Global News Podcast

Global News Podcast by BBC World Service

The Global News Podcast brings you the breaking news you need to hear, as it happens. Listen for the latest headlines and current affairs from around the world. Politics, economics, climate, business, technology, health – we cover it all with expert analysis and insight. Get the news that matters, delivered twice a day on weekdays and daily at weekends, plus special bonus episodes reacting to urgent breaking stories. Follow or subscribe now and never miss a moment. Get in touch: globalpodcast@bbc.co.uk

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Episode's summary

This episode of the BBC Global News Podcast covers major international developments, ranging from the US midterm elections and the impact of inflation on voters to high-stakes political races in Michigan and Texas. The program also follows Carl Bushby's conclusion of a 28-year journey around the world on foot, reflecting on his extreme adventures. Additionally, the episode reports on Israeli airstrikes in Gaza, widespread youth-led protests across Europe, and the launch of a new 'mindfulness city' in Bhutan. The news concludes with an exploration of how Formula One has expanded its audience through Netflix and the impact of Kimi Antonelli's championship victory.

Chapters

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Highlights

I don't think it's a referendum on him as much as it is on the general direction of the nation.

00:02:51 · A voter expresses that the election focus is more about national trajectory than individual leadership.

They've spent something like $570 million on advertising alone in this race. It makes it the most expensive non-presidential race in American history.

00:11:17 · The reporter highlights the unprecedented scale of spending in the Texas Senate race.

And I have to say that I've met 99.999% of the very best of humanity.

00:15:39 · Carl Bushby reflects on the overwhelming kindness he has experienced from locals during his global travels.

I guess we're sort of trying to envisage a kind of Dubai, but with mindfulness.

00:27:31 · The reporter compares the ambitious development of Bhutan's new city to the scale of Dubai while emphasizing its spiritual focus.

And I think one of the key things they did was they brought Netflix in. And there's this documentary series that's called Drive to Survive that started a few years ago, which gave people the look behind the curtain of Formula One.

00:29:36 · The speaker explains how Netflix's involvement helped expand the audience for Formula One.

Episodes

7366-

Trump celebrates shock endorsement ahead of US midterms

This episode of the BBC Global News Podcast covers major international developments, ranging from the US midterm elections and the impact of inflation on voters to high-stakes political races in Michigan and Texas. The program also follows Carl Bushby's conclusion of a 28-year journey around the world on foot, reflecting on his extreme adventures. Additionally, the episode reports on Israeli airstrikes in Gaza, widespread youth-led protests across Europe, and the launch of a new 'mindfulness city' in Bhutan. The news concludes with an exploration of how Formula One has expanded its audience through Netflix and the impact of Kimi Antonelli's championship victory.

02 Nov 2026
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Violent protests in France for the third weekend in a row

This episode of the BBC Global News Podcast covers a wide range of international stories, from violent protests in France and Albania to humanitarian developments in Ukraine. The report also explores political debates regarding British apologies for the transatlantic slave trade and examines health crises involving dengue and measles in Bangladesh. Additionally, the episode features lighter stories such as electric bike jousting in London and an exhibition celebrating Agatha Christie's legacy at the British Library. The program concludes with a look at the technical challenges faced by the Hubble Space Telescope and the impact of AI on Wikipedia.

01 Nov 2026
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The Happy Pod: Personalised cancer vaccine shows promise in major trial

This episode of the BBC's Happy Pod explores a variety of human-interest stories, ranging from medical breakthroughs in personalized melanoma vaccines to the vital role of the Parkinson's UK Brain Bank in researching treatments through brain tissue donation. The episode also highlights community and conservation efforts, including the global rise of Nigerian artist Steve Monite, a heartwarming community celebration for an autistic boy, and the impact of a ballet school in Nairobi's Kibera slum. Additionally, we look at intergenerational art programs in England and successful manatee conservation efforts in Cameroon.

31 Oct 2026
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US approves sale of 500 Patriot missiles to Ukraine

This episode of the BBC Global News Podcast covers major international developments, including US approval of Patriot missile sales to Ukraine and the closure of Russia's independent newspaper, Novaya Gazeta. The program also examines the impact of AI investment concerns on US tech stocks and political backlash among Cuban-American voters in Florida regarding mass deportation policies. Additionally, the episode explores various news reports and deep dives, ranging from police inquiries involving Prince Andrew and Jeffrey Epstein to controversies over footage used in Call of Duty. The episode concludes with features on the restoration of Ken Russell's film 'The Devils' and a biographical look at horror writer Arthur Machen.

31 Oct 2026
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Residents leave devastated Russian-occupied Oleshky

This episode of the BBC Global News Podcast covers major international stories, including a humanitarian evacuation in the besieged Ukrainian city of Oleshky and the closure of the independent Russian news outlet Novaya Gazeta. The report also investigates a massive $6 billion cryptocurrency theft from Binance allegedly linked to North Korean hackers. Additionally, the episode explores the growing cost-of-living crisis in post-Assad Syria and the political aftermath of Israel's general election. Finally, it discusses new public health perspectives on the 'manosphere' and provides nutritional advice regarding fiber intake through fruit and vegetable scraps.

30 Oct 2026