Best BBC World Service Podcasts (2025)

1
Mark the Week: Signalgate's a good sign of how mad and dopey that lot are 2:04

11h ago2:04

2:04

At the end of each week, Mike Hosking takes you through the big-ticket items and lets you know what he makes of it all. Signalgate: 1/10 A good sign of how mad and dopey that lot are. A platform they shouldn't have been on, a denial that got blown out of the water, and an attack campaign that made them look pathetic. The Warriors: 7/10 Not just two…

1
Mike's Minute: The older worker has never been more valuable 1:55

11h ago1:55

1:55

The most uplifting part of the week for me in terms of news was the combination of Winston Peters and his very wise words over diet and work. The statistics department released the numbers of those who are working beyond 65-years-old. In fact, not just 65, but 70, 80 and 90-years-old. For Peters, what made the advice so useful is you can argue he h…

1
Wrapping the Week with Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson: Liam Lawson, Bob Geldof, 10:51

14h ago10:51

10:51

Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson are back on the air, joining Mike Hosking to Wrap the Week that was. They discussed the Liam Lawson situation and Bob Geldof – who Mike interviewed earlier this week. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By Newstalk ZB

1
Tim Lightbourne: Invivo Wine Founder on the growth of New Zealand wines in the US Market 3:17

14h ago3:17

3:17

New Zealand winemakers are continuing to make moves in the US. Amid an uncertain market, we were the only nation in the top ten US wine suppliers to increase its volume last year. Data suggests it’s the 16th year in a row New Zealand wine has reported growth. Invivo Wine Founder Tim Lightbourne told Mike Hosking there’s big opportunities over in th…

1
Shadow Chancellor Mel Unshelled on the Spring Statement 43:08

17m ago43:08

43:08

Today, Adam is joined by Jeremy Bowen to discuss the summit taking place in Paris, where Europe’s leaders have united behind support for Ukraine and further sanctions against Russia. Plus, Shadow Chancellor Mel Stride is in the studio to give Adam and Chris his verdict on yesterday’s Spring Statement. And, it wouldn’t be Mel Stride on Newscast with…

1
Full Show Podcast: 28 March 2025 1:29:59

14h ago1:29:59

1:29:59

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Friday 28th of March, it’s official – Eden Park will be getting a revamp, and Auckland won't be getting a new stadium. Kiwi’s trust in our public institutions is eroding over time – a survey revealing it’s at its lowest point since 2022. Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson discuss Bob Geldof with Mike as…

1
Andrew Benson: BBC Formula 1 Correspondent on Liam Lawson being demoted from Red Bull Racing 6:34

14h ago6:34

6:34

Liam Lawson has had the keys taken off him at Red Bull and will complete the Formula 1 season with the franchise's Racing Bulls development team. He lasted two Grands Prix before management decided to replace him with Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda for his home event next weekend at Suzuka. The switch confirms widespread speculation. BBC Formula 1 co…

1
Adelle Keely: Acumen Republic CEO on the growing distrust in public institutions 2:53

15h ago2:53

2:53

Trust is eroding over time in our public institutions. The Acumen Edelman Trust Barometer reveals 67% of New Zealanders express a sense of grievance with business, media, government and NGOs – surpassing the global average of 61%. Many feel overlooked by those in power and disillusioned as a result Acumen Republic Chief Executive Adelle Keely says …

1
Nicola Willis: Finance Minister on the savings from the public sector job cuts 4:37

16h ago4:37

4:37

The Finance Minister says they've over-delivered on their promise to save money from public sector job cuts. Latest Public Service Commission data shows the core workforce decreased 4% in the year to December 2024. Public Service Minister Judith Collins says the Government's expecting to save $800 million by June – double the initial target. Nicola…

1
Nick Sautner: Eden Park CEO's hopeful they can gain public funding for stadium upgrade 2:30

14h ago2:30

2:30

The boss of Eden Park remains hopeful of convincing the Government to help fund a major expansion. Auckland councillors have voted to back the upgrading of the stadium over the building of a new arena near the waterfront. But Eden Park has yet to secure any public funding. Chief Executive Nick Sautner told Mike Hosking work will now begin on making…

1
Luke Bradford: Royal College of GPs Medical Director on the growing difficulty in accessing healthcare 3:43

16h ago3:43

3:43

A review confirms better access to care should be a key priority. Health New Zealand's released a Clinical Quality and Safety Review using data from the past decade. It reveals the number of people waiting more than four months to see a specialist tripled between 2020 and 2023. Royal College of GPs Medical Director Luke Bradford told Mike Hosking f…

1
5296: LISTEN¦ One of the world's greatest ever songwriters, three-time Oscar winner Sir Tim Rice joined Frank in studio to talk about his upcoming show 'My Life In Musicals: I Know Him So Well' 23:47

1h ago23:47

23:47

One of the world's greatest ever songwriters, three-time Oscar winner Sir Tim Rice joined Frank in studio to talk about his upcoming show 'My Life In Musicals: I Know Him So Well' Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
5295: LISTEN¦ The cost of household bills is pushing people into debt. Sinead Campbell from Advice NI spoke to Frank as research found the average personal debt had nearly doubled in four years 5:22

2h ago5:22

5:22

The cost of household bills is pushing people into debt. Sinead Campbell from Advice NI spoke to Frank as research found the average personal debt had nearly doubled in four years Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
5294: LISTEN¦ Should we ban parents from giving their children bizarre names? A couple has sparked an online debate after naming their baby 'Trucklyn'. What are the strangest names you've heard? Frank ... 13:13

2h ago13:13

13:13

Should we ban parents from giving their children bizarre names? A couple has sparked an online debate after naming their baby 'Trucklyn'. What are the strangest names you've heard? Frank spoke to Gráinne McGarvey Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
5293: LISTEN¦ 'It was quite terrifying' - DUP MLA Diane Forsythe told Frank that dry conditions had led to fires spreading very quickly, threatening wildlife and coming close to people's homes 6:36

2h ago6:36

6:36

'It was quite terrifying' - DUP MLA Diane Forsythe told Frank that dry conditions had led to fires spreading very quickly, threatening wildlife and coming close to people's homes. 'If it's deliberate, it's shocking, if it's carelessness, we need to educate people' Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

1
5292: LISTEN¦ The DUP's Carla Lockhart has spoken out about abuse she's faced, while in office. She's far from alone. A BBC programme has highlighted what our local politicians face on a daily basis, leading ... 19:42

2h ago19:42

19:42

The DUP's Carla Lockhart has spoken out about abuse she's faced, while in office. She's far from alone. A BBC programme has highlighted what our local politicians face on a daily basis, leading some to consider leaving politics Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
Mike's Minute: The harsh reality of elite sport 2:22

1d ago2:22

2:22

The problem with Red Bull and Liam Lawson is several fold. One, the most egregious part is, if the reports are true, that Honda offered another $10 million to get their man Yuki Tsunoda in the seat. This is not new, they have done so before but were rebuffed. Two, next weekend would be the first track Liam had actually driven on previously. Red Bul…

1
Dean Smith: Summerfruit NZ CEO on cherry exports hitting a new milestone 3:05

1d ago3:05

3:05

This summer was one to remember for the cherry industry. Exports have hit a new milestone, surpassing five thousand tonnes. The previous record was about 4,200 tonnes in the 2017/18 season. Summerfruit New Zealand CEO Dean Smith told Mike Hosking exports were not only high, but also of high quality. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for priv…

1
Bob Geldof: Irish Singer and Philanthropist on his New Zealand tour ‘An Evening with Bob Geldof: Songs and Stories from an Extraordinary Life’ 13:12

1d ago13:12

13:12

Is there anybody who doesn’t know the name Bob Geldof? Along with the Sex Pistols and the Clash, Geldof and the Boomtown Rats are attributed with changing the face of music. A significant part is due to the Live Aid concert and Geldof’s activism – which is part of the reason he’s made his way to our shores. Geldof has a couple of dates lined up in …

1
Full Show Podcast: 27 March 2025 1:29:53

1d ago1:29:53

1:29:53

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Thursday 27th of March, the banks are continuing to call for capital rules to be eased. But Massey University banking expert Claire Matthews is warning against it. We get reactions to the new sentencing and drug driving testing laws coming into place. Fonterra's CEO Miles Hurrell defends the propo…

1
Miles Hurrell: Fonterra CEO explains the reasoning behind selling off consumer brands 6:33

1d ago6:33

6:33

Fonterra’s elaborating on the details of their consumer brand sell-off. The conundrum comes off the back of a monster half year result in which operating profit rose to 16%. The planned divestment could see brands like Anchor and Mainland sold off. CEO Miles Hurrell told Mike Hosking the key for any good business is knowing what you’re good at. He …

1
Chris Medland: Formula 1 Journalist on the speculation over Liam Lawson's future with Red Bull Racing 3:36

1d ago3:36

3:36

Liam Lawson's future at Red Bull in Formula 1 remains gridlocked by speculation. Reports suggest Racing Bulls driver Yuki Tsunoda will swap with Lawson for the Japanese Grand Prix next weekend, joining defending world champion teammate Max Verstappen. Lawson's opportunities have been slim on unfamiliar tracks in a new car thus far, one of which was…

1
Everything You Need To Know About The Spring Statement 42:03

1d ago42:03

42:03

Today, Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced a set of measures aimed at restoring her fiscal headroom. Adam and Chris are joined by Faisal Islam and Dharshini David to unpack everything the Chancellor revealed today, including cuts to welfare spending. Plus we dive into the Office for Budget Responsibility’s forecast - and their many, many, charts. Yo…

1
Chris Bishop: Transport Minister on roadside drug testing, RMA reform 3:49

1d ago3:49

3:49

There's confidence roadside drug testing won't pick up prescription drugs. Legislation giving police powers to do random saliva tests has passed its third and final reading in Parliament. Police should be ready to use tests late this year. Transport Minister Chris Bishop told Mike Hosking there will be two tests at the roadside. He says it will be …

1
Julie-Anne Kincade: Law Association Vice President on the changes to the sentencing laws 3:12

1d ago3:12

3:12

The Law Association is calling the recent passing of sentencing law changes a great example of democracy in action. The new law caps the sentence discounts judges can apply at 40% and adds new aggravating factors. Law Association Vice President Julie-Anne Kincade told Mike Hosking issues raised —such as the wish to see the sentencing reduction prop…

1
Claire Matthews: Massey University banking expert on whether the Reserve Bank's capital requirements for banks should be changed 3:05

1d ago3:05

3:05

A careful balancing act on how far banks should have to go to prepare for a rainy day. Parliament's Finance Select Committee is currently seeking feedback on whether the Reserve Bank's capital requirements for banks should be changed. The current rules are stringent and costly. Massey University banking expert Claire Matthews told Mike Hosking we a…

1
5291: LISTEN¦ What grosses you out? Scientists in Zurich found younger women are more squeamish, while men become fussier with age. What sickens you? 14:03

3h ago14:03

14:03

What grosses you out? Scientists in Zurich found younger women are more squeamish, while men become fussier with age. What sickens you? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
Mike's Minute: Get some expertise around the council tables 2:10

2d ago2:10

2:10

Lindsay McKenzie is still busy at work. You will have forgotten the name because like so much news these days, it's hot stuff until it isn't. Lindsay is the bloke that was appointed to watch over Wellington Council because of their dysfunction. He has just written his second report. His first report seemed sort of sympathetic. Yes, they were a mess…

1
Pollies: Mark Mitchell and Ginny Andersen talk the gang patch ban, meth usage, India FTA 9:58

2d ago9:58

9:58

Labour's admitted the gang patch ban hasn't turned out as badly as they feared. The Deputy Police Commissioner has confirmed staff are pleasantly surprised at the ban's effectiveness, saying it's brought more control to the situation. It comes as Gisborne police are given more powers to deal with gangs. Labour police spokesperson Ginny Andersen tol…

1
Full Show Podcast: 26 March 2025 1:29:49

3d ago1:29:49

1:29:49

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Wednesday the 26th of March, the national stadium debate is continuing to drag on - and Rugby World Cup CEO Martin Snedden is calling for some action. The government has written to Labour and the Greens asking for cross party support for its RMA reform - Mike asks Chris Hipkins whether Labour will…

1
Alan McDonald: EMA Head of Advocacy on employment confidence falling 2:41

3d ago2:41

2:41

Employment confidence has bottomed out. The Westpac-McDermott Miller index shows it's slipped to a level not seen since the post-2020 Covid lockdowns. It's fallen in four of 11 regions —including Auckland— which dominated the national average. EMA Head of Advocacy Alan McDonald told Mike Hosking business is still doing it hard, directly impacting t…

1
Chris Hipkins: Labour Leader on the replacement for the Resource Management Act 6:49

2d ago6:49

6:49

Labour leader Chris Hipkins says compromises will need to be made in reforming the Resource Management Act. The Government's replacing the Act with a new planning framework, including rules around land development and environment protections. It's seeking cross-party support. Hipkins told Mike Hosking the country's administration can't keep putting…

1
Paul Bloxham: HSBC Chief Economist on the Australian budget, their deficit 3:27

3d ago3:27

3:27

A leading Australian economist says more focus needs to be put on productivity to pull Australia out of a deficit. The federal Budget announced yesterday included tax cuts and cost of living relief for households. HSBC Chief Economist Paul Bloxham told Mike Hosking with big spending measures announced in the lead up to the election, deficits to the…

1
Martin Snedden: Rugby World Cup 2011 CEO on the ongoing stadium debate in Auckland 4:35

2d ago4:35

4:35

There's a belief the bigger problem with Auckland's stadiums is not having the right sized venues. Councillors are set to vote tomorrow on whether to back Eden Park 2-point-1 or build a new Quay Park site. The latter project can be scaled down to 20-thousand for smaller events, from 50-thousand for big ones. But Rugby World Cup 2011 chief executive…

1
A Journalist Has Entered The Top Secret Military Chat 37:28

1h ago37:28

37:28

Today, we look at the fall out after a journalist revealed that he had been mistakenly added to a groupchat where US security leaders were discussing air strikes in Yemen. Many of the security officials on the Signal app chat have been testifying at a worldwide threat assessment hearing in the Senate. Adam is joined by BBC chief presenter in Washin…

1
Tania Kura: Police Deputy Commissioner on the effectiveness of the gang patch ban 3:52

2d ago3:52

3:52

The Police Deputy Commissioner says staff are pleasantly surprised at the effectiveness of banning gang patches. Rival gang tensions in Gisborne mean officers have just been given extra powers to search and impound vehicles and seize weapons, following eight incidents in a week. Tania Kura told Mike Hosking the gang patch ban has been really good f…

1
5290: LISTEN¦ Was £54,000 too much to pay for Stormont leaders to visit Washington? Why did it take a year to find the figures? The Belfast Telegraph revealed the cost of the four day trip. Frank got the ... 9:51

8h ago9:51

9:51

Was £54,000 too much to pay for Stormont leaders to visit Washington? Why did it take a year to find the figures? The Belfast Telegraph revealed the cost of the four day trip. Frank got the thoughts of Prof Jon Tonge Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
Building a clinic to save a forest 23:25

11m ago23:25

23:25

How do you stop people chopping down precious rainforest? In the Indonesian part of Borneo, researchers for a conservation charity discovered that local people were chopping down the rainforest around them for an incredibly understandable reason – they needed to pay for medical treatment for themselves and their children. So they started a project …

1
Catherine Field: Paris Correspondent on the trial of Gérard Depardieu for sexual assault 5:08

3d ago5:08

5:08

French actor Gérard Depardieu's gone on trial – charged with sexually assaulting two women on a film shoot four years ago. About 20 other women have also accused the 76-year-old of improper behaviour, but this is the first case to come to court. He's the highest-profile figure to face accusations in the French response to the Me Too movement. Paris…

1
Mike's Minute: The interest on our national debt will hit $11B 2:14

3d ago2:14

2:14

June 2026 is not far off. In fact, it's next year and next year is election year. By that time, it is being reported, the interest on our national debt will be $11b. Do you see how this works? Not long ago the warnings were issued that it might reach $10b and at the time, it was pointed out that that is multiple times more than the Police budget. T…

1
Pete Murray: Australian Singer Songwriter on his upcoming Australia and NZ tour 10:12

4d ago10:12

10:12

It’s been 17 years since Pete Murray last graced Kiwi stages. The 3x number one album selling Australian singer-songwriter has announced a 55 date tour in Australia – including four stops in New Zealand. He’ll be in the country next month, bringing just himself and his guitar. Murray told Mike Hosking that although he last performed here 17 years a…

1
Full Show Podcast: 25 March 2025 1:29:38

4d ago1:29:38

1:29:38

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Tuesday 25th of March, the Government is adjusting the RMA again – will this change be the end of it all? The Prime Minister is back from India and talking Kainga Ora, councils stopping the clock, and our national debt. Australian singer Pete Murray is coming back to New Zealand after 17 years to …

1
Kate Acland: Beef + Lamb Chair weighs in on New Zealand potentially being hit with US tariffs on beef 2:58

4d ago2:58

2:58

Australian beef exporters are being described as ‘lopsided and unfair’ by American farmers. Over 20 years, the trade deficit between the two countries is thought to be $45 billion – America is hoping tariffs will fix that. Beef + Lamb Chair Kate Acland told Mike Hosking New Zealand is not the target of America's proposed tariffs. She says the Ameri…

1
Andrew Pragnell: NZ Football CEO on the All Whites qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup 2:22

4d ago2:22

2:22

The All Whites have secured a spot at next year's expanded football World Cup, beating New Caledonia 3-nil in the Oceania qualifying final at Auckland. New Zealand needed an hour to score when defender Michael Boxall headed in from a corner - replacements Kosta Barbarouses and Elijah Just also struck. This marks the third time the All Whites have q…

1
Christopher Luxon: Prime Minister on the changes to the Resource Management Act 9:47

4d ago9:47

9:47

Christopher Luxon says the country needs to get faster at building things. The Government's announced it is replacing the Resource Management Act with a new planning framework, including new Acts around development of land and on protection of the natural environment. It comes after the Government also announced plans to allow trusted builders to a…

1
Janette Campbell: RMA Expert Advisory Group chair on the reforms to the act 3:42

4d ago3:42

3:42

There are hopes reforms to the Resource Management Act have walked the line between development and environment. The Government's new framework for planning includes new acts around development of land and on protection of the natural environment. Each act includes a set of national policy direction for simplifying and streamlining local government…

1
Chris Wilkins: Massey University drug researcher on the spike in meth usage 3:07

3d ago3:07

3:07

A massive spike in meth use is being linked to a change in global shopping habits. Christopher Luxon has asked ministers to look into meth use, after annual wastewater results show a 96% increase in consumption last year compared to 2023. Massey University drug researcher Chris Wilkins told Mike Hosking it's likely a case of both people using more,…

1
Talking About Talking About Peace Talks 38:03

1d ago38:03

38:03

Today, delegates from the US and Russia are meeting for another round of talks on the war in Ukraine. The meeting follows Witkoff’s comments on Tucker Carson’s podcast over the weekend where he said President Putin is “not a bad guy” and questioned Ukraine’s claims to parts of its own country. Adam is joined by North America editor Sarah Smith and …

1
5289: LISTEN¦ Could ending division help cut waiting lists, improve education and provide better services? An Alliance motion is drawing attention to the near £1bn cost of a divided society. Frank spoke ... 10:25

1h ago10:25

10:25

Could ending division help cut waiting lists, improve education and provide better services? An Alliance motion is drawing attention to the near £1bn cost of a divided society. Frank spoke to the party's finance spokesman Eóin Tennyson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
Richard Arnold: US Correspondent on Howard Lutnick's comments on Social Security 4:01

5d ago4:01

4:01

Donald Trump’s Commerce Secretary is facing backlash for his “cavalier” comments regarding Social Security. Social Security employees have been warning that the Trump administration’s plan to cut staff will result in delayed benefit cheque. Secretary Howard Lutnick says that anyone who complains about a missed Social Security cheque is a fraudster.…

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