BBC Podcasts

Have you ever locked eyes with a stranger and wondered, "What’s their story?" Step into someone else’s life and expect the unexpected. Extraordinary stories from around the world.

BBC Radio

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

BBC Radio 4

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Brighten your week with the latest BBC Radio 4 comedy.

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.

BBC World Service

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

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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This Cultural Life

BBC Radio 4

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In-depth conversations with some of the world's leading artists and creatives across theatre, visual arts, music, dance, film and more. Hosted by John Wilson.

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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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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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Thinking Allowed

BBC Radio 4

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New research on how society works

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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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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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In Our Time: Science

BBC Radio 4

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Scientific principles, theory, and the role of key figures in the advancement 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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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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Start the Week

BBC Radio 4

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Weekly discussion programme, setting the cultural agenda every Monday

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Learning English from the News

BBC Radio

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Learn the language you need to understand news stories in English. Find more at bbclearningenglish.com Follow us at bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/followus

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Thought for the Day

BBC Radio 4

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Reflections from a faith perspective on issues and people in the news.

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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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In Our Time: Philosophy

BBC Radio 4

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From Altruism to Wittgenstein, philosophers, theories and key themes.

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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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Great Lives

BBC Radio 4

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Biographical series in which guests choose someone who has inspired their lives.

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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 Trump’s new world order, to protests in Turkey, to the headphone revolution, The Documentary investigates major global stories. We delve into social media, take you into the minds of the world’s most creative people and explore personal approaches to spirituality. Every week ...

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Intrigue

BBC Radio 4

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Ben Lewis unravels the tangled story of a Christian billionaire family, stolen relics, fake treasures and the scholar turned sleuth who exposed the scandal of biblical proportions. Intrigue: 'Jaw-dropping', 'gripping', 'bingeable,' 'thrilling' - dramatic true stories and investigations that reveal how the world really works.

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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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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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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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Scrum V

BBC Radio Wales

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The latest news, views and interviews from the world of Welsh rugby.

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Inside Health

BBC Radio 4

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Series that demystifies health issues, separating fact from fiction and bringing clarity to conflicting health advice.

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The History Podcast

BBC Radio 4

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NEW on The History Podcast: Invisible Hands. David Dimbleby traces the history of a hidden force that changed Britain - the free market revolution - and the invisible hands that shaped it. Episodes available weekly.

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Americast

BBC News

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Americast is the authoritative US news and politics podcast from the BBC. Each week we provide audiences with the best analysis from across the BBC, with on-the-ground observations and big picture insights about the stories which are defining America right now. The podcast is hosted by trusted BBC journalists including the BBC’s North America editor, Sarah Smith, BBC Radio 4 presenter, Justin Webb, the BBC’s disinformation and social media correspondent, Marianna Spring, and BBC North Americ ...

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Strong Message Here

BBC Radio 4

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In this new series, Helen Lewis and Armando Iannucci investigate which political buzzwords are strong and stable and which are a crock of covfefe. Each week Helen and Armando will crack open the political phrasebook and attempt to decode 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 political la ...

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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

show series

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BBC News 00:00 3:03

32m ago3:03

3:03

The latest news from the BBC.By BBC

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Canadians are voting in an election dominated by the global trade war 26:28

2h ago26:28

26:28

Canadians are voting in a general election which has been dominated by Donald Trump's trade war and threats to annex the country. The leaders of the two main parties rejected a renewed assertion by Mr Trump on election day that Canada should become the fifty-first US state. Devina Gupta hears from the BBC’s economics editor Faisal Islam, who is in …

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BBC OS Conversations: Remembering the life of Pope Francis 24:53

3d ago24:53

24:53

Mark Lowen in Rome brings people together to share their memories of the Pope, who died on Easter Monday. In our conversations, Mark hears from Catholics in Argentina, including one of Pope Francis’ friends who knew him when he was a priest in Buenos Aires. We also bring together three people from Northern Ireland who had a private audience with th…

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The News Quiz: Ep 1. Space, Steel and Strikes 28:34

3d ago28:34

28:34

Andy Zaltzman is joined by Zoe Lyons, Mark Steel, Athena Kugblenu and Hugo Rifkind to unpack bin workers strikes in Birmingham, pop stars popping to the stars, talks of tariffs, steeling oneself in Scunthorpe, and how Toby took his carvery one step too far. Written by Andy Zaltzman. With additional material by: Mike Shephard, Christina Riggs, Eve D…

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Is everything we know about the universe wrong? 28:10

4d ago28:10

28:10

For the last week or so, the world of physics has had just one conversation. Have we found a new way of understanding the universe? And if so, what does this mean for our understanding of how we all came to exist – and even our fate? These big questions were prompted by new data from the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument team at the Kitt Peak Na…

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The Great BBC Soap Opera 29:19

4d ago29:19

29:19

The future of River City has been discussed in the Scottish Parliament after the BBC’s decision to cancel the long-running soap due to "changing viewing patterns". MSPs were supported by members of the cast at Holyrood – and join other famous names like Ewan McGregor, Richard E Grant and Irvine Welsh in urging the corporation to reconsider. We ask …

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Spain declares state of the emergency amid power outages 37:45

13m ago37:45

37:45

Spain has declared a state of emergency after a massive power cut hit the country as well as Portugal. Tonight the Spanish Prime Minister says the cause of the blackout is still not known but nothing is being ruled out. Traffic lights, cash machines and street lights all switched off when the blackout hit. As voters prepare to take part in local el…

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Wine in decline? 17:27

18m ago17:27

17:27

We're in Chile, where it’s grape harvesting time and vineyard workers are busy cleaning their barrels to make way for new batches. The South American country has more than a thousand different varieties of grapes, but it’s proving hard to reach a new generation of wine drinkers. It’s not just young people drinking less. Around the world wine produc…

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Canadians are voting in an election dominated by the global trade war 26:28

9m ago26:28

26:28

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Spain and Portugal slowly restore power after blackouts 47:27

29m ago47:27

47:27

Spain aims to restore power nationwide "soon" after a blackout disrupted daily life for millions but has no "conclusive information" about its causes, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said. In Portugal, electricity provider REN said it had restored power to some 750,000 consumers. Newshour hears from Kristian Ruby of Eurelectric, a trade body for power…

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Spain and Portugal slowly restore power after blackouts 50:08

3h ago50:08

50:08

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Unstoppable: Kura Paul-Burke 27:41

4h ago27:41

27:41

Dr Julia Ravey and Dr Ella Hubber are both scientists, but it turns out there’s a lot they don’t know about the women that came before them. In Unstoppable, Julia and Ella tell each other the hidden, world-shaping stories of the scientists, engineers and innovators that they wish they’d known about when they were starting out in science. This week,…

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Unstoppable: Kura Paul-Burke 26:29

4m ago26:29

26:29

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Universal Theme Park, Olivier award-winning play Giant, Two to One 42:18

19m ago42:18

42:18

Mark Rosenblatt on Giant, his Olivier award-winning play starring John Lithgow as Roald Dahl. As Universal Studios announce plans for a major new theme park in Bedfordshire, what does this mean for the UK entertainment industry? Samira is joined by entertainment journalist Ella Baskerville and Gareth Smy from Framestore to discuss its signficance a…

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28/04/2025 13:10

6h ago13:10

13:10

Pat has reservations and Lynda has a point to prove.By BBC

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Americanswers… on 5 Live! Is the Trump/Zelensky relationship back on track? 22:31

11m ago22:31

22:31

After the two leaders were reunited at Pope Francis’s funeral over the weekend, the Americast inbox has been filled with correspondence on whether Trump and Zelensky really have reconciled - and if it could bring a peace deal with Russia any closer. Marianna and Sarah get together with Matt Chorley to answer your questions live on the radio. As wel…

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Is Sturgeon ducking gender debate? 27:22

39m ago27:22

27:22

Why is Nicola Sturgeon yet to respond to the UK Supreme Court’s gender ruling? The BBC’s David Wallace Lockhart explains why some are keen to hear from the former First Minister. And employment lawyer Ingrid McGhee and Nick McKerrell, a law lecturer at Glasgow Caledonian University, give Laura expert takes on what new Equality and Human Rights Comm…

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Rev Professor David Wilkinson 3:10

15m ago3:10

3:10

28 APR 25By BBC Radio 4

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Huge power blackouts across Spain and Portugal 47:28

35m ago47:28

47:28

Large parts of the Southern European countries hit by power outages as trains, restaurants, and even traffic lights are impacted. The Madrid metro has been evacuated and long queues have formed at cash points as card payments aren’t working. The source of the power cuts is currently unknown. Also in the programme: The International Court of Justice…

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Huge power blackouts across Spain and Portugal 49:09

9h ago49:09

49:09

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Massive power cut hits large parts of Spain and Portugal 26:26

9h ago26:26

26:26

Roger Hearing hears how a massive power cut has hit Spain and Portugal, along with parts of France. Spanish power grid operator Red Electrica said it was working with energy companies to restore power. Also - the impact of US tariffs begins to bite as there's a big downturn in goods arriving from China. The steepest rise in global spending on defen…

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Massive power cut hits large parts of Spain and Portugal 26:26

15m ago26:26

26:26

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BBC Investigation reveals who shot at Kenyan protestors 27:49

11h ago27:49

27:49

In June last year, dozens of young Kenyans were killed and others wounded during days of anti -government demonstrations. The protestors wanted to occupy Kenya's parliament, to urge lawmakers not to pass a finance bill. Security forces protecting the premises opened fire at demonstrators, and at least three people were killed. No one has been held …

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Belfast rappers Kneecap under pressure as Met police assess 'kill your local MP' video 1:17:59

14h ago1:17:59

1:17:59

John Campbell also discusses Liverpool FC becoming Premier League champions.By BBC

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Multi-word verbs 6:02

4h ago6:02

6:02

Do you ever 'meet up with' your friend in the park? We talk about multi-word verbs. FIND BBC LEARNING ENGLISH HERE: Visit our website ✔️https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish Follow us ✔️https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/followus NEWSLETTER: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters LIKE PODCASTS? Try some of our other popular podcasts i…

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Multi-word verbs 6:02

15h ago6:02

6:02

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Advocating for nature 41:27

4h ago41:27

41:27

In his new book, Robert Macfarlane takes the reader on a river journey, through history and geography, to posit the idea that rivers are not merely for human use, but living beings. In Is A River Alive? he argues that human fate is interwoven with the natural world, and that it’s time we treated nature not as a resource, but a fellow being. But doe…

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Mark Watson Talks a Bit About Life 28:39

9h ago28:39

28:39

Multi-award winning comedian and author Mark Watson continues his probably doomed, but luckily funny quest to make sense of the human experience. This series is about time - the days of the week, the stages of our existence - and the way we use it to make sense of things. We make our way through the working week, tonight considering 'hump day' - We…

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In the Studio: Madeleine Thien 27:22

23h ago27:22

27:22

In 2020, the Canadian writer Madeleine Thien was working on her next novel, the follow-up to her prize-winning 2016 book Do Not Say We Have Nothing. But it was difficult to find the internal peace and privacy to begin again, especially after being catapulted into the public eye by the previous novel’s success. Paul Kobrak followed her over several …

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In the Studio: Madeleine Thien 25:35

13h ago25:35

25:35

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In the Studio: Madeleine Thien 27:22

24h ago27:22

27:22

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Painting faces in search of myself and my mum 39:12

14h ago39:12

39:12

Juano Diaz was taken in to care aged six, his mother was battling alcoholism and he wasn't being cared for. But Juano missed his mum and with no photos of her, he became obsessed by drawing her face so he wouldn't forget her. He was later adopted by a strict Catholic and Romany Gypsy family but when he came out as gay he was asked to leave. Now dow…

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Why is Europe falling behind the US? 19:03

14h ago19:03

19:03

Even before there was talk of a trade war between the US and EU, Europe was on the economic backfoot. But it wasn’t always the case. In 2008, the EU was the world’s biggest economy - today, the US economy is $9.5 trillion bigger than the EUs. So what has happened? Presented and produced by Rob Young (Image: An employee fixes the seat to a Volkswage…

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Vancouver police chief: the darkest day in our city's history 46:51

16h ago46:51

46:51

Canadian police say a suspect detained after a car was driven at high-speed into festivalgoers in Vancouver had suffered mental health problems. The interim police chief told a news conference that the number of people killed had risen to 11. Dozens more were hurt at the Filipino street festival on Saturday. He said many unanswered questions remain…

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Vancouver police chief: the darkest day in our city's history 46:51

1d ago46:51

46:51

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27/04/2025 13:05

1d ago13:05

13:05

There’s drama on the cricket pitch and a surprise is sprung on Azra.By BBC

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Car ploughs into Vancouver street festival 46:16

1d ago46:16

46:16

At least nine people have been killed after a car ploughed into crowds at a Filipino cultural event in Vancouver. Yousef Vardeh is a Filipino-Canadian who witnessed the incident from his bao-bun food truck and watched as his customers were hit. Also in the programme: Iranian officials say they have contained a deadly fire following an explosion at …

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Car ploughs into Vancouver street festival 46:16

24h ago46:16

46:16

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Lindsey Hilsum, journalist 50:59

1d ago50:59

50:59

Lindsey Hilsum is a multi-award-winning journalist who has been a foreign correspondent for the past four decades. She has been Channel 4’s international editor for the past 22 years and has reported on every continent except Antarctica. After studying French and Spanish at University, she worked as an aid worker in Mexico and Kenya before becoming…

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Bonus: Good Bad Billionaire: Minecraft’s maker 49:13

2d ago49:13

49:13

A bonus episode from Good Bad Billionaire - the award-winning podcast from the BBC World Service. You can find more episodes by searching for ‘Good Bad Billionaire’ wherever you get your BBC podcasts. Minecraft is the most successful computer game ever. It's sold 300 million copies, built an active community of fans and there's now even a Minecraft…

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Bonus: Good Bad Billionaire: Minecraft’s maker 47:27

1d ago47:27

47:27

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Bonus: Good Bad Billionaire: Minecraft’s maker 49:13

2d ago49:13

49:13

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Pope Francis buried at his favourite church in Rome 47:26

2d ago47:26

47:26

Pope Francis has been laid to rest at his favourite church in Rome, Santa Maria Maggiore, after a funeral attended by hundreds of thousands of people. Many lined the streets to see his coffin being taken there from the Vatican on an adapted popemobile. He is the first pontiff in more than 120 years to be buried outside the Vatican. Also in the prog…

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Pope Francis buried at his favourite church in Rome 47:26

1d ago47:26

47:26

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Catherine Pepinster 3:02

2d ago3:02

3:02

26 APR 25By BBC Radio 4

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The funeral of Pope Francis 46:19

2d ago46:19

46:19

From refugees he championed to world leaders he rebuked, a quarter of a million people gather in Rome for the funeral of Pope Francis. Former Vatican spokeswoman under Francis, Paloma Garcia Ovejero, tells us he was a kind and tireless leader who changed the church forever. Also in our programme: Pakistan’s prime minister calls for a ‘neutral inves…

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The funeral of Pope Francis 46:19

2d ago46:19

46:19

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Secret D-Day rehearsal and YouTube begins 51:32

2d ago51:32

51:32

Max Pearson presents a collection of the week's Witness History interviews from the BBC World Service. Our guest is World War Two military historian and archivist Elisabeth Shipton. We start by concentrating on two events from the last year of the Second World War. Exercise Tiger took place in April 1944 in preparation for the D-Day landings of All…

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The Fifth Floor: Tackling Nigeria's skin bleaching problem 25:58

2d ago25:58

25:58

According to the World Health Organisation, 77% of Nigerian women have used skin-lightening creams. When BBC Hausa’s Madina Maishanu decided to look into this, she uncovered an even more worrying trend: mothers using potentially harmful products on their babies. Madina spoke to the campaigners trying to stop these practices. Plus, how human activit…

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