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.

Every year, thousands of people risk the perilous migration journey across the Mediterranean Sea, aiming for Italy and a chance at a new life in Europe.  Now, the wooden boats they sail in are being turned into musical instruments, which have been played at the country's most famous opera house. The World's Europe Correspondent Orla Barry reported in Milan.This story originally aired on Nov. 5, 2025.

Every year, thousands of people risk the perilous migration journey across the Mediterranean Sea, aiming for Italy and a chance at a new life in Europe.  Now, the wooden boats they sail in are being turned into musical instruments, which have been played at the country's most famous opera house. The World's Europe Correspondent Orla Barry reported in Milan.
This story originally aired on Nov. 5, 2025.

Milan inmates turn refugee boats into musical instruments

Anyone around in the 1980s might recall the hand wringing over “test tube” babies, conceived in IVF labs. Today, more than 1 in 50 babies in the US are conceived by IVF. But on the horizon are mind-blowing experiments in reproductive science that may cause much more controversy. The World’s Patrick Winn reports.This story originally aired on May 5, 2025.

Anyone around in the 1980s might recall the hand wringing over “test tube” babies, conceived in IVF labs. Today, more than 1 in 50 babies in the US are conceived by IVF. But on the horizon are mind-blowing experiments in reproductive science that may cause much more controversy. The World’s Patrick Winn reports.
This story originally aired on May 5, 2025.

Stem cell breakthroughs in Asia

Paniz Faryousefi conducted the Tehran Symphony Orchestra this fall, marking a rare performance by a woman conductor. Faryousefi said she hopes her achievement opens the door to other women musicians in Iran. The World's Shirin Jaafari reports.This story originally aired on Nov. 14, 2025.

Paniz Faryousefi conducted the Tehran Symphony Orchestra this fall, marking a rare performance by a woman conductor. Faryousefi said she hopes her achievement opens the door to other women musicians in Iran. The World's Shirin Jaafari reports.
This story originally aired on Nov. 14, 2025.

Landmark performance for Iranian female conductor

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

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

The vinyl-collecting scene in Dubai

Once dismissed as working-class entertainment, outdoor parties known as sonideros are gaining widespread popularity in Mexico City.  The World's Tibisay Zea joined the fun for this report.This story originally aired on May 20, 2025.

Once dismissed as working-class entertainment, outdoor parties known as sonideros are gaining widespread popularity in Mexico City.  The World's Tibisay Zea joined the fun for this report.
This story originally aired on May 20, 2025.

Mexico City's sonidero parties break social barriers

Hermeto Pascoal was an iconic Brazilian musician and composer who created sound and harmony from anything: soda bottles filled with water and even a baby pig. So, why not a reporter's questions? Co-hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler told this story when Pascoal died in September.This story originally aired on Sept. 18, 2025.

Hermeto Pascoal was an iconic Brazilian musician and composer who created sound and harmony from anything: soda bottles filled with water and even a baby pig. So, why not a reporter's questions? Co-hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler told this story when Pascoal died in September.
This story originally aired on Sept. 18, 2025.

Remembering a legendary Brazilian musician and composer

They're just like normal, nighttime raves, except totally different: They happen when other humans are having breakfast, and there are no alcohol or drugs in sight. The World's Gerry Hadden reports from a "coffee rave" in Barcelona.This story originally aired on Oct. 22, 2025.

They're just like normal, nighttime raves, except totally different: They happen when other humans are having breakfast, and there are no alcohol or drugs in sight. The World's Gerry Hadden reports from a "coffee rave" in Barcelona.
This story originally aired on Oct. 22, 2025.

Coffee raves keep the party going — without the hangover

Mary Ngugi of Kenya is one of the top global talents in the women's marathon. Not only is she a professional runner, but she's the founder of Nala Track Club in Nairobi, where she gives young girls a safe and supportive place to train. The World's Bianca Hillier reported our story.This story originally aired on April 14, 2025.

Mary Ngugi of Kenya is one of the top global talents in the women's marathon. Not only is she a professional runner, but she's the founder of Nala Track Club in Nairobi, where she gives young girls a safe and supportive place to train. The World's Bianca Hillier reported our story.
This story originally aired on April 14, 2025.

Girls in Kenya find safe, empowering coaches at Nala Track Club

This year, countries around the world experienced protests on a scale not seen in years. The demonstrations were driven largely by "Gen Z," fueled by frustrations over economic uncertainty, job security and distrust of institutional government systems. Protests in Nepal and Madagascar went so far as to topple governments. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with economist Daron Acemoglu about the common threads across these movements.

This year, countries around the world experienced protests on a scale not seen in years. The demonstrations were driven largely by "Gen Z," fueled by frustrations over economic uncertainty, job security and distrust of institutional government systems. Protests in Nepal and Madagascar went so far as to topple governments. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with economist Daron Acemoglu about the common threads across these movements.

A look back at the Gen Z protests that swept the world in 2025

Fueled by a cost-of-living crisis and weakening currency, Iranians are taking to the streets. While the government says it's offering dialogue, the demonstrations follow a year of growing challenges for the regime and everyday people in the country. To learn more, The World's Host Marco Werman speaks with Hadi Ghaemi, executive director of the Center for Human Rights in Iran.

Fueled by a cost-of-living crisis and weakening currency, Iranians are taking to the streets. While the government says it's offering dialogue, the demonstrations follow a year of growing challenges for the regime and everyday people in the country. To learn more, The World's Host Marco Werman speaks with Hadi Ghaemi, executive director of the Center for Human Rights in Iran.

Protests in Iran grow as currency weakens

Lithium is a vital resource for modern technology, and sourcing it close to home is a security priority for Europe. Serbia’s Jadar Valley holds Europe’s largest lithium reserves, but accessing them in the face of local opposition is proving tricky. Guy De Launey reports for our partners at DW, Deutsche Welle's, "Inside Europe."

Lithium is a vital resource for modern technology, and sourcing it close to home is a security priority for Europe. Serbia’s Jadar Valley holds Europe’s largest lithium reserves, but accessing them in the face of local opposition is proving tricky. Guy De Launey reports for our partners at DW, Deutsche Welle's, "Inside Europe."

Europe's massive lithium reserve

Geraldine Buckley's mom always pushed her to put down her books, stop studying and go party — a mom who went against the grain of other parents. One of the adventures this led to for Buckley back in 1976 was to hitchhike in Canada. Buckley, who's from England, shared the adventure with GBH's Stories From The Stage.

Geraldine Buckley's mom always pushed her to put down her books, stop studying and go party — a mom who went against the grain of other parents. One of the adventures this led to for Buckley back in 1976 was to hitchhike in Canada. Buckley, who's from England, shared the adventure with GBH's Stories From The Stage.

SFTS: Hitchhiking adventure in Canada

Air pollution in Germany's once-industrial Ruhr River Valley has come way down in recent decades. But to meet Europe's new air quality standards — which go into effect in 2030 — there's still a long way to go. Reporter Katie Burke went to see the greener, cleaner Ruhr to see for herself.

Air pollution in Germany's once-industrial Ruhr River Valley has come way down in recent decades. But to meet Europe's new air quality standards — which go into effect in 2030 — there's still a long way to go. Reporter Katie Burke went to see the greener, cleaner Ruhr to see for herself.

Germany's long-time coal region has cleaner air — but still not clean enough

New Year's may seem like a universal party that everyone celebrates in more or less the same way, but many cultures have their own traditions meant to bring about good luck in the coming year. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler share a fun collection of New Year's Eve traditions from around the world.

New Year's may seem like a universal party that everyone celebrates in more or less the same way, but many cultures have their own traditions meant to bring about good luck in the coming year. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler share a fun collection of New Year's Eve traditions from around the world.

New Year's Eve rituals around the world

Fort Ticonderoga in New York state is leaning big into the US' 250th anniversary. It's the site of the largest collection of "American artillery" in the Western Hemisphere. But there's a long-hidden story about Ticonderoga's cannons that involves an outlandish expedition to the Caribbean. Reporter Amy Bracken brings us the tale.

Fort Ticonderoga in New York state is leaning big into the US' 250th anniversary. It's the site of the largest collection of "American artillery" in the Western Hemisphere. But there's a long-hidden story about Ticonderoga's cannons that involves an outlandish expedition to the Caribbean. Reporter Amy Bracken brings us the tale.

The United States' most famous cannon display comes from the Caribbean

Naabil Khan is a medical student from the UK. At just 22 years old, she's the founder of the nonprofit Skin For All, a website making information on skin conditions across diverse skin tones more accessible. Khan recounted her story about the website's creation on the Deutsche Welle, DW, program called Inside Europe.

Naabil Khan is a medical student from the UK. At just 22 years old, she's the founder of the nonprofit Skin For All, a website making information on skin conditions across diverse skin tones more accessible. Khan recounted her story about the website's creation on the Deutsche Welle, DW, program called Inside Europe.

Age is just a number

A growing number of chefs from former Portuguese colonies are taking Lisbon by storm. Chef Tony Fox calls himself the "King of Cachupa," a hearty chorizo and hominy stew topped with a fried egg — the signature dish of Cape Verde. Reporter Durrie Bouscaren stepped into the kitchen to learn more.This story originally aired on March 20, 2024.

A growing number of chefs from former Portuguese colonies are taking Lisbon by storm. Chef Tony Fox calls himself the "King of Cachupa," a hearty chorizo and hominy stew topped with a fried egg — the signature dish of Cape Verde. Reporter Durrie Bouscaren stepped into the kitchen to learn more.
This story originally aired on March 20, 2024.

'King of Cachupa' brings the food of Cape Verde to Portuguese diners

This year marks a half-century since the end of the Vietnam War. A well-known memorial in Washington DC pays tribute to the US service members who lost their lives in that war, but few memorials honor the Vietnamese who fought alongside them, or the hundreds of thousands who came to the US in subsequent years. A new memorial project in the "Little Saigon" neighborhood of Boston aims to do just that. Reporter Heidi Shin has the story.This story originally aired on May 26, 2025.

This year marks a half-century since the end of the Vietnam War. A well-known memorial in Washington DC pays tribute to the US service members who lost their lives in that war, but few memorials honor the Vietnamese who fought alongside them, or the hundreds of thousands who came to the US in subsequent years. A new memorial project in the "Little Saigon" neighborhood of Boston aims to do just that. Reporter Heidi Shin has the story.
This story originally aired on May 26, 2025.

Vietnamese American memorial sparks intergenerational conversations

Emergency dental care can be so hard to come by in the UK's National Health Service that some patients have resorted to pulling out their own teeth. Healthwatch, an independent patient watchdog in the United Kingdom, recently published a report saying people are traveling more than 100 miles, going private or simply going abroad because they cannot get a dental appointment. The World's Europe Correspondent Orla Barry reports.

Emergency dental care can be so hard to come by in the UK's National Health Service that some patients have resorted to pulling out their own teeth. Healthwatch, an independent patient watchdog in the United Kingdom, recently published a report saying people are traveling more than 100 miles, going private or simply going abroad because they cannot get a dental appointment. The World's Europe Correspondent Orla Barry reports.

Some UK patients who can't see a dentist take matters into their own hands

Host Marco Werman is always intrigued by cool sounds he hears around him. He shares with us the enduring legacy of an artist he just discovered on the sound system at his local bodega: the late Colombian singer, accordionist and composer Lisandro Meza.

Host Marco Werman is always intrigued by cool sounds he hears around him. He shares with us the enduring legacy of an artist he just discovered on the sound system at his local bodega: the late Colombian singer, accordionist and composer Lisandro Meza.

The enduring legacy of Colombian musician Lisandro Meza

At the start of the new year, the world's first carbon tariff will take effect. The EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism will charge fees on certain imported products — and those fees will be based on the emissions tied to the manufacturing of those products. Host Marco Werman speaks with Aaron Cosbey of the International Institute for Sustainable Development about how the tariff is supposed to work, and what other countries will be watching.

At the start of the new year, the world's first carbon tariff will take effect. The EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism will charge fees on certain imported products — and those fees will be based on the emissions tied to the manufacturing of those products. Host Marco Werman speaks with Aaron Cosbey of the International Institute for Sustainable Development about how the tariff is supposed to work, and what other countries will be watching.

New year, new carbon tax to address Europe pollution

In the US, the sales of nicotine pouches are soaring. These are like traditional tobacco pouches — or dip — but contain nicotine with different flavors. They’re being promoted like crazy by young people on TikTok — especially one particular brand from Sweden called Zyn. As the World’s Joshua Coe learned, Sweden is finding these pouches, also known there as snus, to be a hard habit to kick.

In the US, the sales of nicotine pouches are soaring. These are like traditional tobacco pouches — or dip — but contain nicotine with different flavors. They’re being promoted like crazy by young people on TikTok — especially one particular brand from Sweden called Zyn. As the World’s Joshua Coe learned, Sweden is finding these pouches, also known there as snus, to be a hard habit to kick.

Nicotine pouches are part of a long and loyal 'snus' tradition in Sweden

The US fired Tomahawk missiles into Nigeria's Sokoto State late last week, claiming to target members of ISIS who have been going after Christians in the country. But the region hit by the strikes — and facing the brunt of ISIS attacks — is majority Muslim, underscoring the more complex realities on the ground. The World's Host Marco Werman speaks with University of Aberdeen analyst Onyedikachi Madueke about what's happening.

The US fired Tomahawk missiles into Nigeria's Sokoto State late last week, claiming to target members of ISIS who have been going after Christians in the country. But the region hit by the strikes — and facing the brunt of ISIS attacks — is majority Muslim, underscoring the more complex realities on the ground. The World's Host Marco Werman speaks with University of Aberdeen analyst Onyedikachi Madueke about what's happening.

US fires missiles into northwestern Nigeria

He was a top KGB officer who was disillusioned with the Soviet Union. From there, Oleg Gordievsky was recruited by MI6 and became one of the West's most important double agents. Writer Ben Macintyre tells Host Marco Werman what made Gordievsky exceptional.This story originally aired on March 24, 2025.

He was a top KGB officer who was disillusioned with the Soviet Union. From there, Oleg Gordievsky was recruited by MI6 and became one of the West's most important double agents. Writer Ben Macintyre tells Host Marco Werman what made Gordievsky exceptional.
This story originally aired on March 24, 2025.

Oleg Gordievsky, Cold War double agent

Hungarian gymnast Ágnes Keleti made history in the 1950s when she earned a total of 10 Olympic medals, including five golds. But her athletic accomplishment was only part of what made her interesting. When she died in January at the age of 103, The World's Bianca Hillier reported on Keleti's life, both in and out of competition.This story originally aired on Jan. 2, 2025.

Hungarian gymnast Ágnes Keleti made history in the 1950s when she earned a total of 10 Olympic medals, including five golds. But her athletic accomplishment was only part of what made her interesting. When she died in January at the age of 103, The World's Bianca Hillier reported on Keleti's life, both in and out of competition.
This story originally aired on Jan. 2, 2025.

Ágnes Keleti, world's oldest Olympian

From 2010-2015, José Mujica presided over a period of progressive governance in Uruguay that matched his want-for-nothing lifestyle. He forsook the presidential palace and the chauffeured limousine, saying he would live as the people did. Pablo Brum, the author of "The Robin Hood Guerrillas," explains Mujica's life to Host Marco Werman.This story originally aired on May 14, 2025.

From 2010-2015, José Mujica presided over a period of progressive governance in Uruguay that matched his want-for-nothing lifestyle. He forsook the presidential palace and the chauffeured limousine, saying he would live as the people did. Pablo Brum, the author of "The Robin Hood Guerrillas," explains Mujica's life to Host Marco Werman.
This story originally aired on May 14, 2025.

José Mujica, former president of Uruguay

Pope Francis died in April, on Easter Monday, after addressing Catholics from St. Peter's Basilica on Sunday. He was the Church's first pontiff from Latin America, and The World's Matthew Bell reported on the legacy he left around the world.This story originally aired on April 21, 2025.

Pope Francis died in April, on Easter Monday, after addressing Catholics from St. Peter's Basilica on Sunday. He was the Church's first pontiff from Latin America, and The World's Matthew Bell reported on the legacy he left around the world.
This story originally aired on April 21, 2025.

Pope Francis, leader of the Catholic Church

Following the death of Sir Geoff Palmer in June at age 85, tributes poured in from the worlds of brewing, academia and human rights advocacy. Born in Jamaica, Palmer arrived in the UK as a child of the Windrush generation. Palmer was a botanist who brought innovations to grain science and brewing, and used his status to speak out about racial injustice. The World's Host Marco Werman talked to Palmer's colleague and friend, Professor Richard Williams of Heriot-Watt University.This story originally aired on June 19, 2025.

Following the death of Sir Geoff Palmer in June at age 85, tributes poured in from the worlds of brewing, academia and human rights advocacy. Born in Jamaica, Palmer arrived in the UK as a child of the Windrush generation. Palmer was a botanist who brought innovations to grain science and brewing, and used his status to speak out about racial injustice. The World's Host Marco Werman talked to Palmer's colleague and friend, Professor Richard Williams of Heriot-Watt University.
This story originally aired on June 19, 2025.

Sir Geoff Palmer, grain scientist and human rights advocate

A plane crash in Honduras in March claimed the life of Aurelio Martinez, a popular Honduran musician and politician. Host Marco Werman memorializes Martinez as a singer and songwriter who was one of the best-known champions of Garifuna music.This story originally aired on March 20, 2025.

A plane crash in Honduras in March claimed the life of Aurelio Martinez, a popular Honduran musician and politician. Host Marco Werman memorializes Martinez as a singer and songwriter who was one of the best-known champions of Garifuna music.
This story originally aired on March 20, 2025.

Aurelio Martinez, Garifuna musician

An artistic force in Lebanon, Ziad Rahbani was a composer and musician first and foremost. But he was also a playwright, whose critiques and satires earned him a reputation as the "voice of the voiceless." Rahbani was 69 when he died last July.This story originally aired on July 28, 2025.

An artistic force in Lebanon, Ziad Rahbani was a composer and musician first and foremost. But he was also a playwright, whose critiques and satires earned him a reputation as the "voice of the voiceless." Rahbani was 69 when he died last July.
This story originally aired on July 28, 2025.