Business Daily

We meet the real estate developer who’s been tasked with turning Saudi Arabia into a global tourism hub.It is part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s vision for the Kingdom, diversifying the economy away from oil. Red Sea Global CEO John Pagano has managed massive development projects including London's Canary Wharf, a luxury holiday resort in the Bahamas, and now, a tourism mega project on Saudi Arabia's Red Sea Coast. We hear about his career to date and why he likes an ambitious project. This is his biggest yet - can he pull it off?Presenter: Leanna Byrne Producer: Elisabeth Mahy Additional production: Niamh McDermott(Photo: John Pagano, CEO of Red Sea Global. Credit: Red Sea Global)

Transcribed - Published: 12 December 2025

More countries are considering selling state-owned postal services - many have failed to make a profit for years. As businesses and people send fewer letters, there's also strong competition from global package delivery companies. We hear about the challenges facing postal services in Ireland, many of which have been in business for more than a hundred years. And we look to the US, where President Donald Trump favours privatising the national mail service; while in India, the state-run post office network will remain under government control. We also examine efforts to modernise postal services, which could mean delivery by drones and robots in the near future, supervised by AI.If you'd like to get in touch with the programme, our email address is [email protected] and presented by Russell Padmore(Image: A green pillar postbox in Ireland)

Transcribed - Published: 10 December 2025

This week the country becomes the first in the world to implement a social media ban for under 16s. We look at the impact on content creators, tech companies and on businesses which sell via social media?We find out how they're navigating this change, and ask if other countries will look to follow suit.Presenter: Ed Butler Producer: Matt Lines(Image: A group of young people looking at phones. Credit: Getty Images)

Transcribed - Published: 9 December 2025

It’s one richest sports in the world but it still needs to adapt to the times. F1 is now trying to appeal to a younger fan base through deals with Netflix and Lego.Plus it's trying to break that lucrative US market with races in Las Vegas and huge broadcasting deals. We hear from the key figures at F1 and from former F1 driver David Coulthard, who witnessed the end of tobacco sponsorship and saw the likes of Red Bull coming into the paddock.If you'd like to get in touch with the programme, our email address is [email protected] and produced by Victoria Turner(Image: Max Verstappen races down the Las Vegas Strip during the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix on 22 Nov 2025. Image credit: Getty Images)

Transcribed - Published: 8 December 2025

Miishe Addy started her first company in California’s Silicon Valley followed by another business in Accra, Ghana. Now, she runs one of Africa’s fastest-growing logistics tech firms.She describes how she’s tackling the hidden costs of African trade, and what she’s learned as a female founder building companies in two continents.If you'd like to get in touch with the programme, our email address is [email protected]: Sam Fenwick Producers: Ahmed Adan and Niamh McDermott(Picture: Miishe Addy. Credit: Jetstream)

Transcribed - Published: 5 December 2025

Whether you call it football or soccer, next summer, the US, Mexico and Canada will host the FIFA World Cup. It’s the first time three countries have organised the tournament.A record 48 teams will compete across 16 host cities, with millions attending games across North America and billions watching at home.But how much does it cost to host a World Cup? What does it take for a city to welcome hundreds of thousands of fans? And does that investment really boost the local economy? We go pitch-side to find out.If you'd like to get in touch with the programme, our email address is [email protected]: Megan Lawton Producer Sam Gruet(Picture: Sharon Bollenbach, Executive Director of World Cup Hosting for Toronto, Canada.)

Transcribed - Published: 4 December 2025

In Lugano, Switzerland, the cryptocurrency is accepted in some shops and for local municipal services.But the drive towards using what can often be a volatile payment method instead of Swiss francs, hasn't been welcomed by everyone.We hear from businesses, officials and consumers who are navigating this new world.Produced and presented by John Laurenson(Image: View of town on shore of Lake Lugano, Switzerland. Credit: Getty Images)

Transcribed - Published: 3 December 2025

TV channels dedicated to them are shutting down around the world and some superstars have even stopped making them, so are music videos in decline, or are they more vital than ever to grab our attention? We hear from industry insiders in the US, Europe and in South Korea on how the streaming era has changed how we consume music - and shifted the way record labels make money. Produced and presented by Daniel Rosney(Image: Ne-Yo on set during the filming of a music video for his song "Closer" at the Santa Clarita Studios on 10 April 2008 in California (Credit: Matthew Simmons/WireImage)

Transcribed - Published: 2 December 2025

Staff shortages and strikes are leaving passengers and airlines frustrated. So why are there such problems in recruitment? Industry bodies estimate over the next decade we could be short of 70,000 air traffic controllers around the world. We hear what is luring some controllers out of Europe and why others are leaving the sector all together. And what could the financial and safety implications be for passengers and airlines?Presenter: Will Bain Producer: Josh Martin(Photo: NATS Swanwick ops room,. NATS is a UK-based air traffic control company. Credit: NATS)

Transcribed - Published: 1 December 2025

We hear how a free online encyclopaedia, run by volunteers, became one of the internet's most popular sites.Co-founder Jimmy Wales tells about the ideals which helped him build the site, and the challenges its now facing, from AI to political criticism.Presenter: Chris Vallance Producers: Hannah Bewley and Niamh McDermott(Image: Jimmy Wales photographed at Web Summit 2022 at the Altice Arena in Lisbon, Portugal. Credit: Getty Images)

Transcribed - Published: 28 November 2025

We look at the record-breaking sale of the Los Angeles Lakers which has just been approved by the board of the NBA - or National Basketball Association.The Buss family had owned the team since 1979.The new majority owner of the franchise is TWG Global CEO Mark Walter.Mr Walter also has a controlling stake in the Los Angeles Dodgers, the professional US baseball team that won the World Series last year, as well as investments in Chelsea FC.Produced and presented by Guy Kilty Edited by Helen Thomas(Image: Los Angeles Lakers star player LeBron James drives to the basket during the game against the Utah Jazz during the game on 23 November 2025. Credit: Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images)

Transcribed - Published: 27 November 2025

Can Europe be weaned off cheap chocolate? EU efforts to block cocoa linked to deforestation were due to come into force at the end of this year – but have faced multiple delays. Another vote is due to take place soon. Some parties are pushing for further delay and modifications, but others are keen to see the rules come into force as planned. They apply to a number of raw materials, including cocoa. There’s a big challenge facing the world’s biggest market for chocolate: balancing sustainability goals and the price consumers are willing to pay. If you'd like to get in touch with Business Daily, you can send us an email at [email protected] Presented and produced by Hannah Bewley Additional reporting: Matthew Kenyon (Picture: Close up of three cocoa beans hanging from a cocoa tree. Credit: Getty Images)

Transcribed - Published: 26 November 2025

It’s one of the biggest human trafficking operations of modern times. Scam centres across South East Asia have been making hundreds of billions of dollars annually, it’s estimated, conning people into fake crypto-currency investment schemes. But now these centres could be coming under threat, with both military and legal moves by global enforcement challenging their apparent impunity.Presented and produced by Ed Butler(Picture: An aerial photo showing the KK Park complex in Myanmar, taken in September 2025. Credit: Getty Images)

Transcribed - Published: 25 November 2025

Peru is home to Machu Picchu - the ancient Inca city in the Andes mountains. It's one of the seven wonders of the world, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The popular tourist destination attracts millions of visitors, making it very lucrative for the government, local and international businesses.But Machu Picchu is in trouble. Social conflicts, fights over who benefits from the money being made through ticket sales and transport are just some of the problems its facing. Jane Chambers visits Peru to find out what's going on and if there are other local sites for tourist to visit instead.Produced and presented by Jane Chambers Editor: Helen Thomas(Image: A group of tourists waves while leaving on foot due to a protest by residents in Machu Picchu on 16 September 2025 over which bus company should run the local route. Credit: Getty Images)

Transcribed - Published: 24 November 2025

In the second of our two-part series on tightening aid budgets, Sam Fenwick explores what shrinking donor support means for global health — from the sudden halt to major US-funded projects, to the pressure on low-income countries to increase their own health spending.As G20 leaders gather in Johannesburg for the Global Fund’s Eighth Replenishment Summit, we hear from Zambia’s minister of commerce on how his country is trying to plug the aid gap through investment in critical minerals, and from Peter Sands, head of the Global Fund, on why he believes wealthy nations must keep funding global health even as more countries take on greater responsibility for their own systems.With global aid budgets under strain, we examine what’s at stake at today’s summit — and what the future of funding for essential health programmes might look like.Produced and presented by Sam Fenwick(Image: An anonymous woman looks out over her local fishing community near the Zambezi River in Zambia. Credit: Action Aid)

Transcribed - Published: 21 November 2025

We examine the fallout from the cuts to US foreign aid.We meet projects in Rwanda and Nepal that were close to shutting down - and hear the story of a mystery donor who stepped in to keep them going. But how long will the support last? Presented and produced by Sam Fenwick (Image: Beatha making soap in Rwanda as part of one of the projects funded by USAID. Credit: Village Enterprise)

Transcribed - Published: 20 November 2025

One of world sport's biggest rivalries gets underway this week, with England and Australia going head to head in the Ashes. Most matches will last around four or five days, but it's actually the short form of the game that is growing the fastest - and bringing in big audiences and revenues. The IPL or Indian Premier League, has recently been valued at $18.5bn - that's a T20 format played over a few hours. So has the sport now changed irreversibly? And does the longer form of the game have a future?Presenter: Will Bain Producer: Matt Lines(Royal Challengers Bengaluru's Virat Kohli, along with his former teammates AB de Villiers and Chris Gayle, celebrate with the trophy after winning the Indian Premier League T20 final in June 2025. Credit: Getty Images)

Transcribed - Published: 19 November 2025

We speak to the tech executive leading Google and its parent company Alphabet Inc. Sundar Pichai gives us his take on the 'AI bubble', saying no company is immune if the bubble bursts on the "irrational elements" of the boom. He says AI will cause "social disruption" for jobs, even replace CEOs, and says people will have to adapt. Is the world ready?If you'd like to get in touch with the programme, our email address is [email protected]: Faisal Islam Producers: Priya Patel, Elisabeth Mahy, Hannah Bewley(Picture: Google CEO, Sundar Pichai. Credit: Getty Images)

Transcribed - Published: 18 November 2025

As war becomes more high tech than ever, artificial intelligence companies are making software which is increasingly being used on the battlefield. Will Blyth served in the British military as an army major and has used this experience to build his own company, connecting hardware systems from different manufacturers deployed by armed forces.Presented and produced by Rob Young(Picture: Will Blyth. Credit: Arondite)

Transcribed - Published: 14 November 2025

From Ukraine and Russia to Gaza and Sudan, drones have become a key weapon of war. Which companies are making them, and profiting from this rapidly expanding but controversial sector within the defence industry? We hear from a woman in Ukraine who used to own a flower shop in Kyiv, but who is now making drones to send to the front-line; and we hear from a Russian who left his homeland as a teenager and now, from Australia, is developing the technology that helps protect Ukraine from Russian attack. And a former Norwegian paratrooper tells us how he can help protect soldiers from drones. Produced/presenter: Gideon Long(Photo: Participants in the 'Wild Drones' tournament, organised by the Ukrainian Armed Forces in the city of Kamianets, Ukraine, 5 October, 2025. Credit: Maria Senovilla/EPA/Shutterstock)

Transcribed - Published: 13 November 2025

The superfan culture involves doing everything you can to be closer to your idols - often through concerts, merchandise, and streaming support.And now oshikatsu is being praised by some economists for helping pull Japanese retail sales out of a long slump. Figures suggest the role of fan purchasing power has boosted Japan’s annual retail turnover by 2%. But what is so different about the way of supporting our heroes that has created such growth?Produced and presented by Rick Kelsey(Image: Anime and game fans attend the 105th ComicMarket Show in Tokyo, Japan, December 2024. Credit CFOTO/Future Publishing via Getty Images)

Transcribed - Published: 12 November 2025

We find out whether new rules could allow it to move away distance itself from previous accusations of "greenwashing" and fraud? There have been previous false starts for a system which in theory allows for companies and countries to offset their carbon emissions by paying for projects which reduce or mitigate emissions elsewhere. But new UN legislation - which has been a decade in the making – now clarified and ready for use those in the sector hope that the next few years will prove fruitful for the industry. However, questions remain about whether overall the system will help to reduce global emissions. Produced and presented by Hannah Bewley(Image: Renwick Drysdale, managing director of akre)

Transcribed - Published: 11 November 2025

As the country shifts away from fossil fuels, thousands of homes and businesses have been left on waiting lists to connect to its electricity grid. Has the Netherlands moved too fast in its switch to renewable energy, like solar, wind and hydropower?Some commentators are calling it a “grid crisis” – so, could this affect economic growth?If you'd like to get in touch with the programme, you can email us at [email protected] and produced by John Laurenson(Picture: A line of wind turbines in a field in the Netherlands. Credit: Getty Images)

Transcribed - Published: 10 November 2025

Tim Brown is a former footballer who went on to co-found Allbirds, a billion-dollar brand known for its woollen shoes. We hear how Tim balanced his passions for football and shoe design, while growing up in New Zealand.The challenges that came when making a career changeAnd how his brand was inspired by a dream to rescue New Zealand's declining wool industry.Presenter: Sam Fenwick Producer: Amber Mehmood(Image: Tim Brown, co-founder of the shoe brand, Allbirds. Credit: Getty Images)

Transcribed - Published: 7 November 2025

We go to the heart of street photography in Berlin, Germany, to visit an independent camera shop where sales of analogue cameras are flying because of celebrities opting for old school tech. And we go behind the lens to the development labs to discover the rising demands and rising costs as equipment is sparse. What is the price of taking a good photo?If you'd like to get in touch with the programme, our email address is [email protected] and produced by Sean Allsop

Transcribed - Published: 6 November 2025

We find out why the country Japan ranks so poorly in the World Economic Forum’s Gender Gap Index and hear about what’s being done to change thingsFrom bottom-up initiatives to raise the next generation of female entrepreneurs and businesses leaders and to the work being done by one of the country’s top educational institutions as it tries to shake off its men–only image. And will the country’s first female prime minister be the catalyst for change?If you'd like to get in touch with the programme, you can email us at [email protected] and presented by Phoebe Amoroso(Image: Yumiko Murakami, co-founder of the WPower fund, the first in Japan to focus solely on supporting female founders and women-empowerment businesses)

Transcribed - Published: 5 November 2025

When is a bubble a bubble? When is hype around a new technology signalling the dawn of a new industrial revolution? We assess the arguments for and against AI and its inflated valuations. AI firms and their stocks have surged in the last year, accounting for more than 80% of America’s economic growth. But is there real demand underpinning this?To get in touch with the programme, you can email us at [email protected]: Ed Butler Producer: Gideon Long(Picture: The Nasdaq MarketSite in New York, US, on Tuesday, March 11, 2025. Credit: Getty Images)

Transcribed - Published: 4 November 2025

New York City is in the midst of a cost of living crunch. As a result, the race to become its next mayor this week has been dominated by how to make the city more affordable.We hear about radical plans and ask whether they add up, and look at what the race to run the capital of capitalism might teach other cities about how to fight an affordability crisis.If you'd like to get in touch with the programme, you can email us at [email protected]: Will Bain Producer: Matt Lines(Picture: The sun sets on the skyline of lower Manhattan and One World Trade Center in New York City on October 24, 2025, as seen from Jersey City. Credit: Getty Images)

Transcribed - Published: 3 November 2025

We speak to the American founder and CEO of Stine Seed, the largest private seed company in the world, Stine Seed Company. Harry Stine recalls working in a field on the family soybean farm at the age of four, and says he was soon driving tractors before officially starting work with his father. It was then that he realised the potential of plant breeding and seeds, leading him to start his own company. Stine Seed Company now has 1000 patents, and receives fees on about 85% of the acreage in the United States. Presenter: Ed Butler Producer: Amber Mehmood(Image: Harry Stine. Credit: Stine Seed Company)

Transcribed - Published: 31 October 2025

As Canada’s trade war with the US rumbles on, Prime Minister Mark Carney has announced ambitions for the country to become an "energy superpower" in clean electricity, oil and gas. Supporters say it could boost jobs and investment, but critics warn it may come at an environmental cost. We’ll hear about the projects underway, the challenges that could hinder them, and look at how other countries have achieved ‘superpower’ status. If you'd like to get in touch with the programme, our email address is [email protected]: Sam Gruet Producer: Megan Lawton(Picture: A flare stack at the LNG Canada facility in Kitimat, British Columbia, Canada. Credit: Getty Images)

Transcribed - Published: 30 October 2025

Since the Taliban took over from a US-led government in Afghanistan in 2021, the economic challenges facing the country have been huge. The amount of aid going in to the country has dropped, the banking system is difficult to navigate, and international investors are staying away. That is before considering the economic impact of natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods and droughts, which have frequently ravaged rural areas. Government investment seems unlikely, so experts and business owners hope that the private sector can help to rebuild Afghanistan after years of turmoil. To get in touch with the programme, you can email us at [email protected]/presenter: Hannah Bewley(Photo: A man selling used household appliances in a street in Kabul, Afghanistan, in 2020. Credit: Getty Images)

Transcribed - Published: 29 October 2025

Renowned for its multi-step skincare routine and its foundation in the ever trendy Korean culture, K-beauty has become a multi-billion dollar industry across the globe.The term covers a wide range of skincare, make-up and cosmetics from South Korea and is lauded for its quality and value.But as demand grows, tens of thousands of companies are claiming to be K-beauty, and not all of them are based in South Korea. This has raised questions about its identity and authenticity. In the midst of its identity crisis, counterfeiters are now getting involved.So, what puts the K in K-beauty?We hear from manufacturers, retailers and industry bodies who might have an idea.Presented and produced by David Cann Sound mix: Ben Houghton(Picture: A young Asian woman applying a moisturising cream in front of a mirror. Credit: Getty Images)

Transcribed - Published: 28 October 2025

We head to Sweden where a handful of mechanics are taking on one of the world’s richest companies - and the world's richest man Elon Musk.The strike at Tesla’s workshops has now reached its second anniversary. It’s a clash of ideologies, in which each side has much at stake. And after two years there is still no prospect of a resolution.Presenter: Tim Mansel Sound mix: Annie Gardiner(Image: Striking worker Janis on the picket line in Malmo, Sweden.)

Transcribed - Published: 27 October 2025

Bill Ready started his working life in his parents' auto repair shop. Now, his world looks very different as CEO of the social media platform, Pinterest. It's an app where you can search for things like recipes, home decor, and fashion.Pinterest has enjoyed strong growth since the company was launched in 2010. The platform has been valued at more than 22 billion dollars. But when it added controls for younger users the share price tanked. Bill Ready tells Business Daily how the company's tried to make the platform safer for younger users, where the business is growing globally, and what the future might look like for the company as AI technology develops apace. Presenter: Shiona McCallum Producers: Niamh McDermott and Hannah Mullane(Picture: Bill Ready speaking at a conference. Credit: Getty Images)

Transcribed - Published: 23 October 2025

From private equity Mega funds to Hollywood actors and hip hop stars, we look at the appeal of British football. More than a third of clubs in England's professional football leagues are now owned in part or entirely, by US investors. So why do so many Americans seem to want to invest in UK football clubs and what makes the so called ‘beautiful game’ such an attractive investment?Presenter: Will Bain Producer: Matt Lines(Tom Brady, Birmingham City co-owner and film director Matt Alvarez in the stands during the match between Birmingham City and Leeds United in 2023 in Birmingham, England. Credit: Getty Images)

Transcribed - Published: 22 October 2025

We head to the Eastern European country to find out why it's become so popular with people from the UK and elsewhere in the world, who are going there to study medicine.And we hear how Bulgaria is dealing with its own issues in retaining healthcare workers, as it faces a 'brain drain' to other countries and sectors. Produced and presented by Gill Dummigan(Image: An international student in a tuition session in Plovdiv, Bulgaria)

Transcribed - Published: 19 October 2025

We look at a growing industry where candidates are spending on career coaching, résumé redesigns, AI tools, and job boards.In a tough job market, with companies cutting staff due to artificial intelligence and rising costs, is this the way to get ahead?We talk to job seekers about whether these tools really help and share what you can do to find work without spending money. Presenter: Megan Lawton Producer: Sam Gruet(Image: Giovanna Ventola, who runs an online community for jobhunters. Credit: Frank Ventola)

Transcribed - Published: 19 October 2025

As China’s Communist Party conclave gets underway, we take a look at one of the biggest things affecting the country’s economy; debt. 2024 saw an estimated 25 - 34 million people default on their personal loans while household debt has now reached more than 60% of GDP. With the government using subsidies and handouts to get people spending, can China’s debt problem be solved?Presenter: Ed Butler / Producer: Matt Lines(Image: Diners in Shanghai, China during Golden Week, 2024. Credit: Getty Images)

Transcribed - Published: 19 October 2025

The president and CEO of Lamborghini doesn’t just sell supercars, he sells a symbol of status, speed, and style. But what does it take to lead one of the world’s most iconic luxury brands?Theo Leggett meets Stephan Winklemann at a Lamborghini showroom in London, UK, to explore his journey from paratrooper to CEO of some of the top automobile companies. We hear how he steers businesses through a worldwide economic recession, a pandemic, and global trade wars. Plus, with the rise of electric vehicles – what is the future for the luxury car company?Produced and presented by Theo Leggett Additional production: Niamh McDermott(Image: Stephan Winkelmann sat in front of a yellow Lamborghini wearing a suit and grinning into the camera)

Transcribed - Published: 16 October 2025

Can your smartphone bring you spiritual fulfilment? We look at the growth of religion-based apps, as the “faith tech” industry sees rapid growth. Much of the tech charges a fee to use it, but not everyone is convinced.Produced and presented by Rob Young (Image: The "Text With Jesus" chatbot app which has thousands of paying subscribers. It lets people ostensibly ask questions of Mary, Joseph, Jesus and nearly all 12 apostles. Credit: Getty Images)

Transcribed - Published: 15 October 2025

Indonesia’s president has now been in power for a year but having won the election on policies to support the lower classes, the economy is struggling. That struggle led to violent protests across the country making global headlines. We speak to businesses, young people and families about the changes they’ve seen in the past year and discuss whether the new government can fulfil their economic pledges. Presenter: Sam Fenwick Producer: Hannah Mullane(Image: Students eat food supplied by the Indonesian government's free meal programme at an elementary school in Darul Kamal, Aceh province on 13 October 2025. Credit: Getty Images)

Transcribed - Published: 14 October 2025

The country has dropped tariffs on a wide range of US products, a major U-turn in the trade war. It comes after Prime Minister Mark Carney said he had reached a “new economic and security relationship” with US President Donald Trump. But with almost 40% of small Canadian businesses warning they might not survive another year under tariffs, and the province of Ontario losing tens of thousands of jobs, what will this shift mean for the economy? We break down why Canada is changing course and what it could mean for businesses and consumers. Presented by Sam Gruet Produced by Megan Lawton(Image: US President Donald Trump, right, and Mark Carney, Canada's prime minister, shake hands during a meeting in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington DC on 7/10/25. Credit: Getty Images)

Transcribed - Published: 13 October 2025

The country has one of the highest levels of consumer debt in the world as a proportion of its GDP.We hear from people who have borrowed and can't pay back. They're struggling to get regular work to make payments and cover interest. We also speak to a private money lender - are they helping people or making the problem worse?Produced and presented by Ed Butler(Image: Jie Ae Nattarin, a money lender in Thailand wearing her trademark headband)

Transcribed - Published: 12 October 2025

The South African grew up under the racist apartheid system as one of 14 children. He looked set for a life in farming, until a chance event took him down a different path – ultimately becoming CEO of the multinational banking group, Investec. Presenter: Leanna Byrne Producer: Elisabeth Mahy(Image: Fani Titi. Credit: Investec)

Transcribed - Published: 9 October 2025

We head to Switzerland, a small but very successful country with a population of just 9 million.And now coping with some of US President Donald Trump’s highest tariffs. In August the original threat of 31% tariffs was raised to 39%. Two months on, efforts to negotiate with Washington have proved fruitless and the Swiss economy, regularly ranked as the most competitive in the world, is starting to slow down. Produced and presented by Imogen Foulkes(Swiss watch brands, including Zenith and Hublot, in a shopping arcade in Geneva, Switzerland. Credit: Getty Images)

Transcribed - Published: 8 October 2025

Passengers are suffering more disruption as technology at airports, airlines and air traffic control is failing.But why is aviation software becoming more prone to failure and vulnerable to cyber-attacks, and what is the solution to preventing delays?Presented and produced by Russell Padmore(Image: Passengers wait at Heathrow Airport in London, as European airports experienced disruption due to a cyberattack on the check-in and boarding system in September 2025. Credit: Getty Images)

Transcribed - Published: 7 October 2025

For the first time in nearly seven years, federal operations have been drastically curtailed as the US government shuts down. As it enters a second week, we look in detail at how the collapse in funding for government services is affecting America at large - from the Federal worker fearing for his job, to the wider concerns of slowing growth and rising inflation. What does this say about the state of the world’s largest economy?Produced and presented by Ed Butler(Image: "Closed" signage in front of the National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC, US, on 5 October 20205. Credit: Getty Images)

Transcribed - Published: 7 October 2025

Women and girls in Afghanistan have been excluded from much of the working world, as well as from the chance to get an education. Many are finding ways to bring in an income for their families, but a 48-hour internet shutdown threatened this recently.We hear the experiences of shopkeepers, tech workers and charity bosses in the country.If you'd like to get in touch with the programme, our email address is [email protected]/presenter: Hannah Bewley(Photo: Afghan women in burkas walk along a road in the Argo district of Badakhshan province, 28 August, 2025. Credit: Getty Images)

Transcribed - Published: 5 October 2025

Thailand’s Pichaya Soontornyanakij, widely known as Chef Pam, was this year named the best female chef in the world by a panel of more than 1,000 gastronomists assembled by 50 Best, a food and drink sector brand. She’s the first Asian woman to win that award. Gideon Long meets her at her Michelin-starred restaurant in Bangkok, in a building which has deep personal meaning for her and which she and her family have lovingly restored. She takes him on a tour of the gastronomic delights of Bangkok’s Chinatown and tells him about her Thai-Chinese heritage and the challenges of the restaurant business. If you'd like to get in touch with the programme, our email address is [email protected] and produced by Gideon Long (Image: Thai chef Pichaya Soontornyanakij at her restaurant in Bangkok.)

Transcribed - Published: 2 October 2025

Earlier this year, President Donald Trump signed an executive order stopping subsidies for renewable energy sources like wind and solar power. He has called attempts to boost green energy in the US the "Green New Scam". We head to Middletown, Ohio, where a hydrogen-powered furnace for the steel mill, which was subsidised under the Biden administration, has been cancelled under President Trump. Supporters of the new furnace say it would have made a much cleaner plant in the town and created many jobs. We hear from residents, community leaders, and economists, and ask - what happens when industry clashes with politics?If you'd like to get in touch with the programme, our email address is [email protected]: Erin Delmore Producer: Nathalie Jimenez(Picture: Cleveland-Cliffs Middletown Works in Middletown, Ohio, in 2024. Credit: Getty Images)

Transcribed - Published: 1 October 2025