BBC Radio Podcast Guide - A

All Hail Kale

Wellness you can actually trust – from award-winning journalist Tim Samuels. What’s best for your mind, body, diet and mood – served with heaps of expertise & a sprinkling of wit.

A to Tsar of Russia with Adrian Chiles

From Aeroflot to Tsar Nicholas, Adrian Chiles explores the life, culture and history of Russia, host of the 2018 World Cup, alongside Olga Makarenko and comedian Igor Meerson.

Arts Club with Will Gompertz

A sideways, humorous look at the week in arts with Will Gompertz and guests

Any Questions? and Any Answers?

Alex Forsyth presents topical debate in which guests from politics, business, science, arts and the media answer questions from members of the public. Anita Anand presents listeners' responses to the issues raised.

Arts & Ideas

Leading thinkers discuss the ideas shaping our lives – looking back at the news and making links between past and present. Broadcast as Free Thinking, Fridays at 9pm on BBC Radio 4. Presented by Matthew Sweet, Shahidha Bari and Anne McElvoy.

A Point of View

A weekly reflection on a topical issue.

Add to Playlist

Jeffrey Boakye and Anna Phoebe take us on a musical journey of discovery, exploring the web of connections between tracks across the breadth of all musical styles, from pop, rock, reggae and hip-hop to classical, jazz, folk and country.

AntiSocial

Peace talks for the culture wars. In an era of polarisation, propaganda and pile-ons, AntiSocial offers an alternative: understanding, facts, and respect. Each week, Adam Fleming takes on a topic that's generating conflict on social media, blogs, talk shows and phone-ins and helps you work out what the arguments are really about.

All in the Mind

The show on how we think, feel and behave. Claudia Hammond delves into the evidence on mental health, psychology and neuroscience.

A Thorough Examination with Drs Chris and Xand

Drs Chris and Xand van Tulleken investigate the science of exercise and the dangers of inactivity. Is modern exercise a wellness cult? Or is it a vital cure for a world that's struggling with ill health and stuck on the sofa? Most of us might like to get a bit fitter, but how easy is it to actually start exercising and give up sedentary habits? In this series Drs Chris and Xand van Tulleken examine exercise and how best to do it. How much should we be doing? How does it help our bodies? And how does our surrounding environment stand in the way of us getting fitter? Chris is challenged to examine his scepticism towards exercise. Similarly, Xand is asked to look at his new-found exercise evangelism and see what he is really running from. Recently Xand has discovered the joys of physical activity. He's running, cycling, heading to the gym and playing ping pong like never before. It's been a real transformation and a way to keep on top of things after years of unhealthy living. His twin brother Chris, on the other hand, is really feeling the aches and pains of middle age. With a busy job and a young family, he has precious little spare time for exercise. After a very active period in his 20s and 30s, Chris is now embracing his 'Dad bod' and sliding into a creaky middle age. Xand wants to help him turn things around. Can he do it?

Analysis

Programme examining the ideas and forces which shape public policy in Britain and abroad, presented by distinguished writers, journalists and academics.

All Consuming

Charlotte Stavrou and Amit Katwala explore our culture of consumption through products that have changed the world. They unravel the mysteries of marketing and the formidable forces that drive purchasing habits. From toilet paper to funerals, perfume to package holidays they'll be combing the past to see how landmark innovations have shifted the course of history. And asking what happens next?

A Very British Cult

The sinister life coaching company that takes over your life. Catrin Nye investigates. In early 2019 Jeffrey Leigh-Jones from Portsmouth got a life coach. Someone to mentor him in life and help him realise his business ambitions. Two years later, Jeff had sold his house, his relationship was in pieces, and he had handed over tens of thousands of pounds. And he wasn't the only one. In this eighteen-month investigation for the BBC, journalist Catrin Nye and her team expose control, intimidation and fear at a mysterious life coaching company taking over people's lives and ripping families apart. As the investigation hots up, the group fights back, and there's a surreal final showdown.

Amol Rajan Interviews...

Amol Rajan interviews the era-defining pioneers, leaders and maverick thinkers who are shaping our rapidly changing 21st-century world.

A Summer of Swallows

A regular podcast from Today on Radio 4, following Britain's swallows throughout the summer, and through their breeding season. Emily Knight, plus experts, listeners and swallow-lovers all over the country, get to know these iconic birds. Episodes are occasional – depending on the swallows Produced by Emily Knight and Eliza Lomas This podcast feed also includes episodes from the earlier series, Planet Puffin. All things puffin. Both the silly and the serious; the scientific and the cultural.

A History of the World in 100 Objects

Director of the British Museum, Neil MacGregor, narrates 100 programmes that retell humanity's history through the objects we have made.

A Point of View: A Point of View: Clive James

Clive James presents reflections on topical issues ranging from politics to pop culture in this award-winning series of BBC Radio 4's A Point of View. These programmes were first broadcast between 2007 and 2009.

A History of Delusions

Experimental psychologist Daniel Freeman explores cases of delusion.

Addicted to Sex

Can you really be addicted to sex or is it just an excuse for bad behaviour? Sangita Myska meets the men and women who suffer from porn and sex addiction.

At Lunch With...

Politicians and public figures talk candidly and engagingly over lunch with reporter Becky Milligan. This is the off-the-record lunch, on the record. These interviews are broadcast on Radio 4’s PM programme.

A New Life in Europe: The Dhnie Family

The story of one Syrian family heading for Europe in search of a better life. For the last two years, the Dhnie family has been living as refugees in Jordan. In August, the family decided there was no future for them there and little prospect of returning to Syria. They packed up their lives and set off for the EU. Manveen Rana documents the twists and turns of their journey in a series of reports for BBC Radio 4’s The World at One.

A History of the Infinite

Adrian Moore journeys through philosophical thought on infinity over the last two and a half thousand years.

A History of Ideas

Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss the work of key philosophers and their theories.

Across the Board

Dominic Lawson conducts a series of interviews over a game of chess.

A History of Britain in Numbers

Andrew Dilnot, chair of the UK Statistics Authority, brings to life the numbers that highlight the patterns and trends that have transformed Britain

All Things Considered

Religious affairs programme, tackling the thornier issues of the day in a thought-provoking manner

Acid Dream: The Great LSD Plot

In the 1970s it's estimated that about 60% of the world's LSD came from one place: Wales. This is the story of an attempt to start a revolution of the mind, from a Welsh farmhouse.

A Positive Life: HIV from Terrence Higgins to Today

Sam Smith presents stories of HIV in the UK over the last 40 years; beginning with the life of Terrence Higgins, one of the first British people to die of an AIDS-related illness.

Aberfan: Tip Number 7

The Aberfan disaster shook the world - 116 children and 28 adults died on 21 October 1966 when a coal tip engulfed a junior school and surrounding homes. How could this happen? It’s a tale of unheeded warnings, broken promises, and a shattered community’s fight for justice. Nine part podcast series from the same stable as 'Shreds'.

Africa Daily

One question to wake up to every weekday morning. One story from Africa, for Africa. Alan Kasujja takes a deep dive into the news shaping the continent. Ready by early morning, five days a week, Monday to Friday.

Amazing Sport Stories

Sport but not as you know it.Forget the champions. Amazing Sport Stories is about courage, underdogs, drama and myths and legends. These are global stories you’ll wish you’d known about and now probably won’t forget. There are other podcasts about gold medals and millionaire superstars. Expect the unexpected. Tales from around the world, all told in mini-seasons and one-off episodes. #AmazingSportStories

A Wish for Afghanistan

The speed of the Taliban's takeover in Afghanistan in August 2021 took the world by surprise. Now there is uncertainty and fear among many Afghans - what will Taliban rule look like? What will become of their country? The Taliban took control of Kabul just weeks before the 20th anniversary of 9/11, the event that led to the US invasion of Afghanistan in October 2001 and the Taliban’s fall. It was hoped this would be a new beginning, bringing peace to a country that had known nothing but war since the Soviets invaded 20 years earlier. After 2001, there was a new constitution and elections; women returned to parliament, girls returned to school and civil society flourished. But there was also a resurgence in violence. And now, with the last American soldier gone and the Taliban back in power, many Afghans are fearful for the future. The BBC's Chief International Correspondent Lyse Doucet has followed every twist and turn of the Afghan story. In this landmark series of interviews for the BBC World Service, she hears from Afghans how the last 20 years have shaped them: their dreams for a new future and their fears that the cycle of violence will never stop. Afghans have a word which seems to capture this moment: kashke. It's a word that conveys sadness, regret and hope, roughly translating as "if only", which is why we've called this series A Wish for Afghanistan.

An Litir Bheag

Sreath de litrichean don fheadhainn a tha a' toiseachadh air Gaidhlig ionnsachadh. Series of letters written for people starting to learn Gaelic.

Alinkar Paleban

The richness of Burmese language is explored and explained. Ko Thein Myat joins renowned linguists to look into the aesthetic beauty of language, its syntax structure, semantics used in song lyrics and fine texts, the etymology of words and how meaning has changed over the time. Broadcast every Saturday morning on the BBC Burmese Service.

Americast

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 America correspondent, Anthony Zurcher. As well as political analysis, we also specialise in social media. Each week Marianna Spring brings listeners the latest updates from the BBC’s Undercover Voters, our award-winning investigation into the content that is recommended to US voters on social media. The team is also joined by special guests each week, like CNN anchor, Christiane Amanpour, Emmy Award-winning TV host, Rachel Maddow, and Succession actress, J Smith-Cameron. Podcasts are published every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. As well as being a podcast, we are also available every Friday night on BBC Radio 4 and every weekend on the BBC News Channel. Every Monday we answer your questions on Americanswers, with some help from special guests, including Miles Taylor, who was chief of staff at the Department for Homeland Security during the Trump presidency before becoming a whistleblower. Got a question or a comment? Get in touch with us on email at Americast@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. By the way, you can now listen to Americast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say ‘”Ask BBC Sounds to play Americast”. It works on most smart speakers. See ya’ll later...

Assume Nothing

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

A Short History of Ireland

Ireland’s rich and turbulent history is explored in a series written by the late Dr Jonathan Bardon.

Alright, Pet?

Celebrity guests chat to specialist veterinary surgeon Rob Adams and Anne-Marie Wallace about the animals they share their lives with, and why their pets are so important to them. Rob offers veterinary advice to guests and listeners and talks through some of the more unusual surgeries he's carried out over the years in his role as a specialist surgeon. Whether your animal is a dog, cat, rabbit, hamster or snake, they are all welcome on Alright, pet? Our pets are our lifelines, our best friends, our constant companions – Alright, pet? is a lively celebration of our favourite animals and a source of advice and reassurance to pet owners. Anne-Marie Wallace and vet Rob Adams will bring a combination of fun stories about the quirky little things animals do to make us smile every day as well as be the podcast that people turn to when they need information and reliable advice about their pets. To contact the team simply email alrightpet@bbc.co.uk

A Perforated Ulster

The Hole in the Wall Gang are on air with a brand new sketch show, delivering their hilarious verdict on the politicians and current events in Northern Ireland.

ATL Introducing: In Session

Gemma Bradley talks a new guest on their career so far, inspirations, backstage stories, and they perform in session.

A History of Mozart in a Dozen Objects

Mozart’s world rediscovered in objects of his time. Professor Cliff Eisen looks at Mozart’s world through objects that were close to him. From BBC Radio 3.

Ar y Marc

Golwg ar newyddion pêl-droed. Football news and discussion

As Estranhas Origens das Guerras Culturais

Adaptação de podcast da BBC ‘Things Fell Apart’, de Jon Ronson, conta os casos que estão na raiz de algumas das mais intensas guerras culturais travadas hoje.

Amakuru kuri BBC - Gahuzamiryango

Amakuru ya buri munsi kuri BBC Gahuzamiryango.

Access All: Disability News and Mental Health

Weekly podcast about mental health, wellbeing and disabled people. Life stories and solutions with a friendly touch – for listeners around the world.

Alhan’s World

21-year-old troublemaker Alhan Gençay investigates life’s big questions with the help of the nation’s finest MCs, comedians, and experts.

After: Surviving sexual assault

Catriona Morton talks to fellow survivors of sexual assault and abuse about what happened to them and how they cope now. After experiencing sexual abuse and assault herself, Catriona felt like she was abandoned by society, “stranded in an ocean,” she says, "with only a life raft and no rescue in sight.” So she created her own life raft with a blog called Life Continues After, where anyone affected by sexual trauma can share their stories and advice in the hope that others will find something useful. Or even just some comfort in knowing they’re not alone. This podcast continues Catriona’s mission. Each person’s story will be split into two parts - and two separate episodes in the podcast feed. In the first part – called ‘Then’ – survivors will tell Catriona as much or as a little as they want about what happened to them. If listeners feel this part of their story might be too triggering and distressing, they can skip to the second part – called ‘Now’ – where survivors will share the practical steps, resources and methods they follow. If you've been affected by sexual abuse or violence, you can find details of organisations in the UK who offer help and support at bbc.co.uk/actionline.

A to Z of Psychedelia on 6 Music

A definitive, but light-hearted look at the world of mid to late-Sixties psychedelia. Exploring the world changing counter-culture on both sides of the Atlantic via music, art, mind-bending band names and an impressive rogues gallery. Paying homage to legends such as Hendrix and Pink Floyd whilst celebrating lesser-known artists like Linda Perhacs. Some wonderful stories too - George Clinton’s hair-straightening job, The Beatles’ chauffeur on backing vocals and what Brian Wilson and his brothers did when their mum and dad went on holiday. Researched and presented by BBC 6 Music’s Marc Riley and music journalist Rob Hughes. Adult themes and drugs references mentioned throughout.

Adam and Joe

Highlights from Adam Buxton and Joe Cornish's show at the Big British Castle, as broadcast on BBC 6 Music.

Around the Wicket - Yorkshire's Asian Cricket

From community to county level, a story of how grassroots Asian cricket went professional. Yorkshire based journalist and cricket fan Nasser Hanif explores recordings he made for the archive project “From Parks to Pavilions” which documented how Asian community cricket developed from its roots on the backstreets through to the formation of the first leagues and up to county level and beyond. It’s a story that reflects society at the time, looks into immigration and cultural differences and asks how the sport can create a climate where diversity flourishes. The project was produced by a Bradford community organisation AYA in 2016 and was originally broadcast on local BBC radio across England. Producer: Nasser Hanif. Digital producer: Rachael Smith. Executive producer: Kathryn Morrison. With thanks to: Mobeen Butt for the use of this archive. Photograph by Mohanlal Mistry. The ‘From Parks to Pavilions’ project was developed and delivered by the AYA Foundation with support from Bradford Local Studies Libraries, the Yorkshire Cricket Foundation, the England and Wales Cricket Boards (ECB), and funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund.

A Rugby League of Her Own

The home of women's rugby league at the BBC. Sharon Shortle hosts the lively discussion each week. You'll hear all the important talking points, reviews of some of the spectacular moments and incisive comment on Women's Super League and International games from around the world.