Best Damn Interesting Podcasts (2025)

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BONUS Episode #31: Lego and Disney 38:21

Play Pause

4h ago38:21

38:21

Non-recycled Lego, Lego dominance, Disney at war, Seafaring Lego, Disney's utopia, Political Lego, Lego rarities. Jennifer, Angie, Way, and Bradley discuss a variety of curated links from the archives. Please consider supporting this ad-free content on Patreon.By Damn Interesting

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The Animal Employment Agency 26:28

2h ago26:28

26:28

We live in a time of automation and robotics; the machines run the factories, and AI will soon take all the jobs. And yet, even today, there are certain niche jobs where only an animal will do. Comedian and biologist Simon Watt is out to meet some of them, and the people who train them, study them, and love them. And he asks the key questions: HOW …

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24/11/2025 13:04

3h ago13:04

13:04

Suspicions rise for Amber, and Ruth ends up with egg on her face.By BBC

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Nigeria to recruit extra police officers after abductions 33:54

6h ago33:54

33:54

The Roman Catholic Church in Nigeria says 265 people are still missing after a mass kidnapping from a school in Niger state on Friday. Among those unaccounted for are dozens of nursery and primary school children and 12 members of staff. The Nigerian president, Bola Tinubu, ordered the recruitment of an extra thirty thousand police officers in the …

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Vodafone boss on the threat to the world’s internet 8:56

6h ago8:56

8:56

We hear from Vodafone's boss Margherita Della Valle on rising threats to vital undersea internet cables. We're days out from the UK's budget, what do we need to know? Britain's finance minister, Chancellor Rachel Reeves, is under presure to balance the country's books. And Japan once dominated the chip industry, but decades of decline left it trail…

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US and Ukraine signal peace plan progress after Geneva talks 40:33

7h ago40:33

40:33

Negotiations on a peace deal to end the war in Ukraine are continuing after the United States said progress had been made on Sunday. Moscow says it's not been informed of changes to a draft widely seen as favouring Russia. Also on the programme: a three year old boy from California suffering from a rare, genetic disorder called Hunter syndrome, has…

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Selling body parts for 'rituals' in Sierra Leone 37:58

7h ago37:58

37:58

A BBC Africa Eye documentary has exposed the practice of selling body parts for magic rituals in Sierra Leone. We speak to the reporter who went back to the town where an 11-year-old boy was murdered as part of a suspected black magic killing four years ago. Why were two Zimbabwean university students, campaigning during elections for their Student…

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Hardship fund slashed as council underspend earmarked for Irish language policy and Orange order building refurb 1:22:11

9h ago1:22:11

1:22:11

Nolan talks to SDLP Councillor Séamas de Faoite and TUV Councillor Ron McDowellBy BBC

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Weather words 7:35

9h ago7:35

7:35

The British love to talk about weather! Learn some useful vocabulary about it here. TRY THE LISTENING ROOM: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the_listening_room (Hard: Upper intermediate level and above, B2 and above) Visit our website ✔️https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish Follow us ✔️https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/…

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US hails 'tremendous' progress at Ukraine talks 29:25

17h ago29:25

29:25

The US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, has given an upbeat assessment of talks with Ukrainian officials about how to end the war with Russia. Mr Rubio said sticking points which remained were "not insurmountable". US, Ukrainian and European officials have been meeting in Geneva in Switzerland to discuss a peace plan that US negotiators devised wit…

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Rubio: ‘tremendous progress’ made at Ukraine peace talks 47:28

1d ago47:28

47:28

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio says a “tremendous amount of progress” has been made in talks to finalise a Ukraine peace deal. Talks in Geneva between Ukrainian, US and European officials are focusing on a 28-point draft plan and will continue on Monday. Kyiv and its European allies have raised concerns about the proposals, saying they mirror Ru…

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23/11/2025 14:24

1d ago14:24

14:24

Brad finds himself in an awkward position, and Leonard drops a shocking bombshell.By BBC

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Senators ask if Trump's Ukraine peace plan really is a US plan 48:12

1d ago48:12

48:12

The US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has insisted that President Trump's 28 point plan to end the Russia-Ukraine war was drawn up by the US -- contradicting senators who said he told them it was a Russian "wish list". We look into that suggestion. Also in the programme: What do the bandits kidnapping schoolchildren in Nigeria really want? How a ce…

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The Global Story: The oil lobbyist who tried to sink the first big climate deal 29:09

1d ago29:09

29:09

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 create…

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COP30 deal fails to mention fossil fuels 36:51

1d ago36:51

36:51

The UN climate summit in Brazil has closed with a commitment to triple adaptation funding for developing countries, but there was no explicit mention of the fossil fuels that drive climate change. A bitter row at COP30 saw oil-rich nations led by Saudi Arabia overcome more than 80 countries that wanted a deal advancing previous commitments to trans…

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COP30 fails to secure fossil fuel pledges 42:44

2d ago42:44

42:44

Nearly 200 nations agree on a compromise deal on tackling climate change at the COP30 summit in Brazil - but without any commitment to phase out fossil fuels. We speak to Sierra Leone Minister of The Environment and Climate Change Jiwoh Abdulai, who represented the Least Developed Countries group on finance and transition talks. Also in the program…

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نظام درمانی در اروپا و آمریکا 59:49

2d ago59:49

59:49

سیستم‌های پزشکی و درمانی بر چه اصول اخلاقی استوارند؟ مضرات و مزایای هر یک از این سیستم‌های درمانی چیست؟ مثلا کدام نظام برای دسترسی بیمار به داروهای گران‌تر کارآمد است؟ میهمان‌ها: شهرام کردستی، متخصص ایمنی‌شناسی سرطان کیارش آرامش،‌ مدرس اخلاق پزشکیBy BBC

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Will Ukraine accept the American peace plan? 41:39

2d ago41:39

41:39

US and Ukrainian talks set to take place in Switzerland, but will Ukrainian public opinion accept the proposals? Also in the programme: Key MAGA figure Marjorie Taylor Green to quit Congress after falling out with President Trump; and Rosalia, the multilingual Spanish singer on her new album. (Photo: Zelensky and his wife place wheat sheaves at sta…

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The Happy Pod: Donating my kidney transformed a child's life 27:41

2d ago27:41

27:41

We hear about a rare meeting between a living organ donor and the child whose life was transformed by receiving her kidney. Aly Coyle says she was delighted to see 5-year-old Xavier happy and healthy after the transplant. His parents tracked her down through social media to say thank you, and describe her as an angel who's now part of their family.…

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Inside India's war on Maoists 27:07

2d ago27:07

27:07

For nearly 60 years, the Indian government has been fighting a violent group of Maoists in the country. They are followers of the late Chinese leader, Mao Zedong and have carried out bombings and killings in different parts of India. Now, the Indian authorities claim to be on the brink of defeating these insurgents and has said that they will be fu…

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Marjorie Taylor Greene quits Congress after Trump feud 31:41

3d ago31:41

31:41

Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene has said she's leaving office after clashing with President Donald Trump over the release of the Epstein files. Also: The US president sets next Thursday as a deadline for Ukraine to accept an American plan for a peace deal with Russia, which appears to give Moscow much of what it wants; bitter disagreements at …

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Raising children on a warming planet 27:14

3d ago27:14

27:14

Another round of global climate talks is taking place at the COP30 summit, but some are questioning whether there is much point to these gatherings. We bring people together who have decided to take their own action. One guest, Gwynn, suggests the best way to save the planet is to not have children. She has even had surgery so she cannot get pregna…

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Infected Blood Compensation and Standing Charges 29:30

3d ago29:30

29:30

Lawyers acting for victims of the infected blood scandal have written to the Chancellor demanding urgent action to avoid families and loved ones having to pay £100,000s in tax. The government has previously said compensation payments would not be subject to Inheritance Tax. But with around 3,000 victims having already died they say a change in the …

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G20 summit opens in South Africa, despite US absence 27:57

3d ago27:57

27:57

Today, as world leaders gather in South Africa, Andrew Peach takes a look the agenda for the G20 and asks whether it matters that Donald Trump isn't there. Plus, The International Committee of the Red Cross is cutting thousands of jobs after losing aid funding. And why millions of Mexicans are holding on to bank notes. A man walks past a G20 South …

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Putin backs US plan for ending Ukraine war 41:21

3d ago41:21

41:21

Vladimir Putin says the White House plan can “form the basis of a final peace settlement”. President Trump believes Thursday is an appropriate deadline for Kyiv to accept the proposals. But Democratic Congressman Mike Quigley tells us “if this is what the President is really proposing, I’m honestly embarrassed for my country". Also on the programme…

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21/11/2025 21:06 GMT 49:46

3d ago49:46

49:46

Interviews, news and analysis of the day’s global events.By BBC

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21/11/2025 14:07

3d ago14:07

14:07

CAST AND CREW Writer: Liz John Director: Rosemary Watts Editor: Jeremy Howe Helen Archer … Louiza Patikas Henry Archer … Blayke Darby Natasha Archer … Mali Harries Tony Archer … David Troughton Tom Archer … William Troughton Lilian Bellamy ... Sunny Ormonde Alice Carter … Hollie Chapman Justin Elliott … Simon Williams Jakob Hakansson … Paul Venable…

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The Naked Week: Ep3. Trump, Traitors, and RIP Tim Davie 29:44

3d ago29:44

29:44

This week, The Naked Week fundraises for the BBC, welcomes a traitor, and necromances a potato. From host Andrew Hunter Murray and The Skewer's Jon Holmes, Radio 4’s newest Friday night comedy The Naked Week returns with a blend of the silly and serious. From satirical stunts to studio set pieces via guest correspondents and investigative journalis…

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Russia warns Ukraine to reach deal or lose more territory 34:20

3d ago34:20

34:20

The US has handed Ukraine a draft peace plan which reportedly reflects many of Moscow's demands, like giving up land. Ukraine's president has held a call with the leaders of Germany, France and Britain. Berlin says the three leaders welcomed US efforts but stressed the need to safeguard European and Ukrainian interests. Also: officials in Nigeria s…

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Can Japan afford its billion dollar economic package? 9:53

3d ago9:53

9:53

Japan has signed off a $135 billion stimulus package aimed at lifting wages, easing living costs, and boosting the economy. But can the country really afford it? We look at why some major airlines are banning power banks on flights. Is AI putting graduate careers at risk? The BBC speaks to the boss of accountancy giant, PwC. And it’s Wicked day! Wi…

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Will Ukraine and Europe accept a US-Russian peace plan? 49:19

3d ago49:19

49:19

The US has presented Kyiv with a draft peace plan that appears to favour many of Russia's demands over those of the Ukrainians. The widely-leaked US plan includes proposals that the Ukrainian government had previously ruled out, such as ceding areas of the eastern Donetsk region that it still controls. Will Ukraine and Europe accept it? Also in the…

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Gender-based violence declared a national crisis in South Africa 33:15

3d ago33:15

33:15

South Africa's president declares gender-based violence and femicide a national crisis after planned protests A campaign to encourage us to donate our bodies to medical science And Audrey Brown bids farewell to Focus on Africa Presenter Audrey Brown Producers: Nyasha Michelle, Yvette Twagiramariya, Patricia Whitehorne, Stefania Okereke and Sunita N…

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Covid Inquiry reports – local Ministers failed to put common interest of people in NI above party political differences 1:24:12

3d ago1:24:12

1:24:12

Nolan talks to Alliance MLA Eoin Tennyson and Ulster University's Prof Deirdre HeenanBy BBC

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Zelensky: Ukraine needs a 'dignified peace' 25:51

4d ago25:51

25:51

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said he will speak to Donald Trump in the coming days about the new peace deal put forward by the US. Mr Trump's plan includes significant concessions to be made by Kyiv. What is his strategy with this provocative proposal? Also: Schools have been closed in parts of Nigeria after a new wave of attacks and …

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Navigating faith on the road 28:16

4d ago28:16

28:16

Canada is home to thousands of Sikh truck drivers, crossing North America in cabs that double as kitchens, bedrooms and places to pray. In a single week, some will see more of the continent than most people will in a lifetime, from major cities to mountain ranges and endless miles of road. But the road can be a hard place to practise faith built on…

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Covid Inquiry releases damning report into government decision-making 42:20

4d ago42:20

42:20

The UK response to Covid was "too little, too late" and led to thousands more deaths in the first wave, an inquiry into government decision-making has found. The report said lockdown may have been avoided if voluntary steps such as social distancing and isolating those with symptoms along with household members had been brought in earlier than 16 M…

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Is the Trump effect working on the US economy? 27:39

4d ago27:39

27:39

Is the “Trump Effect” working on the US economy? New figures show 119,000 jobs were added in September, sharply beating expectations after a slow summer. We’ll look at what’s driving the pickup. Also, novelists are increasingly worried that AI could replace them. Andrew Peach asks one writer whether a computer could ever produce a book as good as a…

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President Trump accuses Democrats of 'seditious behaviour' 51:44

4d ago51:44

51:44

US President Donald Trump has accused Democratic legislators who urged members of the armed forces to disobey unlawful orders of sedition and suggested they should face the death penalty. Also on the programme: a journalist who has followed the Epstein story for years tells us what might be in the files to be released; and American filmmaker Wes An…

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20/11/2025 13:06

4d ago13:06

13:06

Kate has important news, and Leonie comes to the rescue.By BBC

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Ukraine's war children hoping for return to normality 33:43

4d ago33:43

33:43

As the US is reported to have drafted a deal with Russia on Ukraine, we look at the impact the war has had on Ukrainian children. Also: Facebook and Instagram start closing Australian teenager's accounts ahead of the social media ban next month. A court in the Philippines has found a former mayor, Alice Guo, guilty of human trafficking linked to a …

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Europe warns against US-Russia peace plan for Ukraine 46:59

4d ago46:59

46:59

Senior EU politicians say Kyiv and Europe must be involved in any peace plan for Ukraine, as the US pushes for proposals that reportedly echo Russian demands. Some of the reported plans being discussed involve Ukraine giving up territory and dramatically shrinking its military. Also in the programme: We'll hear about the Filipino mayor busted as a …

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Amhara conflict: Thousands of reports of rape and assault 32:01

4d ago32:01

32:01

A special BBC investigation has collated data which shows there have been thousands of reports of rape between July 2023 and May 2025, in the conflict between militias and Ethiopian government forces in the Amhara region. We hear a personal testimony and also find out more about the scale of the abuses. Also in the podcast, why the advocacy and cam…

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Nvidia results: three numbers that matter 8:56

4d ago8:56

8:56

Is the AI boom far from over? Yes, according to Nvidia, the world's most valuable company. The chip giant that's been at the heart of the boom has beaten market expectations again. We’ll break down the important numbers from its latest results. Why is Meta under pressure on two sides of the world? And, who bought a famous solid gold toilet for more…

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How religion taught in NI unlawful rules Supreme Court - so how do schools make sure religious teaching is objective? 1:18:39

4d ago1:18:39

1:18:39

Nolan talks to TUV leader Jim Allister MP and Boyd Slater from NI HumanistsBy BBC

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Zeno's Paradoxes (Archive Episode) 49:00

5d ago49:00

49:00

After 27 years, Melvyn Bragg has decided to step down from the In Our Time presenter’s chair. With over a thousand episodes to choose from, he has selected just six that capture the huge range and depth of the subjects he and his experts have tackled. In this third of his choices, we hear Melvyn Bragg and his guests discuss Greek philosophy. Their …

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White House to release Epstein files 27:17

5d ago27:17

27:17

President Trump has signed a bill that gives the US Justice Department thirty days to release its files on the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Some of the documents could be withheld or heavily redacted. Also: Silicon Valley's Nvidia sees record earnings amid AI boom; Israel conducts major airstrikes in Gaza despite ceasefire; FBI intensifies se…

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Reports of US peace plan for Ukraine 36:53

5d ago36:53

36:53

The White House and Moscow have reportedly drawn up a 28-point peace plan that crosses many of Ukraine’s stated red lines. Could Kyiv ever accept it? Also on the programme: the Oxfordshire fly-tipping scandal is raised at Prime Minister's Questions - we ask how big the problem is nationwide; and eighty years on, a verdict on the Nuremberg trials fr…

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Do NVIDIA results suggest AI boom or bubble? 27:05

5d ago27:05

27:05

Nvidia has smashed market expectations with more than $57bn in revenues in its latest results. It's a sign from the world’s most valuable company that the AI boom may be far from over. Andrew Peach hears reaction from a company which owns Nvidia shares. Also, why the Dutch government has reconsidered taking control of Nexperia, the Chinese computer…

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19/11/2025 21:06 GMT 42:25

5d ago42:25

42:25

Interviews, news and analysis of the day’s global events.By BBC