These are strange times we’re living in.
From huge political shake-ups to catastrophic environmental disasters, keeping track of world affairs is a challenging task.
But don’t fret. Podcasts have become a reliable source of news and information for listeners around the globe and some shows are bearing the heavy burden of reporting international news. You’ll now find more world affairs podcasts than ever before.
So if you want a better understanding of international news and global politics, here’s our pick of five podcasts you need to know about:
1. Pod Save the World
From the makers of the critically-acclaimed Pod Save America comes Pod Save the World.
The podcast is hosted by Tommy Vietor, a former spokesperson for President Obama, and looks at world affairs from a US perspective. But you don’t have to live in the US to find this Pod Save the World fascinating.
Vietor tackles some of the biggest events in global politics, from the crisis in Burma to the rise of the far-right in Europe. Expect in-depth interviews with experts and insightful conversations with people who have been instrumental in deciding US foreign policy.
2. The Economist Radio
OK, we admit…strictly-speaking The Economist Radio is a collection of weekly podcasts, not a single series. But don’t let that stop you.
This impressive collection, headed by senior editor Anne McElvoy, includes ‘The week ahead’ – a podcast where editors and correspondents of The Economist discuss the events shaping the world next week.
Meanwhile, in ‘Money talks’ editors from the magazine show off their knowledge about the world of business, joining the dots between politics, technology and the impact world affairs has on the financial markets.
3. PRI’s The World
PRI’s The World is a shining example of how to report on world affairs. Created partly in response to the lack of international news in US commercial media, the podcast covers everything from the popularity of mariachi music in mid-60s Yugoslavia to the devastating 2017 earthquakes in Mexico.
And there’s a lot of news to get through, which is why The World is available every weekday. Expect to hear host Marco Werman and guests discussing “the world’s most interesting stories in an hour of radio that reminds us just how small our planet really is”.
4. FT World Weekly
Operating a global network of award-winning foreign correspondents must come in handy when you want to produce a podcast about world affairs. And this is what sets the FT World Weekly apart from the rest.
The Financial Times and host Gideon Rachman are perfectly placed to offer expert opinion and analysis on the major international stories making headlines around the world. This podcast takes the form of a short weekly podcast focusing on a single topic, from the Syrian civil war to Brexit.
5. Reveal
A winner in our 2017 Online Radio Awards, Reveal is considered one of the finest new politics podcasts. And rightly so.
The podcast is created by The Center for Investigative Reporting and hosted by Al Letson, and while it focuses mostly on domestic issues in the US, you’ll also find thorough reports on the French general election, the rise of the German far right and the global water crisis.
If it’s detailed and investigative reports you’re after, then Reveal is for you.
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