Best BBC World Service Podcasts (2025)

1
Adult ADHD: Why are waiting lists for diagnoses so long? 28:11

2d ago28:11

28:11

You’ve probably heard the term ADHD – or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder – more and more in recent years. Almost 200,000 of you are waiting for a diagnosis and services are struggling to keep up with the demand. Last year twenty four different services told BBC Verify that it would take them eight years to get to everyone on their waiting …

1
The classroom tablet revolution 23:25

2d ago23:25

23:25

From Malawi, Myra Anubi takes a look at ways that technology is improving children’s education. Malawi has free primary schools - but almost 90% of 10 year olds are unable to read properly. So the government is distributing tablets to schools up and down the country. They use software that helps kids to learn maths and reading at their own speed an…

1
A funeral that brought together 400,000 mourners 8:58

5d ago8:58

8:58

What did listeners think of the BBC World Service’s coverage of Pope Francis’ funeral? We hear listeners’ feedback and talk to he editor of Newshour and Weekend, Tim de Faramond. We discuss the religious sensitivities to bear in mind when editing a news show. Presenter: Rajan DatarProducer: Howard ShannonA Whistledown production for BBC World Servi…

1
How to help someone who doesn’t want help, and well-being benefits of holidays 28:15

9d ago28:15

28:15

A new series of All in the Mind kicks off with the first of the finalists in the All in the Mind Awards. Seven hundred of you entered the awards and our judging panel had the tricky task of choosing just nine finalists. The first of those is Rachel who was nominated by her husband Sam for all the support she offered him through his depression and p…

1
Tackling bias in health 23:18

9d ago23:18

23:18

Bias in the way medical research is carried out means that new medicines for diseases such as cancer – as well as the tools used to diagnose patients with some conditions – are disproportionally tested on people of European heritage. This can lead to those not represented in the data being misdiagnosed as well as some treatments not working as well…

1
The latest update on BBC Sounds internationally 8:59

12d ago8:59

8:59

The proposed switch from BBC Sounds to a new BBC app has been weighing heavily on the minds of some listeners. Many of you have been unhappy.Well it seems listener power has prevailed and there has been an important change! We bring you the BBC’s update. Plus , the true crime podcast series The Con: Kaitlyn’s Baby, is about one apparently pregnant …

1
Gadgets for blind people 23:32

16d ago23:32

23:32

Myra Anubi is joined by BBC Access All presenter Emma Tracey to look at new technology that could help blind people in their everyday lives. Glide is a new mobility aid – it’s a device with wheels and cameras that aims to provide blind people with an alternative to white canes and guide dogs, while using AI to give them more information about their…

1
The challenges facing the BBC’s Russian service 8:58

19d ago8:58

8:58

A number of journalists working for BBC Russian have been labelled “foreign agents”, severely restricting their professional and private lives. We hear from the editor of BBC News's Russian service about the impact. Plus, a listener has been in touch to praise a moving eyewitness report on Newsday. Presenter: Rajan DatarProducer: Howard Shannon.A W…

1
How sport can bring outsiders in 23:26

23d ago23:26

23:26

This week we look at two projects that show how sport can be a powerful tool for social inclusion. We go rowing with some refugees in Seville, Spain, and discover how being part of a crew has helped both adults and kids feel part of their new community. And we join a special scheme in southern England that uses football coaching to break down barri…

1
How to make a documentary on President Trump 8:58

26d ago8:58

8:58

The documentary Donald Trump’s New World Order set out to explain the reasons behind these turbulent times. Presenter Jamie Coomarasamy reveals how he overcame the problems of staying up to date when the Trump Administration seems to be announcing new policies day by day? We hear your views. Presenter Rajan DatarProducer Howard ShannonA Whistledown…

1
Recovery for all 23:16

1M ago23:16

23:16

There are more people alive and living for longer - but with that comes more people experiencing failing health. While some of this is inevitable, some can be reversible through rehabilitation. The WHO says 2.6 billion people could benefit from rehabilitation services but in low and middle income countries fewer than half receive these services. We…

1
Radioactive rhinos 23:18

1M ago23:18

23:18

The global rhino population has fallen by 95% since 1900, mainly due to poaching. Now an atomic approach is being used to stop the poachers in South Africa by placing radioactive material into the horns of rhinos. We journey to the South African bush to meet the scientists - as well as the rhinos being protected. People Fixing The World from the BB…

1
Building a clinic to save a forest 23:25

1M ago23:25

23:25

How do you stop people chopping down precious rainforest? In the Indonesian part of Borneo, researchers for a conservation charity discovered that local people were chopping down the rainforest around them for an incredibly understandable reason – they needed to pay for medical treatment for themselves and their children. So they started a project …

1
The sound of a new BBC App launching 8:58

2M ago8:58

8:58

We hear listeners’ reactions to the news that in the near future BBC Sounds is to end for international online listeners, and a new BBC app is to launch in its place. We put your points and questions to the BBC and, with the help of a media expert, investigate what this might all mean for you. Presenter: Rajan DatarProducer: Howard Shannon.A Whistl…

1
Helping the children of sex workers 23:43

2M ago23:43

23:43

In the red light districts of Kolkata, India, there exists an extraordinary youth club. DIKSHA, as it’s known, looks after the children of sex workers when their mothers are working. While they’re at the youth club, girls and boys learn about their rights and are empowered to take control of their futures. Since the club started in 2001 it has work…

1
Associated British Foods and Out the Box: Women and Race – creating a human-centred workplace 41:00

2M ago41:00

41:00

This month our host Sarah Travers is joined by Sue Whalley, Chief People and Performance Officer at Associated British Foods – multinational food processing and retailing company and Renée Davis, Founder, Out the Box – an organisation that equips Black creative entrepreneurial and professional talent with opportunities and connections. In this epis…

1
Fishing trash from our oceans 23:13

2M ago23:13

23:13

Around the world, rubbish is collecting in our gutters and waterways, with millions of tonnes being washed out to sea every year. As the soup of ocean debris kills and injures millions of marine animals, we look at two projects trying to make a dent in the problem. We discover a Greek project which has enlisted thousands of fishermen around the Med…

1
Renewable kids on the block 23:17

2M ago23:17

23:17

Globally, energy production and use is responsible for around 75% of the world’s carbon emissions, with around a third of that on electricity and heat alone. To tackle climate change, we need to get more energy from renewable sources, so this week we’re taking a look at some of the more surprising ways people have come up with to harness clean ener…

1
The artificial limbs bringing hope in Gaza 24:33

2M ago24:33

24:33

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that one in every 100 people in Gaza have a life-changing injury because of the conflict. It’s currently impossible for most to leave the strip and get medical treatment but a team of Jordanian medics has been able to enter Gaza and fit war victims with cutting-edge prosthetics which clip on quickly and…

1
Chile's Mother of Protest Songs and Folk Power. 1:05:17

3M ago1:05:17

1:05:17

Professor Ericka Verba, is the director of Latin American Studies at California State University. She's an author and a musician, recently reviewed as a rising star by the Los Angeles magazine voyage LA. She is notably the author of the first English language biography of Violeta Parra out now entitled Thanks to Life. The title translates Parra's i…

1
Creative Destruction in a Globalised World 1:13:55

3M ago1:13:55

1:13:55

Tere Chad is a multidisciplinary artist and curator from Chile, currently based in London. She is fast rising as an international artist and to date she has held seven solo exhibitions, completed seven residencies participated in more than 50 collective exhibitions and has curated over 20 shows on four different continents. Her practice includes sc…

1
"Superb and authentic," the best classical pianist of his generation. 48:06

3M ago48:06

48:06

Nicola Avramovich is not only considered one of Serbia's finest classical pianists, but one of the best of his generation. He is a sought after performer giving numerous recitals and chamber music concerts worldwide, including prestigious festivals and leading concert halls here in the UK, Nicola Avramovich is the recipient of numerous prestigious …

1
Indonesian Indigenous Arts & Culture IS Care 1:03:13

3M ago1:03:13

1:03:13

Gabriela Elisabeth Edawani Fernandez, known as Ina Leah, is a transdisciplinary artist and her work is rooted in the practices of the indigenous Lamaholot people of East Nusa Tengara, home of her cultural heritage. The Lamaholot people are indigenous to the southernmost province of Indonesia and the small islands around it. It's an area of natural …

1
Tiling Towns with Joy, Community HeART 57:41

3M ago57:41

57:41

Jane Wright is a ceramicist, violinist and champion of community arts. A West Yorkshire born musician and artist, Jane is now based in the iconic seaside town of Margate in Kent, famous for its art history. Margate was home to the renowned water colourist Turner, considered to be the best loved English Romantic artist, and it's currently home to Tr…

1
BRITISH AIRWAYS and SHIPZERO: How can business build a better world? 32:41

3M ago32:41

32:41

This month our host Sarah Travers is joined by Sean Doyle, Chairman and Chief Executive of British Airways – a company that probably needs no introduction as one of the world’s biggest airlines; and Mirko Schedlbauer, Founder and CEO, shipzero - Hamburg-based startup dedicated to decarbonising the logistics industry through innovative data solution…

1
How to have better sex 23:23

3M ago23:23

23:23

Sex is one of the few things in life that is available to everyone and is free. But achieving enjoyable sex is not possible for many. Some people are held back by fear, ignorance or culture - others don’t know or understand their rights around sex. For years public health campaigns focused on warning people about the downsides of sex - danger, dise…

1
Making money go further 23:17

3M ago23:17

23:17

Billions of people struggle to make ends meet a lot of the time. We look at ways in which people who don’t have much money or are in financial distress can make what they do have go further. We visit savings and credit groups which are helping women to start businesses in Guatemala and see how a cooking at home scheme is helping to save cash - and …

1
Improving our eyesight 23:22

3M ago23:22

23:22

Many agricultural workers don’t have the eyesight they need for the work they do, affecting both their comfort and their ability to earn more money. They're among the billion plus people who have visual impairments but can't get the assistance they need. We visit a coffee plantation in southern India where workers are being given glasses on the spo…

1
The challenges of change at the top of US politics 8:58

3M ago8:58

8:58

In a special edition, Donald Trump’s inauguration as the 47th US president was comprehensively covered by all BBC World Service news shows, including a special edition of the Global News Podcast. But what challenges do the Trump presidency present for journalists, including the BBC’s news teams? We’re joined by a senior news editor and we hear list…

1
Sharing the river 23:24

3M ago23:24

23:24

In the farming community of Los Negros in rural Bolivia, the river is their life and livelihood. So when that river started to dry up, it made life very hard. They blamed the villages upstream for not looking after their precious water. This conflict could have turned ugly. But with the support of a local charity, what came out of it instead was a …

1
We're coming back for 2025! 1:37

4M ago1:37

1:37

A quick hello and happy new year from Myra and a preview of some of the great solutions coming up on People Fixing The World. Share our podcast with your friends and family and give them something to cheer about as we look ahead to 2025. People Fixing The World from the BBC is about brilliant solutions to the world's problems. We'd love you to let …

1
LOQBOX and JA GROUP: Beyond Profits - How Business Can Lead with Responsible Finance 35:31

4M ago35:31

35:31

In this episode, our host Sarah Travers is joined by Gregor Mowat, CEO of Loqbox, a financial technology (fintech) company that offers a variety of products to help people improve their credit score and manage their money; and Jude Addo, Group CEO of JA Group, an investment firm focused on the wealth and wellbeing of its clients. They discuss finan…

1
Our listeners’ panel looks ahead to 2025 8:59

4M ago8:59

8:59

For our first show of the new year, four listeners from Brazil, the US, the UK and Italy set the agenda for what they would like from the BBC World Service in the coming year. Do they want different types of programmes, does news fatigue affect them, and how much do they feel the BBC World Service is still needed in 2025? Presenter: Rajan DatarProd…

1
Future Thinking 29:41

4M ago29:41

29:41

In the second of two special holiday episodes Claudia Hammond and an expert panel of psychologists look to the future. A new year is upon us, a time when we often find ourselves reflecting on the year gone by and thinking about what comes next. Thinking about the future comes so naturally to most people that we don't realise what a complicated - an…

1
Restoring nature for all 22:58

4M ago22:58

22:58

Myra Anubi visits a major project in the north of England that’s restoring a damaged landscape. Haweswater in the Lake District is an area of stunning natural beauty but over the years it’s been degraded by humans and livestock. This has created flood risks and reduced biodiversity. But now work is underway to restore the site to benefit both peopl…

1
The Psychology of Nostalgia 29:45

5M ago29:45

29:45

In the first of two special holiday episodes, Claudia Hammond and an expert panel of psychologists look back, nostalgically. At this festive time of year, you might be thinking wistfully about Christmas past – perhaps you’ll be rewatching old films, arguing over a game of Monopoly, or listening to Christmas music that drives you mad. Maybe you are …

1
Our favourite solutions 22:59

5M ago22:59

22:59

Presenter Myra Anubi and the team chat about some of their favourite projects that have been covered on People Fixing The World over the last twelve months. We’ll be returning to Thailand and the school run by kids; checking in with a family of beavers which are part of an urban rewilding project in the UK and hear more about saving kelp forests in…

1
The cows fighting wildfires 22:57

5M ago22:57

22:57

This summer, deadly wildfires raged in countries like Spain, Canada, and Greece. And as the earth warms up, they’re becoming increasingly common and harder to deal with. Today, we will hear about a special herd of cows which are helping to keep some of the flames under control. And we find out how cutting edge space technology could be used to quic…

1
Reducing gun violence 23:37

5M ago23:37

23:37

The misuse of guns is a problem for lots of countries across the world. This week we look at projects trying to reduce deaths and injuries. In the US we visit the company which says it has successfully developed the world’s first ‘smart gun’ which uses facial recognition and fingerprints to identify the gun owner - meaning only they can fire the gu…

1
The Lens Special: Police Service of Northern Ireland | Why keeping our roads safe is everyone’s business 29:22

5M ago29:22

29:22

In this special one-off episode, our host Sarah Travers is joined by Chief Superintendent Sam Donaldson to discuss the importance of responsible driving. Sam has responsibilities for road safety among other activities. In this episode, we discuss the reality on our roads and what employers can do to encourage their people to be safe whether they’re…

1
Cleaning up India's streets 23:01

5M ago23:01

23:01

The world produces about 400 million tonnes of plastic waste annually. A lot of this waste, such as multi-layered plastic packaging and cigarette butts, is hard to recycle. Instead, it fills up landfills and contaminates the environment. We travel to the Indian city of Pune where eco-social company Recharkha upcycles plastic packaging waste into co…

1
Coconuts fixing the world 23:14

5M ago23:14

23:14

We eat millions of tonnes of coconuts every year - with the dense white flesh of the fruit making a tasty snack and the juice a refreshing drink. But the inedible husk and shell go to waste – and it’s this part that innovators and entrepreneurs around the world are now putting to work to solve a whole host of problems. In Sierra Leone, a personal t…

1
Sorting extreme waste 22:58

6M ago22:58

22:58

We rely on space for our communications, weather monitoring and security. Yet rising levels of space junk increase the risk of collisions, putting these things at risk. This week we are heading to a space lab in the UK to meet the scientists building a special waste collector that will clean up defunct satellites. We’ll also be heading to the Himal…

1
Meeting the team who produced America Decides 8:59

6M ago8:59

8:59

It was billed as too close to call right up to the night itself, but in the end the US presidential election saw a clear victory for the Republicans. We hear listeners' views on World Service coverage of the vote, and are joined in the studio by the team behind the election night show America Decides. Presenter: Rajan DatarProducer: Howard Shannon.…

1
The Sensory Therapy of Art 1:01:06

6M ago1:01:06

1:01:06

David Emmanuel Noel, is a visual and interdisciplinary artist who often splits his time between New York and London. He collaborates with musicians and performers to explore race, identity and culture with an emphasis on public engagement. He's interested in promoting a fairer, kinder and inclusive society and he's worked with socially conscious or…

1
PINSENT MASONS and MATRIC LIVE: Social mobility - how can business open doors for more people? 35:48

6M ago35:48

35:48

This month our host Sarah Travers is joined by Andrew Masraf, Senior Partner at multinational law firm, Pinsent Masons; and Kagisho Masae, Co-Founder and CEO of Matric Live – a multifunctional education app that is reinventing the way pupils learn. In this episode, we explore social mobility and ask, how can business open doors for more people in a…

1
A wheelchair that learns 23:03

6M ago23:03

23:03

Powered chairs offer people with limited mobility the chance to be independent, since they can be controlled with an array of switches and pads. For some people though, unpredictable muscle spasms mean that driving can be time-consuming, stressful or dangerous. We try out a new device from Belgium that uses artificial intelligence to quickly learn …

1
The race to save Madagascar's biodiversity 22:58

6M ago22:58

22:58

Madagascar is the second-largest island nation in the world, similar in size to France or Texas. Lying off the coast of southern Africa, it’s home to nearly 30 million people and is a real biodiversity hotspot. Nearly 90 percent of its plants and animal species are endemic, meaning they can’t be found anywhere else in the world. But much of the hab…

1
The jails where they do things differently 22:59

6M ago22:59

22:59

In 2019 a group of prison officers from Philadelphia in the US spent three weeks working in jails across Scandinavia - in order to see whether their more humane approach to custody could work back at home. Five years on we visit SCI Chester’s ‘Little Scandinavia' to see whether the ‘homely’ environment - where prisoners can order groceries, cook th…

1
Fixing elections - for the better 22:59

7M ago22:59

22:59

2024 has been called a record breaking year for elections, with billions of people eligible to take part in all types of votes. But how can we make sure people can vote safely and securely? We visit Australia's Northern Territory to see how voting takes place in incredibly remote communities. We also find out how a group of eminent women in Uganda …

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