The Explanation
- Episodes
- 385
- Released
- daily
- Latest episode
- Nov 13, 2026
About the 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.
Episodes 385
The President’s Path: What next for Trump and Democrats?
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 …
Show notes
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?
Unspun World: What changes in a Democrat-run Congress?
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 …
Show notes
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 young criminals are being hired to carry out arson and murder in Europe.
Producer: Kate Cornell Executive producer: Benedick Watt Commissioning editors: Silvia Costeloe and Paul Royall
The Media Show: A reckoning for the media industry?
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 …
Show notes
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 tried to use an injunction to block the publication of sexual misconduct allegations. We are joined by a panel to discuss the issues raised: Rosamund Urwin, chief news correspondent at The Sunday Times; Alex Wilson, partner at RPC, and Sarah Ditum, author of Toxic: Women, Fame and The Noughties.
Presenter: Ros Atkins and Katie Razzall Assistant producer: Emily Channon Technical co-ordinator: Christopher Brown Sound: Michael Campbell Producer: Lucy Wai
The President's Path: Democrats win big in US midterms
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 …
Show notes
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 Republicans?
Every weekend, The President’s Path explores the state of US politics in Washington and beyond. We dig into the key issues shaping America and uncover what’s on the minds of those closest to power. You can contact us at: [email protected] Senior producer: Ellyn Duncan Executive producer: Anna Holford Editor: James Kraft
How will Trump react to Republicans’ midterms defeat?
This week John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC’s unparalleled range of experts across the world, explores what the last two years of Donald Trump’s presidency might look like, analyses how the political …
Show notes
This week John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC’s unparalleled range of experts across the world, explores what the last two years of Donald Trump’s presidency might look like, analyses how the political deadlock in Israel could be broken, and looks at the difficulties and opportunities that artificial intelligence presents to science. Producer: Kate Cornell Executive Producer: Benedick Watt Commissioning Editors: Silvia Costeloe and Paul Royall
The Media Show: The role of social media in Gen-Z protests across Europe
Protests across Europe led by youth movements have drawn attention to the role of social media in spreading information and misinformation. Largely led by Gen-Z, these protests have included references to films …
Show notes
Protests across Europe led by youth movements have drawn attention to the role of social media in spreading information and misinformation. Largely led by Gen-Z, these protests have included references to films like The Hunger Games and The Avengers, and featured people in costumes taking part in 'aura battles', while memes of the demonstrations are shared online. Researcher Dr Nayana Prakash considers how online platforms, viral videos and AI-generated content are now an inextricable part of protest movements.
After Russian TV sent a camera crew to report on a Welsh independence march, BBC Monitoring’s Russia specialist Francis Scarr examines how Russian state media is reporting on independence movements across the world, and what this coverage reveals about the Kremlin’s portrayal of European instability and decline.
Presenters: Katie Razzall and Ros Atkins Producer: Tim Bano Content Producer: Lucy Wai Editor: Gavin Poncia Researcher: Ruth Waites Sound: Robin Schroder Technical Coordinator: James Cherry
The President's Path: Midterm races to watch
Could Texas really go blue? Are Democrats at risk in Michigan? A week out from the 2026 US midterms, Sumi Somaskanda and Caitriona Perry look at the key states – and seats – at play in the 2026 US …
Show notes
Could Texas really go blue? Are Democrats at risk in Michigan? A week out from the 2026 US midterms, Sumi Somaskanda and Caitriona Perry look at the key states – and seats – at play in the 2026 US midterms.
Every weekend, The President’s Path explores the state of US politics — in Washington and beyond. We dig into the key issues shaping America and uncover what’s on the minds of those closest to power. You can contact us at: [email protected] Senior producer: Ellyn Duncan Editor: James Kraft Executive producer: Anna Holford
Unspun World: Ukrainians prepare for winter at war
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC’s unparalleled range of experts across the world, explores the challenges facing Ukraine in the war with Russia as winter approaches, analyses the causes of the …
Show notes
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC’s unparalleled range of experts across the world, explores the challenges facing Ukraine in the war with Russia as winter approaches, analyses the causes of the widespread protests in France, and looks at the unexpected victory for President Lula in the Brazilian election.
Producer: Kate Cornell Executive producer: Benedick Watt Commissioning editors: Silvia Costeloe and Paul Royall
The Media Show: Is TV news fit for purpose in the internet age?
Lewis Goodall presenter of “The News Agents” podcast and Krishnan Guru-Murthy presenter of Channel 4 News discuss whether traditional TV news remains fit for purpose in the digital and social media era. And as …
Show notes
Lewis Goodall presenter of “The News Agents” podcast and Krishnan Guru-Murthy presenter of Channel 4 News discuss whether traditional TV news remains fit for purpose in the digital and social media era. And as Blue Planet III returns to BBC One, we talk to Jack Bootle, the BBC’s Head of Specialist Factual Commissioning. He explains how the series was made without generative AI and gives a behind-the-scenes peek into producing the natural history veteran David Attenborough.
Presenters: Katie Razzall and Ros Atkins Producer: Lucy Wai Content Producer: Emily Channon Editor: Gavin Poncia Researcher: Cameron Taylor Sound: Callum Mclean Technical Coordinator: Luke Sweeney
The President's Path: Trump's immigration stance and the midterms
Sumi Somaskanda, Caitriona Perry and Bernd Debusmann take a closer look at how President Trump’s tough stance on immigration is impacting lives and politics. Sumi joins us from Florida, where she’s been hearing …
Show notes
Sumi Somaskanda, Caitriona Perry and Bernd Debusmann take a closer look at how President Trump’s tough stance on immigration is impacting lives and politics. Sumi joins us from Florida, where she’s been hearing from voters firsthand on what is driving their decision at the polls.
Every weekend, The President’s Path explores the state of US politics — in Washington and beyond. We dig into the key issues shaping America and uncover what’s on the minds of those closest to power.
Unspun World: Saudi Arabia’s safe-haven reputation
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC’s unparalleled range of experts across the world, analyses the toll on Saudi Arabia of ongoing Houthi attacks, explores whether the Japanese will end their post-war …
Show notes
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC’s unparalleled range of experts across the world, analyses the toll on Saudi Arabia of ongoing Houthi attacks, explores whether the Japanese will end their post-war pacifism, and looks at the possible effects on English football of Manchester City being found guilty of breaching financial rules.
Producer: Kate Cornell Executive producer: Benedick Watt Commissioning editors: Silvia Costeloe and Paul Royall
The Media Show: More cuts at the BBC
This week the BBC announced more cuts as part of its drive to save £500 million, following on from a series of other budget saving measures over the last few months. Katie and Ros take stock of everything …
Show notes
This week the BBC announced more cuts as part of its drive to save £500 million, following on from a series of other budget saving measures over the last few months. Katie and Ros take stock of everything announced so far along with a panel of experts: ex-BBC executive Roger Mosey, MP for Southport Patrick Hurley, Baroness Morgan, former Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport and the BBC Deputy Director General Rhodri Talfan-Davies.
And a new Channel 4 programme investigates public attitudes toward disability. The creators of The Experiment have built a fictional care home for disabled people and invite members of the public into the facility to see if they can recognize Nazi-era concepts disguised as modern social care. Producer Nick Parnes and presenter Sophie Morgan join the show.
Presenters: Ros Atkins and Katie Razzall Producer: Tim Bano Content Producer: Lucy Wai Editor: Gavin Poncia Researcher: Ruth Waites Sound: Mark Pickett Technical Coordinator: Mark Dickins
The President's Path: Will affordability decide the US midterms?
Sumi Somaskanda, Caitriona Perry and Bernd Debusmann discuss how the issue of affordability is playing out in different parts of the US - and shaping voters' views. Will voters punish the president and his team …
Show notes
Sumi Somaskanda, Caitriona Perry and Bernd Debusmann discuss how the issue of affordability is playing out in different parts of the US - and shaping voters' views. Will voters punish the president and his team at the ballot box?
Every weekend, The President’s Path explores the state of US politics — in Washington and beyond. We dig into the key issues shaping America and uncover what’s on the minds of those closest to power. You can contact us at: [email protected] Senior producer: Ellyn Duncan Editor: James Kraft Executive producer: Anna Holford
Unspun World: Russia escalates attacks on Ukraine
John Simpson explores the effect on civilians of Russia’s intense bombardment of Ukrainian cities, looks at how Turkey has become a more authoritarian state, and analyses China’s decision to regulate AI …
Show notes
John Simpson explores the effect on civilians of Russia’s intense bombardment of Ukrainian cities, looks at how Turkey has become a more authoritarian state, and analyses China’s decision to regulate AI chatbots.
Producer: Kate Cornell Executive producer: Benedick Watt Commissioning editors: Silvia Costeloe and Paul Royall
The Media Show: TV screenwriter Russell T Davies
Writer and producer Russell T Davies reflects on his career, from the groundbreaking series Queer as Folk to the revival of Doctor Who, Years and Years and his latest Channel 4 drama Tip Toe. The BBC has issued …
Show notes
Writer and producer Russell T Davies reflects on his career, from the groundbreaking series Queer as Folk to the revival of Doctor Who, Years and Years and his latest Channel 4 drama Tip Toe.
The BBC has issued an apology for making false and defamatory allegations about the founder of PinkNews and his husband. Katy Searle, Head of Opinion at The i, and legal expert Clive Coleman assess the editorial and legal implications of the case.
Presenters: Katie Razzall and Ros Atkins Producer: Tim Bano Content Producer: Lucy Wai Editor: Gavin Poncia Researcher: Ruth Waites Sound: Adrian Bhargava Technical Coordinator: Mark Dickins
The President's Path: Could Trump deliver Democrats a midterm victory?
Sumi Somaskanda, Caitriona Perry and Bernd Debusmann look at the Democrats' race to the midterms. The party is eyeing some key victories in races across the country, to secure control of either the House or …
Show notes
Sumi Somaskanda, Caitriona Perry and Bernd Debusmann look at the Democrats' race to the midterms. The party is eyeing some key victories in races across the country, to secure control of either the House or Senate – or both – come November. Recent polls appear promising, but what is deciding voters’ minds about who will get their vote – or if they will even head to the polls? Every weekend, The President’s Path explores the state of US politics — in Washington and beyond. We dig into the key issues shaping America and uncover what’s on the minds of those closest to power. You can contact us at: [email protected] Senior producer: Ellyn Duncan Editor: Magnus McGrandle Executive producer: Anna Holford
Unspun World: Israel marks three years since 7 October attacks
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC’s unparalleled range of experts across the world, explores how Israeli attitudes have changed three years on from the 7 October attacks, analyses the possible impacts of …
Show notes
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC’s unparalleled range of experts across the world, explores how Israeli attitudes have changed three years on from the 7 October attacks, analyses the possible impacts of the midterm elections on the Trump presidency, and examines the civil war in Yemen.
Producer: Kate Cornell Executive producer: Benedick Watt Commissioning editors: Silvia Costeloe and Paul Royall
The Media Show: Hungary and the battle for press freedom
Six months after Péter Magyar’s election ended Viktor Orbán’s 16-year rule, Hungary’s new government faces scrutiny over its promised press reforms. BBC East and Central Europe Correspondent Nick Thorpe reports …
Show notes
Six months after Péter Magyar’s election ended Viktor Orbán’s 16-year rule, Hungary’s new government faces scrutiny over its promised press reforms. BBC East and Central Europe Correspondent Nick Thorpe reports from Budapest on how the country’s media is changing.
Broadcaster Anneka Rice reflects on fifty years since joining the BBC as a trainee, tracing her career across television and radio and the changes she has witnessed in British broadcasting.
As the Cornell rape investigation continues, journalism experts including Dr Robert Topinka of Birkbeck, University of London, and Professor Kathleen Bartzen Culver of the University of Wisconsin–Madison consider the ethical and legal responsibilities of reporters covering sensitive cases.
Presenters: Ros Atkins and Katie Razzall Producer: Lucy Wai Content Producer: Emily Channon Editor: Gavin Poncia Researcher: Ruth Waites Sound: Mike Campbell Technical Coordinator: James Cherry
The President's Path: Do Trump's endorsements help?
Caitríona Perry, Sumi Somaskanda and Bernd Debusmann examine the role President Trump is playing in the race to November’s midterm elections. They discuss whether his endorsement is helping Republican …
Show notes
Caitríona Perry, Sumi Somaskanda and Bernd Debusmann examine the role President Trump is playing in the race to November’s midterm elections. They discuss whether his endorsement is helping Republican candidates, look at the key battleground races, and explore the issues likely to matter most to voters.
What effect are Russian drone strikes having on Ukraine?
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC’s unparalleled range of experts across the world, looks at the impact of intensifying Russian attacks on Ukraine, analyses the state of the relationship between China …
Show notes
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC’s unparalleled range of experts across the world, looks at the impact of intensifying Russian attacks on Ukraine, analyses the state of the relationship between China and the United States, and examines the possibility of renewed civil war in Ethiopia.
The Media Show: Reporting the Man City scandal
The Premier League alleges that Manchester City arranged sham contracts with commercial partners to conceal more than £830 million in funding. BBC Sport’s Laura Scott, Der Spiegel journalist Christoph …
Show notes
The Premier League alleges that Manchester City arranged sham contracts with commercial partners to conceal more than £830 million in funding. BBC Sport’s Laura Scott, Der Spiegel journalist Christoph Winterbach, Nick Harris from Sporting Intelligence, and Sky News sports correspondent Rob Harris explain how the story developed and the media’s role in reporting it over time. Also on the programme With Celebrity Traitors and Strictly Come Dancing returning to television, celebrity talent executive Stefania Aleksander describes the process of selecting the personalities who help make these entertainment formats successful, and the behind-the-scenes work that shapes some of the UK’s most-watched shows.
Presenters: Ros Atkins and Katie Razzall Producer: Lucy Wai Assistant: Emily Channon Editor: Gavin Poncia Researcher: Ruth Waites Sound: Chris Lovelock Technical Coordinator: Akik Rahman
The President's Path: Trump on the world stage
Caitríona Perry, Sumi Somaskanda and Bernd Debusmann discuss President Trump's big week on the international stage, from the United Nations General Assembly to hosting China's president at the White House. They …
Show notes
Caitríona Perry, Sumi Somaskanda and Bernd Debusmann discuss President Trump's big week on the international stage, from the United Nations General Assembly to hosting China's president at the White House. They examine how the US president is managing friends and rivals, and grappling with an increasingly complex global landscape.
Unspun World: The state of Germany's government
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC’s unparalleled range of experts across the world, analyses the state of Germany’s government after resounding regional election defeats, looks at the effect of American …
Show notes
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC’s unparalleled range of experts across the world, analyses the state of Germany’s government after resounding regional election defeats, looks at the effect of American cutbacks on the of future of the United Nations, and examines what we can learn from the tightly controlled elections in Russia.
Producer: Kate Cornell Executive producer: Benedick Watt Commissioning editors: Silvia Costeloe and Paul Royall
The Media Show: Earl Spencer, the Palace and the Press
The publication of Earl Spencer’s book about Princess Diana, serialised by the Daily Mail, has reignited debate over who shapes her legacy. BBC Royal Correspondent Sean Coughlan, Evening Standard Royal Editor …
Show notes
The publication of Earl Spencer’s book about Princess Diana, serialised by the Daily Mail, has reignited debate over who shapes her legacy. BBC Royal Correspondent Sean Coughlan, Evening Standard Royal Editor Robert Jobson and media lawyer Mark Stephens discuss the competing narratives in the press and legal implications.
The small village of Piddington in the UK has drawn global attention over plans to house more than a thousand asylum seekers. Guardian journalist Amelia Gentleman and BBC South’s Jamie Morris report on how a local dispute became an international story.
Presenters: Katie Razzall and Ros Atkins Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Content Producer: Lucy Wai Researcher: Ruth Waites Technical Coordinator: Margherita Campanaro Sound: Mark Pickett
The President's Path: Is Canada's EU relationship a threat to Trump?
Caitríona Perry, Sumi Somaskanda and Bernd Debusmann discuss the European Union's ambition for Canada to become its first-ever "associate member", a status that does not currently exist. They examine what such …
Show notes
Caitríona Perry, Sumi Somaskanda and Bernd Debusmann discuss the European Union's ambition for Canada to become its first-ever "associate member", a status that does not currently exist. They examine what such a partnership could mean for Canada, President Trump’s reaction, and whether deeper ties with Europe could reshape Canada's future relationship with its neighbour. Senior producer: James Kraft Editor: James Kraft Executive producer: Anna Holford
Unspun World: Yemen hostilities escalate
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC’s unparalleled range of experts across the world, analyses the impact of the latest outbreak of hostilities in Yemen, examines whether there is any hope for a …
Show notes
John Simpson, in discussion with the BBC’s unparalleled range of experts across the world, analyses the impact of the latest outbreak of hostilities in Yemen, examines whether there is any hope for a Palestinian state in the Middle East, and explores the potential dangers of artificial intelligence.
Producer: Kate Cornell Executive producer: Benedick Watt Commissioning editors: Silvia Costeloe and Paul Royall
The Media Show: Is the right of reply under threat?
The right of reply has long been a cornerstone of journalism, giving those involved in a story the chance to respond before publication. But with politicians and public figures now using social media to publish …
Show notes
The right of reply has long been a cornerstone of journalism, giving those involved in a story the chance to respond before publication. But with politicians and public figures now using social media to publish their own version first, is this principle being undermined? Guto Harri, former Downing Street Director of Communications, Professor Karen Fowler-Watt from City St George’s, University of London, and journalist Matt Shea assess how the practice is changing. As streaming services compete for attention, TV remotes usually now include buttons for platforms like Netflix and YouTube, often paid for by the services themselves. UK broadcasters argue this disadvantages British platforms and have called for a dedicated ‘British’ button. Technology historian Edd Thomas and Professor Catherine Johnson from the University of Leeds explain why the remote has become such a significant battleground.
Presenters: Katie Razzall and Ros Atkins Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Content Producer: Lucy Wai Researcher: Ruth Waites Production Assistant: Cameron Taylor Technical Coordinator: Samuel Iyiola Sound: Nicola Brough
The President's Path: How 9/11 changed America and the world
Caitríona Perry, Sumi Somaskanda and Bernd Debusmann reflect on the legacy of the 9/11 attacks 25 years on, examining their lasting impact on US society and foreign policy, and how that day reshaped the course …
Show notes
Caitríona Perry, Sumi Somaskanda and Bernd Debusmann reflect on the legacy of the 9/11 attacks 25 years on, examining their lasting impact on US society and foreign policy, and how that day reshaped the course of the world.
The Media Show: A television experiment that lasted 60 years
In 1964, a group of seven-year-olds appeared in a TV documentary about class in Britain. The cameras returned every seven years to see how their lives had changed. Now, more than 60 years later, 70 Up brings …
Show notes
In 1964, a group of seven-year-olds appeared in a TV documentary about class in Britain. The cameras returned every seven years to see how their lives had changed. Now, more than 60 years later, 70 Up brings the project to an end. Jo Clinton-Davis, Controller of Factual at ITV, talks about the people who took part and the legacy of a remarkable TV experiment.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has given an interview to Katie Razzall and The Media Show. She talks about BBC funding and cuts, its place in the UK media landscape, and proposals for a UK streaming service and a public service algorithm. Jake Kanter, international investigations editor at Deadline, gives his reaction.
Channel 4’s undercover investigation into Reform UK has raised questions about how undercover journalism works and how political parties use opinion polls that later appear in the media. Sir John Curtice, professor of politics at the University of Strathclyde, and Stephan Shakespeare, CEO of YouGov, consider the issues raised by the story.
Presenters: Katie Razzall and Ros Atkins Producer: Lisa Jenkinson Content producer: Lucy Wai Production co-ordinator: Colette Cunningham Technical co-ordinator: Mark Dickins Sound engineer: Allyson Purcell-Davis
The President's Path: Trump's second term: How America and the world sees him
Caitríona Perry, Sumi Somaskanda and Bernd Debusmann answer your questions on Trump’s presidency and examine the key issues that could shape the midterms, from his approach to foreign policy and relations with …
Show notes
Caitríona Perry, Sumi Somaskanda and Bernd Debusmann answer your questions on Trump’s presidency and examine the key issues that could shape the midterms, from his approach to foreign policy and relations with US allies to the domestic political battles and key races to watch.
Senior producer: James Kraft Editor: James Kraft Executive producer: Anna Holford
These are the latest 40 of 385 episodes. You’ll find older episodes in the podcast’s feed.
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