
Global News Podcast
The breaking news you need to hear, as it happens.
Hear the most important global stories from the BBC, the most trusted name in international news.
With reporters on the ground in every country, we’re always where the story is. We bring you unparalleled access and exclusive updates that you won’t get anywhere else. Listen for the latest headlines and current affairs from around the world. From Israel-Iran missile strikes, to news from Trump’s White House and Putin’s Kremlin. From the Ukraine War to the Israel-Gaza conflict. From Damascus to Delhi, from Silicon Valley to Singapore, from Washington DC to Wuhan. 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. Subscribe now and never miss a moment.Also listen to The Happy Pod, every Saturday, for the best global good news.Get in touch: globalpodcast@bbc.co.uk
Latest episodes

20 snips
Mar 24, 2025 • 34min
Turkish President Erdogan's main rival jailed
Protests against the arrest of Istanbul mayor, Ekrem Imamoglu, who denies corruption charges, continued on Sunday. Also: earrings worth $769,500 recovered by US police after they had been swallowed.

32 snips
Mar 23, 2025 • 30min
Mayor of Istanbul dismisses charges against him
In Turkey, massive protests erupted in response to the mayor of Istanbul's arrest, seen as a politically charged move. Demonstrators clashed with riot police, demanding democratic reforms while facing harsh government crackdowns. Meanwhile, the dismissal of charges against the mayor raised questions about political stability in the country. The podcast also touches on global tensions, including the Ukraine conflict and the role of misinformation, alongside intriguing updates on healthcare innovations and community reactions.

12 snips
Mar 22, 2025 • 27min
The Happy Pod: Tea for two - sharing a brew with a stranger
Discover how chatting with strangers over tea can boost happiness and foster connections. Hear about a unique kindness experiment that reveals the generosity of strangers and its positive effects on communities. Dive into the Finnish concept of 'sisu' and how embracing challenges leads to resilience. Learn about an inspiring journey toward empowerment through social media and innovative solutions to tackle microplastic pollution. Finally, explore a conservation story focused on a retirement home for endangered African penguins.

20 snips
Mar 22, 2025 • 32min
Erdogan condemns Turkey protests as dozens arrested
Protests erupt in Turkey following the arrest of a key opposition figure, with citizens demanding his release amid violent clashes. In a related development, London’s Heathrow Airport faces chaos due to a fire, highlighting infrastructure vulnerabilities. The ongoing conflict in Sudan reveals the struggles between the army and paramilitary forces, while personal stories of civilians shed light on the harsh realities. Additionally, insights into wildlife reveal how noise pollution affects yellow warblers in the Galapagos, altering their behavior and songs.

12 snips
Mar 21, 2025 • 27min
Heathrow shutdown causes travel chaos
A fire at a Heathrow power station triggers massive travel chaos, affecting over 1,300 flights and leaving passengers stranded. Meanwhile, Sudan's military retakes the presidential palace amidst ongoing conflict. There's serious discussion about allegations of sexual misconduct against Abercrombie & Fitch's former CEO, with over 40 accusers. The podcast also touches on climate change's impact on glaciers and migration, while exploring the relationship between AI and body image through social media.

43 snips
Mar 21, 2025 • 28min
Trump signs executive order to close Department of Education
President Trump has taken a bold step by signing an executive order to dismantle the Department of Education, triggering diverse reactions from the public. Meanwhile, Kirsty Coventry makes history as the first female and African president of the International Olympic Committee. The podcast also explores ongoing tensions in Ukraine, with President Zelensky pleading for military support. Additionally, protests erupt in Istanbul over political detentions, highlighting growing unrest in various regions.

39 snips
Mar 20, 2025 • 28min
Israel attacks Gaza in ground offensive
Intensifying violence grips Gaza as Israeli troops advance, while Hamas retaliates with rocket fire. The medical crisis in the region exacerbates amidst rising casualties and ongoing hostilities. Meanwhile, Europe grapples with security concerns driven by Russian threats, leading to urgent discussions on defense enhancements. In a lighter segment, meet the blobfish—once deemed the ugliest animal, it's now recognized as Fish of the Year, highlighting the need for marine conservation. An engaging blend of serious conflict and unexpected marine trivia!

Mar 15, 2025 • 27min
The Happy Pod: A gift that reopened the world
Zach and Cambry's inspiring journey leads to the creation of The Rig, a game-changing off-road wheelchair that transforms lives. Discover the uplifting stories of a 92-year-old singer finding renewed fame and a young climbing prodigy, Veronica, chasing her Olympic dreams. Dive into the world of alternative therapies that help individuals overcome chronic pain, while music emerges as a powerful tool for healing. Plus, King Charles shares his eclectic musical tastes, adding a delightful twist to the royal narrative.

6 snips
Mar 8, 2025 • 29min
The Happy Pod: Getting engaged in the ashes of our home
Stephanie Rayner shares her poignant story of getting engaged amidst the destruction of the LA fires, where her ring emerged miraculously from the ashes of their home. The couple's journey showcases resilience, love, and the importance of community support during trying times. In addition, heartwarming tales unfold, like a lost rabbit toy's adventure at an airport, uniting a young owner through the kindness of strangers. These narratives emphasize the strength of human connections and the power of hope in the face of adversity.

37 snips
Mar 7, 2025 • 35min
The Ukraine War: What happens next?
Vitaly Shevchenko, a presenter for Ukrainecast, provides expert analysis on Ukraine's current predicament. Joining him are James Waterhouse, a BBC correspondent reporting from Kyiv, and Lise Doucet, the BBC’s chief international correspondent. They discuss the implications of U.S. military aid halting, the precarious state of Ukrainian defense, and the complexities of potential peace negotiations. The conversation delves into Trump’s unpredictable policies and their effects on markets, offering insights into the geopolitical landscape as Ukraine seeks stability.