Annie Kelly

Cameroon’s 93-year-old president, Paul Biya, has not been publicly seen for 59 days while staying in Switzerland, prompting a government spokesperson to confirm that he is alive and will return soon. The podcast examines how the country is functioning in his absence, why public discussion of his health is constrained, and what succession arrangements may exist as Cameroonians look toward the country’s next chapter.

Calvin Duncan spent 28 years in a Louisiana prison for a murder he did not commit before being exonerated. At 64, he sought an administrative position intended to help inmates access their criminal records, but Republicans allegedly worked to prevent him from taking office. His experience, from growing up in a poor and violent New Orleans neighborhood to pursuing public service, is presented as an example of racial and criminal-justice injustice and of what Olly Laughland describes as “competitive authoritarianism” in Trump’s second term.

Journalist and swimming coach Amjed Tantesh has repeatedly rebuilt pools in Gaza to teach children to swim, despite their destruction in Israeli attacks. Israel’s latest war destroyed his most cherished pool and killed or displaced many relatives, fellow coaches and former students, yet he is rebuilding five beachside pools and restarting lessons. The episode also examines how years of war and blockade have damaged the childhoods of hundreds of thousands of young people across Gaza.

Christopher Nolan’s three-hour IMAX adaptation of Homer’s Odyssey has received rave reviews and is among the year’s most anticipated films. With an estimated $250 million budget and a cast including Matt Damon, Zendaya and Tom Holland, the discussion considers whether the blockbuster can meet the high expectations surrounding it.

Christopher Nolan’s three-hour IMAX adaptation of Homer’s Odyssey has received rave critical reviews and is among the year’s most anticipated films. With an estimated $250 million budget and a star-studded cast including Matt Damon, Zendaya and Tom Holland, the discussion considers whether the blockbuster can live up to the considerable hype.

England lost 2–1 to Argentina in a dramatic World Cup semi-final after conceding two late goals. The discussion examines whether manager Thomas Tuchel’s substitution choices and tactics contributed to the defeat, with sports columnist Jonathan Liew speaking to Annie Kelly about whether his approach backfired.

England suffered another World Cup heartbreak after conceding two late goals in a 2–1 comeback defeat by Argentina, who advanced to the final against Spain. The audio examines whether manager Thomas Tuchel’s substitution decisions and tactics contributed to England’s loss, with Annie Kelly speaking to sports columnist Jonathan Liew.

The UK government plans to extend its social media restrictions by introducing an overnight curfew for 16- and 17-year-olds, blocking certain apps by default between midnight and 6am. Because teenagers can opt out and the measure is not mandatory, its ability to reduce online harms is questioned.

The UK government plans to extend its social media restrictions to 16- and 17-year-olds through an overnight curfew from midnight to 6am, intended to reduce online harms. The measure would not be mandatory because teenagers could opt out, raising questions about whether it would meaningfully limit exposure to online abuse and other risks.

China has rapidly embraced artificial intelligence across healthcare, manufacturing, food delivery and public life, including AI doctors, intelligent factory robots and drones delivering food on the Great Wall. The technology is also being adopted by the Chinese state to expand surveillance. Amy Hawkins examines the benefits and risks of this large-scale transformation and considers whether China’s experience foreshadows AI-driven changes elsewhere.

The podcast examines the life and murder of community leader and mother of two Annabel Rook after her partner, Clifton George, was convicted of killing her. Annie Kelly speaks with Rook’s lifelong friend Catherine Milne and her parents, Peter and Susanna Rook, about her character, family life and work founding MamaSuze, an organization supporting refugee women, many of whom had experienced male violence.

Large numbers of young people in the UK are not in education, employment or training, with recovery lagging behind other European countries after the pandemic. Interviews with affected young people highlight how AI-driven recruitment and remote applications contribute to repeated rejection and discouragement. An expert from the University of Lancaster outlines how entry-level jobs have diminished and emphasises the support needed to rebuild opportunities for young workers.

An investigation examines why crimes committed by US military personnel in the UK can be tried through the US military justice system rather than British courts. The case of academic Sarah Steele, who said she was strangled by US fighter pilot Jacob Wulfson in Cambridge, illustrates how military judges and all-male Air Force juries handle such allegations. Steele criticized the cultural distance and lack of relevant life experience among the jurors, while the podcast explores how this parallel system differs from UK courts and why it is facing increased scrutiny.

Guardian news editor David Batty recounts discovering his adoption, searching for his birth family and reuniting with his birth mother, who had been coerced into giving him up. The reunion produced a strained relationship rather than a fairytale ending, while meeting his half-brother brought joy. The podcast examines the lasting effects of forced adoption in the UK, including the Church of England’s apology and the government’s indication that it may follow suit.

Andy Burnham’s decisive victory in the Makerfield by-election, in which he secured more votes than Reform UK and Restore Britain combined, has intensified speculation that he could challenge Keir Starmer for the Labour leadership and potentially become prime minister within weeks.

Andy Burnham’s large victory in the Makerfield by-election has intensified speculation that he could challenge Keir Starmer for the Labour leadership and potentially become prime minister. His vote total exceeded those of Reform UK and Restore combined, while the result raised questions about Nigel Farage’s party and the future of Starmer’s leadership.

Charlotte Higgins discusses how Russia’s war is threatening Ukraine’s cultural heritage, including museums, historic landmarks, religious sites and unique archives. The destruction of Kyiv’s Chornobyl Museum after a missile strike is presented as a symbol of a wider assault on Ukrainian identity. The podcast also highlights citizens risking their lives to salvage artworks and preserve the nation’s history.

The video examines whether fans should boycott the World Cup amid controversies including a Somali referee being barred from entering the United States, FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s close relationship with Donald Trump, and accusations of price gouging and commercial profiteering. Annie Kelly discusses the issue with sportswriter Jonathan Liew, highlighting supporters’ mixed feelings about the tournament.

The 2026 World Cup has generated controversy before and during its opening stages, including the reported barring of a Somali referee from entering the United States, FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s close association with Donald Trump, and accusations of price gouging and commercial exploitation. Annie Kelly discusses with sportswriter Jonathan Liew whether fans should boycott the tournament and how supporters are responding to its mixed ethical and political implications.

The 2026 World Cup is expected to bring excitement to Guadalajara, a city with a deep footballing tradition, but the tournament will take place in a state dominated by a notorious criminal cartel. Although fans are unlikely to face direct danger, Mexican authorities are planning a substantial security operation. Journalist Leon Krauze also warns that tensions over the regional drug trade and Donald Trump’s approach to Venezuela and Mexico could create a pretext for unilateral US military action, leaving President Claudia Sheinbaum under pressure to manage both public safety and international risks.