The Global Story

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.