

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

May 13, 2024 • 27min
Domestic violence: How does Australia fix its 'national crisis'?
Sydney correspondent Katy Watson and BBC journalist Tiffanie Turnbull discuss Australia's response to rising domestic violence. They explore the cultural attitudes towards violence against women, propose solutions such as billion-dollar aid packages, and emphasize the importance of education on respectful relationships in tackling the crisis.

May 10, 2024 • 26min
EncroChat: The crime family brought down by their violent messages
Law enforcement gains access to incriminating messages on the EncroChat network, leading to arrests of top criminals. Reveals the downfall of a feared crime family in the UK. Discusses international crime operations, revenge plans, and legal challenges of criminal communication. Explores the impact of Europol's arrests on criminal networks.

18 snips
May 9, 2024 • 25min
US campus protests: Dismissed?
Exploring US campus protests over the war in Gaza as summer approaches, the podcast discusses President Biden's response, clashes with police on college campuses, and the impact on youthful protesters amidst Middle East developments.

May 8, 2024 • 25min
Notre-Dame: A landmark rising from the ashes
BBC's Paris correspondent Hugh Schofield and journalist Madeleine Schwartz discuss the emotional journey of rebuilding Notre Dame Cathedral, controversies over stained glass windows, global response to the incident, transparency concerns around restoration funding, and the cathedral's role as a symbol of hope and cultural heritage.

May 7, 2024 • 25min
Javier Milei: Sitting down with Argentina's President
BBC's South America correspondent Ione Wells discusses her interview with Argentina's President Javier Milei, known for his radical economic reforms and admiration for Margaret Thatcher. They explore the impact of Milei's policies on Argentina's economy, citizen reactions, and the challenges of interviewing political leaders. The podcast delves into Milei's eccentricities, symbolized by his chainsaw model and self-sculpture in his office, providing a unique insight into his persona.

May 6, 2024 • 26min
King Charles: A "difficult" first year
BBC royal correspondent and royal biographer discuss King Charles III's turbulent first year, focusing on his health, family struggles, role as a monarch in the 21st century, and the future of the British monarchy. They explore challenges, controversies, and the evolution of the royal institution amidst changing perceptions and generational shifts.

May 3, 2024 • 29min
West Bank: A BBC investigation into alleged war crimes
As part of an investigation into the conduct of Israel's security forces in the West Bank, which has been under military occupation for more than half a century, the BBC has pieced together what happened on the day two boys were killed. With violence having surged in the enclave in the months since the Hamas led attack on Israel on 7 October, the BBC team also found evidence of civilians threatened with weapons and increasing tensions. On today’s episode, Katya is joined by director Josh Baker and reporter Isobel Yeung. They discuss what they saw and share the interviews they conducted on the ground while navigating gun battles, combat raids and secret meetings.The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We’re keen to hear from you, wherever you are in the world. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell The Global Story. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. #TheGlobalStory.The Global Story is part of the BBC News Podcasts family. The team that makes The Global Story also makes several other podcasts, such as Americast and Ukrainecast, which cover US news and the war in Ukraine. If you enjoy The Global Story, then we think that you will enjoy some of our other podcasts too. To find them, simply search on your favourite podcast app.This episode was made by Richard Moran and Rachel Hagan. The technical producer was Matt Hewitt. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

May 2, 2024 • 25min
Russia’s frozen assets: Will they fund Ukrainian weapons?
When President Putin ordered Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Kyiv’s western allies assembled unprecedented sanctions packages to target the Kremlin’s access to international funds. That included freezing an estimated $300bn of central bank assets, the majority of which are held in Europe. As domestic enthusiasm for Ukrainian aid has dimmed in some western nations, the question about how to use these frozen funds has risen rapidly up the international agenda.On today’s episode, Katya is joined by Ben Chu, BBC Newsnight’s Economics Editor, and Tom Keatinge, from the Centre for Finance and Security at the RUSI think tank. They discuss whether new US legislation could pressure European leaders to make a decision on the fate of the frozen assets, and consider the risk of retaliation by Russia.The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We’re keen to hear from you, wherever you are in the world. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell The Global Story. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. #TheGlobalStory.The Global Story is part of the BBC News Podcasts family. The team that makes The Global Story also makes several other podcasts, such as Americast and Ukrainecast, which cover US news and the war in Ukraine. If you enjoy The Global Story, then we think that you will enjoy some of our other podcasts too. To find them, simply search on your favourite podcast app.This episode was made by Laurie Kalus, Alix Pickles and Neal Razzell. The technical producers were Hannah Montgomery and Matt Hewitt. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

May 1, 2024 • 25min
US suicides: Why are so many young people dying?
A record number of Americans are taking their own lives, and suicide is now the second-leading cause of death in the US for people under the age of 35. Why is this happening? How can you get help if you need it? And how is the US responding to what President Biden calls a ‘crisis’ in youth mental health? Mark Lowen speaks to BBC North America correspondent Will Vernon. He’s been to North Carolina State University, which has seen a string of student suicides over the past two years. They are joined by Jordan Burnham, a suicide survivor and youth mental health advocate in the US. WARNING: This episode deals with issues of suicide and depression. If you are experiencing distress, despair or suicidal thoughts, contact a local mental health care provider.
If you live in the US or Canada, you can call or text 9-8-8 to be connected to a support line.
You can learn about the resources available in the UK at bbc.co.uk/actionline.
Or you can access help anywhere in the world through Befrienders Worldwide at www.befrienders.orgThe Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We’re keen to hear from you, wherever you are in the world. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell The Global Story. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. #TheGlobalStory.The Global Story is part of the BBC News Podcasts family. The team that makes The Global Story also makes several other podcasts, such as Americast and Ukrainecast, which cover US news and the war in Ukraine. If you enjoy The Global Story, then we think that you will enjoy some of our other podcasts too. To find them, simply search on your favourite podcast app.This episode was made by Peter Goffin and Beth Timmins. The technical producers was Gareth Jones and Matt Hewitt. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

Apr 30, 2024 • 24min
Preparing for war: Is Europe getting ready?
The war in Ukraine has increased tensions in Europe as governments across the continent look to secure a peaceful existence. Expanding military service, increasing defence spending and joining Nato are only a few options available. But the importance of self-defence becomes clearer each day as Donald Trump, who is famously not fond of Nato, may move back into The White House. So what are countries going to do?Katya Adler speaks to BBC Europe correspondent Nick Beake and BBC Russian Service journalist Oksana Antonenko, who is based in Latvia, about their experiences and stories from the Baltic countries and other nations bordering Russia.The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We’re keen to hear from you, wherever you are in the world. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell The Global Story. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. #TheGlobalStory.The Global Story is part of the BBC News Podcasts family. The team that makes The Global Story also makes several other podcasts, such as Americast and Ukrainecast, which cover US news and the war in Ukraine. If you enjoy The Global Story, then we think that you will enjoy some of our other podcasts too. To find them, simply search on your favourite podcast app.This episode was made by Alice Aylett Roberts and Emilia Jansson. The technical producer was Philip Bull. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Sam Bonham.