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.

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

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

The Japanese dads struggling to reform fatherhood

France's first so-called “House of Diversity” has opened in Lyon. It's a shared residential building for queer people aged 55 and older. The house is there to protect older citizens — and not only from loneliness. Deutsche Welle, DW's, Lisa Louis reports from southeastern France.

France's first so-called “House of Diversity” has opened in Lyon. It's a shared residential building for queer people aged 55 and older. The house is there to protect older citizens — and not only from loneliness. Deutsche Welle, DW's, Lisa Louis reports from southeastern France.

France's first 'House of Diversity' opens in Lyon

Iranian music is inescapably political. Since the Islamic Revolution in 1979, music there has been subject to heavy censorship by the government. Before then, musical expression ebbed and flowed alongside a social and political landscape that was in constant motion. How Iran's music tells the history of the country from the early 20th century to today is the subject of a new book, "Iran Amplified: One Hundred Years of Music and Society." Co-editor Nahid Siamdoust joins Host Marco Werman to talk about that history.

Iranian music is inescapably political. Since the Islamic Revolution in 1979, music there has been subject to heavy censorship by the government. Before then, musical expression ebbed and flowed alongside a social and political landscape that was in constant motion. How Iran's music tells the history of the country from the early 20th century to today is the subject of a new book, "Iran Amplified: One Hundred Years of Music and Society." Co-editor Nahid Siamdoust joins Host Marco Werman to talk about that history.

An Iranian century of music

In India, extreme heat waves are becoming the new normal. For most people, air conditioning isn't an option — forcing them to find more creative ways to stay cool. That includes a project in Delhi that hands out highly reflective paint that can be put on rooftops: It reflects the sun's rays and lowers temperatures inside by more than 10 degrees. Namrata Kolachalam reports from Delhi.

In India, extreme heat waves are becoming the new normal. For most people, air conditioning isn't an option — forcing them to find more creative ways to stay cool. That includes a project in Delhi that hands out highly reflective paint that can be put on rooftops: It reflects the sun's rays and lowers temperatures inside by more than 10 degrees. Namrata Kolachalam reports from Delhi.

Delhi finds a creative way to beat the heat

Hundreds of people have been arrested across the Amazon this month in a sweeping five-country law enforcement operation going after a host of crimes in the world’s largest rainforest — from illegal mining to logging and smuggling operations. The World's Host Marco Werman learns more from Gabriel Funari, who coordinates the Amazon Basin Observatory at The Global Initiative against Transnational Organized Crime.

Hundreds of people have been arrested across the Amazon this month in a sweeping five-country law enforcement operation going after a host of crimes in the world’s largest rainforest — from illegal mining to logging and smuggling operations. The World's Host Marco Werman learns more from Gabriel Funari, who coordinates the Amazon Basin Observatory at The Global Initiative against Transnational Organized Crime.

Hundreds arrested across Amazon rainforest in operation against environmental crimes

Cadmium, a heavy metal linked to cancers and other diseases, is worrying French consumers — who, on average show, show levels in their bodies three to four times higher than the European average. That's according to a French government study from this March. The most-affected foods are industrial breads, cereals and crackers made from French-grown wheat. The culprit seems to be phosphate fertilizers imported from Morocco. The World's Gerry Hadden reports from Embrun, France.

Cadmium, a heavy metal linked to cancers and other diseases, is worrying French consumers — who, on average show, show levels in their bodies three to four times higher than the European average. That's according to a French government study from this March. The most-affected foods are industrial breads, cereals and crackers made from French-grown wheat. The culprit seems to be phosphate fertilizers imported from Morocco. The World's Gerry Hadden reports from Embrun, France.

French consumers test high for toxic cadmium, blame fertilizer used on industrial farms

Dog racing is now formally banned in New Zealand, but some advocates say several loopholes are helping sustain an ethically-questionable industry in other countries. Host Marco Werman explains.

Dog racing is now formally banned in New Zealand, but some advocates say several loopholes are helping sustain an ethically-questionable industry in other countries. Host Marco Werman explains.

Dog racing finds ethical loopholes

Sylvia Earle is a pioneer in the field of marine science. She was one of the first people to ever use scuba technology for scientific research; she holds the women's record for the deepest un-tethered sea walk and she became the first female chief scientist at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA). In all, her career has spanned 70 years and counting. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Earle about her career, her passion for the ocean and how the ocean has changed.

Sylvia Earle is a pioneer in the field of marine science. She was one of the first people to ever use scuba technology for scientific research; she holds the women's record for the deepest un-tethered sea walk and she became the first female chief scientist at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA). In all, her career has spanned 70 years and counting. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Earle about her career, her passion for the ocean and how the ocean has changed.

Pioneering marine scientist Sylvia Earle reflects on decades under the sea

Amayo has two life-long passions: Afrobeat from Nigeria and Chinese martial arts. Host Marco Werman speaks to the musician about how these two interests influence his new album, "Lion Awakes." Amayo dedicates the album to his grandmother, a shaman, or medicine woman, in Ghana.

Amayo has two life-long passions: Afrobeat from Nigeria and Chinese martial arts. Host Marco Werman speaks to the musician about how these two interests influence his new album, "Lion Awakes." Amayo dedicates the album to his grandmother, a shaman, or medicine woman, in Ghana.

The Afrobeat musician Amayo on his album, 'Lion Awakes'

Nuclear reactors in Europe are struggling to keep cool this summer, as climate change intensifies heat and drought. Record-low water levels in the Danube River are threatening nuclear power production in Hungary and Romania. France has reduced output at multiple plants. Chris Rosslowe, with the energy think tank Ember in London, tells The World’s Host Marco Werman why the nuclear plants are so vulnerable and how Europe’s power grid is holding up.

Nuclear reactors in Europe are struggling to keep cool this summer, as climate change intensifies heat and drought. Record-low water levels in the Danube River are threatening nuclear power production in Hungary and Romania. France has reduced output at multiple plants. Chris Rosslowe, with the energy think tank Ember in London, tells The World’s Host Marco Werman why the nuclear plants are so vulnerable and how Europe’s power grid is holding up.

Europe's nuclear reactors strain as climate crises worsens

The European Union is scrambling to contain the political fallout after more than 70,000 migrants crossed into the Spanish territory of Ceuta from Morocco last Friday. Most have since returned home, but the critical response from several EU countries has laid bare divisions over the bloc's migration policy. Today, EU interior ministers held  emergency talks to try and ease tensions. The World's Europe Correspondent Orla Barry joined Host Marco Werman with the latest.

The European Union is scrambling to contain the political fallout after more than 70,000 migrants crossed into the Spanish territory of Ceuta from Morocco last Friday. Most have since returned home, but the critical response from several EU countries has laid bare divisions over the bloc's migration policy. Today, EU interior ministers held  emergency talks to try and ease tensions. The World's Europe Correspondent Orla Barry joined Host Marco Werman with the latest.

Ceuta crossings expose EU divisions on migration

In many countries, a heat wave that kills nearly 35,000 people each day would be considered a national emergency. But for India, that's just the way things are. In the capital, New Delhi, public health experts are scrambling to offer protection for citizens. As Namrata Kolachalam reports, the heat impacts the most vulnerable people the hardest.

In many countries, a heat wave that kills nearly 35,000 people each day would be considered a national emergency. But for India, that's just the way things are. In the capital, New Delhi, public health experts are scrambling to offer protection for citizens. As Namrata Kolachalam reports, the heat impacts the most vulnerable people the hardest.

New Delhi struggles with deadly impact of severe heat

Spanish composer Joaquin Rodrigo wrote a legendary melody, "Concierto de Aranjuez." It's been arranged over the years in different ways, by Miles Davis, by Hollywood. Today, we hear an arrangement by the legendary Lebanese vocalist, Fairuz, in a song dedicated to her home city of Beirut, which marks six years since the deadly explosion at its port.

Spanish composer Joaquin Rodrigo wrote a legendary melody, "Concierto de Aranjuez." It's been arranged over the years in different ways, by Miles Davis, by Hollywood. Today, we hear an arrangement by the legendary Lebanese vocalist, Fairuz, in a song dedicated to her home city of Beirut, which marks six years since the deadly explosion at its port.

A look at legendary Lebanese chanteuse Fairuz's version of a song dedicated to Beirut

Since the beginning of the US-Israeli war on Iran, Russia has stood firmly behind the Islamic Republic. It has condemned the strikes and backed Tehran on the diplomatic stage. But US officials say Moscow has also shared intelligence and military expertise, helping Iran target US bases and CIA sites in the region. The World’s Shirin Jaafari speaks with Host Marco Werman about what we know.

Since the beginning of the US-Israeli war on Iran, Russia has stood firmly behind the Islamic Republic. It has condemned the strikes and backed Tehran on the diplomatic stage. But US officials say Moscow has also shared intelligence and military expertise, helping Iran target US bases and CIA sites in the region. The World’s Shirin Jaafari speaks with Host Marco Werman about what we know.

What do we know about Russia's help for Iran?

In recent weeks, Ukrainian drones have struck about a dozen warehouses belonging to Russia’s online retailer Wildberries. Ukrainian officials say the company provides Russian forces with drone components and navigation equipment. Wildberries’ CEO rejects that claim. The World’s Host Marco Werman speaks with Financial Times correspondent Max Seddon about why Wildberries has landed in Kyiv’s crosshairs.

In recent weeks, Ukrainian drones have struck about a dozen warehouses belonging to Russia’s online retailer Wildberries. Ukrainian officials say the company provides Russian forces with drone components and navigation equipment. Wildberries’ CEO rejects that claim. The World’s Host Marco Werman speaks with Financial Times correspondent Max Seddon about why Wildberries has landed in Kyiv’s crosshairs.

Why Ukraine is targeting Russian e-commerce giant Wildberries

The crowd roars; the manic sound of stilettos sprinting on concrete dovetails with a Madonna remix. The "stiletto sprint" at Amsterdam’s Drag Olympics is in full swing. It’s just one event at WorldPride, billed as the most significant Pride event in the world. This year it's taking place in the Dutch capital in the shadow of a deadly attack that rocked Europe’s LGBTQ+ community. Jamie Fullerton reports.

The crowd roars; the manic sound of stilettos sprinting on concrete dovetails with a Madonna remix. The "stiletto sprint" at Amsterdam’s Drag Olympics is in full swing. It’s just one event at WorldPride, billed as the most significant Pride event in the world. This year it's taking place in the Dutch capital in the shadow of a deadly attack that rocked Europe’s LGBTQ+ community. Jamie Fullerton reports.

WorldPride revelers say they won't give in to fear

Most of the 60,000 migrants who swam, scrambled and later charged into the tiny Spanish exclave of Ceuta in North Africa this week walked back to Morocco over the weekend. Host Marco Werman explains the latest.

Most of the 60,000 migrants who swam, scrambled and later charged into the tiny Spanish exclave of Ceuta in North Africa this week walked back to Morocco over the weekend. Host Marco Werman explains the latest.

Ceuta migration crisis

Ireland has introduced a public register of people convicted of serious domestic violence offenses, following a four-year campaign by the family of a Dublin woman murdered by her ex-partner. The register will publish the names of offenders convicted of crimes including rape, coercive control and harassment. Supporters say it will give victims and the public more information, but some domestic abuse campaigners fear such registers could have unintended consequences. The World’s Europe Correspondent Orla Barry reports.

Ireland has introduced a public register of people convicted of serious domestic violence offenses, following a four-year campaign by the family of a Dublin woman murdered by her ex-partner. The register will publish the names of offenders convicted of crimes including rape, coercive control and harassment. Supporters say it will give victims and the public more information, but some domestic abuse campaigners fear such registers could have unintended consequences. The World’s Europe Correspondent Orla Barry reports.

Family's campaign leads to first public domestic violence register in Ireland

Research has found that, on average, everyone spends 78 minutes a day traveling, whether it's for commuting, shopping, entertainment, etc. This average holds regardless of where you are or your income. These findings are important when designing urban layouts and transit systems to support green energy transitions. The World's Host Marco Werman speaks with researcher Eric Galbraith about his findings.This story originally aired on Nov. 17, 2025.

Research has found that, on average, everyone spends 78 minutes a day traveling, whether it's for commuting, shopping, entertainment, etc. This average holds regardless of where you are or your income. These findings are important when designing urban layouts and transit systems to support green energy transitions. The World's Host Marco Werman speaks with researcher Eric Galbraith about his findings.
This story originally aired on Nov. 17, 2025.

Everyone, everywhere, spends 78 minutes a day on the move

Hidden in the mountains of central Slovakia, the tiny village of Vlkolínec has become one of the country's biggest tourist attractions. UNESCO World Heritage status has helped preserve its distinctive wooden houses for more than 30 years. But some residents now believe that protecting the village has come at the expense of the community that still lives there. From Deutsche Welle, DW, Inside Europe's Rob Cameron reports.

Hidden in the mountains of central Slovakia, the tiny village of Vlkolínec has become one of the country's biggest tourist attractions. UNESCO World Heritage status has helped preserve its distinctive wooden houses for more than 30 years. But some residents now believe that protecting the village has come at the expense of the community that still lives there. From Deutsche Welle, DW, Inside Europe's Rob Cameron reports.

A Slovakian village wants to get rid of its UNESCO designation

Nadhira al Harthy, the first Omani woman to summit Mount Everest, died last week in an avalanche that also claimed the lives of nine other mountaineers. The climbers were attempting to summit Broad Peak in Pakistan, the world's 12th tallest mountain. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Manal Rostom, the first Egyptian woman to summit Everest, about Nadhira's legacy and the increase in Arab women pursuing mountaineering.

Nadhira al Harthy, the first Omani woman to summit Mount Everest, died last week in an avalanche that also claimed the lives of nine other mountaineers. The climbers were attempting to summit Broad Peak in Pakistan, the world's 12th tallest mountain. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Manal Rostom, the first Egyptian woman to summit Everest, about Nadhira's legacy and the increase in Arab women pursuing mountaineering.

Climbers mourn death of first Omani woman to summit Mount Everest

The US now controls much of Venezuela’s oil revenue, estimated at $13 billion in the first half of this year. But neither Washington nor Caracas have provided a full account of where the money has gone. Some appears to have paid for imports and oil production. After devastating earthquakes left thousands needing housing and aid, pressure is growing on both governments to explain how the funds are being used. The World's Tibisay Zea reports.

The US now controls much of Venezuela’s oil revenue, estimated at $13 billion in the first half of this year. But neither Washington nor Caracas have provided a full account of where the money has gone. Some appears to have paid for imports and oil production. After devastating earthquakes left thousands needing housing and aid, pressure is growing on both governments to explain how the funds are being used. The World's Tibisay Zea reports.

Where is Venezuela's oil money?

Overnight, Asia's soccer federation joined its European and North American counterparts in opposing FIFA's proposed privatization of the World Cup. So far, FIFA president Gianni Infantino has signaled that he has no intention of dropping the plan. Still, it's very much in doubt now that regional soccer federations making up a clear majority of FIFA's member states are against it.

Overnight, Asia's soccer federation joined its European and North American counterparts in opposing FIFA's proposed privatization of the World Cup. So far, FIFA president Gianni Infantino has signaled that he has no intention of dropping the plan. Still, it's very much in doubt now that regional soccer federations making up a clear majority of FIFA's member states are against it.

Continued opposition to privatizing the World Cup

Scotland is joining the list of countries experiencing major wildfires. A fire that began two weeks ago is still burning in the Cairngorms National Park. Residents who had previously evacuated have been allowed to return, but certain businesses in proximity to the fire are still closed. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Tilly Smith, co-owner of the Cairngorm Reindeer Center, about the economic consequences this could have for her community.

Scotland is joining the list of countries experiencing major wildfires. A fire that began two weeks ago is still burning in the Cairngorms National Park. Residents who had previously evacuated have been allowed to return, but certain businesses in proximity to the fire are still closed. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Tilly Smith, co-owner of the Cairngorm Reindeer Center, about the economic consequences this could have for her community.

Wildfire forces evacuations in Scotland's Cairngorms National Park

A Spanish border was breached yesterday by the largest mass crossing of migrants in the country's history. About 60,000 people, mostly young men, swam and scrambled from Morocco to an adjoining spit of land that belongs to Spain. The World's Gerry Hadden discusses what triggered the surge and how the Spanish government is managing. We also take a listen to his first report from Ceuta that examines the dangers that migrants face.That story originally aired on Jan. 14, 2025.

A Spanish border was breached yesterday by the largest mass crossing of migrants in the country's history. About 60,000 people, mostly young men, swam and scrambled from Morocco to an adjoining spit of land that belongs to Spain. The World's Gerry Hadden discusses what triggered the surge and how the Spanish government is managing. We also take a listen to his first report from Ceuta that examines the dangers that migrants face.
That story originally aired on Jan. 14, 2025.

Spain hit by country's largest mass migration crossing

Picture this: You’re a serious musician, working hard to create art and make a living. Suddenly, on your music streaming profile, a new album appears — in your name. It’s not you, in fact it’s nothing at all like your music. It’s all AI generated. And you can’t get rid of it. From Deutsche Welle, DW, Inside Europe's Lars Bevanger met up with a musician in Oslo who faced this problem.

Picture this: You’re a serious musician, working hard to create art and make a living. Suddenly, on your music streaming profile, a new album appears — in your name. It’s not you, in fact it’s nothing at all like your music. It’s all AI generated. And you can’t get rid of it. From Deutsche Welle, DW, Inside Europe's Lars Bevanger met up with a musician in Oslo who faced this problem.

AI 'music' hijacking real musicians' online identities

The UN’s Human Rights office warned this week that settler violence in the West Bank is at an “all-time high” after the Israeli government announced “extensive counterterrorism operational activity" in the territory. The UN reported that at least eight Palestinians have died — including a child — as well as two members of the Israel Defense Forces. Mohammed Elwan is a Palestinian journalist who spoke to The World's Host Carolyn Beeler from Ramallah.

The UN’s Human Rights office warned this week that settler violence in the West Bank is at an “all-time high” after the Israeli government announced “extensive counterterrorism operational activity" in the territory. The UN reported that at least eight Palestinians have died — including a child — as well as two members of the Israel Defense Forces. Mohammed Elwan is a Palestinian journalist who spoke to The World's Host Carolyn Beeler from Ramallah.

Israeli settler attacks are on rise in the West Bank

A week after a deadly attack on a Berlin Pride event, Germany is grappling with how to respond. The attacker, who killed one woman and injured 31 others, had previously come to the attention of authorities over extremist activity. Since the attack, Chancellor Friedrich Merz has promised tougher security laws, while the far-right AfD party has accused the government of failing to protect the public from "Islamist violence." But many LGBTQ activists say those political reactions ring hollow. The World’s Europe Correspondent Orla Barry reports.

A week after a deadly attack on a Berlin Pride event, Germany is grappling with how to respond. The attacker, who killed one woman and injured 31 others, had previously come to the attention of authorities over extremist activity. Since the attack, Chancellor Friedrich Merz has promised tougher security laws, while the far-right AfD party has accused the government of failing to protect the public from "Islamist violence." But many LGBTQ activists say those political reactions ring hollow. The World’s Europe Correspondent Orla Barry reports.

The politics of the Berlin Pride attack

Even after the disco crazy died down in the US, Egypt kept on cranking out the tunes. We hear the evidence in a new collection titled "Ayam El disco: Egyptian Disco, Boogie &amp; Jeel Cassettes 1978-1992." Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler bring the music alive.

Even after the disco crazy died down in the US, Egypt kept on cranking out the tunes. We hear the evidence in a new collection titled "Ayam El disco: Egyptian Disco, Boogie & Jeel Cassettes 1978-1992." Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler bring the music alive.

New Egyptian disco music released

After gaining independence from the US 80 years ago, many Filipinos migrated to the United States — and settled down in San Diego, home to one of the largest Filipino communities today. Slowly, they built institutions, such as churches and restaurants, to make it more like home. KPBS reporter Elaine Alfaro reports on how they've maintained their cultural identity.

After gaining independence from the US 80 years ago, many Filipinos migrated to the United States — and settled down in San Diego, home to one of the largest Filipino communities today. Slowly, they built institutions, such as churches and restaurants, to make it more like home. KPBS reporter Elaine Alfaro reports on how they've maintained their cultural identity.