The Global Story

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.