Host Marco Werman and his team of producers bring you the world's most interesting stories that remind us just how small our planet really is.

Pope Francis convened a meeting with an unexpected audience while at the G7: more than 100 comedians from 15 different countries. Also, we air Part 3 of the series “Lethal Dissent,” which looks at the death of an Iranian poet living in Turkey. And, Qatar tries to beat the heat by air conditioning outdoor spaces. Plus, a new project tries to prove that gamers do, in fact, “touch grass.”

Pope Francis convened a meeting with an unexpected audience while at the G7: more than 100 comedians from 15 different countries. Also, we air Part 3 of the series “Lethal Dissent,” which looks at the death of an Iranian poet living in Turkey. And, Qatar tries to beat the heat by air conditioning outdoor spaces. Plus, a new project tries to prove that gamers do, in fact, “touch grass.”

Pope Francis convened a meeting with an unexpected audience while at the G7: more than 100 comedians from 15 different countries. 

Pope Francis meets with comedians at G7

The death of poet Mohammad Shabani, an Iranian dissident living in Turkey, catches his friends, family, and supporters by surprise. Fariba finds one of Mohammad Shabani's confidantes and learns new details about his life in exile before he died.

The death of poet Mohammad Shabani, an Iranian dissident living in Turkey, catches his friends, family, and supporters by surprise. Fariba finds one of Mohammad Shabani's confidantes and learns new details about his life in exile before he died.

Lethal Dissent 3 - Losing Touch

G7 nations agree to give Ukraine a loan of $50 billion for weapons and rebuilding. Also, a growing number of governments in Latin America are aligning themselves with Palestinians and distancing themselves from Israel. But there's a price to pay for cutting ties with Israel. And, Haiti’s new government selected cabinet ministers this week, as it awaits the arrival of a long-delayed Kenyan security force designed to assist its embattled police. Plus, National Geographic Explorer Paul Salopek takes us through Afghanistan's wild and mountainous Wakhan Corridor.

G7 nations agree to give Ukraine a loan of $50 billion for weapons and rebuilding. Also, a growing number of governments in Latin America are aligning themselves with Palestinians and distancing themselves from Israel. But there's a price to pay for cutting ties with Israel. And, Haiti’s new government selected cabinet ministers this week, as it awaits the arrival of a long-delayed Kenyan security force designed to assist its embattled police. Plus, National Geographic Explorer Paul Salopek takes us through Afghanistan's wild and mountainous Wakhan Corridor.

G7 nations to give Ukraine $50 billion loan

Ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas deteriorate once again. Also, Denmark has ordered a recall of three types of Buldak, which translates as "fire chicken," manufactured in South Korea. The packaged noodles were deemed so hot they could pose a physical danger to Danish consumers. And, in a rare case, a jury in South Florida has ruled that banana giant Chiquita must pay $38.3 million to relatives of people killed by a right-wing paramilitary group in Colombia that received funding from the fruit company. Plus, remembering French chanteuse Françoise Hardy.

Ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas deteriorate once again. Also, Denmark has ordered a recall of three types of Buldak, which translates as "fire chicken," manufactured in South Korea. The packaged noodles were deemed so hot they could pose a physical danger to Danish consumers. And, in a rare case, a jury in South Florida has ruled that banana giant Chiquita must pay $38.3 million to relatives of people killed by a right-wing paramilitary group in Colombia that received funding from the fruit company. Plus, remembering French chanteuse Françoise Hardy.

Ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas deteriorate once again.

Ceasefire talks deteriorate again

Momentum may be building to end the war in Gaza after a UN Security Council vote for a ceasefire. Also, Mexico deals with around 25,000 tons of trash generated by last week’s elections. Now, environmentalists are concerned that improper disposal of plastic waste could cause serious pollution. And, an effort to reintroduce wild horses to the steppe region of Kazakhstan. Plus, scientists detect a sizable drop in a harmful substance that depletes the ozone layer.

Momentum may be building to end the war in Gaza after a UN Security Council vote for a ceasefire. Also, Mexico deals with around 25,000 tons of trash generated by last week’s elections. Now, environmentalists are concerned that improper disposal of plastic waste could cause serious pollution. And, an effort to reintroduce wild horses to the steppe region of Kazakhstan. Plus, scientists detect a sizable drop in a harmful substance that depletes the ozone layer.

Momentum may be building to end the war in Gaza after a UN Security Council vote for a ceasefire.

UN Security Council vote pushes for ceasefire in Gaza

A daylight raid on Gaza over the weekend secured the release of four more Israeli hostages, using intense bombardments that killed hundreds of Palestinian civilians. Meanwhile, Benny Gantz, a key member of Israel's war cabinet, has resigned. Also, an exclusive interview with Lebanon’s foreign minister, who says his country cannot afford an all-out war with Israel. And, French President Emmanuel Macron has called for a snap election in parliament following EU elections, urging French voters to take a clear stance on the rise of the far-right throughout Europe. Also, three Americans have appeared in a Congolese military court, accused of taking part in a failed coup attempt last month in the DRC. Plus, a visit to an all-fungi restaurant in Mexico City, a place that is rediscovering recipes and methods to cultivate, eat and preserve wild mushrooms.

A daylight raid on Gaza over the weekend secured the release of four more Israeli hostages, using intense bombardments that killed hundreds of Palestinian civilians. Meanwhile, Benny Gantz, a key member of Israel's war cabinet, has resigned. Also, an exclusive interview with Lebanon’s foreign minister, who says his country cannot afford an all-out war with Israel. And, French President Emmanuel Macron has called for a snap election in parliament following EU elections, urging French voters to take a clear stance on the rise of the far-right throughout Europe. Also, three Americans have appeared in a Congolese military court, accused of taking part in a failed coup attempt last month in the DRC. Plus, a visit to an all-fungi restaurant in Mexico City, a place that is rediscovering recipes and methods to cultivate, eat and preserve wild mushrooms.

A daylight raid on Gaza over the weekend secured the release of four more Israeli hostages, using intense bombardments that killed hundreds of Palestinian civilians. Meanwhile, Benny Gantz, a key member of Israel's war cabinet, has resigned.

Benny Gantz resigns as Israeli hostages released, Palestinians killed in bombardments

Daytime temperatures are breaking records in the central and northern regions of India. Now, hospitals are setting up special units to deal with acute heat stress. Also, a look at soaring home rental prices in Spain. And, Palestinian families evacuated to Qatar help their children process trauma and grief from the war in Gaza. Also, Team USA is playing in the T20 Cricket World Cup for the first time, and they're surprising cricket fans around the world with their performance so far. Plus, the Caesar salad turns 100.

Daytime temperatures are breaking records in the central and northern regions of India. Now, hospitals are setting up special units to deal with acute heat stress. Also, a look at soaring home rental prices in Spain. And, Palestinian families evacuated to Qatar help their children process trauma and grief from the war in Gaza. Also, Team USA is playing in the T20 Cricket World Cup for the first time, and they're surprising cricket fans around the world with their performance so far. Plus, the Caesar salad turns 100.

India deals with acute stress amid record-breaking temperatures

When two close friends who work for the Iranian government follow their conscience, it puts them at odds with the regime. Now one of them is dead. To figure out what might have happened, reporter Fariba Nawa goes back to the beginning.

When two close friends who work for the Iranian government follow their conscience, it puts them at odds with the regime. Now one of them is dead. To figure out what might have happened, reporter Fariba Nawa goes back to the beginning.

Lethal Dissent 2 - The Poet

For months, the Israeli military and Hezbollah in Lebanon have been trading drone, missile and rocket attacks across the border. Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has threatened a "very intense" military response. The World's Shirin Jaafari is in Beirut. Also, Thursday is the start of voting for the European Parliament. The polls suggest that far-right candidates will do well, and that could have big implications for some of America's most important allies. And New York's governor is hitting the brakes on a plan to implement congestion pricing in New York City. The plan has been in the works for several years. But other non-US cities went down this road a long time ago. We'll hear how it worked out overseas.Listen to today’s <a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0krKDnlEtMHTWPMTWAk79R?si=418c8a930e074fcb">Music Heard on Air</a>.

For months, the Israeli military and Hezbollah in Lebanon have been trading drone, missile and rocket attacks across the border. Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has threatened a "very intense" military response. The World's Shirin Jaafari is in Beirut. Also, Thursday is the start of voting for the European Parliament. The polls suggest that far-right candidates will do well, and that could have big implications for some of America's most important allies. And New York's governor is hitting the brakes on a plan to implement congestion pricing in New York City. The plan has been in the works for several years. But other non-US cities went down this road a long time ago. We'll hear how it worked out overseas.
Listen to today’s Music Heard on Air.

Lebanese prepare for the worst as Hezbollah and Israel trade fire 

The top diplomat at the United Nations is once again sounding an alarm about the dangers of climate change. Also, in coastal communities around the globe — places such as Vietnam, Bangladesh, Egypt, Italy, Brazil and the southern United States — rising sea water levels threaten to infiltrate freshwater drinking supplies. And, Jerusalem Day marks the "reunification" of Jerusalem in 1967 and the Jews regaining access to the venerated Temple Mount. The day is generally tense as Jews march through the Arab quarter of Jerusalem's old city to commemorate victory in the Six Day War. This year, the holiday is especially fraught because of the war in Gaza. And, 3,000 Palestinian children have suffered at least one amputation in the last eight months, according to UNICEF. That's the largest cohort in recent history. Only a small percentage have been able to be evacuated out of the Gaza Strip.

The top diplomat at the United Nations is once again sounding an alarm about the dangers of climate change. Also, in coastal communities around the globe — places such as Vietnam, Bangladesh, Egypt, Italy, Brazil and the southern United States — rising sea water levels threaten to infiltrate freshwater drinking supplies. And, Jerusalem Day marks the "reunification" of Jerusalem in 1967 and the Jews regaining access to the venerated Temple Mount. The day is generally tense as Jews march through the Arab quarter of Jerusalem's old city to commemorate victory in the Six Day War. This year, the holiday is especially fraught because of the war in Gaza. And, 3,000 Palestinian children have suffered at least one amputation in the last eight months, according to UNICEF. That's the largest cohort in recent history. Only a small percentage have been able to be evacuated out of the Gaza Strip.

Once again, top UN diplomat sounds alarm about climate change 

The US is strongly pushing a three-phase ceasefire deal in the Mideast that would bring back Israeli hostages and lead to a permanent ceasefire with Hamas. But members of the Israeli prime minister's cabinet have threatened to quit if any ceasefire is discussed. And, US Army Major Harrison Mann quit the Defense Intelligence Agency to protest what he calls Washington’s "unqualified" support for Israel, saying it has “enabled” the killing of Palestinian civilians. Also, results in India's national election are in. The incumbent, Prime Minister Narendra Modi looks like the winner, but the opposition also appears stronger. And the city of Vilnius, Lithuania, recently hosted a "Pink Soup Festival," celebrating cold beet soup. It's a staple in Lithuania and other parts of Eastern Europe.

The US is strongly pushing a three-phase ceasefire deal in the Mideast that would bring back Israeli hostages and lead to a permanent ceasefire with Hamas. But members of the Israeli prime minister's cabinet have threatened to quit if any ceasefire is discussed. And, US Army Major Harrison Mann quit the Defense Intelligence Agency to protest what he calls Washington’s "unqualified" support for Israel, saying it has “enabled” the killing of Palestinian civilians. Also, results in India's national election are in. The incumbent, Prime Minister Narendra Modi looks like the winner, but the opposition also appears stronger. And the city of Vilnius, Lithuania, recently hosted a "Pink Soup Festival," celebrating cold beet soup. It's a staple in Lithuania and other parts of Eastern Europe.

US pushes for a three-phase ceasefire deal

For the first time, Mexico will have a woman president. Claudia Sheinbaum is a 61-year-old scientist, left-wing politician and a former mayor of Mexico City. Also, this week, we'll meet a child survivor of the war in Gaza who was able to travel to Qatar for medical treatment. And welcome to the Offline Club. It's a place in Amsterdam where visitors pay a cover charge to hang out in a social setting that's completely cut off from the digital world — no phones, tablets or laptops allowed.Listen to today’s <a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0krKDnlEtMHTWPMTWAk79R?si=418c8a930e074fcb">Music Heard on Air</a>.

For the first time, Mexico will have a woman president. Claudia Sheinbaum is a 61-year-old scientist, left-wing politician and a former mayor of Mexico City. Also, this week, we'll meet a child survivor of the war in Gaza who was able to travel to Qatar for medical treatment. And welcome to the Offline Club. It's a place in Amsterdam where visitors pay a cover charge to hang out in a social setting that's completely cut off from the digital world — no phones, tablets or laptops allowed.
Listen to today’s Music Heard on Air.

Mexico elects its 1st-ever woman president 

Mexico heads to the polls this weekend for its largest-ever election, with more than 20,000 positions up for grabs — including local, state and congressional offices, as well as the office of the president. Also, a range of reactions from European leaders to the news of former President Donald Trump’s hush-money conviction. And, data shows that the number of Canadians heading south to live in the US has jumped 70%. Plus, a conversation with National Geographic Explorer Paul Salopek about traversing Uzbekistan as part of his 24,000 mile Out of Eden Walk.Listen to today’s <a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0krKDnlEtMHTWPMTWAk79R?si=418c8a930e074fcb">Music Heard on Air</a>.

Mexico heads to the polls this weekend for its largest-ever election, with more than 20,000 positions up for grabs — including local, state and congressional offices, as well as the office of the president. Also, a range of reactions from European leaders to the news of former President Donald Trump’s hush-money conviction. And, data shows that the number of Canadians heading south to live in the US has jumped 70%. Plus, a conversation with National Geographic Explorer Paul Salopek about traversing Uzbekistan as part of his 24,000 mile Out of Eden Walk.
Listen to today’s Music Heard on Air.

Mexico heads to the polls this weekend for its largest-ever election, with more than 20,000 positions up for grabs, including local, state and congressional offices, as well as the office of the president.

Mexicans vote in massive election

Reporter Fariba Nawa introduces her investigation into Iranian plots against exiles in Turkey. She tells the story of Iran's history of violence against its citizens at home, and how that violence has grown to cross international borders today. The fate of a dissident in France becomes a blueprint for the questions she seeks to answer.

Reporter Fariba Nawa introduces her investigation into Iranian plots against exiles in Turkey. She tells the story of Iran's history of violence against its citizens at home, and how that violence has grown to cross international borders today. The fate of a dissident in France becomes a blueprint for the questions she seeks to answer.

Lethal Dissent 1 - Prologue

A volcano in Iceland has erupted for the fifth time in five months, forcing the nearby town of Grindavik to be evacuated. Also, a group of Israelis is trying to push back against another group of right-wing Israelis blocking food aid to Gaza. And, voters in Mexico head to the polls on Sunday. Residents of Tijuana will be watching what the new president does about the environmental problems plaguing their city. Plus, a beloved skate park that was closed down in Philadelphia is getting a second life in Sweden.Listen to today’s <a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0krKDnlEtMHTWPMTWAk79R?si=418c8a930e074fcb">Music Heard on Air</a>.

A volcano in Iceland has erupted for the fifth time in five months, forcing the nearby town of Grindavik to be evacuated. Also, a group of Israelis is trying to push back against another group of right-wing Israelis blocking food aid to Gaza. And, voters in Mexico head to the polls on Sunday. Residents of Tijuana will be watching what the new president does about the environmental problems plaguing their city. Plus, a beloved skate park that was closed down in Philadelphia is getting a second life in Sweden.
Listen to today’s Music Heard on Air.

A volcanic eruption in Iceland prompts evacuations

Millions of South Africans are voting in what is being called the most important election since the end of apartheid in 1994. The vote could unseat the ruling African National Congress (ANC) party for the first time. Also, water disputes over the Rio Grande river that forms part of the US-Mexico border. And, the US is loosening some restrictions on businesses in Cuba that will allow some Cuban business owners to open bank accounts in the United States. Also, a new bill may be a boost for mothers of the disappeared in Honduras. Plus, a children’s book explaining the Israeli-Palestinian conflict to kids.Listen to today’s <a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0krKDnlEtMHTWPMTWAk79R?si=418c8a930e074fcb">Music Heard on Air</a>.

Millions of South Africans are voting in what is being called the most important election since the end of apartheid in 1994. The vote could unseat the ruling African National Congress (ANC) party for the first time. Also, water disputes over the Rio Grande river that forms part of the US-Mexico border. And, the US is loosening some restrictions on businesses in Cuba that will allow some Cuban business owners to open bank accounts in the United States. Also, a new bill may be a boost for mothers of the disappeared in Honduras. Plus, a children’s book explaining the Israeli-Palestinian conflict to kids.
Listen to today’s Music Heard on Air.

Millions of South Africans are voting in what is being called the most important election since the end of apartheid in 1994. The vote could unseat the ruling African National Congress (ANC) party for the first time.

South Africans vote in historic election

An Israeli airstrike has sparked international condemnation after dozens of Palestinians were killed near a tent camp for displaced people in Rafah. Also, efforts to rescue victims of a Papua New Guinea landslide are facing extreme challenges. And, Mexico is poised to elect its first female president, but in a country with a history of gender violence and inequality, feminists aren’t declaring victory just yet. Plus, a look at the UK’s annual cheese rolling competition.Listen to today’s <a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0krKDnlEtMHTWPMTWAk79R?si=418c8a930e074fcb">Music Heard on Air</a>.

An Israeli airstrike has sparked international condemnation after dozens of Palestinians were killed near a tent camp for displaced people in Rafah. Also, efforts to rescue victims of a Papua New Guinea landslide are facing extreme challenges. And, Mexico is poised to elect its first female president, but in a country with a history of gender violence and inequality, feminists aren’t declaring victory just yet. Plus, a look at the UK’s annual cheese rolling competition.
Listen to today’s Music Heard on Air.

An Israeli airstrike has sparked international condemnation after dozens of Palestinians were killed near a tent camp for displaced people in Rafah.

Israeli airstrike kills displaced Palestinians in Rafah

Lethal Dissent is a 9-part series about the price and peril that Iranian dissidents face for speaking out against their government, and the secret operatives who seek to silence them.It all begins when two friends flee Iran to escape the regime’s crackdown on dissent. But when they arrive in Turkey, one of them dies under unusual circumstances. Fariba Nawa, a reporter in Istanbul, works to unravel the mystery of what happened. In the process, she enters Turkey’s underworld of kidnappers-for-hire and shady government officials, and takes the listener inside an Iranian operation to snatch exiles who stand up to the regime. The stakes: the right to say what you truly believe, and potentially, your life…A story from The World and On Spec Podcast.With support from the Pulitzer Center and Zamaneh Media…First episode drops May 31st wherever you get your podcasts.

Lethal Dissent is a 9-part series about the price and peril that Iranian dissidents face for speaking out against their government, and the secret operatives who seek to silence them.
It all begins when two friends flee Iran to escape the regime’s crackdown on dissent. But when they arrive in Turkey, one of them dies under unusual circumstances. Fariba Nawa, a reporter in Istanbul, works to unravel the mystery of what happened. In the process, she enters Turkey’s underworld of kidnappers-for-hire and shady government officials, and takes the listener inside an Iranian operation to snatch exiles who stand up to the regime. The stakes: the right to say what you truly believe, and potentially, your life…
A story from The World and On Spec Podcast.
With support from the Pulitzer Center and Zamaneh Media…
First episode drops May 31st wherever you get your podcasts.