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.

It’s estimated that 1 million plants and animals are at risk of going extinct. Conservation can stop this trend, but how you protect a species looks different around the world. Reporter Levi Bridges recently hiked up a hill called Aigul-Tash in southern Kyrgyzstan, to get a rare peek at an endangered flower. He tells us how the trip changed how he thinks about conservation.

It’s estimated that 1 million plants and animals are at risk of going extinct. Conservation can stop this trend, but how you protect a species looks different around the world. Reporter Levi Bridges recently hiked up a hill called Aigul-Tash in southern Kyrgyzstan, to get a rare peek at an endangered flower. He tells us how the trip changed how he thinks about conservation.

The lure of a rare flower

Caryn Davies, a former Olympic rower, wanted to try her luck in one more round of the Olympic Games. When she showed up to practice, and for months later, it seemed like her teammates shunned her. When the Olympics were postponed because of COVID-19, she couldn't take it anymore and confronted several of the other women on the squad. As she told GBH's Stories From the Stage, what she heard shocked her.

Caryn Davies, a former Olympic rower, wanted to try her luck in one more round of the Olympic Games. When she showed up to practice, and for months later, it seemed like her teammates shunned her. When the Olympics were postponed because of COVID-19, she couldn't take it anymore and confronted several of the other women on the squad. As she told GBH's Stories From the Stage, what she heard shocked her.

Former Olympian couldn't figure out why her teammates shunned her

German mathematician and economist Joachim Klement has predicted the past three World Cup winners using a mathematical model. Host Marco Werman spoke to the man behind the model. Joining the show from London, Klement said he factors in economics, luck and love of the game.

German mathematician and economist Joachim Klement has predicted the past three World Cup winners using a mathematical model. Host Marco Werman spoke to the man behind the model. Joining the show from London, Klement said he factors in economics, luck and love of the game.

The German economist who correctly predicted the last three World Cup winners

Activists and human rights groups abroad say the Iranian government is going after their loved ones inside Iran, arresting and intimidating them. They say it also goes after their assets, properties and bank accounts. The World’s Shirin Jaafari reports.

Activists and human rights groups abroad say the Iranian government is going after their loved ones inside Iran, arresting and intimidating them. They say it also goes after their assets, properties and bank accounts. The World’s Shirin Jaafari reports.

Iran expands campaign against dissidents abroad

Nassau, in the Bahamas, was the center of the Golden Age of Piracy. Hundreds of pirates lived on, and sailed from, its shores. Now, for the first time, marine archaeologists have discovered shipwrecks in the harbor tied to that era. The World's Host Marco Werman speaks with Sean Kingsley, who led the expedition, to learn more about the find.

Nassau, in the Bahamas, was the center of the Golden Age of Piracy. Hundreds of pirates lived on, and sailed from, its shores. Now, for the first time, marine archaeologists have discovered shipwrecks in the harbor tied to that era. The World's Host Marco Werman speaks with Sean Kingsley, who led the expedition, to learn more about the find.

Archaeologists discover first shipwrecks in the Bahamas tied to Golden Age of Piracy

Children account for roughly 30% of those killed by Israeli forces in Gaza in recent years. That’s according to a new UN report that charges Israel with deliberately targeting and killing Palestinian youth. The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Dr. Bing Li, an ER doctor who works at Nasser Medical complex in Khan Younis in the Gaza Strip, who reated dazed and confused children injured in an Israeli airstrike today.

Children account for roughly 30% of those killed by Israeli forces in Gaza in recent years. That’s according to a new UN report that charges Israel with deliberately targeting and killing Palestinian youth. The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Dr. Bing Li, an ER doctor who works at Nasser Medical complex in Khan Younis in the Gaza Strip, who reated dazed and confused children injured in an Israeli airstrike today.

The erasure of childhood in Gaza

Western Europe is in the midst of a severe heat wave. The temperature in Paris was hovering close to 100 degrees Fahrenheit tonight. An estimated 45 people have already died in France as a result, many from drowning while trying to cool off. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Isabelle Coll, an environmental scientist who says a lot needs to change to mitigate heat waves in France.

Western Europe is in the midst of a severe heat wave. The temperature in Paris was hovering close to 100 degrees Fahrenheit tonight. An estimated 45 people have already died in France as a result, many from drowning while trying to cool off. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Isabelle Coll, an environmental scientist who says a lot needs to change to mitigate heat waves in France.

Heat wave crisis in Europe

If you're making the long walk to a soccer stadium, or you're just on your feet for hours a day, you might want to consider a pair of "cool shoes." Not as in trendy — but actually cool, and comfortable. They were created by a young Kenyan inventor who wanted to soothe his mother's aching feet. They're made entirely from trash and bits and pieces of old electronics. Jonathan Miller reported the story for Audio Flux, an independent platform for short-form audio storytelling.

If you're making the long walk to a soccer stadium, or you're just on your feet for hours a day, you might want to consider a pair of "cool shoes." Not as in trendy — but actually cool, and comfortable. They were created by a young Kenyan inventor who wanted to soothe his mother's aching feet. They're made entirely from trash and bits and pieces of old electronics. Jonathan Miller reported the story for Audio Flux, an independent platform for short-form audio storytelling.

Cool shoes, for cool feet

Ten years ago today, Britain voted to leave the European Union, triggering a political earthquake that reshaped the UK's relationship with Europe and transformed British politics. In 2016, 52% of voters backed leaving the bloc, but today opinion polls show a majority would support rejoining the EU. For some, the impact of Brexit goes far beyond politics or economics, as The World's Europe Correspondent Orla Barry reports.

Ten years ago today, Britain voted to leave the European Union, triggering a political earthquake that reshaped the UK's relationship with Europe and transformed British politics. In 2016, 52% of voters backed leaving the bloc, but today opinion polls show a majority would support rejoining the EU. For some, the impact of Brexit goes far beyond politics or economics, as The World's Europe Correspondent Orla Barry reports.

Brexit continues to shape British politics a decade on

Washington’s announcement this week that it will end funding for HIV/AIDS prevention programs in South Africa will have an immediate impact in lives lost, according to Helen Rees, director of the Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute at the University of the Witwatersrand. Rees tells The World’s Host Marco Werman that the consequences extend beyond immediate suffering: A larger immunocompromised population could heighten the risk of future pandemics.

Washington’s announcement this week that it will end funding for HIV/AIDS prevention programs in South Africa will have an immediate impact in lives lost, according to Helen Rees, director of the Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute at the University of the Witwatersrand. Rees tells The World’s Host Marco Werman that the consequences extend beyond immediate suffering: A larger immunocompromised population could heighten the risk of future pandemics.

US funding cuts to South Africa risk HIV/AIDS rebound

Tens of thousands of international soccer fans are in the US this month for The World Cup. And they’re getting exposed to a mostly American phenomenon: sports stadiums located miles outside of the city center. Boston, Atlanta, San Francisco and New York are listed as host cities on paper. But matches are happening far outside of city limits. And the train and bus tickets to get to them are coming at a steep cost. In Boston, for example, the city’s transit agency — the MBTA — is charging close to $100 a piece for a roundtrip train ride to Foxboro, where the New England patriots play. The World’s Transportation Correspondent Jeremy Siegel joined fans for a raucous ride to the stadium.

Tens of thousands of international soccer fans are in the US this month for The World Cup. And they’re getting exposed to a mostly American phenomenon: sports stadiums located miles outside of the city center. Boston, Atlanta, San Francisco and New York are listed as host cities on paper. But matches are happening far outside of city limits. And the train and bus tickets to get to them are coming at a steep cost. In Boston, for example, the city’s transit agency — the MBTA — is charging close to $100 a piece for a roundtrip train ride to Foxboro, where the New England patriots play. The World’s Transportation Correspondent Jeremy Siegel joined fans for a raucous ride to the stadium.

For these World Cup fans, getting to the games comes at a cost

Mexico may be hosting the World Cup, but soccer wasn’t the country’s first ball game. Long before FIFA, Indigenous groups across Mesoamerica played versions of a game with a heavy rubber ball, struck with the hip. Today, it’s known as ulama, or juego de cadera. In Mexico City, players are hoping the World Cup helps bring this ancestral sport new attention — and The World’s Tibisay Zea even tried it herself.

Mexico may be hosting the World Cup, but soccer wasn’t the country’s first ball game. Long before FIFA, Indigenous groups across Mesoamerica played versions of a game with a heavy rubber ball, struck with the hip. Today, it’s known as ulama, or juego de cadera. In Mexico City, players are hoping the World Cup helps bring this ancestral sport new attention — and The World’s Tibisay Zea even tried it herself.

World Cup brings new attention to Mexico's ancestral ball game

Things have been grim recently for the Norwegian royals. Crown Princess Mette-Marit’s son was sentenced to four years in prison for rape and violence. Then came the news that she had to go through a life-saving lung transplant. And she's publicly fought for her reputation after revelations of her friendship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. So, what do Norwegians now make of the once very popular royal family? Lars Bevanger reports from Oslo.

Things have been grim recently for the Norwegian royals. Crown Princess Mette-Marit’s son was sentenced to four years in prison for rape and violence. Then came the news that she had to go through a life-saving lung transplant. And she's publicly fought for her reputation after revelations of her friendship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. So, what do Norwegians now make of the once very popular royal family? Lars Bevanger reports from Oslo.

Norwegian royals' terrible, horrible, no good, very bad week

Derya Yildirim &amp; Grup Şimşek play a funk-infused, psychedelic reinterpretation of traditional Turkish music. Now, they're touring with an album that asks listeners to imagine what kind of world they want in the future. The World's Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman explain.This story originally aired on Jan. 30, 2026.

Derya Yildirim & Grup Şimşek play a funk-infused, psychedelic reinterpretation of traditional Turkish music. Now, they're touring with an album that asks listeners to imagine what kind of world they want in the future. The World's Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman explain.
This story originally aired on Jan. 30, 2026.

Turkish German band's unique sound is a world in itself

Britain’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer has resigned, less than two years after taking office. Speaking outside 10 Downing Street, Starmer said his party had questioned whether he was best placed to lead them into the next general election and that he accepted their decision “with good grace.” His resignation makes him the latest in a series of short-lived UK leaders, with the country now set to see its seventh prime minister in 10 years. Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with The World's Europe Correspondent Orla Barry.

Britain’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer has resigned, less than two years after taking office. Speaking outside 10 Downing Street, Starmer said his party had questioned whether he was best placed to lead them into the next general election and that he accepted their decision “with good grace.” His resignation makes him the latest in a series of short-lived UK leaders, with the country now set to see its seventh prime minister in 10 years. Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with The World's Europe Correspondent Orla Barry.

Keir Starmer, known as 'Mr. Rules,' resigns as UK prime minister

A conservative pro-Trump lawyer won Colombia's presidential election on Sunday, as expected, though by only 1%. This marks a major shift for one of the biggest US allies in Latin America. Abelardo de la Espriella, a right-wing populist who calls himself "the tiger" has promised to cancel peace talks between the government and rebel groups, and cooperate with the US on issues like eradicating coca crops and blowing up boats that are allegedly trying to smuggle cocaine to the US. Manuel Rueda reports from Bogota.

A conservative pro-Trump lawyer won Colombia's presidential election on Sunday, as expected, though by only 1%. This marks a major shift for one of the biggest US allies in Latin America. Abelardo de la Espriella, a right-wing populist who calls himself "the tiger" has promised to cancel peace talks between the government and rebel groups, and cooperate with the US on issues like eradicating coca crops and blowing up boats that are allegedly trying to smuggle cocaine to the US. Manuel Rueda reports from Bogota.

Tough on crime lawyer wins Colombia election

REI announced it is adding new tags to gear sold in its stores, featuring The Climate Label. Similar to Fair Trade or B Corp certifications, The Climate Label tells consumers that a company meets a “high bar” for climate responsibility. But ensuring that high bar isn't easy, as Leila Goldstein explains from Cambodia.

REI announced it is adding new tags to gear sold in its stores, featuring The Climate Label. Similar to Fair Trade or B Corp certifications, The Climate Label tells consumers that a company meets a “high bar” for climate responsibility. But ensuring that high bar isn't easy, as Leila Goldstein explains from Cambodia.

Major corporations may be unwittingly harming their climate-friendly programs

The National Science Foundation has reversed plans to dismantle a global ocean monitoring network. The Ocean Observatories Initiative tracks ocean currents, climate change and extreme weather, among other marine dynamics.

The National Science Foundation has reversed plans to dismantle a global ocean monitoring network. The Ocean Observatories Initiative tracks ocean currents, climate change and extreme weather, among other marine dynamics.

An update on ocean monitoring

Extremely low birthrates have long troubled Asia’s wealthier countries: Japan, South Korea and Singapore. Now, they’re coming for others in the region. Thailand’s leaders are grappling with a shocking recent statistic: Its birthrate has somehow sunk below Japan’s — a potential bellwether for the rest of the Global South. And unlike better-off countries, these governments have far fewer resources to throw at the problem. Patrick Winn reports from Bangkok.

Extremely low birthrates have long troubled Asia’s wealthier countries: Japan, South Korea and Singapore. Now, they’re coming for others in the region. Thailand’s leaders are grappling with a shocking recent statistic: Its birthrate has somehow sunk below Japan’s — a potential bellwether for the rest of the Global South. And unlike better-off countries, these governments have far fewer resources to throw at the problem. Patrick Winn reports from Bangkok.

Fertility slump comes for Southeast Asia

Bahar Movahed has sung Persian classical music in Tehran, while also pursuing a degree in dentistry. She now lives in California and is successful in both. Host Marco Werman spoke to Movahed about both careers. We also hear songs from her new album, "Together Yet Alone."

Bahar Movahed has sung Persian classical music in Tehran, while also pursuing a degree in dentistry. She now lives in California and is successful in both. Host Marco Werman spoke to Movahed about both careers. We also hear songs from her new album, "Together Yet Alone."

Iranian singer Bahar Movahed's pursuit in both art and science

Officials in Crimea have suspended the sale of fuel to the public indefinitely. That measure was taken after Ukraine ramped up its attacks on energy and supply lines. Crimea has long been a summer tourism destination for Russians. The World's Host Marco Werman speaks with Padraic Kenney, a historian with the University of Kentucky, about what is at stake for the region.

Officials in Crimea have suspended the sale of fuel to the public indefinitely. That measure was taken after Ukraine ramped up its attacks on energy and supply lines. Crimea has long been a summer tourism destination for Russians. The World's Host Marco Werman speaks with Padraic Kenney, a historian with the University of Kentucky, about what is at stake for the region.

Crimea cut off from fuel

There have been a lot of surprises and excitement over the past few days of the 2026 World Cup. The World's Gerry Hadden breaks it all down with Host Carolyn Beeler.

There have been a lot of surprises and excitement over the past few days of the 2026 World Cup. The World's Gerry Hadden breaks it all down with Host Carolyn Beeler.

Greatness in the World Cup group phase

Some plantations in the South ignore the role they played in the history of slavery. But others serve to educate visitors. That is the goal of Whitney Plantation and Museum, which focuses on the lives of enslaved people. Reporter Adeline Sire has a report from the Whitney Plantation in Wallace, Louisiana.

Some plantations in the South ignore the role they played in the history of slavery. But others serve to educate visitors. That is the goal of Whitney Plantation and Museum, which focuses on the lives of enslaved people. Reporter Adeline Sire has a report from the Whitney Plantation in Wallace, Louisiana.

Louisiana’s Whitney Plantation highlights the ways in which enslaved people resisted slavery

The history and legacy of slavery in America are not often taught in great detail. That is what Professor Mary Niall Mitchell, the Midlo Endowed Chair in History at the University of New Orleans, contends. But she told The World’s Marco Werman that one trailblazing historian worked for decades to uncover the origins of enslaved Africans in Louisiana and shed light on their lives.

The history and legacy of slavery in America are not often taught in great detail. That is what Professor Mary Niall Mitchell, the Midlo Endowed Chair in History at the University of New Orleans, contends. But she told The World’s Marco Werman that one trailblazing historian worked for decades to uncover the origins of enslaved Africans in Louisiana and shed light on their lives.

Historians say more details about the lives of enslaved Africans needs to be taught

In Apartheid South Africa, young Black people were excluded from fully accessing higher education due to race. Now, the restrictions on education are about money and class. With the country’s financial aid organization in turmoil, hundreds of thousands of South African students find themselves with enough money to get into school, but not enough to stay.

In Apartheid South Africa, young Black people were excluded from fully accessing higher education due to race. Now, the restrictions on education are about money and class. With the country’s financial aid organization in turmoil, hundreds of thousands of South African students find themselves with enough money to get into school, but not enough to stay.

The ‘missing middle’ in South Africa’s colleges

Each year, India reserves a block of seats in its public universities for the country’s most marginalized communities. These reservations were put in place to help India’s vulnerable groups overcome centuries of violence and discrimination under the caste system. But just like in the US, India’s version of Affirmative Action comes with controversy, and students who get in still deal with discrimination. Reporter Namrata Kolachalam has the story from India.

Each year, India reserves a block of seats in its public universities for the country’s most marginalized communities. These reservations were put in place to help India’s vulnerable groups overcome centuries of violence and discrimination under the caste system. But just like in the US, India’s version of Affirmative Action comes with controversy, and students who get in still deal with discrimination. Reporter Namrata Kolachalam has the story from India.

Challenges under India’s university reservation system

Musician Rhiannon Giddens is a modern-day Renaissance woman who trained as an opera singer before veering into folk music. She's an award-winning composer and multi-instrumentalist. But she is first and foremost a dedicated banjo player who has been researching and teaching the instrument's African heritage. The World’s Carolyn Beeler speaks with Giddens about the origins of the banjo.

Musician Rhiannon Giddens is a modern-day Renaissance woman who trained as an opera singer before veering into folk music. She's an award-winning composer and multi-instrumentalist. But she is first and foremost a dedicated banjo player who has been researching and teaching the instrument's African heritage. The World’s Carolyn Beeler speaks with Giddens about the origins of the banjo.

Rhiannon Giddens says the banjo has an ancient and varied history, rooted in Africa

The US-Iran Memorandum of Understanding aims to end regional fighting. But Israel and Lebanon remain key wild cards. Any renewed violence along their shared border could quickly put the agreement at risk.The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with veteran correspondents Kim Ghattas in Beirut and Noga Tarnopolsky in Jerusalem to discuss whether the deal can work for both countries, and what it would take to make it succeed.

The US-Iran Memorandum of Understanding aims to end regional fighting. But Israel and Lebanon remain key wild cards. Any renewed violence along their shared border could quickly put the agreement at risk.The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with veteran correspondents Kim Ghattas in Beirut and Noga Tarnopolsky in Jerusalem to discuss whether the deal can work for both countries, and what it would take to make it succeed.

US-Iran deal faces first test on Israel-Lebanon border

The European Union is rolling out the biggest overhaul of its asylum system in years. The reforms are designed to speed up asylum decisions and tighten controls at the bloc's external borders. On Wednesday the EU parliament also backed plans that could allow deportation centers to be set up outside the bloc. Human rights advocates fear the new rules could make it harder for people fleeing persecution to find protection. The World's Europe Correspondent Orla Barry reports from Madrid.

The European Union is rolling out the biggest overhaul of its asylum system in years. The reforms are designed to speed up asylum decisions and tighten controls at the bloc's external borders. On Wednesday the EU parliament also backed plans that could allow deportation centers to be set up outside the bloc. Human rights advocates fear the new rules could make it harder for people fleeing persecution to find protection. The World's Europe Correspondent Orla Barry reports from Madrid.

EU migration overhaul sparks human rights concerns

For years, fentanyl has dominated the opioid crisis in the US — but there’s an up-and-coming class of synthetic opioids emerging called nitazenes, drugs that can be 40 times more potent than fentanyl and far more difficult to track. Now, the investigative group Bellingcat has found nitazenes spreading across the United States, and it has discovered links between Chinese suppliers and growing markets in Europe. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler learns more from Jonathan Moens, the journalist behind the reporting.

For years, fentanyl has dominated the opioid crisis in the US — but there’s an up-and-coming class of synthetic opioids emerging called nitazenes, drugs that can be 40 times more potent than fentanyl and far more difficult to track. Now, the investigative group Bellingcat has found nitazenes spreading across the United States, and it has discovered links between Chinese suppliers and growing markets in Europe. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler learns more from Jonathan Moens, the journalist behind the reporting.