The Global Story

Katy Watson, an Australia correspondent, brings her insightful perspective on the nuanced impact of migration policies on disabled migrants. She shares personal stories of families grappling with restrictive visa regulations that label them as burdens. The discussion highlights the emotional toll of immigration hurdles faced by disabled individuals and the call for policy reforms, emphasizing a nation’s contradiction between valuing diversity and the discriminatory practices that undermine inclusivity. Watson's experiences resonate with a broader narrative of advocacy and hope.

In this engaging discussion, Paul Whelan, a former US Marine imprisoned in Russia, shares his harrowing experience during the recent high-stakes prisoner swap. Journalist Evan Gershkovich provides insight into the risks faced by reporters in Russia. Sarah Rainsford, the BBC's Eastern Europe correspondent, and Gordon Corera, the security correspondent, dive into the emotional toll of such exchanges and the complex negotiations involved. Together, they highlight the personal stories behind the politics, shedding light on the resilience of those fighting for freedom.

Paul Dans, the architect behind Project 2025, shares insights following his recent resignation. He discusses the project’s controversial status as a policy blueprint for a possible second Trump presidency. As Trump distances himself from Project 2025, the implications for his campaign strategy come into play. Dans also highlights the evolving dynamics with the Heritage Foundation and how Democrats are likely to frame the project as a threat to the middle class, shaping voter mobilization ahead of the upcoming election.

Jeremy Bowen, a seasoned BBC International Editor, and Hugo Bachega, a dedicated BBC Middle East Correspondent, delve into the escalating tensions in the Middle East. They discuss Iran's promise of retaliation for the killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh and the recent deadly airstrikes near Israel's borders. The conversation explores the volatile dynamics between Israel, Hezbollah, and Hamas, as well as the implications of U.S. support and the precarious state of ceasefire negotiations in the region.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.