Best Hashtag Chaos Podcasts (2025)

1
Carsten Breuer, the German chief of defence: Nato faces "very serious threat" from Russia 22:58

8h ago22:58

22:58

Frank Gardner, BBC Security Correspondent, speaks to Carsten Breuer, the German chief of defence. General Carsten Breuer gives his assessment of the threat that Russia poses to the Western alliance Nato. He says that Russia is building up its forces to an "enormous extent" and says that members of the alliance need to prepare for a possible attack …

1
Major New Search For Madeleine McCann 35:16

3h ago35:16

35:16

Today, authorities start a new search for Madeleine McCann in Portugal, nearly two decades after her disappearance. On Monday, Portuguese police confirmed the search is taking place across 21 different plots of land between the resort where Madeleine went missing, and where the German investigators' prime suspect had been staying at the time. Adam …

1
The Plan To Get Britain Ready For War 40:34

23h ago40:34

40:34

Today, the Prime Minister says the UK military is moving to “war-fighting readiness”. The government is setting out the aims of its strategic defence review, or more simply how Britain should get ready for war. Starmer told the BBC that the world has changed and "if you want to deter conflict, then the best way to do that is to prepare for conflict…

1
Tom Fletcher, UN Humanitarian Chief: Is the world doing enough to get aid into Gaza? 22:58

1d ago22:58

22:58

Tom Fletcher, Chief of Humanitarian Affairs for the United Nations, tells Fergal Keane, the BBC’s special correspondent, that Israel is subjecting Gaza to enforced starvation. Gaza faced an aid blockade of nearly three months - now, limited supplies of food, medicine and fuel are being allowed into the territory. But Israel argues Hamas is stealing…

1
The UK’s 'Message To Moscow’ 28:13

2d ago28:13

28:13

Today, we look at what Defence Secretary John Healey has called the UK’s “message to Moscow” as he announces investment in weapons and factories to make them. Laura, Paddy and Henry also talk about how much it’s going to cost, whether it’s affordable, and whether NATO thinks it’s enough. They also talk about Robert Jenrick, after a week of the just…

1
Ex MI6 Chief On The Future of UK Defence 32:08

3d ago32:08

32:08

Today, we look at the future of defence for the UK, ahead of a major strategic defence review from the government. Defence Secretary John Healey has said there is "no doubt" that UK defence spending will rise to 3% of GDP by 2034. Sir Alex Younger, former head of MI6, joins Laura and Paddy to talk about where the threats are, and what it should be …

1
The Week: Starmer v Farage, Trump Tariffs and Political Stunts 28:58

4d ago28:58

28:58

Today, Adam, Alex, James and Vicki discuss Keir Starmer’s attack on Nigel Farage saying he would “crash the economy”. And, in light of Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick filming himself confronting fare evaders on the London Underground, the team compare their most memorable political stunts. Plus, what does legal uncertainty around Trump’s ta…

1
Liverpool Parade Crash Charge + Trump Tariff Chaos 33:04

5d ago33:04

33:04

Today, we look at whether President Donald Trump will be allowed to continue with his tariffs plan. On Wednesday a court put them on hold, saying they’re beyond his power, then another court reinstated them pending an appeal. Adam is joined by chief presenter in the US, Caitríona Perry, Americast’s Justin Webb, and FT columnist Gillian Tett. And we…

1
Are (Even More Of) Israel’s Allies Turning Against Them? 34:24

6d ago34:24

34:24

Today, we discuss the new aid distrubition model in Gaza and why the EU’s top diplomat has gone further in criticising Israeli strikes and aid distribution. The BBC’s chief international correspondent Lyse Doucet joins Adam in the studio to discuss the video footage of chaotic scenes at an aid distribution centre in Rafah. They discuss the controve…

1
Matt Garman, CEO of Amazon Web Services - what is the future of big tech? 22:57

7d ago22:57

22:57

Simon Jack, the BBC’s business editor, speaks to Matt Garman, chief executive of Amazon Web Services - part of the retail giant Amazon, and the world’s largest cloud computing company. Mr Garman started his career at AWS as an intern, and has risen to oversee a global network of huge data centres, providing IT resources for businesses worldwide. In…

1
Everything We Know About The Liverpool Crash, So Far 23:38

7d ago23:38

23:38

Today, a man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after a car crashed into fans during a parade to celebrate Liverpool’s title victory. The 53 year old from West Derby, in Liverpool, has also been arrested on suspicion of driving while unfit through drugs and dangerous driving offences. 50 people were treated in hospital after the inc…

1
The Newscast Summer Tour 55:07

9d ago55:07

55:07

Recorded live at Hay Festival, Adam and Alex look at whether President Trump has changed his mind about President Putin and how politician’s use statistics. Plus, Newscast continues trying to work out if the goverment’s change of policy on winter fuel allowance counts as a U-Turn. They are joined by Anne Applebaum, journalist, historian and author …

1
Surviving Syria’s sectarian violence 22:58

9d ago22:58

22:58

Tim Franks speaks to a British-Syrian Alawite who came under attack, along with her family, during the sectarian violence on Syria’s coast in March. The Alawite sect is an offshoot of Shia Islam and its followers make up around 10 per cent of Syria's population, which is majority Sunni. The recent violence came after fighters loyal to the country's…

1
Will Starmer Scrap the Two-Child Benefit Cap? 28:23

10d ago28:23

28:23

Today we look at whether the government is about to row back on another policy - the two-child benefit cap. It prevents parents from claiming universal credit or child tax credit for a third child, with a few exemptions. Speaking to Laura this morning, the Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner refused to confirm whether it was going to be scrapped. R…

1
Could More Government U-Turns Be On The Way? 24:15

11d ago24:15

24:15

Today, we look at whether this week’s winter fuel U-turn could lead to the government changing course on other spending cuts. Paddy’s taken to the streets of Camden to find out what the public think of their local MP, Keir Starmer. And we hear from some of the 18 year old Newscasters who have got in touch to tell us what they think about the curren…

1
The Week: Migration Falls, Winter Fuel Changed And Chagos Deal Done 29:56

12d ago29:56

29:56

Today, the government are claiming credit for a fall in migration numbers - but should they? Adam and Chris are joined by economics editor Faisal Islam and political correspondent Leila Nathoo to discuss that + the controversial Chagos deal. You can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play N…

1
What's In The Government's Plan To Fix Prisons? 32:39

13d ago32:39

32:39

Today, we’re looking at what the government is doing to deal with overcrowding in prisons in England and Wales. It’s responding to an independent report into the issue by former justice secretary, David Gauke, who’s on the podcast. We’re also looking at a pay rise for the public sector, with teachers and doctors getting 4%. Health editor Hugh Pym a…

1
Starmer’s Winter Fuel U-Turn 44:37

14d ago44:37

44:37

Today, we look at a U-turn from the government, after the Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced plans to ease cuts to winter fuel payments. More than 10 million pensioners lost out on the payments, worth up to £300, when the pension top-up became means-tested last year. Adam and Chris Mason discuss with Starmer’s former political director Luke Sull…

1
Dovilė Šakalienė, Defence Minister of Lithuania: Uncertain times for Europe 22:58

14d ago22:58

22:58

BBC Defence Correspondent Jonathan Beale speaks to Dovilė Šakalienė, Lithuania’s Defence Minister. The Baltic nation, along with its neighbours Latvia and Estonia, share a border with Russia, and have nervously watched the invasion of Ukraine, fearing they could be next. All three countries have had turbulent relationships with their much larger ne…

1
Are Israel’s Allies Turning Against Them? 35:24

15d ago35:24

35:24

Today, we discuss the Foreign Secretary suspending trade negotiations with Israel over its “cruel and indefensible” blockade of Gaza. The UK, France and Canada previously said they’d “take further concrete actions” if Israel doesn’t stop its latest offensive and allow aid in, as Palestinians face more strikes and starvation. The BBC’s international…

1
Brexitcast: The EU-UK Deal (and our Rachel Reeves interview) 40:34

16d ago40:34

40:34

Today, the UK and EU have come to a deal that covers fishing, trade, defence, energy and more. Adam and Chris, in true Brexitcast style, go through the detail as the Prime Minister says it is time to move on from “political fights” about Brexit. Plus, Adam sits down with Rachel Reeves, Chancellor of the Exchequer, as she explains the benefits of th…

1
Doris Salcedo, Colombian artist - giving voice to victims of violence 22:59

16d ago22:59

22:59

In an interview from the BBC’s This Cultural Life, presenter John Wilson speaks to the Colombian artist Doris Salcedo. Her work is a response to the devastation of war, and tells the stories of its victims - tales of loss, trauma and survival. She is recognised as one of the most important living artists, and her powerful sculptures and installatio…

1
Is The UK About To Rejoin The EU Passport Queue? 29:17

17d ago29:17

29:17

Today, we’re looking at more details of what could be in a deal between the UK and the EU, set to be revealed tomorrow. Laura’s been talking to the lead negotiator from the UK side, the European relations minister Nick Thomas-Symonds. He says he’s pushing for UK passport holders to be able to use EU e-gates at airports, and that he’s "confident" ab…

1
What's Starmer's EUro Vision? 31:06

18d ago31:06

31:06

Today we’re looking at what could be in a deal between the UK and European Union expected to be announced at a summit on Monday. Keir Starmer’s former chief of staff Sam White is on to give an insight into what the PM really thinks about Europe. And, Eurovision expert Paddy tells Laura what to watch out for in the final on Saturday night. You can n…

1
The Week: Immigration, Diplomacy and….Tolstoy? 29:21

19d ago29:21

29:21

Today, the UK is in talks with other countries to set up overseas “return hubs” for failed asylum seekers. Adam and Chris are joined by Caitriona Perry chief presenter for BBC News and diplomatic correspondent James Landale. They also discuss the will they, won’t they of the last 24 hours over a meeting between Putin, Trump and Zelensky. You can no…

1
Zelensky In Turkey, But Where’s Putin? 30:44

20d ago30:44

30:44

Today, we look at talks between world leaders and their officials in Turkey, where a breakthrough on peace in Ukraine was hoped for. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with Turkish leader Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in the country's capital Ankara, but Russian President Vladimir Putin stayed away despite having proposed talks. Russia editor Steve …

1
Trump’s Big Middle East Trip (Continued) 36:40

21d ago36:40

36:40

Today, what is President Trump achieving with his tour of the Middle East? On Wednesday President Trump met with the leaders of Syria and Qatar on his first major foreign trip as President. James is joined by the BBC’s diplomatic correspondent James Landale and BBC’s chief presenter in Washington Caitriona Perry to discuss Also, James and Alex expl…

1
Radosław Sikorski, Foreign Minister of Poland: dealing with the growing threat from Russia 22:58

21d ago22:58

22:58

Kasia Madera speaks to Radosław Sikorski, the Foreign Minister of Poland. As a key, long-term ally to Ukraine, Poland has played a pivotal role in supporting its neighbour following the full-scale invasion by Russia in 2022. Mr Sikorski talks about the growing threat Poland, as well as Europe, faces from Russia, and follows his country’s decision t…

1
It’s Not Just A Cyber Attack, It’s An M&S Cyber Attack 33:08

22d ago33:08

33:08

Today, we’re looking at a cyber attack on Marks and Spencer, which started three weeks ago. The retailer said today that some personal customer information has been taken. To understand what has been going on, James speaks to Joe Tidy, BBC’s cyber correspondent, and to Ciaran Martin, the founding Chief Executive of the National Cyber Security Centr…

1
(Another) Plan to Fix "Broken" Migration System 56:21

23d ago56:21

56:21

Today, we look at Labour’s plan to fix the UK’s ‘‘broken’’ migration system. James speaks to Home Secretary Yvette Cooper to comb through the details including a degree-level requirement for overseas workers, ending automatic settlement after five years for most visas, and a tightening of English tests for all visa applicants. We also look at how t…

1
Sir John Major, former UK Prime Minister - are the lessons of WW2 being forgotten? 22:59

23d ago22:59

22:59

Nick Robinson speaks to Sir John Major, former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. It’s 80 years since VE day marked the end of WW2 in Europe - and Sir John reflects on the lessons that should be remembered from the conflict. He is the last British Prime Minister who was alive during the Second World War. Sir John warns democracy should not be ta…

1
Has Putin Been Forced To The Table? 31:12

24d ago31:12

31:12

Today, we’re looking at what’s behind a change in position from the Russian President Vladimir Putin, who’s called for "direct talks" with Ukraine on 15 May. European leaders met in Kyiv to demand a 30-day ceasefire, and spoke with President Donald Trump, on Saturday. We also hear from the Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, who was on Laura’s show this …

1
India and Pakistan Agree Ceasefire 29:31

25d ago29:31

29:31

Today, we look at the ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan. The US President Donald Trump announced the news to the world via social media and it was his secretary of state and vice president doing the mediation. International editor Jeremy Bowen joins Laura and Paddy to talk about how the agreement was reached. They also talk about a pos…

1
The Week: Who Benefits Most From the UK-US Deal? 42:12

26d ago42:12

42:12

Today, the UK and US have both described the deal as a success - but who really benefits from their tariff agreement? Adam and Alex are joined by Dharshini David, BBC deputy economics editor and James Landale the BBC’s diplomatic correspondent to discuss the deal, and whether this has turned around a tricky week for the PM. You can now listen to Ne…

1
The First American Pope: Pope Leo XIV 33:49

27d ago33:49

33:49

Today, Robert Prevost has become the first American Pope, and will be known as Pope Leo XIV. Adam is joined by the BBC’s Religion editor Aleem Maqbool to talk through how the news broke from the Vatican, and what we know about Chicago-born Prevost who worked for many years as a missionary in Peru before being made an archbishop there And, the UK an…

1
Joe Biden: Can the world still rely on America? 22:58

27d ago22:58

22:58

Nick Robinson, presenter of BBC Radio 4’s Today programme and the Political Thinking podcast, speaks to former US President, Joe Biden. The pair met in Biden’s home state of Delaware, in a hotel where he had launched his political career more than half a century ago. In his first interview since leaving the White House, Biden talks about democracy …

1
Could the India-Pakistan Conflict Escalate? 48:27

28d ago48:27

48:27

Today, we’re looking at the conflict between India and Pakistan. On Tuesday night, India launched missile strikes in Pakistan and Pakistan-controlled Kashmir. Adam talks to the BBC’s international editor Jeremy Bowen and Journalist Arunoday Mukharji about what’s happening, how Pakistan is reacting, and whether things could get worse. Americast’s Ju…

1
Tidjane Thiam, Ivory Coast opposition leader - can he run for president? 22:58

28d ago22:58

22:58

Catherine Byaruhanga, presenter and correspondent for the BBC News Channel, speaks to Tidjane Thiam, the main opposition leader in the Ivory Coast. Mr Thiam is a former CEO of Credit Suisse, with a lengthy and successful career in the financial sector abroad. Now, he wishes to stand for the Ivory Coast presidency - but his candidacy has been blocke…

1
The Biggest Trade Deal Since Brexit(cast) 1:03:56

29d ago1:03:56

1:03:56

Today, after three years of on-off negotiations the UK and India have agreed a “landmark” trade deal. Will it make goods cheaper for people in the UK? What does it mean for the number of Indian students coming to the UK? And, does this change the UK’s approach to President Trump’s tariffs? Adam and Chris are joined by Faisal to discuss. Also, Adam …

1
Old Newscast: The Fall of the Berlin Wall, 1989 (Part 2) 35:50

1M ago35:50

35:50

On this episode of Old Newscast, we look at the consequences for the world of the fall of the Berlin Wall. Adam is joined by world affairs editor John Simpson, as well as historian and author of Beyond the Wall, Katja Hoyer. You can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Newscast”. It work…

1
Old Newscast: The Fall of the Berlin Wall, 1989 (Part 1) 44:25

1M ago44:25

44:25

On this episode of Old Newscast, we look at what led to, and what happened on the day of, the fall of the Berlin wall. Adam is joined by world affairs editor John Simpson, as well as historian and author of Beyond the Wall, Katja Hoyer. You can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Newsca…

1
Local Electioncast: The Reaction! (Part 3) 31:22

1M ago31:22

31:22

Today, we look at how the political parties are reacting to this week’s local election results. The Health Secretary Wes Streeting spoke to both Laura and Paddy to give the Labour view. Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch, the Lib Dem leader Ed Davey and Reform UK chairman Zia Yusuf were all on Laura’s Sunday show. We also look at what party st…

1
Local Electioncast: The Results! (Part 2) 33:53

1M ago33:53

33:53

Today, we look at the local election results in full. Reform now have well over 600 councillors. Party leader Nigel Farage said the victory over Labour and the Conservatives was “unprecedented”. The Liberal Democrats are also celebrating after successful election results. The party increased their number of councillors, with its leader Ed Davey say…

1
Prince Harry: Is his safety at risk? 22:59

1M ago22:59

22:59

Nada Tawfik, North America correspondent, speaks to Prince Harry about reconciliation with the royal family after his loss in court over his security arrangements in the UK The Prince stepped down from his duties as a working royal in 2020 and moved to the United States with his wife, Meghan. After his tax-payer funded protection was downgraded, he…

1
Local Electioncast: The Results! (Part 1) 1:04:05

1M ago1:04:05

1:04:05

Today, Reform have won the Runcorn and Helsby by-election by just six votes - one of the closest parliamentary elections ever. Sarah Pochin overturned Labour's large majority to become Reform's fifth MP after a recount. Elsewhere, Reform wins its first mayoral election in Greater Lincolnshire, and Labour narrowly holds three mayoral races in North …

1
What Does The US-Ukraine Minerals Deal Mean For The War? 45:00

1M ago45:00

45:00

Today, we look at what’s in the deal struck between the United States and Ukraine that will give Washington access to some of the war-torn country's natural resources. International editor Jeremy Bowen also explains what it could mean for the conflict. And the Football Association has banned transgender women from playing in women’s matches in Engl…

1
Are We (Finally) About to See a US-Ukraine Minerals Deal? 31:09

1M ago31:09

31:09

Today, the long-anticipated minerals deal may be about to be signed by the US and Ukraine. Adam speaks to BBC chief presenter Caitriona Perry and BBC diplomatic correspondent James Landale about why an agreement is back on the agenda. We also discuss President Trump's cabinet meeting where he blamed former president Biden for “bad numbers” after a …

1
Emi Mahmoud, poet: Has the world abandoned Sudan? 22:58

1M ago22:58

22:58

James Copnall, presenter of Newsday, speaks to Emi Mahmoud, Sudanese activist and poet, about the war that has claimed more than 150,000 lives since it began two years ago. In what the United Nations has called the world's largest humanitarian crisis, about 12 million people have also been forced to flee their homes. Emi speaks about the pain of lo…

1
Canadian Electioncast 33:27

1M ago33:27

33:27

Today, we react to Mark Carney pulling off a surprise victory in the Canadian election as leader of the Liberal Party. Adam is joined by chief international correspondent Lyse Doucet and host of CBC News daily news podcast Front Burner Jayme Poisson to discuss how Carney, who has never held political office, has managed to win the election despite …

1
Power Cuts in Spain and Portugal 34:01

1M ago34:01

34:01

Today, Spain and Portugal have been hit by large power cuts. The Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez says the cause is still unknown. Adam is joined by Rachel Morison, Energy Editor at Bloomberg, and Professor Keith Bell, Professor of Future Power systems at the University of Strathclyde, to discuss what we know - and what we don’t - about the hug…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Hashtag Chaos Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide