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.

Water levels in two of Europe's biggest rivers, the Danube in Hungary and the Vistula in Poland, have hit historic lows amid an intense heat wave. The issue has forced shipping authorities to limit the amount of cargo that ships can carry, which could have major economic implications.

Water levels in two of Europe's biggest rivers, the Danube in Hungary and the Vistula in Poland, have hit historic lows amid an intense heat wave. The issue has forced shipping authorities to limit the amount of cargo that ships can carry, which could have major economic implications.

Low water levels disrupt shipping in Central Europe

A new documentary from Frontline explores the quest for stability in Syria in the months since opposition forces caused former President Bashar al-Assad's government to fall. Ahmed al-Sharaa was the rebel leader who led the toppling of the Assad regime, and is now the country's transitional president. The documentary is called "Syria After Assad," and filmmaker Martin Smith discusses it with Host Carolyn Beeler.

A new documentary from Frontline explores the quest for stability in Syria in the months since opposition forces caused former President Bashar al-Assad's government to fall. Ahmed al-Sharaa was the rebel leader who led the toppling of the Assad regime, and is now the country's transitional president. The documentary is called "Syria After Assad," and filmmaker Martin Smith discusses it with Host Carolyn Beeler.

'Syria after Assad'

The Seine reopened for public swimming on Saturday, after being closed for more than a century. That comes a year after swimming events were held in the river for the 2024 Olympics in Paris, and is the result of billions of dollars' worth of investment into revamping the city's sewers. Authorities say it's safe to swim on most days, but some would-be swimmers remain skeptical. Host Marco Werman has more.

The Seine reopened for public swimming on Saturday, after being closed for more than a century. That comes a year after swimming events were held in the river for the 2024 Olympics in Paris, and is the result of billions of dollars' worth of investment into revamping the city's sewers. Authorities say it's safe to swim on most days, but some would-be swimmers remain skeptical. Host Marco Werman has more.

After century-long ban, Paris reopens Seine for public swimming

US President Donald Trump says there's a "good chance" a Gaza ceasefire could be reached this week, as he sits down with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. But while an agreement for a ceasefire would be an immense relief for Palestinian civilians, it would leave them with few options, says Fawaz Gerges of the London School of Economics and Political Science. Gerges discusses what’s next for Palestinians with Host Marco Werman.

US President Donald Trump says there's a "good chance" a Gaza ceasefire could be reached this week, as he sits down with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. But while an agreement for a ceasefire would be an immense relief for Palestinian civilians, it would leave them with few options, says Fawaz Gerges of the London School of Economics and Political Science. Gerges discusses what’s next for Palestinians with Host Marco Werman.

Ceasefire talks mask grim reality still unfolding in Gaza

The 14th Dalai Lama, who's lived outside of Tibet since 1959 and just turned 90 years old, announced last week that he will be reincarnated. In other words, the spiritual head of Tibetan Buddhism says he will have a successor. He also said that Tibetan religious authorities living outside of China will have the responsibility of locating that successor. For its part, the Chinese government insists that it, alone, can choose the next Dalai Lama. The World's Matthew Bell reports.

The 14th Dalai Lama, who's lived outside of Tibet since 1959 and just turned 90 years old, announced last week that he will be reincarnated. In other words, the spiritual head of Tibetan Buddhism says he will have a successor. He also said that Tibetan religious authorities living outside of China will have the responsibility of locating that successor. For its part, the Chinese government insists that it, alone, can choose the next Dalai Lama. The World's Matthew Bell reports.

Turning 90, Tibet's Dalai Lama says he will be reborn

Flood disasters around the world are growing as climate change makes intense and erratic rainfall more likely. Early warning systems are a critical tool for people to know if they are in harm's way. Host Marco Werman speaks with Dr. Bayes Ahmed from University College London about how effective early warning systems are, what hurdles still exist to ensure those warnings are communicated and what disparities exist for those who are and are not warned.

Flood disasters around the world are growing as climate change makes intense and erratic rainfall more likely. Early warning systems are a critical tool for people to know if they are in harm's way. Host Marco Werman speaks with Dr. Bayes Ahmed from University College London about how effective early warning systems are, what hurdles still exist to ensure those warnings are communicated and what disparities exist for those who are and are not warned.

Amid growing flood disasters, a look at early warning system challenges

Twenty years ago today, four coordinated bombings tore through London’s transport network, killing 52 people and injuring hundreds. The four perpetrators who died in the blasts were all raised in the UK, and were later revealed to have been motivated by Islamist extremism. In the years since, British security services say they’ve become far better equipped to detect and prevent such attacks. But as The World's Europe Correspondent Orla Barry reports, the nature of the threat is more complex than ever.

Twenty years ago today, four coordinated bombings tore through London’s transport network, killing 52 people and injuring hundreds. The four perpetrators who died in the blasts were all raised in the UK, and were later revealed to have been motivated by Islamist extremism. In the years since, British security services say they’ve become far better equipped to detect and prevent such attacks. But as The World's Europe Correspondent Orla Barry reports, the nature of the threat is more complex than ever.

20 years after London's deadliest bombings, extremist threat grows more complex

Recently in Norway, there was yet another clash between indigenous Sámi reindeer herders and a mining company. It's the latest such incident to act as a reminder of the ongoing threats to traditional Sámi life and culture. Lars Bevanger, from our partners at Deutsche Welle, DW, sent us this report from Tromso.

Recently in Norway, there was yet another clash between indigenous Sámi reindeer herders and a mining company. It's the latest such incident to act as a reminder of the ongoing threats to traditional Sámi life and culture. Lars Bevanger, from our partners at Deutsche Welle, DW, sent us this report from Tromso.

Indigenous group in Norway clashes with mining company and government

When wrestlers are doused with olive oil, a wrestling match is elevated to a battle of technique, speed and willpower, fans say. The World's Durrie Bouscaren went to the Turkish city of Edirne to witness the 664-year-old oil wrestling festival and follow the athletes' journey to win the Golden Belt.

When wrestlers are doused with olive oil, a wrestling match is elevated to a battle of technique, speed and willpower, fans say. The World's Durrie Bouscaren went to the Turkish city of Edirne to witness the 664-year-old oil wrestling festival and follow the athletes' journey to win the Golden Belt.

In Turkey, oil wrestlers battle for gold in the world's oldest sport competition

With former President Bashar al-Assad ousted from power, comedians in Syria see a new moment for their art form. They have been putting together shows at cafes and clubs across Damascus. The World’s Shirin Jaafari reports on how these comedians are telling jokes that were unthinkable under the former regime.This story originally aired on May 30, 2025.

With former President Bashar al-Assad ousted from power, comedians in Syria see a new moment for their art form. They have been putting together shows at cafes and clubs across Damascus. The World’s Shirin Jaafari reports on how these comedians are telling jokes that were unthinkable under the former regime.
This story originally aired on May 30, 2025.

Syrian comedians embrace a new era with more freedoms

A series of videos brings together climate scientists and comedians from the UK. Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Nick Oldridge and Ben Carey, two of the producers of "Climate Science Translated," a project that uses snark, whimsy and irreverence to communicate the serious issues around climate change.This story originally aired on Nov. 3, 2023.

A series of videos brings together climate scientists and comedians from the UK. Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Nick Oldridge and Ben Carey, two of the producers of "Climate Science Translated," a project that uses snark, whimsy and irreverence to communicate the serious issues around climate change.
This story originally aired on Nov. 3, 2023.

Climate science translators

Ukrainian comic Anton Tymoshenko is based in Kyiv, and since the start of the war in Ukraine, he's begun performing in both Ukrainian and English. Amid a groundswell of comedy in his country, Tymoshenko has managed to cross over to reach a global, English-speaking audience. He says that, for him, comedy is a way to process the war — it's also a defense mechanism, and sometimes a distraction. The World's Daniel Ofman reports.This story originally aired on March 11, 2025.

Ukrainian comic Anton Tymoshenko is based in Kyiv, and since the start of the war in Ukraine, he's begun performing in both Ukrainian and English. Amid a groundswell of comedy in his country, Tymoshenko has managed to cross over to reach a global, English-speaking audience. He says that, for him, comedy is a way to process the war — it's also a defense mechanism, and sometimes a distraction. The World's Daniel Ofman reports.
This story originally aired on March 11, 2025.

For this Ukrainian comic, standup is a defense mechanism

There are plenty of jokes. And lots of laughs. But the regular Chinese-language open mic events in New York city called "Nvzizhuyi" — which translates to "feminism" from Mandarin — are not just about stand-up comedy. These get-togethers also serve as a place for activists, students and young professionals to meet, engage in group therapy and share pointed views on life back home in China and here in the United States. The World's Matthew Bell reported the story with Vickie Wang.

There are plenty of jokes. And lots of laughs. But the regular Chinese-language open mic events in New York city called "Nvzizhuyi" — which translates to "feminism" from Mandarin — are not just about stand-up comedy. These get-togethers also serve as a place for activists, students and young professionals to meet, engage in group therapy and share pointed views on life back home in China and here in the United States. The World's Matthew Bell reported the story with Vickie Wang.

Chinese-language 'open mic' events are about more than just comedy

Romesh Ranganathan took a circuitous route to comedy. The son of Sri Lankan immigrants in the UK, he taught high school math for about a decade before abandoning it for a full-time career in entertainment. He does standup, radio shows, podcasts and TV specials. As he started the North American leg of his current Hustle tour, Ranganathan stopped in at The World's studio in Boston for a conversation with Host Carol Hills.This story originally aired on Jan. 17, 2025.

Romesh Ranganathan took a circuitous route to comedy. The son of Sri Lankan immigrants in the UK, he taught high school math for about a decade before abandoning it for a full-time career in entertainment. He does standup, radio shows, podcasts and TV specials. As he started the North American leg of his current Hustle tour, Ranganathan stopped in at The World's studio in Boston for a conversation with Host Carol Hills.
This story originally aired on Jan. 17, 2025.

The comedic journey of Romesh Ranganathan

Learnmore Jonasi, from a small village in Zimbabwe, is making a name for himself on the US comedy scene. And yes, his first name really is Learnmore. Carol Hills speaks with the comedian.This story originally aired on Dec. 6, 2024.

Learnmore Jonasi, from a small village in Zimbabwe, is making a name for himself on the US comedy scene. And yes, his first name really is Learnmore. Carol Hills speaks with the comedian.
This story originally aired on Dec. 6, 2024.

Zimbabwean comedian makes a splash in the US

Meet Daisy, a British AI conversationalist made to sound like an older woman who's not very tech savy. She's been deployed to take up phone scammers' time — and collect information about new scams. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler have the story.This story originally aired on Nov. 14, 2024.

Meet Daisy, a British AI conversationalist made to sound like an older woman who's not very tech savy. She's been deployed to take up phone scammers' time — and collect information about new scams. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler have the story.
This story originally aired on Nov. 14, 2024.

AI bot beats phone scammers at their own game

More than 8 million Venezuelans have fled their country in the past 10 years, and some of them have become comedians and satirists. A 2018 anti-hate law passed by the government of President Nicolas Maduro clamped down on all sorts of speech and made it impossible for them to ply their trade. The World's Tibisay Zea reports on whether there's a distinct Venezuelan sense of humor, and the challenge of punching up at a dictator.This story originally aired on February 24, 2025.

More than 8 million Venezuelans have fled their country in the past 10 years, and some of them have become comedians and satirists. A 2018 anti-hate law passed by the government of President Nicolas Maduro clamped down on all sorts of speech and made it impossible for them to ply their trade. The World's Tibisay Zea reports on whether there's a distinct Venezuelan sense of humor, and the challenge of punching up at a dictator.
This story originally aired on February 24, 2025.

Finding humor as a Venezuelan exile

Sugary soft drinks, candy and highly processed foods are no longer welcome in Mexico’s elementary, middle and high schools. It’s part of an effort to battle one of the world’s worst obesity and diabetes epidemics. Host Carolyn Beeler gets more from Dr. Simón Barquera, Director of the Nutrition and Health Research Center at the National Institute of Public Health, Mexico.This story originally aired on March 31, 2025.

Sugary soft drinks, candy and highly processed foods are no longer welcome in Mexico’s elementary, middle and high schools. It’s part of an effort to battle one of the world’s worst obesity and diabetes epidemics. Host Carolyn Beeler gets more from Dr. Simón Barquera, Director of the Nutrition and Health Research Center at the National Institute of Public Health, Mexico.
This story originally aired on March 31, 2025.

Mexico bans junk food in schools to combat childhood obesity

On Tuesday the European Space Agency (ESA) launched a small bioreactor carrying genetically engineered yeast into space aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. It's part of a larger plan to develop in-space food production systems to serve the International Space Station and future missions to the Moon and Mars. Host Marco Werman speaks with Aqeel Shamsul, CEO of Frontier Space, a UK biotech company that is developing the platform for biotech and biopharma in space.This story originally aired on April 22, 2025.

On Tuesday the European Space Agency (ESA) launched a small bioreactor carrying genetically engineered yeast into space aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. It's part of a larger plan to develop in-space food production systems to serve the International Space Station and future missions to the Moon and Mars. Host Marco Werman speaks with Aqeel Shamsul, CEO of Frontier Space, a UK biotech company that is developing the platform for biotech and biopharma in space.
This story originally aired on April 22, 2025.

Growing food in space

Green tea is a major industry in Shizuoka prefecture, on Japan’s Pacific coast. Over a third of the tea leaves produced in Japan come from Shizuoka. Google “Shizuoka” and you’ll find images of hillsides covered in neat rows of bright-green tea bushes with Mt. Fuji in the background. But that scenery is changing. Reporter Hannah Kirshner headed to Shizuoka to find out why some tea farmers are innovating, and others are calling it quits.This story originally aired on Aug. 27, 2024.

Green tea is a major industry in Shizuoka prefecture, on Japan’s Pacific coast. Over a third of the tea leaves produced in Japan come from Shizuoka. Google “Shizuoka” and you’ll find images of hillsides covered in neat rows of bright-green tea bushes with Mt. Fuji in the background. But that scenery is changing. Reporter Hannah Kirshner headed to Shizuoka to find out why some tea farmers are innovating, and others are calling it quits.
This story originally aired on Aug. 27, 2024.

Green tea farmers struggle for economic survival

The cuisine of Nigeria packs in all kinds of global influences and ingredients: curries from India, sauces from China, spices from Lebanon. They all co-mingle with a particular repertoire of staple ingredients from Nigeria. Food anthropologist and Nigerian native Ozoz Sokoh is out with a cookbook that's being hailed as the first comprehensive guide to home cooking in all six regions of the country. She joins Host Carol Hills for a conversation about the flavors, ingredients and recipes in her book — as well as the culture around eating in Nigeria.This story originally aired on April 11, 2025.

The cuisine of Nigeria packs in all kinds of global influences and ingredients: curries from India, sauces from China, spices from Lebanon. They all co-mingle with a particular repertoire of staple ingredients from Nigeria. Food anthropologist and Nigerian native Ozoz Sokoh is out with a cookbook that's being hailed as the first comprehensive guide to home cooking in all six regions of the country. She joins Host Carol Hills for a conversation about the flavors, ingredients and recipes in her book — as well as the culture around eating in Nigeria.
This story originally aired on April 11, 2025.

New cookbook highlights Nigerian home cooking

Italians looking to avoid "egg-flation" have been flocking to a farm in northern Italy for classes in how to raise hens. Reporter Dany Mitzman from our partner Deutsche Welle, DW, reports from Flori, Italy.This story originally aired on March 26, 2025.

Italians looking to avoid "egg-flation" have been flocking to a farm in northern Italy for classes in how to raise hens. Reporter Dany Mitzman from our partner Deutsche Welle, DW, reports from Flori, Italy.
This story originally aired on March 26, 2025.

More Italians are raising chickens

Cold beet soup is a culinary staple in Latvia and Lithuania, and across Eastern Europe. This year, Vilnius, the Lithuanian capital, hosted a "Pink Soup Festival" celebrating the dish. But the city's tourism agency also started a public beef with Latvia, claiming that the Lithuanian version of the soup is better. The World's Daniel Ofman reports from Latvia's capital, Riga.This story originally aired on June 4, 2024.

Cold beet soup is a culinary staple in Latvia and Lithuania, and across Eastern Europe. This year, Vilnius, the Lithuanian capital, hosted a "Pink Soup Festival" celebrating the dish. But the city's tourism agency also started a public beef with Latvia, claiming that the Lithuanian version of the soup is better. The World's Daniel Ofman reports from Latvia's capital, Riga.
This story originally aired on June 4, 2024.

The Baltics' beet soup season begins with a beef between Latvia and Lithuania

Styles may vary when it comes to barbecuing, but the basic idea is cooking meat, over fire — low and slow. It's also a culinary tradition with an global history, obviously infused with flavor from around the world. A new cookbook called "Barbecue: Smoked and Grilled Recipes from Across the Globe" explores these traditions. It was compiled by Chef Hugh Mangum with contributions from May Chow, a chef in Hong Kong. Both chefs speak to Host Marco Werman.

Styles may vary when it comes to barbecuing, but the basic idea is cooking meat, over fire — low and slow. It's also a culinary tradition with an global history, obviously infused with flavor from around the world. A new cookbook called "Barbecue: Smoked and Grilled Recipes from Across the Globe" explores these traditions. It was compiled by Chef Hugh Mangum with contributions from May Chow, a chef in Hong Kong. Both chefs speak to Host Marco Werman.

Barbecue from around the globe

Uganda is known for bananas. The tropical fruit grows there, and it's also a major culinary staple in the country. But banana growers in the country struggle to make a living, because of a bumper crop — there can be so many bananas that their monetary value plunges. That has Ugandan entrepreneurs seeking out uses for bananas beyond the culinary. Anita Elash visited some of the factories and farms trying to make a go of new banana products.This story originally aired on April 9, 2025.

Uganda is known for bananas. The tropical fruit grows there, and it's also a major culinary staple in the country. But banana growers in the country struggle to make a living, because of a bumper crop — there can be so many bananas that their monetary value plunges. That has Ugandan entrepreneurs seeking out uses for bananas beyond the culinary. Anita Elash visited some of the factories and farms trying to make a go of new banana products.
This story originally aired on April 9, 2025.

Ugandan farmers see untapped potential in banana crop

Move over fish and olive oil! Try plantain and fermented banana drink. According to a recent study in the journal Nature Medicine, traditional eating habits in rural Africa can boost the immune system and reduce inflammation. The so-called "African heritage diet" has not been explored before, unlike the Mediterranean and Japanese diets, which have been studied and promoted by the global health community for years. Experts say its time to expand what healthy eating looks like, beyond the Euro-centric mindset.This story originally aired on April 22, 2025.

Move over fish and olive oil! Try plantain and fermented banana drink. According to a recent study in the journal Nature Medicine, traditional eating habits in rural Africa can boost the immune system and reduce inflammation. The so-called "African heritage diet" has not been explored before, unlike the Mediterranean and Japanese diets, which have been studied and promoted by the global health community for years. Experts say its time to expand what healthy eating looks like, beyond the Euro-centric mindset.
This story originally aired on April 22, 2025.

Move over Mediterranean diet, there's a different way to stay healthy

The families of a historic apartheid murder case are taking the government and president to court for not investigating and prosecuting the crimes properly. They want nearly $10 million in damages and a public commission to look into how political interference suppressed hundreds of crimes from that era. From Johannesburg, Elna Schutz reports.This story originally aired on Jan. 28, 2025.

The families of a historic apartheid murder case are taking the government and president to court for not investigating and prosecuting the crimes properly. They want nearly $10 million in damages and a public commission to look into how political interference suppressed hundreds of crimes from that era. From Johannesburg, Elna Schutz reports.
This story originally aired on Jan. 28, 2025.

Families sue South African government for apartheid-era killings

Statistically speaking, for every baby born in Japan, two people pass away. The country’s rapidly shrinking population is, according to officials, a “national emergency” threatening its future prosperity and entire way of life. They’re struggling to reverse this trend but some believe fixing this problem calls for a revolution in Japanese fatherhood. The World's Patrick Winn reports with Aya Asakura in Tokyo.This story originally aired on June 5, 2024.

Statistically speaking, for every baby born in Japan, two people pass away. The country’s rapidly shrinking population is, according to officials, a “national emergency” threatening its future prosperity and entire way of life. They’re struggling to reverse this trend but some believe fixing this problem calls for a revolution in Japanese fatherhood. The World's Patrick Winn reports with Aya Asakura in Tokyo.
This story originally aired on June 5, 2024.

The Japanese dads struggling to reform fatherhood

Each May, Mother’s Day is a moment to recognize moms in many countries across the globe. One book follows the lives of four women — in the US, Kenya, Finland and Japan — as they enter a new chapter of life as mothers. In her new book “Four Mothers: An Intimate Journey through the First Year of Parenthood in Four Countries,” journalist Abigail Leonard set out to explore the experience of parenting across cultures. Leonard told The World's Host Carol Hills what she learned by following their lives.This story originally aired on May 9, 2025.

Each May, Mother’s Day is a moment to recognize moms in many countries across the globe. One book follows the lives of four women — in the US, Kenya, Finland and Japan — as they enter a new chapter of life as mothers. In her new book “Four Mothers: An Intimate Journey through the First Year of Parenthood in Four Countries,” journalist Abigail Leonard set out to explore the experience of parenting across cultures. Leonard told The World's Host Carol Hills what she learned by following their lives.
This story originally aired on May 9, 2025.

'Four Mothers' examines motherhood across the globe

In the midst of missiles strikes, air raid sirens and power outages, Ukrainians are finding ways to keep living their lives. That includes searching for — and finding — love. The World’s Carolyn Beeler speaks with people who are dating, moving in together and getting married in wartime Kyiv.This story originally aired on March 14, 2023.

In the midst of missiles strikes, air raid sirens and power outages, Ukrainians are finding ways to keep living their lives. That includes searching for — and finding — love. The World’s Carolyn Beeler speaks with people who are dating, moving in together and getting married in wartime Kyiv.
This story originally aired on March 14, 2023.