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.

Being a uniquely American sport, football (not soccer) can be a bewildering game to understand if you're not from the United States. To help their international students, many universities now offer a crash course (no credit) in the rules, scoring and, of course, their fight songs. Shannon Young reports from football-crazed Boulder, Colorado, that the classes aren't just to help international students understand football, but also American culture.This story originally aired on Nov. 15, 2023.

Being a uniquely American sport, football (not soccer) can be a bewildering game to understand if you're not from the United States. To help their international students, many universities now offer a crash course (no credit) in the rules, scoring and, of course, their fight songs. Shannon Young reports from football-crazed Boulder, Colorado, that the classes aren't just to help international students understand football, but also American culture.
This story originally aired on Nov. 15, 2023.

Football 101 for international students

When Nobuko Oshiro decided to take up karate lessons in her late 20s, no one in her dojo would have thought they were looking at a future karate legend. But that’s exactly what she’s become — the highest ranking woman practicing karate on the Japanese island of Okinawa. Rebecca Rosman has this profile.This story originally aired on Oct. 28, 2024.

When Nobuko Oshiro decided to take up karate lessons in her late 20s, no one in her dojo would have thought they were looking at a future karate legend. But that’s exactly what she’s become — the highest ranking woman practicing karate on the Japanese island of Okinawa. Rebecca Rosman has this profile.
This story originally aired on Oct. 28, 2024.

Okinawa's first female karate grandmaster

Emma Raducanu, a former British number-one-ranked tennis player, stopped a match in Dubai to ask the umpire to remove a man who she said had been stalking her. Reportedly, he approached her in a public place the day prior. Tournament officials ejected the man from the match and he has been banned from World Tennis Association games. The incident was a reminder of the harassment looming over female sports celebrities, and the particular challenges around minimizing risk. Lindsay Gibbs is a sports reporter who writes the Power Plays newsletter, all about sexism in sports. She explains the dynamic at work and what officials aren't doing to protect athletes.This story originally aired on March 6, 2025.

Emma Raducanu, a former British number-one-ranked tennis player, stopped a match in Dubai to ask the umpire to remove a man who she said had been stalking her. Reportedly, he approached her in a public place the day prior. Tournament officials ejected the man from the match and he has been banned from World Tennis Association games. The incident was a reminder of the harassment looming over female sports celebrities, and the particular challenges around minimizing risk. Lindsay Gibbs is a sports reporter who writes the Power Plays newsletter, all about sexism in sports. She explains the dynamic at work and what officials aren't doing to protect athletes.
This story originally aired on March 6, 2025.

Stalker at Dubai match spotlights risks to women in sports

Ajay Gallewalle grew up loving baseball in a small town in India, where most of his friends and neighbors loved cricket. So, when he finally got the chance to play, his reputation was on the line. Upon learning that the existing pantheon of Hindu gods did not include a deity overseeing success in baseball, Gallewalle got creative. This story was originally told as part of GBH's Stories from the Stage series.This story originally aired on April 28, 2025.

Ajay Gallewalle grew up loving baseball in a small town in India, where most of his friends and neighbors loved cricket. So, when he finally got the chance to play, his reputation was on the line. Upon learning that the existing pantheon of Hindu gods did not include a deity overseeing success in baseball, Gallewalle got creative. This story was originally told as part of GBH's Stories from the Stage series.
This story originally aired on April 28, 2025.

In search of a Hindu god of baseball

Hurling is a national sport in Ireland that dates back centuries. It's also one of the fastest field sports in the world. The wooden sticks known as hurleys that are used in the game are made from ash trees. But a deadly fungal disease is threatening to wipe out ash trees across Ireland and much of the EU. The World's Europe Correspondent Orla Barry reports.This story originally aired on Oct. 3, 2024.

Hurling is a national sport in Ireland that dates back centuries. It's also one of the fastest field sports in the world. The wooden sticks known as hurleys that are used in the game are made from ash trees. But a deadly fungal disease is threatening to wipe out ash trees across Ireland and much of the EU. The World's Europe Correspondent Orla Barry reports.
This story originally aired on Oct. 3, 2024.

Deadly disease threatens one of Ireland's most beloved sports

Toward the end of September last year, India achieved a historic victory in chess — winning the gold medal in both men's and women's Chess Olympiad in Budapest — considered the Olympics of chess. This double victory, plus four individual goal medals, captured the nation's imagination. As Namrata Kolachalam reports, Chennai has become a global hotspot for chess, and professional-level schools and training programs have exploded in towns and cities. This story originally aired on Nov. 21st, 2024.

Toward the end of September last year, India achieved a historic victory in chess — winning the gold medal in both men's and women's Chess Olympiad in Budapest — considered the Olympics of chess. This double victory, plus four individual goal medals, captured the nation's imagination. As Namrata Kolachalam reports, Chennai has become a global hotspot for chess, and professional-level schools and training programs have exploded in towns and cities. 
This story originally aired on Nov. 21st, 2024.

Can India reclaim its rightful place in the chess world?

ACL tears are an ugly constant in the beautiful game of soccer. The anterior cruciate ligament is located in the knee, and can be torn during stops and starts and sudden changes in direction. The injury plagues teams everywhere, but women are 2-to-6 times more likely to tear their ACLs than men. A new project seeks to find out why. The World's Bianca Hillier reports.This story originally aired on May 8, 2024.

ACL tears are an ugly constant in the beautiful game of soccer. The anterior cruciate ligament is located in the knee, and can be torn during stops and starts and sudden changes in direction. The injury plagues teams everywhere, but women are 2-to-6 times more likely to tear their ACLs than men. A new project seeks to find out why. The World's Bianca Hillier reports.
This story originally aired on May 8, 2024.

'Project ACL' studies women's soccer teams with hopes of reducing knee injuries

A collective of female skateboarders in Bolivia has caught the attention of the news media all over the world. That’s partly because of the clothes they wear. But, as The World's Tibisay Zea reports, it’s not just a matter of skateboarding fashion. These Indigenous women are trying to change stereotypes rooted in Bolivian society.This story originally aired on Aug. 12, 2022.

A collective of female skateboarders in Bolivia has caught the attention of the news media all over the world. That’s partly because of the clothes they wear. But, as The World's Tibisay Zea reports, it’s not just a matter of skateboarding fashion. These Indigenous women are trying to change stereotypes rooted in Bolivian society.
This story originally aired on Aug. 12, 2022.

Meet the Indigenous skateboarders breaking stereotypes in Bolivia

Caster Semenya won her first Olympic gold medal in 2009. But claims that her naturally high levels of testosterone should disqualify her have marred her career. At times, she has been effectively banned from the sport she loves. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Semenya about her new memoir called, "The Race to Be Myself." This story originally aired on Oct. 31, 2023.

Caster Semenya won her first Olympic gold medal in 2009. But claims that her naturally high levels of testosterone should disqualify her have marred her career. At times, she has been effectively banned from the sport she loves. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Semenya about her new memoir called, "The Race to Be Myself." 
This story originally aired on Oct. 31, 2023.

'The race to be myself': New memoir from South African runner Caster Semenya

Norton, Massachusetts, hosted one of the state's most unique sporting events last year. The New England Rodeo’s championship brought horse and bull riders of all ages to a small dirt arena tucked away in the southeast corner of the state for glory and a little prize money. GBH’s Esteban Bustillos reports on the group of immigrants who are keeping this sport alive.This story originally aired on Oct. 3, 2024.

Norton, Massachusetts, hosted one of the state's most unique sporting events last year. The New England Rodeo’s championship brought horse and bull riders of all ages to a small dirt arena tucked away in the southeast corner of the state for glory and a little prize money. GBH’s Esteban Bustillos reports on the group of immigrants who are keeping this sport alive.
This story originally aired on Oct. 3, 2024.

Brazilian immigrants keep rodeo alive in Massachusetts

In most so-called "mega-cities" with populations over 10 million people, traffic is a mega-problem, and so is the air pollution. But Tokyo — with a population of 37 million — bucks that trend with a massive public transit system. As our Transportation Correspondent Jeremy Siegel reports, Tokyo may not serve as a model for other parts of the world.This story originally aired on Feb. 19, 2025.

In most so-called "mega-cities" with populations over 10 million people, traffic is a mega-problem, and so is the air pollution. But Tokyo — with a population of 37 million — bucks that trend with a massive public transit system. As our Transportation Correspondent Jeremy Siegel reports, Tokyo may not serve as a model for other parts of the world.
This story originally aired on Feb. 19, 2025.

How Japan created a culture of transit in a world of cars

They go by a few different names, but Japan's "listening lounges" are going through something of a revival. They're music bars where simply sitting and listening to records is the main attraction. The World's Matthew Bell reports from Tokyo.This story originally aired on Feb. 25, 2025.

They go by a few different names, but Japan's "listening lounges" are going through something of a revival. They're music bars where simply sitting and listening to records is the main attraction. The World's Matthew Bell reports from Tokyo.
This story originally aired on Feb. 25, 2025.

Japan's 'listening lounges' offer pure music, with a side of drinks

Thousands of people were displaced following an earthquake in Ishikawa province in Japan in January 2024. The epicenter was on the Noto Peninsula, an area known for its traditional lacquerware crafts. Reporter Hannah Kirshner talks with some of the artisans who relocated about how their centuries-old craft continues on.This story originally aired June 17, 2024.

Thousands of people were displaced following an earthquake in Ishikawa province in Japan in January 2024. The epicenter was on the Noto Peninsula, an area known for its traditional lacquerware crafts. Reporter Hannah Kirshner talks with some of the artisans who relocated about how their centuries-old craft continues on.
This story originally aired June 17, 2024.

Lacquer craft artist still displaced by earthquake in Japan

Beijing and Tokyo have reached an agreement for China to import fish from Japan. The move comes after a dispute over slightly radioactive water around the Fukushima nuclear power plant in Japan. Meanwhile, the dispute between the US and Japan over tariffs on Japanese cars exported to the US continues. Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman have more.

Beijing and Tokyo have reached an agreement for China to import fish from Japan. The move comes after a dispute over slightly radioactive water around the Fukushima nuclear power plant in Japan. Meanwhile, the dispute between the US and Japan over tariffs on Japanese cars exported to the US continues. Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman have more.

Two trade deals key for Japan

Japan's government says keeping older folks in the workforce is one way it hopes to bolster its economy as the working-age population decreases. But most medium- and large-scale Japanese companies are enacting mandatory retirement ages — at 60 or 65. As The World's Carolyn Beeler reports, those policies are complicating efforts to keep people working longer.This story originally aired on Dec. 2, 2024.

Japan's government says keeping older folks in the workforce is one way it hopes to bolster its economy as the working-age population decreases. But most medium- and large-scale Japanese companies are enacting mandatory retirement ages — at 60 or 65. As The World's Carolyn Beeler reports, those policies are complicating efforts to keep people working longer.
This story originally aired on Dec. 2, 2024.

Mandatory retirement complicates Japan's effort to keep people working longer

Fans of Hello Kitty might be drawn to the simple lines of the cartoon, or the "cute" style of Japanese culture. Leslie Bow takes the conversation much deeper. When Hello Kitty had her 50th birthday in Fall 2024, Host Carolyn Beeler talked to Bow about Hello Kitty's global fame and the meaning of the "Kawaii" style. Bow is a professor of English and Asian American Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.This interview originally aired on Oct. 31, 2024.

Fans of Hello Kitty might be drawn to the simple lines of the cartoon, or the "cute" style of Japanese culture. Leslie Bow takes the conversation much deeper. When Hello Kitty had her 50th birthday in Fall 2024, Host Carolyn Beeler talked to Bow about Hello Kitty's global fame and the meaning of the "Kawaii" style. Bow is a professor of English and Asian American Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
This interview originally aired on Oct. 31, 2024.

It's Hello Kitty's world, we're just living in it

In 1848, Ranald MacDonald, the son of a Chinook chief and a Scottish settler, staged a shipwreck near Rishiri Island to gain entry into Japan — then a closed country under isolationist policies. Despite being briefly imprisoned upon his arrival in Japan, MacDonald ultimately became a highly influential figure in fostering US-Japan relations. Rebecca Rosman brings us the story from Rishiri Island, in Hokkaido.This story originally aired on Feb. 4, 2025.

In 1848, Ranald MacDonald, the son of a Chinook chief and a Scottish settler, staged a shipwreck near Rishiri Island to gain entry into Japan — then a closed country under isolationist policies. Despite being briefly imprisoned upon his arrival in Japan, MacDonald ultimately became a highly influential figure in fostering US-Japan relations. Rebecca Rosman brings us the story from Rishiri Island, in Hokkaido.
This story originally aired on Feb. 4, 2025.

The forgotten story of Japan's first English teacher in the 1950s

Sumo wrestling from Japan is among the world’s oldest sports, dating back at least 1,500 years. The rules are simple: square off with an opponent, in a ring lined with sand, then try to push the other person out. Another rule: Japanese professional sumo is also off limits to women. As The World’s Patrick Winn reports, Japanese women wrestlers who achieve champion status at international sumo events are frustrated to face prejudice back home.This story originally aired June 12, 2024.

Sumo wrestling from Japan is among the world’s oldest sports, dating back at least 1,500 years. The rules are simple: square off with an opponent, in a ring lined with sand, then try to push the other person out. Another rule: Japanese professional sumo is also off limits to women. As The World’s Patrick Winn reports, Japanese women wrestlers who achieve champion status at international sumo events are frustrated to face prejudice back home.
This story originally aired June 12, 2024.

Women in the sumo ring

Earlier this week, Israel bombed Evin prison in Tehran, long seen as a symbol of the Iranian government’s repression. The facility has housed political prisoners, students, and activists for decades. Israeli officials called the strike a symbolic blow against oppression. But survivors describe terror and confusion, and a former hostage says the attack only deepens the suffering of those it claims to help.

Earlier this week, Israel bombed Evin prison in Tehran, long seen as a symbol of the Iranian government’s repression. The facility has housed political prisoners, students, and activists for decades. Israeli officials called the strike a symbolic blow against oppression. But survivors describe terror and confusion, and a former hostage says the attack only deepens the suffering of those it claims to help.

Former hostage condemns Israel's strike on Iranian prison

Over the last several months, international students at US campuses have found themselves caught up in political havoc. The Trump administration has announced enhanced scrutiny of student visa applications. And specifically for Harvard University, has moved to block admittance for all international students. Some colleges abroad are now stepping in to help. Kirk Carapezza covers higher education for GBH Boston and joins Host Carolyn Beeler to discuss all this.

Over the last several months, international students at US campuses have found themselves caught up in political havoc. The Trump administration has announced enhanced scrutiny of student visa applications. And specifically for Harvard University, has moved to block admittance for all international students. Some colleges abroad are now stepping in to help. Kirk Carapezza covers higher education for GBH Boston and joins Host Carolyn Beeler to discuss all this.

US schools creating contingency plans for international students

Lalo Schifrin, the widely celebrated Argentine American film score composer, died yesterday at the age of 93. Schifrin was most well known for penning the "Mission: Impossible" theme music. But his career spanned seven decades and many styles of music. Host Carolyn Beeler dives into Schifrin's legacy.

Lalo Schifrin, the widely celebrated Argentine American film score composer, died yesterday at the age of 93. Schifrin was most well known for penning the "Mission: Impossible" theme music. But his career spanned seven decades and many styles of music. Host Carolyn Beeler dives into Schifrin's legacy.

Remembering Argentine American composer Lalo Schifrin

NBA Draft organizers didn't give Yang Hansen a prime seat at this week's Draft event in Brooklyn, New York. So, it came as a huge surprise when the Chinese center was picked 16th in the first round. The World's Bianca Hillier has more.

NBA Draft organizers didn't give Yang Hansen a prime seat at this week's Draft event in Brooklyn, New York. So, it came as a huge surprise when the Chinese center was picked 16th in the first round. The World's Bianca Hillier has more.

First round NBA Draft pick surprises league experts

The Atacama Desert in Chile is home to a massive, and growing, mountain of discarded clothes and textiles. The items are remnants of secondhand clothes imported into the country to resell. To address the problem, the Chilean government has added textiles to its producer responsibility law. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with fashion geopolitics expert Barbara Pino about the problem, and the proposed solution.

The Atacama Desert in Chile is home to a massive, and growing, mountain of discarded clothes and textiles. The items are remnants of secondhand clothes imported into the country to resell. To address the problem, the Chilean government has added textiles to its producer responsibility law. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with fashion geopolitics expert Barbara Pino about the problem, and the proposed solution.

Chile to crack down on textile waste dumped in Atacama Desert

This week, Venice is the site of the Bezos nuptials — as Jeff Bezos, Amazon founder and one of the world’s richest men, marries Lauren Sánchez, a journalist, entrepreneur and astronaut. Venetians, themselves, however, don’t seem to be entirely onboard with the party, as reporter Angelo van Schaik with our partners at Deutsche Welle, DW, has been finding out.

This week, Venice is the site of the Bezos nuptials — as Jeff Bezos, Amazon founder and one of the world’s richest men, marries Lauren Sánchez, a journalist, entrepreneur and astronaut. Venetians, themselves, however, don’t seem to be entirely onboard with the party, as reporter Angelo van Schaik with our partners at Deutsche Welle, DW, has been finding out.

Venice is the setting for Jeff Bezos' wedding celebrations

On the Pacific island nation of Tuvalu, more than a third of the population — out of about 10,000 — has applied for a chance to win a special climate change visa for Australia. The first-of-its kind visa program will allow 280 Tuvaluans to become permanent residents of Australia each year.

On the Pacific island nation of Tuvalu, more than a third of the population — out of about 10,000 — has applied for a chance to win a special climate change visa for Australia. The first-of-its kind visa program will allow 280 Tuvaluans to become permanent residents of Australia each year.

More than a third of Tuvalu applying for climate visa

In Syria, tens of thousands of people with connections to ISIS have been detained for years in sprawling camps. The country’s transitional government is now trying to clear those camps by sending prisoners back to their home countries. Levi Bridges reports the program is considered a success, but that success is now in jeopardy.

In Syria, tens of thousands of people with connections to ISIS have been detained for years in sprawling camps. The country’s transitional government is now trying to clear those camps by sending prisoners back to their home countries. Levi Bridges reports the program is considered a success, but that success is now in jeopardy.

Kazakhstan's bold attempt to repatriate former ISIS members

Thor Pedersen, a former UN soldier originally from Denmark, went on a decade-long adventure that took him to every country in the world, but never took a flight on an airplane. By train, bus, boat and other forms of transport he covered over 220,000 miles. He got home to Copenhagen last year. Now he has a new book out about his adventure called, "The Impossible Journey." The World's Host Carol Hills spoke to Pedersen in 2023 soon after he returned home from his travels. This story originally aired on Dec. 4, 2023.

Thor Pedersen, a former UN soldier originally from Denmark, went on a decade-long adventure that took him to every country in the world, but never took a flight on an airplane. By train, bus, boat and other forms of transport he covered over 220,000 miles. He got home to Copenhagen last year. Now he has a new book out about his adventure called, "The Impossible Journey." The World's Host Carol Hills spoke to Pedersen in 2023 soon after he returned home from his travels. 
This story originally aired on Dec. 4, 2023.

How one man visited every country on Earth without taking a flight

Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda are set to sign a peace deal brokered by the Trump administration in Washington today. Insurgent group M23 currently occupies areas of eastern DRC. Critics of today's peace deal note that the insurgents — who Rwanda is accused of backing — say that they aren't beholden to the agreement. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler spoke to Michelle Gavin, senior fellow for Africa studies at the Council on Foreign Relations and former ambassador to Botswana from 2011 to 2014.

Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda are set to sign a peace deal brokered by the Trump administration in Washington today. Insurgent group M23 currently occupies areas of eastern DRC. Critics of today's peace deal note that the insurgents — who Rwanda is accused of backing — say that they aren't beholden to the agreement. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler spoke to Michelle Gavin, senior fellow for Africa studies at the Council on Foreign Relations and former ambassador to Botswana from 2011 to 2014.

DRC and Rwanda peace deal brokered by US

Thailand has sealed off its border with Cambodia — delivering a sharp blow to the country’s economy. Everything, from goods to tourists, is now stopped from crossing over. This is the latest strike in a dispute between the two countries, one centered around a remote piece of border land that both countries claim. The World’s Patrick Winn is following the story from Bangkok.

Thailand has sealed off its border with Cambodia — delivering a sharp blow to the country’s economy. Everything, from goods to tourists, is now stopped from crossing over. This is the latest strike in a dispute between the two countries, one centered around a remote piece of border land that both countries claim. The World’s Patrick Winn is following the story from Bangkok.

Thailand hits Cambodian economy by closing border

Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler update you on headlines in the news you may have missed.

Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler update you on headlines in the news you may have missed.