BBC Podcasts

Topical comedy from the sharpest satirical minds in the business. Listen first on BBC Sounds, every Friday. Is the news driving you up the wall? You’re not alone. Let the comedians take the strain and work out what’s been funny this week. Features BBC Radio 4’s The News Quiz, Dead Ringers, The Naked Week and Too Long; Didn’t Read. Listen on BBC Sounds, seven days earlier than anywhere else, and subscribe to make sure that you don’t miss an episode.

1
Comedy of the Week

BBC Radio 4

274k

Unsubscribe

5d ago5d ago

Unsubscribe

Weekly

Brighten your week with the latest BBC Radio 4 comedy.

1
Lives Less Ordinary

BBC World Service

12k

168

Unsubscribe

6d ago6d ago

Unsubscribe

Weekly

Have you ever locked eyes with a stranger and wondered, "What’s their story?" Step into someone else’s life and expect the unexpected. Extraordinary stories from around the world.

1
6 Minute English

BBC Radio

22k

276

Unsubscribe

2d ago2d ago

Unsubscribe

Weekly

Learn and practise useful English language for everyday situations. Find more at bbclearningenglish.com Follow us at bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/followus

1
Documentaries

BBC

184

Unsubscribe

10h ago10h ago

Unsubscribe

Daily

An indepth look at stories and issues from around the world. This podcast offers you the chance to access landmark series from our archive.

1
Uncanny

BBC Radio 4

768

Unsubscribe

1d ago1d ago

Unsubscribe

Monthly

From ghostly phantoms to UFOs, Danny Robins investigates real-life stories of paranormal encounters. So, are you Team Believer or Team Sceptic? Written and presented by Danny Robins Editor and Sound Designer: Charlie Brandon-King Music: Evelyn Sykes Theme Music by Lanterns on the Lake Produced by Danny Robins and Simon Barnard A Bafflegab and Uncanny Media production for BBC Radio 4

1
Great Lives

BBC Radio 4

380

Unsubscribe

5d ago5d ago

Unsubscribe

Monthly+

Biographical series in which guests choose someone who has inspired their lives.

1
More or Less: Behind the Stats

BBC Radio 4

34k

Unsubscribe

5h ago5h ago

Unsubscribe

Weekly

Tim Harford and the More or Less team try to make sense of the statistics which surround us. From BBC Radio 4

1
Business Matters

BBC World Service

215

Unsubscribe

9h ago9h ago

Unsubscribe

Monthly+

Global business and finance news and discussion from the BBC.

1
This Cultural Life

BBC Radio 4

251

126

Unsubscribe

2d ago2d ago

Unsubscribe

Monthly+

In-depth conversations with some of the world's leading artists and creatives across theatre, visual arts, music, dance, film and more. Hosted by John Wilson.

1
BBC

BBC

159

150

Unsubscribe

5h ago5h ago

Unsubscribe

Daily+

The BBC is the largest broadcasting organisation in the world. Its mission is to enrich people's lives with programmes that inform, educate and entertain. BBC World Service broadcasts to the world on radio, on TV and online, providing news and information in 32 languages.

1
Assume Nothing

BBC Radio Ulster

208

174

Unsubscribe

1M ago5w ago

Unsubscribe

Weekly

The teams assume nothing as they examine events through fresh eyes.

1
Evil Genius with Russell Kane

BBC Sounds

120

Unsubscribe

3d ago3d ago

Unsubscribe

Monthly

It’s good, bad, ugly - and very very funny. Changing the way we see heroes and villains in history.

1
World Business Report

BBC World Service

Unsubscribe

17h ago17h ago

Unsubscribe

Monthly

The latest Business and finance news from around the world on the BBC.

1
Scotcast

BBC Radio Scotland

Unsubscribe

2d ago2d ago

Unsubscribe

Weekly+

The BBC's Scottish news podcast, hosted by Martin Geissler. Conversation with trusted journalists and experts about the country's biggest stories.

1
Learning English Vocabulary

BBC Radio

11k

311

Unsubscribe

3d ago3d ago

Unsubscribe

Weekly+

Build your English vocabulary with these short programmes. Each episode explores a new topic to improve your English. Find more at bbclearningenglish.com Follow us at bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/followus

1
Desert Island Discs

BBC Radio 4

196k

Unsubscribe

6d ago6d ago

Unsubscribe

Monthly+

Eight tracks, a book and a luxury: what would you take to a desert island? Guests share the soundtrack of their lives.

1
The Inquiry

BBC World Service

544

Unsubscribe

4d ago4d ago

Unsubscribe

Weekly

The Inquiry gets beyond the headlines to explore the trends, forces and ideas shaping the world.

1
In Our Time: Science

BBC Radio 4

291

Unsubscribe

16d ago2w ago

Unsubscribe

Monthly

Scientific principles, theory, and the role of key figures in the advancement of science.

1
The History Podcast

BBC Radio 4

Unsubscribe

1M ago5w ago

Unsubscribe

Weekly

NEW on The History Podcast: Half-Life. Drawn to a family legend about his German-Jewish family's dramatic escape from Nazi Germany in 1936, the writer Joe Dunthorne accidentally discovers a far more disturbing history.

1
Learning English Stories

BBC Radio

17k

227

Unsubscribe

1d ago1d ago

Unsubscribe

Weekly

Improve your English with these short dramas and stories. Find more at bbclearningenglish.com Follow us at bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/followus

1
From Our Own Correspondent

BBC Radio 4

Unsubscribe

28m ago28m ago

Unsubscribe

Weekly

Insight, wit and analysis from BBC correspondents, journalists and writers telling stories beyond the news headlines. Presented by Kate Adie.

1
Everyday Ethics

BBC Radio Ulster

589

Unsubscribe

6d ago6d ago

Unsubscribe

Weekly

Provocative weekly debate on moral, religious and ethical issues. From BBC Radio Ulster

1
Learning English Conversations

BBC Radio

20k

752

Unsubscribe

4d ago4d ago

Unsubscribe

Weekly

Everyday expressions and real English conversations to help make your everyday conversations easier. Find more at bbclearningenglish.com Follow us at bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/followus

1
Unexpected Elements

BBC World Service

230k

278

Unsubscribe

8m ago8m ago

Unsubscribe

Weekly

The news you know, the science you don’t. Unexpected Elements looks beyond everyday narratives to discover a goldmine of scientific stories and connections from around the globe. From Afronauts, to why we argue, to a deep dive on animal lifespans: see the world in a new way.

1
Young Again

BBC Radio 4

111

Unsubscribe

3d ago3d ago

Unsubscribe

Monthly

Kirsty Young asks fascinating people what advice they would give their younger self. Authors, artists, actors and film-makers are among those revisiting the moments that made them.

1
The World Tonight

BBC Radio 4

Unsubscribe

2h ago2h ago

Unsubscribe

Daily

In depth reporting, intelligent analysis and major breaking news from a global perspective

1
Thought for the Day

BBC Radio 4

74k

Unsubscribe

1d ago1d ago

Unsubscribe

Daily

Reflections from a faith perspective on issues and people in the news.

1
Learning English from the News

BBC Radio

326

Unsubscribe

2d ago2d ago

Unsubscribe

Weekly

Learn the language you need to understand news stories in English. Find more at bbclearningenglish.com Follow us at bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/followus

104
Americast

BBC News

435

Unsubscribe

1d ago1d ago

Unsubscribe

Weekly+

Americast is the authoritative US news and politics podcast from the BBC. Each week we provide audiences with the best analysis from across the BBC, with on-the-ground observations and big picture insights about the stories which are defining America right now. The podcast is hosted by trusted BBC journalists including the BBC’s North America editor, Sarah Smith, BBC Radio 4 presenter, Justin Webb, the BBC’s disinformation and social media correspondent, Marianna Spring, and BBC North Americ ...

1
The Documentary Podcast

BBC World Service

501k

Unsubscribe

14h ago14h ago

Unsubscribe

Daily

A window into our world, through in-depth storytelling from the BBC. Investigating, reporting and uncovering true stories from everywhere. Award-winning journalism, unheard voices, amazing culture and global issues. From Trump’s new world order, to protests in Turkey, to the headphone revolution, The Documentary investigates major global stories. We delve into social media, take you into the minds of the world’s most creative people and explore personal approaches to spirituality. Every week ...

1
Arts & Ideas

BBC Radio 4

Unsubscribe

21h ago21h ago

Unsubscribe

Monthly+

Leading thinkers discuss the ideas shaping our lives – looking back at the news and making links between past and present. Broadcast as Free Thinking, Fridays at 9pm on BBC Radio 4. Presented by Matthew Sweet, Shahidha Bari and Anne McElvoy.

1
The Briefing Room

BBC Radio 4

351

Unsubscribe

3d ago3d ago

Unsubscribe

Monthly+

David Aaronovitch and a panel of experts and insiders present in-depth explainers on big issues in the news

1
Learning English Grammar

BBC Radio

10k

260

Unsubscribe

3d ago3d ago

Unsubscribe

Weekly

Learn English grammar with these short programmes. Each episode explores a new piece of grammar you need to improve your English. Find more at bbclearningenglish.com Follow us at bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/followus

1
Sport's Strangest Crimes

BBC Radio 5 Live

732

Unsubscribe

2M ago7w ago

Unsubscribe

Monthly+

When sport collides with true crime.

show series

2
BBC News 18:00 3:30

1h ago3:30

3:30

The latest news from the BBC.By BBC

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

3h 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
Dead Ringers: Ep1. Greta, Trump and Eau de Farage 28:42

19m ago28:42

28:42

The Dead Ringers team are back to train their vocal firepower on the week’s news with an armoury of impressive impressions. This week: Greta Thunberg floats her boat at Rachel Reeves, Trump and Elon couple up on Love Island, and Gary Lineker tries something new. Cast: Jan Ravens, Jon Culshaw, Jess Robinson, Kieran Hodgson and Duncan Wisbey. The epi…

1
Does the pandemic agreement make the world safer? 27:59

36m ago27:59

27:59

The World Health Organisation has agreed a treaty looking at tackling the issue of future pandemics. It’s hoped it will help to avoid some of the disorganisation and competition for resources like vaccines and personal protective equipment that were seen during the Covid-19 outbreak. Victoria Gill speaks to global health journalist Andrew Green fro…

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

1
جنگ اسرائیل و ایران و آینده جمهوری اسلامی 46:44

4h ago46:44

46:44

جمهوری اسلامی پس از جنگ جاری با اسرائیل دوام‌ خواهد آورد یا نه و اگر بماند چگونه نظامی خواهد بود؟ اما اسرائیل در این جنگ در پی چیست؟ میهمان‌ها: مهرداد خوانساری، دیپلمات پیشین محسن بنایی، فعال سیاسیBy BBC

1
The Happy Pod: Sending my mother's ashes around the world 28:38

4h ago28:38

28:38

The woman fulfilling her mother's dreams of travel by launching her ashes out to sea in a bottle. It's brought her happiness amid her grief. Also: Thailand's tigers bounce back; and making hospitals happier for children. Presenter: Nick Miles. Music composed by Iona HampsonBy BBC

1
Israel strikes Iran's nuclear sites 28:46

20m ago28:46

28:46

Kate Adie presents stories from Iran, Israel, India, the US and Canada. Israel's decision to launch strikes on Iranian nuclear and military sites has brought more uncertainty to an already volatile region. Several hundred Iranian civilians have been killed in the attacks and thousands more have fled Tehran. Jiyar Gol has spoken to people from acros…

1
Jaws and the Charleston church shooting 51:07

9m ago51:07

51:07

Max Pearson presents a collection of the week's Witness History interviews from the BBC World Service. This programme includes outdated and offensive language. It’s 50 years since the original Jaws film was released in cinemas across America. The movie premiered on 20 June 1975. Our guest is Jenny He, senior exhibitions curator at the Academy Museu…

1
Antarctic Midwinter Broadcast 2025 41:45

10h ago41:45

41:45

It’s the 70th anniversary of this unique BBC radio programme aimed at just a few dozen listeners: The team of scientists and support staff isolated at British research stations in the Antarctic midwinter. Hosted by Cerys Matthews, the show features messages from family and friends at home, music requests from Antarctica and a specially recorded mes…

1
Antarctic Midwinter Broadcast 2025 38:26

11m ago38:26

38:26

1
Antarctic Midwinter Broadcast 2025 41:45

12h ago41:45

41:45

1
How to spot a suspicious statistic 8:58

5m ago8:58

8:58

Untruths sneak into our lives in all kinds of ways. Sometimes they’re outright lies. Blatant misinformation. But in this episode, we’re going to talk about something else - those sneaky numbers and claims that bounce around our society and that aren’t exactly false, but are leading you down the wrong path. That’s the subject of a book called May Co…

1
What is behind the calmness in global markets? 49:27

20m ago49:27

49:27

Global markets, including the US, have been quietly calm, although there have been warning signs of looming risks and uncertainty after Donald Trump’s “liberation day” tariffs announcement. What’s behind such market “silence”? Roger Hearing hears from Gillian Tett, the chair of the Editorial Board of the Financial Times and the Provost of Kings Col…

1
Iranians and Israelis 25:44

15h ago25:44

25:44

Since Israel launched its attack on Iran, targeting the country’s nuclear capabilities, air strikes by both sides have killed and injured people in both countries. We hear from three Iranians living abroad who tell us about their concerns for family and friends in Iran. Two friends – one Israeli and one Iranian – join us to explain their search for…

1
Iranians and Israelis 25:44

17h ago25:44

25:44

1
Iranians and Israelis 23:07

1h ago23:07

23:07

1
Gaza aid deaths: Why does this keep happening? 35:20

17h ago35:20

35:20

Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry says more than 400 Palestinians have been killed near aid sites since late May. The Israeli military has repeatedly said it will investigate such reports. We ask why this keeps happening.By BBC

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

18h 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
Why are global markets so quiet? 28:15

19h ago28:15

28:15

1
Why are global markets so quiet? 26:24

9m ago26:24

26:24

1
MPs back assisted dying bill, sending it to House of Lords 37:58

17m ago37:58

37:58

MPs have backed the legalisation of assisted dying by a majority of 23. The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill will now progress to the House of Lords where it'll face further scrutiny and amendments. We spoke to campaigners outside Parliament as the votes were cast and two members of the House of Lords who will now shape the Bill. The BBC ha…

1
MPs back assisted dying bill, sending it to House of Lords 40:47

19h ago40:47

40:47

1
Language 56:44

17m ago56:44

56:44

Journalists Peter Hitchens and Oliver Kamm, radio presenter and comedian Ellis James, languages expert Ross Perlin, Diana Sutton director of The Bell Foundation and podcaster and academic Reetika Revathy Subramanian join Matthew Sweet for a conversation about how language unites and divides us. Ross Perlin's book Language City: The Fight to Preserv…

1
Iran-European talks debate Tehran's nuclear programme 48:57

20h ago48:57

48:57

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

22m ago47:31

47:31

1
How can we persuade more people to cycle? 26:28

8m ago26:28

26:28

Cycling is good for our health, good for the planet, and it can be an efficient way of moving around busy cities. But despite all the rational arguments for it, in most cities the number of people who get on their bikes is low. CrowdScience listener Hans wants to know whether it’s time to change our tactics. Could we persuade more people to cycle i…

1
20/06/2025 12:58

23h ago12:58

12:58

Writer: Katie Hims Director: Pip Swallow Editor: Jeremy Howe Brian Aldridge…. Charles Collingwood Jolene Archer…. Buffy Davis Kenton Archer…. Richard Attlee Pip Archer…. Daisy Badger Lilian Bellamy…. Sunny Ormonde Alice Carter…. Hollie Chapman Justin Elliott…. Simon Williams Miranda Elliott…. Lucy Fleming Martyn Gibson…. Jon Glover Jakob Hakansson……

1
Dead Ringers: Ep1. Greta, Trump and Eau de Farage 28:42

23h ago28:42

28:42

1
Time for a rethink on debt? 26:28

1d ago26:28

26:28

Economists have been brought together by the Vatican to tackle a global debt crisis. So, is it time to rethink how we help poorer nations in need? Vladimir Putin says Russia's economy is thriving... but as a country under sanctions and at war, how true can this be? In the race for AI dominance, a company called Croq with a Q says its chips can outp…

1
Time for a rethink on debt? 26:28

14m ago26:28

26:28

1
How different will the Rwanda-DRC peace deal be? 28:40

1d ago28:40

28:40

There is a glimmer of hope that three decades of conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo could end after the government agreed a draft peace deal with Rwanda, a country accused of funding the M23, a group that has taken over some significant towns in the east of DRC. Representatives of the two countries will formally sign the agreement next we…

1
European ministers to hold talks with the Iranian foreign minister 46:56

1d ago46:56

46:56

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

37m ago45:59

45:59

1
European ministers hold talks with Iran as conflict continues 28:58

1d ago28:58

28:58

As the conflict between Israel and Iran enters its second week, European ministers are meeting Iran's top diplomat as part of efforts to end the fighting. Also; Spain's political crisis and the tigers making a comeback.By BBC

1
Classic Stories: The Piper of Hamelin 5:41

14m ago5:41

5:41

Enjoy a classic story in English and learn 12 uses of 'pay' - in 5 minutes. FIND BBC LEARNING ENGLISH HERE: Visit our website ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish Follow us ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/followus LIKE PODCASTS? Try some of our other popular podcasts including: ✔️ 6 Minute English ✔️ Learning English from the News ✔️ L…

1
Bishop Richard Harries 3:01

22m ago3:01

3:01

20 JUN 25By BBC Radio 4

1
A grieving wife told to examine her husband to confirm he was dead says it should never happen to anyone again 1:20:46

1d ago1:20:46

1:20:46

Also - Nolan talks to Dr Joanne McClean from the PHA about the new Covid strain.By BBC

1
Some really cool science 49:29

17m ago49:29

49:29

This week, the Florida Panthers beat the Edmonton Oilers at ice hockey’s Stanley Cup championship, which sent us skating into ice-related science. First up, we hear about an ancient ice skate that’s been unearthed in Prerov, Czech Republic, which sends us pondering about the physics of ice-skating. We then discover why licking a flagpole on a chill…

1
Clowns in Spacetime 29:57

34m ago29:57

29:57

Can you slow down time by hurtling through space at breakneck speed? Could listener Saskia’s friend - currently one year older - end up the same age as her if he went fast enough? It sounds bananas, but it’s all part of Einstein’s mind-warping theory of relativity. With expert copilots Professor Sean Carroll and Dr. Katie Clough, Hannah Fry and Dar…

1
Uncanny Live from Hay Festival 2025 53:12

29m ago53:12

53:12

Danny Robins is joined by paranormal experts Ciaran O’Keeffe and Evelyn Hollow for a special episode, recorded live at the Hay Festival 2025, featuring brand new cases to chill your spine this summer. Are you Team Believer or Team Sceptic? How do we explain them? Written and presented by Danny RobinsEditing and sound design: Charlie Brandon-KingMus…

1
Central Intelligence: Series 2: Episode 1 32:35

2h ago32:35

32:35

The Cold War intensifies with US involvement in South Vietnam. It’s 1954. Colonel Ed Lansdale, former advertising executive and the CIA’s maverick agent in South-East Asia, a pioneer in clandestine operations and psychological warfare, is given the task of creating dissension in the North to stop the advance of the communists. Return of the award-w…

1
Can Israel's economy sustain an extended conflict? 49:26

17m ago49:26

49:26

A war with Iran has been harming Israel, not just in the physical effect of missile strikes but also the impact of the conflict and instability on Israel's economy. Roger Hearing hears about how the country’s economy is coping with this. Greenland's minister for business and mineral resources, Naaja Nathanielsen, tells us how she deals with threats…

1
Reworking a future: Buddhist revival in Mongolia 26:36

1d ago26:36

26:36

Cambridge anthropologist David Sneath is in Mongolia to find out how Buddhism continues to make a comeback after years of persecution under Communism. David tells the story of how a young Mongolian boy has recently been recognised as the new reincarnation in a lineage of major Buddhist leaders, once known in the country as ‘Holy Emperor’. The 10-ye…

1
Reworking a future: Buddhist revival in Mongolia 29:19

1d ago29:19

29:19

1
Reworking a future: Buddhist revival in Mongolia 29:19

1d ago29:19

29:19

1
Trump to decide if US will attack Iran 'within two weeks' 30:52

1d ago30:52

30:52

The White House says Trump will decide whether to attack Iran within two weeks because there is a "substantial chance of negotiations". Also: why killing a Lithuanian bear outraged hunters, and the search to name storms.By BBC

1
Why are Westerners moving to Thai care homes? 17:41

18m ago17:41

17:41

Fed up with their own inadequate and expensive care systems, many elderly Westerners are choosing to retire to Thailand, where care is cheaper and often better. Many say Thailand’s Buddhist culture and respect for the elderly means Thais are naturally caring. It’s a booming sector, and is only likely to grow as we all live longer. But the decision …

Podcasts Worth a Listen

BBC Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen