The Global Story
BBC World Service
The world order is shifting by the day — old alliances are fraying, autocrats are on the rise, and global trade is in turmoil. A lot of this turbulence can be traced back to decisions made in the US, but America isn’t just a cause of upheaval abroad—it’s also a symptom of the same forces disrupting things across the world.
That’s where The Global Story comes in. From September 2025, this daily podcast from the BBC tackles the news at this exact intersection: where the world meets America.
With one host in DC, one host in London, and the backing of the best international newsroom in the world, this podcast tells the intertwined story of America and the world – how each shapes the other, daily.
The Global Story. Where the world meets America.
That’s where The Global Story comes in. From September 2025, this daily podcast from the BBC tackles the news at this exact intersection: where the world meets America.
With one host in DC, one host in London, and the backing of the best international newsroom in the world, this podcast tells the intertwined story of America and the world – how each shapes the other, daily.
The Global Story. Where the world meets America.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jul 31, 2024 • 26min
CrowdStrike: Is our tech too vulnerable?
In this engaging discussion, Joe Tidy, a Cyber Correspondent for the BBC, dives deep into the chaos caused by a significant IT outage at CrowdStrike. He unpacks how this glitch affected banks, hospitals, and airports, highlighting our dependence on a select few tech companies. Tidy emphasizes the vulnerabilities of major cybersecurity firms and the misconceptions linking such outages to cyber attacks. The conversation also touches on the geopolitical risks posed by cyber threats to critical infrastructure and the need for legislative action to bolster competition and resilience in the industry.
Jul 30, 2024 • 27min
Venezuela: What's next after disputed election?
Edmundo González, a presidential candidate in Venezuela claiming victory despite official results, candidly discusses the country's escalating crisis. He highlights the massive protests following the contentious election and the deep frustrations of Venezuelans facing economic collapse. The podcast delves into the alarming rates of emigration, revealing personal stories of those leaving. González also critiques the regime's failure to deliver on promises while exploring international skepticism towards the election outcomes, painting a grim picture for Venezuela's future.
Jul 29, 2024 • 24min
Why do so many trains crash in India?
Alessandra Bonomolo, director of the BBC documentary on a recent deadly train crash, teams up with Soutik Biswas, a BBC India correspondent, to dive into the alarming frequency of train accidents in India. They discuss the tragic details of the Odisha disaster that claimed nearly 300 lives. The duo highlights issues like outdated infrastructure, safety negligence, and the urgent need for better maintenance. Personal stories illustrate the ongoing impact of these tragedies on families, urging immediate reforms to ensure safer journeys for millions.
Jul 26, 2024 • 25min
Olympics: Is Paris poised for success?
BBC's Paris Correspondent, Andrew Harding, discusses the challenges and preparations for the Paris 2024 Olympics, including climate concerns, security measures, and the debate on religious head coverings for athletes. The episode also touches on President Macron's hopes for the Games and the journalist's personal experiences attending Olympic events.
Jul 25, 2024 • 24min
Divorce: The art of breaking up
Joanna Gosling, a divorce mediator, and Marina Adshade, an economics professor, explore the changing attitudes towards divorce. They discuss the economic factors influencing marriage decisions, global perspectives on divorce rates, and the emotional and financial implications of splitting up. The podcast delves into the complexities of divorce, including the impact of neglecting relationships, financial entanglements, housing prices, prenuptial agreements, and societal perceptions.
Jul 24, 2024 • 26min
What’s behind the deadly protests in Bangladesh?
Exploring deadly protests in Bangladesh due to unfair job recruitment policies, political crisis, human rights concerns, and government responses. Students demand quota system removal, leading to clashes and public distrust.
Jul 23, 2024 • 26min
The most contested land in the world?
BBC Current Affairs journalist Tim Whewell discusses the controversial slogan 'From the River to the Sea' in relation to the Israel-Hamas conflict. He takes listeners on a journey through this contested land, exploring the complexities of the region, the impact on communities, and shifting beliefs towards a two-state solution.
Jul 22, 2024 • 28min
Joe Biden out, Kamala Harris in?
Kamala Harris is gaining support as a potential Democratic nominee after Joe Biden's surprising exit. The podcast discusses the impact on the election, Biden's endorsement, and Harris's campaign strategy. Analysis includes potential VP candidates, Harris's stance on abortion, and speculation on the upcoming election factors and Democratic Convention outcomes.
Jul 19, 2024 • 27min
US election: The week that changed the presidential race
Discussions on Trump's impactful RNC speech post-assassination attempt, Biden facing pressure to step aside. Analysis of potential VP pick J.D. Vance, contrasting party experiences, strategic targeting in swing states for the upcoming election.
Jul 18, 2024 • 26min
India's mega-wedding: Party like a billionaire
Tech mogul Bill Gates, Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg, and Kim Kardashian attend India's mega-wedding with performances by Katy Perry, Rihanna, and Justin Bieber. The lavish celebration of Asia's richest man sparks discussions on luxury, culture, and economic disparities in a society rich with extreme wealth and poverty.
