BBC Podcasts

Topical comedy from the sharpest satirical minds in the business. Listen first on BBC Sounds, every Friday. Is the news driving you up the wall? You’re not alone. Let the comedians take the strain and work out what’s been funny this week. Features BBC Radio 4’s The News Quiz, Dead Ringers, The Naked Week and Too Long; Didn’t Read. Listen on BBC Sounds, seven days earlier than anywhere else, and subscribe to make sure that you don’t miss an episode.

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Assume Nothing

BBC Radio Ulster

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The teams assume nothing as they examine events through fresh eyes.

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The Reith Lectures

BBC Radio 4

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Significant international thinkers deliver the BBC's flagship annual lecture series

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The History Podcast

BBC Radio 4

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NEW In The History Podcast - Two Nottingham Lads: How two British men from Nottingham end up on opposite sides of the war in Ukraine.

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Documentaries

BBC

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An indepth look at stories and issues from around the world. This podcast offers you the chance to access landmark series from our archive.

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Uncanny

BBC Radio 4

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From ghostly phantoms to UFOs, Danny Robins investigates real-life stories of paranormal encounters. So, are you Team Believer or Team Sceptic? Written and presented by Danny Robins Editor and Sound Designer: Charlie Brandon-King Music: Evelyn Sykes Theme Music by Lanterns on the Lake Produced by Danny Robins and Simon Barnard A Bafflegab and Uncanny Media production for BBC Radio 4

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BBC

BBC

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The BBC is the largest broadcasting organisation in the world. Its mission is to enrich people's lives with programmes that inform, educate and entertain. BBC World Service broadcasts to the world on radio, on TV and online, providing news and information in 32 languages.

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6 Minute English

BBC Radio

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Learn and practise useful English language for everyday situations. Find more at https://www.bbclearningenglish.com Follow us at https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/followus

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A Good Read

BBC Radio 4

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Find reading inspiration with favourite books chosen by our guests.

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Desert Island Discs

BBC Radio 4

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Eight tracks, a book and a luxury: what would you take to a desert island? Guests share the soundtrack of their lives.

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Evil Genius with Russell Kane

BBC Sounds

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It’s good, bad, ugly - and very very funny. Changing the way we see heroes and villains in history.

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Lady Killers with Lucy Worsley

BBC Radio 4

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Lucy Worsley investigates the crimes of Victorian women from a contemporary, feminist perspective.

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More or Less

BBC Radio 4

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Tim Harford explains - and sometimes debunks - the numbers and statistics used in political debate, the news and everyday life

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Comedy of the Week

BBC Radio 4

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Brighten your week with the latest BBC Radio 4 comedy.

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Learning English Vocabulary

BBC Radio

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Build your English vocabulary with these short programmes. Each episode explores a new topic to improve your English. Find more at bbclearningenglish.com Follow us at bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/followus

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Discovery

BBC World Service

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Explorations in the world of science.

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Learning English Stories

BBC Radio

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Improve your English with these short dramas and stories. Find more at bbclearningenglish.com Follow us at bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/followus

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Legend

BBC Radio 4

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Learning English Conversations

BBC Radio

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Everyday expressions and real English conversations to help make your everyday conversations easier. Find more at bbclearningenglish.com Follow us at bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/followus

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Unexpected Elements

BBC World Service

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The news you know, the science you don’t. Unexpected Elements looks beyond everyday narratives to discover a goldmine of scientific stories and connections from around the globe. From Afronauts, to why we argue, to a deep dive on animal lifespans: see the world in a new way.

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Test Match Special

BBC Radio 5 Live

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The Test Match Special team bring you the very best reaction, insight & analysis of the Ashes Test series with daily episodes from down under.

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World Business Report

BBC World Service

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The latest business and finance news from around the world, on the BBC.

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The Martin Lewis Podcast

BBC Radio 5 Live

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Martin Lewis answers your financial questions, offering valuable money-saving tips.

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Health Check

BBC World Service

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Health issues and medical breakthroughs from around the world.

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The Global Story

BBC World Service

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Where the world and America meet, with episodes each weekday. The world is changing. Decisions made in the US and by the second Trump administration are accelerating that change. But they are also a symptom of it. With Asma Khalid in DC, Tristan Redman in London, and the backing of the BBC’s international newsroom, The Global Story brings clarity to politics, business and foreign policy in a time of connection and disruption.

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Everyday Ethics

BBC Radio Ulster

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Provocative weekly debate on moral, religious and ethical issues. From BBC Radio Ulster

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From Our Own Correspondent

BBC Radio 4

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Insight, wit and analysis from BBC correspondents, journalists and writers telling stories beyond the news headlines. Presented by Kate Adie.

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The Inquiry

BBC World Service

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The Inquiry gets beyond the headlines to explore the trends, forces and ideas shaping the world.

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Six O'Clock News

BBC Radio 4

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The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4.

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Moral Maze

BBC Radio 4

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Combative, provocative and engaging live debate examining the moral issues behind one of the week's news stories. #moralmaze

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Last Word

BBC Radio 4

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549

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Radio 4's weekly obituary programme, telling the life stories of those who have died recently

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Global News Podcast

BBC World Service

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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: globalpodcas ...

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The World Tonight

BBC Radio 4

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In depth reporting, intelligent analysis and major breaking news from a global perspective

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Scotcast

BBC Radio Scotland

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The BBC's Scottish news podcast, hosted by Martin Geissler. Conversation with trusted journalists and experts about the country's biggest stories.

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Strong Message Here

BBC Radio 4

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Armando Iannucci hosts the programme that gives you a cast-iron guarantee to be laser-focused on decoding the baffling world of political language. Each week he'll be joined by a guest to crack open the political phrasebook and attempt to demystify the doublespeak. Why does everything now have to be 'turbo-charged'? What's the difference between a 'pledge' and a 'mission'? Why has my local MP been 'weaponised' and should I be worried? You'll be treated to a crash course in the dark arts of p ...

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Learning English Grammar

BBC Radio

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Learn English grammar with these short programmes. Each episode explores a new piece of grammar you need to improve your English. Find more at bbclearningenglish.com Follow us at bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/followus

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Learning English For Work

BBC News

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Short podcasts to improve your English at work. Find more at bbclearningenglish.com Follow us at bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/followus

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Front Row

BBC Radio 4

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Live magazine programme on the worlds of arts, literature, film, media and music

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The Briefing Room

BBC Radio 4

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David Aaronovitch and a panel of experts and insiders present in-depth explainers on big issues in the news

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BBC Lê

BBC Brasil

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A equipe da BBC lê para você algumas de suas melhores reportagens.

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The Documentary Podcast

BBC World Service

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A window into our world, through in-depth storytelling from the BBC. Investigating, reporting and uncovering true stories from everywhere. Award-winning journalism, unheard voices, amazing culture and global issues. From China’s state-backed overseas spending, to on the road with Canada’s Sikh truckers, to the frontline of the climate emergency, we go beyond the headlines. Every week, we take you into the minds of the world's most creative people and explore personal approaches to spirituali ...

show series

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Persian poetry and politics 36:39

3h ago36:39

36:39

How poetry is used by Persian-speaking leaders to build legitimacy and shape the political narrative. Across Iran, Afghanistan, and Tajikistan, millions share a language — and passion for poetry. But with its abundance of lovers and wine, Persian poetry sits uneasily with Iran’s theocratic leaders. We explore their complicated relationship with thi…

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BBC News 00:30 2:51

4h ago2:51

2:51

The latest news from the BBC.By BBC

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Innovations in book clubs, sitcoms by women and a new BBC One prison drama 42:21

8h ago42:21

42:21

We hear from award-winning writer Dennis Kelly, the man behind Matilda the Musical and comedy show Pulling. In his new BBC One series Waiting for the Out he goes behind bars to tell the story of a man who teaches a philosophy class in prison. How do you choose the books you read? The Department of Education has launched the National Year of Reading…

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The Matt Forde Focus Group: Boxing Day Special 28:14

18m ago28:14

28:14

Top political comedian Matt Forde reconvenes his Focus Group for a Boxing Day special with a Dickensian twist. Recorded in front of a live audience, Matt is joined by journalists, comedians and politicians – including former Cabinet Minister Michael Gove – to review the political state we're in through the lens of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol…

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Magnésio ajuda a dormir melhor? Esta e outras perguntas sobre o mineral 8:14

8d ago8:14

8:14

Nas redes sociais, há muito alarde de que magnésio seria a solução para insônia. Mas existe comprovação científica a respeito?By BBC Brasil

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Persian poetry and politics 36:39

3h ago36:39

36:39

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Persian poetry and politics 36:39

3h ago36:39

36:39

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How might tech shape our world in 2026? 17:29

5h ago17:29

17:29

Will the boom in artificial intelligence continue in 2026? We hear how the world’s biggest companies are jockeying for position in the race to dominate the field. After a year of record spending on AI, we look at how sustainable that type of investment might be in the year ahead. Plus - what gadgets could become mainstream in 2026? The BBC's Techno…

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Money Box Live: Impulse Spending and Debt 29:06

5h ago29:06

29:06

It’s December, a time of year when there’s pressure to say yes to every night out, buy the perfect presents and spend without really thinking. All that can lead to snap decisions we later regret, whilst for others, impulse spending can be a real issue all year round. In this programme, Felicity Hannah discusses the psychology behind impulse buying,…

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What will happen to Venezuela's economy beyond the oil industry? 26:28

1h ago26:28

26:28

As people wonder what happens next, we talk to a student and business owner about their hopes for Venezuela's future, and explore the economy beyond oil production. Also, does sacking football managers make good business sense? And we hear from gym enthusiasts keen on a German fitness trend. You can contact us on WhatsApp or send us a voicenote: +4…

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What will happen to Venezuela's economy beyond the oil industry? 26:28

6h ago26:28

26:28

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UK and France agree to put boots on the ground in Ukraine 38:01

6h ago38:01

38:01

Ukraine has welcomed a commitment by Britain and France to station troops in the country in the event of a ceasefire agreement with Russia. But does the promise bring us any closer to a peace deal? We speak to an MP on the Commons Defence Committee about potential British deployments. Also on the programme: the White House has doubled down on its i…

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UK and France agree to put boots on the ground in Ukraine 38:01

6h ago38:01

38:01

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European leaders commit to post-ceasefire security guarantees for Ukraine 47:25

6h ago47:25

47:25

After a meeting in Paris of the European allies who call themselves the "coalition of the willing", with the Ukrainian president and two senior US envoys also in attendance, France's President Emmanuel Macron, Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Ukraine's President Volodomyr Zelensky signed a joint declaration on security guarantees in the ev…

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European leaders commit to post-ceasefire security guarantees for Ukraine 47:25

6h ago47:25

47:25

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Venezuela Special: Q&A 22:10

8h ago22:10

22:10

In this special edition of the Global News Podcast, BBC correspondents answer your questions about the US operation to seize Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Why did the US carry out this operation? What will happen to Venezuela's oil reserves? And who will run the country now? Matthew Amroliwala speaks to our South America correspondent Ione W…

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Venezuela Special: Q&A 22:10

8h ago22:10

22:10

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06/01/2026 12:53

9h ago12:53

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Will's behaviour causes concern, and Helen has reservations.By BBC

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Major European powers offer strong support for Greenland 30:49

2h ago30:49

30:49

Greenland's Prime Minister welcomes support from European leaders in the face of the Trump administration's warning it could take over the territory. Also: The authorities in the Swiss ski resort where dozens of people died during a blaze at a bar admit there wasn't a fire safety inspection for five years. And a "major incident" has been declared i…

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Gritter man: How we beat the ice 25:34

3h ago25:34

25:34

If you’re interested in this episode, you may also like https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m002c1fk Ahead of Storm Goretti hitting the UK and Aberdeenshire Council declaring a 'major incident' due to snowfall, Martin and Natalie speak to Nick Russell, one of the men who manages much of Scotland's gritter system. They talk about how Nick and the team…

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Europe tells US ‘Greenland belongs to its people’ 29:48

12h ago29:48

29:48

European allies rally to support Denmark following renewed calls by the US that it must control Greenland. It comes as talks are held in Paris on security guarantees for Ukraine. Donald Trump has said that the US "needed" Greenland - a semi-autonomous region of fellow Nato member Denmark - for security reasons. Also: Swiss officials say ski bar not…

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Europe tells US ‘Greenland belongs to its people’ 29:48

3h ago29:48

29:48

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Greenland businesses at the eye of geopolitical storm 8:57

8h ago8:57

8:57

Six European leaders today rallied to Greenland's support after the President Donald Trump said the US ‘needed Greenland’. The UK, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, and Denmark said in a joint statement, that Greenland ‘belongs to its people...and only Denmark and Greenland can decide on matters concerning their relations" We look at Greenland…

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Greenland businesses at the eye of geopolitical storm 8:57

13h ago8:57

8:57

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Africa reacts to Maduro’s capture 22:59

13h ago22:59

22:59

African governments are weighing in after Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro was arrested and flown to New York following a US operation in Caracas. Ghana and South Africa have criticised the move, while the African Union says it is watching events with great concern. We also hear how ordinary people in Accra, Ghana, view the unfolding crisis. Pl…

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From the sidelines, Venezuela's opposition praises US intervention 47:21

13h ago47:21

47:21

The Venezuelan opposition leader, Maria Corina Machado, has said the removal from power of President Nicolas Maduro by US special forces is a huge step for freedom despite being sidelined by Trump. We hear from inside the country amid a crackdown in Caracas. Also on the programme, European leaders meet in Paris to discuss an end to the war in Ukrai…

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From the sidelines, Venezuela's opposition praises US intervention 47:21

13h ago47:21

47:21

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An emotional plea from family of missing Cookstown man - 21-year-old Taylor Stewart 1:19:13

16h ago1:19:13

1:19:13

Eve Rosato takes the reigns this week, also tackling cold weather support.By BBC

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People who could change the world in 2026 26:36

24m ago26:36

26:36

Who might have the power and influence to change the world in 2026? World leaders aside, we choose four people and discuss why they could intersect with some of the big stories and themes of the next year. Producers: Xandra Ellin and Sam Chantarasak Executive producer: James Shield Mix: Travis Evans Senior news editor: China Collins Image: FC Barce…

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The Stats of the Nation: Health 28:45

15h ago28:45

28:45

What kind of state does the UK find itself in as we start 2026? That’s the question Tim Harford and the More or Less team is trying to answer in a series of five special programmes. In the second episode, we’re asking some interesting questions about health and the NHS: Has life expectancy in the UK starting to go up again at last? What statistics …

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53. Elizabeth Cook - Body Snatcher 29:35

20h ago29:35

29:35

Lucy Worsley is back with a new series of Lady Killers, where true crime meets history - with a twist. In this episode, Lucy travels back to 1831 to Aldgate, then a poor part of East London, to investigate Elizabeth Cook, an Irish woman with a dark criminal background. When Elizabeth’s new lodger, an elderly peddler called Caroline Walsh, goes miss…

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The English We Speak: Lock in 2:37

20h ago2:37

2:37

This phrasal verb means to focus hard with no distractions. Learn how to use it here! FIND A TRANSCRIPT: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260105 TRY THE LISTENING ROOM ✔️https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the_listening_room SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.u…

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The English We Speak: Lock in 2:37

3h ago2:37

2:37

This phrasal verb means to focus hard with no distractions. Learn how to use it here! FIND A TRANSCRIPT:✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260105 TRY THE LISTENING ROOM✔️https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the_listening_room SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER:✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/l…

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A stolen guitar 8:45

2h ago8:45

8:45

What possession was stolen from Neil, and who stole it? Neil and Pippa talk about crime, and Beth and Phil discuss the passive, e.g. 'was stolen', with our grammar guru Georgie. TRANSCRIPT AND WORKSHEET:Find a full transcript for this episode and a worksheet✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/features/learning-english-grammar/260106 THE READIN…

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The Ashes: Smith grinds down England as the SCG turns pink 44:46

3h ago44:46

44:46

We hear from record breaking Steve Smith who became the second highest scorer in Ashes history and England’s Jacob Bethell who took his first Ashes wicket.Jonathan Agnew and Phil Tufnell join Simon Mann to review a tricky day for England and Eleanor Oldroyd speaks to Glenn McGrath and Emma Agnew about Jane McGrath day.…

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Delcy Rodriguez sworn in as Venezuela's new president 27:11

23h ago27:11

27:11

Delcy Rodriguez is sworn in as Venezuela's new president at a special ceremony in the capital, Caracas. Meanwhile, her predecessor, Nicolas Maduro pleads not guilty on drugs charges in court in New York. Also: the US tech company Nvidia introduces a new AI technology - that the chip designer says will help self-driving cars reason more like humans;…

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Delcy Rodriguez sworn in as Venezuela's new president 27:11

5h ago27:11

27:11

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South Africa and the fight against TB 33:30

1d ago33:30

33:30

According to the Guinness Book of World Records, TB is humanity’s oldest contagious disease. It has become something of an afterthought in rich nations, but remains the world’s most deadly infectious disease. In 2024 it killed more than 1.2 million people. South Africa has one of the highest TB burdens in the world, but it has also developed one of…

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South Africa and the fight against TB 33:30

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33:30

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South Africa and the fight against TB 33:31

1d ago33:31

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Can Kenya answer the call for employment? 23:56

4h ago23:56

23:56

Kenya is facing rising public discontent over allegations of political corruption, economic stagnation and a shortage of good quality jobs, particularly for the country’s Gen Z. One of the government’s flagship responses is an ambitious push into digital outsourcing. It argues that call centres, coding work and other IT-enabled services can positio…

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Can Asia’s economic growth hold up in 2026? 17:29

2h ago17:29

17:29

We explore how economies and companies rode out the tariff-driven economic storms of 2025 and hear how many continue to forge new partnerships in a changing world of global trade. Asia business correspondent, Suranjana Tewari, and India business correspondent, Arunoday Mukharji, join us from Singapore and Delhi to discuss what the year might hold f…

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Nicolas Maduro pleads not guilty to drug trafficking 38:13

1d ago38:13

38:13

Nicolas Maduro has insisted he's still the president of Venezuela as he pleaded not guilty to four charges of drug trafficking and terrorism. He told a court in New York that he was kidnapped by the US military. We speak to a journalist in the Venezuelan capital, Caracas, and hear from a former US ambassador to Venezuela. We also hear from the form…

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Nicolas Maduro pleads not guilty to drug trafficking 38:13

1d ago38:13

38:13

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What’s daily life like in post-Maduro Venezuela? 26:27

22h ago26:27

26:27

We get a sense of what prices and the jobs market are like in Venezuela, and also look at the country's oil sector. And we also talk the about the global obsession surrounding Korean skincare and cosmetics - K-beauty. You can contact us on WhatsApp or send us a voicenote: +44 330 678 3033.By BBC World Service

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What’s daily life like in post-Maduro Venezuela? 27:35

1d ago27:35

27:35

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Venezuela's Maduro pleads not guilty to drug charges 47:27

1d ago47:27

47:27

The Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro pleads not guilty in New York to drug trafficking and other charges while Delcy Rodríguez has been sworn in as Venezuela’s interim president. Can she command the support of regime insiders as well as Washington? Also on the programme: we'll hear how ordinary Venezuelans are responding to the upheaval; and ask a …

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Venezuela's Maduro pleads not guilty to drug charges 47:27

35m ago47:27

47:27

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What is Quantum? 26:28

1d ago26:28

26:28

Quantum theory – our best understanding of the world at the smallest level – is famously weird and notoriously confusing. It’s a theory that seems to say particles can be in two places at once, or somehow “know” if you’re looking at them. Or at least, that’s what you might have heard. But is that really what quantum theory tells us about reality? T…