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.

Shortly after moving to the United States from the Dominican Republic, Claritza Abreu struggled to find work before finally landing a job as an administrative assistant. But she soon realized she was in over her head; taking phone calls meant understanding people saying their names and numbers quickly and being able to write it all down. She wasn't keeping up. She had to do something, so she hit the books. Specifically, the phone book. This story comes to us from GBH's live event series, Stories from the Stage.

Shortly after moving to the United States from the Dominican Republic, Claritza Abreu struggled to find work before finally landing a job as an administrative assistant. But she soon realized she was in over her head; taking phone calls meant understanding people saying their names and numbers quickly and being able to write it all down. She wasn't keeping up. She had to do something, so she hit the books. Specifically, the phone book. This story comes to us from GBH's live event series, Stories from the Stage.

Reading the phone book to learn English

Canada is facing its Brexit moment – and it's largely around oil. The secessionists in Alberta don't want Federal environmental regulations holding back oil industry expansion, nor do they want to send oil revenues into central government coffers in Ontario. The Albertan premier just announced a referendum in October on whether the province should remain in Canada or move ahead with a second binding vote on separation. Leana Hosea reports.

Canada is facing its Brexit moment – and it's largely around oil. The secessionists in Alberta don't want Federal environmental regulations holding back oil industry expansion, nor do they want to send oil revenues into central government coffers in Ontario. The Albertan premier just announced a referendum in October on whether the province should remain in Canada or move ahead with a second binding vote on separation. Leana Hosea reports.

Could Alberta vote be Canada's next Brexit moment?

As major heat waves hit the US and Europe, a growing body of research suggests periods of extreme heat are linked to worsening mental health. A new Australian study found young people were significantly more likely to be hospitalized for mental health conditions during periods of extreme heat. It also projects heat-related mental health admissions could increase by six percent by the end of the century as extreme temperatures become more common. The World's Carolyn Beeler learned more from Amruta Nori-Sarma, assistant professor of Environmental Health and Population Sciences at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

As major heat waves hit the US and Europe, a growing body of research suggests periods of extreme heat are linked to worsening mental health. A new Australian study found young people were significantly more likely to be hospitalized for mental health conditions during periods of extreme heat. It also projects heat-related mental health admissions could increase by six percent by the end of the century as extreme temperatures become more common. The World's Carolyn Beeler learned more from Amruta Nori-Sarma, assistant professor of Environmental Health and Population Sciences at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

How extreme heat impacts mental health

Otofu Ayaku joined thousands of other graduates this spring to walk across a stage and accept a diploma from the University of Texas at Austin. A few months ago, life couldn't have looked more different. Ayaku recently returned to Austin after spending about a month in two detention facilities in the Houston area. Here she tells her own story.

Otofu Ayaku joined thousands of other graduates this spring to walk across a stage and accept a diploma from the University of Texas at Austin. A few months ago, life couldn't have looked more different. Ayaku recently returned to Austin after spending about a month in two detention facilities in the Houston area. Here she tells her own story.

Nigerian immigrant experiences dystopian stay in ICE jails

The strategic central Sudanese city of el-Obeid is now the focal point in the world’s worst humanitarian crisis. The three-year civil war between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, or RSF, has taken hundreds of thousands of lives. Nathaniel Raymond, of the Humanitarian Research Lab at the Yale School of Public Health, tells The World’s Marco Werman that the fight for the city is an “existential battle” for both sides.

The strategic central Sudanese city of el-Obeid is now the focal point in the world’s worst humanitarian crisis. The three-year civil war between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, or RSF, has taken hundreds of thousands of lives. Nathaniel Raymond, of the Humanitarian Research Lab at the Yale School of Public Health, tells The World’s Marco Werman that the fight for the city is an “existential battle” for both sides.

The war the world is struggling to see

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.

Cape Verdean music comes to the fore thanks to World Cup

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

This year's opening stages of the Tour de France wrapped up today — in Spain. In other years, Germany has hosted, as has the Netherlands, Monaco, and Italy, among others, for a total of 28 non-French "Grand Departs." The Tour does this for two reasons: To make the sport more international, and to make more money by charging host cities for the honor. The World's Gerry Hadden reports from Granollers, Spain.

This year's opening stages of the Tour de France wrapped up today — in Spain. In other years, Germany has hosted, as has the Netherlands, Monaco, and Italy, among others, for a total of 28 non-French "Grand Departs." The Tour does this for two reasons: To make the sport more international, and to make more money by charging host cities for the honor. The World's Gerry Hadden reports from Granollers, Spain.

Why the Tour de France often starts outside of France

Nobody knows how long the women in the village of Bayl have been making rugs. For centuries, at least. But with growing access to cheap factory-made rugs in the post-Soviet era, fewer people in Kyrgyzstan are practicing the art form. Now that artisans' patterns are finding their way onto clothing by big-name designers, though, some see a commercial future for traditional rug-making skills. Reporter Levi Bridges has the story.

Nobody knows how long the women in the village of Bayl have been making rugs. For centuries, at least. But with growing access to cheap factory-made rugs in the post-Soviet era, fewer people in Kyrgyzstan are practicing the art form. Now that artisans' patterns are finding their way onto clothing by big-name designers, though, some see a commercial future for traditional rug-making skills. Reporter Levi Bridges has the story.

Can the internet save traditional rug-making in Kyrgyzstan?

Dozens of people have died, and hundreds have been displaced in flooding across West Africa. The World's Marco Werman speaks with Victor Ojeh, professor at Taraba State University in Nigeria, about how communities are adapting to what has become a cyclical event.

Dozens of people have died, and hundreds have been displaced in flooding across West Africa. The World's Marco Werman speaks with Victor Ojeh, professor at Taraba State University in Nigeria, about how communities are adapting to what has become a cyclical event.

Torrential rain and floods in West Africa kill dozens

Mourners dressed in black flooded into Iran's capital today for a procession that was part of the funeral of the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The massive turnout, encouraged by Iran's theocracy as a sign of strength, came as officials negotiate with the US over a permanent end to the war. Syed Shahriyar reports from Tehran.

Mourners dressed in black flooded into Iran's capital today for a procession that was part of the funeral of the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The massive turnout, encouraged by Iran's theocracy as a sign of strength, came as officials negotiate with the US over a permanent end to the war. Syed Shahriyar reports from Tehran.

Tehran sees massive crowd for one stage of funeral for former Supreme Leader

This week, the Turkish capital Ankara plays host to NATO’s 36th summit. And the run-up has been tense. Not just because of the ongoing war in Ukraine, but because of a sweeping security crackdown which has targeted not only alleged members of the terror group ISIS, but civil society groups, journalists, LGBTQ+  activists and environmentalists as well. Dorian Jones sent us this report from Istanbul.

This week, the Turkish capital Ankara plays host to NATO’s 36th summit. And the run-up has been tense. Not just because of the ongoing war in Ukraine, but because of a sweeping security crackdown which has targeted not only alleged members of the terror group ISIS, but civil society groups, journalists, LGBTQ+  activists and environmentalists as well. Dorian Jones sent us this report from Istanbul.

NATO brushes aside human rights concerns as leaders meet in Turkey

Venezuela is still reeling from twin earthquakes that rocked the country's north on June 24th. The official death toll has surpassed 2-thousand 500, with tens of thousands of people still displaced from their homes. Our reporter Tibisay Zea grew up in Venezuela and knows that area well. She's been on the ground reporting for the past week and spoke with The World's Marco Werman about what she's been seeing in the capital and the nearby city of La Guaira.

Venezuela is still reeling from twin earthquakes that rocked the country's north on June 24th. The official death toll has surpassed 2-thousand 500, with tens of thousands of people still displaced from their homes. Our reporter Tibisay Zea grew up in Venezuela and knows that area well. She's been on the ground reporting for the past week and spoke with The World's Marco Werman about what she's been seeing in the capital and the nearby city of La Guaira.

Venezuela is still reeling from twin earthquakes last month

As round of sixteen play continues in the World Cup, controversy is building. FIFA lifted a suspension for Folarin Balogun, who was given a red card last week. He's eligible to take the field against Belgium today. And hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler recap the latest eliminations.

As round of sixteen play continues in the World Cup, controversy is building. FIFA lifted a suspension for Folarin Balogun, who was given a red card last week. He's eligible to take the field against Belgium today. And hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler recap the latest eliminations.

World Cup weekend recap

Recent events have placed Iran’s theocratic republic under unprecedented strain. Widespread protests, economic pressures, and a devastating war with the US have exposed deep divisions within the regime. The World’s Carolyn Beeler speaks with Bouzou Daragahi, the founder of the Badlands podcast and newsletter about whether the Islamic Republic can remain unified and survive the onslaught.

Recent events have placed Iran’s theocratic republic under unprecedented strain. Widespread protests, economic pressures, and a devastating war with the US have exposed deep divisions within the regime. The World’s Carolyn Beeler speaks with Bouzou Daragahi, the founder of the Badlands podcast and newsletter about whether the Islamic Republic can remain unified and survive the onslaught.

Iran’s Islamic republic grapples with deep divisions

As the United States celebrates its 250th birthday, we celebrate by listening to the music that's woven into the fabric of this country's story. Host Marco Werman leads the festivities.

As the United States celebrates its 250th birthday, we celebrate by listening to the music that's woven into the fabric of this country's story. Host Marco Werman leads the festivities.

Celebrating the nation's birthday with a melting pot of music

Listen carefully to the Talking Heads band's 1980 album “Remain in Light” and you can hear the music of West Africa, specifically the work of Nigerian Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti. In 2018, musician Angélique Kidjo recorded her take on the album. Host Marco Werman spoke to Kidjo when her version was released.This story originally aired on June 8, 2018.

Listen carefully to the Talking Heads band's 1980 album “Remain in Light” and you can hear the music of West Africa, specifically the work of Nigerian Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti. In 2018, musician Angélique Kidjo recorded her take on the album. Host Marco Werman spoke to Kidjo when her version was released.
This story originally aired on June 8, 2018.

Angélique Kidjo takes on a classic album by Talking Heads

It only took one listen for musician Serge Grin to hear blues music and know that's what he was meant to play. Originally from St. Petersburg, he now travels around Serbia with his guitar, singing American country music and blues. Gerry Hadden reports from a small village in northern Serbia about "Gringo's" unique sound.This story originally aired on June 1, 2023.

It only took one listen for musician Serge Grin to hear blues music and know that's what he was meant to play. Originally from St. Petersburg, he now travels around Serbia with his guitar, singing American country music and blues. Gerry Hadden reports from a small village in northern Serbia about "Gringo's" unique sound.
This story originally aired on June 1, 2023.

This blues musician fled Russia for Serbia. But he sounds like he came straight from the Mississippi Delta.

Host Marco Weman first spoke to Gloria Estefan in 2023 when she was about to become the first Hispanic woman to join the Songwriters Hall of Fame.This story originally aired on March 14, 2023.

Host Marco Weman first spoke to Gloria Estefan in 2023 when she was about to become the first Hispanic woman to join the Songwriters Hall of Fame.
This story originally aired on March 14, 2023.

Gloria Estefan looks back on her successful career as a bilingual musician, singer and songwriter

Back in 2023, the iconic East Los Angeles band Los Lobos celebrated its 50th anniversary of creating its blend of rock ’n’ roll and traditional Mexican music. At the time, members of the band reflected on their staying power with The World's Host Marco Werman.This story originally aired on Aug. 8, 2023.

Back in 2023, the iconic East Los Angeles band Los Lobos celebrated its 50th anniversary of creating its blend of rock ’n’ roll and traditional Mexican music. At the time, members of the band reflected on their staying power with The World's Host Marco Werman.
This story originally aired on Aug. 8, 2023.

When Los Lobos celebrated its 50th anniversary

Mickey Hart, the drummer for the Grateful Dead, is one musician who's been at that global cutting edge practically since the beginning. His passion for the beat was first fostered in his childhood home in New York City, explored with the Grateful Dead and coalesced in his album "Planet Drum." Host Marco Werman spoke to Hart back in 2017.This story originally aired on Feb. 27, 2017.

Mickey Hart, the drummer for the Grateful Dead, is one musician who's been at that global cutting edge practically since the beginning. His passion for the beat was first fostered in his childhood home in New York City, explored with the Grateful Dead and coalesced in his album "Planet Drum." Host Marco Werman spoke to Hart back in 2017.
This story originally aired on Feb. 27, 2017.

Mickey Hart's 'Planet Drum'

Vietnamese Canadian country singer Nicolette Hoang fronts the band Nicolette and the Nobodies. She never thought she'd go into country music when she thought about being a singer. But there was something about the "natural cry" in Tammy Wynette's voice that drew her in. Host Marco Werman spoke to Hoang back in 2024.This story originally aired on April 4, 2024.

Vietnamese Canadian country singer Nicolette Hoang fronts the band Nicolette and the Nobodies. She never thought she'd go into country music when she thought about being a singer. But there was something about the "natural cry" in Tammy Wynette's voice that drew her in. Host Marco Werman spoke to Hoang back in 2024.
This story originally aired on April 4, 2024.

Nicolette Hoang offers an alternative to country music

South Africa's Soweto Gospel Choir and Australian DJ Groove Terminator teamed up for an album in 2024 that connected House beats with African music. The album's called "History of House." Grammy-winning producer Latroit and Shimmy, co-music director and conductor of the Soweto Gospel Choir, spoke to Host Marco Werman.This story originally aired on Aug. 5, 2024.

South Africa's Soweto Gospel Choir and Australian DJ Groove Terminator teamed up for an album in 2024 that connected House beats with African music. The album's called "History of House." Grammy-winning producer Latroit and Shimmy, co-music director and conductor of the Soweto Gospel Choir, spoke to Host Marco Werman.
This story originally aired on Aug. 5, 2024.

Hit the clubs, not the church, with the Soweto Gospel Choir

The US federal government says that since President Donald Trump returned to office, it has gotten 2.2 million immigrants to self-deport. GBH's Sarah Betancourt took a closer look at what a forced self-deportation looks like, shadowing one family in Boston with less than 72 hours to leave the country.

The US federal government says that since President Donald Trump returned to office, it has gotten 2.2 million immigrants to self-deport. GBH's Sarah Betancourt took a closer look at what a forced self-deportation looks like, shadowing one family in Boston with less than 72 hours to leave the country.

Self-deportation on the rise from Trump administration pressure

Russian forces launched missile strikes on Kyiv last night, destroying several residential buildings in the Ukrainian capital. The World's Host Marco Werman speaks with resident Maia Mikhaluk about the toll the war has taken on the city.

Russian forces launched missile strikes on Kyiv last night, destroying several residential buildings in the Ukrainian capital. The World's Host Marco Werman speaks with resident Maia Mikhaluk about the toll the war has taken on the city.

Russia launches deadly attack in Ukraine

This week, Spanish police conducted a simultaneous raid across 15 cities, detaining some 64,000 suspects — yes, in the form of allegedly falsified soccer shirts. They also arrested a few humans. The market for rip-off jerseys is booming. So much so, that Spanish police have run out of space to store the thousands of tons of evidence. They've now resorted to renting out huge warehouses in industrial areas so that they don't have to step over bundles of the stuff just to reach their squad cars. From Spain, The World's Gerry Hadden reports.

This week, Spanish police conducted a simultaneous raid across 15 cities, detaining some 64,000 suspects — yes, in the form of allegedly falsified soccer shirts. They also arrested a few humans. The market for rip-off jerseys is booming. So much so, that Spanish police have run out of space to store the thousands of tons of evidence. They've now resorted to renting out huge warehouses in industrial areas so that they don't have to step over bundles of the stuff just to reach their squad cars. From Spain, The World's Gerry Hadden reports.

Fake soccer jerseys in Spain

New Caledonia, a French territory in the Pacific, is once again at a political crossroads after recent local elections delivered no clear majority. After years of contested referendums and following deadly unrest in 2024, the archipelago remains sharply polarized over its future, between one major bloc supporting independence and another loyal to France. The World's Host Marco Werman learned more from David Small, a senior lecturer at the University of Canterbury in New Zealand.

New Caledonia, a French territory in the Pacific, is once again at a political crossroads after recent local elections delivered no clear majority. After years of contested referendums and following deadly unrest in 2024, the archipelago remains sharply polarized over its future, between one major bloc supporting independence and another loyal to France. The World's Host Marco Werman learned more from David Small, a senior lecturer at the University of Canterbury in New Zealand.

After local elections, the French territory of New Caledonia remains polarized over its future

The cross-border flow of fresh produce from Mexico to the United States is a multibillion-dollar endeavor. It has changed the way Americans’ refrigerator shelves look over the past three decades, experts say, helping ensure US consumers can buy fresh fruits and vegetables year-round. From the KJZZ Fronteras Desk, Nina Kravinsky reports.

The cross-border flow of fresh produce from Mexico to the United States is a multibillion-dollar endeavor. It has changed the way Americans’ refrigerator shelves look over the past three decades, experts say, helping ensure US consumers can buy fresh fruits and vegetables year-round. From the KJZZ Fronteras Desk, Nina Kravinsky reports.

Mexican produce caught in trade deal crossfire

The 4th of July is right around the corner. That's historically been Independence Day, not just in the US, but also in the Philippines. As people in the US celebrate the 250th anniversary of American independence from Britain, people in the Philippines will mark 80 years of independence from the United States. So, in honor of that independence day, we're bringing back a favorite story from the archives. It's about Gen Z kids in the Filipino diaspora, whose parents raised them on a certain kind of music. Julio Canimo explains.This story originally aired on Jan. 24, 2025.

The 4th of July is right around the corner. That's historically been Independence Day, not just in the US, but also in the Philippines. As people in the US celebrate the 250th anniversary of American independence from Britain, people in the Philippines will mark 80 years of independence from the United States. So, in honor of that independence day, we're bringing back a favorite story from the archives. It's about Gen Z kids in the Filipino diaspora, whose parents raised them on a certain kind of music. Julio Canimo explains.
This story originally aired on Jan. 24, 2025.

Young Filipino Americans embrace the music their parents brought stateside

Russian civilians are feeling the pinch of Ukraine’s long-range drone campaign targeting Russian infrastructure, from long lines at gas stations to disruptions at airports. Scholar Nina Khrushcheva tells Host Marco Werman that she’s seeing disruptions in daily life throughout Russia, but little willingness to compromise from the Kremlin.

Russian civilians are feeling the pinch of Ukraine’s long-range drone campaign targeting Russian infrastructure, from long lines at gas stations to disruptions at airports. Scholar Nina Khrushcheva tells Host Marco Werman that she’s seeing disruptions in daily life throughout Russia, but little willingness to compromise from the Kremlin.