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.

Food entrepreneur Ruby Chan tells the story of the sauce that launched her career. After growing up in her parents' Chinese restaurant, she wanted a desk job more than anything — and she got it. But an epiphany as a working mom sent her back to a recipe from her dad's kitchen. She explained it all as part of GBH's live storytelling program, Stories From The Stage.

Food entrepreneur Ruby Chan tells the story of the sauce that launched her career. After growing up in her parents' Chinese restaurant, she wanted a desk job more than anything — and she got it. But an epiphany as a working mom sent her back to a recipe from her dad's kitchen. She explained it all as part of GBH's live storytelling program, Stories From The Stage.

After running from her past, a Chinese chef embraces her roots

Over the past few weeks, southern Australia has braced itself against severe fire conditions. Several major fires are still burning in Victoria. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with fire chief Chris Hardman about what lessons his team has learned from past fires, and the psychological toll the job takes on first responders.

Over the past few weeks, southern Australia has braced itself against severe fire conditions. Several major fires are still burning in Victoria. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with fire chief Chris Hardman about what lessons his team has learned from past fires, and the psychological toll the job takes on first responders.

Fires in Australia recall lessons from the past

Mıhlama is a hearty, cheesy, buttery fondue meal served up for breakfast in Turkey. Farmers who needed a high-calorie infusion first thing in the morning invented the meal, and it’s so heavy that you may not eat anything the rest of the day. It's now a staple of the region around the Black Sea. Reporter Fariba Nawa and her daughters went looking for the perfect mıhlama in Istanbul.

Mıhlama is a hearty, cheesy, buttery fondue meal served up for breakfast in Turkey. Farmers who needed a high-calorie infusion first thing in the morning invented the meal, and it’s so heavy that you may not eat anything the rest of the day. It's now a staple of the region around the Black Sea. Reporter Fariba Nawa and her daughters went looking for the perfect mıhlama in Istanbul.

Finding the best mıhlama in Turkey can become an obsession

The question of how to stop the spread of infectious diseases has been ongoing for decades, but came into sharp focus when COVID-19 gripped the globe in 2020. One way to slow diseases is by improving diagnostic tests, and making them more accessible, so that people can know earlier if they have something like tuberculosis in its early stages. As Chhavi Sachdev reports from Mumbai, India, new TB tests there could be a game changer.

The question of how to stop the spread of infectious diseases has been ongoing for decades, but came into sharp focus when COVID-19 gripped the globe in 2020. One way to slow diseases is by improving diagnostic tests, and making them more accessible, so that people can know earlier if they have something like tuberculosis in its early stages. As Chhavi Sachdev reports from Mumbai, India, new TB tests there could be a game changer.

Stopping diseases like TB starts with a good diagnosis

In the first two weeks of the new year, 22 people were killed in the eastern state of Jharkhand, India, by a rogue, one-tusked elephant. Forest department officials are working to capture the elephant before it strikes again. Villagers are terrified of leaving their homes at night. The attacks also come at a time of growing human-elephant conflict across India. From Mumbai, journalist Namrata Kolachalam explains the ongoing challenges of living among elephants.

In the first two weeks of the new year, 22 people were killed in the eastern state of Jharkhand, India, by a rogue, one-tusked elephant. Forest department officials are working to capture the elephant before it strikes again. Villagers are terrified of leaving their homes at night. The attacks also come at a time of growing human-elephant conflict across India. From Mumbai, journalist Namrata Kolachalam explains the ongoing challenges of living among elephants.

Indian authorities are still searching for a killer elephant

Sara Mardini was not the only volunteer arrested for helping rescue migrants from the sea in 2018, but she was probably the most famous. She and her sister, Yusra, were refugees from Syria who survived a sinking boat by swimming the distance to shore, saving not only themselves but their fellow passengers, as well. Yusra went on to become an Olympic athlete. Sara was one of 23 rescue volunteers acquitted yesterday. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler explains.

Sara Mardini was not the only volunteer arrested for helping rescue migrants from the sea in 2018, but she was probably the most famous. She and her sister, Yusra, were refugees from Syria who survived a sinking boat by swimming the distance to shore, saving not only themselves but their fellow passengers, as well. Yusra went on to become an Olympic athlete. Sara was one of 23 rescue volunteers acquitted yesterday. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler explains.

Syrian 'hero swimmer' acquitted of charges in Greece

With votes tallied from about 50% of polling places, incumbent President Yoweri Museveni is projected to win reelection in Uganda. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Ebenezer Obadare from the Council on Foreign Relations about what this means for Ugandans.

With votes tallied from about 50% of polling places, incumbent President Yoweri Museveni is projected to win reelection in Uganda. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Ebenezer Obadare from the Council on Foreign Relations about what this means for Ugandans.

Unofficial results show reelection of Ugandan president

New research from the University of Wisconsin Madison finds that the micro-gravity environment in the International Space Station does not just affect the human body — it can change the behavior of microbes. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with lead author Srivatsan Raman about what he found.

New research from the University of Wisconsin Madison finds that the micro-gravity environment in the International Space Station does not just affect the human body — it can change the behavior of microbes. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with lead author Srivatsan Raman about what he found.

The International Space Station's affect on microbes

Europe's first flights to study atmospheric rivers took off from Ireland today. The flights will focus on understanding the phenomena from the North Atlantic. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Marty Ralph, an expert on atmospheric rivers from the Scripps Institution of Oceanography.

Europe's first flights to study atmospheric rivers took off from Ireland today. The flights will focus on understanding the phenomena from the North Atlantic. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Marty Ralph, an expert on atmospheric rivers from the Scripps Institution of Oceanography.

New research in Europe to track atmospheric rivers

The Trump administration has taken various steps to prevent students who want to come to the United States to study, including blocking student visas. When it comes to Harvard University and some other highly selective schools, though, it's not working very well. Kirk Carapezza covers higher education for GBH Boston. He talks through the numbers with Host Marco Werman.

The Trump administration has taken various steps to prevent students who want to come to the United States to study, including blocking student visas. When it comes to Harvard University and some other highly selective schools, though, it's not working very well. Kirk Carapezza covers higher education for GBH Boston. He talks through the numbers with Host Marco Werman.

The Trump administration restricts student visas. It's not working at elite schools.

As opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize winner María Corina Machado meets US President Donald Trump in Washington, Venezuelans are watching with a mix of hope and unease. Widely seen as the face of the democratic opposition, Machado led the coalition that most independent observers say won Venezuela’s 2024 presidential election. She spent months courting US support to push deposed President Nicolás Maduro out. But with Trump now sidelining her and working with figures from the old regime, many in Caracas are rethinking about what her role — and Venezuela’s future — might look like.

As opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize winner María Corina Machado meets US President Donald Trump in Washington, Venezuelans are watching with a mix of hope and unease. Widely seen as the face of the democratic opposition, Machado led the coalition that most independent observers say won Venezuela’s 2024 presidential election. She spent months courting US support to push deposed President Nicolás Maduro out. But with Trump now sidelining her and working with figures from the old regime, many in Caracas are rethinking about what her role — and Venezuela’s future — might look like.

Venezuela's opposition leader meets Trump

As bitter cold descends on Ukraine, so has a fresh barrage of Russian drone and missile strikes. Recent attacks on transformer substations and power plants have plunged Kyiv into its worst wartime heating and power outage. The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Kyiv Independent editor Jared Goyette about how the capital’s residents are rallying in response.

As bitter cold descends on Ukraine, so has a fresh barrage of Russian drone and missile strikes. Recent attacks on transformer substations and power plants have plunged Kyiv into its worst wartime heating and power outage. The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Kyiv Independent editor Jared Goyette about how the capital’s residents are rallying in response.

Together, Kyiv residents endure a relentless winter chill

On Wednesday, US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff announced phase two of the Trump Administration-led Gaza peace plan, including governance by a 15-member "technocratic committee." But as The World's Host Marco Werman learned from Khaled Elgindy, senior fellow at the Quincy Institute, questions remain as to the implementation of the first phase and next steps.

On Wednesday, US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff announced phase two of the Trump Administration-led Gaza peace plan, including governance by a 15-member "technocratic committee." But as The World's Host Marco Werman learned from Khaled Elgindy, senior fellow at the Quincy Institute, questions remain as to the implementation of the first phase and next steps.

Phase two of Gaza peace plan begins

For about a week, Iranians have been unable to get online or make calls outside of the country. Yet many of them have shown up every night to protest the government. The World managed to reach some of them inside the country, who describe a brutal crackdown by the security forces.

For about a week, Iranians have been unable to get online or make calls outside of the country. Yet many of them have shown up every night to protest the government. The World managed to reach some of them inside the country, who describe a brutal crackdown by the security forces.

'I saw people shot with my own eyes': Eyewitnesses describe crackdown on protesters in Iran

The vast majority of cars in Kenya are used, internal combustion vehicles. But a team of Kenyan engineers is trying to flip the country's automotive economy on its head with the first-ever Kenyan-made electric vehicle. The World's Transportation Correspondent Jeremy Siegel has the unlikely story of TAD Motors.

The vast majority of cars in Kenya are used, internal combustion vehicles. But a team of Kenyan engineers is trying to flip the country's automotive economy on its head with the first-ever Kenyan-made electric vehicle. The World's Transportation Correspondent Jeremy Siegel has the unlikely story of TAD Motors.

Kenya's quiet electric car revolution

A new collection of music from the remote African islands of Sao Tome and Principe is a revelation. This nation in the Atlantic Ocean doesn't get a lot of attention, but as we hear in songs by bands from the 1960s and '70s, like Sangazuza, it's worth listening up.

A new collection of music from the remote African islands of Sao Tome and Principe is a revelation. This nation in the Atlantic Ocean doesn't get a lot of attention, but as we hear in songs by bands from the 1960s and '70s, like Sangazuza, it's worth listening up.

A new music collection from some old African artists

A little-known amateur tennis player from Sydney beat some of the world's top male and female tennis players at an event ahead of the Australian Open. Jordan Smith went on to make himself a millionaire in Australian dollars after winning what's called a 1 Point Slam, where all the matches consist of just one point. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler have more on the life-changing win.

A little-known amateur tennis player from Sydney beat some of the world's top male and female tennis players at an event ahead of the Australian Open. Jordan Smith went on to make himself a millionaire in Australian dollars after winning what's called a 1 Point Slam, where all the matches consist of just one point. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler have more on the life-changing win.

Amateur player wins big at the Australian open

The foreign ministers of Denmark and Greenland met with US Vice President JD Vance today at the White House. On Tuesday, the prime minister of Greenland — Jens-Frederick Nielsen — said clearly, "Greenland does not want to be owned by the USA," and that "Greenland is not for sale." This morning, President Donald Trump was asked for his reaction to the statement from Nielsen. "I don't know who he is. Don't anything about him," Trump told reporters. "But that's going to be a big problem for him." The World's Matthew Bell has the latest.

The foreign ministers of Denmark and Greenland met with US Vice President JD Vance today at the White House. On Tuesday, the prime minister of Greenland — Jens-Frederick Nielsen — said clearly, "Greenland does not want to be owned by the USA," and that "Greenland is not for sale." This morning, President Donald Trump was asked for his reaction to the statement from Nielsen. "I don't know who he is. Don't anything about him," Trump told reporters. "But that's going to be a big problem for him." The World's Matthew Bell has the latest.

'Greenland is not for sale,' says territory's prime minister

As a delegation from Denmark meets with US officials in Washington for talks over the future of Greenland, many worry that these tensions could be the death knell of the US-led NATO alliance — and a boon to traditional adversaries like Russia. Carlo Masala is a NATO expert and the author of the book "If Russia Wins." He joined Host Carolyn Beeler from Munich, where he's a professor of international politics at the Bundeswehr University.

As a delegation from Denmark meets with US officials in Washington for talks over the future of Greenland, many worry that these tensions could be the death knell of the US-led NATO alliance — and a boon to traditional adversaries like Russia. Carlo Masala is a NATO expert and the author of the book "If Russia Wins." He joined Host Carolyn Beeler from Munich, where he's a professor of international politics at the Bundeswehr University.

US-Denmark tensions raise concerns over future of NATO, end of US-led world order

There are tens of thousands of children around the world waiting to be adopted, but the vast majority of them will never find a permanent family. This reflects a trend in a number of countries over the past 20 years of ending international adoptions. The World's Maria Noble Valdez wanted, as an adoptee herself, to know more.

There are tens of thousands of children around the world waiting to be adopted, but the vast majority of them will never find a permanent family. This reflects a trend in a number of countries over the past 20 years of ending international adoptions. The World's Maria Noble Valdez wanted, as an adoptee herself, to know more.

International adoptions are a failure

Fireworks light up the sky on New Year’s Eve in much of the world. In the Netherlands, they also leave behind a troubling aftermath. According to a new government report, two people were killed and more than 1,200 injured by fireworks this year. The Dutch government hopes an upcoming ban on consumer fireworks will reduce that toll, but critics question whether it will make a difference. The World's Europe Correspondent Orla Barry reports.

Fireworks light up the sky on New Year’s Eve in much of the world. In the Netherlands, they also leave behind a troubling aftermath. According to a new government report, two people were killed and more than 1,200 injured by fireworks this year. The Dutch government hopes an upcoming ban on consumer fireworks will reduce that toll, but critics question whether it will make a difference. The World's Europe Correspondent Orla Barry reports.

New Year's fireworks take toll as Dutch government bets on ban

The Trump administration is ending Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Somalia. That means hundreds, possibly thousands of Somalis living in the US will have just two months to leave the US or face deportation. At the same time, US federal agents are investigating fraud allegedly perpetrated by — among others — individuals of Somali descent in Minnesota. The World’s Host Marco Werman talks with Abdi Nor Iftin, author of the memoir, "Call Me American," about what it’s like to be Somali American today.

The Trump administration is ending Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Somalia. That means hundreds, possibly thousands of Somalis living in the US will have just two months to leave the US or face deportation. At the same time, US federal agents are investigating fraud allegedly perpetrated by — among others — individuals of Somali descent in Minnesota. The World’s Host Marco Werman talks with Abdi Nor Iftin, author of the memoir, "Call Me American," about what it’s like to be Somali American today.

A chilling new reality for Somali Americans in the US

Russia — and increasingly Venezuela — are using a growing "shadow fleet" of false-flagged oil tankers to sell sanctioned oil. And it looks like many of the same ships are running routes for both countries. Reporter Durrie Bouscaren looks at what this use of sanctioned ships could mean for the risk of a wider conflict.

Russia — and increasingly Venezuela — are using a growing "shadow fleet" of false-flagged oil tankers to sell sanctioned oil. And it looks like many of the same ships are running routes for both countries. Reporter Durrie Bouscaren looks at what this use of sanctioned ships could mean for the risk of a wider conflict.

Venezuela increasingly taking advantage of the 'shadow fleet' to move oil

Thirty-something-year-old trumpeter from Portugal Jéssica Pina has gotten some attention for her live remixes over pop hits. But it's her improvisational skills that stand out, as we hear from host Marco Werman.This story originally aired on March 22, 2024.

Thirty-something-year-old trumpeter from Portugal Jéssica Pina has gotten some attention for her live remixes over pop hits. But it's her improvisational skills that stand out, as we hear from host Marco Werman.
This story originally aired on March 22, 2024.

A Portuguese trumpeter fusing jazz and deep house

Arabic music filled the air of Laura Elkeslassy’s Moroccan Jewish childhood home in Paris, especially on Fridays before Shabbat. But she didn’t grow up speaking Arabic, so she didn’t understand the words. In New York as an adult, Laura’s search for a wedding song takes her on a rich musical, spiritual and political journey — leading to a bookstore in Jerusalem where she discovers that this work to preserve her culture is a continuation of what her ancestors began. Meklit Hadero, host of “Movement,” a series on music and migration, brings us the story.

Arabic music filled the air of Laura Elkeslassy’s Moroccan Jewish childhood home in Paris, especially on Fridays before Shabbat. But she didn’t grow up speaking Arabic, so she didn’t understand the words. In New York as an adult, Laura’s search for a wedding song takes her on a rich musical, spiritual and political journey — leading to a bookstore in Jerusalem where she discovers that this work to preserve her culture is a continuation of what her ancestors began. Meklit Hadero, host of “Movement,” a series on music and migration, brings us the story.

The search for a Jewish Moroccan song change one artist's life

Venezuela’s new government says it will free an “important number” of political prisoners — a gesture US President Donald Trump is already taking credit for. But only a few dozen have been confirmed released so far, while nearly 800 people are still believed to be behind bars. In Caracas, families are camping outside prisons, searching for loved ones and demanding transparency, as The World explains why the release process has been slow and opaque.

Venezuela’s new government says it will free an “important number” of political prisoners — a gesture US President Donald Trump is already taking credit for. But only a few dozen have been confirmed released so far, while nearly 800 people are still believed to be behind bars. In Caracas, families are camping outside prisons, searching for loved ones and demanding transparency, as The World explains why the release process has been slow and opaque.

Venezuela promises prisoner releases — families are still waiting

After losing Malawi's general election last fall, former President Lazarus Chakwera took the dogs at the presidential palace home with him to keep. The new president, Peter Mutharika, is now arguing that Chakwera is not allowed to do that because the dogs are civil servants. Their custody dispute has escalated into a legal battle that remains open. Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman have more.

After losing Malawi's general election last fall, former President Lazarus Chakwera took the dogs at the presidential palace home with him to keep. The new president, Peter Mutharika, is now arguing that Chakwera is not allowed to do that because the dogs are civil servants. Their custody dispute has escalated into a legal battle that remains open. Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman have more.

In Malawi, two presidents debate custody of presidential guard dogs

There's already a lot happening here on Earth in 2026 — as you've heard on The World. If you need a break from it all, consider casting your eyes skyward. This year has a lot of celestial events in store for the stargazers among us. The World's Host Marco Werman learns more from Phil Plait, an astronomer and columnist for Scientific American magazine.

There's already a lot happening here on Earth in 2026 — as you've heard on The World. If you need a break from it all, consider casting your eyes skyward. This year has a lot of celestial events in store for the stargazers among us. The World's Host Marco Werman learns more from Phil Plait, an astronomer and columnist for Scientific American magazine.

Stargazing forecast for 2026

Movies on VHS — it's ancient, by modern standards. And yet, from Barcelona to Paris and beyond a handful of shops have managed to keep their doors open. They're peddling, not just films, but nostalgia. They're also projecting films in their own backroom theaters, and at at least one, they'll also rent you a VHS player to be able to watch the tape you take home. The World's Gerry Hadden reports from Barcelona.

Movies on VHS — it's ancient, by modern standards. And yet, from Barcelona to Paris and beyond a handful of shops have managed to keep their doors open. They're peddling, not just films, but nostalgia. They're also projecting films in their own backroom theaters, and at at least one, they'll also rent you a VHS player to be able to watch the tape you take home. The World's Gerry Hadden reports from Barcelona.

The resurgence of VHS movie clubs in Europe

Iranian state TV aired new footage on Tuesday that shows piles of black body bags they say hold the bodies of demonstrators killed while protesting. While the communications blackout continues, some footage of those protests is coming out. Meanwhile, in a post on social media, US President Donald Trump told Iranians to continue protesting and to "take over your institutions.” We bring you the latest updates.

Iranian state TV aired new footage on Tuesday that shows piles of black body bags they say hold the bodies of demonstrators killed while protesting. While the communications blackout continues, some footage of those protests is coming out. Meanwhile, in a post on social media, US President Donald Trump told Iranians to continue protesting and to "take over your institutions.” We bring you the latest updates.