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BBC World Service
The daily drama of money and work from the BBC.
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20 snips
Oct 6, 2025 • 19min
Cyprus has a 'brain gain' plan
Cyprus is rolling out an initiative to attract expatriates back, specifically in science and tech sectors. The country offers tax breaks and highlights the advantages of returning home. Discussions include balancing career motivations against living costs. Concerns arise about a potential two-tiered system and housing barriers for returnees. The government aims to use returning talent to entice foreign firms. Comparisons to other nations' diaspora strategies reveal a trend in global talent acquisition. Will these measures convince enough professionals to relocate?

9 snips
Oct 5, 2025 • 17min
Afghanistan: Women disconnected
Explore the struggles of Afghan women as they navigate life under the Taliban regime. Hear personal stories of lost ambitions and the fight for education. Shopkeepers and tech workers share how they adapt to severe restrictions while seeking income. Discover the challenges faced by NGOs and the emotional toll of working in a hostile environment. Despite adversity, women demonstrate resilience and maintain hope for a better future, all while addressing the international community's response to ongoing abuses.

11 snips
Oct 2, 2025 • 20min
Business Daily meets: Thailand's Chef Pam
Join award-winning Thai chef Pichaya Soontornyanakij, also known as Chef Pam, as she shares her incredible journey from childhood in a Thai-Chinese-Australian family to becoming the best female chef in the world. Listen as she takes a vibrant tour of Bangkok's Chinatown, explores the cultural significance of Thai-Chinese cuisine, and reveals the challenges and triumphs of running her Michelin-starred restaurant, Potong. Discover her passion for sourcing local ingredients and the heartfelt story behind the restaurant's historic setting.

16 snips
Oct 1, 2025 • 17min
Trump's green retreat
In Middletown, Ohio, the clash between industry and politics unfolds with Donald Trump's executive order halting renewable energy subsidies. Residents share their struggles with pollution and the missed opportunity of a hydrogen-powered furnace that could create jobs and cut emissions. Local reactions reflect disappointment as Cleveland Cliffs withdraws from the upgrade, revealing complexities of green investment and economic trade-offs. The episode dives into how hometown voting influences policies and the town's uncertain future.

6 snips
Sep 30, 2025 • 18min
Fighting economic abuse
Explore the hidden dangers of economic abuse as personal stories reveal the pain of financial control in relationships. Discover how lack of funds can trap people, especially women, in harmful situations. Experts discuss the links between economic dependence and physical danger, and highlight the long-term consequences for survivors. Learn about the role of financial institutions in combating this issue and the progress being made globally. Finally, hear a powerful message of hope for those who have escaped and are rebuilding their lives.

8 snips
Sep 29, 2025 • 17min
Keeping Chile's older workers... working
The challenges and opportunities of an aging workforce in Chile take center stage. A café exclusively hiring women over 50 showcases a supportive work environment. Discussions reveal how outdated biases affect hiring seniors in sectors like security. A coalition aims to influence policy for older talent, while a biotech firm blends youthful innovation with veteran experience. Insights into cultural and policy shifts needed to embrace an aging population are highlighted, emphasizing the importance of flexibility in the workplace.

25 snips
Sep 28, 2025 • 19min
Is France failing its older workers?
France is confronting ageism, deemed the 'last discrimination,' making it tough for older workers to land job interviews. A personal story highlights the struggles of navigating age and AI in hiring. Studies reveal that candidates aged 48-55 face a significant callback disparity. The government campaign aims to shift perceptions, while companies often hold misconceptions about older workers. Schneider Electric offers tailored career paths for older employees, showcasing innovative practices to integrate experienced talent. Conversations around age remain taboo among workers.

Sep 25, 2025 • 19min
Business Daily meets: Rahul Vatts
Rahul Vatts, Chief Regulatory Officer at Airtel, has been a key player in India’s telecom revolution for over 30 years. He shares his journey from waiting in long queues to make a simple call to leading initiatives that push technology into rural areas. Discover how India’s first mobile call changed the landscape of digital communication, and learn about the exciting potential of satellite connectivity for bridging rural gaps. Vatts also highlights the importance of regulation in the industry and shares personal insights that keep him grounded.

Sep 24, 2025 • 18min
Home is where the debt is
The challenges of homeownership in America take center stage as rising prices and high interest rates leave many feeling shut out. First-time buyers share their frustrating journeys in a competitive market. Builders discuss soaring construction costs and the impact of tariffs, while zoning laws complicate affordable housing solutions. A case study in Hoboken highlights local demand, and shifting lending standards shape buyer confidence. Amid this turmoil, a proposed act aims to ease regulations and make housing more accessible for everyone.

12 snips
Sep 23, 2025 • 17min
The growth of barefoot shoes
Barefoot shoes are making waves beyond just runners, drawing attention for their comfort and health benefits. A Birmingham event showcases this growing trend, highlighting features like a thin sole and wide toe box. The market is booming, with brands like Happy Little Souls transitioning from kids' footwear to adult lines. Customers report reduced knee pain and increased comfort, while experts discuss the science behind the movement. With fashion's influence and a passionate community, the barefoot movement seems to have solid staying power.