Podcast Episodes

How did student protests bring down Bangladesh's Prime Minister?

There are celebrations in Bangladesh following Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s resignation after weeks of violent unrest.

Many have described the past…

1 year, 8 months ago

Oh rats! How cities from New York to Mombasa are taking on pests

Animals are essential in maintaining ecosystem balance, but in some cases they can have the opposite effect. In the coastal city of Mombasa, Kenya, a…

1 year, 8 months ago

Why are more people having surgery to be taller?

Leg-lengthening surgery was once reserved for people with a serious injury or physical deformity. But now more people are undergoing the procedure si…

1 year, 8 months ago

Venezuela elections: What you need to know

Thousands of Venezuelans have been protesting after President Nicolás Maduro claimed victory in the country's disputed election. The opposition says …

1 year, 8 months ago

Your questions answered — from vaccines to vacations in North Korea

Dearest gentle listener: It’s our first birthday! To celebrate one year of our What in the World podcast, we asked you what burning questions you had…

1 year, 8 months ago

Will Nigeria leave Afrobeats behind?

Afrobeats originated in Nigeria and Ghana, starting to get popular in the 2010s. It’s generally seen as a blend of West African music styles with Wes…

1 year, 8 months ago

How South Sudan's basketball team is making history at the Paris Olympics

South Sudan — the world’s youngest nation — endured the longest civil war in Africa. Now, in their debut Olympic Games, its men’s basketball team is …

1 year, 8 months ago

How do you clean up an oil spill?

The Philippines is racing to contain the oil from a tanker that sank on Thursday in the midst of heavy rains from Typhoon Gaemi. It was carrying 1.5 …

1 year, 8 months ago

How green are the Olympics?

The Olympics have a huge impact, in many ways. Whether that’s tears, screaming at the TV, or inspiring you to take up rhythmic gymnastics. There’s an…

1 year, 8 months ago

Sunscreen is safe - here’s why…

White cast, nostalgic smell, never quite rubbed in enough. Yep, that’s sunscreen. It can be the stuff of nightmares when sand is involved. But recent…

1 year, 9 months ago