The Inquiry Podcast
The Inquiry gets beyond the headlines to explore the trends, forces and ideas shaping the world.
Episodes to download
-
Are the Himalayan glaciers at a tipping point?
Thursday
Melting Himalayan glaciers are increasing the risk to communities and the ecosystem
-
What is the future of the European Union?
Thu 14 May 2026
Has Hungary’s recent election put an end to disunity in the bloc?
-
Are countries really running out of jet fuel?
Thu 7 May 2026
Concerns of a jet fuel crisis grow, but are shortages real or overblown?
-
-
Cycling: Is it time to swap four wheels for two?
Thu 23 Apr 2026
Can cycling ease the impact of volatile oil prices on everyday life?
-
How will countries boycotting Eurovision affect the contest?
Thu 16 Apr 2026
The song contest faces one of its biggest crises in 70 years as five countries withdraw
-
Is it time to scrap the Commonwealth Games?
Thu 9 Apr 2026
The future of the Commonwealth Games is under scrutiny
-
Why is basic income being debated?
Thu 2 Apr 2026
Ireland’s new permanent government cash transfer scheme is being watched globally
-
Is the revolution in Cuba over?
Thu 26 Mar 2026
How might Cuba’s energy crisis reshape life in the country?
-
How can rewilding help combat climate change?
Thu 19 Mar 2026
As rewilding initiatives grow there’s a concern some risk doing more harm than good
-
Why is Poland’s economy booming?
Thu 12 Mar 2026
How Poland’s economy became one of Europe’s fastest-growing success stories
-
How will Spain’s migrant amnesty work?
Thu 5 Mar 2026
Half a million undocumented migrants are to be given the legal right to work in Spain
-
Can the world catch China in the rare earths race?
Thu 26 Feb 2026
Can other countries take on China’s dominance of rare earth minerals?
-
Is the 2026 World Cup an own goal?
Thu 19 Feb 2026
Is football’s 2026 World Cup pricing ordinary fans out of the game?
-
Why are our taps running dry?
Thu 12 Feb 2026
The UN says we are in a ‘water bankruptcy’ era as cities risk running out of water
-
What does the national election mean for the future of Bangladesh?
Thu 5 Feb 2026
Following years of political turmoil, how might an election shape Bangladesh’s future?
-
What's behind the rise in shoplifting?
Thu 29 Jan 2026
Countries around the world are seeing a rise in retail theft - what are the causes?
-
Is history repeating itself in Iran?
Thu 22 Jan 2026
Thousands have been killed in Iran during mass protests against the ruling regime
-
-
Can Kenya answer the call for employment?
Thu 8 Jan 2026
Can Kenya’s plan for digital outsourcing solve its jobs crisis?
-
How did music megatours become such a money spinner?
New Year's Day 2026
How did live music evolve into a billion-dollar business for global stars?
-
Will there ever be a single global language?
Christmas Day 2025
There are more than 7100 languages in use around the world but nearly half are endangered
-
How can Nigeria stop its kidnap crisis?
Thu 18 Dec 2025
What can be done to bring Nigeria’s kidnapping crisis under control?
-
-
Will Australia’s social media ban start a global trend?
Thu 4 Dec 2025
World leaders are keenly watching as Australia trials new online rules for under-16s
-
-
-
Is the world ready for more climate migration?
Thu 13 Nov 2025
Can nations cope with a future of mass climate migration?
-
Is trouble brewing for the worldwide tea industry?
Thu 6 Nov 2025
Climate change and supply issues are bringing challenges to the global tea industry
-
Is the UN Security Council still relevant?
Thu 30 Oct 2025
Is the United Nations Security Council fit for purpose ?