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. The World, the radio program, is heard each weekday on over 300 public stations across North America.

Increasingly, European military readiness is bound up with its ability to respond to rapidly developing technology, such as drones. And the Ukrainian experience is showing that in this field, smaller, more agile security tech start-ups are playing an increasingly significant role. Ben Bathke was in Estonia’s capital Tallinn to meet up with Ragnar Sass, an Estonian tech entrepreneur who has pivoted towards defense.

Increasingly, European military readiness is bound up with its ability to respond to rapidly developing technology, such as drones. And the Ukrainian experience is showing that in this field, smaller, more agile security tech start-ups are playing an increasingly significant role. Ben Bathke was in Estonia’s capital Tallinn to meet up with Ragnar Sass, an Estonian tech entrepreneur who has pivoted towards defense.

Security tech start-ups play increasingly significant role in Ukraine war

Viragezero is a Swiss super group in Geneva. All five musicians got together after having success with other bands in the city's vibrant music scene. As they get ready to hit the road and play summer music festivals in Europe, perhaps more songs like "Larmes De Feu" will be written in the back of their tour van. Host Carolyn Beeler has the details.

Viragezero is a Swiss super group in Geneva. All five musicians got together after having success with other bands in the city's vibrant music scene. As they get ready to hit the road and play summer music festivals in Europe, perhaps more songs like "Larmes De Feu" will be written in the back of their tour van. Host Carolyn Beeler has the details.

A dreamy Swiss pop song for the road

Representatives from over 50 countries are meeting in Colombia to discuss how to transition away from fossil fuels. Laura Ballesteros is among the attendees. She’s a member of the Mexican Chamber of Deputies and represents the center-left party Movimiento Ciudadano — or “Citizens’ Movement.” She spoke to The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler from the conference in Santa Marta, Colombia.

Representatives from over 50 countries are meeting in Colombia to discuss how to transition away from fossil fuels. Laura Ballesteros is among the attendees. She’s a member of the Mexican Chamber of Deputies and represents the center-left party Movimiento Ciudadano — or “Citizens’ Movement.” She spoke to The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler from the conference in Santa Marta, Colombia.

Over 50 countries come together in Colombia to transition away from fossil fuels

A meeting of the G7 nations on the environment kicked off in Paris yesterday, but two words were barred from the agenda: "climate" and "change." France's ecology minister said all the ministers wanted to avoid a dispute with US President Donald Trump, who dismisses climate change as "fake news." The World's Gerry Hadden reports.

A meeting of the G7 nations on the environment kicked off in Paris yesterday, but two words were barred from the agenda: "climate" and "change." France's ecology minister said all the ministers wanted to avoid a dispute with US President Donald Trump, who dismisses climate change as "fake news." The World's Gerry Hadden reports.

Don't say climate change

For years now, the north of Cameroon has been dealing with both separatist and militant insurgencies. The violence has displaced hundreds of thousands of people and the UN reports it has impacted the education of some 250,000 children. The International Rescue Committee has warned that girls are especially impacted as "hidden victims" of the conflict. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler learns more from Antoinette Chibi, IRC’s country director for Cameroon and the Central African Republic.

For years now, the north of Cameroon has been dealing with both separatist and militant insurgencies. The violence has displaced hundreds of thousands of people and the UN reports it has impacted the education of some 250,000 children. The International Rescue Committee has warned that girls are especially impacted as "hidden victims" of the conflict. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler learns more from Antoinette Chibi, IRC’s country director for Cameroon and the Central African Republic.

How conflict in northern Cameroon impacts education for girls

The Brazilian state of Bahia is home to some of the biggest names in Brazilian music, particularly Gilberto Gil and Caetano Veloso. A new voice from the state, singer-songwriter Melly, scored a Latin Grammy nomination with her debut album, "Amaríssima." Melly has been performing in bars since she was 16. Born in a poor family with a dad who played in samba-reggae bands, Melly had to overcome a lot to pursue a career in pop music in Brazil, particularly as a Black, LGBTQ woman. Reporting from Bahia, Gisele Regatao has her story.

The Brazilian state of Bahia is home to some of the biggest names in Brazilian music, particularly Gilberto Gil and Caetano Veloso. A new voice from the state, singer-songwriter Melly, scored a Latin Grammy nomination with her debut album, "Amaríssima." Melly has been performing in bars since she was 16. Born in a poor family with a dad who played in samba-reggae bands, Melly had to overcome a lot to pursue a career in pop music in Brazil, particularly as a Black, LGBTQ woman. Reporting from Bahia, Gisele Regatao has her story.

A new voice from Bahia, Brazil

Temperature readings jump dramatically, right after someone bets a lot of money that it will be a hot day. What could explain it? A police investigation into apparent tampering with weather sensors at Paris's Charles de Gaulle airport suggests that someone tried to change reality, to match their wager. Host Carolyn Beeler has more.

Temperature readings jump dramatically, right after someone bets a lot of money that it will be a hot day. What could explain it? A police investigation into apparent tampering with weather sensors at Paris's Charles de Gaulle airport suggests that someone tried to change reality, to match their wager. Host Carolyn Beeler has more.

The latest Polymarket scandal: French weather

A rain bomb is an enormous amount of rain, dumped practically all at once, by hurricane-force winds blowing directly into the ground. Rain bombs can be deadly and they're really hard to predict. "Rain Bombs" is the title of a new documentary from The World's partners at NOVA. Sue van den Heever is an atmospheric scientist at Colorado State University and is featured in the documentary. She recently spoke to Host Carolyn Beeler.

A rain bomb is an enormous amount of rain, dumped practically all at once, by hurricane-force winds blowing directly into the ground. Rain bombs can be deadly and they're really hard to predict. "Rain Bombs" is the title of a new documentary from The World's partners at NOVA. Sue van den Heever is an atmospheric scientist at Colorado State University and is featured in the documentary. She recently spoke to Host Carolyn Beeler.

The devastating impacts of 'rain bombs'

Israeli forces have killed Lebanese journalist Amal Khalil and injured her photographer colleague Zeinab Faraj in what officials in Lebanon are calling a war crime. The journalists were heading to southern parts of the country when they came under attack. They took shelter at an abandoned building, but according to The Committee to Protect Journalists and the Red Cross, the Israeli military stopped rescuers from reaching them. The World’s Shirin Jaafari reports.

Israeli forces have killed Lebanese journalist Amal Khalil and injured her photographer colleague Zeinab Faraj in what officials in Lebanon are calling a war crime. The journalists were heading to southern parts of the country when they came under attack. They took shelter at an abandoned building, but according to The Committee to Protect Journalists and the Red Cross, the Israeli military stopped rescuers from reaching them. The World’s Shirin Jaafari reports.

Israeli forces kill Lebanese journalist and injure a photographer

Thousands of Afghans who served as interpreters, security contractors and drivers alongside US troops were promised safe passage to the United States. Now, many are in limbo. About 1,100 former partners and their families are currently stranded at a former US military base in Qatar. Shawn VanDiver, president of the aid group AfghanEvac tells The World’s Host Marco Werman that the Trump administration is considering sending the Afghans to Democratic Republic of Congo.

Thousands of Afghans who served as interpreters, security contractors and drivers alongside US troops were promised safe passage to the United States. Now, many are in limbo. About 1,100 former partners and their families are currently stranded at a former US military base in Qatar. Shawn VanDiver, president of the aid group AfghanEvac tells The World’s Host Marco Werman that the Trump administration is considering sending the Afghans to Democratic Republic of Congo.

Afghans who assisted the US military could be sent to DRC

Lupita Infante is the granddaughter of Mexican cultural icon Pedro Infante, but she is also an artist in her own right, carrying legacies from both sides of her family. Lupita is charting a new path for herself, while honoring and questioning the mariachi culture she’s inherited. In this conversation, she discusses her artistic path with Meklit Hadero of the "Movement" podcast.

Lupita Infante is the granddaughter of Mexican cultural icon Pedro Infante, but she is also an artist in her own right, carrying legacies from both sides of her family. Lupita is charting a new path for herself, while honoring and questioning the mariachi culture she’s inherited. In this conversation, she discusses her artistic path with Meklit Hadero of the "Movement" podcast.

Forging a new path in Mexico's mariachi culture

A 1995 law in the Philippines dictated that all salt sold in the country had to be iodized because of iodine deficiency among Filipinos. That led to the closing of many artisanal salt making businesses, mostly small family operations. But the Slow Food movement is trying to change that. From Negros Island, reporter Dany Mitzman has the story.

A 1995 law in the Philippines dictated that all salt sold in the country had to be iodized because of iodine deficiency among Filipinos. That led to the closing of many artisanal salt making businesses, mostly small family operations. But the Slow Food movement is trying to change that. From Negros Island, reporter Dany Mitzman has the story.

A country surrounded by seawater had to import most of its salt

What, exactly, do we think of as "home." Is it a place? A feeling? Is it people? Sharing her experience on GBH's Stories from the Stage, Christine Boutros tells us how she learned to redefine "home" when her son moved halfway across the globe.

What, exactly, do we think of as "home." Is it a place? A feeling? Is it people? Sharing her experience on GBH's Stories from the Stage, Christine Boutros tells us how she learned to redefine "home" when her son moved halfway across the globe.

SFTS: How do we define 'home?'

The late Kim Il Sung — the founding leader of North Korea's communist regime — is forever enshrined as the country's "Eternal President." It's a powerful cult of personality from which the regime still draws much of its authority. Kim himself was deeply religious — he was raised as a devout Christian. The modern North Korean state tries to keep the religious upbringing of its founder hidden, but it's really what enabled the regime's rise in the first place. That's the subject of Jonathan Cheng's new book, "Korean Messiah: Kim Il Sung and the Christian Roots of North Korea's Personality Cult." He joins Host Marco Werman to talk about it.

The late Kim Il Sung — the founding leader of North Korea's communist regime — is forever enshrined as the country's "Eternal President." It's a powerful cult of personality from which the regime still draws much of its authority. Kim himself was deeply religious — he was raised as a devout Christian. The modern North Korean state tries to keep the religious upbringing of its founder hidden, but it's really what enabled the regime's rise in the first place. That's the subject of Jonathan Cheng's new book, "Korean Messiah: Kim Il Sung and the Christian Roots of North Korea's Personality Cult." He joins Host Marco Werman to talk about it.

North Korea's complex relationship with its Christian past

European Union envoys seem set to unblock a $106 billion loan for Kyiv, now that Ukraine is once again sending Russian oil to Europe. Officials in Kyiv have called the funding "a matter of life and death.” Phillips Payson O’Brien tells The World’s Host Marco Werman that Ukrainians are increasingly viewing the US as a foe.

European Union envoys seem set to unblock a $106 billion loan for Kyiv, now that Ukraine is once again sending Russian oil to Europe. Officials in Kyiv have called the funding "a matter of life and death.” Phillips Payson O’Brien tells The World’s Host Marco Werman that Ukrainians are increasingly viewing the US as a foe.

With new EU aid unblocked, Zelenskyy deepens turn toward Europe

In a 10-minute speech over the weekend, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney laid out a strategy for the country to move forward without economic or military support from the United States. He told Canadians that "the world is more dangerous and divided," and the US has changed its approach to former allies. Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman explain.

In a 10-minute speech over the weekend, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney laid out a strategy for the country to move forward without economic or military support from the United States. He told Canadians that "the world is more dangerous and divided," and the US has changed its approach to former allies. Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman explain.

Canadian prime minister details country's separation from the US

Elections are supposed to give people a say in who governs their country, but nature can have an impact on elections. A report out today from the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance found nearly 100 cases of “disaster-disrupted” elections between 2006 and 2025. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler spoke to Erik Asplund, a co-author of the study.

Elections are supposed to give people a say in who governs their country, but nature can have an impact on elections. A report out today from the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance found nearly 100 cases of “disaster-disrupted” elections between 2006 and 2025. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler spoke to Erik Asplund, a co-author of the study.

How natural disasters impact elections around the world

A gunman opened fire on tourists at Mexico’s Teotihuacán pyramids, killing one Canadian and injuring more than a dozen others. The attack at a UNESCO World Heritage site shows ongoing security challenges in one of the country’s most visited destinations, just as Mexico prepares to host matches for the World Cup. The World's Tibisay Zea reports.

A gunman opened fire on tourists at Mexico’s Teotihuacán pyramids, killing one Canadian and injuring more than a dozen others. The attack at a UNESCO World Heritage site shows ongoing security challenges in one of the country’s most visited destinations, just as Mexico prepares to host matches for the World Cup. The World's Tibisay Zea reports.

Shooting in Mexico puts focus on safety ahead of the World Cup

Nothing like a little light-hearted pop music to shift the mood. Co-hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler give a listen to an indie-pop quartet from Stuttgart, Germany, called Rikas.

Nothing like a little light-hearted pop music to shift the mood. Co-hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler give a listen to an indie-pop quartet from Stuttgart, Germany, called Rikas.

A new indie-pop group from Germany wows The World

Over the last decade, China has become a leader in manufacturing solar panels, batteries and electric vehicles. As oil and gas prices rise, countries are increasingly importing this infrastructure. Host Marco Werman speaks with Kate Mackenzie of "The Polycrisis" podcast about how this translates to soft power for China.

Over the last decade, China has become a leader in manufacturing solar panels, batteries and electric vehicles. As oil and gas prices rise, countries are increasingly importing this infrastructure. Host Marco Werman speaks with Kate Mackenzie of "The Polycrisis" podcast about how this translates to soft power for China.

China and green energy exports

Another ripple effect of the Iran war is reshaping the Caucasus. Armenia, Azerbaijan and Turkey, nations long divided by closed borders and bitter disputes, are showing signs of cooperation — with plans to reopen key trade routes. From Deutsche Welle, DW's, Inside Europe program, Dorian Jones reports from Istanbul on the real promise these proposals hold.

Another ripple effect of the Iran war is reshaping the Caucasus. Armenia, Azerbaijan and Turkey, nations long divided by closed borders and bitter disputes, are showing signs of cooperation — with plans to reopen key trade routes. From Deutsche Welle, DW's, Inside Europe program, Dorian Jones reports from Istanbul on the real promise these proposals hold.

Ripple effects of Iran war felt in the Caucasus

Spain shocked lots of people last year when it announced it would grant working papers to hundreds of thousands of immigrants who'd come to Spain without permission. The government calls it just and necessary. But it wasn't prepared for a deluge of applications pouring in during the first few days. The World's Gerry Hadden reports from Barcelona.

Spain shocked lots of people last year when it announced it would grant working papers to hundreds of thousands of immigrants who'd come to Spain without permission. The government calls it just and necessary. But it wasn't prepared for a deluge of applications pouring in during the first few days. The World's Gerry Hadden reports from Barcelona.

Spain opens program for mass immigrant amnesty

Four years ago, the Restoration Ecology team at Flinders University in Adelaide, Australia, published new research that uses super-sensitive microphones to listen to and analyze the health of soil. The researchers say this new method could replace traditional ones, which are expensive, disruptive and laborious. Reporter Bianca Hillier reports.This story originally aired on Sept. 18, 2024.

Four years ago, the Restoration Ecology team at Flinders University in Adelaide, Australia, published new research that uses super-sensitive microphones to listen to and analyze the health of soil. The researchers say this new method could replace traditional ones, which are expensive, disruptive and laborious. Reporter Bianca Hillier reports.
This story originally aired on Sept. 18, 2024.

Researchers use sound to determine soil's health

Host Marco Werman spins sounds from the innovator of the Hindustani slide guitar, Debashish Bhattacharya, a track titled, "The Sound of the Soul."This story originally aired on March 21, 2023.

Host Marco Werman spins sounds from the innovator of the Hindustani slide guitar, Debashish Bhattacharya, a track titled, "The Sound of the Soul."
This story originally aired on March 21, 2023.

Looks like a guitar, sounds like a sitar

Brazilian cinema has received strong global attention recently, with films like "I’m Still Here" and "The Secret Agent" earning a slew of Oscar nods. But many filmmakers say these films reflect a limited group of voices. Reporter Julia Franca explores issues of funding, gender and access in the Brazilian film industry.

Brazilian cinema has received strong global attention recently, with films like "I’m Still Here" and "The Secret Agent" earning a slew of Oscar nods. But many filmmakers say these films reflect a limited group of voices. Reporter Julia Franca explores issues of funding, gender and access in the Brazilian film industry.

Brazil's unsung filmmakers

"Fika" is the very Swedish ritual of meeting people for coffee, sweets and some reflection on life. The World's Joshua Coe learned the fine line between a regular brunch date and "pure fika" at a coffee shop in Gothenburg, Sweden.

"Fika" is the very Swedish ritual of meeting people for coffee, sweets and some reflection on life. The World's Joshua Coe learned the fine line between a regular brunch date and "pure fika" at a coffee shop in Gothenburg, Sweden.

Discovering what Sweden's concept of 'fika' really is

The European Union’s top court has ruled that Hungary’s anti-LGBTQ+ law breaks the bloc’s core values. The decision targets a 2021 law that bans content about LGBTQ+ people from schools and primetime TV. Supporters in Hungary said the law was about protecting children. But judges at the European Court of Justice say it goes much further than that.

The European Union’s top court has ruled that Hungary’s anti-LGBTQ+ law breaks the bloc’s core values. The decision targets a 2021 law that bans content about LGBTQ+ people from schools and primetime TV. Supporters in Hungary said the law was about protecting children. But judges at the European Court of Justice say it goes much further than that.

Top EU court rules Hungary ban on teaching about LBGTQ+ in schools unlawful

Every five years, the United Nations looks for a new secretary-general. Job interviews began today in the assembly chamber to start the search for the next one. There are four candidates, less than half the number when there was an opening 10 years ago. As The World's Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler explain, the UN's first secretary-general called it "the most impossible job on earth."

Every five years, the United Nations looks for a new secretary-general. Job interviews began today in the assembly chamber to start the search for the next one. There are four candidates, less than half the number when there was an opening 10 years ago. As The World's Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler explain, the UN's first secretary-general called it "the most impossible job on earth."

Interviews began today for a new UN secretary-general

Japan rolled back restrictions today on its sale of weapons abroad, reinterpreting its pacifist post-World War II constitution. Yuki Tatsumi, senior director at the Institute for Indo-Pacific Security tells The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler that the timing of the announcement reaches back to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and is motivated in part by the security threats Japan faces from China.

Japan rolled back restrictions today on its sale of weapons abroad, reinterpreting its pacifist post-World War II constitution. Yuki Tatsumi, senior director at the Institute for Indo-Pacific Security tells The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler that the timing of the announcement reaches back to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and is motivated in part by the security threats Japan faces from China.

Japan scraps long-standing ban on lethal arms exports

A new wave of investors is eyeing Venezuela, drawn by the promise of massive natural resources, cheap assets and a potential economic rebound after years of crisis. The government is opening key sectors and restoring ties with the US — but major risks remain. While some early movers are taking a chance, many companies are still holding back, waiting to see how new rules play out in a country where politics, instability and uncertainty still remain. The World's Tibisay Zea reports.

A new wave of investors is eyeing Venezuela, drawn by the promise of massive natural resources, cheap assets and a potential economic rebound after years of crisis. The government is opening key sectors and restoring ties with the US — but major risks remain. While some early movers are taking a chance, many companies are still holding back, waiting to see how new rules play out in a country where politics, instability and uncertainty still remain. The World's Tibisay Zea reports.