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.

Los Angeles' long-running Cambodian psychedelic rock group Dengue Fever released its sixth full-length album, "Ting Mong," nearly three years ago. It was the group's first new release in eight years, and showcased the band in a more relaxed, reflective mode than previous records — a perfect platform for the nimble voice of lead singer Chhom Nimol. As part of the series and podcast Movement, Meklit Hadero talked with Nimol about how she developed that unique voice, singing with her family in a refugee camp and later on Cambodia's first televised music competition.This story originally aired on Oct. 26, 2023.

Los Angeles' long-running Cambodian psychedelic rock group Dengue Fever released its sixth full-length album, "Ting Mong," nearly three years ago. It was the group's first new release in eight years, and showcased the band in a more relaxed, reflective mode than previous records — a perfect platform for the nimble voice of lead singer Chhom Nimol. As part of the series and podcast Movement, Meklit Hadero talked with Nimol about how she developed that unique voice, singing with her family in a refugee camp and later on Cambodia's first televised music competition.
This story originally aired on Oct. 26, 2023.

Dengue Fever singer Chhom Nimol on developing her voice

When the earliest form of caste was created in ancient India, it had roots in religion. In the 21st century, it lives on as a secular institution that cuts across race, gender, sexuality and class. Suraj Yengde is one of the world's leading experts in the study of caste. He joins Host Marco Werman to discuss why caste is so tricky, and how it reproduces itself in Indian diaspora communities worldwide.

When the earliest form of caste was created in ancient India, it had roots in religion. In the 21st century, it lives on as a secular institution that cuts across race, gender, sexuality and class. Suraj Yengde is one of the world's leading experts in the study of caste. He joins Host Marco Werman to discuss why caste is so tricky, and how it reproduces itself in Indian diaspora communities worldwide.

How India's caste system persists across the globe

One of the strongest storms so far this year, Typhoon Bavi, slammed into China over the weekend.  Cities along its eastern coast were battered by fierce winds and driving rain. Bavi has now moved inland, where it's been downgraded to a Tropical Storm, but in the days when it was rated as Category 5, it left a trail of destruction across the Western Pacific. Ashish Valentine reports from Taipei.

One of the strongest storms so far this year, Typhoon Bavi, slammed into China over the weekend. 
Cities along its eastern coast were battered by fierce winds and driving rain. Bavi has now moved inland, where it's been downgraded to a Tropical Storm, but in the days when it was rated as Category 5, it left a trail of destruction across the Western Pacific. Ashish Valentine reports from Taipei.

China and Taiwan hit by Typhoon Bavi

Spain pledged to be ready for fires this summer after a record number struck last year. But its approach is mostly more of the same: spending to fight, instead of prevent, the fires. The World’s Gerry Hadden reports.

Spain pledged to be ready for fires this summer after a record number struck last year. But its approach is mostly more of the same: spending to fight, instead of prevent, the fires. The World’s Gerry Hadden reports.

Spain, lacking forest management, bets on suppression to handle wildfires

After two powerful earthquakes devastated Venezuela’s Caribbean coast, anger is growing in some of the hardest-hit communities. Survivors in La Guaira are asking why so many buildings collapsed — including public housing built under Hugo Chávez, the country's late socialist president. Residents say the homes were rushed and unsafe; engineers say the answer is more complicated. The World's Tibisay Zea reports from La Guaira, Venezuela.

After two powerful earthquakes devastated Venezuela’s Caribbean coast, anger is growing in some of the hardest-hit communities. Survivors in La Guaira are asking why so many buildings collapsed — including public housing built under Hugo Chávez, the country's late socialist president. Residents say the homes were rushed and unsafe; engineers say the answer is more complicated. The World's Tibisay Zea reports from La Guaira, Venezuela.

After Venezuela's earthquakes, anger over public housing

US President Donald Trump has once again imposed a naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, designed to prevent any ships from leaving or entering Iranian ports. Iranian scholar Kian Tajbakhsh doesn’t see the Iranian regime backing down anytime soon. Tajbakhsh tells The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler that Iran has long viewed itself as engaged in a Cold War with the US, and now sees itself as locked in an “end game fight” with Washington.

US President Donald Trump has once again imposed a naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, designed to prevent any ships from leaving or entering Iranian ports. Iranian scholar Kian Tajbakhsh doesn’t see the Iranian regime backing down anytime soon. Tajbakhsh tells The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler that Iran has long viewed itself as engaged in a Cold War with the US, and now sees itself as locked in an “end game fight” with Washington.

Back to the brink in the Strait of Hormuz

Paul Salopek is a National Geographic Explorer walking from Ethiopia to South America on foot. But it's also a journalism job. That means conducting interviews, taking photos and videos, and nonstop note-taking and writing. He joins Carolyn Beeler to peel back the curtain on the technology that has kept him connected for the past 13 years, even when he is days of travel away from the nearest outlet or wi-fi signal.

Paul Salopek is a National Geographic Explorer walking from Ethiopia to South America on foot. But it's also a journalism job. That means conducting interviews, taking photos and videos, and nonstop note-taking and writing. He joins Carolyn Beeler to peel back the curtain on the technology that has kept him connected for the past 13 years, even when he is days of travel away from the nearest outlet or wi-fi signal.

What tech powers a global walk?

Typhoon Bavi, which hit Guam and surrounding islands earlier this week, is on its way toward Taiwan, several Japanese islands, and then to mainland China. Its approach comes just days after another storm, Maysak, caused flooding and deaths in southern China. Carolyn Beeler reports the latest.

Typhoon Bavi, which hit Guam and surrounding islands earlier this week, is on its way toward Taiwan, several Japanese islands, and then to mainland China. Its approach comes just days after another storm, Maysak, caused flooding and deaths in southern China. Carolyn Beeler reports the latest.

Typhoon Bavi heads toward Taiwan

As the World Cup reaches its final week, the spotlight is not only on the teams chasing a place in the semifinals but also on FIFA president Gianni Infantino. Elected in 2016 on a promise to restore FIFA's reputation after years of scandal, Infantino is once again facing questions about his leadership. This week's decision to suspend a player's red card after a phone call with President Donald Trump has prompted fresh scrutiny of the FIFA president. The World's Orla Barry reports.

As the World Cup reaches its final week, the spotlight is not only on the teams chasing a place in the semifinals but also on FIFA president Gianni Infantino. Elected in 2016 on a promise to restore FIFA's reputation after years of scandal, Infantino is once again facing questions about his leadership. This week's decision to suspend a player's red card after a phone call with President Donald Trump has prompted fresh scrutiny of the FIFA president. The World's Orla Barry reports.

Questions grow over FIFA’s president as the World Cup nears its finale

The famed Bayeux Tapestry is on English soil for the first time in centuries. The artifact was transported from France to Britain in the dead of night with maximum security. The World's Carolyn Beeler speaks with author David Musgrove about the significance of this moment.

The famed Bayeux Tapestry is on English soil for the first time in centuries. The artifact was transported from France to Britain in the dead of night with maximum security. The World's Carolyn Beeler speaks with author David Musgrove about the significance of this moment.

The Bayeux Tapestry is in England

A massive wildfire is raging in southern Spain. Authorities in the region of Almería say at least twelve people have been killed, and many more are still missing. Hundreds of firefighters are battling the blaze. The World’s Gerry Hadden joins us from central Portugal, where he is currently reporting for a series on fire risk and prevention across the Iberian Peninsula.

A massive wildfire is raging in southern Spain. Authorities in the region of Almería say at least twelve people have been killed, and many more are still missing. Hundreds of firefighters are battling the blaze. The World’s Gerry Hadden joins us from central Portugal, where he is currently reporting for a series on fire risk and prevention across the Iberian Peninsula.

Wildfire tragedy in Spain

This week, Hamas announced that it is stepping back from governing Gaza and is ready to hand day-to-day operations to a committee of technocrats. That would mark the end of nearly two decades of Hamas rule. But questions around the disarmament of the group remain. The World’s Shirin Jaafari reports.

This week, Hamas announced that it is stepping back from governing Gaza and is ready to hand day-to-day operations to a committee of technocrats. That would mark the end of nearly two decades of Hamas rule. But questions around the disarmament of the group remain. The World’s Shirin Jaafari reports.

Hamas says it’s stepping away from governance of Gaza

After nearly a week of ceremonies in Iran and Iraq, the body of former Iran Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is being returned to his hometown of Mashhad for burial. Khamenei was killed by US and Israeli forces, along with several family members, on the first day of the war on February 28. From Mashhad, Syed Shahriyar reports.

After nearly a week of ceremonies in Iran and Iraq, the body of former Iran Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is being returned to his hometown of Mashhad for burial. Khamenei was killed by US and Israeli forces, along with several family members, on the first day of the war on February 28. From Mashhad, Syed Shahriyar reports.

Iran’s Supreme Leader is buried in his hometown

The death of a newlywed woman in Delhi last weekend is among a string of cases this year rekindling public discussion in India about dowry deaths. Thousands of women are reportedly killed in India every year in dowry-related disputes despite laws on the books intended to penalize this violence. The World's Carolyn Beeler learns more from Kriti Kapila, an anthropologist at King’s College London, who has studied this phenomenon.

The death of a newlywed woman in Delhi last weekend is among a string of cases this year rekindling public discussion in India about dowry deaths. Thousands of women are reportedly killed in India every year in dowry-related disputes despite laws on the books intended to penalize this violence. The World's Carolyn Beeler learns more from Kriti Kapila, an anthropologist at King’s College London, who has studied this phenomenon.

Despite policy change, dowry deaths persist in India

For the past four years, Matariki, the Māori New Year, has been an official holiday in New Zealand. Māori poet Tayi Tibble speaks with The World’s Carolyn Beeler about the day's importance to her and why some in the Pacific nation are uncomfortable with the increasing visibility of Māori culture.

For the past four years, Matariki, the Māori New Year, has been an official holiday in New Zealand. Māori poet Tayi Tibble speaks with The World’s Carolyn Beeler about the day's importance to her and why some in the Pacific nation are uncomfortable with the increasing visibility of Māori culture.

Māori New Year takes on new significance in New Zealand

After Venezuela’s deadly earthquakes, many international rescue teams have left as the window for finding survivors narrows. But Los Topos Aztecas — a Mexican legendary volunteer rescue brigade — says it is staying until no longer needed. Born after Mexico City’s 1985 earthquake, the group is known for crawling into collapsed buildings by hand. The World’s Tibisay Zea meets its 80-year-old leader in La Guaira, Venezuela.

After Venezuela’s deadly earthquakes, many international rescue teams have left as the window for finding survivors narrows. But Los Topos Aztecas — a Mexican legendary volunteer rescue brigade — says it is staying until no longer needed. Born after Mexico City’s 1985 earthquake, the group is known for crawling into collapsed buildings by hand. The World’s Tibisay Zea meets its 80-year-old leader in La Guaira, Venezuela.

Meet ‘Los Topos,’ Mexico’s legendary brigade now working in Venezuela

Health workers on the frontline of the Ebola outbreak are on strike. Complaints include a lack of protective equipment and delayed payment. Some in the hardest-hit province say they have not been paid since May. The World's Carolyn Beeler speaks with Christian Happi, a molecular biologist, about the strike and how it might affect efforts to contain the outbreak.

Health workers on the frontline of the Ebola outbreak are on strike. Complaints include a lack of protective equipment and delayed payment. Some in the hardest-hit province say they have not been paid since May. The World's Carolyn Beeler speaks with Christian Happi, a molecular biologist, about the strike and how it might affect efforts to contain the outbreak.

Healthcare workers fighting Ebola speak out

In Uganda, scientists have found a new use for catnip: mosquito repellent. A new study presented at the Society for Experimental Biology's annual conference shows that lotion made with nepetalactone, the chemical in catnip that drives cats wild, is just as effective at preventing mosquito bites as DEET-based bug spray. That's welcome news in rural Uganda, where commercial bug sprays are hard to find and catnip-based lotions can be produced

In Uganda, scientists have found a new use for catnip: mosquito repellent. A new study presented at the Society for Experimental Biology's annual conference shows that lotion made with nepetalactone, the chemical in catnip that drives cats wild, is just as effective at preventing mosquito bites as DEET-based bug spray. That's welcome news in rural Uganda, where commercial bug sprays are hard to find and catnip-based lotions can be produced

The chemical that cats love and mosquitoes hate

Reading Lolita in Tehran, the best-selling memoir by Azar Nafisi, came out in 2003. It told the story of how Nafisi and seven other women read the Western canon together in defiance of the law, even as the Iranian regime banned those materials. Now it's a movie directed by Eran Riklis. The two join Host Marco Werman for a conversation about their collaboration.

Reading Lolita in Tehran, the best-selling memoir by Azar Nafisi, came out in 2003. It told the story of how Nafisi and seven other women read the Western canon together in defiance of the law, even as the Iranian regime banned those materials. Now it's a movie directed by Eran Riklis. The two join Host Marco Werman for a conversation about their collaboration.

Hit novel ‘Reading Lolita in Theran’ is now a movie, ten years later

If you’re a parent of young children who get screen time, then you might be surprised to learn there’s a decent chance your kids have watched content from the small Central Asian republic of Kyrgyzstan. A group of Kyrgyz content creators who call themselves D Billions has produced a series of viral, English-language <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pifBpLAun6U">kids' music videos</a> on YouTube that teach basics like the ABCs, which have received more than 49 billion views — that's more than Taylor Swift's videos. Reporter Levi Bridges takes a look at how they do it.

If you’re a parent of young children who get screen time, then you might be surprised to learn there’s a decent chance your kids have watched content from the small Central Asian republic of Kyrgyzstan. A group of Kyrgyz content creators who call themselves D Billions has produced a series of viral, English-language kids' music videos on YouTube that teach basics like the ABCs, which have received more than 49 billion views — that's more than Taylor Swift's videos. Reporter Levi Bridges takes a look at how they do it.

Kyrgyzstan dominates YouTube

We listen to a track from Marlon Williams. She's New Zealand's hottest Māori singer right now, and she's accompanied on the track by Lorde, New Zealand's best-known artist globally. The World's Marco Werman has more.

We listen to a track from Marlon Williams. She's New Zealand's hottest Māori singer right now, and she's accompanied on the track by Lorde, New Zealand's best-known artist globally. The World's Marco Werman has more.

The Māori musician of the moment

President Trump says the temporary deal with Iran “is over”. His comments follow a series of US strikes on Iran last night. Iran had reportedly attacked ships in the Strait of Hormuz because they hadn’t coordinated their passage through the waterway. The World’s Shirin Jaafari speaks with Host Marco Werman about the latest.

President Trump says the temporary deal with Iran “is over”. His comments follow a series of US strikes on Iran last night. Iran had reportedly attacked ships in the Strait of Hormuz because they hadn’t coordinated their passage through the waterway. The World’s Shirin Jaafari speaks with Host Marco Werman about the latest.

New round of US attacks on Iran leaves peace agreement in limbo

From the Iran war to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, events this year have highlighted the way nations use the global energy trade as another weapon of war. To learn more, The World's Marco Werman speaks with Edward Fishman, an expert on economic statecraft at The Council on Foreign Relations.

From the Iran war to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, events this year have highlighted the way nations use the global energy trade as another weapon of war. To learn more, The World's Marco Werman speaks with Edward Fishman, an expert on economic statecraft at The Council on Foreign Relations.

How nations weaponize the energy trade during times of war

The meeting of 32 world leaders comes as the future of the military alliance has never looked more uncertain. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said he believed the US remains fully committed to the alliance. But, as expected, President Trump had some choice words for some of his NATO allies. The World's Europe correspondent Orla Barry has more.

The meeting of 32 world leaders comes as the future of the military alliance has never looked more uncertain. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said he believed the US remains fully committed to the alliance. But, as expected, President Trump had some choice words for some of his NATO allies. The World's Europe correspondent Orla Barry has more.

All eyes on Trump, as NATO leaders gather in Turkey

Only an estimated 100,000 people speak Ladino, once common among Jews throughout the Mediterranean. One millennial songwriter is on a quest to save Ladino to honor her Moroccan grandmother. Nani Vazana first told us her story in March 2025.

Only an estimated 100,000 people speak Ladino, once common among Jews throughout the Mediterranean. One millennial songwriter is on a quest to save Ladino to honor her Moroccan grandmother. Nani Vazana first told us her story in March 2025.

Saving the Ladino language, one song at a time

The International Olympic Committee has provisionally lifted the suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee that’s been in effect since October of 2023. The move paves the way for Russia to send a team to the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. Jules Boykoff is the author of several books on the Olympic Games and teaches political science at Pacific University in Oregon. He tells The World’s Marco Werman the decision opens a Pandora’s Box.

The International Olympic Committee has provisionally lifted the suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee that’s been in effect since October of 2023. The move paves the way for Russia to send a team to the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. Jules Boykoff is the author of several books on the Olympic Games and teaches political science at Pacific University in Oregon. He tells The World’s Marco Werman the decision opens a Pandora’s Box.

Russia returns to the Olympic fold, and not everyone is pleased

The tiny German village of Feldheim is world famous. Why? Because it is generating its own electricity, heating its homes with farm waste, and paying a fraction of the energy prices most Europeans face. So how did just 130 people manage to break free from the energy system and build something most countries are still struggling to achieve?  Reporter Kathleen Thompson went to Feldheim to find out.

The tiny German village of Feldheim is world famous. Why? Because it is generating its own electricity, heating its homes with farm waste, and paying a fraction of the energy prices most Europeans face. So how did just 130 people manage to break free from the energy system and build something most countries are still struggling to achieve?  Reporter Kathleen Thompson went to Feldheim to find out.

Germany energy-independent village: A blueprint for the future?

As the World Cup enters the quarter-finals, more and more losing teams are heading home. But across the US, fans of those teams are still feeling the love. There are Cape Verdeans in Boston, the Blue Wave of Curaçao in Houston. And then there are the Bosnians in St. Louis. The Bosnia and Herzegovina men’s soccer team went further in the FIFA World Cup this year than it ever had. And for many in St. Louis’ large Bosnian community, all the hubbub has resulted in a deepened sense of connection to each other and their ancestral home. St. Louis Public Radio’s Jeremy Goodwin reports.

As the World Cup enters the quarter-finals, more and more losing teams are heading home. But across the US, fans of those teams are still feeling the love. There are Cape Verdeans in Boston, the Blue Wave of Curaçao in Houston. And then there are the Bosnians in St. Louis. The Bosnia and Herzegovina men’s soccer team went further in the FIFA World Cup this year than it ever had. And for many in St. Louis’ large Bosnian community, all the hubbub has resulted in a deepened sense of connection to each other and their ancestral home. St. Louis Public Radio’s Jeremy Goodwin reports.

The Bosnian soccer team lost. But Bosnians in St. Louis won anyway.

Marine Le Pen, the French far-right leader and a frontrunner to win next year’s presidential election, has lost her appeal of an embezzlement conviction. But a court today cleared the way for her to run for office, although she’d be required to wear an electronic bracelet that limits her movements. The Financial Times’ Victor Mallet, author of "Far-Right France, Le Pen, Bardella and the Future of Europe,” talks with The World’s Carolyn Beeler about Le Pen’s next moves.

Marine Le Pen, the French far-right leader and a frontrunner to win next year’s presidential election, has lost her appeal of an embezzlement conviction. But a court today cleared the way for her to run for office, although she’d be required to wear an electronic bracelet that limits her movements. The Financial Times’ Victor Mallet, author of "Far-Right France, Le Pen, Bardella and the Future of Europe,” talks with The World’s Carolyn Beeler about Le Pen’s next moves.

France’s far-right at a pivot point

The success of Cape Verde’s run at the World Cup gave people around the globe an appreciation of the hidden talents in this small nation of islands. Music fans have also been treated to new discoveries in Cape Verdean sounds over the past two weeks. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler explain.

The success of Cape Verde’s run at the World Cup gave people around the globe an appreciation of the hidden talents in this small nation of islands. Music fans have also been treated to new discoveries in Cape Verdean sounds over the past two weeks. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler explain.