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 | 341 | Founded | 3 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | News CommentaryNewsDocumentarySociety & Culture | |||
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Latest Episodes
The Trump administration has issued subpoenas to several New York Times journalists following reporting about alleged security concerns involving President Trump's new Air Force One, a plane donated by Qatar. The case has prompted debate over the bal... more
Sumi Somaskanda, Caitriona Perry and Bernd Debusmann examine the renewed fighting between the US and Iran, and the potential political implications for Americans and President Trump’s political future.
Every weekend, The President’s Path explores t... more
Nigel Farage has accused parts of the British media of mounting a politically motivated campaign against him after reports about his financial interests prompted an investigation by Parliament's Standards Commissioner. Gabriel Pogrund, editor of the ... more
Sumi Somaskanda, Caitriona Perry and Bernd Debusmann reflect on where America is at, 250 years in. The team discusses a visit to the Great American State Fair in Washington DC, gauges the mood with the latest polling, and evaluates what the American ... 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 Kingdom21 days 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
Australia4 months ago - Rightful
•SERIES: The President’s Path. Annoying Panellist Catchphrase: “Right?” (Even mid-sentence).
Apple Podcasts3(Gibberer)Australia8 months 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
Canada10 months ago Superb podcast
Podcast Addict52 years agocougar
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Chart Rankings
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Apple Podcasts | #50 | United Kingdom/News/News Commentary |
Apple Podcasts | #112 | Canada/News/News Commentary |
Apple Podcasts | #73 | Australia/News/News Commentary |
Apple Podcasts | #184 |  Germany/News/News Commentary |
Apple Podcasts | #231 |  France/News/News Commentary |
Apple Podcasts | #236 |  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?
The series centers on global politics, media dynamics, and high-stakes diplomacy through a BBC-informed lens. Episodes frequently dissect US-Iran tensions, US-China relations, midterm political calculus, and the politics of media ecosystems, often weaving in on-the-ground reporting from international correspondents and guest analysts. A standout is the sustained emphasis on how policy, public opinion, and media narratives intersect in real-time, with a diverse roster of guests ranging from crisis analysts to journalists and policymakers. The show's strength lies in its granular, informed take on long-running stories and breaking events, making complex international developments accessible without sacrificing nuance.
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How many listeners does The Explanation get?
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What are the audience demographics for The Explanation?
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How many subscribers and views does The Explanation have?
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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. The Interview
5. Global News Podcast
How many episodes of The Explanation are there?
The Explanation launched 3 years ago and published 341 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.
How do I contact The Explanation?
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Where can I see ratings and reviews for The Explanation?
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What guests have appeared on The Explanation?
Recent guests on The Explanation include:
1. Lachlan Cartwright
2. Jamie Murray
3. Catherine Whitaker
4. Oleksandra Zhylina
5. Clare Denning
6. Rob Watson
7. Vanessa Buschluter
8. Abelardo de la Espriella
To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.