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
26 snips
Feb 23, 2026 • 27min
Violence erupts in Mexico after army kills drug lord
Colin Patterson, BBC entertainment correspondent covering film awards; Barman Kalbasi, BBC Persian reporter on Iranian student protests; Luis Fajardo, Latin America crime analyst on cartels. They discuss Mexico's surge of violence after the military killed a major cartel leader, mass student demonstrations in Iran, and wider security and political fallout across the region.
5 snips
Feb 22, 2026 • 28min
The Global Story:The tightrope of reporting in Putin’s Russia
A veteran Russia correspondent describes staying in Moscow and weighing safety against the need to report. They recount Soviet-era fascination, 1990s upheaval and Putin’s centralisation of power. The conversation covers legal crackdowns since 2022, the mechanics of surveillance and adapting interviews to protect sources. There is also a look at preparing tough press questions and curiosity about Russia’s uncertain future.
13 snips
Feb 21, 2026 • 27min
The Happy Pod: Former teacher celebrated as a crocodile
Holly Gibbs, BBC reporter who produced the pieces, joins Rhys Jones, a physics teacher honoured by a former pupil, and Ewan Bodenham, a PhD physics student and palaeontologist who named a new crocodile species after his teacher. They chat about discovering Galahadosuchus jonesi, surprising Rhys with the news, and how that recognition inspires school communities and students today.
16 snips
Feb 21, 2026 • 30min
Trump lashes out at 'disappointing' Supreme Court ruling
Pete Ross, BBC newsroom reporter who explains North Korea developments, discusses Kim Jong-un's public appearances and what they signal. He outlines the scale and purpose of the Workers' Party Conference. He also touches on signs of possible succession and the regime's messaging strategies.
23 snips
Feb 20, 2026 • 25min
US Supreme Court rules against Trump's global tariffs
Daniel Sandford, BBC UK correspondent covering the police search and inquiry around Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. Gary O'Donoghue, BBC North America correspondent analyzing the US Supreme Court decision that struck down Trump's global tariffs and its global economic fallout. They discuss the ruling's legal basis, wider policy implications, and what it means for international markets.
26 snips
Feb 20, 2026 • 29min
Former Prince Andrew released as investigations continue
James Gallagher, BBC health and science correspondent, explains a new universal nasal vaccine tested in mice. Caroline Hawley, BBC Middle East correspondent, reports on verified deaths and intimidation of Iranian athletes. Sarah Smith, Senior BBC North America editor, covers the arrest and international reactions to former Prince Andrew. They discuss these major global stories in concise, on-the-ground reporting.
19 snips
Feb 19, 2026 • 32min
Former Prince Andrew arrested
Laura Bicker, China correspondent covering the country’s massive solar and wind build and local impacts. Bernd DeBuzman, Washington correspondent on US reactions and political fallout from the Epstein files. Rob Watson, UK affairs correspondent on the arrest procedure and legal implications around Andrew Mountbatten‑Windsor. They discuss the arrest, searches, legal process and international political responses.
4 snips
Feb 18, 2026 • 31min
Russia-Ukraine peace talks end after two hours
Paul Adams, BBC diplomatic correspondent in Kiev, offers on-the-ground analysis of the halted Russia–Ukraine peace talks. Oli Foster, sports reporter, covers the Real Madrid–Benfica racism controversy and UEFA fallout. Joseph Awafru, lawyer for deported migrants in Cameroon, discusses legal protections and international arrangements. Richard Hamilton, ski mountaineering reporter, previews SkiMo’s Winter Olympics debut.
22 snips
Feb 18, 2026 • 28min
Iran claims progress in US nuclear talks
Samira Hussain, Katie Forkingham and Stephanie Zacherson, BBC reporters with focused news packages. Dr Hannah Wakeford, astrophysics researcher on asteroid detection. Luis Fajardo, Latin America analyst on Peru's turmoil. Kazran Adji, Persian correspondent in Geneva on Iran–US negotiations. They cover nuclear talks, political upheaval in Peru, asteroid tracking challenges, sports rulings and a disturbing Swedish criminal case.
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.
