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
Jun 21, 2024 • 27min
Sextortion: 'In six hours, my son was dead'
Katya Adler, an expert in investigating sextortion crimes globally, discusses the rise of sextortion targeting teenagers, the tactics used by scammers from Nigeria, and the alarming increase in cases. The podcast also explores efforts to combat sextortion in Nigeria, the dark realities of online sextortion targeting teenagers, and the challenges in ensuring online safety for kids.
Jun 20, 2024 • 23min
Ukraine war: The men avoiding conscription
BBC correspondent Jean Mackenzie and BBC Monitoring’s Russia Editor Vitaliy Shevchenko discuss the challenges Ukraine faces in enlisting soldiers to combat Russia. They explore the fears and consequences of evading conscription, the exemptions available, and the impact of conscription avoidance on defense and societal unity.
Jun 19, 2024 • 23min
Nuclear power: Inside Europe's radioactive tomb
Exploring the challenges of nuclear waste storage worldwide with a focus on Finland's innovative underground facility. The episode delves into the environmental impact, geopolitical events driving nuclear power adoption, and diversity in attitudes towards nuclear energy in European countries.
Jun 18, 2024 • 27min
Smartphone ban: Why an Irish town is taking children’s phones
Explore the impact of a smartphone ban on children under 12 in an Irish town, addressing concerns about harmful online content and social media use. Learn about the challenges faced by parents in deciding when to give smartphones to their children and the influence of societal pressures. Discover the effects of smartphones on children's well-being, including exposure to graphic content and disputes from online interactions. Delve into the implementation of the smartphone ban, with positive feedback from residents and efforts to protect children from harmful online content.
Jun 17, 2024 • 26min
North Korea: Why Putin and Xi are courting Kim
Exploring the shifting power dynamics involving North Korea, Russia, and China. Discussing North Korea's end game and the global concerns it raises. Analyzing North Korea's strategic goals, alliances with Russia and China, and potential aggressive posture. Delving into the challenges faced by the US and allies in responding to North Korea's nuclear program amid evolving diplomatic complexities.
Jun 14, 2024 • 26min
Menopause: Are attitudes changing?
Kirsty Wark and Professor Joyce Harper discuss changing attitudes towards menopause and the need to break the taboos surrounding it. They explore treatment options, workplace support, and societal perceptions, advocating for open conversations and empowering women to navigate this natural phase of life.
Jun 13, 2024 • 24min
Hezbollah: Tensions on the Israel-Lebanon border
The podcast explores the escalating tensions between Israel and Hezbollah along the Israel-Lebanon border, discussing Hezbollah's rise, anti-Israeli ideology, and potential implications of a new conflict. It also delves into Hezbollah's extensive weaponry, Israeli military strategy, potential ground offensive, and living in conflict zones.
Jun 12, 2024 • 24min
Hunter Biden guilty: What could it mean for the president?
The podcast explores Hunter Biden's guilty verdict for lying about drug use when buying a gun, potential implications for President Biden's re-election, scrutiny on Hunter's business activities, and the impact on family perception and public opinion.
Jun 11, 2024 • 27min
France's snap election: Will President Macron's gamble pay off?
President Macron and BBC's Europe Editor discuss the rise of hard-right parties in European politics, France's far-right National Rally's win, and Macron's snap general election decision. They also explore the nuances between centre right, hard right, and nationalist right parties in Europe, the impact of EU elections on German politics, and rising extremism concerns in Europe.
Jun 10, 2024 • 25min
Brazil floods: A month underwater after climate "catastrophe"
Record rains in southern Brazil have displaced almost 600,000 people after devastating storms. President Lula declares it a 'climate catastrophe.' Officials write off whole neighborhoods as unsafe. BBC Brasil reporters discuss the impact on flood zone residents and lessons for a warming world.
