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.

As the United States honors its workers this Labor Day, it's been 250 years since the nation was founded. A defining ideal in the Declaration of Independence is “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness,” but when it was written, they were meant to not only be American pursuits. The Declaration explicitly addresses the larger world. Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with historian Nathan Perl-Rosenthal, author of the 2024 book “The Age of Revolutions: And the Generations Who Made It."This story originally aired on June 4, 2026.

As the United States honors its workers this Labor Day, it's been 250 years since the nation was founded. A defining ideal in the Declaration of Independence is “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness,” but when it was written, they were meant to not only be American pursuits. The Declaration explicitly addresses the larger world. Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with historian Nathan Perl-Rosenthal, author of the 2024 book “The Age of Revolutions: And the Generations Who Made It."
This story originally aired on June 4, 2026.

How the American Revolution kicked off a global 'Age of Revolutions'

As the United States commemorates its 250th birthday this year, we celebrate by listening to two songs that arrived from overseas and became a part of the country's early history. Host Marco Werman explains.

As the United States commemorates its 250th birthday this year, we celebrate by listening to two songs that arrived from overseas and became a part of the country's early history. Host Marco Werman explains.

Two songs woven into the nation's origin story

We look at how the colonies' fight for independence is taught elsewhere — namely, in the countries whose authority was defeated: England, France and Spain. Reporter Gerry Hadden has our story.This story originally aired on June 10, 2026.

We look at how the colonies' fight for independence is taught elsewhere — namely, in the countries whose authority was defeated: England, France and Spain. Reporter Gerry Hadden has our story.
This story originally aired on June 10, 2026.

Teaching the American Revolution abroad

The British Empire wasn't the only colonial power in what is now the United States. Several competing colonization projects led by the Spanish, Dutch, French and others laid the foundations of American history. Their distinct patterns of settlement help explain many of the political divides that continue to shape the US today, says historian Colin Woodard. He tells The World’s Host Marco Werman that, over the centuries, these rival visions also influenced how American democracy evolved.This story originally aired on July 1, 2026.

The British Empire wasn't the only colonial power in what is now the United States. Several competing colonization projects led by the Spanish, Dutch, French and others laid the foundations of American history. Their distinct patterns of settlement help explain many of the political divides that continue to shape the US today, says historian Colin Woodard. He tells The World’s Host Marco Werman that, over the centuries, these rival visions also influenced how American democracy evolved.
This story originally aired on July 1, 2026.

The US' current political fault lines have colonial roots

Two-hundred and fifty years ago, the American Revolution sent shockwaves around the globe. At the same time, events taking place outside the US impacted how democracy grew in America. The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with historian Heather Cox Richardson about how the contradictions inherent in the American experiment have played out on the global stage.This story originally aired on June 15, 2026.

Two-hundred and fifty years ago, the American Revolution sent shockwaves around the globe. At the same time, events taking place outside the US impacted how democracy grew in America. The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with historian Heather Cox Richardson about how the contradictions inherent in the American experiment have played out on the global stage.
This story originally aired on June 15, 2026.

How global forces helped shape American democracy

The story of the American revolution, as its typically told, is the story of two parties in conflict: the British crown and the rebelling colonies. But this story ignores the role North America's sovereign tribal nations played in the revolution, and the impact it had on Indigenous people around the world. For our series on the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Yale University historian Ned Blackhawk, about this complicated history.This story originally aired on June 26, 2026.

The story of the American revolution, as its typically told, is the story of two parties in conflict: the British crown and the rebelling colonies. But this story ignores the role North America's sovereign tribal nations played in the revolution, and the impact it had on Indigenous people around the world. For our series on the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Yale University historian Ned Blackhawk, about this complicated history.
This story originally aired on June 26, 2026.

Indigenous nations and the American Revolution

Spanish Women's Football League has announced it will subsidize the procedure of freezing their eggs for players on the national team. Some big stars have been lobbying for this option, as many professionals don't want to interrupt their careers to become mothers. But others say the league simply doesn't want its players getting pregnant while actively playing. The World's Gerry Hadden reports from Barcelona.

Spanish Women's Football League has announced it will subsidize the procedure of freezing their eggs for players on the national team. Some big stars have been lobbying for this option, as many professionals don't want to interrupt their careers to become mothers. But others say the league simply doesn't want its players getting pregnant while actively playing. The World's Gerry Hadden reports from Barcelona.

Spain's elite female soccer stars can now freeze their eggs for free

It's one of Germany's smaller states, and it's not usually the center of national attention. But this weekend, all eyes are on the eastern German region of Saxony-Anhalt. A strong result for the far-right Alternative for Germany, or AfD, could have implications not just for the state itself, but for Germany's political future. From Deutsche Welle, DW, Inside Europe’s Thomas Sparrow has more.

It's one of Germany's smaller states, and it's not usually the center of national attention. But this weekend, all eyes are on the eastern German region of Saxony-Anhalt. A strong result for the far-right Alternative for Germany, or AfD, could have implications not just for the state itself, but for Germany's political future. From Deutsche Welle, DW, Inside Europe’s Thomas Sparrow has more.

An AfD win in Saxony could be the first time the far-right party governs

Next Friday will mark 25 years since the September 11, 2001, attacks. A special edition of the show that day will look back at the global impact of the event and what followed. Andrew Sullivan is executive director of No One Left Behind, a nonprofit advocating for Afghan allies of the US. Before that, Sullivan deployed to Iraq and later commanded a company in Afghanistan. In conversation with Host Marco Werman, he recalled the significance of the event on his decision to join the military.

Next Friday will mark 25 years since the September 11, 2001, attacks. A special edition of the show that day will look back at the global impact of the event and what followed. Andrew Sullivan is executive director of No One Left Behind, a nonprofit advocating for Afghan allies of the US. Before that, Sullivan deployed to Iraq and later commanded a company in Afghanistan. In conversation with Host Marco Werman, he recalled the significance of the event on his decision to join the military.

25 years and two wars later, a veteran reflects on 9/11 attacks

In Nepal today, some welcome but unexpected news. Two survivors were rescued — alive — from the tunnel of a hydropower plant, some nine days after getting trapped by last week’s devastating floods. As the days have worn on, hopes were fading that any of roughly 500 hydropower workers believed to be in tunnels would be recovered alive. Carolyn Beeler continues her reporting from Kathmandu, Nepal, and joined Marco Werman to share updates.

In Nepal today, some welcome but unexpected news. Two survivors were rescued — alive — from the tunnel of a hydropower plant, some nine days after getting trapped by last week’s devastating floods. As the days have worn on, hopes were fading that any of roughly 500 hydropower workers believed to be in tunnels would be recovered alive. Carolyn Beeler continues her reporting from Kathmandu, Nepal, and joined Marco Werman to share updates.

The latest from on the ground in Nepal

It's the last days of summer and many of us might be looking for a final road trip or holiday. Indian journalist Akshobh Giridhadas loves to travel, and on a trip to the Indian Himalayas many years ago, he encountered some unexpected hospitality. He shared his adventure with GBH's Stories From The Stage.

It's the last days of summer and many of us might be looking for a final road trip or holiday. Indian journalist Akshobh Giridhadas loves to travel, and on a trip to the Indian Himalayas many years ago, he encountered some unexpected hospitality. He shared his adventure with GBH's Stories From The Stage.

Finding hospitality in an unknown place in India

Germany's far-right AfD party has been using a particular moped brand for its campaign: the Simson Schwalbe, often described as the "Vespa of East Germany". The Jewish heir to the founding family is fighting to protect the company's legacy. Deutsche Welle, DW's, Matthew Moore reports on how the moped has been turned into a political vehicle.

Germany's far-right AfD party has been using a particular moped brand for its campaign: the Simson Schwalbe, often described as the "Vespa of East Germany". The Jewish heir to the founding family is fighting to protect the company's legacy. Deutsche Welle, DW's, Matthew Moore reports on how the moped has been turned into a political vehicle.

Germany's far-right AfD party has adopted a Jewish-built moped as a campaign symbol

Giorgia Meloni has reached a milestone few Italian prime ministers have come close to: Today, she becomes Italy’s longest continuously serving prime minister since the fascist dictator Benito Mussolini was in power. Her four-year run in office is particularly notable in a country famous for political instability and frequent changes of government. Meloni is marking the occasion with a rally in Bari. But some political analysts warn that her position may not be as secure as it appears. The World's Europe Correspondent Orla Barry reports.

Giorgia Meloni has reached a milestone few Italian prime ministers have come close to: Today, she becomes Italy’s longest continuously serving prime minister since the fascist dictator Benito Mussolini was in power. Her four-year run in office is particularly notable in a country famous for political instability and frequent changes of government. Meloni is marking the occasion with a rally in Bari. But some political analysts warn that her position may not be as secure as it appears. The World's Europe Correspondent Orla Barry reports.

Meloni reaches milestone as Italy's longest continuously serving PM since Mussolini

After trade talks between Canada and the US fell apart, Canadians see Trump administration antics as a threat to their sovereignty. And they've been fighting back — boycotting US alcohol, avoiding US produce, canceling US vacations and posting nasty memes. But the Canadian government is in a tricky position, trying to play to a rise in domestic anti-American sentiment while maintaining relationships with Canada's biggest ally. Katie Toth reports from Nova Scotia.

After trade talks between Canada and the US fell apart, Canadians see Trump administration antics as a threat to their sovereignty. And they've been fighting back — boycotting US alcohol, avoiding US produce, canceling US vacations and posting nasty memes. But the Canadian government is in a tricky position, trying to play to a rise in domestic anti-American sentiment while maintaining relationships with Canada's biggest ally. Katie Toth reports from Nova Scotia.

Canadians fight back to counter Trump administration

Experts and officials have pointed to a collapsing glacier high up in the Himalayas as the trigger of the deadly flash flooding in Tibet and Nepal last week. Climate scientists warn that global warming may make glacial collapse — and the subsequent landslides and flooding they can cause — more frequent. National Geographic Explorer Paul Salopek recently joined an expedition of scientists studying the link between climate change and a landslide-induced tsunami in Alaska, and tells Host Carolyn Beeler what he learned.

Experts and officials have pointed to a collapsing glacier high up in the Himalayas as the trigger of the deadly flash flooding in Tibet and Nepal last week. Climate scientists warn that global warming may make glacial collapse — and the subsequent landslides and flooding they can cause — more frequent. National Geographic Explorer Paul Salopek recently joined an expedition of scientists studying the link between climate change and a landslide-induced tsunami in Alaska, and tells Host Carolyn Beeler what he learned.

As temperatures rise, glacier collapses may become more common

The Spanish enclave of Ceuta remains in crisis mode more than a month after tens of thousands of migrants crossed in from Morocco in just over a day. Spain has gone to great lengths not to implicate Morocco in the incident. But Spanish papers report that Spain's border agency has given a judge a dossier that concludes the Moroccan government was in fact behind the chaotic border crossing in which more than 100 people died. The World's Gerry Hadden reports.

The Spanish enclave of Ceuta remains in crisis mode more than a month after tens of thousands of migrants crossed in from Morocco in just over a day. Spain has gone to great lengths not to implicate Morocco in the incident. But Spanish papers report that Spain's border agency has given a judge a dossier that concludes the Moroccan government was in fact behind the chaotic border crossing in which more than 100 people died. The World's Gerry Hadden reports.

Intelligence report alleges Morocco masterminded migration crisis in Ceuta

The global food supply chain relies on three things: seamless trade, cheap energy and a stable climate. All are under growing pressure, according to Evan Fraser of the University of Guelph in Ontario. Fraser and The World’s Host Marco Werman discuss the climate and geopolitical shocks challenging the global food system and what governments can do to protect the vulnerable.

The global food supply chain relies on three things: seamless trade, cheap energy and a stable climate. All are under growing pressure, according to Evan Fraser of the University of Guelph in Ontario. Fraser and The World’s Host Marco Werman discuss the climate and geopolitical shocks challenging the global food system and what governments can do to protect the vulnerable.

Heat, drought and war scramble harvests, hike food prices

Activist Gloria Steinem was a highly visible symbol of the feminist movement at home and abroad. Egyptian writer, and activist Mona Eltahawy was among her friends. Eltahawy talks with The World’s Host Marco Werman about the messages she received from Steinem after she was beaten and sexually assaulted by Egyptian riot police while covering protests near Cairo’s Tahrir Square.

Activist Gloria Steinem was a highly visible symbol of the feminist movement at home and abroad. Egyptian writer, and activist Mona Eltahawy was among her friends. Eltahawy talks with The World’s Host Marco Werman about the messages she received from Steinem after she was beaten and sexually assaulted by Egyptian riot police while covering protests near Cairo’s Tahrir Square.

Gloria Steinem's lengthy collaboration with Mideast feminists

DJ and producer Hilder Brando is KillaBeatMaker. He's been at it for the past 25 years, searching for musicians to join his collective. He says the current incarnation of the group is what he's been looking for all along. Killabeatmaker's latest album is called  "Inga."This story originally aired on Aug. 7, 2024

DJ and producer Hilder Brando is KillaBeatMaker. He's been at it for the past 25 years, searching for musicians to join his collective. He says the current incarnation of the group is what he's been looking for all along. Killabeatmaker's latest album is called  "Inga."
This story originally aired on Aug. 7, 2024

Killa' sounds from Colombia's KillaBeatMaker

Gloria Steinem was a fierce advocate for women exploited by sex traffickers. She collaborated closely with Ruchira Gupta, an Indian journalist, activist and founder of Apne Aap, an organization fighting sex trafficking and exploitation in India. Gupta tells The World’s Host Marco Werman how Steinem’s first visit to one of Gupta’s projects in an Indian shanty town changed both of their lives.

Gloria Steinem was a fierce advocate for women exploited by sex traffickers. She collaborated closely with Ruchira Gupta, an Indian journalist, activist and founder of Apne Aap, an organization fighting sex trafficking and exploitation in India. Gupta tells The World’s Host Marco Werman how Steinem’s first visit to one of Gupta’s projects in an Indian shanty town changed both of their lives.

Gloria Steinem joined Indian feminists in the fight against sex trafficking

The World's Co-host Carolyn Beeler has traveled to one of the hardest-hit districts of Nepal. She’s in Bidur on the Trishuli River. On the drive there from Kathmandu, she saw trucks piled high with food, water and other supplies for flood victims. She also visited a local shelter for displaced people run by volunteers. Although aid is trickling into the devastated border region, Beeler tells The World’s Marco Werman that Nepal’s recovery effort faces immense obstacles.

The World's Co-host Carolyn Beeler has traveled to one of the hardest-hit districts of Nepal. She’s in Bidur on the Trishuli River. On the drive there from Kathmandu, she saw trucks piled high with food, water and other supplies for flood victims. She also visited a local shelter for displaced people run by volunteers. Although aid is trickling into the devastated border region, Beeler tells The World’s Marco Werman that Nepal’s recovery effort faces immense obstacles.

Nepal's daunting road to recovery

MapQuest rose to the Number 1 downloaded Apple app after it defied US President Donald Trump and refused to change Lake Ontario to Lake America.

MapQuest rose to the Number 1 downloaded Apple app after it defied US President Donald Trump and refused to change Lake Ontario to Lake America.

MapQuest defies Trump

Belarusians have been living under an autocratic regime for more than three decades. Alexander Lukashenko is known for ruling his country with an iron fist. Now, that repression is reaching Belarusians abroad. Earlier this year, a Belarusian court declared the European Humanities University, which operates in exile in neighboring Lithuania, an extremist organization. Anybody associated with it could face years in prison. From Deutsche Welle, DW, Inside Europe's Lisa Louis reports.

Belarusians have been living under an autocratic regime for more than three decades. Alexander Lukashenko is known for ruling his country with an iron fist. Now, that repression is reaching Belarusians abroad. Earlier this year, a Belarusian court declared the European Humanities University, which operates in exile in neighboring Lithuania, an extremist organization. Anybody associated with it could face years in prison. From Deutsche Welle, DW, Inside Europe's Lisa Louis reports.

Belarus' Lukashenko goes after expats studying in Lithuania

Marches and memorials held in honour of Ratko Mladić, the former commander of the Bosnian Serb Army who died last week, have caused outrage across much of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Mladić, died in prison at The Hague, where he was serving a life sentence for genocide and war crimes committed during the Bosnian war. Yet, in Serbia and in the Serb-controlled part of Bosnia and Herzegovina, many continue to regard him as a hero. The World's Europe Correspondent Orla Barry reports.

Marches and memorials held in honour of Ratko Mladić, the former commander of the Bosnian Serb Army who died last week, have caused outrage across much of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Mladić, died in prison at The Hague, where he was serving a life sentence for genocide and war crimes committed during the Bosnian war. Yet, in Serbia and in the Serb-controlled part of Bosnia and Herzegovina, many continue to regard him as a hero. The World's Europe Correspondent Orla Barry reports.

Ratko Mladić tributes spark outrage in Bosnia

It can be hard to admit to being overwhelmed, and needing help. Especially in cultures where talk therapy isn’t common — or might even be taboo. A scientist in Thailand says he’s got a novel way to identify people who are quietly struggling with anxiety. All he needs is a sample of their sweat. Last summer, reporter Patrick Winn in Bangkok went to learn more.This story originally aired on June 16, 2025.

It can be hard to admit to being overwhelmed, and needing help. Especially in cultures where talk therapy isn’t common — or might even be taboo. A scientist in Thailand says he’s got a novel way to identify people who are quietly struggling with anxiety. All he needs is a sample of their sweat. Last summer, reporter Patrick Winn in Bangkok went to learn more.
This story originally aired on June 16, 2025.

The stress in your sweat

Extreme weather can be catastrophic. And knowing the details about what is coming — and when — can be a matter of life and death. To refine these predictions, national weather agencies are increasingly turning to AI. Host Marco Werman speaks with Florence Rabier, the former director general and director of forecasts for the European Centre for Medium-range Weather Forecasts.

Extreme weather can be catastrophic. And knowing the details about what is coming — and when — can be a matter of life and death. To refine these predictions, national weather agencies are increasingly turning to AI. Host Marco Werman speaks with Florence Rabier, the former director general and director of forecasts for the European Centre for Medium-range Weather Forecasts.

AI can help create more accurate weather forecasts

We to turn to a teacher on YouTube who composes songs about artists. Mrs. Zepeda's Edu Music Beats has produced musical stories about Jean-Michel Basquiat, Georgia O'Keefe, Vincent Van Gogh ... and now ... Yayoi Kusama.

We to turn to a teacher on YouTube who composes songs about artists. Mrs. Zepeda's Edu Music Beats has produced musical stories about Jean-Michel Basquiat, Georgia O'Keefe, Vincent Van Gogh ... and now ... Yayoi Kusama.

Songs about artists including Japan's Yayoi Kusama who recently died at 97

After more than 270 days at sea, the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln arrived in the waters off Thailand, giving its sailors much-needed shore leave. The ship's record-breaking time at sea resulted in growing complaints about the conditions on the ship and bleeding morale. Many of the sailors are expected to visit the seaside town of Pattaya. The vacation hot spot has deep ties to the US military, going back to the Vietnam War. Elizabeth Becker, author of the book “Overbooked: The Exploding Business of Travel and Tourism,” joined Host Marco Werman to discuss.

After more than 270 days at sea, the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln arrived in the waters off Thailand, giving its sailors much-needed shore leave. The ship's record-breaking time at sea resulted in growing complaints about the conditions on the ship and bleeding morale. Many of the sailors are expected to visit the seaside town of Pattaya. The vacation hot spot has deep ties to the US military, going back to the Vietnam War. Elizabeth Becker, author of the book “Overbooked: The Exploding Business of Travel and Tourism,” joined Host Marco Werman to discuss.

Sailors from USS Abraham Lincoln take shore leave in Thai city

More than 11,000 people in the US have gotten sick in a major Cyclospora outbreak that the FDA linked to iceberg lettuce from central Mexico. But Mexican officials and growers are pushing back, saying no lettuce sample has tested positive for the parasite. The World's Tibisay Zea looks at the local impact in Guanajuato, the trade tensions surrounding the case, and why scientists say the exact point of contamination is still unclear. Alfonsina Avila also contributed to this report.

More than 11,000 people in the US have gotten sick in a major Cyclospora outbreak that the FDA linked to iceberg lettuce from central Mexico. But Mexican officials and growers are pushing back, saying no lettuce sample has tested positive for the parasite. The World's Tibisay Zea looks at the local impact in Guanajuato, the trade tensions surrounding the case, and why scientists say the exact point of contamination is still unclear. Alfonsina Avila also contributed to this report.

Mexico pushes back on Cyclospora link

A small town in Australia's outback is attracting visitors with an open-air museum of old farm tractors, bulldozers and other industrial equipment. They call it the "Great Machinery Mile." Host Marco Werman has more.

A small town in Australia's outback is attracting visitors with an open-air museum of old farm tractors, bulldozers and other industrial equipment. They call it the "Great Machinery Mile." Host Marco Werman has more.