Podcast
The Global Story
Hosted by BBC World Service · EN
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.
128episodes
Episodes
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What are Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump up to in Albania?
Jun 1500:27:02Tap to summarizeIn the centre of Albania's capital, Tirana, thousands have been taking to the streets. The target of the protests are not just the government, but also Donald’s Trump daughter, Ivanka, and her husband, Jared Kushner.The pair have been working on a new multi-billion dollar luxury tourism project that will see part of Albania’s unspoiled coast turned into luxury hotels and villas, sparking what some have dubbed the, 'Flamingo Revolution’', due to risk to the local flamingo population.We speak to Emily Wither, the reporter behind the BBC documentary, 'Albania: Land, Money and Sea', about how a stretch of Albanian coastline has become the latest battleground in the Trump family's global business ambitions.Producers: Valerio Esposito and Xandra Ellin Executive producer: James Shield Video editor: Matt Pintus Mix: Travis Evans Senior News Editor: China CollinsPhoto: An inflatable flamingo is seen on the beach in the area planned for the coastal resort project linked to Jared Kushner, son-in-law of US President Donald Trump near Vlora, Albania, 06 June 2026. Credit: Malton Dibra/EPA/Shutterstock.Clip: The Money Pit/TM & © Universal (1986)/Tom Hanks/Shelley Long/Richard Benjamin/David Giler, Kathleen Kennedy, Art Levinson, Frank Marshall, Steven Spielberg.
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The World Cup referee barred from the United States
Jun 1200:27:50Tap to summarizeThe 2026 World Cup kicked off last night in Mexico, after a series of controversies in the lead up, including over visas for foreign teams, fans, media and officials hoping to go to the host countries: US, Canada and Mexico. The latest scandal involves FIFA dropping Somali referee Omar Artan, after the US refused him entry. FIFA‘s president Gianni Infantino said “we don't control everything”, and asked critics to ‘chill’. US Customs and Borders protection said in a statement that “derogatory information, including association with suspected members of terror organisations” was discovered after Omar Artan landed at Miami International Airport to attend the tournament. Artan says he told border officials he knows nothing about the Somali militant group Al Shabab. Today, we speak to Charles Gitonga, senior journalist and host of the BBC’s Focus on Africa podcast, about how Africans are reacting to the news, and whether the controversies will have long-term consequences for US-Africa relations.Producers: Sam Chantarasak and Cat Farnsworth Executive producer: Bridget Harney Video editor: Matt Pintus Mix: Travis Evans Senior News Editor: China CollinsPhoto: Somali referee Omar Artan. Credit: Ulrik Pedersen/NurPhoto via Getty Images
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The world according to Marco Rubio
Jun 1100:27:54Tap to summarizeAs a Florida senator, Marco Rubio seemed to hold an opposing world view to Donald Trump; on Russia-Ukraine, on China, on USAID, and more. He notably called Trump a “con man”, and Trump in turn dubbed him, “little Marco”.And yet now, as US Secretary of State, Rubio has made himself indispensable to the president on foreign affairs, bringing his own background to play in policy on Venezuela and Cuba, and shaping the US’ approach to further interventions abroad. Trump has even indicated that he wants Rubio to run on a joint ticket with JD Vance for the next US presidency. How has Rubio tailored himself to Trump’s world view? And what difference would he bring as a potential presidential candidate? Tom Bateman, the BBC’s State Department correspondent, regularly travels with Rubio, and he joins Asma on today’s show. Producers: Hannah Moore and Aron Keller Executive producer: Bridget Harney Mix: Travis Evans Senior news editor: China Collins Photo: Marco Rubio attends a Senate Appropriations subcommittee to testify about the proposed 2027 budget for the Department of State, June 3, 2026. Credit: Reuters/Evelyn Hockstein.
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World Cup 2026: Your questions answered
Jun 1000:26:39Tap to summarizeThe Fifa World Cup kicks off this week. Beginning Thursday, football - or soccer - matches, depending on your preference, will be played in the US, Mexico, and Canada, with a record 48 nations competing for the trophy.However, the tournament has been beset by controversies over ticket prices, travel bans that affect fans and officials, and security concerns. We answer questions from the audience about what to expect from this year’s World Cup, with BBC Sports football issues correspondent, Dale Johnson.Producer: Cat Farnsworth and Xandra Ellin Executive producer: Bridget Harney Sound engineer: Travis Evans Senior news editor: China Collins(Photo: A Fifa soccer ball in a locker room at Kansas City Stadium ahead of the 2026 Fifa World Cup. Credit: Denny Medley/Reuters)
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The Trump-endorsed Brit running for California governor
Jun 900:27:11Tap to summarizeA British immigrant backed by President Trump is running to be the next governor of California. Once a senior advisor to former prime minister David Cameron, Steve Hilton has since been on a journey – swapping Downing Street for Silicon Valley.Having made his home in the US, Hilton is now running to become California’s Republican governor on a platform of cutting taxes and regulation. We speak to Nicholas Watt, political editor of BBC Newsnight, who has known Hilton since his days advising Cameron.Producers: Viv Jones and Aron KellerMix: Travis EvansVideo producer: Matt PintusExecutive producer: James ShieldSenior news editor: China CollinsPhoto: California Republican gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton. Credit: Reuters /Mike BlakeAudio for this episode was updated on 9th June 2026 to clarify Steve Hilton's views on Brexit.
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North Korea goes even more nuclear
Jun 800:26:58Tap to summarizeNorth Korea’s leader Kim Jong Un has announced plans to expand the country's nuclear arsenal at ‘an exponential rate’, according to state media reports. His announcement comes as China’s president, Xi Jinping, is making his first visit to Pyongyang this week since 2019 – the same year Donald Trump met Kim Jong Un several times for failed talks on denuclearisation. We speak to the BBC’s Celia Hatton about why China might now be trying to keep North Korea in check. Producers: Xandra Ellin, Sam Chantarasak and Aron KellerExecutive producer: James ShieldMix: Travis EvansSenior news editor: China CollinsStudio manager: Mike RegaardDigital producer: Tom BagePhoto: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un speaks during the fifth session of the Ninth Congress of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK), in Pyongyang, North Korea, February 23, 2026. Credit: KCNA/ReutersClip: Team America: World Police/Trey Parker/Scott Rudkin/Trey Parker/Matt Stone
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How the ‘Godzilla’ El Niño could change the world
Jun 500:27:08Tap to summarizeScientists warn that a “super” El Niño could be on its way which, combined with the effects of human-caused climate change, could result in 2027 being the warmest year on record. Yet El Niño is not just a climate story - throughout history, this recurring weather pattern has helped shape global events, triggering everything from famines and revolutions to impacting the Cold War. In this episode, we speak to historian Peter Frankopan, Professor of Global History at Oxford, to discuss what historical El Niños tell us about what cou be coming our way, and how we can collectively prepare. Producers: Valerio Esposito and Aron KellerExecutive producer: James Shield and China CollinsMix: Travis EvansSenior news editor: China CollinsPhoto: A woman rides a bicycle in the rain in Yangon, Myanmar, 22 May 2026. Credit: Nyein Chan Naing/EPA/Shutterstock
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The battle to save James Bond from becoming slop
Jun 400:28:41Tap to summarizeCasting is finally underway for a new James Bond. But why has it taken five years to even begin the search? Since Daniel Craig retired as Bond in 2021, there have been reports of a behind-the-scenes David and Goliath battle between the family business which has held creative control of the franchise since the 1960s and its new owners, Amazon. It is now up to Jeff Bezos’s tech giant to decide who will play 007 – and how to run the series.In an era when Hollywood studios are desperate to eke out every last dollar from movie franchises, can James Bond retain its mystique and appeal to a new generation of cinema goers? We speak to Wall Street Journal enterprise reporter Erich Schwartzel.Producer: Lucy Pawle and Xandra EllinSound engineer: Travis EvansExecutive producer: James ShieldSenior news editor: China Collins(Photo: Daniel Craig at the world premiere of the Bond film, No Time to Die, London, 28 September, 2021 Credit: Neil Hall/European Pressphoto Agency)
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Why the UK banned Hasan Piker and Cenk Uygur
Jun 300:27:00Tap to summarizeOn Sunday, two prominent left-wing political commentators in the US — Hasan Piker and his uncle, Cenk Uygur – said they had been barred from visiting the UK.Both men were due to appear at the SXSW London festival, but say the British government blocked them from entering the country because of their criticism of Israel. The British government confirmed that it had denied them entry on the grounds that their presence in the UK “may not be conducive to the public good” but did not elaborate further. Their cases have sparked renewed debate about the limits of free speech in the UK.We speak to American political activist Shabbos Kestenbaum – who was due to debate Cenk Uygur in London – and to the legal academic and host of the BBC’s The Law Show, Joelle Grogan. Producers: Sam Chantarasak, Lucy Pawle and Aron KellerExecutive producer: James ShieldMix: Travis EvansSenior news editor: China CollinsPhoto: Hasan Piker speaks to members of the media at the venue for New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani's election night rally in Brooklyn, New York, November 4, 2025. Credit: Jeenah Moon/Reuters
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The dark side of reality TV
Jun 200:26:49Tap to summarize***This episode includes details of alleged sexual offences and misconduct and includes descriptions which some listeners might find distressing*** Married at First Sight UK is one of the UK’s biggest reality TV shows. The dating format sees complete strangers marry in a mock-wedding, before moving in together and sharing a bed. Cameras follow what happens next. The BBC has uncovered allegations that raise serious concerns that welfare procedures on the reality show have failed contributors, leaving them at risk. Three women have told the BBC they were victims of sexual assault, and misconduct, by their former on-screen husbands. The men deny all the allegations against them, and both Channel 4 and CPL - the independent production company that makes the series - say the welfare protocols are robust and comprehensive.Following this investigation, Channel 4 has announced an external review into contributor welfare and has removed all previous seasons of MAFS UK.Noor Nanji, BBC culture correspondent, tells the story behind her investigation which has shaken the reality TV industry. And she discusses whether a scandal like this could provoke a new reckoning in the genre.(Photo: Shona Manderson, a ‘bride’ on Married at First Sight UK)
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