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 4, 2024 • 24min
Kenya protests: How Gen Z took on the government
BBC Senior Africa Correspondent, Anne Soy, discusses how Gen Z in Kenya used social media to lead unprecedented protests against tax hikes, forcing President Ruto to backtrack. The episode explores the power of youth activism, government responsiveness, and the changing political landscape in Kenya.
Jul 3, 2024 • 24min
French election: Le Pen's far right at the gates of power
BBC's Paris correspondent Hugh Schofield discusses the rise of the far-right National Rally in France's election. Topics include strategic alliances against the party, potential outcomes of the election, and analysis of President Macron's strategies and psychology.
Jul 2, 2024 • 27min
Overtourism: Can travel hotspots cope with the crowds?
Rajan Datar from the BBC's Travel Show discusses overtourism in popular destinations like Venice, Hawaii, and Bali, highlighting the impact on communities and the environment. The podcast explores solutions to manage tourism crowds and the importance of sustainable travel practices. It also delves into the challenges faced by residents in tourist hotspots and the benefits of dispersing tourism to emerging destinations.
Jul 1, 2024 • 27min
UK election: Could the Brits ditch the Conservatives?
Rob Watson, UK Political Correspondent for BBC World Service, and Marianna Spring, Disinformation Correspondent for BBC, discuss the UK election. Topics include voter apathy, social media influence, key election campaign issues, and potential outcomes of the election.
Jun 30, 2024 • 30min
Retelling the Global Story: Joe Biden’s ageing brain
Exploring concerns about Joe Biden's age and cognitive abilities post-debate, the podcast delves into the implications for his presidential campaign. Discussions around aging brains in politics, age-related screenings, and voter perceptions are highlighted. Additionally, the podcast touches on Biden's strategies, voter concerns on his age, and tips for healthy aging and cognitive health.
Jun 28, 2024 • 26min
US election: Biden stumbles against Trump
In a heated US presidential debate, Biden stumbled against Trump, raising concerns about his age and cognitive abilities. The candidates clashed on topics like immigration and the economy. The episode speculates on voters' reactions and potential impacts on the upcoming election. Analysis also explores the format's influence on candidate behavior and the lack of fact-checking during the debate.
Jun 27, 2024 • 25min
Missing Cryptoqueen: What happened to the world’s most wanted woman?
The podcast explores the mysterious disappearance of Ruja Ignatova after scamming investors with a fake cryptocurrency, OneCoin. It delves into allegations of her potential murder by the Bulgarian underworld king and her addition to the FBI's Most Wanted list. The episode uncovers ties to organized crime and the challenges of investigating the vast sums of money involved in the scam.
12 snips
Jun 26, 2024 • 26min
Julian Assange: Inside the deal to free WikiLeaks founder
Julian Assange, WikiLeaks founder, secures plea deal admitting to espionage charge for his release. Podcast explores impact on his image and future of free speech. Guests react to deal, discuss legal saga and implications on global diplomacy. Delve into controversial figure, WikiLeaks releases, public perception, and Assange's future plans post-release.
Jun 25, 2024 • 27min
Hajj: Why over 1,000 Muslim pilgrims have died
The podcast delves into the tragic deaths of over 1,000 Muslim pilgrims during the recent Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia, discussing the challenges of extreme heat and lack of official permits. It also explores the modernization of Mecca, safety concerns, and the need for balancing tradition with pilgrims' safety in the face of climate change.
Jun 24, 2024 • 26min
Elon Musk: Is he worth history’s biggest pay deal?
Exploring Elon Musk's $56 billion pay deal and its implications, including debates on his leadership at Tesla, challenges in the EV industry, market competition, and the impact on the company's future. Guests discuss Musk's controversial management style, court rulings, loyalty, and succession planning in tech companies.
