Global News Podcast

BBC Global News Podcast

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

00:00
00:00

Episode's summary

This episode of the BBC Global News Podcast covers major international stories, including a Russian attack on an aid center in Ukraine and the economic pressures facing American voters ahead of the US midterm elections. The report also explores the personal story of a couple who underwent duo euthanasia in the Netherlands. Additionally, the episode examines scientific breakthroughs at CERN regarding the 'Zeptoverse' despite UK funding cuts, a settlement by Snapchat over app addictiveness, and a Channel 4 game show hoax designed to highlight the dangers of gambling.

Chapters

Click on a chapter to go directly to that moment

Highlights

Given the alleged number of bombs used by Russia, it's hard to see how this could not have been deliberate.

00:02:25 · A chief analyst at BBC Monitoring discusses the likelihood that the Russian bombing of a Ukrainian aid center was intentional.

The Democrat Party has nominated the most extreme and dangerous slate of candidates in American history.

00:06:22 · Donald Trump criticizes Democratic candidates during his speech ahead of the US midterm elections.

He lamented the fact that no one on the campaign trail, be it Republican or Democrat, are talking about just how much debt the United States is carrying.

00:13:28 · A farmer in Iowa expresses frustration that political campaigns are ignoring the issue of the national debt.

My life is completed. I don't want no pain anymore.

00:16:17 · Jan, one of the individuals who underwent duo euthanasia, expresses his desire to end his suffering.

The signals come from a region of subatomic space called the Zeptoverse.

00:23:45 · Scientists at CERN have detected signals from an incredibly small scale of space that could reveal details about dark matter.

Episodes

7368-

Ukraine accuses Russia of hitting school used as aid centre

This episode of the BBC Global News Podcast covers major international stories, including a Russian attack on an aid center in Ukraine and the economic pressures facing American voters ahead of the US midterm elections. The report also explores the personal story of a couple who underwent duo euthanasia in the Netherlands. Additionally, the episode examines scientific breakthroughs at CERN regarding the 'Zeptoverse' despite UK funding cuts, a settlement by Snapchat over app addictiveness, and a Channel 4 game show hoax designed to highlight the dangers of gambling.

03 Nov 2026
7367-

Ukraine and Russia hit by fake emergency alerts

This episode of the BBC Global News Podcast covers a range of major international stories, including suspected cyber attacks on emergency alert systems in Ukraine and Russia, as well as a wave of attacks targeting supermarket refrigeration systems in Europe. The program also reports on the final day of US midterm election campaigning in Ohio and Kansas, Sudan's accusations against Ethiopia regarding drone strikes, and a fatal private jet crash in South Florida. Additionally, the episode explores the violent crackdown on protesters in Iran through harrowing personal accounts and examines environmental concerns surrounding Google data center construction in Finland.

02 Nov 2026
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
7365-

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
7364-

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