Best BBC World Service Podcasts (2025)

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
Talking About Talking About Peace Talks 38:03

31m 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
Listen Bitch! And That’s On Period 37:21

22m ago37:21

37:21

Lily Allen and Miquita Oliver answer your questions about menstruation. This episode contains very strong language, adult themes, and discussions about abortion. If you have been affected by any of the issues raised, you can find support via the BBC Action Line: https://bbc.co.uk/actionline/ Credits:Producer: Flossie BarrattTechnical Producer: Will…

1
The Rachel Reeves Weekender: Civil Service Cuts Confirmed 29:20

10m ago29:20

29:20

What could the Spring Statement mean for the UK? Today, Laura, Paddy and Henry discuss Laura’s interview with chancellor Rachel Reeves about proposed cuts to the civil service and welfare system. You can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Newscast”. It works on most smart speakers. You…

1
The BIG Rachel Reeves Weekender 24:58

20h ago24:58

24:58

Today, Laura and Paddy look ahead to the Spring Statement after Rachel Reeves ruled out "tax and spend" policies, signalling that she will neither raise taxes nor government budgets. The chancellor has been speaking to Laura for a BBC documentary called ‘The Making of a Chancellor, which you can listen to on BBC Sounds: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds…

1
The Week: Defence Spending, Benefit Cuts and The Spring Statement 29:59

28m ago29:59

29:59

Today, James and Chris are joined by Lucy Fisher from the FT and Stephanie Flanders from Bloomberg to discuss; whether the Prime Minister can convince the public that an increase in defence spending is needed, how the benefit cuts are being received and what to expect from the spring statement. You can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If …

1
Why has Netanyahu Resumed the War? 25:25

20m ago25:25

25:25

Today, we look at why Israel has "resumed combat in full force" against Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Israeli aircraft launched massive airstrikes against what the military said were Hamas targets in Gaza, and ground operations have started again. International editor Jeremy Bowen explains how domestic politics could be a factor in Israeli Prime Ministe…

1
Drop and Fluff 31:47

1h ago31:47

31:47

Lily Allen and Miquita Oliver discuss new show Adolescence, kids and skincare, and share their thoughts on ageing. This episode contains very strong language and adult themes. Credits:Producer: Flossie BarrattTechnical Producer: Will Gibson SmithProduction Coordinator: Hannah BennettExecutive Producers: Dino Sofos and Ellie CliffordAssistant Commis…

1
Are Young Men in Crisis? 31:40

25m ago31:40

31:40

Today, we look at the challenges being faced by young men and boys after the former England manager Sir Gareth Southgate said he fears they are spending too much time gaming, gambling and watching pornography. James and Alex are joined by Ed Davies, Policy Director of the think tank the Centre for Social Justice, and Ceylon Andi Hickman, director a…

1
Labour’s Benefits Crackdown 48:03

25m ago48:03

48:03

Today, we look at big changes to the benefits system which the government say aim to save £5bn a year by 2030. They were announced in the House of Commons by Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall who said the changes would create a more “pro-work system”. However, charities and some Labour MPs are worried benefit cuts will push disabled people in…

1
Helping the children of sex workers 23:43

9m ago23:43

23:43

In the red light districts of Kolkata, India, there exists an extraordinary youth club. DIKSHA, as it’s known, looks after the children of sex workers when their mothers are working. While they’re at the youth club, girls and boys learn about their rights and are empowered to take control of their futures. Since the club started in 2001 it has work…

1
Trump to Call Putin 39:54

29m ago39:54

39:54

Today, President Trump has been speaking to journalists ahead of his phone call with Russia’s President Putin on Tuesday. Trump told reporters that the two men will discuss land and powerplants. James and Alex speak to BBC diplomatic correspondent James Landale in Kyiv where Ukrainian officials will be waiting to hear if the phone call brings Russi…

1
Listen Bitch! I'm The Problem 35:31

21m ago35:31

35:31

Lily Allen and Miquita Oliver answer your questions about gentrification. Next week, we want to hear your questions about MENSTRUATION. Please send us a voice note on WhatsApp: 08000 30 40 90. Or, if you like, send us an email: [email protected]. This episode contains very strong language and adult themes. Credits:Producer: Flossie BarrattTechnical …

1
Is The Government Backing Down Over Benefits? 22:34

16m ago22:34

22:34

Today, we look at the news that ministers could abandon plans to freeze some disability benefits. Paddy, Laura and Henry discuss where the news came from, and what the plans were in the first place. And, after a week in which Health Secretary Wes Streeting announced that he was getting rid of NHS England, they look at how he might be changing other…

1
Starmer Starts Military Plans for Peace in Ukraine 32:41

7d ago32:41

32:41

Today, Laura and Paddy discuss UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s virtual summit with the ‘coalition of the willing’. Downing Street say representatives from 26 countries joined the Prime Minister this morning to discuss bolstering support for Ukraine by moving military planning to an “operational phase”. But is Russia any closer to agreeing a ceasef…

1
The Week: NHS Reforms, Benefit Battles and Tariff Tactics 29:54

20m ago29:54

29:54

Today, Adam, Vicki, Faisal and Nick discuss Starmer’s attempts to speed up government, a possible fight over benefit changes and whether the PM is going to push back more on President Trump. You can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Newscast”. It works on most smart speakers. You can …

1
Starmer Scraps NHS England 31:14

20m ago31:14

31:14

Today, Adam and Henry discuss Starmer’s announcement to abolish NHS England, which handles the day to day running of the health service and has been described by the government as the “world’s largest quango”. Health Secretary Wes Streeting is also on to talk about the plans and what they mean for healthcare in the UK. You can now listen to Newscas…

1
Five Stars of Disagreement 35:02

21m ago35:02

35:02

Lily Allen and Miquita Oliver discuss their Live shows, the Glastonbury line-up and feminism. This episode contains very strong language and adult themes. Credits:Producer: Flossie BarrattTechnical Producer: Will Gibson SmithProduction Coordinator: Hannah BennettExecutive Producers: Dino Sofos and Ellie CliffordAssistant Commissioner for BBC: Lorra…

1
Trade Wars: EU Hits Back At Trump 37:27

2d ago37:27

37:27

Today, we look at responses and retaliations to President Trump’s universal tariffs on steel and aluminium. Adam is joined by Caitríona Perry, Chief Presenter BBC News in Washington, and Dharshini David, chief economics correspondent to discuss retaliatory tariffs from the EU and Canada, as well as Keir Starmer’s response. Plus, Russia is “studying…

1
30-Day Ceasefire For Ukraine? 30:47

7d ago30:47

30:47

Today, we look at Ukraine saying it is ready to accept a US proposal for an initial 30-day ceasefire. The decision comes after US and Ukrainian officials met in Saudi Arabia for talks. Washington will also immediately restore intelligence sharing and “security assistance” to Ukraine. Adam is joined by Lord Kim Darroch - Former British Ambassador to…

1
Associated British Foods and Out the Box: Women and Race – creating a human-centred workplace 41:00

1d ago41:00

41:00

This month our host Sarah Travers is joined by Sue Whalley, Chief People and Performance Officer at Associated British Foods – multinational food processing and retailing company and Renée Davis, Founder, Out the Box – an organisation that equips Black creative entrepreneurial and professional talent with opportunities and connections. In this epis…

1
Fishing trash from our oceans 23:13

7d ago23:13

23:13

Around the world, rubbish is collecting in our gutters and waterways, with millions of tonnes being washed out to sea every year. As the soup of ocean debris kills and injures millions of marine animals, we look at two projects trying to make a dent in the problem. We discover a Greek project which has enlisted thousands of fishermen around the Med…

1
Trade Wars: The Return of Mark Carney 33:53

4d ago33:53

33:53

Today, we look at the new Prime Minister of Canada, Mark Carney, who has vowed to win a trade war with President Trump. Mark Carney, the former Governor of the Bank of England, will become the next Prime Minister of Canada after winning his party’s leadership contest. Carney will be sworn in, in the coming days and has vowed to win the trade war wi…

1
Listen Bitch! Hold The Phone 35:22

2d ago35:22

35:22

Lily Allen and Miquita Oliver answer your questions about phone etiquette. Next week, we want to hear your questions about GENTRIFICATION. Please send us a voice note on WhatsApp: 08000 30 40 90. Or, if you like, send us an email: [email protected]. This episode contains very strong language and adult themes. Credits:Producer: Flossie BarrattTechnic…

1
State Reforms + the State of Reform 26:13

10d ago26:13

26:13

Today, we hear from Ukrainians as their leader gets ready for another big week of peace talks and diplomacy. Laura, Paddy and Henry also discuss government plans to overhaul the civil service. Plus, they assess Reform UK’s “infighting” following the suspension of an MP. You can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just …

1
Is Trump the Best Thing to Happen to Starmer? 30:12

4d ago30:12

30:12

Today, Laura and Paddy answer your questions about the war in Ukraine, President Trump’s tactics, and the possibilities of a peace deal. We also discuss Keir Starmer’s approach to global politics, and whether his "statesman-like" appearances on the global stage have helped him back home. You can now listen to Newscast on your smart speaker. If you …

1
The Week: Is Starmer’s Trump Strategy Working? 29:55

5d ago29:55

29:55

Today, Adam, Chris, Caitríona and James discuss if Sir Keir Starmer’s strategy for President Trump is working? Plus, can the Prime Minister reconcile his international agenda with his domestic one?” You can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Newscast”. It works on most smart speakers. …

51
Summit To Talk About 35:22

13d ago35:22

35:22

Today, we discuss the emergency EU summit taking place in Brussels. Adam catches up with Europe editor Katya Adler about the discussions taking place about how the EU can bolster their defence spending, as well as supporting Ukraine in the face of uncertainty with the US. And Ukraine correspondent James Waterhouse dials in to discuss how Zelensky i…

1
Say Thank You to Daddy 33:01

16d ago33:01

33:01

Lily Allen and Miquita Oliver discuss The Oscars, starting a commune and the Trump-Zelensky meet. This episode contains very strong language and adult themes. Credits:Producer: Flossie BarrattTechnical Producer: Will Gibson SmithProduction Coordinator: Hannah BennettExecutive Producers: Dino Sofos and Ellie CliffordAssistant Commissioner for BBC: L…

1
Is Government About to Cut Welfare Spending? 41:00

7d ago41:00

41:00

Today, we discuss the Chancellor Rachel Reeves looking at making spending cuts worth billions to the government’s welfare budget. The Treasury will put the proposed cuts to the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) on Wednesday amid expectations the chancellor's financial headroom has disappeared. Adam is joined by economics editor Faisal Islam to…

1
Zelensky (Almost) Says Sorry 39:45

8d ago39:45

39:45

Today, we discuss President Zelensky saying that Ukraine is "ready to work under President Trump's strong leadership" to negotiate a peace deal. This comes after the US announced it would pause military aid to Ukraine, which has caused alarm across Europe. Adam speaks to the BBC’s chief presenter, Caitriona Perry and BBC international editor, Jerem…

1
Renewable kids on the block 23:17

14d ago23:17

23:17

Globally, energy production and use is responsible for around 75% of the world’s carbon emissions, with around a third of that on electricity and heat alone. To tackle climate change, we need to get more energy from renewable sources, so this week we’re taking a look at some of the more surprising ways people have come up with to harness clean ener…

51
Can Starmer and Macron Win the Peace? 36:56

9d ago36:56

36:56

Today, we look at possible plans for a Franco-UK peace deal in Ukraine. French President Emmanuel Macron floated the idea of a partial month-long truce between Russia and Ukraine in a interview on Sunday. But the UK government has played down the idea as just a suggestion, and say that lots of proposals are still on the table. Meanwhile President T…

1
Listen Bitch! Back on Track 31:43

9d ago31:43

31:43

Lily Allen and Miquita Oliver answer your questions about public transport. Next week, we want to hear your questions about PHONE ETIQUETTE. Please send us a voice note on WhatsApp: 08000 30 40 90. Or, if you like, send us an email: [email protected]. This episode contains very strong language and adult themes. Credits:Producer: Flossie BarrattTechn…

1
Could Zelensky Still do a Deal With Trump? 17:03

10d ago17:03

17:03

Today, in this extra episode, Laura and Paddy get back together to talk after Laura met President Zelensky. He told her, and a group of other journalists, that he is still "ready to sign" a US-Ukraine minerals deal after leaving the White House without it being agreed. Laura explains what it was like to be in the room as he also explained he wants …

1
Starmer on Zelensky, Trump and Putin 42:10

10d ago42:10

42:10

Today, we unpack Sir Keir Starmer’s interview with Laura about Donald Trump’s row with Volodymyr Zelensky, and Europe’s plan to make a Ukraine peace deal happen. You can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Newscast”. It works on most smart speakers. You can join our Newscast online comm…

1
The Oval Office Argument Aftermath 28:12

11d ago28:12

28:12

Today, we look at how Sir Keir Starmer and other leaders are reacting to the row/pile on/slanging match between Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky in the Oval Office. Starmer called both men on Friday night to show support, and he’s hosting Zelensky at Downing Street ahead of a European leader summit on Sunday. Laura and Paddy discuss the Prime Mi…

1
Trump vs Zelensky In The Oval Office 29:47

12d ago29:47

29:47

Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky have clashed in an extraordinary exchange at the White House, with Trump telling the Ukrainian president to "make a deal or we're out" James and Laura dissect what happened. You can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Newscast”. It works on most smart…

1
Starmer Meets Trump 40:40

13d ago40:40

40:40

Today we look at the much anticipated meeting between President Trump and Prime Minister Starmer. Answering questions from journalists, the two men discussed; a state visit to the UK for the President, the future of the Chagos Islands, peace in Ukraine and free speech. You can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just s…

101
The Tates in the States 25:22

14d ago25:22

25:22

Today, Andrew Tate and his brother Tristan have landed in Florida on a private jet from Bucharest, Romania. The brothers were arrested in Romania three years ago and face trial on allegations of rape, trafficking minors and money laundering - all of which they deny. The charges haven’t been dropped, and they are expected to return at the end of Mar…

1
An Armie and a Leg 36:58

13d ago36:58

36:58

Lily Allen and Miquita Oliver discuss Andrew Tate & the manosphere, Armie Hammer on Louis Theroux and what makes a good salad. This episode contains very strong language, adult themes and strong sexual references. Credits:Producer: Flossie BarrattTechnical Producer: Will Gibson SmithProduction Coordinator: Hannah BennettExecutive Producers: Dino So…

1
Starmer and Trump, United in America? 35:45

14d ago35:45

35:45

Today, Sir Keir Starmer is en route to Washington for his first White House meeting with President Donald Trump. James speaks to Chris about what the Prime Minister will be hoping to achieve, what the potential pitfalls are and why it’s so significant. Plus, the government’s climate watchdog released a new report today looking at what the UK needs …

1
Starmer Goes On The Defensive Before Trump Showdown 34:13

15d ago34:13

34:13

Today, we look at the news that the UK will increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027. The surprise announcement from Sir Keir Starmer comes ahead of his meeting with US President Donald Trump later this week. The increase will come at the expense of the UK’s foreign aid budget which will be cut by 0.2%. James and Alex explain how it will wo…

1
The artificial limbs bringing hope in Gaza 24:33

21d ago24:33

24:33

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that one in every 100 people in Gaza have a life-changing injury because of the conflict. It’s currently impossible for most to leave the strip and get medical treatment but a team of Jordanian medics has been able to enter Gaza and fit war victims with cutting-edge prosthetics which clip on quickly and…

1
The Macron And Trump Bromance Returns 32:15

16d ago32:15

32:15

Today, we look at French president Emmanuel Macron’s meeting with US president Donald Trump on the future of Ukraine. Speaking with reporters at the White House, Trump said Russian president Vladimir Putin would accept European peacekeepers in Ukraine as part of a potential deal to end the war. James and Alex are joined by the BBC’s Chief Internati…

1
Listen Bitch! Kiss In Point 35:33

16d ago35:33

35:33

Lily Allen and Miquita Oliver answer your questions about kissing. Next week, we want to hear your questions about PUBLIC TRANSPORT. Please send us a voice note on WhatsApp: 08000 30 40 90. Or, if you like, send us an email: [email protected]. This episode contains very strong language, adult themes and strong sexual references. Credits:Producer: Fl…

1
German Electioncast! (The Results) 33:14

28d ago33:14

33:14

Today, we look at the projected election results from Germany. The conservative Christian Democrats (CDU)/CSU party will be the largest party in the next German parliament with 30% of the vote and will look to form a coalition government, though not with the party that looks to have come second, the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD). That’s b…

101
How Far Will The UK Go To Protect Ukraine? 26:27

17d ago26:27

26:27

Addressing the Scottish Labour conference in Glasgow today, Sir Keir Starmer said "peace only comes with strength” and said the UK must spend more on defence. But how far is he prepared to go to protect Ukraine when he goes to Washington next week? Laura, Paddy and Joe discuss what tools the UK government has at its disposal to negotiate or flatter…

1
The Week Ahead: Will Starmer Win Over Trump? 36:46

18d ago36:46

36:46

Sir Keir Starmer is preparing for a trip to Washington on Thursday that he hopes will move Donald Trump away from a quick deal with Russia to end the war in Ukraine and get European allies back at the negotiating table. The prime minister will have to walk a diplomatic tightrope in order to avoid the crossfire between Washington and Kyiv and repair…

1
The Ukraine War: How Far Away Is A Peace Deal? 32:15

1M ago32:15

32:15

The past week has seen international diplomacy turned upside down as the US began talks with Russia to end the war in Ukraine. The decision to exclude Ukraine - and Europe - from these talks led to an emergency summit in which European countries sought to establish some influence over the process. But with the US and Ukrainian presidents embroiled …

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