The Global Story

Sofia Bettiza, BBC's gender and identity correspondent, dives into Belgium's groundbreaking law granting labor rights to sex workers, making it the first nation to do so. She discusses the implications of this legislation, including health insurance, pensions, and maternity leave, and whether it truly protects workers from exploitation. The conversation also touches on global perspectives on sex work regulation and the empowering impact of recognizing sex work as legitimate labor, reinforced by personal stories and post-pandemic activism.

In this insightful discussion, Jeremy Bowen, BBC's international editor and seasoned expert on global affairs, delves into the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah. He evaluates the potential for peace and the stirring tensions in Gaza. Bowen explores the shifting dynamics of U.S. influence, particularly the contrasting approaches of Biden and Trump, and considers how Iran's role may evolve amid regional changes. The complexities of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and Saudi Arabia’s position round out this compelling examination of Middle Eastern politics.

Dominic Hughes, BBC's global health correspondent, lends his expertise to the contentious debate over assisted dying legislation in the UK. He discusses the proposed bill for terminally ill adults and how it mirrors past social changes like the legalization of abortion. Dominic highlights ethical dilemmas, contrasting UK laws with those in more liberal countries like the Netherlands. The conversation addresses public opinion shifts and the emotional complexities faced by families and healthcare professionals, making this a timely and charged issue.

Sean Coughlan, BBC News education correspondent, teams up with Professor John Jerrim from UCL, an expert in global education data analysis. They delve into the competitive global education rankings, spotlighting standout nations like Estonia and Canada. The discussion highlights barriers like poverty, climate change, and war that prevent access to schooling. They also explore the disparities in educational quality, teacher effectiveness, and the significance of adaptive funding to improve educational outcomes around the world.

Danny Vincent, a BBC correspondent in Hong Kong, shares insights on the recent sentencing of pro-democracy leaders under China's national security law. He discusses the political repression following the 2019 protests and the plight of the Hong Kong 47. Vincent highlights the struggles of media mogul Jimmy Lai and the broader impact of authoritarianism on civil liberties. The podcast also explores how the national security law has created a climate of fear, leading to a mass exodus of residents from Hong Kong, signaling a dramatic shift in the city's political landscape.

Angela Merkel, the former German Chancellor, reflects on her impactful leadership and interactions with world leaders like Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump. She shares captivating anecdotes, including her views on Trump’s handshake and her diplomatic strategies. Merkel discusses the complexities of the 2015 migration crisis and its political repercussions in Europe, while revealing her thoughts on rising far-right movements. Her insights on NATO and the need for unity highlight the challenges of modern governance.

Kayla Epstein, a digital reporter for BBC, shares insider knowledge on the political upheaval surrounding Matt Gaetz's withdrawal from consideration as attorney general. The conversation dives into how this impacts Trump's cabinet and the ongoing scrutiny of nominations. Epstein discusses Republican negotiation strategies and their implications for economic policies, particularly in light of high tariffs and legal challenges facing Trump. The analysis also touches on shifts in Democratic leadership, highlighting the potential consequences for future elections.

Paul Adams, BBC's diplomatic correspondent in Dnipro, shares first-hand insights on Ukraine's evolving stance toward peace. He delves into President Zelensky's shifting vision amidst increasing Russian advances and the uncertain future of US military aid. Discussion includes the challenges of negotiating with Putin, the emotional toll of prolonged conflict on Ukrainians, and the complex dynamics of territorial integrity. The conversation paints a vivid picture of a nation exhausted yet hopeful for diplomatic resolutions.

In this discussion, Devina Gupta, a BBC journalist, shares her firsthand experiences of living in Delhi amidst a choking smog crisis. She describes how residents are grappling with health issues like stinging eyes and respiratory problems. Dr. Gary Fuller, an air quality expert from Imperial College London, highlights the severe health ramifications of air pollution, linking it to chronic conditions and even economic losses. Together, they emphasize the urgent need for effective solutions to tackle this escalating environmental hazard.

Join BBC journalists Matt Shea and Jamie Tasson as they delve into the turbulent world of Logan Paul, a social media titan turned entrepreneur. They discuss the fallout from his controversial crypto project, CryptoZoo, and the ethical dilemmas of influencer endorsements. The conversation uncovers the shady underbelly of influencer-driven investments and the media's role in scrutinizing celebrity actions. Plus, they speculate on how upcoming regulatory changes in the U.S. could reshape the crypto landscape.