The Explanation
BBC World Service
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About This Podcast
Where the world is explained. Making sense of the big stories - looking behind the spin. Exploring the important questions about long-running stories and the latest global news. An honest, unvarnished, explanation of the world.
Featuring new episodes of The President's Path, Unspun World with John Simpson, and The Media Show.
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Recent Episodes
The President's Path: Why is Trump hosting the UFC at the White House?
Sumi, Caitríona and Bernd dig into a big week for President Trump, who is celebrating his 80th birthday - just weeks ahead of America's 250th - with UFC Freedom 250, an invite-only MMA fight on the…
Unspun World: Fighting resumes between Israel and Hezbollah
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC’s unparalleled range of experts across the world, explores the impact of Israel’s recent attacks on Lebanon, analyses the flotation of SpaceX and what it will…
The Media Show: Reporting the World Cup
The men’s football World Cup begins this week in the US, Mexico and Canada. With matches being played in three different time zones, it presents an unprecedented challenge for the media. Alex…
The President's Path: Why did Trump and Netanyahu clash over the Iran war?
Caitriona Perry, Sumi Somaskanda and Bernd Debusmann unpack the extraordinary falling-out between President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu - a reportedly "blazing row" that both…
Unspun World: What's it like to live in Iran now?
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC’s unparalleled range of experts across the world, explores the feelings of ordinary Iranians about the conflict with the United States, analyses the latest…
The Media Show: Inside Rafa Nadal's Netflix show
A new Netflix documentary follows the final stage of Rafael Nadal's tennis career. The series is the latest high-profile sports documentary made for a streaming platform. Zachary Heinzerling,…
The President's Path: The costs of the Iran war
Caitriona Perry, Bernd Debusmann and CBS News' Fin Gomez look at how the Iran War is causing consumers to feel the pinch at the gas pump and the supermarket. They also take a closer look at this…
Unspun World: Is the US preparing to invade Cuba?
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC’s unparalleled range of experts across the world, analyses the possibility of the US forcing regime change in Cuba, examines the effect of the war in Ukraine…
The Media Show: The French Rupert Murdoch
More than 600 actors, writers and directors have signed a letter raising concerns about the influence of French billionaire Vincent Bolloré over the country’s media and entertainment industry. James…
The President's Path: Trump pivots to Cuba
Caitriona Perry, Sumi Somaskanda and Bernd Debusmann look at why President Trump — just back from China — is suddenly turning his attention to Cuba. The Department of Justice has indicted former…
Unspun World: Are US-China relations at a turning point?
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC’s unparalleled range of experts across the world, analyses whether there has been a significant shift in the relationship between the United States and China,…
The Media Show: Filming inside El Salvador’s mega-prison
A Channel 5 documentary filmed inside El Salvador’s Cecot prison has drawn attention to the country’s tough approach to gang crime and the questions around filming in tightly controlled places. The…
The President's Path: Trump in China
Caitriona Perry, Sumi Somaskanda and Bernd Debusmann look at President Trump's trip to China. A lot of people in both the Republican and Democratic parties don't want a deal with China. Many see…
Unspun World: Why can’t the US and Iran reach a peace deal?
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC’s unparalleled range of experts across the world, analyses what is preventing the United States and Iran from reaching an agreement to end their conflict,…
The Media Show: Wrestling with Trump
Munya Chawawa found viral fame during the lockdown for his satirical videos on social media. Now he has a new Channel 4 documentary, Wrestling with Trump, which looks at the links between…
The President's Path: Trump’s midterm messaging
Sumi Somaskanda, Bernd Debusmann and Fin Gomez talk about the ongoing war in Iran and the upcoming midterm elections. Trump's presidential approval rating has been steadily declining in recent…
Unspun World: What’s at stake for Iran’s regime?
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC’s unparalleled range of experts across the world, analyses the Iranian position in its confrontation with the United States in the Gulf, examines the state of…
The Media Show: The accidental BBC News star
Twenty years ago a man arriving for a job interview at BBC Television Centre was taken into a live TV studio and asked to comment on a legal story. The clip quickly spread on early video-sharing…
The President's Path: Is Trump safe?
Caitriona Perry, Sumi Somaskanda and Bernd Debusmann look at the safety of President Donald Trump following the attempted attack at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. They also discuss the…
Unspun World: Trump's exit strategy from Iran
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC’s unparalleled range of experts across the world, looks at the pressure on President Trump to find an end to the confrontation with Iran, examines the way in…
Frequently Asked Questions
The Explanation has published 330 episodes since November 2021, covering topics in Documentary, News.
The Explanation is currently highly active with new episodes every few days. Average episode length is 24m.
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