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 economic shocks of the war in Iran continue, countries in eastern Africa are particularly exposed due to a combination of geography and politics. But for countries in other parts of the continent, like Nigeria and Angola, which are themselves oil producers, the oil shock could provide a long-term opportunity. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Amaka Anku, head of Africa Practice at the Eurasia Group.

As the economic shocks of the war in Iran continue, countries in eastern Africa are particularly exposed due to a combination of geography and politics. But for countries in other parts of the continent, like Nigeria and Angola, which are themselves oil producers, the oil shock could provide a long-term opportunity. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Amaka Anku, head of Africa Practice at the Eurasia Group.

Oil shocks continue in Africa

The two‑week ceasefire, brokered just hours before US President Donald Trump’s threat of “total annihilation” was set to take effect, remains highly tentative. Ali Vaez, Iran project director at the International Crisis Group, tells The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler that Tehran now understands it can wield control over the Strait of Hormuz as a potent “weapon of mass disruption.”

The two‑week ceasefire, brokered just hours before US President Donald Trump’s threat of “total annihilation” was set to take effect, remains highly tentative. Ali Vaez, Iran project director at the International Crisis Group, tells The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler that Tehran now understands it can wield control over the Strait of Hormuz as a potent “weapon of mass disruption.”

US and Iran step back from brink, in fragile truce

There's an emerging understanding that extreme heat impacts not just physical health, but mental health, too. One nonprofit in Bangladesh is studying how heat waves in informal settlements outside of the capital Dhaka are impacting things like anxiety and depression, and offering mental health counseling to alleviate the burden. The World's Carolyn Beeler reports from Bangladesh.

There's an emerging understanding that extreme heat impacts not just physical health, but mental health, too. One nonprofit in Bangladesh is studying how heat waves in informal settlements outside of the capital Dhaka are impacting things like anxiety and depression, and offering mental health counseling to alleviate the burden. The World's Carolyn Beeler reports from Bangladesh.

Toll of extreme heat on mental health

The two-week ceasefire between the US, Israel and Iran was brokered by Pakistan. For years, the country was seen by the US and others in the West as a pariah state due to its Taliban links, but much has changed. As it acts as mediator, it’s also been fighting the Taliban and ISIS. The World's Host Marco Werman learns more from Aqil Shah, a political scientist at McDaniel College in Maryland.

The two-week ceasefire between the US, Israel and Iran was brokered by Pakistan. For years, the country was seen by the US and others in the West as a pariah state due to its Taliban links, but much has changed. As it acts as mediator, it’s also been fighting the Taliban and ISIS. The World's Host Marco Werman learns more from Aqil Shah, a political scientist at McDaniel College in Maryland.

How Pakistan came to play mediator in the Iran war

A high-profile visit by US Vice President JD Vance to Budapest is drawing attention to crucial elections being held in Hungary this Sunday. Vance's two-day visit is seen by many as an 11th hour attempt to boost Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's support among Hungarian voters. Independent polls currently put opposition leader Péter Magyar in the lead, but the outcome remains uncertain. The World’s Europe Correspondent Orla Barry reports on the man who could bring down Europe's longest-serving leader.

A high-profile visit by US Vice President JD Vance to Budapest is drawing attention to crucial elections being held in Hungary this Sunday. Vance's two-day visit is seen by many as an 11th hour attempt to boost Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's support among Hungarian voters. Independent polls currently put opposition leader Péter Magyar in the lead, but the outcome remains uncertain. The World’s Europe Correspondent Orla Barry reports on the man who could bring down Europe's longest-serving leader.

The challenger threatening Europe's longest-serving leader

After more than a month of constant bombardment, residents in Tehran brace for what might be an end to the fighting. In the early hours of Tuesday morning, US President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire for two weeks. That’s after making threats that “a whole civilization will die” if Iran doesn’t reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The World’s Shirin Jaafari speaks with Host Marco Werman.

After more than a month of constant bombardment, residents in Tehran brace for what might be an end to the fighting. In the early hours of Tuesday morning, US President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire for two weeks. That’s after making threats that “a whole civilization will die” if Iran doesn’t reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The World’s Shirin Jaafari speaks with Host Marco Werman.

Iranians react to a shaky ceasefire

Iranian musician Hamidreza Afrideh and his wife spent a long time working to establish the Honiak Music Academy in Tehran. Earlier this month, it was destroyed in a missile strike. Fortunately, no one was killed or injured, but 250 students and some 20 music instructors are now without a livelihood. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler share a solo performance by Afrideh on the bowed instrument, the kamancheh, in the ruins of his music school.

Iranian musician Hamidreza Afrideh and his wife spent a long time working to establish the Honiak Music Academy in Tehran. Earlier this month, it was destroyed in a missile strike. Fortunately, no one was killed or injured, but 250 students and some 20 music instructors are now without a livelihood. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler share a solo performance by Afrideh on the bowed instrument, the kamancheh, in the ruins of his music school.

Music from the ruins in Iran

In the last few months, the push to replace real elephants with mechanical ones has geared up in India, with around 25 mechanical elephants now placed in Indian temples, primarily in the state of Kerala. The slow but upward trend has had many supporters and recently moved into the private sector, with people buying robot elephants to rent out for weddings and other ceremonies. Reporter Jamie Fullerton has more.

In the last few months, the push to replace real elephants with mechanical ones has geared up in India, with around 25 mechanical elephants now placed in Indian temples, primarily in the state of Kerala. The slow but upward trend has had many supporters and recently moved into the private sector, with people buying robot elephants to rent out for weddings and other ceremonies. Reporter Jamie Fullerton has more.

India's mechanical pachyderms replacing the real thing

The war in Iran is raising concerns in Taiwan about US bandwidth, and whether the Pentagon can fight in the Middle East while deterring China. Cheng Li-wun, the combative chair of Taiwan’s main opposition party, arrived in China today on a visit aimed at bolstering ties to the mainland. From the capital Taipei, William Yang, a senior analyst with International Crisis Group, discusses the implications with The World’s Host Marco Werman.

The war in Iran is raising concerns in Taiwan about US bandwidth, and whether the Pentagon can fight in the Middle East while deterring China. Cheng Li-wun, the combative chair of Taiwan’s main opposition party, arrived in China today on a visit aimed at bolstering ties to the mainland. From the capital Taipei, William Yang, a senior analyst with International Crisis Group, discusses the implications with The World’s Host Marco Werman.

Iran war stokes concerns Taiwan could be left exposed

Albert Mazibuko was the last original member of South African choral group Ladysmith Black Mambazo. He died on Sunday. Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman pay tribute.

Albert Mazibuko was the last original member of South African choral group Ladysmith Black Mambazo. He died on Sunday. Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman pay tribute.

The last living member of Ladysmith Black Mambazo has died

It's called Akira Comics, and among its 60,000 volumes, you'll find everything from the Japanese manga style that inspired its name to fantasy literature to classic Marvel superheroes. But Akira is more than just shopping. Its decor is designed to transport clients to fantasy realms, from "The Lord of the Rings" to "Star Wars" to medieval Europe. The World's Gerry Hadden took us on a tour of Akira, on Madrid's north side.This story originally aired on Sept. 12, 2025.

It's called Akira Comics, and among its 60,000 volumes, you'll find everything from the Japanese manga style that inspired its name to fantasy literature to classic Marvel superheroes. But Akira is more than just shopping. Its decor is designed to transport clients to fantasy realms, from "The Lord of the Rings" to "Star Wars" to medieval Europe. The World's Gerry Hadden took us on a tour of Akira, on Madrid's north side.
This story originally aired on Sept. 12, 2025.

The world's best comics store says immersive fantasy is key to its success

Today, US President Donald Trump warned that a “whole civilization will die tonight never to be brought back again” if Iran does not make a deal by his evening deadline. This clash of civilizations narrative goes way back. But, Iran's civilization is much deeper and is more complex than East vs. West or Judeo-Christian nations against the Islamic Republic. To understand this ancient history, The World's Host Carolyn Beeler spoke to Touraj Daryaee, director of the Center for Persian Studies at the University of California Irvine.

Today, US President Donald Trump warned that a “whole civilization will die tonight never to be brought back again” if Iran does not make a deal by his evening deadline. This clash of civilizations narrative goes way back. But, Iran's civilization is much deeper and is more complex than East vs. West or Judeo-Christian nations against the Islamic Republic. To understand this ancient history, The World's Host Carolyn Beeler spoke to Touraj Daryaee, director of the Center for Persian Studies at the University of California Irvine.

The 'whole civilization' and heritage threatened by Iran war

Proposals for reforms to the legal system are a matter of hot debate in the UK at the moment, with the government determined to press ahead with plans to scrap jury trials for thousands of criminal cases in England and Wales. Under the plans, offenses likely to attract sentences of three years or less would be heard by a judge sitting alone. Ministers say the change will help tackle the huge backlog of 80,000 cases in the Crown Court. But as Nik Martin, from our partners at Deutsche Welle, DW, reports, the proposals have triggered strong opposition — with lawyers and judges warning against the erosion of a right long seen as a cornerstone of the British justice system.

Proposals for reforms to the legal system are a matter of hot debate in the UK at the moment, with the government determined to press ahead with plans to scrap jury trials for thousands of criminal cases in England and Wales. Under the plans, offenses likely to attract sentences of three years or less would be heard by a judge sitting alone. Ministers say the change will help tackle the huge backlog of 80,000 cases in the Crown Court. But as Nik Martin, from our partners at Deutsche Welle, DW, reports, the proposals have triggered strong opposition — with lawyers and judges warning against the erosion of a right long seen as a cornerstone of the British justice system.

UK officials looking to do away with some jury trials

Ryosuke Kiyasu is a respected heavy metal and jazz drummer in Japan who takes on a different style in his solo drum shows — playing a snare drum with his teeth, kicking the drum around the room and often destroying furniture, among other things. He spends six months on the road and sells out small venues all over the world. Jamie Fullerton caught up with the drummer in Warsaw, Poland.This story originally aired on Sept. 17, 2024.

Ryosuke Kiyasu is a respected heavy metal and jazz drummer in Japan who takes on a different style in his solo drum shows — playing a snare drum with his teeth, kicking the drum around the room and often destroying furniture, among other things. He spends six months on the road and sells out small venues all over the world. Jamie Fullerton caught up with the drummer in Warsaw, Poland.
This story originally aired on Sept. 17, 2024.

Famed Japanese drummer is big outside of Japan

It’s been four years since Ukrainian forces liberated the city of Bucha, which was occupied by Russian soldiers for about a month at the beginning of Moscow’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Mass atrocities committed by the Russian troops in Bucha were later uncovered, horrifying the world. Deutsche Welle, DW's, Inside Europe Correspondent Teri Schultz visited the Bucha memorial this week, alongside an EU delegation that was there to assure Ukraine that those responsible will be brought to justice.

It’s been four years since Ukrainian forces liberated the city of Bucha, which was occupied by Russian soldiers for about a month at the beginning of Moscow’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Mass atrocities committed by the Russian troops in Bucha were later uncovered, horrifying the world. Deutsche Welle, DW's, Inside Europe Correspondent Teri Schultz visited the Bucha memorial this week, alongside an EU delegation that was there to assure Ukraine that those responsible will be brought to justice.

Four years since Bucha massacre

The World's Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman fill us in on a few stories from the animal kingdom that we might have missed.

The World's Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman fill us in on a few stories from the animal kingdom that we might have missed.

Some stories from the animal kingdom

It's called “Torrente Presidente,” or "Torrente for President," and it stars a vulgar, racist ex-cop who accidentally ascends to power. On his way up, he lampoons Spanish politicians of all stripes. It's the sixth Torrente film, the most political and, so far, the most popular. The World's Gerry Hadden reports from Barcelona.

It's called “Torrente Presidente,” or "Torrente for President," and it stars a vulgar, racist ex-cop who accidentally ascends to power. On his way up, he lampoons Spanish politicians of all stripes. It's the sixth Torrente film, the most political and, so far, the most popular. The World's Gerry Hadden reports from Barcelona.

Racist cop film skewers Spanish politicians, rakes in cash

Before the Taliban took control of Afghanistan in the summer of 2021, Zaki Daryabi was editor-in-chief of the influential, independent newspaper Etilaat Roz. He attempted to stay, working from his office in Kabul, but ultimately he made the decision to leave. What was behind this decision is the subject of a new episode from the podcast "Snap Judgement" with reporter Shaina Shealy.

Before the Taliban took control of Afghanistan in the summer of 2021, Zaki Daryabi was editor-in-chief of the influential, independent newspaper Etilaat Roz. He attempted to stay, working from his office in Kabul, but ultimately he made the decision to leave. What was behind this decision is the subject of a new episode from the podcast "Snap Judgement" with reporter Shaina Shealy.

One man's attempt to protect his newspaper from the Taliban

Mosquitoes are a menace in Southeast Asia, especially during rainy season, when they buzz through wet, soupy air spreading dengue and other viruses. The common solutions aren’t great: spraying chemicals from trucks, wearing sleeves in humid weather, sleeping under nets. But scientists in countries such as Singapore, Thailand and Laos are now finding success through bio-hacking mosquitoes. Reporter Patrick Winn has the story.

Mosquitoes are a menace in Southeast Asia, especially during rainy season, when they buzz through wet, soupy air spreading dengue and other viruses. The common solutions aren’t great: spraying chemicals from trucks, wearing sleeves in humid weather, sleeping under nets. But scientists in countries such as Singapore, Thailand and Laos are now finding success through bio-hacking mosquitoes. Reporter Patrick Winn has the story.

Scientists in Southeast Asia are bio-hacking mosquitos

Brinkmanship is the high-stakes strategy of pushing a conflict to the edge to force an opponent to back down. US President Donald Trump seems to be taking it to new levels in the war with Iran. The World’s Host Marco Werman speaks with Dan Drezner, a dean at Tuft’s Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, about the tension currently on display between diplomacy and escalation and whether we’re witnessing a new iteration of the "Madman Theory" at work.

Brinkmanship is the high-stakes strategy of pushing a conflict to the edge to force an opponent to back down. US President Donald Trump seems to be taking it to new levels in the war with Iran. The World’s Host Marco Werman speaks with Dan Drezner, a dean at Tuft’s Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, about the tension currently on display between diplomacy and escalation and whether we’re witnessing a new iteration of the "Madman Theory" at work.

Upping the ante in Iran

Seema Jilani is a Pakistani American doctor who has traveled the world to support efforts in conflict zones. She's treated victims of violence in Afghanistan, Libya, Ukraine and Gaza. During her travels she wondered where home is for her and finally came to a realization. Jilani shared her discovery of home with GBH's Stories From The Stage.

Seema Jilani is a Pakistani American doctor who has traveled the world to support efforts in conflict zones. She's treated victims of violence in Afghanistan, Libya, Ukraine and Gaza. During her travels she wondered where home is for her and finally came to a realization. Jilani shared her discovery of home with GBH's Stories From The Stage.

A doctor's search to find home in war zones across the world

Ahead of Easter, one of the most important weeks in the Catholic calendar, the Church is facing a paradox: Interest in the Catholic faith is growing — especially in the United States — but the number of new priests is shrinking. A bishop in Belgium is proposing a solution to address the shortage: open up the priesthood to married men. He plans to ordain priests, he says, by 2028. The World’s Europe correspondent Orla Barry reports.

Ahead of Easter, one of the most important weeks in the Catholic calendar, the Church is facing a paradox: Interest in the Catholic faith is growing — especially in the United States — but the number of new priests is shrinking. A bishop in Belgium is proposing a solution to address the shortage: open up the priesthood to married men. He plans to ordain priests, he says, by 2028. The World’s Europe correspondent Orla Barry reports.

Could married men become Catholic priests?

Bridges, vaccine and public health institutes, and cultural sites are among the latest locations targeted by Israeli and American forces in Iran. The World's Shirin Jaafari looks at the damage and the cost to the Iranian people.

Bridges, vaccine and public health institutes, and cultural sites are among the latest locations targeted by Israeli and American forces in Iran. The World's Shirin Jaafari looks at the damage and the cost to the Iranian people.

A rise in damage to civilian infrastructure in Iran raises alarms

The Ukrainian folk band Yagody mixes traditional Ukrainian folk harmonies with modern arrangements and instruments. Their haunting sound and theatrical performances caught the country's attention and led to their selection as Ukraine's 2024 Eurovision entrants. Reporter Emily Cohen caught up with the group at the acclaimed Big Ears Festival in Knoxville, TN, as part of their first American tour.

The Ukrainian folk band Yagody mixes traditional Ukrainian folk harmonies with modern arrangements and instruments. Their haunting sound and theatrical performances caught the country's attention and led to their selection as Ukraine's 2024 Eurovision entrants. Reporter Emily Cohen caught up with the group at the acclaimed Big Ears Festival in Knoxville, TN, as part of their first American tour.

A Ukrainian folk band for the 21st century

We've all heard of "doomsday preppers" — anxious types who stock up on cans of food and emergency supplies, ready for worst-case scenarios. Finland takes preparedness to a different level. With firsthand experience fighting Russian aggression and decades of conflict preparation since the Cold War, it has not only a culture of civil preparedness but also a national policy. Now, in this era of international turmoil, other countries are taking notes. Finnish research associate at the London School of Economics Heljä Ossa joins us to discuss.

We've all heard of "doomsday preppers" — anxious types who stock up on cans of food and emergency supplies, ready for worst-case scenarios. Finland takes preparedness to a different level. With firsthand experience fighting Russian aggression and decades of conflict preparation since the Cold War, it has not only a culture of civil preparedness but also a national policy. Now, in this era of international turmoil, other countries are taking notes. Finnish research associate at the London School of Economics Heljä Ossa joins us to discuss.

War preparedness lessons from Finland

The Azerbaijani city of Aghdam was razed during fierce fighting in the war over the Nagorno-Karabakh region. Ethnic Armenian forces took control of the city in the early 1990s. But some ten years later, Azerbaijani forces regained the enclave, forcing most of the over 100,000 ethnic Armenians to flee to Armenia. DW's Dorian Jones reports from the ruins.

The Azerbaijani city of Aghdam was razed during fierce fighting in the war over the Nagorno-Karabakh region. Ethnic Armenian forces took control of the city in the early 1990s. But some ten years later, Azerbaijani forces regained the enclave, forcing most of the over 100,000 ethnic Armenians to flee to Armenia. DW's Dorian Jones reports from the ruins.

An Azerbaijani city rises from ruins

The military leader of Burkina Faso has said that its citizens should forget about democracy. The statement came amid ongoing violence and an insurgency that has left thousands dead and displaced. But President Ibrahim Traoré has also developed a cult-like following outside of his country. The World's Marco Werman speaks with Leonardo Villalón, a University of Florida professor who specializes in that region, about what this means for the future of Burkina Faso and West Africa.

The military leader of Burkina Faso has said that its citizens should forget about democracy. The statement came amid ongoing violence and an insurgency that has left thousands dead and displaced. But President Ibrahim Traoré has also developed a cult-like following outside of his country. The World's Marco Werman speaks with Leonardo Villalón, a University of Florida professor who specializes in that region, about what this means for the future of Burkina Faso and West Africa.

The future of Burkina Faso’s democracy is in question

Gen-Z is all in for a Baby Boomer jazz-rock guitarist from Japan. Masayoshi Takanaka, 73, has been a big attraction in his home country for years, but time and the need to hear something fresh and optimistic have garnered him a whole new generation of fans. Host Marco Werman tells us more as Takanaka begins an already sold-out tour of the UK, the US and New Zealand.

Gen-Z is all in for a Baby Boomer jazz-rock guitarist from Japan. Masayoshi Takanaka, 73, has been a big attraction in his home country for years, but time and the need to hear something fresh and optimistic have garnered him a whole new generation of fans. Host Marco Werman tells us more as Takanaka begins an already sold-out tour of the UK, the US and New Zealand.

Japanese Baby Boomer Masayoshi Takanaka is all the rage

As Iranians struggle with the impact of war, many of those anticipating the US-Israeli attacks would bring about regime change in their country had put their hopes behind Reza Pahlavi as a transitional leader towards a new form of government. Who is Reza Pahlavi, and how did his name suddenly become so prominent? The World talks to reporter Fariba Nawa, who spoke with Iranians in Turkey and Iran to gauge his support.

As Iranians struggle with the impact of war, many of those anticipating the US-Israeli attacks would bring about regime change in their country had put their hopes behind Reza Pahlavi as a transitional leader towards a new form of government. Who is Reza Pahlavi, and how did his name suddenly become so prominent? The World talks to reporter Fariba Nawa, who spoke with Iranians in Turkey and Iran to gauge his support.

Reza Pahlavi’s rise as an opposition leader

A positive update on a story we brought you more than a year ago about an ancient helmet from Romania stolen while on loan at a museum in the Netherlands. Private art investigator Arthur Brand spoke to us about it at the time. Every day they didn't catch the thieves, he told us, increased the chances that this treasure from Romania could be lost forever.

A positive update on a story we brought you more than a year ago about an ancient helmet from Romania stolen while on loan at a museum in the Netherlands. Private art investigator Arthur Brand spoke to us about it at the time. Every day they didn't catch the thieves, he told us, increased the chances that this treasure from Romania could be lost forever.