Best Pledge Drive Podcasts (2025)

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📈 Netflix cements power in Hollywood, Big week for interest rates, SpaceX's record valuation & more 5:22

Play Pause

17h ago5:22

5:22

Headlines for Monday 8 December 2025 This is original content written by the Equity Mates team for the Equity Mates daily email, turned into a podcast using artificial intelligence. Read and subscribe to the Equity Mates daily email here: https://equitymates.beehiiv.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

1
Why are Gen Z struggling to get into work? | BBC Newscast 38:55

20h ago38:55

38:55

Laura, Paddy, and Joe Pike discuss the government's plan to get almost one million young people back to work, plus the foundation of Your Party and the latest tory defection to Reform.Subscribe here: http://bit.ly/1rbfUogFor more news, analysis and features visit: www.bbc.com/news #BBCNewsBy BBC News

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Dozens dead after drone strikes on Sudan kindergarten and hospital | BBC News 4:07

24h ago4:07

4:07

Dozens dead after reported drone strikes on Sudan kindergarten and hospital | BBC News A series of drone strikes have reportedly targeted a kindergarten, a hospital and rescue teams in southern Sudan. The Rapid Support Forces (RSF), the paramilitary group battling the army in Sudan's civil war, was accused of the attack by a medical organisation, t…

1
Nightclub fire kills 25 in Goa, India, officials say | BBC News 5:50

1d ago5:50

5:50

A fire at a popular nightclub in the coastal region of Goa in India has killed 25 people, according to local officials. Most of the victims are believed to be staff at the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub, located near a popular beach. Tourists are also said to be among the dead. Police believe a gas cylinder exploded in the club's kitchen, causing a …

1
Is Microsoft's first ever handheld Xbox console worth the wait? | BBC News 6:34

1d ago6:34

6:34

Since the Xbox launched in 2001, rumours swirled about a handheld Microsoft console which would let you play your games on-the-go. It works natively with Xbox's Game Pass subscription service out of the box, meaning members will start off with hundreds of games in their library.Tom Gerken has been testing it out for BBC Tech Now.Subscribe here: htt…

1
Netflix's Power Grab and Eurovision In Crisis | BBC News 29:18

2d ago29:18

29:18

Today, Laura and Paddy are joined by TV critic and broadcaster Scott Bryan to discuss the future of the entertainment industry after Netflix agreed to buy the film and streaming businesses of Warner Bros Discovery for $72 billion. But with regulators and rivals still waiting in the wings, it might just be the start of the saga.And one of the bigges…

1
Venezuela is not a threat to US, says President Maduro | BBC News 3:27

2d ago3:27

3:27

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro spoke after US President Donald Trump was given the inaugural Fifa Peace Prize on Friday. “Venezuela hasn’t been and will never be a threat to the United States of America,” Maduro said. President Trump has been threatening Venezuela with military action, as the US has been conducting strikes on boats it claims a…

1
BBC confronts man bulk-buying and reselling UK driving tests | BBC News 7:04

2d ago7:04

7:04

Driving instructors are being offered kickbacks of up to £250 a month to sell their official test-booking login details to touts, a BBC investigation has found. Touts use these login details to book driving tests in bulk and sell them to learners on WhatsApp and Facebook, charging as much as £500 for tests that should cost no more than £75. This ma…

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Qatari PM says Gaza talks at ‘critical’ moment | BBC News 4:47

2d ago4:47

4:47

The Qatari Prime Minister has said the negotiations on the war in Gaza were at a “critical” moment. Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdul Rahman Al Thani was speaking on the first day of the 23rd edition of the annual Doha Forum, in Doha, Qatar. He also said that without a full withdrawal from Israel, the Gaza truce is incomplete. Subscribe here: http://bit.ly…

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The Streamer Awards host QTCinderella reveals dark side of streaming | BBC News 6:56

2d ago6:56

6:56

Streamer QTCinderella has said she would convince her younger self to never start streaming if she had the chance. Ahead of hosting The Streamer Awards, QTCinderella spoke to the BBC's Laura Cress about the everyday struggles she has with herself and with certain viewers of her channels. She also spoke about how one day she will walk away from stre…

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Can AI crack the process of aging? | BBC News 8:08

2d ago8:08

8:08

The race to unlock the secret to a longer life is on - and two sisters from a Cambridge start-up might be closer than anyone else.For decades, the world’s brightest scientists and wealthiest entrepreneurs have chased the secret of longevity, pouring billions into research. Carina Kern and Serena Kern-Libera join presenter Christian Fraser and Steph…

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Can Europe protect Ukraine if the US backs out of talks | BBC Ukrainecast 24:32

3d ago24:32

24:32

Volodymyr Zelensky says he is “afraid” Donald Trump could “lose interest” in negotiating an end to the war in Ukraine, after discussions between American and Russian diplomats in Moscow ended without significant progress this week. As Vladimir Putin arrives in India, and US special envoy Steve Witkoff meets Ukrainian negotiators in Florida, our pan…

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Countries to boycott Eurovision over Israel inclusion | Global News Podcast 8:52

3d ago8:52

8:52

Ireland, Spain, the Netherlands and Slovenia will boycott the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest, after it was decided Israel could compete.They were among a number of countries who had called for Israel to be excluded over the war in Gaza and accusations of unfair voting practices.We speak to our music correspondent Mark SavageSubscribe to the Global Ne…

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Why is the UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer talking about Brexit again? | BBC Newscast 29:30

3d ago29:30

29:30

The Prime Minister backed Rachel Reeves’ budget on Monday. On the same day, Keir Starmer, not once, not twice, but on three separate occasions spoke about Brexit. We discuss what’s actually going on…Subscribe here: http://bit.ly/1rbfUogFor more news, analysis and features visit: www.bbc.com/news #BBCNews…

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Is Trump giving the FIFA World Cup a MAGA makeover? | BBC Americast 27:40

3d ago27:40

27:40

What’s behind Trump’s relationship with FIFA president Gianni Infantino?Subscribe here: http://bit.ly/1rbfUogAs the United States gets ready to host the FIFA World Cup 2026, Americast looks at what’s behind the close relationship between Donald Trump and the president of football’s world governing body, Gianna Infantino.Sarah and Anthony go back to…

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US lawmakers pledge to investigate boat strikes further | BBC News 7:38

3d ago7:38

7:38

In the days after a Washington Post report raised questions about a September strike by the US military on a suspected drug trafficking boat in the Caribbean, lawmakers in Congress pledged to investigate further. It was a rare moment of bipartisan concern about a controversial Trump administration action – prompting speculation that Defence Secreta…

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Russia ready to supply 'uninterrupted fuel' to India | BBC News 7:22

3d ago7:22

7:22

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Russia is ready to provide "uninterrupted shipments" of fuel to India as Delhi has faced pressure from US President Donald Trump to stop buying Moscow's oil.Putin made his comments during a joint media briefing with India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while on his visit to India.The US hit India with an addit…

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Eurovision boycott over Israel participation | BBC News 4:16

3d ago4:16

4:16

Ireland, Spain, the Netherlands and Slovenia will boycott the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest, after it was decided that Israel could compete. They were among a number of countries who called for Israel to be excluded over the war in Gaza and accusations of unfair voting practices. Ireland's RTÉ said it felt that its "participation remains unconsciona…

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"When will you actually stop the boats?" | BBC Question Time 18:36

3d ago18:36

18:36

In BBC Question Time's Immigration Special from Dover, an audience member asked: "When will you actually stop the boats?". Panellists discussed the matter, including Labour's Mike Tapp, Conservative Kieran Mullan, Liberal Democrat Daisy Cooper, the Green Party's Zack Polanski, and Reform UK's Zia Yusuf. Catch up with the whole of the debate with BB…

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Why Putin is in India visiting Modi | Global News Podcast 10:51

3d ago10:51

10:51

The Russian leader Vladimir Putin's two-day visit to India is underway, where he has met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The pair are expected to sign a number of deals during the visit, which comes months after the US increased pressure on India to stop buying Russian oil.We speak to our Delhi correspondent, Devina Gupta.Subscribe to the Global…

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How Volunteering Builds Community And Character (Volunteer Day) 19:23

3d ago19:23

19:23

Send us a text What if one focused hour could ripple through a classroom, a clinic, or a neighborhood—and change your outlook too? We dedicate this conversation to Volunteer Day and explore how small, steady acts of service build stronger communities, deepen empathy, and reduce stress by turning gratitude into motion. From local, hands-on roles to …

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Why Vladimir Putin is 'morally responsible' for the Novichok poisonings | BBC Newscast 29:23

4d ago29:23

29:23

An inquiry into the death of Dawn Sturgess, the woman who died after she came into contact with poison intended for a former Russian agent, has reached the conclusion that President Putin was “morally responsible for her death”.Adam is joined by Marie Lennon the host of the BBC’s podcast Crime Next Door: The Salisbury Poisonings and news correspond…

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Several countries boycott Eurovision after Israel allowed to compete | BBC 8:17

4d ago8:17

8:17

Ireland, Spain and the Netherlands will boycott next year's Eurovision Song Contest after it was decided Israel could compete. They were among a number of countries who had called for Israel to be excluded over the humanitarian toll of the war in Gaza, and accusations of unfair voting practices. Despite calls for a vote on Israel's participation, E…

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📈 Meta begins removing under 16s | Tasmania is set for a stadium 5:48

4d ago5:48

5:48

Headlines for Friday 5 December 2025 This is original content written by the Equity Mates team for the Equity Mates daily email, turned into a podcast using artificial intelligence. Read and subscribe to the Equity Mates daily email here: https://equitymates.beehiiv.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

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Putin 'morally responsible' for Novichok poisoning of Dawn Sturgess, inquiry says | BBC News 7:51

4d ago7:51

7:51

Vladimir Putin was "morally responsible" for the 44-year-old's death, alongside everyone involved in the assassination attempt on Russian double agent Sergei Skripal. Moscow has always denied involvement.Sturgess, a mother of three, died after spraying herself with a fatal dose of Novichok left in a discarded perfume bottle; her family says "we can…

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Pete Hegseth could have endangered troop safety with Signal chat says Pentagon watchdog | BBC News 7:59

4d ago7:59

7:59

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth could have endangered troops' safety when he used an unsecured app to discuss a planned attack on militants in Yemen, according to a report from the Pentagon's inspector general, an internal watchdog. The details of the March attack were discussed on the commercial Signal app, and were first revealed after a journa…

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How one organization is transforming Englewood’s vacant lots 11:34

3d ago11:34

11:34

The city of Chicago owns thousands of vacant lots, and more than 80 percent of those parcels are in communities where the population is at least 80 percent Black. That’s according to a report from the Institute for Housing Studies at DePaul University. Residents and organizations are investing in these lots to improve the community. Last episode, w…

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Suspected blackmail gang operating on Grindr uncovered in BBC investigation | BBC News 6:51

4d ago6:51

6:51

Police failed to properly investigate allegations that a gang was blackmailing men on the gay dating app Grindr, the BBC can reveal.Our investigation has learned of five cases of suspected blackmail using Grindr in one area, with at least four of them connected to the same gang, which remains at large.In one instance, a suspected victim killed hims…

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Why has Vladimir Putin said he is 'ready for war' with Europe? | BBC Newscast 43:32

5d ago43:32

43:32

Today, NATO ministers have been meeting to discuss the US’s 28-point plan for peace between Russia and Ukraine after Russia rejected the plan and said it was “ready” for war with Europe.Adam is joined by Europe editor Katya Adler and the Economist’s defence editor, Shashank Joshi to discuss what President Putin’s statement means for a divided NATO.…

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New images of Jeffrey Epstein’s private island home released | BBC News 3:04

5d ago3:04

3:04

New images of Jeffrey Epstein's Caribbean island home have been released by Democrats in the US Congress. The pictures and videos show bedrooms, a room with a dentist's chair and masks hanging from a wall, and the words "power" and "deception" written on a chalkboard. The Democrats on the House Oversight Committee call the pictures and videos "neve…

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King Charles welcomes German president on first state visit in 27 years | BBC News 4:19

5d ago4:19

4:19

King Charles, Queen Camilla and the Prince and Princess of Wales have welcomed the German president to the UK for the first state visit in 27 years. President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and his wife Elke Budenbender were given a ceremonial royal reception in Windsor, with marching bands and a carriage ride to the castle. Such state visits are about pr…

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The divisive legacy of South Korea's martial law crisis | Global News Podcast 14:03

5d ago14:03

14:03

It was one of the most dramatic nights in South Korean history. On 3 December 2024, President Yoon Suk Yeol suspended civilian rule for the first time in more than four decades, prompting massive protests and a showdown in parliament. The BBC's Seoul Correspondent Jake Kwon tells us about the political chaos that ensued, and where the nation stands…

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📈 Trump praises Aussie-style super, OpenAI goes 'code red', Australian GDP slumps & more 5:35

5d ago5:35

5:35

Headlines for Thursday 4 December 2025 This is original content written by Bryce and Ren for the Equity Mates daily email, turned into a podcast using artificial intelligence. Read and subscribe to the Equity Mates daily email here: https://equitymates.beehiiv.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

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One weekend of social media abuse in football | BBC News 3:52

5d ago3:52

3:52

More than 2,000 extremely abusive social media posts - including death and rape threats - were sent about managers and players in the Premier League and Women's Super League in a single weekend, a BBC investigation has found.The analysis - conducted with data science company Signify - focused on posts made during 10 Premier League and six WSL match…

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Ukrainians in war-ravaged Donbas weigh prospects of peace deal | BBC News 4:11

5d ago4:11

4:11

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said territory remains the most difficult issue facing the US-led peace talks. Ukraine has repeatedly rejected Russian demands to give up the regions of Donetsk and Luhansk, known as the Donbas. Seizing that territory remains one of Vladimir Putin's goals. Russian forces continue to advance there and now c…

1
Vladimir Putin rejects peace deal on Ukraine after US talks | BBC News 11:26

5d ago11:26

11:26

Vladimir Putin and US negotiators appear to have failed to achieve a breakthrough on securing a Ukraine peace deal. Russian officials said the talks in Moscow were "constructive" but "no compromise" was reached over territorial concessions for Ukraine. The Kremlin said it's wrong to say Putin rejected US peace proposals. It comes as Nato foreign mi…

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Want to buy the vacant lot next door? It might take awhile 6:51

4d ago6:51

6:51

Buying a city-owned lot seems like a simple process, but buying one might take longer than expected. The city puts a limited number of parcels up for sale each year.

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Why is the UK government trying to scrap juries for some trials? | BBC Newscast 36:34

6d ago36:34

36:34

Today, the UK's secretary of state for justice David Lammy has confirmed plans to get rid of jury trials for crimes with sentences of less than three years.The reforms to the justice system include creating "swift courts" under the government's plan to tackle unprecedented delays in the court system. Serious offences including murder, robbery and r…

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Did the US commit war crimes in deadly Venezuela boat strike? | Global News Podcast 10:24

6d ago10:24

10:24

The White House says a top US Navy admiral ordered a second round of strikes on an alleged Venezuelan drug boat in September. The Washington Post reported that two people survived the first blast and were still clinging to the burning vessel when they were killed, raising questions about legality.White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said on…

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Could an AI App help us talk to the dead? | BBC News 26:00

6d ago26:00

26:00

Disney star Calum Worthy’s AI start-up claims to help memorialise loved ones by creating interactive digital clones of the deceased. But is this innovation comforting—or dystopian? With the recent AI app going viral and sparking global debate, the AI Decoded team dives into the controversy, ethics, and future of ‘talking to the dead.’ Joining prese…

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📈 Bitcoin continues to fall | Zinger Bahn Mi to drive KFC's growth 5:46

6d ago5:46

5:46

Headlines for Wednesday 3 December 2025 This is original content written by Bryce and Ren for the Equity Mates daily email, turned into a podcast using artificial intelligence. Read and subscribe to the Equity Mates daily email here: https://equitymates.beehiiv.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

1
December Break and Message from Cobb 9:13

6d ago9:13

9:13

We're on a break for the end of the year, but don't worry, we'll be back and be better than ever. So, make sure to check out all of our other shows if you haven't. And if you did, listen to them again!!! Listening to Bad Ship Here! Or wherever you get your podcasts. Listen to Critical Bits Here! Or wherever you get your podcasts. Watch the Avarice …

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Death toll rises after floods across South East Asia | BBC News 10:35

6d ago10:35

10:35

The death toll has continued to rise as rescue operations in four countries hit by severe flooding in South East Asia continue. Indonesia, along with Thailand, Malaysia, and Sri Lanka have all been hit with torrential rain and storms in recent days. Rescue workers are still battling to reach affected areas in Indonesia, where the death toll has cli…

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US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth under scrutiny over second deadly Venezuela boat strike | BBC News 8:38

6d ago8:38

8:38

The White House has defended its Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth over allegations he authorised a second round of strikes on an alleged Venezuelan drug boat in September. It has been reported that two people survived the first blast, and were still clinging to the burning vessel when they were killed, raising fresh legality questions. Some US politi…

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Pope Leo holds mass on final day of Lebanon trip | BBC News 4:43

6d ago4:43

4:43

Pope Leo XIV has been in Lebanon during his first foreign trip, the week after Israeli air strikes hit the Lebanese capital Beirut. The Pope paid his respects by holding a silent player at the site of the 2020 explosion in the Port of Beirut and met relatives of the victims. About 150,000 people are thought to have gathered for Pope Leo's mass in B…

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Vladimir Putin and US envoy Steve Witkoff set for key Ukraine talks in Moscow | BBC News 10:03

6d ago10:03

10:03

Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to meet US special envoy Steve Witkoff in Moscow on Tuesday, after the White House said it was "very optimistic" about reaching a deal to end the Ukraine war. The summit comes after two days of negotiations in Florida between Ukrainian and US officials, including Witkoff and US President Donald Trump's son-in…

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Jury trial reforms in England and Wales set to be announced | BBC News 10:08

6d ago10:08

10:08

The UK government is set to announce plans to restrict the ancient right to a jury trial in England and Wales, in an attempt to clear a record backlog of cases. It is thought that the plan would see the end of jury trials other than for the most serious cases including murder, and the proposals will be laid out in Parliament later on Tuesday. David…

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UK PM Keir Starmer defends Chancellor Rachel Reeves | BBC Newscast 36:45

6d ago36:45

36:45

Today, the Prime Minister has defended Rachel Reeves saying she did not mislead the public.Pressure has been building over the chancellor this weekend after Reeves was accused of misleading the public and the cabinet, something she denied. She is accused of of not giving the upsides to forecasts in a speech on 4 November. Adam and Chris is joined b…

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UK PM 'proud' of Budget and denies chancellor misled public | BBC News 7:48

7d ago7:48

7:48

Sir Keir Starmer has denied his chancellor misled the public about the UK's finances ahead of last week's Budget. The Conservatives have accused Rachel Reeves of giving an overly pessimistic impression as a "smokescreen" to raise taxes, with Kemi Badenoch claiming she "lied to the public". Meanwhile, the chairman of the Office for Budget Responsibi…

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French PM hosts Zelensky in Paris | BBC News 5:31

7d ago5:31

5:31

President Zelensky has said Russia "must not be rewarded" for invading Ukraine, and his priorities during peace talks are maintaining sovereignty and securing strong security guarantees. He was speaking in Paris where he held meetings with the French President Emmanuel Macron and rallying support from other European allies. Russia's President Putin…