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.

For decades, Okinawa has prided itself as a hotspot for longevity. In 1999, the Japanese islands were listed as one of five “blue zones,” where people statistically live the longest, often into their 100s. A strong diet and emphasis on human connection were thought to be some of the biggest contributing factors. But research from a couple of years ago, suggested the entire concept of blue zones is a myth. In 2024, Rebecca Rosman examined the data and visited Okinawa to find what healthy habits could be gleaned from the lifestyle.This story originally aired on Dec. 12, 2024.

For decades, Okinawa has prided itself as a hotspot for longevity. In 1999, the Japanese islands were listed as one of five “blue zones,” where people statistically live the longest, often into their 100s. A strong diet and emphasis on human connection were thought to be some of the biggest contributing factors. But research from a couple of years ago, suggested the entire concept of blue zones is a myth. In 2024, Rebecca Rosman examined the data and visited Okinawa to find what healthy habits could be gleaned from the lifestyle.
This story originally aired on Dec. 12, 2024.

Longevity in Japan's Okinawa

In June, the US opened a facility in Mexico to breed and release millions of sterile flies. It's part of an effort to curb the spread of the New World screwworm, a flesh eating parasite that has spread through Central America and into southern Mexico. Host Marco Werman spoke to entomologist Phillip Kaufman at Texas A&amp;M University when the facility was in the final stages of being built.This story originally aired on Nov. 17, 2025.

In June, the US opened a facility in Mexico to breed and release millions of sterile flies. It's part of an effort to curb the spread of the New World screwworm, a flesh eating parasite that has spread through Central America and into southern Mexico. Host Marco Werman spoke to entomologist Phillip Kaufman at Texas A&M University when the facility was in the final stages of being built.
This story originally aired on Nov. 17, 2025.

Facility in Mexico breeds sterile flies to curb screwworm

Across Europe, migration is increasingly framed as a burden, as a problem to be solved. Whether it's the EU's new migration and asylum pact or the debate following the arrival of migrants in the Spanish exclave of Ceuta in late July — the focus is often on control and deterrence. Spain has tried to shift that narrative, recently granting legal status to large numbers of undocumented migrants and stressing the economic and demographic benefits of migration. Spain also announced the transfer of around 500 vulnerable migrant girls from Ceuta to mainland Spain, despite pressure from Brussels to prioritize returns. But Spain is not alone in offering a different perspective on migration. Pope Leo XIV has been doing the same. Reporter Annelise Finney reports.

Across Europe, migration is increasingly framed as a burden, as a problem to be solved. Whether it's the EU's new migration and asylum pact or the debate following the arrival of migrants in the Spanish exclave of Ceuta in late July — the focus is often on control and deterrence. Spain has tried to shift that narrative, recently granting legal status to large numbers of undocumented migrants and stressing the economic and demographic benefits of migration. Spain also announced the transfer of around 500 vulnerable migrant girls from Ceuta to mainland Spain, despite pressure from Brussels to prioritize returns. But Spain is not alone in offering a different perspective on migration. Pope Leo XIV has been doing the same. Reporter Annelise Finney reports.

The pope joins Spain in pushing for a humanitarian approach to migrants

In rural Ghana, pregnant women often have trouble getting to the hospital to give birth. Roads are narrow, rough and rocky, and it can take hours to go relatively short distances. Last year, The World’s Transportation Correspondent Jeremy Siegel reported on how one nonprofit is working to change that with cheap motorized tricycles.This story originally aired on May 8, 2025.

In rural Ghana, pregnant women often have trouble getting to the hospital to give birth. Roads are narrow, rough and rocky, and it can take hours to go relatively short distances. Last year, The World’s Transportation Correspondent Jeremy Siegel reported on how one nonprofit is working to change that with cheap motorized tricycles.
This story originally aired on May 8, 2025.

How tricycle ambulances are saving lives in rural Ghana

Singapore announced plans to offer parents $55,000 per child to encourage people to have more children. Like many developed economies, the city-state's leaders are worried about a rapidly aging population and declining birth rate. But as The World's Host Carolyn Beeler learned from Berkay Ozcan, professor of social and public policy at the London School of Economics, such incentives are a short-term fix to an ongoing problem.

Singapore announced plans to offer parents $55,000 per child to encourage people to have more children. Like many developed economies, the city-state's leaders are worried about a rapidly aging population and declining birth rate. But as The World's Host Carolyn Beeler learned from Berkay Ozcan, professor of social and public policy at the London School of Economics, such incentives are a short-term fix to an ongoing problem.

Singapore wants to pay parents to help boost birth rate

Nine out of 10 countries have goals for increasing the amount of exercise their populations get. But globally, the percentage of people who meet recommendations for physical activity has not increased. That's partly because, while being inactive has similar detrimental health impacts as smoking, it's not a political priority to reverse the problem. Earlier this year, Host Carolyn Beeler spoke with Andrea Ramirez Varela. She's an epidemiologist at UTHealth Houston School of Public Health, and has been looking into why this is the case.This story originally aired on March 10, 2026.

Nine out of 10 countries have goals for increasing the amount of exercise their populations get. But globally, the percentage of people who meet recommendations for physical activity has not increased. That's partly because, while being inactive has similar detrimental health impacts as smoking, it's not a political priority to reverse the problem. Earlier this year, Host Carolyn Beeler spoke with Andrea Ramirez Varela. She's an epidemiologist at UTHealth Houston School of Public Health, and has been looking into why this is the case.
This story originally aired on March 10, 2026.

Physical activity hasn't increased globally in 20 years

With alarms, beeping monitors, slamming doors and more, hospitals are rarely quiet. The noise isn't just annoying; it can be harmful, and can interfere with a patient's ability to rest and a doctor's ability to work. But back in 2024, a group of international psychologists, designers and musicians reimagined what hospitals could sound like in the future. Bianca Hillier reports.This story originally aired on May 24, 2022.

With alarms, beeping monitors, slamming doors and more, hospitals are rarely quiet. The noise isn't just annoying; it can be harmful, and can interfere with a patient's ability to rest and a doctor's ability to work. But back in 2024, a group of international psychologists, designers and musicians reimagined what hospitals could sound like in the future. Bianca Hillier reports.
This story originally aired on May 24, 2022.

The future sound of hospitals

In Hungary, officials are sinking two barges in hopes of raising the water levels in the Danube River. A drought this summer has left the river too low to provide enough water to cool the Paks Nuclear Power Plant.

In Hungary, officials are sinking two barges in hopes of raising the water levels in the Danube River. A drought this summer has left the river too low to provide enough water to cool the Paks Nuclear Power Plant.

Hungary tries to raise the Danube

Last month, Yonatan Shalev joined the newly formed Together party's political campaign in the lead up to pivotal October national elections. If elected, he would be the youngest Knesset member in Israel's history. He is a harsh critic of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's current government, who he calls unworthy. He's been in the spotlight since forming "Shoulder to Shoulder" in 2024, an organization demanding ultra-Orthodox serve in the Israeli army. Stephanie Fried has a profile.

Last month, Yonatan Shalev joined the newly formed Together party's political campaign in the lead up to pivotal October national elections. If elected, he would be the youngest Knesset member in Israel's history. He is a harsh critic of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's current government, who he calls unworthy. He's been in the spotlight since forming "Shoulder to Shoulder" in 2024, an organization demanding ultra-Orthodox serve in the Israeli army. Stephanie Fried has a profile.

Is this 23-year-old the face of Israel's future?

The turbulence surrounding the Strait of Hormuz has left ships increasingly vulnerable. Experts are concerned that this could, in turn, lead to a resurgence in Somali piracy, and they are already seeing a spike. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Omar Mahmood from the International Crisis Group.

The turbulence surrounding the Strait of Hormuz has left ships increasingly vulnerable. Experts are concerned that this could, in turn, lead to a resurgence in Somali piracy, and they are already seeing a spike. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Omar Mahmood from the International Crisis Group.

US war in Iran could open door to return of Somali piracy

Hiroshi Okuda, the former Toyota CEO who led the company to global domination, has died. He was the first president of the company who wasn't part of the founding Toyoda family, and his aggressive leadership style helped transform the brand into a 21st century powerhouse. The World's Transportation Correspondent Jeremy Siegel looks back on Okuda's legacy, including the advent of the Prius, which sparked the boom in hybrid and electric vehicles that continues to transform the global auto industry today.

Hiroshi Okuda, the former Toyota CEO who led the company to global domination, has died. He was the first president of the company who wasn't part of the founding Toyoda family, and his aggressive leadership style helped transform the brand into a 21st century powerhouse. The World's Transportation Correspondent Jeremy Siegel looks back on Okuda's legacy, including the advent of the Prius, which sparked the boom in hybrid and electric vehicles that continues to transform the global auto industry today.

Remembering an auto industry giant

The war with Iran is testing one of the United Arab Emirates’ most important economic propositions: a stable, globally connected hub even as conflict unfolds around it. The country just announced an embargo on Iran, long a major trade partner. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler learned more from Rob Mogielnicki, founder of PoliSphere Advisory. He joined the show from Paris.

The war with Iran is testing one of the United Arab Emirates’ most important economic propositions: a stable, globally connected hub even as conflict unfolds around it. The country just announced an embargo on Iran, long a major trade partner. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler learned more from Rob Mogielnicki, founder of PoliSphere Advisory. He joined the show from Paris.

UAE staked its economy to global connectivity. Iran war is testing that model.

This week, the Spanish government announced it would move 500 unaccompanied Moroccan girls from its North African enclave to shelters on the mainland, where they'll be safer. Extreme-right groups across Europe are capitalizing on the controversy to stage protests demanding mass deportations on non-Europeans. The World’s Gerry Hadden reports from Barcelona.

This week, the Spanish government announced it would move 500 unaccompanied Moroccan girls from its North African enclave to shelters on the mainland, where they'll be safer. Extreme-right groups across Europe are capitalizing on the controversy to stage protests demanding mass deportations on non-Europeans. The World’s Gerry Hadden reports from Barcelona.

Spain announces not all Ceuta migrants will be deported to Morocco

For decades, Haitian writer Lyonel Trouillot has been inspired by what he sees and hears around him. Some of these daily vignettes are collected in his latest book, "Simple Stories." Trouillot speaks to Host Carolyn Beeler.

For decades, Haitian writer Lyonel Trouillot has been inspired by what he sees and hears around him. Some of these daily vignettes are collected in his latest book, "Simple Stories." Trouillot speaks to Host Carolyn Beeler.

Fictional vignettes that help tell the story of everyday life in Haiti

Rutshelle Guillaume was born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, and performs in places around the globe. She is determined to sing songs of courage, resilience and hope. One of her most recent tunes is called "Déterminée." Host Carolyn Beeler spins the track for us.

Rutshelle Guillaume was born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, and performs in places around the globe. She is determined to sing songs of courage, resilience and hope. One of her most recent tunes is called "Déterminée." Host Carolyn Beeler spins the track for us.

Haitian musician Rutshelle Guillaume is determined

The Ebola outbreak in Democratic Republic of Congo is now the worst in the country's history — and the second largest ever. That's prompting health officials to reshape their strategy. The new focus is relying on community leaders who already have local ties to build trust. Tim Birindwa is training those leaders. He's a community health coordinator with the International Rescue Committee. Birindwa speaks to Host Carolyn Beeler after having just spent nearly 10 weeks in the city of Bunia.

The Ebola outbreak in Democratic Republic of Congo is now the worst in the country's history — and the second largest ever. That's prompting health officials to reshape their strategy. The new focus is relying on community leaders who already have local ties to build trust. Tim Birindwa is training those leaders. He's a community health coordinator with the International Rescue Committee. Birindwa speaks to Host Carolyn Beeler after having just spent nearly 10 weeks in the city of Bunia.

Building community trust amid the Ebola outbreak

A gas leak at a dockyard in southern Bangladesh last week is believed to be responsible for the deaths of eight people while they were dismantling a ship. The breaking down and recycling of a ship's components for scrap has long been a major industry in the country. But the leak highlights dangers and costs for both people and the local environment. Salman Saeed is a Bangladeshi journalist based in Dhaka who joined The World to discuss.

A gas leak at a dockyard in southern Bangladesh last week is believed to be responsible for the deaths of eight people while they were dismantling a ship. The breaking down and recycling of a ship's components for scrap has long been a major industry in the country. But the leak highlights dangers and costs for both people and the local environment. Salman Saeed is a Bangladeshi journalist based in Dhaka who joined The World to discuss.

Deadly gas leak at Bangladesh shipyard highlights dangers of ship recycling industry

Britain will hold its first "National Day Recognizing Victims and Survivors of Terrorism." On Friday, more than 300 survivors are expected to attend an event in central London. The day comes as the UK’s terror threat level remains at severe.  The World’s Europe Correspondent Orla Barry reports.

Britain will hold its first "National Day Recognizing Victims and Survivors of Terrorism." On Friday, more than 300 survivors are expected to attend an event in central London. The day comes as the UK’s terror threat level remains at severe.  The World’s Europe Correspondent Orla Barry reports.

Britain to hold first 'National Day Recognizing Victims and Survivors of Terrorism'

When the new academic term begins soon at colleges and universities, some classrooms and labs in the US may be missing instructors, while students across the Atlantic are likely to see some new faces and hear some different accents in the halls of European academia. From Deutsche Welle, DW, Inside Europe's Anna Pujol-Mazzini explains, from France.

When the new academic term begins soon at colleges and universities, some classrooms and labs in the US may be missing instructors, while students across the Atlantic are likely to see some new faces and hear some different accents in the halls of European academia. From Deutsche Welle, DW, Inside Europe's Anna Pujol-Mazzini explains, from France.

US academics fleeing the US for safer pastures in Europe

Since the current war in Gaza began nearly three years ago, a small number of US medical professionals have been rotating in and out of posts in the Strip’s few functioning hospitals. In the new documentary "American Doctor," director Poh Si  Teng follows three of those American physicians, including one who is Jewish and another who is Muslim. The World’s Carolyn Beeler speaks with Teng and Dr. Thaer Ahmad.

Since the current war in Gaza began nearly three years ago, a small number of US medical professionals have been rotating in and out of posts in the Strip’s few functioning hospitals. In the new documentary "American Doctor," director Poh Si  Teng follows three of those American physicians, including one who is Jewish and another who is Muslim. The World’s Carolyn Beeler speaks with Teng and Dr. Thaer Ahmad.

Three doctors' harrowing journey through Gaza

National Geographic Explorer Paul Salopek has traveled plenty of miles on foot since 2013 when he began his long walking journey across the globe. But he's also traversed a number of sea crossings, as well. We revisit Salopek's conversation with Host Marco Werman about those sea crossings, the types of ships he took and the people he met along the way.This story originally aired on April 28th, 2025.

National Geographic Explorer Paul Salopek has traveled plenty of miles on foot since 2013 when he began his long walking journey across the globe. But he's also traversed a number of sea crossings, as well. We revisit Salopek's conversation with Host Marco Werman about those sea crossings, the types of ships he took and the people he met along the way.
This story originally aired on April 28th, 2025.

National Geographic's Paul Salopek talks sea crossings

Catrín Finch is a world-renowned harpist from Wales and is known for her collaborations with Irish fiddlers and with Senegalese kora players. But in her latest recording, she performs solo. It features recent works that Finch, now in her 40s, composed and dedicated to her 13-year-old self. Host Carolyn Beeler offers soothing sounds from Finch’s album "Note to Self." This story originally aired on March 5, 2026.

Catrín Finch is a world-renowned harpist from Wales and is known for her collaborations with Irish fiddlers and with Senegalese kora players. But in her latest recording, she performs solo. It features recent works that Finch, now in her 40s, composed and dedicated to her 13-year-old self. Host Carolyn Beeler offers soothing sounds from Finch’s album "Note to Self." 
This story originally aired on March 5, 2026.

Welsh harpist records 'Note to Self'

Denmark is often ranked among the happiest countries in the world. It prides itself on its strong social welfare and a culture of coziness. But for asylum seekers, things aren’t quite so comfortable. The government has a goal of zero asylum seekers — and that’s divided one family between a new life in Denmark and, for one son, a life in limbo. Journalists Caroline Chaffiotte and Kaitlin Hlywa have the story from Denmark.

Denmark is often ranked among the happiest countries in the world. It prides itself on its strong social welfare and a culture of coziness. But for asylum seekers, things aren’t quite so comfortable. The government has a goal of zero asylum seekers — and that’s divided one family between a new life in Denmark and, for one son, a life in limbo. Journalists Caroline Chaffiotte and Kaitlin Hlywa have the story from Denmark.

Happiest country in the world making life very difficult for asylum seekers

AI is changing the way information about conflicts gets out, not just by creating fake images, but by making it harder to know what’s real. In places like Iran and Gaza, people who have lived through violence are finding themselves having to prove that their stories, and even their suffering, are real. The World’s Shirin Jaafari reports.

AI is changing the way information about conflicts gets out, not just by creating fake images, but by making it harder to know what’s real. In places like Iran and Gaza, people who have lived through violence are finding themselves having to prove that their stories, and even their suffering, are real. The World’s Shirin Jaafari reports.

AI is adding to confusion and doubt during conflicts

The Friedrich August Refuge, a hotel and restaurant 7,500 feet up in the Italian Dolomites, is being overrun with tourists. That might sound like a good thing, but locals are frustrated because most people are coming just for krapfen, the donut-like pastries, that are being promoted by influencers on social media. Host Carolyn Beeler explains.

The Friedrich August Refuge, a hotel and restaurant 7,500 feet up in the Italian Dolomites, is being overrun with tourists. That might sound like a good thing, but locals are frustrated because most people are coming just for krapfen, the donut-like pastries, that are being promoted by influencers on social media. Host Carolyn Beeler explains.

Pastries good enough to climb a mountain for

An anti-corruption investigation reaching into the highest ranks of Ukraine’s government and a former defense minister’s call for elections are adding to political tensions in Kyiv. Financial Times Chief Ukraine Correspondent Christopher Miller speaks with The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler about the anti-graft probe, the ousted defense minister’s challenge and whether or not Ukrainians are ready for wartime elections.

An anti-corruption investigation reaching into the highest ranks of Ukraine’s government and a former defense minister’s call for elections are adding to political tensions in Kyiv. Financial Times Chief Ukraine Correspondent Christopher Miller speaks with The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler about the anti-graft probe, the ousted defense minister’s challenge and whether or not Ukrainians are ready for wartime elections.

Zelenskyy deputy probed for corruption as fired defense minister demands elections

A Chinese cargo company just launched the first regularly scheduled shipping route through the Arctic. The Northern sea route from China to Europe is more passable than ever before due to melting ice in the Arctic, which allows vessels to bypass choke points in the Middle East. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler learned more from Guðbjörg Ríkey Hauksdóttir, program manager for the Center for Arctic Studies at the University of Iceland in Reykjavík.

A Chinese cargo company just launched the first regularly scheduled shipping route through the Arctic. The Northern sea route from China to Europe is more passable than ever before due to melting ice in the Arctic, which allows vessels to bypass choke points in the Middle East. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler learned more from Guðbjörg Ríkey Hauksdóttir, program manager for the Center for Arctic Studies at the University of Iceland in Reykjavík.

China announces first regularly scheduled shipping route

When Theresa Okokon was a Peace Corps volunteer in Ecuador, she decided to go on a whitewater rafting trip. It broke all the rules of the Corps and didn't end up well. She shared her experience with GBH's Stories From The Stage.

When Theresa Okokon was a Peace Corps volunteer in Ecuador, she decided to go on a whitewater rafting trip. It broke all the rules of the Corps and didn't end up well. She shared her experience with GBH's Stories From The Stage.

Whitewater rafting in Ecuador

Terada Honke Sake brewery is like a shrine to the microorganisms that brewers must cooperate with to make sake. The workers there sing traditional songs as they pound steamed rice to make a fermentation starter with ambient yeast. Last fall, reporter Hannah Kirshner captured these rare sounds in an audio postcard and she tells the story of why the owner brought back the old songs.

Terada Honke Sake brewery is like a shrine to the microorganisms that brewers must cooperate with to make sake. The workers there sing traditional songs as they pound steamed rice to make a fermentation starter with ambient yeast. Last fall, reporter Hannah Kirshner captured these rare sounds in an audio postcard and she tells the story of why the owner brought back the old songs.

Japan's sacred sake songs

Loneliness is killing people. The World Health Organization reports more than 800,000 people die each year from causes linked to loneliness; social isolation has been shown to increase the risk for heart disease, stroke and diabetes, among other illnesses. To try and tackle this problem, in 2018 the UK launched a national loneliness strategy, becoming the first nation to do so. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Alex Smith, one of the architects of that strategy, for our new solutions series, The Loneliness Diagnosis.

Loneliness is killing people. The World Health Organization reports more than 800,000 people die each year from causes linked to loneliness; social isolation has been shown to increase the risk for heart disease, stroke and diabetes, among other illnesses. To try and tackle this problem, in 2018 the UK launched a national loneliness strategy, becoming the first nation to do so. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Alex Smith, one of the architects of that strategy, for our new solutions series, The Loneliness Diagnosis.