What in the World podcast artwork
News

What in the World

by BBC World Service
Daily NewsNewsNews Commentary

Not on the United States charts we track today.

If you like What in the World, try…

Latest episodes

  • Hyrox could become an Olympic sport

    October 30, 2026 · 10 min

    When you think of Hyrox, you might remember of those viral pictures of an athlete pushing through the race even though diarrhoea was running down her legs. Her name is Joanna Wietrzyk - and in an exclusive interview with the BBC, she’s…

  • Would you use an 'Etsy witch'?

    October 29, 2026 · 11 min

    Need good weather for your birthday? Want a date to go well? Maybe you’ve got exams coming up or want a promotion at work and need some good vibes. An 'Etsy witch' might be able to help… There are loads of online witches on platforms…

  • Why Kylian Mbappe has been cancelled in China

    October 28, 2026 · 10 min

    Kylian Mbappé - the French football superstar sometimes nicknamed a ‘Dictator’ online - has found himself at the centre of a scandal in China this week, after mentioning one of the memes made about him. It shows his face on the body of Mao…

  • What Bukangi the shark in South Korea tells us about climate change

    October 27, 2026 · 13 min

    For weeks, the city of Busan in South Korea has been playing host to an unexpected visitor. A Dusky shark nicknamed Bukangi. She swam into a canal in the city and simply won’t leave, despite efforts from experts to try to coax her back to…

  • How student protesters won against Serbia's Vučić

    October 26, 2026 · 9 min

    Snap elections in Serbia have resulted in the toppling of the long-term leader, Aleksandar Vučić, as protest movement ‘The Student List’ won a decisive victory over the weekend. Over the last two years, students have protested against…

Show 7 more episodesShow fewer episodes
  • Five ways El Niño is affecting weather around the world

    October 23, 2026 · 11 min

    El Niño has been strengthening for several months now and is already having a significant impact on global weather patterns. Countries including Indonesia, India and the United States have been experiencing droughts, floods and heatwaves…

  • Hangxiety: Why some people experience anxiety after drinking alcohol

    October 22, 2026 · 9 min

    After drinking alcohol, some people don’t just have a headache - they feel guilt, dread, low mood and a deep sense of embarrassment. It’s known as ‘hang-xiety’ or hangover anxiety, and science backs up that it’s a real phenomenon. Alcohol…

  • How have the protests in France changed?

    October 21, 2026 · 9 min

    Protests are still ongoing across France, but now it’s no longer just about schools. People of all ages are protesting over a high cost of living. But there was violence and riots over the weekend, with thousands of arrests. Dramatic…

  • Why polyester is in its flop era

    October 20, 2026 · 11 min

    Have a look at the label in the clothes you’re wearing today. Chances are, you’re wearing some polyester. It’s the most- produced synthetic fibre on the planet and it’s having a bit of a moment on socials. In a bad way…people are giving it…

  • Why the word ‘vagina’ is getting blocked on social media

    October 19, 2026 · 13 min

    Is educational content about women’s reproductive and sexual health being removed or restricted on social media apps? Content moderation tools are meant to flag specific words and imagery that breach platform guidelines, like showing…

  • How flamingos in Albania sparked massive protests

    October 16, 2026 · 10 min

    What began as a peaceful protest in Albania turned violent in October, as students took the lead, setting buildings on fire and clashing with police. They are demanding better university conditions, greater opportunities for young people…

  • Can airport scanners see you naked?

    October 15, 2026 · 14 min

    Shoes on or off? Laptops in or out? And don’t get us started on the rules around liquids! Getting through airport security never seems to be simple. It’s there for a reason, of course. But there are so many rules and why do they seem to be…

Full episode archive on Apple Podcasts →

About the show

Helping you make sense of what’s happening in your world. Big stories, small stories and everything in between. Understand more, feel better. Five days a week, Monday to Friday.