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.

Pope Leo XIV released his first encyclical Monday, outlining his priorities in leading the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics. While the focus of "Magnificent Humanity" was heavily on his concerns about AI, the pontiff also apologized for one of the Church's historic wrongs: supporting the slave trade. To learn more, The World's Host Carolyn Beeler spoke with Father Chris Kellerman, a Jesuit priest and the author of “All Oppression Shall Cease: A History of Slavery, Abolitionism, and the Catholic Church.”

Pope Leo XIV released his first encyclical Monday, outlining his priorities in leading the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics. While the focus of "Magnificent Humanity" was heavily on his concerns about AI, the pontiff also apologized for one of the Church's historic wrongs: supporting the slave trade. To learn more, The World's Host Carolyn Beeler spoke with Father Chris Kellerman, a Jesuit priest and the author of “All Oppression Shall Cease: A History of Slavery, Abolitionism, and the Catholic Church.”

Pope Leo apologizes for Church's past support for slavery

FIFA, the organizer of the soccer World Cup, has a clear policy against political flags or signs during matches. It includes in that ban the Lion and Sun flag that once flew officially in Iran before the 1979 Islamic revolution. But a group linked to the Iranian diaspora in the US says it will sue to reverse that stand. The World's Gerry Hadden reports.

FIFA, the organizer of the soccer World Cup, has a clear policy against political flags or signs during matches. It includes in that ban the Lion and Sun flag that once flew officially in Iran before the 1979 Islamic revolution. But a group linked to the Iranian diaspora in the US says it will sue to reverse that stand. The World's Gerry Hadden reports.

FIFA's no-politics policy challenged by Iran flag lawsuit

Crate diggers are a passionate bunch, and with websites like Discogs and eBay, they've gotten something of a global network. Jayesh Veralkar is a part of it. He's a record collector in Dubai and co-founder of Vinyl Souk, a grassroots organization for record collectors in the United Arab Emirates. Host Marco Werman chats with Veralkar about what makes the scene unique, and they play some great music while they're at it.This story originally aired on Aug. 15, 2025.

Crate diggers are a passionate bunch, and with websites like Discogs and eBay, they've gotten something of a global network. Jayesh Veralkar is a part of it. He's a record collector in Dubai and co-founder of Vinyl Souk, a grassroots organization for record collectors in the United Arab Emirates. Host Marco Werman chats with Veralkar about what makes the scene unique, and they play some great music while they're at it.
This story originally aired on Aug. 15, 2025.

The vinyl-collecting scene in Dubai

The American Farm Bureau Federation this year called the shortage of a skilled, reliable workforce the “single greatest threat to agriculture.” As the weather warms on the 7,000 mostly small farms in Massachusetts, GBH News Reporter Liz Neisloss found that strain is easy to see.

The American Farm Bureau Federation this year called the shortage of a skilled, reliable workforce the “single greatest threat to agriculture.” As the weather warms on the 7,000 mostly small farms in Massachusetts, GBH News Reporter Liz Neisloss found that strain is easy to see.

Lack of immigrants hurting farms in MA and elsewhere

Immigration officials in the Dominican Republic are staking out hospitals. When people who are pregnant arrive, they are arrested and deported — sometimes soon after they've given birth, along with their newborns. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Tirana Hassan, the CEO of the US branch of Doctors Without Borders.

Immigration officials in the Dominican Republic are staking out hospitals. When people who are pregnant arrive, they are arrested and deported — sometimes soon after they've given birth, along with their newborns. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Tirana Hassan, the CEO of the US branch of Doctors Without Borders.

Dominican Republic targets Haitian mothers and newborns for deportation

Colombia has faced a dramatic increase in violence in the weeks before its presidential election this weekend. Crime is a central voter concern, and that could be bad news for Iván Cepeda, the candidate for the nation's ruling party. But there's still has a good chance that Cepeda can pull it off, thanks to progress the party has made in other areas, such as improving economic conditions for blue collar workers. Manuel Rueda reports from Bogota.

Colombia has faced a dramatic increase in violence in the weeks before its presidential election this weekend. Crime is a central voter concern, and that could be bad news for Iván Cepeda, the candidate for the nation's ruling party. But there's still has a good chance that Cepeda can pull it off, thanks to progress the party has made in other areas, such as improving economic conditions for blue collar workers. Manuel Rueda reports from Bogota.

Colombia's ruling party could stay in office, despite security situation

The Strait of Hormuz has now been closed for 88 days. And the impact of that closure, along with the US-Israel war with Iran that triggered it, is intensifying rifts among Gulf countries. Hussein Ibish, a senior resident scholar at the Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington, joins The World’s Host Marco Werman to discuss what’s behind the growing divisions.

The Strait of Hormuz has now been closed for 88 days. And the impact of that closure, along with the US-Israel war with Iran that triggered it, is intensifying rifts among Gulf countries. Hussein Ibish, a senior resident scholar at the Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington, joins The World’s Host Marco Werman to discuss what’s behind the growing divisions.

Iran war deepens divisions among Gulf nations

Each year, Gloucestershire holds its annual downhill race where contestants chase a wheel of cheese. It's a madcap, slightly terrifying thing to watch but always great fun. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler explain what it's all about.

Each year, Gloucestershire holds its annual downhill race where contestants chase a wheel of cheese. It's a madcap, slightly terrifying thing to watch but always great fun. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler explain what it's all about.

The UK's great cheese wheel chase

In April 2025, one US astronaut and two Russian cosmonauts arrived at the International Space Station. Despite heightened geopolitical tensions, cooperation showed it was alive and well in the cosmos. Former International Space Station commander Chris Hadfield told Host Marco Werman how those working there manage to get along even when the nations they represent are in conflict.This story originally aired on April 8, 2025.

In April 2025, one US astronaut and two Russian cosmonauts arrived at the International Space Station. Despite heightened geopolitical tensions, cooperation showed it was alive and well in the cosmos. Former International Space Station commander Chris Hadfield told Host Marco Werman how those working there manage to get along even when the nations they represent are in conflict.
This story originally aired on April 8, 2025.

Global cooperation still hanging on at the International Space Station

Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai is the executive producer of "Stranger at the Gate," a short documentary that tells the story of a former US Marine who planned to bomb an Indiana mosque. Yousafzai spoke with The World’s Host Marco Werman in 2023, when the documentary was nominated for an Oscar, about how the film forced her to grapple with issues in her past.This story originally aired on Feb. 15, 2023.

Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai is the executive producer of "Stranger at the Gate," a short documentary that tells the story of a former US Marine who planned to bomb an Indiana mosque. Yousafzai spoke with The World’s Host Marco Werman in 2023, when the documentary was nominated for an Oscar, about how the film forced her to grapple with issues in her past.
This story originally aired on Feb. 15, 2023.

Malala Yousafzai discusses radical hate and her Oscar-nominated documentary

Cuban pianist Roberto Fonseca and French cellist Vincent Segal had known about each other for years, traveling in similar music circles and concert halls. But they never really had the chance to forge their own connection. Fonseca made the first move, suggesting they start playing music together. The result is both a friendship and an album: "Nuit Parisienne à la Havane." Host Carolyn Beeler has the details.This story originally aired on Feb. 18, 2026.

Cuban pianist Roberto Fonseca and French cellist Vincent Segal had known about each other for years, traveling in similar music circles and concert halls. But they never really had the chance to forge their own connection. Fonseca made the first move, suggesting they start playing music together. The result is both a friendship and an album: "Nuit Parisienne à la Havane." Host Carolyn Beeler has the details.
This story originally aired on Feb. 18, 2026.

An international friendship built on music

One in three French university students skips a daily meal regularly, as they struggle with rising housing costs and inflation. Meahwhile, 600,000 live below the poverty line. But volunteers are coming to help, with groceries and more. The World's Gerry Hadden filed this report from Montpelier, France, last fall.This story originally aired on Oct. 24, 2025.

One in three French university students skips a daily meal regularly, as they struggle with rising housing costs and inflation. Meahwhile, 600,000 live below the poverty line. But volunteers are coming to help, with groceries and more. The World's Gerry Hadden filed this report from Montpelier, France, last fall.
This story originally aired on Oct. 24, 2025.

French volunteers adopt university students

In this installment of Movement, a series about migration and music, Meklit Hadero talks with Gino Yevdjevich, lead singer of the gypsy punk band Kultur Shock. They explore the need to create art, especially when the world is at its darkest. Yevdjevich tells the story of how the siege of his native Sarajevo during the Bosnian war turned him from a pop musician to a punk rocker in Seattle.This story originally aired on Aug. 9, 2023.

In this installment of Movement, a series about migration and music, Meklit Hadero talks with Gino Yevdjevich, lead singer of the gypsy punk band Kultur Shock. They explore the need to create art, especially when the world is at its darkest. Yevdjevich tells the story of how the siege of his native Sarajevo during the Bosnian war turned him from a pop musician to a punk rocker in Seattle.
This story originally aired on Aug. 9, 2023.

'I got saved by war': From the siege of Sarajevo to punk rock in Seattle

Back in 2022, the war in Ukraine, school shootings and racial killings helped inspire “Designing Peace,” a fresh exhibit at the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum, in New York. The museum selected projects from 25 countries to highlight how design can address the root causes of conflict. Reporter Sarah Birnbaum went to take a look.This story originally aired on Aug. 4, 2022.

Back in 2022, the war in Ukraine, school shootings and racial killings helped inspire “Designing Peace,” a fresh exhibit at the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum, in New York. The museum selected projects from 25 countries to highlight how design can address the root causes of conflict. Reporter Sarah Birnbaum went to take a look.
This story originally aired on Aug. 4, 2022.

At 'Designing Peace,' museum asks how art can build and sustain peace

On a long trip away from home, some of the most memorable moments come from the hospitality of strangers. National Geographic Explorer Paul Salopek has come to rely on hospitality every day on his Out of Eden Walk, traversing the path of human migration. Host Marco Werman speaks to Salopek about hospitality, starting in Japan with a recent stay in a traditional roadside inn.This story originally aired on June 20, 2025.

On a long trip away from home, some of the most memorable moments come from the hospitality of strangers. National Geographic Explorer Paul Salopek has come to rely on hospitality every day on his Out of Eden Walk, traversing the path of human migration. Host Marco Werman speaks to Salopek about hospitality, starting in Japan with a recent stay in a traditional roadside inn.
This story originally aired on June 20, 2025.

Out of Eden Walk: Getting by on the generosity of strangers

This past winter, around 20 monks from a Vietnamese Buddhist temple in Texas walked from their home in Fort Worth to Washington, DC. The 2,000-mile walk was to promote peace, and ask for federal recognition of the Buddha's day of birth. WUNC reporter Aaron Sanchez-Guerra checked in on the marchers' progress while they were in North Carolina.This story originally aired on Feb. 4, 2026.

This past winter, around 20 monks from a Vietnamese Buddhist temple in Texas walked from their home in Fort Worth to Washington, DC. The 2,000-mile walk was to promote peace, and ask for federal recognition of the Buddha's day of birth. WUNC reporter Aaron Sanchez-Guerra checked in on the marchers' progress while they were in North Carolina.
This story originally aired on Feb. 4, 2026.

Buddhist monks walk for peace

Hiring professional mourners for a funeral is a common practice in parts of Kenya. Those left behind take great comfort in the professional mourners who bolster attendance at funerals, which are already loud and busy community social affairs in western Kenya. Some have said that the mourners help fill the emptiness and provide comfort. The World's Marco Werman has more.

Hiring professional mourners for a funeral is a common practice in parts of Kenya. Those left behind take great comfort in the professional mourners who bolster attendance at funerals, which are already loud and busy community social affairs in western Kenya. Some have said that the mourners help fill the emptiness and provide comfort. The World's Marco Werman has more.

Professional mourners in Kenya honor the living

During a legislative session in Jamaica last week, a lawmaker used Jamaican Patois — also known as Jamaican — and caused a stir. Only English is permitted to be spoken in parliament, despite Patois being the native language spoken by most in the country. The World's Marco Werman heard from Joseph Farquharson, a senior lecturer at the University of the West Indies, Jamaica. He joins us from the capital, Kingston.

During a legislative session in Jamaica last week, a lawmaker used Jamaican Patois — also known as Jamaican — and caused a stir. Only English is permitted to be spoken in parliament, despite Patois being the native language spoken by most in the country. The World's Marco Werman heard from Joseph Farquharson, a senior lecturer at the University of the West Indies, Jamaica. He joins us from the capital, Kingston.

Use of Patois in Jamaica’s parliament reignites debate about colonial legacy of English

In mountain communities dependent on glaciers for water, the ongoing disappearance of glaciers due to shorter, warmer winters is an urgent problem. But what if you could make new glaciers every winter, to melt into water every spring? Some villages in Central Asia are doing just that. Researchers are optimistic, but the approach does have limits. Reporter Levi Bridges takes us to Kyrgyzstan for this installment of the Big Fix, profiling ambitious efforts to tackle the climate crisis across the globe.

In mountain communities dependent on glaciers for water, the ongoing disappearance of glaciers due to shorter, warmer winters is an urgent problem. But what if you could make new glaciers every winter, to melt into water every spring? Some villages in Central Asia are doing just that. Researchers are optimistic, but the approach does have limits. Reporter Levi Bridges takes us to Kyrgyzstan for this installment of the Big Fix, profiling ambitious efforts to tackle the climate crisis across the globe.

Manmade glaciers help secure water supply

Two current artists have taken Cumbia, one of the oldest and most popular rhythms in Latin America, and have given it a modern twist. Instead of playing traditional instruments like the accordion and maracas, they've turned to synthesizers. These sounds can be heard on the new album "Ruido Tovar." It's by Meridian Brothers and Mexican Institute of Sound. Camilo Lara is the brainchild behind M.I.S and speaks to host Marco Werman.

Two current artists have taken Cumbia, one of the oldest and most popular rhythms in Latin America, and have given it a modern twist. Instead of playing traditional instruments like the accordion and maracas, they've turned to synthesizers. These sounds can be heard on the new album "Ruido Tovar." It's by Meridian Brothers and Mexican Institute of Sound. Camilo Lara is the brainchild behind M.I.S and speaks to host Marco Werman.

The electronic sounds of Cumbia

Meteorologists expect not only that an El Niño warming pattern will emerge this year, but also that it will be one of the strongest on record. The World's Marco Werman speaks with Kim Cobb, director of Brown University's Institute of Environment and Society, about what that means for people around the world.

Meteorologists expect not only that an El Niño warming pattern will emerge this year, but also that it will be one of the strongest on record. The World's Marco Werman speaks with Kim Cobb, director of Brown University's Institute of Environment and Society, about what that means for people around the world.

Meteorologists predict an El Niño for the history books

The famous annual Chelsea Flower Show kicked off this week. And for the first time, there's an exhibit devoted to the Greek goddess Aphrodite. There are racy flower displays — and sex toys. Host Marco Werman explains.

The famous annual Chelsea Flower Show kicked off this week. And for the first time, there's an exhibit devoted to the Greek goddess Aphrodite. There are racy flower displays — and sex toys. Host Marco Werman explains.

The famed Chelsea Flower Show gets spicy this year

José Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, Spain's Prime Minister from 2004 to 2011, has been charged with influence peddling in the controversial rescue of an airline partly owned by government officials in Venezuela. Investigators say Zapatero received millions of dollars for securing the $62 million bailout for Plus Ultra Airlines. The World's Gerry Hadden reports on the implications of the case.

José Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, Spain's Prime Minister from 2004 to 2011, has been charged with influence peddling in the controversial rescue of an airline partly owned by government officials in Venezuela. Investigators say Zapatero received millions of dollars for securing the $62 million bailout for Plus Ultra Airlines. The World's Gerry Hadden reports on the implications of the case.

Spanish former prime minister charged with fraud

This year marks the centennial celebration of Route 66. Arizona’s 385-mile stretch of "America's Main Street, has odd origins. Long before all the neon, diners, gas stations and motels dotted the humming highway, the US Army first charted a course along the modern-day path of Route 66, surveying Arizona’s high desert terrain for a wagon trail — with unlikely companions. Camels. From KJZZ, Gabriel Pietrorazio reports.

This year marks the centennial celebration of Route 66. Arizona’s 385-mile stretch of "America's Main Street, has odd origins. Long before all the neon, diners, gas stations and motels dotted the humming highway, the US Army first charted a course along the modern-day path of Route 66, surveying Arizona’s high desert terrain for a wagon trail — with unlikely companions. Camels. From KJZZ, Gabriel Pietrorazio reports.

Arizona’s section of the famed Route 66 has Middle Eastern roots

Timmy — the famous stranded whale, stuck in the Baltic Sea and controversially rescued — has died. The carcass is stuck in the shallows off Denmark, and the Danish government is planning to remove it. But what actually happens to a whale when it dies? If it's in the deep, it's called a "whale fall," and an entirely new ecosystem springs up around it. The World's Host Marco Werman speaks with scientist Kirstin Meyer-Kaiser to learn more.

Timmy — the famous stranded whale, stuck in the Baltic Sea and controversially rescued — has died. The carcass is stuck in the shallows off Denmark, and the Danish government is planning to remove it. But what actually happens to a whale when it dies? If it's in the deep, it's called a "whale fall," and an entirely new ecosystem springs up around it. The World's Host Marco Werman speaks with scientist Kirstin Meyer-Kaiser to learn more.

What is a whale fall that comes after the death of sea mammals?

Forget about the sky-high cost of tickets to the actual matches. A lot of soccer lovers have balked at the price of flights, hotels, food, transportation and the obligatory jersey. Just traveling to the Americas adds up to several thousand dollars. For some, it's a sign that soccer's international governing body, FIFA, has lost touch with the global fanbase. The World's Gerry Hadden reports from Barcelona.

Forget about the sky-high cost of tickets to the actual matches. A lot of soccer lovers have balked at the price of flights, hotels, food, transportation and the obligatory jersey. Just traveling to the Americas adds up to several thousand dollars. For some, it's a sign that soccer's international governing body, FIFA, has lost touch with the global fanbase. The World's Gerry Hadden reports from Barcelona.

For many global soccer fans, the idea of traveling to this summer's World Cup is unthinkable

The US-Israeli war with Iran has disrupted much of the world's economy, and impacted the region and beyond. Art Dubai, a 20-year-old festival set in a Middle Eastern economic and cultural hub, was almost derailed after missile and drone strikes hit the city. But in an act of resilience, organizers scrambled to put on the show. Reporter Shirin Jaafari spoke to members of the art world about why it mattered for the show to go on.

The US-Israeli war with Iran has disrupted much of the world's economy, and impacted the region and beyond. Art Dubai, a 20-year-old festival set in a Middle Eastern economic and cultural hub, was almost derailed after missile and drone strikes hit the city. But in an act of resilience, organizers scrambled to put on the show. Reporter Shirin Jaafari spoke to members of the art world about why it mattered for the show to go on.

'The show has to continue'

With fighting in Iran and Lebanon taking over public consciousness, the crisis in Gaza has fallen somewhat out of focus for much of the world. At a moment of political upheaval in Israel, journalist Noga Tarnopolsky speaks with Host Carolyn Beeler about how Gaza factors into the current political landscape there, and how that relates to the escalating conflict on the border with Lebanon.

With fighting in Iran and Lebanon taking over public consciousness, the crisis in Gaza has fallen somewhat out of focus for much of the world. At a moment of political upheaval in Israel, journalist Noga Tarnopolsky speaks with Host Carolyn Beeler about how Gaza factors into the current political landscape there, and how that relates to the escalating conflict on the border with Lebanon.

Politically, Israel's conflicts are a 'ticking time bomb' for Netanyahu

The Ebola outbreak centered in the eastern regions of Democratic Republic of Congo is expanding at an alarming rate. The new, rare Ebola variant has spread from DRC’s Ituri Province into North Kivu and the capital of neighboring Uganda. The result is more than 600 suspected cases and at least 139 suspected deaths. Armand Sprecher, an epidemiologist with Doctors Without Borders discusses the implications with The World’s Host Marco Werman.

The Ebola outbreak centered in the eastern regions of Democratic Republic of Congo is expanding at an alarming rate. The new, rare Ebola variant has spread from DRC’s Ituri Province into North Kivu and the capital of neighboring Uganda. The result is more than 600 suspected cases and at least 139 suspected deaths. Armand Sprecher, an epidemiologist with Doctors Without Borders discusses the implications with The World’s Host Marco Werman.

Ebola spread challenges global preparedness

It was a stunning victory. The Montreal Victoire shut out the Ottawa Charge 4-0 to secure the Professional Women's Hockey League's top prize, the Walter Cup. That's the first time in the league's three-year history that a Canadian team has taken home the trophy. Host Marco Werman has the highlights.

It was a stunning victory. The Montreal Victoire shut out the Ottawa Charge 4-0 to secure the Professional Women's Hockey League's top prize, the Walter Cup. That's the first time in the league's three-year history that a Canadian team has taken home the trophy. Host Marco Werman has the highlights.