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 17, 2024 • 25min
Lukashenko: Putin's man in Belarus
BBC Russia Editor Steve Rosenberg and Belarusian journalist Gennadiy Kot delve into Alexander Lukashenko's 30-year rule in Belarus, his alliance with Putin, brutal crackdown on dissent, and the future of Belarus amidst geopolitical challenges.
Jul 16, 2024 • 26min
US election: Trump picks VP as failed assassination investigated
JD Vance, Donald Trump's VP pick, is discussed in the aftermath of a failed assassination attempt on Trump. The podcast explores unity calls post-event, Vance's alignment with Trump on key issues like immigration, and his representation of the American dream in Hillbilly Elegy. Conspiracy theories following the incident and its impact on the presidential campaign are also examined.
Jul 15, 2024 • 25min
Brazil: The influencer convicted of modern slavery
Former Brazilian influencer Kat Torres, convicted of modern slavery, is discussed in this episode. Details of her rise to fame, exploitation of women, and revelations from a Brazilian prison are shared. Journalists share insights into the case and the realities of human trafficking, shedding light on the dark side of social media influence.
Jul 12, 2024 • 26min
US Supreme Court: A crisis of confidence?
Jan Crawford, National Legal Correspondent for CBS, discusses the crisis of confidence in the US Supreme Court due to divisive rulings on abortion, gun rights, and presidential immunity. They also explore public disapproval, ideological divisions, Supreme Court dynamics, recent rulings, and the influence of upcoming US elections.
Jul 11, 2024 • 26min
Iran: Will the new 'reformist' president change anything?
BBC Persian's senior reporter Parham Ghobadi and women's affairs reporter Faranak Amidi discuss Iran's new president, Masoud Pezeshkian, and the challenges he faces in bringing change, including healing divisions and opening talks with the West. They explore the limitations of his power, impact of sanctions, social unrest, Iran's involvement in regional conflicts, and challenges in opposition to a dysfunctional regime.
Jul 10, 2024 • 27min
US election: Biden’s fight to stay in the race
Exploring discussions within the Democratic party about Joe Biden's fitness for office post-debate, potential scenarios if he steps down, invoking the 25th Amendment, and considering alternative Democratic candidates like Kamala Harris, Gavin Newsom, Gretchen Whitmer, JB Pritzker, and Pete Buttigieg.
Jul 9, 2024 • 27min
French election: Political deadlock as the left beats far right
BBC’s Europe digital editor and Paris Bureau Chief for The Economist discuss the surprising left-wing win in the French election, causing political uncertainty. They explore the strategies used against the far-right party and the potential scenarios for France's political future.
Jul 8, 2024 • 26min
Lab-grown meat: Why countries are banning it
Exploring the debate around lab-grown meat, guests Graihagh Jackson and Nick Marsh discuss the potential of this alternative to traditional meat production. They touch on topics like sustainability, taste comparisons to traditional meat, Singapore's pioneering role, environmental concerns, industry challenges, and the slow progress of the lab-grown meat industry.
Jul 5, 2024 • 28min
UK election: Keir Starmer’s political earthquake
Rob Watson, The BBC World Service's UK Political Correspondent, discusses Keir Starmer's stunning victory in the UK election, the Labour party's landslide win, and the Conservatives' historic defeat. They explore Starmer's background, approach to party discipline, and the challenges ahead. The podcast delves into the repercussions of the election, the shift in British politics, and the public reactions to the outcome.
Jul 5, 2024 • 26min
Hollywood: Has the summer blockbuster lost its sparkle?
Delving into the legacy of past summer blockbusters like Jaws and Jurassic Park, discussing the current success of films such as Top Gun Maverick and the anticipation around upcoming releases like Twisters and A Quiet Place Day One, exploring the trend of underperforming sequels in cinema, analyzing the dominance of franchises in Hollywood, and examining the strategies and challenges faced by the film industry in attracting audiences and staying relevant.
