The Happy Pod: The simple plastic sheet saving lives

The Happy Pod: The simple plastic sheet saving lives

Author: BBC World Service May 30, 2026 Duration: 26:30

Researchers say a simple sheet of plastic is helping to prevent women dying after childbirth. The drape measures blood loss, which allows doctors to provide faster treatment. It's been successful in Nigeria, and now the health professionals want it used across the globe.

Plus, meet Joy and Diane who have been friends for 60 years. It all started with one letter when they were 12 years old and they have been pen pals ever since. Also, the fishing group helping people with breast cancer. The woman trying to save endangered Indian Skimmer water birds. The rare rainforest that is being restored in Northern Ireland over the next 100 years, and the homes in Australia which are being adapted to help people with ADHD.

Our weekly collection of inspiring, uplifting and happy news from around the world.

Presenter: Holly Gibbs. Music composed by Iona Hampson

Picture credit: Gates Foundation/Nelson Owoicho


Staying informed means navigating a constant stream of events, and the Global News Podcast from the BBC World Service provides a grounded, thorough digest of that flow. This isn't just a headline service; it's a twice-daily briefing that situates you within the day's most pressing stories, particularly focusing on complex, unfolding situations. Right now, that means dedicated coverage from across the Middle East, including Iran, Israel, Lebanon, and the Gulf states, offering clarity on regional dynamics and their global implications. Alongside that essential regional focus, the podcast consistently pulls back for a wider lens, bringing reports and context from every corner of the world. What you'll hear is the BBC's signature blend of on-the-ground reporting and measured expert analysis, all designed to build understanding rather than just summarize events. For a reliable, in-depth audio briefing that updates each weekday morning and evening, this podcast delivers a comprehensive picture of our world as it happens.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Global News Podcast
Podcast Episodes
Trump plans to reopen Strait of Hormuz [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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The US is set to deploy navy destroyers, aircraft and troops in an operation to guide stranded ships through the Strait of Hormuz from Monday. President Trump called "Project Freedom" a humanitarian gesture, but Iran has…
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Duration: 27:53
President Trump is criticised by senior figures in his own Republican Party, as he doubles down on a plan to pull out more than 5000 US troops from Germany. What will a withdrawal mean for global security? Also: Britain'…
The Happy Pod: Running topless because I'm proud of my scars [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:29
We meet a woman who started running marathons topless after having both her breasts removed because of cancer. Louise Butcher tells us she wanted to display her mastectomy scars with pride. She says she wants to empower…
US to withdraw 5,000 troops from Germany [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:55
The US Defence Department says 5,000 military personnel stationed in Germany will leave their bases over the next 6-12 months. The withdrawal of American troops follows a spat between President Trump and the German Chanc…
Trump briefed on new military options for Iran [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:03
One report says the US may deploy a hypersonic missile in the Middle East for the first time, as part of efforts to put pressure on Iran to reach a deal. This comes as a deadline passed for Donald Trump to secure authori…
Myanmar's jailed ex-leader moved to house arrest [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:45
Myanmar's military government says the detained democracy leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, has been moved to house arrest, and her sentence reduced to 18 years. State media have shown a picture of the Nobel laureate sitting wit…
Saudis to pull out of LIV Golf [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:44
Saudi Arabia will withdraw its multi-billion dollar backing of LIV Golf at the end of the season, plunging the future of the series into further doubt. LIV was formed as a breakaway from the longstanding PGA tour, offeri…
Bondi inquiry calls for better policing of Jewish events [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:15
An Australian inquiry into an antisemitic mass shooting at Bondi Beach which killed 15 people has recommended that the authorities should bolster security at Jewish events. The royal commission's interim report revealed…
Russia scales back Moscow Victory Day parade [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:42
Russia has announced that its annual military parade in Moscow, which commemorates its victory in World War Two, will be scaled back this year because of the threat from Ukraine. For the first time since 1945, there will…