Vanessa Buschschlüter

Hugh Pym, BBC Health Editor, discusses the unusual early flu surge this season, highlighting hospital pressures and data insights. Dr. Jamie Lopez Bernal, an epidemiologist, explains rapid viral evolution, vaccine effectiveness, and who needs vaccination most. Meanwhile, Lucy Hockings reports from Oslo on María Corina Machado's emotional journey to receive her Nobel Peace Prize, amidst political tensions in Venezuela. Vanessa Buschschlüter adds context about US actions against Maduro and Machado's crucial role in Venezuelan politics.

Asma Khalid is a US-based BBC correspondent and co-presenter of The Global Story, offering insights into US foreign policy, while Vanessa Buschschlüter is the BBC's Latin America and Caribbean editor focusing on Venezuela. They discuss escalating US-Venezuela tensions, including recent military actions and political roots of the crisis. Asma highlights the Trump administration's intensified pressure, while Vanessa examines oil's role in the conflict. The duo delves into the implications for international diplomacy and the potential for further escalation.

BBC's Mexico correspondent and Latin America and Caribbean Editor discuss Mexico's violent election, drug cartel influence, safety concerns, and the potential impact of the first female President. They examine the intertwined nature of violence and politics, challenges faced in combating corruption, and the candidates' approaches to crime. The podcast also explores the economic influence of cartels, trade unions, and President Lopez Obrador's measures benefiting informal workers.