya Adler. We need you to help us understand and tell The Global Story. Email ideas and thoughts to theglobalstory@bbc.com. You can also message or leave a voice note on WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Today’s podcast was made by Alice Aylett Roberts, Beth Timmins and Miriam Quayyum. The technical producers were Mike Regaard and Hannah Montgomery. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Jonathan Aspinwall.

Feb 26, 2024

Sweden is struggling to contain the gang wars that are spilling out onto the streets. Innocent people are being caught in the crossfire while child soldiers carry out dangerous shoot-to-kill missions for leaders who live abroad. The Swedish government has even recruited the army to help stop the violence. But is it too late? We explain how the peaceful nation has turned into a European hotspot for shootings with the leading Swedish journalist in gang crimes, Diamant Salihu, and Matilda Welin from BBC Monitoring. Today’s episode of The Global Story was made by Emilia Jansson and Neal Razzell. The technical producers were Mike Regaard, Sam Dickinson and Jonny Baker. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Jonathan Aspinwall.

Feb 23, 2024

At least three million people died in the Bengal Famine of 1943 in British India. It was one of the largest losses of civilian life on the Allied side. But there is no memorial to them anywhere in the world. A new BBC documentary series, 'Three Million', examines the devastating impact of the Bengal famine during the Second World War. Katya speaks to presenter Kavita Puri about why so little attention has been paid to such a massive tragedy, and to the people who lived through it. The Global Story brings trusted insights from BBC experts around the world, with Katya Adler. We need you to help us understand and tell The Global Story. Email ideas and thoughts to theglobalstory@bbc.com. You can also message or leave a voice note on WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Today’s podcast was made by Peter Goffin, Beth Timmins and Alix Pickles. The technical producers were Hannah Montgomery and Sam Dickinson. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Jonathan Aspinwall.

Feb 22, 2024

A surgeon in a wheelchair, an indomitable grandmother, and a man taking care of eight cats in a bombed-out flat: just some of people the BBC’s Andrew Harding has met on repeat trips to Ukraine’s front lines. He and the BBC’s Olga Robinson, who has family in Russia and Ukraine, talk to Katya about the power of individual stories, two years since Russia’s full-scale invasion. The Global Story brings trusted insights from BBC experts around the world, with Katya Adler. We need you to help us understand and tell The Global Story. Email ideas and thoughts to theglobalstory@bbc.com. You can also message or leave a voice note on WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Today’s podcast was made by Neal Razzell and Bethan Ashmead Latham. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Jonathan Aspinwall.

Feb 21, 2024

When #MeToo surfaced in October 2017, it was viewed as a time of change for the US and Hollywood. But in France – another country with a rich cinematic heritage – there was major backlash to allegations made against its own stars. Now though, a new wave of controversy, headlined by prolific actor Gerard Depardieu, has reignited media debate. Katya is joined by journalists Catherine Guilyardi and Nina Kropotkine to consider whether the #MeToo movement is finally exploding in French cinema. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We’re keen to hear from you, wherever you are in the world. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell The Global Story. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. #TheGlobalStory This episode was made by Laurie Kalus and Emilia Jansson. The technical producers were Sam Dickinson and Graham White. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Jonathan Aspinwall.

Feb 20, 2024

Hurricanes are among the most dramatic examples of extreme weather. And with climate change making tropical cyclones ever more intense, some scientists are arguing that the way we categorise them doesn’t sufficiently describe how dangerous these storms can be. They say the solution is to add a brand new ‘category 6’ to the system known as the Saffir-Simpson scale. On this episode, Katya is joined by the BBC’s Graihagh Jackson, host of The Climate Question. They examine how hurricanes are classified, and ask if we need to find more efficient methods of saving lives. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We’re keen to hear from you, wherever you are in the world. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell The Global Story. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. #TheGlobalStory This podcast was made by Neal Razzell, Laurie Kalus and Alix Pickles. The technical producers were Hannah Montgomery and Graham White. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Jonathan Aspinwall.

Feb 19, 2024

Demand for ‘Hollywood’ weight loss drugs Ozempic and Wegovy, has turned a once-niche Danish pharmaceutical firm into Europe’s most valuable company. As Novo Nordisk’s stock price skyrockets, it’s outsizing Denmark’s economy, and its growth has been credited with single-handedly staving off a national recession. James Reynolds examines how Novo is viewed by Danes, and what it’s doing to stay ahead of international competitors, with BBC reporter in Copenhagen, Adrienne Murray. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We’re keen to hear from you, wherever you are in the world. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell The Global Story. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. #TheGlobalStory This episode was made by Laurie Kalus and Neal Razzell. The technical producers were Dafydd Evans and Mike Regaard. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Jonathan Aspinwall.

Feb 16, 2024

Russia's most significant opposition leader for the past decade, Alexei Navalny, has died in an Arctic Circle jail, the prison service has said. What does that mean for the future of Russia, its opposition movement and its leader, Vladimir Putin? In this special episode of The Global Story, Gabriel Gatehouse speaks to the BBC’s Chief International Correspondent Lyse Doucet, Olga Ivshina from the BBC's Russian Service, and Francis Scarr, who covers Russian media for BBC Monitoring. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC experts around the world. We’re keen to hear from you, wherever you are in the world. #TheGlobalStory We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell The Global Story. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note on WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Today’s podcast was made by Peter Goffin and Miriam Quayyum. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Jonathan Aspinwall.

Feb 16, 2024

There is growing concern that a new wave of violent misogyny is becoming popular with young men. Many blame social media and online influencers like Andrew Tate for promoting extreme anti-feminist views. Gabriel Gatehouse speaks with BBC filmmaker Matt Shea and Cosmopolitan's Harriet Hall to explore what Gen Z think about sexism and if young people are becoming more polarised in their views. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC experts around the world. We’re keen to hear from you, wherever you are in the world. #TheGlobalStory We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell The Global Story. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note on WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Today’s podcast was made by Alice Aylett Roberts and Bethan Ashmead Latham. The technical producers were Mike Regaard and Philip Bull. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Jonathan Aspinwall.

Feb 15, 2024

Javier Milei was sworn in as Argentina’s president in December. He's referred to as El Loco (the madman) by his critics and many supporters. His promise to take a chainsaw to government in an attempt to solve rampant inflation, won over voters who'd had enough of the status quo. But do they have the patience for his economic shock therapy, and the pain he said would be felt before any benefits? The BBC's South America correspondent Ione Wells tells us what people in Argentina make of his first two months. And Evan Davis, former BBC economics editor, explains what the names of his four pet dogs tells us about his economic inspirations. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC experts around the world, with Katya Adler. Is there a story where you are that we should be telling as part of The Global Story? Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message or leave a voice note on WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Today’s podcast was made by Richard Moran and Jay Gardner. The technical producer was Sam Dickinson. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Jonathan Aspinwall.

Feb 14, 2024

Nearly 40 years after the BBC brought famine in Ethiopia to the world's attention, there are fresh warnings that the tragedy could be repeated. James Landale, the BBC’s diplomatic correspondent has just returned from the northern state of Tigray, where officials say hunger could reach levels worse than in the 1980s. Kalkidan Yibeltal, our correspondent in Addis Ababa, tells how the region’s problems today can partly be traced back to the famine decades ago. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC experts around the world, with Katya Adler. Is there a story where you are that we should be telling as part of The Global Story? Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message or leave a voice note on WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Today’s podcast was made by Richard Moran and Jay Gardner. The technical producer was Emma Crowe. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Jonathan Aspinwall.

Feb 13, 2024

Access to Putin and Trump puts him in a powerful position, less than a year since losing his high-profile job with Fox News. His interview with the Russian president has him back at the centre of the global conversation. Donald Trump’s wife and son have reportedly floated Carlson’s name as a possible Republican vice-presidential candidate. But would he in fact have more influence as a pundit? Gabriel Gatehouse talks to the BBC’s Francis Scarr, who covered Carlson’s trip to Moscow, and Laura Trevelyan, who covered the US for the BBC for more than two decades. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC experts around the world. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell The Global Story. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com. You can also message us or leave a voice note on WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. #TheGlobalStory. This episode was made by Neal Razzell and Emilia Jansson. The technical producer was Emma Crowe. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Jonathan Aspinwall.

Feb 12, 2024

Anxiety disorders are the world’s most common mental health condition, affecting over three hundred million people, but only one in four affected actually get treatment for them. Data shared with us by Google says that over the last decade, countries are searching the term more frequently. Ukraine, Ireland and the Philippines the top three countries searching the word anxiety. In this episode, we explore how the disorders culturally manifest and hear what they look and feel like first hand. BBC Special Correspondent Fergal Keane, who was diagnosed with PTSD in 2008, lays bare his experience of the anxiety disorder PTSD. Katya is also joined by Professor of Psychiatry Femi Oyebode. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC experts around the world, with Katya Adler. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell The Global Story. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com. You can also message us or leave a voice note on WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. #TheGlobalStory. This episode was made by Beth Timmins and Miriam Quayyum. The technical producer was Jack Graysmark. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Jonathan Aspinwall.

Feb 9, 2024

Taylor Swift is the world’s biggest pop star and an economic powerhouse. She has become so popular that allies of the likely Republican nominee Donald Trump are worried about her political influence if she publicly endorses Joe Biden. But does the singer really have the sway to decide the outcome of the US election? The BBC's North America Business Correspondent Erin Delmore looks at the evidence. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC experts around the world, with Katya Adler. We’re keen to hear from you, wherever you are in the world. #TheGlobalStory We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell The Global Story. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note on WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Today’s podcast was made by Alice Aylett Roberts, Richard Moran and Emilia Jansson. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Jonathan Aspinwall.

Feb 8, 2024

Farmers’ protests have swept across France, Germany, Spain, Italy and beyond, and descended on the European Union headquarters in Brussels. They’re outraged over rising costs, EU red tape and cheap imports from Ukraine. And they say their elected leaders are ignoring them. That’s left the door open to the far-right, which is trying to position itself as a friend to the rural voter. To understand what that means for the future of European politics, Katya speaks to Politico senior correspondent and BBC contributor Clea Caulcutt. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC experts around the world, with Katya Adler. We’re keen to hear from you, wherever you are in the world. #TheGlobalStory We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell The Global Story. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note on WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Today’s podcast was made by Peter Goffin and Jay Gardner. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Jonathan Aspinwall.

Feb 7, 2024

As the US opioid crisis continues, politicians in Washington are blaming Mexico’s cartels. But what about Mexico itself? Our correspondent Will Grant says Fentanyl addiction was evident from the moment he arrived in the border town, Tijuana, to the moment he left, and death rates there are high. Until recently Mexico’s president Andrés Manuel López Obrador denied there was a fentanyl usage problem in his country. This changed at the end of January when he announced that he was going to ask congress to adopt anti-fentanyl consumption legislation. But given the drug is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine and can quickly be fatal, has too much damage already been done in Tijuana? The Global Story delivers insights from BBC experts around the world, with Katya Adler. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell The Global Story. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note on WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Today’s episode of The Global Story was made by Bethan Ashmead Latham and Laurie Kalus. The technical producers were Matt Hewitt and Mike Regaard. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Jonathan Aspinwall.

Feb 6, 2024

As governments across the globe grapple with ways to tackle the climate crisis, seventeen critical elements known as rare earths are thought to be central to any future solution. These minerals are crucial to emerging technologies from consumer electronics to wind and solar energy production, making the market for them hyper-competitive. Katya speaks with BBC climate reporter Esme Stallard and veteran broadcaster Misha Glenny about what has become a new geopolitical battleground. We look at the science and diplomacy behind these essential raw materials. The Global Story delivers insights from BBC experts around the world, with Katya Adler. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell The Global Story. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note on WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Today’s episode of The Global Story was made by Laurie Kalus and Neal Razzell. The technical producers were Jack Graysmark and Jonny Hall. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Jonathan Aspinwall.

Feb 5, 2024

It’s 20 years since Facebook was brought into the world by a group of Harvard University roommates. In the years since, millions of us have shared our photos, our memories, our lives…and our data. In the early days Facebook’s mantra was ‘move fast and break things’. By last week, CEO Mark Zuckerberg was facing a US Senate hearing and accusations that the company ‘has blood on its hands’. The BBC’s Cyber Correspondent Joe Tidy and Technology Reporter Shiona McCallum tell Katya how Facebook has changed our world. And how our feelings about Facebook have changed at the same time. Listen: BYD - the Chinese carmaker challenging Tesla’s dominance https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/byd-the-chinese-carmaker-challenging-teslas-dominance/id1715473158?i=1000643776176 The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC experts around the world, with Katya Adler. Is there a story where you are that we should telling as part of The Global Story? Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message or leave a voice note on WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Today’s podcast was made by Richard Moran and Bethan Ashmead-Latham. The technical producer was Ricardo McCarthy. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas. Our senior news editor is Jonathan Aspinwall.

Feb 2, 2024

In 2017, Stuart McCormick survived the deadliest mass shooting by a single gunman in US history, while visiting Las Vegas. In the months that followed, his understanding of what happened that October night became twisted and distorted. The BBC's disinformation correspondent, Marianna Spring, has been speaking to Stuart for her new podcast series, Why Do You Hate Me. She explains that it is rare for survivors of attacks like this to become embroiled in conspiracy theories about them. But if it can happen to someone like Stuart, are any of us safe from being conned? The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC experts around the world, with Katya Adler. We’re keen to hear from you, wherever you are in the world. #TheGlobalStory. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell The Global Story. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note on WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Today’s podcast was made by Richard Moran and Alix Pickles. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Jonathan Aspinwall.

Feb 1, 2024

Elon Musk says Chinese electric vehicles could ‘demolish’ competition unless trade barriers are put in place. The Chinese company BYD sold more electric vehicles than Tesla in the last three months of 2023, challenging their global dominance. So does this spell trouble for Elon Musk? BBC Asia Business reporter Monica Miller, and electric car analyst Robert Llewellyn explain how China has invested in EVs and what this means for the industry. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC experts around the world, with Katya Adler. We’re keen to hear from you, wherever you are in the world. #TheGlobalStory. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell The Global Story. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note on WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Today’s podcast was made by Richard Moran, Neal Razzell and Emilia Jansson. The technical producer was Dafydd Evans. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Jonathan Aspinwall.

Jan 31, 2024

The politics of growing anger from desperate relatives. Israel’s crushing military response to the Hamas mass murder and kidnapping on October 7th has failed to free all the hostages. It refuses to negotiate directly with Hamas, which it calls a terrorist organisation. Our reporter Anna Foster has spent months listening to the stories of those who saw their loved ones taken by gunmen. She explains how their deep anxiety is a growing challenge for Prime Minister Netanyahu’s strategy in Gaza. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC experts around the world, with Katya Adler. We’re keen to hear from you, wherever you are in the world. #TheGlobalStory We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell The Global Story. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note on WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Today’s podcast was made by Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty and Neal Razzell. The technical producer was Hannah Montgomery. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Jonathan Aspinwall.

Jan 30, 2024

Tehran’s Middle East strategy after a lethal attack on US troops. The risk of military escalation in an already volatile region is growing. President Biden has promised to respond after what he called “Iran-backed militants” killed three American soldiers and injured dozens at a base in Jordan. Iran denies it. But its proxies are active across a number of fronts, from Gaza to Lebanon, Yemen to Syria. For insight into how these pieces fit together, Katya speaks with the BBC’s chief international correspondent, Lyse Doucet, and BBC Persian’s senior reporter, Parham Ghobadi. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC experts around the world, with Katya Adler. We’re keen to hear from you, wherever you are in the world. #TheGlobalStory We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell The Global Story. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note on WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Today’s podcast was made by Peter Goffin, Richard Moran, Neal Razzell and Emilia Jansson. The technical producer was Jack Graysmark. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Jonathan Aspinwall.

Jan 29, 2024

Germany is wrestling with the question of whether to ban the country’s second-most popular political party – Alternative für Deutschland – known as the AfD. The ever-more radical far-right party is soaring in the polls, but there is growing concern about the party's anti-immigration stance and links to neo-Nazi influencers. The Global Story delivers insights from BBC experts around the world, with Katya Adler. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell The Global Story. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note on WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Today’s episode of The Global Story was made by Alice Aylett Roberts and Alix Pickles. The technical producers were Hannah Montgomery and Mike Regaard. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Jonathan Aspinwall.

Jan 26, 2024

Thousands of people from Georgia in Eastern Europe have found out that they were stolen from their parents at birth and sold. It’s believed the black market in baby trafficking operated for decades from the late 1970s up to the mid-2000s. We speak with BBC journalists and documentary makers Fay Nurse and Woody Morris. You can watch the full documentary, Betrayal at birth: Georgia’s Stolen Children, on the BBC World Service YouTube channel. The Global Story delivers insights from BBC experts around the world, with Katya Adler. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell The Global Story. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note on WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Today’s episode of The Global Story was made by Alice Aylett Roberts and Alix Pickles. The technical producers were Jack Graysmark and Mike Regaard. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Jonathan Aspinwall.

Jan 25, 2024

Since President Putin’s full scale invasion of Ukraine, protests related to the conflict have been supressed inside Russia. But one group are publicly criticising the authorities. More than 300,000 reservists have been mobilised to fight in the conflict. The BBC’s Russia editor – Steve Rosenberg – has been speaking to the women in their lives, who are fighting to bring them home. The Global Story delivers insights from BBC experts around the world, with Katya Adler. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell The Global Story. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note on WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Today’s episode of The Global Story was made by Richard Moran and Emilia Jansson. The technical producer was Jack Graysmark. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Jonathan Aspinwall.

Jan 24, 2024

In the eight years since he entered office and three since he left it, Donald Trump has time to rethink his approach. Rousing at his rallies in 2016, and frustrated by Washington bureaucracy in his presidential term, the former US president now takes the counsel of trusted loyalists with serious republican campaigning credentials. Meanwhile the scratch team of big egos has moved to the periphery. But who is the 2024 team behind Trump? Is he listening to them? And will this alter the Donald Trump we see this year? Discover the story behind Trump's team with insights from the North America correspondent Anthony Zurcher and US special correspondent Katty Kay. The Global Story delivers insights from BBC experts around the world, with Katya Adler. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell The Global Story. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note on WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Today’s episode of The Global Story was made by Richard Moran and Beth Ashmead Latham. The technical producers were Matt Hewitt, Michael Regaard and Gareth Jones. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Jonathan Aspinwall.

Jan 23, 2024

The inside story of a wave of assassinations in Yemen, led by former US Special Forces. An investigation by BBC Arabic has found evidence that the United Arab Emirates hired American mercenaries to train Emirati officers to assassinate political enemies in Yemen. It's triggered a wave of killings that continues today and demonstrates the complex role foreign powers are having in Yemen's civil war. Former US servicemen who worked for the company, Spear Group Operations, have spoken to our reporter Nawal Al-Maghafi. The Global Story delivers insights from BBC experts around the world, with Katya Adler. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell The Global Story. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note on WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Today’s episode of The Global Story was made by Neal Razzell and Tom Kavanaugh. The technical producer was Gareth Jones. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Jonathan Aspinwall.

Jan 22, 2024

The politics of prayer at a divine but divisive site that’s shaped modern India: Ayodhya. The opening of the new temple is widely seen as the unofficial launch of Mr Modi’s re-election campaign. His ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has been agitating for a temple here since the 1980s. For his supporters, now is a moment of triumph. For Muslims, it’s a moment of trepidation. In 1992, a Hindu mob used bare hands to tear down a mosque where the temple now stands, triggering a national spasm of communal violence that left some 2,000 people – mostly Muslims - dead. With a national election looming, Katya asks two veteran BBC India correspondents, Yogita Limaye and Soutik Biswas, what the new temple means for Indian unity and for Mr Modi’s campaign for a third term. The Global Story delivers insights from BBC experts around the world, with Katya Adler. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell The Global Story. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note on WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. This episode of The Global Story was made by Neal Razzell and Beth Timmins. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Jonathan Aspinwall.

Jan 19, 2024

Ever since Hamas’ unprecedented attack on Israel on October 7th, the BBC has been reporting on the ongoing Israeli response through air bombardment and ground offensives. Leading our coverage from the ground in Gaza was our correspondent Rushdi Abualouf, a Palestinian who has lived in the enclave his entire life. After being forced to leave their home in Gaza City, Rushdi and his family fled south with hundreds of thousands of others attempting to reach safety. He continued to report on the conflict, even as it threatened the lives of those closest to him, before he secured his family’s escape to Turkey. Now covering the war from a distance in Istanbul, Rushdi caught up with Katya, to discuss the traumatic events he has lived through over the past three months. The Global Story delivers insights from BBC experts around the world, with Katya Adler. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell The Global Story. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note on WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Today’s episode of The Global Story was made by Laurie Kalus and Richard Moran. The technical producers were Matt Hewitt and Mike Regaard. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Jonathan Aspinwall.

Jan 18, 2024

The American Library Association says attempts to ban books have reached a record high. Most of the books targeted are by or about members of the LGBTQ community and other minorities. The main battleground is in schools, with parents and teachers arguing about what’s appropriate for children and what’s censorship. To explain this chapter of America’s culture wars, Katya speaks with the BBC’s Annie Phrommayon, who’s based in Florida, where the debate over books is sharpest, and Lucy Proctor, who made the award-winning BBC podcast series The Coming Storm, about polarisation and conspiracies in the US. The Global Story delivers insights from BBC experts around the world, with Katya Adler. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell The Global Story. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note on WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Today’s episode of The Global Story was made by Alice Aylett-Roberts, Neal Razzell and Emilia Jansson. The technical producer was Jack Graysmark. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Jonathan Aspinwall.

Jan 17, 2024

Poland's president, Andrzej Duda, and the country's new prime minister, Donald Tusk, are locked in a power struggle that’s testing the very foundations of the state. Poland has gone through turmoil as the new government reverses changes made by its predecessor. As tens of thousands flood the streets in protest, the situation captures the attention of Brussels, Washington, and Moscow. In this episode, Katya Adler delves into the complexities of Poland's power struggle with the BBC's Eastern Europe Correspondent, Sarah Rainsford. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC experts around the world. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell The Global Story. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com. You can also message us or leave a voice note on WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. #TheGlobalStory This episode was made by Neal Razzell, Tom Kavanagh and Alix Pickles. The technical producer was Jack Graysmark. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Jonathan Aspinwall.

Jan 16, 2024

Over the past week prisoner escapes, hostage taking and violence in Ecuador has made headlines around the world. Many people were shocked by the chaos in a country that was previously among the most peaceful in a turbulent region. Will Grant, the BBC’s Central and Latin America correspondent tells us what he found on the ground in Ecuador in the days after the attacks. Ana Maria Roura, from BBC Mundo, shares how the rapid rise of drug trafficking gangs has torn apart the country she grew up in. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists around the world. We want what’s happening where you are, to help us understand and tell The Global Story. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com. You can also message us or leave a voice note on WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. #TheGlobalStory This episode was made by Richard Moran, Alix Pickles and Bethan Ashmead Latham. The technical producers were Jack Graysmark and Mike Regaard. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Jonathan Aspinwall.

Jan 15, 2024

We take a look behind the gilded gates of Mumbai’s one-percenters. The city is driving – and being transformed by – India’s incredible economic growth. The country is expected to be the world’s third largest economy by 2030. But can all Indians aspire to be part of Mumbai’s expanding mega rich? Teresa Watkins is executive producer of ‘Streets of Gold: Mumbai’, a BBC series that follows the super-rich in India’s financial capital. She introduces us to Shobhaa De, who has built a business empire as one of India’s bestselling novelists. Our Mumbai Business Correspondent, Nikhil Inamdar, helps us put it all in context. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC experts around the world. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell The Global Story. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com. You can also message us or leave a voice note on WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. #TheGlobalStory This episode was made by Richard Moran and Bethan Ashmead Latham. The technical producer was Gareth Jones. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Jonathan Aspinwall.

Jan 12, 2024

In this special edition of The Global Story, Katya Adler talks to the BBC’s security correspondent Frank Gardner about the strikes on Houthis and the strategy behind them. Who are the Houthis and how are they reacting? We hear how US and UK naval forces in the Red Sea have launched air strikes against Houthi targets across Yemen. They’re in response to repeated attacks by the Iran-backed group on commercial vessels in the Red Sea. The Houthis in Yemen have been attacking ships in the Red Sea since November, disrupting the global shipping trade and causing concerns about increased oil prices. The Houthis say the strikes on their positions in Yemen will not go without "punishment or retaliation". So what happens next? How is all of this directly linked to events in Gaza and how does it represent an escalation of the crisis that is gripping the region? The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC experts around the world, with Katya Adler. We’re keen to hear from you, wherever you are in the world. #TheGlobalStory We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell The Global Story. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note on WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Today’s episode of The Global Story was made by Alice Aylett-Roberts, Neal Razzell, Tom Kavanagh and Emilia Jansson. The technical producer was Gareth Jones. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Jonathan Aspinwall.

Jan 12, 2024

The Danish Queen abdicates, taking her country by surprise. The oldest monarchy in Europe will now have a King, and so will all other monarchies in continental Europe. The Global Story talks to the US Special Correspondent for BBC Studios, Katty Kay. Katty has travelled from Denmark to Belgium to explore how European monarchies have survived in the 21st century. Katya also discusses the state of European royal families with Roger Lundgren who’s a royal expert for Swedish National broadcasting, SVT. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC experts around the world, with Katya Adler. We’re keen to hear from you, wherever you are in the world. #TheGlobalStory We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell The Global Story. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note on WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Today’s episode of The Global Story was made by Farhana Haider and Emilia Jansson. The technical producer was Dafydd Evans. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Jonathan Aspinwall.

Jan 11, 2024

Ketamine is licenced to be used as an anaesthetic and has a reputation as an illegal party drug. But after trials in the US and UK, many are calling for its wider use to treat depression. However, it is a powerful drug that can have dangerous side effects and was recently linked to the death of US actor Matthew Perry. Professor of Psychopharmacology at the University of Exeter, Celia Morgan joins Katya Adler to talk about her trials of the drug to treat addiction. And neuroscientist Dr Dean Burnett, from the BBC’s Science Focus Magazine tells us what he learnt after legally experiencing ketamine therapy in the US. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC experts around the world. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell The Global Story. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com. You can also message us or leave a voice note on WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. #TheGlobalStory This episode was made by Alice Aylett Roberts and Beth Timmins. The technical producers were Jack Graysmark and Matt Hewitt. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Jonathan Aspinwall.

Jan 10, 2024

The Islamic State group dominated headlines in the years after seizing large swathes of territory in Syria and Iraq in 2014. The footage they shared of their brutal attacks and executions horrified the world, but attracted thousands of international recruits. Mina al-Lami from BBC Monitoring tells us that the groups fortunes fell in 2023, with them claiming far fewer attacks. And Josh Baker from The Shamima Begum Story podcast joins us to explain why they still pose a credible threat. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC experts around the world. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell The Global Story. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com. You can also message us or leave a voice note on WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. #TheGlobalStory This episode was made by Richard Moran. The technical producer was Jack Graysmark. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Jonathan Aspinwall.

Jan 9, 2024

Jon Ronson on the origins of some of today’s most divisive issues. The acclaimed writer gives a peek into season two of his new BBC podcast series, Things Fell Apart. It details how seemingly random events, including an argument between a teenager and her mother and a misdiagnosis in a series of murders in Miami, came together in a few short weeks in May, 2020 to shake The United States and beyond. He tells Katya Adler about how these personal stories spiral beyond private lives to impact wider society, and what bearing they might have on the upcoming US presidential election. The Global Story delivers trusted insights from BBC experts around the world. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell The Global Story. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com. You can also message us or leave a voice note on WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. #TheGlobalStory Season two of Things Fell Apart is available as a box set on BBC Sounds or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was made by Neal Razzell and Beth Ashmead Latham. The technical producer was Jack Graysmark. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Jonathan Aspinwall.

Jan 8, 2024

The evangelical pastor TB Joshua amassed millions of followers around the world. Many thousands came to The Synagogue Church of All Nations in Nigeria to witness him perform miracles and heal the sick. Now, an investigation by BBC Africa Eye reveals allegations of systematic rape, physical abuse and forced abortion inside the church led by TB Joshua. Through first-hand accounts of the women who escaped, Africa Eye’s Charlie Northcott and Peter Murimi tell us what they uncovered. And explain how TB Joshua is alleged to have got away with it. You can watch Disciples: The Cult of TB Joshua on the BBC Africa YouTube channel and listen to the new season of World of Secrets wherever you get your BBC podcasts. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC experts around the world. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell The Global Story. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com. You can also message us or leave a voice note on WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. #TheGlobalStory This episode was made by Richard Moran and Adelle Kalakouti. The technical producers were Mike Regaard and Ricardo McCarthy. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Jonathan Aspinwall.

Jan 5, 2024

Taiwan is going to the polls on January 13th to pick its new President and the island's future relationship with China is a key election issue. The opposition KMT wants closer ties with mainland China – the country that sees Taiwan as a breakaway province. But the ruling party, the DPP, wants to strengthen Taiwan's partnership with other countries. Both are concerned about military threats coming from Beijing. Our correspondent in Taipei, Rupert Wingfield-Hayes and our Asia Pacific editor, Celia Hatton, join host James Reynolds to look at how elections in Taiwan could decide its future with China. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC experts around the world. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell The Global Story. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com. You can also message us or leave a voice note on WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. #TheGlobalStory This episode was made by Alice Aylett Roberts and Beth Ashmead Latham. The technical producers were Mike Regaard and Ricardo McCarthy. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Jonathan Aspinwall.

Jan 4, 2024

Kamala Harris made history in 2020, becoming the first woman, first Asian-American and first black vice-president in the history of the United States. She made it onto the Biden ticket despite struggling to make a positive impression on Democratic party voters during her own attempt to secure the nomination, eventually dropping out before the first primary contest. With her personal poll numbers sagging, some within the party have reportedly contemplated replacing her altogether ahead of the November 2024 presidential election. We look at her performance in the job so far, and examine the role of vice-president. In this episode, James Reynolds is joined by the BBC’s US special correspondent Katty Kay, and former BBC North America correspondent Jamie Coomarasamy. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC experts around the world. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell The Global Story. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com. You can also message us or leave a voice note on WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. #TheGlobalStory This episode was made by Alice Aylett Roberts and Tom Kavanagh. The technical producer was Matt Hewitt. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Jonathan Aspinwall.

Jan 3, 2024

Drone and rocket attacks on cargo ships in the Red Sea have led many of the world's biggest shipping companies to announce they will avoid the area. The attacks are by the Houthis - an Iran-backed rebel group which controls a large part of Yemen and began after the start of the Israel-Hamas war. In this episode, BBC security correspondent Frank Gardner joins host James Reynolds to look at why the Houthis attacked the ships, who backs them and what it means for protection in the region. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC experts around the world. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell The Global Story. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com. You can also message us or leave a voice note on WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. #TheGlobalStory This episode was made by Alice Aylett Roberts and Beth Timmins. The technical producers were Matt Hewitt and Ricardo McCarthy. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Jonathan Aspinwall.

Jan 2, 2024

Deepfakes, distrust and democracy: Billions of people will have the chance to vote this year in elections around the world. There will be campaigns in eight of the 10 most populous countries, including India and the Biden/Trump race for the White House in the US. Given the stakes, the chance for AI shenanigans is high. Sam Altman, founder of ChatGPT, has warned “of a new kind of interference that was just not possible before AI.” It raises two basic questions: How that might work? And, what might it mean? For answers, Katya speaks with leading experts in AI and democracy, each of whom have delivered the prestigious BBC Reith Lectures: - Stuart Russell, Professor of Computer Science and founder of the Centre for Human-Compatible Artificial Intelligence at the University of California, Berkeley - Ben Ansell, Professor of Comparative Democratic Institutions at Nuffield College, Oxford University The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC experts around the world, with Katya Adler. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell The Global Story. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com. You can also message us or leave a voice note on WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. #TheGlobalStory This episode was made by Neal Razzell, Tom Kavanaugh and Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty. The technical producer was Matt Hewitt. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Jonathan Aspinwall.

Dec 29, 2023

US health officials have declared that the country is facing an epidemic of loneliness that's as dangerous to health as smoking. The World Health Organisation has launched a commission to look into the health implications of loneliness with surveys consistently suggesting that one in four people around the world feel lonely. We look at what’s behind these huge numbers and explore solutions with the BBC’s global health correspondent, Tulip Mazumdar, and Professor Manuela Barreto, who was part of the largest study into loneliness to date. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC experts around the world, with Katya Adler. We’re keen to hear from you, wherever you are in the world. #TheGlobalStory We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell The Global Story. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note on WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Today’s episode of The Global Story was made by Beth Timmins and Wendy Parker. The technical producer were Matt Hewitt and Mike Regaard. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Jonathan Aspinwall.

Dec 28, 2023

We look at how journalists get their hands on declassified documents, and how the release of these files can inform us about the true workings of government. BBC correspondent Sanchia Berg and Phil Tinline, a producer of historical documentaries for the BBC, tell us about some of the memorable documents they’ve come across, and how perusing the archives can offer valuable insight into the events of the past. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC experts around the world, with Katya Adler. We’re keen to hear from you, wherever you are in the world. #TheGlobalStory We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell The Global Story. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note on WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Today’s episode of The Global Story was made by Charlotte McDonald and Tom Kavanagh. The technical producer was Mike Regard. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Jonathan Aspinwall.

Dec 27, 2023

In this episode of The Global Story, host Katya Adler delves into the phenomenon of the Netflix series The Crown and its impact on historical accuracy. Joined by guests Elinor Evans, digital editor of the BBC History Magazine’s website History Extra, and the BBC’s royal correspondent Sean Coughlan, the episode explores the show's popularity, its attempts at historical accuracy, and the controversies surrounding its portrayal of significant events. As the acclaimed Netflix series concludes, this episode explores the blurred lines between reality and drama, reflecting on how The Crown interprets iconic figures like Princess Diana or Queen Elizabeth II. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC experts around the world, with Katya Adler. We're keen to hear from you, wherever you are in the world. #TheGlobalStory We want your ideas, stories, and experiences to help us understand and tell The Global Story. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com. You can also message us or leave a voice note on WhatsApp at +44 330 123 9480. Today's episode of The Global Story was made by Charlotte McDonald, Bethan Ashmead Latham and Richard Moran. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas, and the senior news editor is Jonathan Aspinwall.

Dec 26, 2023

With the help of Nuala McGovern, we ask some of the BBC's best correspondents from around the world to gaze into their crystal balls and predict what 2024 might have in store. Next year will see nearly half of the world's population going to the polls - 40 elections are scheduled to take place in countries including the USA, UK, South Africa, India, Russia, and Pakistan. How will the results of some of those elections shift the geopolitical tectonic plates, and will we see any resolution to the conflicts that have dominated 2023? Big questions, but luckily, we have some of the BBC's best minds on hand to provide plenty of answers. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC experts around the world, with Katya Adler. We're keen to hear from you, wherever you are in the world. #TheGlobalStory We want your ideas, stories, and experiences to help us understand and tell The Global Story. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com. You can also message us or leave a voice note on WhatsApp at +44 330 123 9480. Today's episode of The Global Story was made by Farhana Haider, Ben Carter and Richard Moran. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas, and the senior news editor is Jonathan Aspinwall.

Dec 22, 2023

Inside the multi-million dollar scramble for a top hit on the festive music charts. How can new artists take on the likes of Mariah Carey and Slade? Katya gets answers and music – lots of it – from the BBC’s music correspondent Mark Savage, and writer and musician Chris Lochery. Warning: this episode may leave you humming. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC experts around the world, with Katya Adler. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell The Global Story. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note on WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. #TheGlobalStory Today’s episode was made by Neal Razzell, Farhana Haider and Emilia Jansson. The technical producers were Matt Hewitt and Ben Andrews. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Jonathan Aspinwall.

Dec 21, 2023

Ukraine’s President Zelensky was elected on a platform of reform and a promise to root out corruption. While the war on the frontline continues to dominate the headlines, that fight against corruption could still shape the country’s destiny. The BBC’s Tim Whewell has been to Dnipro to speak to people who are still focussed on holding politicians to account, even in times of war. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC experts around the world, with Katya Adler. We’re keen to hear from you, wherever you are in the world. #TheGlobalStory We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell The Global Story. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note on WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Today’s episode of The Global Story was made by Richard Moran and Beth Timmins. The technical producer was Matt Hewitt. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Jonathan Aspinwall.

Dec 20, 2023

Forest City is a brand new development built by Chinese property developers in Malaysia, just across the water from Singapore. It boasts great views, superb amenities, and was billed as a state-of-the-art luxury housing complex. So why are so few people actually living there? Our BBC Asia Business Correspondent Nick Marsh paid a visit to find out what the project’s apparent failure tells us about the Chinese economy. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC experts around the world, with Katya Adler. We’re keen to hear from you, wherever you are in the world. #TheGlobalStory We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell The Global Story. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note on WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Today’s episode of The Global Story was made by Charlotte McDonald, Tom Kavanagh and Beth Ashmead Latham. The technical producer was Jack Graysmark. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Jonathan Aspinwall.

Dec 19, 2023

Amid violent insurgencies, countries like Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso are turning away from their allies in the West, particularly France. they are following in the footsteps of the Central African Republic and getting closer with Russia and its Wagner mercenaries. We look at what Russia has to gain in the region with the BBC's senior West Africa reporter Yemisi Adegoke, BBC Monitoring’s Vitaliy Shevchenko and our reporter in Abuja, Chris Ewokor. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists around the world, with Katya Adler. We’re keen to hear from you, wherever you are in the world. #TheGlobalStory Your ideas, stories and experiences help us understand and tell The Global Story. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note on WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Today’s episode of The Global Story was made by Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty and Richard Moran. The technical producers were Dafydd Evans and Mike Regaard. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Jonathan Aspinwall.

Dec 18, 2023

There is a row about antisemitism raging in US colleges. After widespread protests against Israel’s bombing of Gaza, Republicans in Congress have accused universities of not doing enough to combat hate speech targeting Jewish students. We look at the battle between free speech and hate speech with the BBC's North America Correspondent Nomia Iqbal and US National Digital Reporter Mike Wendling. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC experts around the world, with Katya Adler. We’re keen to hear from you, wherever you are in the world. #TheGlobalStory We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell The Global Story. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note on WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Today’s episode of The Global Story was made by Tom Kavanagh and Alice Aylett Roberts. The technical producers were Jack Graysmark and Mike Regaard. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Jonathan Aspinwall.

Dec 15, 2023

BBC Special Correspondent Fergal Keane reported on the end of apartheid with his South African producer Milton Nkosi. Thirty years after the transition from apartheid to a democratic South Africa, the two of them have taken a trip around the country to visit the people they interviewed then, to see how life has turned out. They hear of the disillusionment but also the glimmers of hope. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC experts around the world, with Katya Adler. We’re keen to hear from you, wherever you are in the world. #TheGlobalStory We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell The Global Story. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note on WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Today’s episode of The Global Story was made by Charlotte McDonald and Beth Timmins. The technical producers were Annie Smith and Jack Graysmark. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Jonathan Aspinwall.

Dec 14, 2023

Two years after the Taliban stormed Kabul, thousands of people from Afghanistan tried to escape to the United States. Now many of them are stuck on the US-Mexico border. We hear about the difficult journeys they made to get there and why the crisis at the border is affecting people across the world. In this episode we speak with our US West Coast reporter Regan Morris and our South Asia and Afghanistan correspondent Yogita Limaye. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC experts around the world, with Katya Adler. We’re keen to hear from you, wherever you are in the world. #TheGlobalStory We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell The Global Story. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note on WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Today’s episode of The Global Story was made by Alice Aylett Roberts and Emilia Jansson. The technical producer was Dafydd Evans. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Jonathan Aspinwall.

Dec 13, 2023

Forty-seven of Hong Kong’s pro-democracy campaigners have been in jail for more than a thousand days since the government’s crackdown on the movement in 2019. Ahead of their verdict, we examine whether there is still room to protest in Hong Kong, how the national security law has affected the region and what it could mean for Taiwan. We delve into the story with the BBC’s Asia Pacific editor Celia Hatton, and our Hong Kong-based correspondent Danny Vincent. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC experts around the world, with Katya Adler. We’re keen to hear from you, wherever you are in the world. #TheGlobalStory We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell The Global Story. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note on WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Today’s episode of The Global Story was made by Beth Timmins. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Jonathan Aspinwall.

Dec 12, 2023

Reported differences between members of the British Royal Family have complicated the beginning of the reign of King Charles III. We examine whether or not the departure of Harry and Meghan from the royal fold following a highly publicised racial row is likely to leave a lasting impact on the British monarchy, and how it has affected the attitude of the public towards those inside Buckingham Palace. We delve into the story with BBC Royal Correspondent Jonny Dymond, and our Los Angeles-based correspondent David Willis. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC experts around the world, with Katya Adler. We’re keen to hear from you, wherever you are in the world. #TheGlobalStory We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell The Global Story. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note on WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Today’s episode of The Global Story was made by Alice Aylett Roberts and Tom Kavanagh. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Jonathan Aspinwall.

Dec 11, 2023

Former US President Donald Trump has been criminally indicted four times and will have a series of trials to attend in 2024 as he pursues a comeback bid for the White House. In total, Trump faces 91 felony charges, including 44 federal and 47 state charges. He denies all the charges. What is his strategy, and what do these cases mean for his presidential campaign? We unpack all the legal complexities surrounding Trump with the BBC’s Nada Tawfik and CBS News Chief Election & Campaign correspondent Robert Costa. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC experts around the world, with Katya Adler. We’re keen to hear from you, wherever you are in the world. #TheGlobalStory We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell The Global Story. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note on WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Today’s episode of The Global Story was made by Farhana Haider and Emilia Jansson. The technical producers were Ricardo McCarthy and Mike Regaard. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Jonathan Aspinwall.

Dec 8, 2023

Javier Milei is far from your average politician. His critics call him ‘El Loco’, meaning The Madman and he certainly plays up to that reputation having claimed that he ‘hears voices’ and frequently ‘talks to his dead dog.’ Milei ran his campaign mostly on TikTok where he became known for his fiery and sometimes wild campaign promises. He has claimed he was going to shut down the central bank and axe a whole host of government departments. Many Argentinians who have suffered through the long economic crisis in Argentina were won over by his anti-establishment stance, passionate proclamations and seemingly simple solutions to big problems. We explore whether Javier Milei can deliver on those radical promises and what does his election mean for South America? With our South America Correspondent Katy Watson and Luis Fajardo from BBC Monitoring. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC experts around the world, with Katya Adler. We’re keen to hear from you wherever you are in the world. #TheGlobalStory we want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell The Global Story. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com you can also message us or leave a voice note on Whatsapp +44330 123 9480. Today’s episode of The Global Story was made by Farhana Haider and Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty. The technical producer was Jack Graysmark. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Jonathan Aspinwall.

Dec 7, 2023

Israel has vowed to eliminate the perpetrators of the October 7th attack, which killed more than 1,200 people and saw around 240 taken hostage. Hamas - which governs the Palestinian territory of Gaza and is viewed as a terrorist organisation by many western governments – has been the target of unprecedented force from Israeli military. So, what damage has been done? And is it really possible to defeat the group? The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC experts around the world, with Katya Adler. We’re keen to hear from you wherever you are in the world. #TheGlobalStory we want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell The Global Story. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com you can also message us or leave a voice note on Whatsapp +44330 123 9480. Today’s episode of The Global Story was made by Richard Moran, Neal Razzell and Bethan Ashmead Latham. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Jonathan Aspinwall.

Dec 6, 2023

North Koreans are forbidden from making contact with the outside world. But what happens when one family decides they want to leave? Our Seoul Correspondent Jean Mackenzie tells us the story of one defector who we're calling Mr Kim. He and his relatives made a dangerous escape from the tyrannical state in a boat and are now adjusting to life in South Korea. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC experts around the world, with Katya Adler. We’re keen to hear from you wherever you are in the world. #TheGlobalStory we want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell The Global Story. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com you can also message us or leave a voice note on Whatsapp +44330 123 9480. Today’s episode of The Global Story was made by Alice Aylett Roberts, Neal Razzell and Beth Timmins. The technical producers were Ricardo McCarthy and Jonny Hall. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Jonathan Aspinwall.

Dec 5, 2023

Elon Musk is the world's richest person. He leads Tesla, Twitter and SpaceX and he owns half the satellites in Earth’s lower orbit; with over 5,000 already operating in space. They make up a global internet constellation called Starlink, which is set to grow rapidly in the coming years. We explore how big his ambitions for space are with our science correspondent Jonathan Amos and our North America technology reporter James Clayton. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC experts around the world, with Katya Adler. We’re keen to hear from you wherever you are in the world. #TheGlobalStory we want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell The Global Story. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com you can also message us or leave a voice note on Whatsapp +44330 123 9480. Today’s episode of The Global Story was made by Alice Aylett Roberts, Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty and Richard Moran. The technical producers were Gareth Jones and Mark Regaard. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Jonathan Aspinwall.

Dec 4, 2023

With the war in Ukraine dragging on, continuing military aid has become a contentious political issue in the United States. So, if support from Kyiv’s biggest military backer was to waver, could its other allies make up the difference? The BBC’s defence correspondent Jonathan Beale and Berlin correspondent Jessica Parker assess whether there is the political will and military capacity for Europe to defend Ukraine on its own. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC experts around the world, with Katya Adler. We’re keen to hear from you, wherever you are in the world. #TheGlobalStory What are your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell The Global Story. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note on WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Today’s episode of The Global Story was made by Richard Moran and Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty. The technical producers were Matt Dean and Mike Regaard. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Jonathan Aspinwall.

Dec 1, 2023

After populist politician Geert Wilders wins the most seats in the Netherlands election, we ask if his success is part of a broader European pattern. We also explore why voters are turning away from mainstream politics with our correspondent in the Netherlands, Anna Holligan, and Professor Timothy Garton Ash. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC experts around the world, with Katya Adler. We’re keen to hear from you, wherever you are in the world. #TheGlobalStory We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell The Global Story. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note on WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Today’s episode of The Global Story was made by Alice Aylett Roberts and Beth Timmins. The technical producers were Phil Bull and Jack Graysmark. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Jonathan Aspinwall.

Nov 30, 2023

World leaders are arriving in Dubai for COP28 – the most significant annual climate summit. The BBC’s climate editor, Justin Rowlatt, takes us behind the scenes of the summit and talks us through the expectations, and the fallout of a BBC investigation pointing out that the UAE planned to use climate talks to make oil deals. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC experts around the world, with Katya Adler. What questions do you have about climate change? And what solutions do you think deserve more attention? #TheGlobalStory We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell The Global Story. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note on WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Today’s episode of The Global Story was made by Richard Moran and Emilia Jansson. The technical producers were Mike Regaard and Phil Bull. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Jonathan Aspinwall.

Nov 29, 2023

How has a small country in the Middle East managed to become a key player in the negotiations between Israel and Hamas? Today, with the BBC’s security correspondent Frank Gardner, and BBC Monitoring’s Jaidaa Taha in Cairo. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC experts around the world, with Katya Adler. We’re keen to hear from you, wherever you are in the world. #TheGlobalStory We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell The Global Story. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note on WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Today’s episode of The Global Story was made by Richard Moran and Emilia Jansson. The technical producers were Jack Graysmark and Phil Bull. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Jonathan Aspinwall.

Nov 28, 2023

Democrat Joe Biden, 81, is America’s oldest president. His chief rival, Republican Donald Trump, is 77. Polls consistently show voters are more worried that Mr Biden lacks “mental sharpness.” Today, why President Biden’s age matters, with our Medical Editor, Fergus Walsh, and our Special Correspondent in Washington, Katty Kay. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC experts around the world, with Katya Adler. We’re keen to hear from you, wherever you are in the world. #TheGlobalStory We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell The Global Story. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note on WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Today’s episode of The Global Story was made by Neal Razzell and Emilia Jansson. The technical producers were Matt Dean and Tom Brignell. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Jonathan Aspinwall.

Nov 27, 2023

The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC experts around the world. Today, why the battle on your social media feed matters, with our Chief International Correspondent, Lyse Doucet, and our Disinformation & Social Media Correspondent, Marianna Spring. It’s been seven weeks since Hamas, which governs Gaza and is labelled a terrorist group by the US and many other western governments, murdered 1200 people in southern Israel. Israel’s response has left Gaza in ruins - an emphatic symbol of its military prowess. But this war isn't only being fought on the ground. There’s a battle online to control the narrative and influence opinions on losses and suffering, rights and wrongs, facts and fake news. Host Katya Adler gets insight on the big picture from Lyse. And Marianna reveals the findings of her latest investigation into what you might be seeing about the war on TikTok, X and Instagram. Thanks for listening to our first episode. We’re keen to hear from our listeners across the world. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell The Global Story. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave us a voice note on WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. We’ll love to hear from you. Please get in touch: #TheGlobalStory and tell us your thoughts on what you would like us to talk about. Today’s episode of The Global Story was hosted by Katya Adler. It was made by Neal Razzell with Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty. The technical producers were Matt Dean and Emma Crowe. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Jonathan Aspinwall. The Global Story is an exciting collaboration between the BBC World Service, BBC Studios and the BBC Long Form Audio News Podcast team who also make Americast and the critically-acclaimed Ukrainecast. The Global Story builds on the huge success of the Global News Podcast from the BBC World Service, which is the BBC’s most popular international news podcast.

Nov 7, 2023

A brand new podcast to help you cut through the headlines, with Katya Adler. Insight you can trust from our BBC experts around the world. One big story, Monday to Friday. Helping you make sense of the news. Get in touch: theglobalstory@bbc.com #TheGlobalStory