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.

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.

A happy update on a stolen helmet

The Republic of Georgia claims the oldest archeological evidence of grape wine-making in the world. National Geographic Explorer Paul Salopek has been traveling the world on foot for his project, Out of Eden Walk. He gives The World's Marco Werman a tour of the ancient origins of wine-making in the Caucasus, and the folkloric properties of palm wine in East Africa.

The Republic of Georgia claims the oldest archeological evidence of grape wine-making in the world. National Geographic Explorer Paul Salopek has been traveling the world on foot for his project, Out of Eden Walk. He gives The World's Marco Werman a tour of the ancient origins of wine-making in the Caucasus, and the folkloric properties of palm wine in East Africa.

Raising a glass to global wine

The US lifted sanctions against acting Venezuelan President Delcy Rodríguez yesterday. It's the latest in a series of changes that began when President Nicolás Maduro was captured and brought to the US to face criminal charges. The World's Marco Werman speaks with Professor David Smilde, chair of Tulane University's sociology department, about the latest in the country.

The US lifted sanctions against acting Venezuelan President Delcy Rodríguez yesterday. It's the latest in a series of changes that began when President Nicolás Maduro was captured and brought to the US to face criminal charges. The World's Marco Werman speaks with Professor David Smilde, chair of Tulane University's sociology department, about the latest in the country.

US drops sanctions against acting Venezuelan President Delcy Rodríguez

Mexico City’s iconic Estadio Azteca has reopened after a delayed and scaled-back renovation, marking a key test ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The stadium, set to make history as the first to host this tournament three times, welcomed fans for a high-profile Mexico-Portugal match. But behind the celebration, there are concerns about how World Cup preparations are affecting surrounding communities. The World's Tibisay Zea reports from Mexico City.

Mexico City’s iconic Estadio Azteca has reopened after a delayed and scaled-back renovation, marking a key test ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The stadium, set to make history as the first to host this tournament three times, welcomed fans for a high-profile Mexico-Portugal match. But behind the celebration, there are concerns about how World Cup preparations are affecting surrounding communities. The World's Tibisay Zea reports from Mexico City.

Mexico reopens Azteca Stadium ahead of 2026 World Cup

If you're in a country with legal refugee status, that typically means you’re entitled to benefits in your host country. But India makes no such guarantees, putting the country at odds with the United Nations Refugee Convention. It also creates an incredible challenge for more than 15,000 Afghans who seek refuge in India, where many have settled despite the barriers. In New Delhi, Priyanka Shankar explains.

If you're in a country with legal refugee status, that typically means you’re entitled to benefits in your host country. But India makes no such guarantees, putting the country at odds with the United Nations Refugee Convention. It also creates an incredible challenge for more than 15,000 Afghans who seek refuge in India, where many have settled despite the barriers. In New Delhi, Priyanka Shankar explains.

Refugees from Afghanistan struggle to make a living in India

Celebrations continue in the Democratic Republic of the Congo where the national football team has qualified for the FIFA World Cup for the first time in over half a century. Axel Tuanzebe scored the only goal in extra time. Hospital administrator and super fan Adrien Makombo was watching in the capital, Kinshasa. He tells The World’s Marco Werman this week’s win on the soccer pitch has helped to unify the struggling nation.

Celebrations continue in the Democratic Republic of the Congo where the national football team has qualified for the FIFA World Cup for the first time in over half a century. Axel Tuanzebe scored the only goal in extra time. Hospital administrator and super fan Adrien Makombo was watching in the capital, Kinshasa. He tells The World’s Marco Werman this week’s win on the soccer pitch has helped to unify the struggling nation.

After 52-year absence, Democratic Republic of the Congo returns to World Cup

Sahar Delijani — born to dissidents in a Tehran prison — has been returning, through her writing, to the stories of repression, imprisonment and resistance that have been reverberating through her family all her life. In a recent op-ed in Le Monde, she wrote about the timing of the current US and Israeli war on Iran, coming right on the heels of massive protests in Iran, met with violence from the Islamic Republic. Delijani joins The World's Carolyn Beeler to talk about the impact of the decades-long threats Iranians face, of both internal repression and foreign attacks.

Sahar Delijani — born to dissidents in a Tehran prison — has been returning, through her writing, to the stories of repression, imprisonment and resistance that have been reverberating through her family all her life. In a recent op-ed in Le Monde, she wrote about the timing of the current US and Israeli war on Iran, coming right on the heels of massive protests in Iran, met with violence from the Islamic Republic. Delijani joins The World's Carolyn Beeler to talk about the impact of the decades-long threats Iranians face, of both internal repression and foreign attacks.

'These stories kept coming back to me': A conversation with novelist Sahar Delijani

In the Indian city of Hyderabad, an inventor named Kanyaboyin Sudhakar Yadav creates vehicles in the shape of everyday objects. At Sudha Cars Museum you can see burger cars, a basketball car, even a huge toilet car. These quirky creations have earned Yadav fans across the world, but Yadav isn't just having fun; he's also trying to promote public health. Jamie Fullerton went to Hyderabad for a test drive.

In the Indian city of Hyderabad, an inventor named Kanyaboyin Sudhakar Yadav creates vehicles in the shape of everyday objects. At Sudha Cars Museum you can see burger cars, a basketball car, even a huge toilet car. These quirky creations have earned Yadav fans across the world, but Yadav isn't just having fun; he's also trying to promote public health. Jamie Fullerton went to Hyderabad for a test drive.

In India, whimsical cars are public health intervention

If you've ever struggled to enjoy a day at the beach while guarding your food from hungry seagulls, new scientific research might prove useful.

If you've ever struggled to enjoy a day at the beach while guarding your food from hungry seagulls, new scientific research might prove useful.

Seagulls deterred by 'googly eyes,' study finds

The vast majority of countries don’t guarantee birthright citizenship. It’s mostly limited to the Americas. Around the world, it's more common for nations to grant citizenship based on ancestry. Ming Hsu Chen, author of Pursuing Citizenship in the Enforcement Era, talks with The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler about differing approaches, worldwide, as well as the repercussions of ending automatic citizenship where it has historically existed.

The vast majority of countries don’t guarantee birthright citizenship. It’s mostly limited to the Americas. Around the world, it's more common for nations to grant citizenship based on ancestry. Ming Hsu Chen, author of Pursuing Citizenship in the Enforcement Era, talks with The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler about differing approaches, worldwide, as well as the repercussions of ending automatic citizenship where it has historically existed.

Birthright citizenship in global perspective

Ninety percent of the ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz are typically bound for Asia, making the continent particularly vulnerable to the disruption we're seeing in the energy market as a result of the war in Iran. The World's Host Marco Werman speaks with Bill Farren-Price, senior research fellow at the Oxford Institute for Energy Studies, about how countries throughout the Asian continent are responding.

Ninety percent of the ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz are typically bound for Asia, making the continent particularly vulnerable to the disruption we're seeing in the energy market as a result of the war in Iran. The World's Host Marco Werman speaks with Bill Farren-Price, senior research fellow at the Oxford Institute for Energy Studies, about how countries throughout the Asian continent are responding.

Oil shocks hit Asian countries

The televised spectacle pitting country against country has — for 70 years — been anchored in Europe. This week, the European Broadcasting Union, which organizes the international song competition, announced the launch of Eurovision in Asia. Bangkok is set to host the inaugural competition in November. The World's Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman have more.

The televised spectacle pitting country against country has — for 70 years — been anchored in Europe. This week, the European Broadcasting Union, which organizes the international song competition, announced the launch of Eurovision in Asia. Bangkok is set to host the inaugural competition in November. The World's Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman have more.

Eurovision expands, with a new song contest in Asia

How do you design a city where everyone feels like they belong? Vienna has been trying to answer that question for more than 30 years. The Austrian capital was one of the first cities in Europe to put gender equality at the heart of how it’s planned out. A dedicated department was set up to rethink everything from parks to housing to health care. But now, some say those ideas are facing growing resistance. From Vienna, The World's Europe Correspondent Orla Barry reports.

How do you design a city where everyone feels like they belong? Vienna has been trying to answer that question for more than 30 years. The Austrian capital was one of the first cities in Europe to put gender equality at the heart of how it’s planned out. A dedicated department was set up to rethink everything from parks to housing to health care. But now, some say those ideas are facing growing resistance. From Vienna, The World's Europe Correspondent Orla Barry reports.

In Vienna, urban design prioritizing gender equality is put to the test

Security feeds and traffic cameras have become tools in some of the most high-level killings in recent wars. In Iran, for example, Israel was able to map out the behavior and movement of targets well in advance of attacks by hacking into these kinds of devices. The World’s Shirin Jaafari reports.

Security feeds and traffic cameras have become tools in some of the most high-level killings in recent wars. In Iran, for example, Israel was able to map out the behavior and movement of targets well in advance of attacks by hacking into these kinds of devices. The World’s Shirin Jaafari reports.