Podcasts about bbc sounds

Today, the Metropolitan Police apologised to the Commons Speaker for "inadvertently revealing information" relating to Lord Mandelson's arrest on Monday.Sir Lindsay Hoyle addressed the House of Commons before Prime Minister's Questions to confirm he had passed information to the Metropolitan Police suggesting the peer could be a flight risk. Lord Mandelson's lawyers say he had agreed to an interview next month, and the decision to take him into custody was prompted by a "baseless" suggestion he was planning to "take up permanent residence abroad".Adam and Chris unpack how this story unfolded over a busy day in the House of Commons. And Faisal has been speaking to the chancellor about the student loans system - but why are student loans rising up the political agenda?You can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Newscast”. It works on most smart speakers. You can join our Newscast online community here: https://bbc.in/newscastdiscordGet in touch with Newscast by emailing newscast@bbc.co.uk or send us a WhatsApp on +44 0330 123 9480.New episodes released every day. If you're in the UK, for more News and Current Affairs podcasts from the BBC, listen on BBC Sounds: https://bbc.in/4guXgXd Newscast brings you daily analysis of the latest political news stories from the BBC. The presenter was Adam Fleming. It was made by Miranda Slade with Jem Westgate. The technical producer was Ben Andrews. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

“After four years of war, Putin, who supposedly possessed the second-most powerful military on earth, has only been able to take less than 20% of Ukrainian land. And yes, Zelensky has done an extraordinary job of marshalling his country and galvanising Western support... But the heroes are the people of Ukraine.”Laura Kuenssberg speaks to former British Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, and former head of the British Armed Forces, Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, about the war in Ukraine.Johnson was in Downing Street four years ago, when the Russian invasion of Ukraine began.As one of the driving forces behind the West's initial response, he's been critical of the slowness of allies in providing support to President Zelensky, which Johnson says has cost lives.The two men believe the conflict could have been prevented altogether if Western allies had paid more attention to Putin's increasing aggression and annexation of Crimea in 2014.Thank you to the Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg team for their help in making this programme. The Interview brings you conversations with people shaping our world, from all over the world. The best interviews from the BBC, including episodes with the Mayor of Kyiv, Vitali Klitschko, Iranian author Azar Nafisi, and the President of Somalia, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. You can listen on the BBC World Service on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 0800 GMT. Or you can listen to The Interview as a podcast, out three times a week on BBC Sounds or wherever you get your podcasts. Presenter: Laura Kuenssberg Producers: Paul Twinn and Ben Cooper Editors: Diana Martin and Damon RoseGet in touch with us on email TheInterview@bbc.co.uk and use the hashtag #TheInterviewBBC on social media.(Image: Boris Johnson and Sir Tony Radakin Credit: Jeff Overs/BBC)

When you're in a crisis, you discover very quickly who your friends are. Or perhaps more accurately, who your friends aren't.This week, David Yelland and Simon Lewis examine how different types of friends are deployed to the PR front line when it comes to reputational combat.When you can't defend yourself in public, you need the right sort in your corner. But not all friends are equal. There's the named friend, the unnamed friend and the showbiz favourite - 'close friend of the couple'.And David and Simon reveal there are often PR campaigns going on behind-the-scenes to ensure the best calibre of friend is speaking up - and why a 'source', a 'spokesperson' and a 'friend' might actually be the same person.On the extended edition on BBC Sounds, a moment of indulgence as When it Hits the Fan reaches its 100th episode. David and Simon explain what's surprised them about the world of PR since the show started - and why they've had to think differently about the world they move in. Producer: Duncan Middleton Editor: Sarah Teasdale Executive Producer: Eve Streeter Music by Eclectic Sounds A Raconteur Studios production for BBC Radio 4

Today, Adam and Chris speak to the deputy prime minister David Lammy about his justice reforms.He acknowledged the court backlog will continue to rise and may be at the same level as it is today at the next general election despite the government's planned reforms. He also said that Labour would be “out on their bums” if they haven't delivered the change the public want by the time of the next election.You can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Newscast”. It works on most smart speakers.You can join our Newscast online community here: https://bbc.in/newscastdiscordGet in touch with Newscast by emailing newscast@bbc.co.uk or send us a WhatsApp on +44 0330 123 9480.New episodes released every day. If you're in the UK, for more News and Current Affairs podcasts from the BBC, listen on BBC Sounds: https://bbc.in/4guXgXdNewscast brings you daily analysis of the latest political news stories from the BBC. The presenter was Adam Fleming. It was made by Anna Harris. The social producers were Joe Wilkinson and Jem Westgate. The technical producer was Ben Andrews. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

Woman's Hour in collaboration with our SEND in the Spotlight podcast brings you a special programme on the impact of the government's SEND reforms in England.Whether you're a parent, a young person, a teacher or someone who works in the wider system we find out what the changes mean for you - and help you decode the new language - whether it's IB, ISP, Targeted, Targeted Plus, or SPP. Nuala McGovern speaks to parents, teachers, charities, the School Standards Minister and the Children's Commissioner for England. We also hear from SEND in the Spotlight podcast regulars - actors Anna Maxwell Martin and Kellie Bright.Search for the SEND in the Spotlight podcast on BBC Sounds.Contributors: Georgia Gould MP, Schools Standards Minister Marsha Martin, founder of Black SEN Mamas Katie Ghose, CEO of Kids charity and Disabled Children's Partnership Margaret Mulholland, Association of School and College Leaders Kate McGough, BBC Education reporter Eleanor Wright, solicitor at SOS!SEN Ramandeep Kaur, SEND parent Carrie Grant, SEND parent and broadcaster Katie Nellist, SEND ambassador Louise Gittins, chair of the Local Government Association Dame Rachel de Souza, Children's Commissioner for EnglandPresenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Sarah Crawley, with Carolyn Atkinson Digital producer: Olivia Bolton Editor: Karen Dalziel

Today, Peter Mandelson has been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office.The former British ambassador to the US has been under investigation over allegations he shared market-sensitive government information with Jeffrey Epstein while serving as a minister.He has not commented publicly since the Metropolitan Police launched their investigation earlier this month, but the BBC understands his position has consistently been that he has not acted in any way criminally and that he was not motivated by financial gain.Adam and Chris are joined by UK and home affairs correspondent, Daniel Sandford. Meanwhile, the government has announced long-awaited changes to the system for children with special educational needs and disabilities in England.Fresh from watching the education secretary Bridget Phillipson announcing the reforms, BBC education editor Branwen Jeffreys joined Adam and Alex to break down exactly what it means.You can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Newscast”. It works on most smart speakers. You can join our Newscast online community here: https://bbc.in/newscastdiscordGet in touch with Newscast by emailing newscast@bbc.co.uk or send us a WhatsApp on +44 0330 123 9480.New episodes released every day. If you're in the UK, for more News and Current Affairs podcasts from the BBC, listen on BBC Sounds: https://bbc.in/4guXgXd Newscast brings you daily analysis of the latest political news stories from the BBC. The presenter was Adam Fleming. It was made by Anna Harris with Shiler Mahmoudi, Adam Chowdhury and Harry Craig. The social producer was Gabriel Purcell-Davis. The technical producer was Ben Andrews. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

“Food is a human right that should be supported by everybody, no children should go to bed hungry, even less in a conflict." Caitriona Perry speaks to José Andrés world-renowned chef and humanitarian. Andrés was born in Spain and trained as a chef before moving to the United States, where he helped popularise Spanish cuisine and built a global restaurant empire. He later founded World Central Kitchen, an organisation that has transformed the way humanitarian aid responds to crisis, delivering meals in war zones, after natural disasters, and in communities where hunger is a daily reality. José Andrés reflects on food, power, and why feeding people is inseparable from dignity and justice. The Interview brings you conversations with people shaping our world, from all over the world. The best interviews from the BBC, including episodes with Hind Kabawat Syria's only woman minister, Antonio Guterres the UN Secretary General and the director Chloe Zhao.. You can listen on the BBC World Service on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 0800 GMT. Or you can listen to The Interview as a podcast, out three times a week on BBC Sounds or wherever you get your podcasts. Presenter: Caitriona Perry Producers: Chloe Ross, Farhana Haider Editor: Damon Rose Get in touch with us on email TheInterview@bbc.co.uk and use the hashtag #TheInterviewBBC on social media.(Image: José Andrés Credit: Pief Weyman/NBC via Getty Images)

Join comedian Russell Kane as he and his guests spill the beans on spiders. Consistently ranked amongst the most creepy and crawly, we ask are spiders abusive arachnids or kooky cuties?Helping Russell decide whether spiders are evil or genius are top comedian Josh Jones and leading entomologist & England Manager for Buglife, Dr. Karim Vahed.To hear more from this series, search "Evil Genius" on BBC Sounds.Additional material by: Eve Delaney, Ruth Huskisson & Christina Riggs Researcher: Catherine Beazley Sound Recordist: Gareth Wood Digital Editor: Jerry Peal Production Coordinator: Liz Tuohy Executive Producer: Paul Smith Producer: Simon NichollsEvil Animals with Russell Kane is a BBC Studios production for BBC Sounds.

Miquita Oliver and Jordan Stephens answer your questions about love.Next week, we want to hear your questions about Astronomy. Please send us a voice note on WhatsApp: 08000 30 40 90. Or, if you like, send us an email: missme@bbc.co.uk.This episode contains very strong language and adult themes. Credits: Producer: Jonathan O'Sullivan Technical Producer: Oliver Geraghty Assistant Producer: Caillin McDaid Production Coordinator: Rose Wilcox Executive Producer: Dino Sofos Commissioning Producer for BBC: Jake Williams Commissioners: Dylan Haskins & Lorraine Okuefuna Miss Me? is a Persephonica production for BBC Sounds

Seven prisoners escape a high-security facility in New Mexico. They're armed – and extremely dangerous. Can the police catch them before anyone gets hurt?Murder They Wrote with Laura Whitmore and Iain Stirling is available twice a week on BBC Sounds. Subscribe now so you never miss an episode. Email us at lauraandiain@bbc.co.uk

Today, we discuss a report in the Sunday Telegraph that Gordon Brown has demanded a police investigation into whether Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor used taxpayer-funded jets and RAF bases to meet the paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.The former PM says he's sent a five-page memorandum to the Metropolitan, Surrey, Sussex Thames Valley and other UK police constabularies.Laura and Paddy are joined by Henry Zeffman to discuss why he's turned investigator, what it means for the Royal Family, and whether rules around the line of succession should be changed.Ahead of the Government's Schools White Paper on Monday, we also discuss some of Labour's proposed changes to special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) support, as well as Kemi Badenoch's vow to lower interest on some student loans which she says feel "increasingly feel like a scam".You can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Newscast”. It works on most smart speakers.You can join our Newscast online community here: https://bbc.in/newscastdiscord Get in touch with Newscast by emailing newscast@bbc.co.uk or send us a WhatsApp on +44 0330 123 9480.New episodes released every day. If you're in the UK, for more News and Current Affairs podcasts from the BBC, listen on BBC Sounds: https://bbc.in/4guXgXdNewscast brings you daily analysis of the latest political news stories from the BBC.The presenters were Laura Kuenssberg and Paddy O'Connell. It was made by Chris Flynn with Kris Jalowiecki. The social producer was Grace Braddock. The technical producer was Hannah Montgomery. The weekend series producer is Chris Flynn. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

Today, Laura and Paddy are joined by Gary O'Donoghue, Chief North America correspondent to discuss the US Supreme Court's ruling to block President Donald Trump's global tariffs. Is this the beginning of the end of his tariffs, what's Trump doing now, and what does it mean for where power lies in the US?Laura has interviewed former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson and former Chief of the Defence Staff Sir Tony Radakin ahead of the four-year anniversary of the beginning of the full scale invasion of Ukraine. Boris Johnson said the UK and its allies “did not take strong enough action,” and the UK and its allies should deploy non-combat troops to Ukraine right now.Laura and Paddy dicuss Boris Johnson and Tony Radakin's comments.You can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Newscast”. It works on most smart speakers.You can join our Newscast online community here: https://bbc.in/newscastdiscord Get in touch with Newscast by emailing newscast@bbc.co.uk or send us a WhatsApp on +44 0330 123 9480.New episodes released every day. If you're in the UK, for more News and Current Affairs podcasts from the BBC, listen on BBC Sounds: https://bbc.in/4guXgXdNewscast brings you daily analysis of the latest political news stories from the BBC. The presenters were Laura Kuenssberg and Paddy O'Connell. It was made by Chris Flynn with Kris Jalowiecki. The social producer was Grace Braddock. The technical producer was Dafydd Evans. The weekend series producer is Chris Flynn. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

Journalist, author and podcaster Adam Hurrey, comedian and author Ian Moore, sports broadcaster Lynsey Hooper, and comedian Thomas Green join Rick Edwards for an hour of sporting punditry, humour and entertainment. Points are awarded for informed comment, wit and passion, but taken away for nonsense and answers lacking in conviction.In the final round, the top two points scorers go head-to-head in 'Defend the Indefensible' where they must both defend a statement however ludicrous or distasteful for twenty seconds. There can only be one winner!Listen to the podcast on BBC Sounds

Today Adam, Alex Forsyth, Joe Pike and pollster Luke Tryl look back at the week in Westminster; starting with Thursday morning's news that the King's brother, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, had been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in a public office.Plus, they discuss the appointment of Antonia Romeo to the role of cabinet secretary and our first look at Reform UK's new economic policy. You can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Newscast”. It works on most smart speakers. You can join our Newscast online community here: https://bbc.in/newscastdiscordGet in touch with Newscast by emailing newscast@bbc.co.uk or send us a WhatsApp on +44 0330 123 9480.New episodes released every day. If you're in the UK, for more News and Current Affairs podcasts from the BBC, listen on BBC Sounds: https://bbc.in/4guXgXd Newscast brings you daily analysis of the latest political news stories from the BBC. The presenter was Adam Fleming. It was made by Anna Harris with Joe Wilkinson. The social producer was Beth Pritchard. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

Peter Gibbs and the GQT team are in Chaldon.Peter's joined by Anne Swithinbank, Pippa Greenwood and Matthew Pottage.This week the panel take on a wide range of gardening dilemmas, from how to reach into borders without treading on emerging plants, to which colourful plants thrive in shady, chalky soil. When it comes to growing veg, the team also has answers on whether leaving weeds in place can help crops during extreme heat, and tips on non‑chemical approaches to protecting cabbages and sprouts from hungry pests.The panellists also discuss how their plant recommendations have changed over the years, and which plants they now avoid altogether!Later in the show, we hear from Peter's visit to RHS Wisley where he spoke with RHS Chief Horticultural Advisor, Guy Barter, and Botanist and Taxonomist, Dr Kálmán Könyves to follow up on last year's Daffodil diaries scheme.Producer: Matthew SmithAssistant Producer: William NortonA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4.* If listening on BBC Sounds and you wish to view the plant list, please go to the Gardeners' Question Time website and open this week's episode page.

There's no regular show this week, so instead here's last month's Time For Questions?, the monthly bonus podcast that usually sits exclusively on patreon.com/NonCensored. You'll hear Harriet, Producer Martin and Ehsaan Akbar answer questions like:Who would YOU ban from standing for election?If America is taking Greenland, which country should Britain just take?What should we call the British version of ICE, once Reform get around to starting it?And: it's time for performance reviews! How would the team rate each others' performances this year?This podcast was filmed at Streamline Studios, Deptford, and was made possible thanks to the support of our Patreons, who also make it possible for us to pay the guests on the regular shows. There will be a new Time For Questions? recording before the end of February, so if you want to ask a question, head over to Patreon.com/NonCensored and sign up for just four or eight pounds a month. You'll also get every episode early and without adverts and every interview in video, as well as bonus podcasts like this.Rosie's sitcom, Crossing The Floor, is available now on BBC Sounds, and her play, Churchill's Urinal, is playing at the King's Head Theatre from the 13th May to the 6th June. Brendan's Buffy The Vampire Slayer-themed live show, Buffy ReVamped, is about to start an American tour.Eshaan has started a new, live podcast called The Early Evening Show, every Sunday evening on YouTube.Ed has just launched Smelt, a store where you can buy scripted audio comedy that doesn't exist yet, from people like Andy Hamilton, Ian Martin, Larry & Paul and Deborah Frances-White. To get involved, go to leadmojo.co.uk/smeltShow photography is by Karla Gowlett and design is by Chris Barker. Original music is by Paddy Gervers and Rob Sell at Torch and Compass.NonCensored is a Lead Mojo production Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Before Mark could streak the Super Bowl, both streaking and the Super Bowl had to become what they are.Streaking has a history. The Super Bowl has a history. And host Rich Hall? Well he has a history too, which might explain a few things.Rich Hall pulls apart the rise and fall of streaking in 1970s America - a cultural flash in the pan that somehow never quite died. Then, the evolution of the Super Bowl from a simple championship game into a global spectacle of music, money, and over-the-top showmanship.Jim Steeg, the man who ran the event for 26 years, explains how half-time transformed from a small-time, marching-band interval into a billion-dollar pop extravaganza.Meanwhile, Mark brings his act home. A charity streak at the Merseyside Derby is just a warm-up for the moment that truly makes him famous: crashing Fred's floating weather map live on national television. Overnight, Britain knows exactly who he is.Archive: Famous for Fifteen Minutes, BBC Radio 4.Presented by Rich Hall Produced and written by Elle Scott Production co-ordinator: Juliette Harvey. Production manager: Debbie Waddell. Development Executive: Emma Shaw. Production Executive: Ian Taitt Sound Design and Composition: Julian Corrie Executive Producer: Georgia Catt Assistant Commissioner: Rob Green Commissioning Executive: Stevie MiddletonA BBC Studios Production for BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Sounds.

Today, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been arrested and is in custody on suspicion of misconduct in public office. King Charles says he "learned with the deepest concern" of Andrew's arrest, adding "the law must take its course" - Prince William and Catherine are understood to support the statement.Andrew, who turns 66 today, has previously denied any wrongdoing in relation to Epstein; he has not responded to the BBC's requests for comment on the specific allegations in relation to the release of millions of Epstein files in JanuaryAdam and Laura are joined by royal correspondent Jonny Dymond and home and legal correspondent Dominic Casciani.You can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Newscast”. It works on most smart speakers.You can join our Newscast online community here: https://bbc.in/newscastdiscordGet in touch with Newscast by emailing newscast@bbc.co.uk or send us a WhatsApp on +44 0330 123 9480.New episodes released every day. If you're in the UK, for more News and Current Affairs podcasts from the BBC, listen on BBC Sounds: https://bbc.in/4guXgXdNewscast brings you daily analysis of the latest political news stories from the BBC. The presenter was Adam Fleming. It was made by Chris Gray with Shiler Mahmoudi. The social producer was Joe Wilkinson. The technical producer was Gareth Jones. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

Miquita Oliver catches up with Jordan Stephens in Thailand to discuss the blurred lines of reality TV, the emotional pull of teen drama nostalgia and the ancient origins of the Olympics. Credits: Producer: Jonathan O'Sullivan Technical Producer: Oliver Geraghty Assistant Producer: Caillin McDaid Production Coordinator: Rose Wilcox Executive Producer: Dino Sofos Commissioning Producer for BBC: Jake Williams Commissioners: Dylan Haskins & Lorraine OkuefunaMiss Me? is a Persephonica production for BBC Sounds

We're travelling to Paisley to learn about a witch trial that took place in 1696. Plus Laura looks at one of the biggest bank robberies in British history.Murder They Wrote with Laura Whitmore and Iain Stirling is available twice a week on BBC Sounds. Subscribe now so you never miss an episode. Email us at lauraandiain@bbc.co.uk

Today, Robert Jenrick used his first speech as Reform's pick for chancellor to try to convince businesses and economists that he would be sensible with their money.He said it would reintroduce the two-child benefit cap in full, in a shift away from scrapping the limit.He also said the party plans to keep UK's budget watchdog The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR).So we thought it would be a good time to explore exactly what Reform's plan for the economy was, and ask is it really that radical?You can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Newscast”. It works on most smart speakers.You can join our Newscast online community here: https://bbc.in/newscastdiscordGet in touch with Newscast by emailing newscast@bbc.co.uk or send us a WhatsApp on +44 0330 123 9480.New episodes released every day. If you're in the UK, for more News and Current Affairs podcasts from the BBC, listen on BBC Sounds: https://bbc.in/4guXgXdNewscast brings you daily analysis of the latest political news stories from the BBC. The presenter was Adam Fleming. It was made by Chris Flynn with Shiler Mahmoudi. The social producer was Joe Wilkinson. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

“They have said in private conversation through Oman that they're interested to have this matter being resolved through peaceful means. But at the same time, one can question why the American forces are building up around Iran, why they are using threats, why they resorting to intimidation.”Lyse Doucet speaks to Majid Takht-Ravanchi, Iran's deputy foreign minister, in an interview recorded before the second round of talks with the US. The talks are aimed at curbing Iran's nuclear programme in return for the lifting of sanctions that have crippled the country's economy.The latest round of talks follow US-led military strikes on Iran's nuclear infrastructure last summer, amid growing concerns that Tehran was pursuing nuclear weapons.US President Trump has threatened further strikes if a deal cannot be reached, with the US building up its military presence in the region. As concerns grow over the slow pace of current negotiations, the US says Iran is to blame.The talks also come against a backdrop of ongoing nationwide protests against the Islamic regime in Tehran. According to human rights groups, thousands have been killed by the government in an attempt to quell the uprising. The Interview brings you conversations with people shaping our world, from all over the world. The best interviews from the BBC, including episodes with Iranian author Azar Nafisi, Google CEO Sundar Pichai, and Venezuelan opposition leader Henrique Capriles. You can listen on the BBC World Service on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 0800 GMT. Or you can listen to The Interview as a podcast, out three times a week on BBC Sounds or wherever you get your podcasts. Presenter: Lyse Doucet Producer: Charlotte Scarr Editor: Damon RoseGet in touch with us on email TheInterview@bbc.co.uk and use the hashtag #TheInterviewBBC on social media.(Image: Majid Takht-Ravanchi Credit: SAFIN HAMID/AFP via Getty Images)

How do you fight a PR battle when everyone's already decided you're the bad guys?That's the problem facing the water industry on the eve of a new Channel 4 factual drama called Dirty Business. The clue is in the title. It focuses on a 10-year investigation into sewage-polluted waters.Sticking to the facts is a basic rule of PR - but when coming up against raw anger and emotion, do you need more than facts? How do you appeal to hearts as well as minds?On the extended edition on BBC Sounds, PR itself is in the dock. Two firms have found themselves making rather than shaping the news in recent weeks - over the Epstein files and allegations of trying to journalists. Put mildly, the companies involved have a battle on their hands to protect their own reputations. David and Simon explain why.And if you think Heathrow is too crowded, you're very much mistaken. According to the CEO of the airport, it's simply because people are 'walking in the wrong places'. He might have a point, but the problem is, if you say something that sounds ridiculous, it doesn't matter how right you are - you're wrong.Producer: Duncan Middleton Editor: Sarah Teasdale Executive Producer: Eve Streeter Music by Eclectic Sounds A Raconteur Studios production for BBC Radio 4

Today, we look at why young people are bearing the brunt as unemployment hits its highest rate for nearly five years.Adam and Alex are joined by BBC business editor Simon Jack to unpack some of the factors driving the trend.Plus Alex updates us on Nigel Farage appointing Reform UK's new top team, which he is calling his ‘shadow cabinet'. Alex explains what the appointments might tell us about how Reform is operating. You can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Newscast”. It works on most smart speakers. You can join our Newscast online community here: https://bbc.in/newscastdiscordGet in touch with Newscast by emailing newscast@bbc.co.uk or send us a WhatsApp on +44 0330 123 9480.New episodes released every day. If you're in the UK, for more News and Current Affairs podcasts from the BBC, listen on BBC Sounds: https://bbc.in/4guXgXd Newscast brings you daily analysis of the latest political news stories from the BBC. The presenter was Adam Fleming. It was made by Anna Harris with Shiler Mahmoudi. The social producer was Joe Wilkinson. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

**This episode contains distressing details of rape and sexual assault**Gisèle Pelicot: “I wanted the shame to shift to the other side…Shame must be carried by the accused, not the victims.”Victoria Derbyshire speaks to Gisèle Pelicot, the woman at the centre of France's largest ever rape trial.In 2024 her husband and 50 other men were convicted of raping and assaulting her. For years, Mr Pelicot had repeatedly drugged her unconscious and invited dozens of men into their home to rape her.In an exclusive UK interview, Gisèle Pelicot talks of her horror at discovering what had been done to her, how hard it was telling her kids and why she chose to waive her anonymity at the trial. She also talks about the overwhelming public support she has received and her hopes for the future.Thank you to the Newsnight team for its help in making this programme.If you are suffering distress or despair and need support, you could speak to a health professional, or an organisation that offers support. Details of help available in many countries can be found at Befrienders Worldwide. Search befrienders.org. The Interview brings you conversations with people shaping our world, from all over the world. You can listen on the BBC World Service on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 0800 GMT. Or you can listen to The Interview as a podcast, out three times a week on BBC Sounds or wherever you get your podcasts. Presenter: Victoria Derbyshire Producers: Liz Rawlings, Jasmin Dyer, Farhana Haider, Clare Williamson Editor: Damon RoseGet in touch with us on email TheInterview@bbc.co.uk and use the hashtag #TheInterviewBBC on social media.(Image: Gisèle Pelicot Credit: Dmitry Kostyukov/BBC Newsnight

If journalism is the first draft of history, what happens if that draft turns out to be flawed? The History Bureau revisits the defining stories of our times with the reporters who first covered them. What did they get right first time around? And, in the chaos and confusion of unfolding events, what did they miss?Season 1: Putin and the Apartment Bombs. In September 1999, just weeks after a 46-year-old Vladimir Putin became Prime Minister, four bombs blew up four apartment buildings across Russia, killing hundreds of people while they slept. The attacks plunged the country into panic. Families fled their homes. Residents patrolled their blocks around the clock. An entire nation paralyzed by fear. But who did it? It's a mystery that has fuelled some chilling theories. The government blamed Chechen militants. Many reporters agreed. But then the whispers started. Was something even more sinister going on?If you're in the UK, listen first to The History Bureau on BBC Sounds - or elsewhere in the world, listen on BBC.com or wherever you get your podcasts.

Today, the government is considering accelerating planned increases to defence spending. The news comes after the PM dropped some heavy hints that he was ready to spend more on defence during his speech at the Munich Security Conference on Saturday. Katya Adler and James Landale drop by to explain how America is trying to rewrite the global order… and get Europe to sign on and Joe Pike explains why spending more on defence is never politically straightforward.Plus, Joe and Adam discuss the government's decision to scrap it's plans to postpone elections for 30 councils after recieving “legal advice”. They also review the government's latest proposals to crack down on online safety for children and Starmer's response to claims that a Labour Think Tank paid a private investigator to look into journalists. You can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Newscast”. It works on most smart speakers. You can join our Newscast online community here: https://bbc.in/newscastdiscordGet in touch with Newscast by emailing newscast@bbc.co.uk or send us a WhatsApp on +44 0330 123 9480.New episodes released every day. If you're in the UK, for more News and Current Affairs podcasts from the BBC, listen on BBC Sounds: https://bbc.in/4guXgXd Newscast brings you daily analysis of the latest political news stories from the BBC. The presenter was Adam Fleming. It was made by Anna Harris with Shiler Mahmoudi. The social producer was Joe Wilkinson. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

Hello Football Daily listeners... we'd like to introduce you to Game's Gone: The Steve Bracknall Podcast.In this episode, you'll get some of the best bits of the series so far, as Steve Bracknall takes a deep dive into the murky world of the modern game whilst desperately trying to hold his ramshackle Sunday league team together. Listen weekly to Game's Gone: The Steve Bracknall Podcast on BBC Sounds or watch on YouTube.

"There is a public health disaster. There is an education disaster. It all can be traced to the same cause, which is the change technology has made in our kids' childhood."Amol Rajan speaks to the American social psychologist Jonathan Haidt. In 2024 his book The Anxious Generation sparked a fierce debate about the impact of social media and technology on young people. Haidt believes it's behind the soaring number of mental health problems but social media companies claim this oversimplifies a deeply complex issue.Now he says we are at a tipping point in our relationship with technology, with countries moving towards much greater regulation of social media use for children.Thank you to the Radical team for its help in making this programme.The Interview brings you conversations with people shaping our world, from all over the world. The best interviews from the BBC, including episodes with Microsoft AI boss Mustafa Suleyman and Annika Wells, the minister in charge of Australia's social media ban for under-16s. You can listen on the BBC World Service on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 0800 GMT. Or you can listen to The Interview as a podcast, out three times a week on BBC Sounds or wherever you get your podcasts. Presenter: Amol Rajan Producers: Anna Budd and Lucy Sheppard Editor: Justine LangGet in touch with us on email TheInterview@bbc.co.uk and use the hashtag #TheInterviewBBC on social media.(Image: Jonathan Haidt Credit: Kristina Bumphrey/Variety via Getty Images)

Miquita Oliver and Jordan Stephens answer your questions about love.Next week, we want to hear your questions about LOVE PART 2. Please send us a voice note on WhatsApp: 08000 30 40 90. Or, if you like, send us an email: missme@bbc.co.uk.This episode contains very strong language and adult themes. Credits: Producer: Natalie Jamieson Technical Producer: Oliver Geraghty Assistant Producer: Caillin McDaid Production Coordinator: Rose Wilcox Executive Producer: Dino Sofos Commissioning Producer for BBC: Jake Williams Commissioners: Dylan Haskins & Lorraine Okuefuna Miss Me? is a Persephonica production for BBC Sounds

A 1900s case involving a high-society woman who gets caught up in a life of crime after a traumatic event.Murder They Wrote with Laura Whitmore and Iain Stirling is available twice a week on BBC Sounds. Subscribe now so you never miss an episode. Email us at lauraandiain@bbc.co.uk

Adeel Akhtar is an award-winning actor whose breakthrough role came in 2010 when he starred in Chris Morris's black comedy Four Lions. He won his first BAFTA for Best Actor in 2017 for his role in the BBC drama Murdered by My Father. His second, for Best Supporting Actor, came in 2023 playing Andy Fisher in the BBC series Sherwood.Adeel was born in Hounslow in West London and grew up in Buckinghamshire. He discovered a love of acting at school when he and a group of friends put on a production of Harold Pinter's play The Homecoming. He read law at university but in 2002 followed his true passion and took a drama course at The Actors Studio in New York.He got his first screen part playing one of the four hijackers of United Airlines Flight 93 in the television docudrama Let's Roll: the Story of Flight 93. He has gone on to stretch his talents playing roles in the television series Fool Me Once, The Night Manager and Killing Eve. More recently he appeared on stage in The Cherry Orchard and a new play called The Empire.Adeel lives in London with his wife, documentary maker Alexis Burke, and their two children.DISC ONE: The Weight - Aretha Franklin DISC TWO: Jamaica Farewell - Harry Belafonte DISC THREE: Danny Nedelko - Idles DISC FOUR: First Big Weekend - Arab Strap DISC FIVE: After Hours - Velvet Underground DISC SIX: Time to Pretend - MGMT DISC SEVEN: People's Faces - Kae Tempest DISC EIGHT: Do You Realize?? - The Flaming Lips BOOK CHOICE: A Swim in the Pond in the Rain by George Saunders LUXURY ITEM: A solar-powered air fryer CASTAWAY'S FAVOURITE: Do You Realize?? - The Flaming Lips Presenter: Lauren Laverne Producer: Paula McGinleyDesert Island Discs has cast many actors away to the island over the years including Cillian Murphy, Stephen Graham, Lesley Manville and Helen McCrory. Adeel's friend Meera Syall is in our archive too. You can hear their programmes if you search through BBC Sounds or our own Desert Island Discs website.

Today, Laura and Paddy are joined by correspondent Joe Pike to go through the biggest stories of the day.Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has called for a stronger, bolder Europe, and deeper links between the UK and the EU. He told world leadersat the Munich Security conference “we are not the Britain of the Brexit years any more,” and Europe “must be ready to fight”.We also look at a story about a think tank, Labour Together, which helped labour win in the General Election. They are accused of paying a PR firm to investigate the personal details of a journalist. Labour Together says its supporting an investigation.And, Laura's been speaking to Dr Hilary Cass, the author of a major review into the treatment of children and young people questioning their gender. On Laura's Sunday show, Cass says children have been "weaponised" by both sides of a toxic debate about transgender rights.You can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Newscast”. It works on most smart speakers.You can join our Newscast online community here: https://bbc.in/newscastdiscordGet in touch with Newscast by emailing newscast@bbc.co.uk or send us a WhatsApp on +44 0330 123 9480.New episodes released every day. If you're in the UK, for more News and Current Affairs podcasts from the BBC, listen on BBC Sounds: https://bbc.in/4guXgXdNewscast brings you daily analysis of the latest political news stories from the BBC. The presenters were Laura Kuenssberg and Paddy O'Connell. It was made by Chris Flynn with Kris Jalowiecki. The social producer was Gabriel Purcell-Davies. The technical producer was Ben Andrews. The weekend series producer is Chris Flynn. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

Ian McMillan's guests this week are the singer and songwriter Richard Dawson, T.S. Eliot prize winning poets Jacob Polley and Sarah Howe and Children's Laureate Frank Cottrell Boyce - who celebrates Professor John Carey and the art of poetry criticism.Richard Dawson and Jacob Polley light up the past and make the future of energy and community life seem more real - by bringing their different sensibilities to 'Ancestral Reverb' - an album created by north east organisation 'Threads in the Ground' (directed by Adam Cooper). 'Ancestral Reverb' contains music spanning over 100 years, and the words of those connected to coal. DJ and producer Bert Verso sampled historic music for this album, and wove it through with his own new compositions. The records are embedded with fragments of coal. Richard Dawson's latest album is 'End of the Middle' and Jacob Polley's 'Hymn to Water' can be heard on BBC Sounds (www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m002mw7t)Sarah Howe's new book is 'Loop of Jade' which beautifully takes on threads from her T.S. Eliot prize winning collection 'Loop of Jade'. Sarah explores a 'Neon Line' for us from the work of the American 20th century poet Elizabeth Bishop - a stand-out line that lets us into a poem. Sarah tells us about the power of the messy first draft, and where it can lead a poet.Children's Laureate, novelist and writer of the 2012 Olympic Opening Ceremony - Frank Cottrell Boyce celebrates the wit, generosity, and pithy opening sentences of Professor John Carey, whose distinctive voice as teacher, critic and broadcaster led so many into a deep engagement with poetry.Presented by Ian McMillan Produced by Faith Lawrence

Today, Laura and Paddy speak to Victoria Derbyshire about her exclusive UK interview with Gisèle Pelicot, the woman at the centre of France's largest rape trial. She told Victoria she was "crushed by horror" on discovering that, for years, her husband had repeatedly drugged her unconscious and invited dozens of men to rape her.Victoria spoke to her about how she waived her legal right to anonymity, opening up the trial to the public and the media in order for “the shame to shift to the other side”. The full interview is on iPlayer now and on BBC2 at 10pm on Sunday. It's called Gisèle Pelicot: The Newsnight Interview.You can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Newscast”. It works on most smart speakers.You can join our Newscast online community here: https://bbc.in/newscastdiscordGet in touch with Newscast by emailing newscast@bbc.co.uk or send us a WhatsApp on +44 0330 123 9480.New episodes released every day. If you're in the UK, for more News and Current Affairs podcasts from the BBC, listen on BBC Sounds: https://bbc.in/4guXgXdNewscast brings you daily analysis of the latest political news stories from the BBC. The presenters were Laura Kuenssberg and Paddy O'Connell. It was made by Chris Flynn with Kris Jalowiecki. The social producer was Gabriel Purcell-Davies. The technical producer was Phil Bull. The weekend series producer is Chris Flynn. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

Former GB badminton player Gail Emms, presenter Holly Hamilton, EastEnders actor Jake Wood, and comedian Henning Wehn join Rick Edwards for an hour of sporting punditry, humour and entertainment. Points are awarded for informed comment, wit and passion, but taken away for nonsense and answers lacking in conviction.In the final round, the top two points scorers go head-to-head in 'Defend the Indefensible' where they must both defend a statement however ludicrous or distasteful for twenty seconds. There can only be one winner!Listen to the podcast on BBC Sounds

Simon and Zing bring you a weekend listening recommendation: The Interface, the BBC's fiercely informed, fast and funny take on how tech is changing everything.Hosted by three leading tech journalists whose work covers every aspect of the subject, each episode unpacks week-by-week the unfolding story of how technology is shaping all our futures. No guests. No jargon. Just three sharp voices debating the tech news stories that matter - whether they shook a government, broke the internet, or quietly tipped the balance of power.As TikTok shifts geopolitics, Trump drives digital shockwaves, Elon Musk expands his space-internet empire and AI reroutes the routines of everyday life - the trio ask: what world are the tech titans building for us? And do we want to live in it?If you're in the UK, you can listen to The Interface on BBC Sounds. Everywhere else, find it on BBC.com or wherever you get your podcasts.

Today, we're looking back on a tumultuous week for the Prime Minister.James and Chris are joined by Tim Shipman, political editor of The Spectator, and Professor Jane Green, Director of Nuffield Politics Research Centre and President of the British Polling Council. They discuss the Prime Minister's moment of ‘peril', what we've learned about Keir Starmer's leadership and… which surprising celebrity ended up on the shortlist to become US ambassador.You can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Newscast”. It works on most smart speakers. You can join our Newscast online community here: https://bbc.in/newscastdiscordGet in touch with Newscast by emailing newscast@bbc.co.uk or send us a WhatsApp on +44 0330 123 9480.New episodes released every day. If you're in the UK, for more News and Current Affairs podcasts from the BBC, listen on BBC Sounds: https://bbc.in/4guXgXd Newscast brings you daily analysis of the latest political news stories from the BBC. The presenter was Adam Fleming. It was made by Miranda Slade with Sophie van Brugen and Shiler Mahmoudi. The social producer was Joe Wilkinson. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

"I've always focused on what I've been called to do and how I do that in partnership with others." Aleem Maqbool speaks to Dame Sarah Mulally, shortly before being confirmed as Archbishop of Canterbury. She's the first woman ever to lead the Church of England. It's a tough time for the Church and its leader who has to hold together people with a broad range of opinions across the Anglican Communion, one of the largest Christian communities in the world. Dame Sarah's election has upset some traditionalists who have threatened to leave the church because they are against the role of women in leadership. And, with her predecessor leaving because of his failings over abuse in the church, her stance on safeguarding, along with reparative justice and the blessings in church of same sex couples, are all in the spotlight. A former nurse, Dame Sarah rose to become England's chief nursing officer before being ordained. She says that there are strong links between nursing and being a priest - not always finding a cure, she says, but trying to heal. The Interview brings you conversations with people shaping our world, from all over the world. The best interviews from the BBC, including episodes with Hind Kabawat, Syria's only woman minister, and Nigel Casey, the UK's ambassador to Russia. You can listen on the BBC World Service on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 0800 GMT. Or you can listen to The Interview as a podcast, out three times a week on BBC Sounds or wherever you get your podcasts. Presenter: Aleem Maqbool Producers: Clare Williamson Editors: Justine Lang and Damon Rose Get in touch with us on email TheInterview@bbc.co.uk and use the hashtag #TheInterviewBBC on social media.(Image: Dame Sarah Mullally Credit: Ray Tang/Anadolu via Getty Images)

1922: The BBC was formed; 1936: The BBC launches TV service from Alexandra Palace; 1967: Radio 1 hits the airwaves; 1979: The BBC starts 24 hour Radio broadcasts; 1983: BBC Breakfast TV begins; 1994: BBC Radio 5 Live is launched; 2002: CBBC starts broadcasting; 2018: BBC Sounds is unveiled….....and now, in 2026 - following on from this prestigious history of public service broadcasting - Mattchin introduces a Brand New Format which has 'never been tried before' - his words! Plus why we're loving the Mens T20 World Cup and your reviews.

Welcome to the VALENTINE'S DATING SPECIAL 2026 of Crushed by Margaret Cabourn-Smith; the podcast where I grill funny people about unrequited love.  Today's episode features gloriously hilarious stand-up and Taskmaster alum Fatiha El-Ghorri. Fatiha is a sharp, fearless, wise human and I felt honoured to be in her presence - I kept wanting to make notes, even though the whole thing was literally being recorded. Fatiha has a BBC Radio 4 show about dating called A MATCH MADE INSHALLAH which you can hear on BBC Sounds. She is also on tour in 2026 but get your tickets quicksharp as they're selling out. Go to www.fathiaelghorri.co.uk/events Thrilled to announce that my guest for our next live show at the Machynlleth Comedy Festival is the unassailable comedy icon HARRIET KEMSLEY so do get your tickets - they are available here. Come and find us... On ⁠⁠Substack⁠⁠ where if you subscribe for a tiny amount of money a month, you'll have access to the podcast ad-free and exclusive content from me as well as a lot of gushy love from me. On ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ if you want to check on what I look like as time passes. On ⁠⁠email⁠⁠, where you can send us anecdotes, adoration and arguments crushedbymcs@gmail. We're also compiling a list of the hottest celebrity crushes so do get involved. Who doesn't love post!? And if you want to do nothing but simply chuck me £4 to buy myself some sellotape and a copy of the Radio Times to make a collage, head for ko-fi.com/crushedbymcs Thanks for downloading and supporting us. You're my people. If you can up your devotion and give us a five star rating I'll be able to sense it when I see you, and will give you a hug (Or complicated salute if hugging's not your thing). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Billionaire and Manchester United co-owner, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, has apologised to those who were offended by his comment that “the UK has been colonised by immigrants”. He said this to a journalist at a business summit in Belgium earlier this week.Sir Keir Starmer, who condemned Sir Jim's comments has said that he was right to apologise for causing offence. While the businessman was also criticised by Greater Manchester mayor, Andy Burnham, and other opposition parties and footballing groups, Reform UK leader, Nigel Farage, has defended him saying ‘Labour may try to ignore [immigration] but Reform won't.'James and Alex are joined by chief football news reporter, reporter Simon Stone. Plus the BBC's climate editor, Justin Rowlatt, joins James and Alex to explain the data that says China's CO2 emissions have been falling for the past year and what it tells us about the trends for global emissions.You can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Newscast”. It works on most smart speakers. You can join our Newscast online community here: https://bbc.in/newscastdiscordGet in touch with Newscast by emailing newscast@bbc.co.uk or send us a WhatsApp on +44 0330 123 9480.New episodes released every day. If you're in the UK, for more News and Current Affairs podcasts from the BBC, listen on BBC Sounds: https://bbc.in/4guXgXd Newscast brings you daily analysis of the latest political news stories from the BBC. The presenters were Alex Forsyth and James Cook. It was made by Anna Harris with Shiler Mahmoudi, Chloe Scannapieco and Sophie van Brugen. The technical producers were Mike Regaard and Dafydd Evans. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

How can music be used to communicate the climate crisis and its solutions? This week on Zero, Akshat Rathi talks with Pulitzer Prize winning composer Julia Wolfe about her recent work, unEarth, which explores climate change and habitat loss through orchestra, voice and poetry. Wolfe discusses how she did her research, captured the clash between humanity and nature, and what the piece means at a time when her home country of the US seems to be moving ever further from climate action. Listen to unEarth: If you'd like to listen to the full performance of Julia Wolfe’s unEarth, it will be broadcast on BBC Radio 3 on Thursday, 12 February at 7.30pm UK time, and will be available on BBC Sounds, at least for those here in the UK, for the next month. Explore further: Julia Wolfe’s website: https://juliawolfemusic.com/ Past episodes in the Imagine series: George Saunders on Climate Guilt, AI and Critical Thinking Kim Stanley Robison on Abundance, Adequacy and Better Climate Futures Artist Monira Al Qadiri on the End of Oil Zero is a production of Bloomberg Green. Our producer is Oscar Boyd. Special thanks to Sommer Saadi, Mohsis Andam, Sharon Chen and Laura Millan. Thoughts or suggestions? Email us at zeropod@bloomberg.net. For more coverage of climate change and solutions, visit https://www.bloomberg.com/green.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Miquita Oliver catches up with Jordan Stephens in Thailand to discuss forgetting things, Bad Bunny and the joy of parks.This episode contains very strong language, adult themes and discussions of sex. Credits: Producer: Natalie Jamieson Technical Producer: Oliver Geraghty Assistant Producer: Caillin McDaid Production Coordinator: Rose Wilcox Executive Producer: Dino Sofos Commissioning Producer for BBC: Jake Williams Commissioners: Dylan Haskins & Lorraine Okuefuna Miss Me? is a Persephonica production for BBC Sounds

Today, Keir Starmer was given a grilling at Prime Minister's Questions about his decision to award a peerage to Lord Doyle.Chris unpacks PMQs and the latest revelations with Alex and James, as well as an intervention from former Prime Minister Gordon Brown calling for police to interview Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. Plus the BBC's chief international correspondent Lyse Doucet joins the podcast from Iran as the country marks the 47th anniversary of the Islamic revolution.You can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Newscast”. It works on most smart speakers. You can join our Newscast online community here: https://bbc.in/newscastdiscordGet in touch with Newscast by emailing newscast@bbc.co.uk or send us a WhatsApp on +44 0330 123 9480.New episodes released every day. If you're in the UK, for more News and Current Affairs podcasts from the BBC, listen on BBC Sounds: https://bbc.in/4guXgXd Newscast brings you daily analysis of the latest political news stories from the BBC. The presenter was Adam Fleming. It was made by Miranda Slade, Sophie van Brugen and Chloe Scannapieco. The social producer was Joe Wilkinson. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

'What the regime does to women is even if they don't kill us, when you stop a woman from being herself, stop her from speaking the way she wants to or stop her from connecting, it's a kind of murder. And so we're fighting for our existence. We're fighting our survival.'Svetlana Reiter speaks to the Iranian-American writer, Azar Nafisi, about the current instability in the country of her birth as Iranians continue to seek regime change in Tehran.Born in Tehran in 1956, the story of her life has been greatly shaped by the Iranian Islamic Revolution of 1979, when Nafisi taught English literature at the University of Tehran. She was expelled from the University for not wearing a hijab, and eventually left for the US less than two decades later.Nafisi is best-known for her New York Times bestseller, Reading Lolita in Tehran, in which she wrote about her experiences under the Islamic regime. The book focuses on a short period before she left Iran in 1997, when she would gather a group of young women at her house one morning every week to read and discuss forbidden works of Western literature.Thank you to the BBC Russian Service for their help in making this programme. The Interview brings you conversations with people shaping our world, from all over the world. The best interviews from the BBC, including episodes with Russian punk activist Maria Alyokhina, Wikipedia co-founder Jimmy Wales and author Sir Salman Rushdie. You can listen on the BBC World Service on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 0800 GMT. Or you can listen to The Interview as a podcast, out three times a week on BBC Sounds or wherever you get your podcasts. Presenter: Svetlana Reiter Producers: Anastasia Soroka and Ben Cooper Editor: Damon RoseGet in touch with us on email TheInterview@bbc.co.uk and use the hashtag #TheInterviewBBC on social media.(Image: Azar Nafisi Credit: Massimo Valicchia/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Today, Keir Starmer says that he will "never walk away from the country that I love” after surviving a turbulent 24 hours that saw the Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar call for him to step down. Speaking to the BBC, his energy secretary Ed Miliband said the Labour Party had "looked over the precipice” and decided to back their leader leading to a rallying of support from the cabinet and other senior party figures. So, the Prime Minister is in the clear for now, but is he truly safe? Alex and James break down another turbulent 24 hours in Westminster before catching up with Daniela Relph senior royal correspondent and Caitríona Perry, BBC News chief presenter in Washington to discuss the wider fallout from the Epstein files in the US and for the royal family. You can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Newscast”. It works on most smart speakers. You can join our Newscast online community here: https://bbc.in/newscastdiscordGet in touch with Newscast by emailing newscast@bbc.co.uk or send us a WhatsApp on +44 0330 123 9480.New episodes released every day. If you're in the UK, for more News and Current Affairs podcasts from the BBC, listen on BBC Sounds: https://bbc.in/4guXgXd Newscast brings you daily analysis of the latest political news stories from the BBC. The presenters were James Cook and Alex Forsyth. It was made by Anna Harris with Shiler Mahmoudi and Chloe Scannapieco. The technical producer was Philip Bull. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

Today, Keir Starmer has addressed his MPs and seems to have rallied some support after Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar called for him to quit.In a press conference in Glasgow, Sarwar emphasised his concerns for Scotland ahead of the May elections, and told reporters “the leadership in Downing Street has to change". The move prompted statements supporting the prime minister from cabinet ministers and other key labour figures including potential rivals Angela Rayner and Wes Streeting.The PM has been facing mounting pressure in recent days with two of his top aides Tim Allen and Morgan McSweeney resigning following the aftermath of revelations about the appointment of former US ambassador Peter Mandelson. James and Alex are in for Adam to talk through what it all mean.You can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Newscast”. It works on most smart speakers. You can join our Newscast online community here: https://bbc.in/newscastdiscordGet in touch with Newscast by emailing newscast@bbc.co.uk or send us a WhatsApp on +44 0330 123 9480.New episodes released every day. If you're in the UK, for more News and Current Affairs podcasts from the BBC, listen on BBC Sounds: https://bbc.in/4guXgXd Newscast brings you daily analysis of the latest political news stories from the BBC. The presenters were Alex Forsyth and James Cook. It was made by Anna Harris with Shiler Mahmoudi, Chloe Scannapieco and Sophie van Brugen. The technical producer was Hannah Montgomery. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

Today, we look at the choices facing Prime Minister Keir Starmer now the Mandelson scandal has left him weaker.Former Labour Home Secretary David Blunkett has told Paddy that Starmer should sack his chief of staff Morgan McSweeney. Cabinet Secretary Pat McFadden has told Laura that Starmer should stay in the job. And the Fire Brigades Union has been the first organisation of its kind to say there needs to me a new leader.Laura, Paddy, and political correspondent Joe Pike look at the arguments for and against those suggestions.You can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Newscast”. It works on most smart speakers.You can join our Newscast online community here: https://bbc.in/newscastdiscordGet in touch with Newscast by emailing newscast@bbc.co.uk or send us a WhatsApp on +44 0330 123 9480.New episodes released every day. If you're in the UK, for more News and Current Affairs podcasts from the BBC, listen on BBC Sounds: https://bbc.in/4guXgXdNewscast brings you daily analysis of the latest political news stories from the BBC. The presenters were Laura Kuenssberg and Paddy O'Connell. It was made by Chris Flynn with Kris Jalowiecki. The technical producer was Frank McWeeny. The weekend series producer is Chris Flynn. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

Right after we published our last episode the news that Morgan McSweeney had quit as the Prime Minister Keir Starmer's chief of staff broke.So Paddy and political correspondent Joe Pike got back in the studio and got Laura up on the phone to chat through why he says he's gone, who he is, what a chief of staff does, and who could replace him.We also look at what it means for the prime minister, and why cabinet member Pat McFadden didn't even see this coming.You can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Newscast”. It works on most smart speakers.You can join our Newscast online community here: https://bbc.in/newscastdiscordGet in touch with Newscast by emailing newscast@bbc.co.uk or send us a WhatsApp on +44 0330 123 9480.New episodes released every day. If you're in the UK, for more News and Current Affairs podcasts from the BBC, listen on BBC Sounds: https://bbc.in/4guXgXdNewscast brings you daily analysis of the latest political news stories from the BBC.The presenters were Laura Kuenssberg and Paddy O'Connell. It was made by Chris Flynn with Kris Jalowiecki. The technical producer was Frank McWeeny. The weekend series producer is Chris Flynn. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.