Global News Podcast – "One Million Possible Epstein Files Found"

Date: December 25, 2025
Host: Danny Cox (BBC World Service)

Overview

In this edition, the Global News Podcast covers a major development in the ongoing Jeffrey Epstein investigation: US authorities have uncovered approximately one million new documents potentially related to Epstein's criminal activities and network. The episode explores the potential impact of this disclosure, the issue of transparency, as well as reactions from victims and legal experts. Other internationally significant topics include Israel’s parliamentary inquiry into the October 7th attack, Christmas celebrations in Bethlehem amid ongoing conflict, California’s severe winter storm, the state of artificial intelligence in 2025, and the tradition of Santa tracking by NORAD.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Discovery of a Million Epstein Files

Segment: [01:11]–[05:55]

• Announced Discovery:
  US officials have found around one million new documents potentially tied to Jeffrey Epstein, increasing the already vast archive related to his crimes.
• Transparency Questions:
  Danny Cox and correspondent Sean Dilley discuss why these files had remained undiscovered and the implications for ongoing legal processes.
  • Quote:
    “If a million files essentially in the custody of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and a federal prosecutor can be found from wherever… are there any other documents that we've not seen and more questions about transparency?” — Danny Cox [03:22]
• Nature of the Files:
  • The files’ contents are currently unknown—may include duplicates, new evidence, photographs, police logs, and statements dating as far back as 1996 (or earlier).
  • Each file is to be scrutinized to determine whether it identifies a victim, relates to an ongoing investigation, or depicts abuse—all of which affect public release.
• Procedural Context:
  Files may originate from routine police processes in the US, with records generated every time “someone phones up a police department… and says, ‘Oh, I'd like to talk about Jeffrey Epstein.’” — Danny Cox [04:33]
• Reaction:
  Survivors and advocacy groups are likely to demand answers about how the files remained hidden and whether even more exist.

2. Israel: Inquiry into October 7th Attack

Segment: [05:55]–[07:11]

• Legislative Update:
  The Israeli Knesset approves an initial reading of a bill for an inquiry into the October 7th Hamas-led attack.
• Controversy over Independence:
  The new proposal would make the inquiry politically controlled, dismissing calls for an independent state commission.
  • Quote:
    “Many in Israel believe that the proposed legislation will result in the government having the power to set the mandate of the inquiry.” — Reporter [06:22]
• Political Division:
  The parliamentary debate highlights a deep schism, with opposition members ripping up the bill in protest.

3. Bethlehem: Christmas Amid Ongoing Conflict

Segment: [07:11]–[10:36]

• First Midnight Mass Since Gaza War:
  Large crowds return for celebrations at the Church of the Nativity, marking a poignant, emotional moment after subdued years due to violence.
  • Quote:
    “…they felt that they' got their city back almost in this very, very special time of year.” — Sharmikalil [07:37]
• The War’s Shadow:
  Despite joy, the suffering in Gaza lingers in collective memory and prayer.
  • Quote (Reverend Dr. Jack Sara):
    “I think this is more about hope, it's more about resilience… we are people who love life.” [08:42]
• Personal Testimony:
  Hilda Joseph, a 20-year-old Christian Palestinian sheltering in Gaza, reminisces about lost home and peace.
  • Quote:
    “The only thing we need is the love and peace in Gaza and all the world.” — Hilda Joseph [09:47]
• Resilience and Solidarity:
  Ongoing violence, including bombings and lack of shelter, weighs heavily even as Christmas is celebrated.

4. California Storms and Weather Emergencies

Segment: [13:19]–[15:17]

• Storm Impact:
  Southern California battered by a severe atmospheric river, causing flooding, landslides, and disruptions during the holidays.
• Emergency Response:
  Governor declares state of emergency in multiple counties, evacuation centers set up.
• Memorable Moment:
  Social media abuzz with images, such as a FedEx truck crash scattering Christmas packages.

5. Year in Artificial Intelligence

Segment: [15:17]–[19:20]

• Rapid Evolution:
  2025 began with stock turbulence after the rise of DeepSeek, a Chinese ChatGPT competitor, signaling global AI competition.
  • Quote:
    “The emergence of a cheaper Chinese rival to ChatGPT, DeepSeek, caused chaos on the stock markets as US companies realized they weren't the only players in the game.” — Will Chalk [15:50]
• Trust & Ethics:
  Widespread concern over the reliability and trustworthiness of AI.
  • Quote (Ian Leslie):
    “AI chatbots… speak with complete confidence… but in some cases giving you completely mistaken information and presenting it as the truth.” [16:45]
• Creativity & Disruption:
  AI-generated music and videos challenge copyright law and artistic originality.
  • Quote (Dr. Gary Marcus):
    “People are going to learn that you can't really trust video anymore… and I think that's going to be disruptive for society.” [17:43]
• Polarization in Creative Industries:
  Some artists see AI as a tool, others as a threat.
  • Quote (Jamie Rodigan):
    “I enjoy using AI in the creative process… AI throws me back some different variations…” [18:51]
• Regulation Looms:
  Lawsuits and evolving attitudes in tech and music are reshaping the digital landscape.

6. The Art of Gift Giving: Culture and Politics

Segment: [19:20]–[22:03]

• Cultural Differences:
  Gifting traditions vary globally, with some cultures valuing symbolism and relationship-building.
  • Quote (Keith Lippert):
    “In Anglo Saxon cultures we've become rather transactional, whereas in many parts of the world relationship building is most important.” [19:41]
• Presidential Gift Examples:
  Historic gifts, like Roosevelt’s presentation of DC-3 planes to Saudi Arabia and Carter’s personalized photo frame to Begin, highlight how gifts can carry immense political and emotional weight.
• Takeaway:
  Thoughtful gifts can convey respect, anchor memories, and alter diplomatic history.

7. NORAD Tracks Santa: Holiday Tradition

Segment: [22:03]–[23:42]

• Annual Event:
  NORAD, usually a military operation, tracks Santa’s journey for children worldwide, a tradition sparked by a misdialed phone call in 1955.
• Quotes and Details:
  • “NORAD has been tracking Santa since 1955, when a young child accidentally dialed the unlisted phone number of the Continental Air Defense Command…” — Colonel Kelly Frushauer [22:56]
• Scale:
  By Christmas Eve, NORAD had already fielded over 100,000 calls from children.
• Celebratory Note:
  As of the episode’s close, Santa had “delivered 6 billion presents to houses where children are asleep… last spotted over the Galapagos National Park in Ecuador and is now flying up to the International Space Station.” — Danny Cox [23:42]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Transparency on Epstein Files:
  “Have we checked under the drawers everywhere else?” — Danny Cox [02:37]
• On AI Trust Issues:
  “We don't really have a replacement. We don't have a source of ground truth that people share, and I think that's going to be disruptive for society.” — Dr. Gary Marcus [17:43]
• On Peace and Resilience in Bethlehem:
  “The only thing we need is the love and peace in Gaza and all the world.” — Hilda Joseph [09:47]
• Historical Gifts:
  “Churchill went and visited Abdullah's afterwards and he gifted a Rolls Royce… never actually used that car.” — Keith Lippert [20:36]
• Holiday Tradition:
  “NORAD has been tracking Santa since 1955…” — Colonel Kelly Frushauer [22:56]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Epstein Document Discovery: [01:11]–[05:55]
• Israel Inquiry Legislation: [05:55]–[07:11]
• Bethlehem Christmas & Gaza: [07:11]–[10:36]
• California Storm Emergency: [13:19]–[15:17]
• AI Year in Review: [15:17]–[19:20]
• Gift Giving Diplomacy: [19:20]–[22:03]
• NORAD Tracks Santa: [22:03]–[23:42]

Conclusion

This episode richly blends breaking news and global perspectives—from judicial transparency in high-profile cases and political controversy in Israel, to cultural resilience in war-affected Bethlehem, climate urgency in California, and the accelerating revolution (and risks) in artificial intelligence. Woven through these updates are reminders of the human stories at their core: the longing for peace, the meaning behind gifts, and timeless traditions that unite us in celebration.