Global News Podcast
BBC World Service
The Global News Podcast brings you the breaking news you need to hear, as it happens. Listen for the latest headlines and current affairs from around the world. Politics, economics, climate, business, technology, health – we cover it all with expert analysis and insight. Get the news that matters, delivered twice a day on weekdays and daily at weekends, plus special bonus episodes reacting to urgent breaking stories. Follow or subscribe now and never miss a moment. Get in touch: globalpodcast@bbc.co.uk
Episodes
Mentioned books
19 snips
May 13, 2026 • 27min
Donald Trump lands in China for high-stakes talks
Pumza Falani, a South Africa reporter covering the police chief’s court case. Sarah Smith, North America editor on US-China relations and trade. They discuss Trump’s high-stakes Beijing visit, talks on tariffs, Iran and Taiwan. Conversations touch on economic goals and geopolitical tradeoffs. Short, sharp reporting on the big diplomatic moments.
26 snips
May 13, 2026 • 26min
Trump heads to China for crucial talks with Xi Jinping
Dr. Borodropulic, executive director of Caring Cross and CAR-T developer, explains a CAR-T style immunotherapy and study results. He breaks down how a single immune-cell infusion led to long HIV suppression. Short technical explanations and discussion of clinical trial outcomes keep the focus on this promising treatment.
20 snips
May 12, 2026 • 32min
Israel approves death penalty for October 7 attackers
Yolande Nell, BBC Jerusalem correspondent with on-the-ground updates; Wirra Davis, field reporter from Nablus and Jenin; Jonathan Head, South East Asia correspondent covering a Filipino senator’s refuge; Daisy Fancourt, UCL psychobiology professor researching arts and ageing. They discuss Israel’s new military tribunal law, settler violence and EU sanctions, parliamentary refuge in the Philippines, and research linking arts to slower epigenetic ageing.
68 snips
May 12, 2026 • 28min
Pressure mounts on Starmer to resign as British PM
Mayeni Jones, BBC Africa correspondent covering environmental risks to whales; Mohanad Hashim, reporter on Khartoum’s recovery after civil war; Bahman Kalbassi, Persian Service analyst on US–Iran diplomacy; Rob Watson, political correspondent on UK leadership pressure. They discuss mounting calls for the British prime minister to step down, Iran’s negotiating stance and regional tensions, whale risks from rerouted shipping, and Khartoum’s slow rebuilding.
81 snips
May 11, 2026 • 31min
Iran says its peace terms - rejected by US - are 'generous'
Guy Hedgecoe, on-the-ground reporter in Tenerife covering the MV Hondias hantavirus repatriations. Carrie Davis, BBC correspondent in Dubai covering diplomatic talks on Iran. They discuss Iran’s contested peace proposals, US rejection and the fragile prospects for a ceasefire. Also the safe return of final cruise passengers and the public posturing around negotiations.
47 snips
May 11, 2026 • 25min
Evacuation begins of hantavirus ship
Mimi Swaby, a reporter on Mexico’s protests and disappearances, and Lina Sinjab, covering a landmark trial in Damascus, join Sarah Rainsford from Tenerife on the MV Hondius evacuation. Field correspondents Simon Jones and Will Grant bring on-location dispatches from Tristan da Cunha and Kansas City. The conversation focuses on the ship’s hantavirus evacuation, WHO quarantine action, courtroom developments in Syria, and frontline reporting from remote and sporting locations.
56 snips
May 10, 2026 • 28min
The Global Story: What Elon Musk did next
A deep dive into a high-profile tech billionaire's recent courtroom showdown and billion-dollar legal demands. Discussion of plans to launch up to a million satellites and a vision for solar-powered data centres in orbit. Coverage of controversies around AI training, political interference, and control of global internet access during conflicts.
60 snips
May 10, 2026 • 27min
Israel continues airstrikes in Lebanon
Yusuf Anani, boxing reporter who covered the brutal Wardley vs Dubois showdown. Professor Jesse Keenan, Tulane academic on New Orleans climate risks. Steve Rosenberg, BBC Russia editor on toned-down Victory Day. Nick Thorpe, Budapest correspondent on Hungary’s power shift. Hugo Busega, field reporter from southern Lebanon at the Saksakiyeh strike. They discuss airstrikes in Lebanon, Hungary’s political turnaround, muted Russian celebrations, climate retreat debates, and a major heavyweight fight.
24 snips
May 9, 2026 • 26min
The Happy Pod: 'Life changing' treatment restored my daughter's vision
Rob Henderson, a consultant ophthalmic surgeon who performed the RPE65 gene therapy, explains the surgical procedure and outcomes. Lisa Samford, mother of six-year-old Safi, shares the family’s emotional journey and the dramatic changes in her daughter’s life. They discuss the treatment mechanics, recovery, and the new everyday possibilities opened by restored vision.
18 snips
May 9, 2026 • 31min
Russia and Ukraine begin short ceasefire
Paul Moss, global affairs reporter covering the Russia-Ukraine short truce and prisoner exchanges. Rob Watson, UK political correspondent on Labour losses and local election fallout. Anthony Zerker, North America correspondent on Virginia redistricting and US midterm math. John Sudworth, BBC correspondent on newly released UFO/UAP files and notable declassified items.
