Best BBC World Service Podcasts (2025)

1
The BBC World Service Debate: Is Donald Trump Making the World Safer or More Dangerous? 55:44

6d ago55:44

55:44

The BBC World Service Debate considers the rapidly changing international landscape since Donald Trump returned to the White House. The US President says his legacy will be as a peacemaker and unifier. So far he’s brought Putin to the negotiating table and made Europe take its security seriously in a way it hasn’t for decades. But his methods have …

1
Erdogan slams Israeli strikes as Muslim countries explore diplomatic options 47:16

33m ago47:16

47:16

At a gathering of Muslim-majority states in Istanbul, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has condemned Israel’s military strikes on Iran, accusing it of violating international law and risking “total disaster” in the region. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, also at the summit, warned that any US involvement in the conflict would be “very…

1
Debating the rapidly changing international landscape 8:58

8h ago8:58

8:58

The World Debate broadcast last weekend considered the rapidly changing international landscape under President Trump. Is the world a safer or more dangerous place, it asked. We hear listeners' views on how the debate shaped up and we are joined in the studio by a BBC news editor who oversaw the broadcast. Presenter: Rajan DatarProducer: Howard Sha…

1
Customer service: The rise of the doom loop 49:27

14m ago49:27

49:27

The quality of customer service can make or break a company. That has always been true but the kind of customer experience we now expect when things go wrong with our purchases is vastly different from what we wanted half a century ago. 1960s answering services, the new organisations managing calls on behalf of businesses, relied on a single techno…

1
'Making Tax Digital' and Bank Charges 25:11

1h ago25:11

25:11

Hundreds and thousands of sole traders and landlords are facing a significant change in how they file their tax returns. In less than a year 800,000 people with a turnover of above £50,000 who fill out self assessment tax returns will have to fill out summaries four times a year, and then do their final self assessment too. It's all part of somethi…

1
Iran-European talks debate Tehran's nuclear programme 47:31

22m ago47:31

47:31

Iran agrees to a second day of talks in Geneva over the fate of its nuclear programme. Their meeting marked the first face-to-face dialogue between Tehran and western governments since Israel first attacked Iran a week ago. Also on the programme, witnesses say Israeli military kills 23 Palestinians near aid site in Gaza; and, 50 years since 'Jaws' …

1
European ministers to hold talks with the Iranian foreign minister 45:59

37m ago45:59

45:59

UK, French and German foreign ministers will hold talks with their Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araghchi, in Geneva today as part of efforts to ease the Israel-Iran conflict. Also on the programme: lawmakers in the UK hold a crucial vote on legalising assisted dying; and as Italian classical singer Andrea Bocelli releases a duet with the men's tennis…

1
Trump to make decision on Iran attack within 2 weeks 47:31

36m ago47:31

47:31

In Washington DC earlier, President Trump said he would decide within the next two weeks whether or not to take military action against Iran. The US leader is reported to have agreed a potential plan of attack targeting Iran's nuclear facilities. The BBC’s Nomia Iqbal joins us from Washington to discuss what Trump might be thinking. We also get the…

1
Iranian minister warns US not to join in Israeli attacks 47:39

16h ago47:39

47:39

In a rare interview with the Iranian government from inside Tehran, Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh tells the BBC's Lyse Doucet it would be "a big mistake" for President Trump to join Israel's bombing campaign. It's a view shared by many of Mr Trump's most loyal supporters; we assess what's at stake, militarily and politically. Also in th…

1
Will the US get directly involved against Iran? 47:27

19h ago47:27

47:27

Will the US get directly involved in Israel's military campaign against Iran? We hear from former CIA director and US commander in Afghanistan and Iraq, General David Petraeus. Also: low attendance and low morale at FIFA's Club World Cup; and mounds of clothing turn up in protected conservation sites in Ghana, (Photo: U.S. President Donald Trump sa…

101
Iran’s Supreme Leader rejects call for surrender 47:27

1d ago47:27

47:27

Iran's supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, has warned that any US military intervention in his country will "cause irreparable damage for them". Speaking on state television, the Ayatollah decried what he called "threatening and ridiculous" comments from President Trump, who on Tuesday said Iran should surrender. As Israel's air bombardment of Iran conti…

1
Muhammad Yunus: We dream of creating a new Bangladesh 22:59

1d ago22:59

22:59

Rajini Vaidyanathan, BBC News presenter and correspondent, speaks to Muhammad Yunus, interim leader of Bangladesh. The 84-year-old is perhaps one of the world’s best-known Bangladeshis. Described as the banker to the world’s poor, he gained international recognition as a Nobel prize-winning economist, who founded the Grameen microfinance bank, whic…

1
President Trump demands Iran’s “surrender” 46:35

2d ago46:35

46:35

President Trump demands Iran’s unconditional surrender as Israel and Iran continue their attacks on each other. Also in the programme: Iranian Nobel laureate, Narges Mohammadi on fleeing Tehran; and we pay tribute to the piano virtuoso, Alfred Brendel. (Photo: Smoke plumes over the Tehran skyline. Credit: Reuters.)…

1
Trump says he wants 'a real end' to Israel Iran fighting 47:10

2d ago47:10

47:10

President Trump says he wants "a real end" to the fighting between Israel and Iran, not just a ceasefire. He said Iran should have done a deal with the US over its nuclear programme and he is now little inclined to negotiate. Mr Trump has returned early from the G7 summit in Canada because of the Middle East crisis. Meanwhile, Israel says it has ki…

1
All About Twins 28:26

2d ago28:26

28:26

This week is all about twins. On today's programme we'll hear from a very special pair who are through to the final of the All in the Mind Awards, which celebrates those who have made a real difference to people’s mental health. We'll hear how the special bond between Lisa and Rose Betts really mattered when Lisa was going through a very tough time…

1
CLARKE CARLISLE: From Premier League Footballer to Mental Health Advocate (recorded live) 24:38

2d ago24:38

24:38

This month's podcast episode features an insightful and candid conversation with former Premier League footballer, Clarke Carlisle, who openly discusses his personal journey with mental health challenges and addiction. He shares valuable lessons learned from his experiences, offering practical advice for both individuals and employers on fostering …

1
Making hospitals kinder for kids 23:20

3d ago23:20

23:20

Being in hospital can be frightening and lonely for children — but playful ideas are helping make the experience a little easier. In Scotland, professionally trained clowns are visiting paediatric wards to bring joy and distraction, while in the US, immersive video games are helping young patients come to terms with illness and long stays. We meet …

1
Israel warns Tehran residents to evacuate as it continues its raids 47:27

3d ago47:27

47:27

Israel warns Tehran residents to evacuate as it continues its strikes on the Iranian capital, hitting Iran TV studios while many residents attempt to flee the capital. Also in the programme: Canada’s foreign minister on the G7 summit, and the athletics trial gripping Norway. (Photo: Iranian flag in an empty square with images of slain senior comman…

1
Israel says it has full control of Tehran's skies 48:27

3d ago48:27

48:27

Israel says eight people have been killed in a third night of Iranian bombardment of Israeli cities, bringing the total to 24. Nearly 300 people are being treated in hospital. Iran meanwhile, has accused Israel of targeting a hospital in western Iran, condemning it as a war crime. Iran's health ministry says at least 224 people have been killed sin…

1
Yoshua Bengio: AI’s risks must be acknowledged 22:59

4d ago22:59

22:59

James Copnall, presenter of the BBC’s Newsday, speaks to Yoshua Bengio, the world-renowned computer scientist often described as one of the godfathers of artificial intelligence, or AI. Bengio is a professor at the University of Montreal in Canada, founder of the Quebec Artificial Intelligence Institute - and recipient of an A.M. Turing Award, “the…

1
Strikes by Israel and Iran continue 48:26

4d ago48:26

48:26

Strikes by Israel and Iran continue as the conflict between the two countries intensifies and stretches into a third day. We’ll hear from the Israeli army, a former senior US envoy and a resident of Tehran. Also on the programme: we speak to a senior US senator who was friends with the lawmakers killed in the Minnesota shootings; and the writer on …

1
What are Israel's war aims in Iran? 47:26

4d ago47:26

47:26

Iran and Israel continue trading strikes, seventy-two hours after Israel launched an attack against Iran's nuclear infrastructure and key military figures. We speak to key figures in the region to understand Israel's aims, the role of US diplomacy and how Iran might respond in the future. Also in the programme: demonstrations take place across Spai…

1
Israel and Iran threaten escalation of military conflict 47:29

4d ago47:29

47:29

Israel and Iran threaten to step up their military confrontation, nearly 48 hours after the Israeli strikes began. Newshour analyses Israel's strategy and assesses how close Iran was to making a nuclear weapon. Also in the programme: two US politicians are shot in Minnesota; and Bangladesh's interim Prime Minister Muhammad Yunus on the ending of ai…

1
Fraud Crackdown and Is Cash King? 24:53

5d ago24:53

24:53

The fight against what is called push payment fraud - when victims are groomed and manipulated into transferring money to criminals - took a huge step forward in October when new regulations for banks and other finance companies were introduced to make the banks involved liable for the losses. It was the result of years of campaigning which Money B…

1
Getting lyrical with BBC Learning English 8:58

5d ago8:58

8:58

My Song, My Home is a new musical podcast series from BBC Learning English. It offers global audiences an opportunity to learn English by meeting local musicians from across the UK and listening to them and their original songs. We get lyrical with the series’ editor! Plus, a listener delights in a recent Witness History on the invention of the aut…

1
Mike Huckabee, US Ambassador to Israel: ‘Hamas isn't interested in ending the war’ 22:58

8d ago22:58

22:58

James Coomarasamy, presenter of the BBC’s Newshour and The World Tonight, speaks to Mike Huckabee, US Ambassador to Israel. Confirmed in the post two months ago, Mr Huckabee is the former Republican Governor of Arkansas and two-time Republican presidential nominee. He’s an Evangelical Christian, who has backed the presence of Jewish settlements in …

1
Money Box Live: The 'Sadmin' of Bereavement 28:41

10d ago28:41

28:41

Earlier this spring the Financial Conduct Authority warned that some banks and firms lack empathy when dealing with bereaved customers and called for them to do more. Money Box Live received a huge response from our listeners when we covered the story, with emails from listeners about how they coped with their grief while managing finances followin…

1
School shooting in Austrian city of Graz 45:40

9d ago45:40

45:40

Nine people have been killed and many injured in a school shooting in the southern Austrian city of Graz. The shooter also killed himself, and has been identified as a former pupil. Also, Donald Trump sends in the Marines as the president's crackdown on undocumented migrants clashes with California's policy as a Sanctuary State, Syria's jailers und…

1
Are you flourishing? And why a playful approach can help us cope 28:21

9d ago28:21

28:21

Do you feel like you’re flourishing? If you’ve not heard that term before, it’s not just about wellbeing, it’s about your whole life being good. Guest psychologist Dr Peter Olusoga joins Claudia in the studio to discuss the results of the Global Flourishing Study, a huge new study of more than 200,000 people in 22 countries. What are the key takeaw…

1
Making life easier for older people 23:13

10d ago23:13

23:13

Barcelona in Spain is famous for its beautiful streets, lined with tall apartment buildings. But the architecture is a problem for many people who have lived for years in upstairs apartments but who now find the stairs unmanageable. In 2008, a survey found that in one district there were 300 people who could not leave their homes alone. A group of …

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

11d ago22:59

22:59

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

1
A sports show that defies convention 8:58

12d ago8:58

8:58

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

1
Cancer Costs and Mortgage Deals 24:42

13d ago24:42

24:42

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

1
Carsten Breuer, the German chief of defence: Nato faces "very serious threat" from Russia 22:58

18d ago22:58

22:58

Frank Gardner, BBC Security Correspondent, speaks to Carsten Breuer, the German chief of defence. General Carsten Breuer gives his assessment of the threat that Russia poses to the Western alliance Nato. He says that Russia is building up its forces to an "enormous extent" and says that members of the alliance need to prepare for a possible attack …

1
Money Box Live: Move or Improve? 28:24

16d ago28:24

28:24

If your home isn't working for you, should you pack up and move or get the builders in and improve? Moving is expensive, aside from the price of the house there's Stamp Duty and solicitors fees to think about. So, is it worth getting the builders in instead if you're desperate for an extra bedroom? Insurance firm Aviva predicts 7 million of us will…

1
Aha moments and contagious laughter 30:09

16d ago30:09

30:09

What's going on in your brain when you experience an 'aha!' moment? Imagine you've been stuck on a problem for ages, but then the answer suddenly comes to you out of nowhere, like a bolt of lightning. Claudia Hammond is joined in the studio by professor of cognitive neuroscience Sophie Scott to understand how these 'aha' moments happen. Sophie also…

1
Shipping containers fixing the world 23:26

17d ago23:26

23:26

Shipping containers are a staple of global trade, helping in the transport of all sorts of goods by sea across the world. But their relatively cheap cost and sturdy structure lends them to many other purposes. In this episode we look at a start-up business in the UK that uses shipping containers to store carbon captured from the air in the producti…

1
Tom Fletcher, UN Humanitarian Chief: Is the world doing enough to get aid into Gaza? 22:58

18d ago22:58

22:58

Tom Fletcher, Chief of Humanitarian Affairs for the United Nations, tells Fergal Keane, the BBC’s special correspondent, that Israel is subjecting Gaza to enforced starvation. Gaza faced an aid blockade of nearly three months - now, limited supplies of food, medicine and fuel are being allowed into the territory. But Israel argues Hamas is stealing…

1
Wealth Divide and Domestic Abuse 24:56

21d ago24:56

24:56

People over the age of 60 hold nearly £3 trillion of wealth in the value of their homes, almost all of it mortgage free. That is more than half of all housing wealth in the UK. Under 35s by contrast control only £600 billion and half of that is mortgaged. These startling figures were published recently by the upmarket estate agent Savills which has…

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BBC World Service Podcasts

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