In a world that feels increasingly difficult to comprehend – wracked by war, disinformation and political upheaval – keeping abreast of global affairs has never felt more vital, nor more complex. The conflict in Ukraine rages on; Gaza faces relentless violence on the one hand and starvation on the other; and there is the fast-escalating threat of all-out war between Israel, Iran and the US. Suffice to say, we are living, as the old curse disguised as a blessing goes, in interesting times.

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Amidst this volatility, podcasts have emerged not merely as purveyors of news, but as necessary salves for those seeking understanding, context – and sanity.
Here, in the spirit of inquisitiveness and rigour, we round up six of the most intelligent current affairs podcasts – mainly UK-focused, with a dash of transatlantic perspective – to help you cut through the noise and see the broader picture with clarity.

The Rest Is Politics


Best For: Thoughtful UK politics with real-world experience



This barnstorming hit (you may remember us banging on about it in its early days) has become a non-negotiable fixture for the politically curious. Former Labour spin doctor Alastair Campbell and ex-Tory cabinet minister Rory Stewart may hail from opposite sides of the aisle, but what unites them is a genuine commitment to civilised discourse. Expect nuanced analysis of Westminster's theatre, as well as a global outlook – from Gaza to Kyiv – all delivered with wit, warmth and occasionally, just the right amount of fury.

Today in Focus


Best For: Deep dives on global headlines with journalistic heft



The Guardian’s flagship podcast goes beyond the 24-hour news churn, offering investigative storytelling and sharp reporting. Whether it’s the geopolitics of the Middle East or the human cost of war in Ukraine, Today in Focus, hosted by Michael Safi and Helen Pidd, is lucid and compassionate though, we warn, may frequently invoke outrage at decisions made in the corridors of power.


Pod Save the World


Best For: US foreign policy insight with behind-the-scenes clout



A cerebral yet refreshingly informal podcast from the Crooked Media stable, hosted by two Obama-era foreign policy advisors. Tommy Vietor and Ben Rhodes are articulate, well-connected, and unafraid to interrogate both the left and the right. With interviews ranging from dissidents to diplomats, the podcast offers a sharp lens on America's role in the world – from whether Trump is going to drag the US into war to the shifting power dynamics in NATO.


The Foreign Desk


Best For: Global affairs with cosmopolitan flair



Monocle’s The Foreign Desk, hosted by Andrew Mueller, presents global round-ups that are steeped in historical context and peppered with voices from the ground. Ideal for listeners who prefer their insights laced with internationalism and the occasional aperitif of dry humour.


The Intelligence


Best For: Precision, polish and global breadth



Inimitably slick and editorially rigorous, The Intelligence brings the Economist’s worldview to your ears each weekday. Episodes are digestible yet meaty, effortlessly moving from British policy dysfunction to the international ripple effects of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. If you like your current affairs delivered with a crisp, Oxbridge-accented confidence, look no further.


Ukraine: The Latest


Best For: Dedicated Ukraine coverage with battlefield clarity



Launched in response to Russia’s 2022 invasion, this daily podcast offers comprehensive updates and analysis on the war in Ukraine. With correspondents on the ground and access to military experts, it's a compelling listen for those seeking to understand not just what is happening, but why. A chilling but necessary companion in our current geopolitical moment.