The Explanation
BBC World ServiceWhere 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.
| Publishes | Daily | Episodes | 385 | Founded | 4 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | News CommentaryDocumentaryNewsSociety & Culture | |||
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Latest Episodes
Sumi Somaskanda, Caitriona Perry and Bernd Debusmann look at what comes next, after mammoth midterms. The President, Republicans and Democrats each look to forge their paths – but will voters get the change they demanded in the process?
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC’s unparalleled range of experts across the world, explores how the results of the US midterm elections are reshaping American politics, analyses what the latest UN climate summit can achieve, and looks at how ... more
It has been a week of great consequence for the media. On Monday, Russell Brand was sentenced to over 10 years in prison for rape and sexual assault. On Tuesday, in a separate story, ITV News and The Guardian named David Walliams as the celebrity who... more
On this episode: Sumi Somaskanda, Caitriona Perry and Bernd Debusmann unpack all the big moments from the 2026 US midterms. Voters made their voices heard in a clear message to Trump: they want change. But how will Democrats deliver? And what now for... more
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Reviews
- 4th of July
A level of ignorance by your team of the facts . The 4th of July relates to America choice for the continuation of slavery and discrimination . It is not a version .it is just a fact ..
Apple Podcasts1patricanthony9
United Kingdom5 months ago - Unspun World
I would look forward to hearing John Simpson’s rich timbre when speaking anytime day or night ! I do also happen to appreciate his considered , intelligent , sane reasoning. A must listen me
Apple Podcasts5Danish01
Australia7 months ago - Rightful
•SERIES: The President’s Path. Annoying Panellist Catchphrase: “Right?” (Even mid-sentence).
Apple Podcasts3(Gibberer)Australiaa year ago - Not so unvarnished
I want to hear both sides, but am finding their coverage more and more sympathetic to dark themes. For instance: describing people celebrating CK’s death as disgusting, and his ‘work’ as challenging opinions. Publicly, at least, this man was not a good person. Openly hateful talk is disgusting. Has the BBC entered the upside down world??
Apple Podcasts3Anneli Veronica
Canadaa year ago Superb podcast
Podcast Addict53 years agocougar
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Chart Rankings
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Apple Podcasts | #41 | United Kingdom/News/News Commentary |
Apple Podcasts | #158 | Canada/News/News Commentary |
Apple Podcasts | #59 | Australia/News/News Commentary |
Apple Podcasts | #143 |  France/News/News Commentary |
Apple Podcasts | #221 |  Germany/News/News Commentary |
Apple Podcasts | #227 |  Italy/News/News Commentary |
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Explanation
What is The Explanation about and what kind of topics does it cover?
Clear-eyed reporting and analysis of major political, international and media stories, combining correspondent-led explanation with interviews and studio debate. The coverage moves between US elections and policy, conflicts and diplomacy, European politics, and the pressures facing journalism and public broadcasting. Recurring presenters include John Simpson, Caitriona Perry, Sumi Somaskanda, Bernd Debusmann, Ros Atkins and Katie Razzall, with distinct strands led by experienced correspondents and media specialists. Guests range from journalists and researchers to public officials, broadcasters and creative professionals, bringing expertise or firsthand experience to topics such as elections, war, press freedom, television and technology. T... more
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Which podcasts are similar to The Explanation?
These podcasts share a similar audience with The Explanation:
1. The Inquiry
2. The Documentary Podcast
3. The Global Story
4. From Our Own Correspondent
5. The Interview
How many episodes of The Explanation are there?
The Explanation launched 4 years ago and published 385 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.
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What guests have appeared on The Explanation?
Recent guests on The Explanation include:
1. Sumi Somerskander
2. Shayna Oppenheimer
3. Pallab Gauch
4. Edward Luce
5. Nayana Prakash
6. Paul Adams
7. Nick Beake
8. Camila Mota
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