

Global News Podcast
BBC World Service
The latest from Iran and the Middle East, and the rest of the world’s news, from the BBC World Service. The Global News Podcast brings you the news from across the region and what you need to know from the US. We also continue to bring you stories from around the globe, including expert analysis and insight.Episodes are published 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 an episode. Get in touch: globalpodcast@bbc.co.uk
Episodes
Mentioned books

17 snips
Feb 17, 2026 • 32min
Jesse Jackson dies at 84
Zoe Kleinman, technology editor covering the huge AI summit in Delhi and debates on governance and inclusion. Helena Humphrey, Washington correspondent offering analysis and reaction to Jesse Jackson's passing and U.S. political responses. Aleem Makbul, journalist reflecting on Jackson's life and civil rights role. They discuss Jackson's legacy, US political reactions, and the Delhi AI summit's stakes and inclusivity.

37 snips
Feb 17, 2026 • 29min
Hillary Clinton accuses Trump of Epstein 'cover up'
Hillary Clinton, former US Secretary of State and First Lady, speaks about the congressional probe into Jeffrey Epstein and alleges a Trump administration cover-up. She discusses willingness to testify publicly and urges transparency for survivors. Calls are made for all named individuals to give evidence, and the BBC covers reactions from the White House and DOJ.

Feb 16, 2026 • 27min
UK weighs up faster rise in defence budget
Daniel Gallas, BBC Brazilian reporter, recounts a Rio Carnival row over a Lula float and colourful on-the-ground scenes. Vitaly Shevchenko, Russia editor, outlines allegations around Navalny's poisoning and the state of the opposition. James Landale, diplomatic correspondent, explains the UK considering raising defence spending to 3% and how that compares internationally.

36 snips
Feb 16, 2026 • 27min
Israel lays out conditions for any Iran nuclear deal
David Willis, Tucson-based reporter covering high-profile investigations and wildlife studies. Joel Gunter, Jerusalem correspondent tracking strikes, ceasefire strains and domestic unrest. Lise Doucette, Tehran journalist on Iran’s politics, sanctions and nuclear talks. They discuss Netanyahu’s demands on Iran’s nuclear programme, Tehran’s economic pressures and protest fallout, and the fragile situation in Gaza with continuing strikes.

53 snips
Feb 15, 2026 • 28min
The Global Story: Epstein’s global network: What the files reveal
Nomia Iqbal, BBC World Affairs Correspondent who covers North America and international stories, guides listeners through the latest revelations in the Epstein files. She explains the scale and redaction challenges of the release. She discusses political fallout, links to royals and politicians, questions about possible spying, and the ongoing impact on survivors and investigations.

28 snips
Feb 15, 2026 • 26min
Russia 'used frog toxin' to kill Alexei Navalny
Rebecca Tarvin, a biologist and toxicologist, explains epibatidine from Ecuadorian dart frogs. Kaya Callas, an EU foreign policy official, discusses transatlantic responses and defence burdens. Sergei Guriev, an economist and critic of the Russian government, analyzes the poisoning and broader Russian actions. They focus on the toxin’s origin and effects, plausibility of synthetic use, and international political reactions.

10 snips
Feb 14, 2026 • 27min
The Happy Pod: The model redefining beauty norms
Abena Christine Jon'el, a Ghanaian model and amputee who wears a kente-wrapped prosthetic, redefines beauty and inclusion. Riley Farrell, a reporter who covers museum outreach to younger audiences, discusses using Gen Z slang to attract visitors. Peter Goffin, a reporter on horticulture and prison rehabilitation, details gardening programs that cut reoffending. Short, uplifting stories about resilience and creative outreach.

9 snips
Feb 13, 2026 • 28min
Transatlantic relations under spotlight at Munich conference
Marika Aoi, BBC reporter known here as a playful Hello Kitty correspondent, Yogita Lamai, BBC Bangladesh correspondent covering the BNP’s return after 2024 unrest, and Frank Gardner, BBC security correspondent reporting from the Munich Security Conference. They discuss transatlantic tensions, US delegation posture and defence spending pressure on Europe. Also covered: Bangladesh’s election context and the Hello Kitty designer stepping down.

36 snips
Feb 12, 2026 • 26min
Climate boost as China's CO2 emissions fall
China may still be the world's largest emitter of carbon dioxide, but CO2 levels have been falling due to a push for clean energy. New data suggests 2025 was the first full year to show a decline. The reported drop in emissions is estimated to be around 0.3%, but campaigners say it could represent a milestone. Also: The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has banned Vladyslav Heraskevych for continuing to wear a helmet featuring images of athletes killed during Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Heraskevych, a skeleton pilot, posted "This is the price of our dignity" on social media after being banned. Russia says it is blocking the messaging service Whatsapp. The BBC speaks to Juliette Bryant - a former model from South Africa who was groomed and abused by Jeffrey Epstein. Why spy agencies think North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is handing power over to his teenage daughter. Dozens of people have died in Madagascar, after a tropical cyclone hit the island nation... and we look at the life of Dawson's Creek actor James Van Der Beek, who's died aged 48.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

Feb 12, 2026 • 28min
Polls open in first Bangladesh election since uprising
Lise Doucette, BBC chief international correspondent in Tehran, gives on-the-ground coverage of anniversary rallies and presidential remarks. Azadeh Mishiri, Dhaka-based BBC reporter, describes voting scenes, party dynamics and proposed constitutional reforms. Multiple short scenes capture polling booths, regional divides and the referendum questions shaping Bangladesh’s future.


