What in the World

Rapper Tupac Shakur is one of the most influential music artists ever - with musicians such as Kendrick Lamar, Justin Bieber and Drake citing him as a major inspiration. His career was cut short in 1996 when he was killed in a drive-by shooting in Las Vegas - but now, nearly three decades later, a man is going on trial, accused of his murder. He’s called Duane "Keffe D" Davis - he has pled not guilty and denies all allegations.So, what we can expect from the trial? And how is Tupac’s music continuing to influence hip-hop, decades after his murder?We speak to culture journalist Ivie Ani, who’s based in New York, to learn more about the impact Tupac has had on music today. We also hear from Tupac fans that have discovered his legacy in the years since his death - and from Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty, host of the BBC’s Fame Under Fire podcast. She is in Las Vegas covering the rapper’s murder trial.You can follow the trial by listening to the Fame Under Fire podcast here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0030zm4Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: William Lee Adams, Chelsea Coates and Emma-Louise Amanshia Editors: Verity Wilde

What would you do if you found out that your favourite artist was not actually human? More musicians are using AI-tools for their work. But recently, there has also been a boom in AI Personas and 100% AI generated work. Some fans and musicians are not happy, they have called for more transparency around what’s human made. Streaming websites have also raised concerns about fraud and copyright infringement. Tidal and Deezer have outright banned the promotion of this AI content. And now Spotify has announced it will begin labelling songs that are AI generated. BBC Newsbeat journalist, Eleanor Doyle, talks us through how you can spot AI generated music, how it has made and how regulating it on streaming platforms might work. Plus, we also hear from two musicians, Marina Josephina in the UK, and Nkasiobi Chukwu in Nigeria about their experiences with AI music.Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Benita Barden and Eleanor Sly Editors: Verity Wilde

Orangutans are the world’s most endangered apes and they’re now even closer to extinction. They live on two islands in southeast Asia: Sumatra and Borneo. In November, an extreme weather event in the area killed more than 1,000 people there, plus about 7% of the world’s rarest type of orangutan according to a new study.BBC Climate and Science reporter Georgina Rannard takes us through how orangutans are being pushed towards extinction and what some countries and charities are doing to protect them.We also hear from a conservationist making an effort to save the species.Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Emma-Louise Amanshia Producers: Emily Horler and Benita Barden Video Producer: Baldeep Chahal Editors: Verity Wilde

Heatwaves are uncomfortable for everyone. But people living with disabilities face additional and specific challenges that can compromise their health and well-being. Many of these issues - from struggling service dogs to overheating wheelchairs - are frequently overlooked, even in public advice and emergency planning. Maddie Molloy is a BBC climate and science reporter who is also profoundly deaf. She explains some of the challenges a heatwave can pose for deaf people, the visually impaired and people who use wheelchairs. We also hear from Blessing Odukoya, Emily Davison, Maddie Haining and Osayuki Igbinoba about how they cope with the heat. Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: William Lee Adams and Adam Chowdhury Editors: Verity Wilde

Working from home has plenty of benefits: no commute, greater flexibility and the chance to catch up on household chores during your break. But for young people starting out their careers, could this extra freedom actually have a negative impact on career progression?Emer Moreau, a BBC Business Reporter, breaks it down. She explains how the pandemic led to a huge increase in at-home and remote working, and looks at how many people have now returned to in-person work. She also discusses the impact working from home has on productivity, how it affects the social nature of working life, and the ways it can slow someone's effort to climb the career ladder. We also hear from young people about their experiences with remote working. Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Chelsea Coates, William Lee Adams, and Benita Barden Video Producer: Baldeep Chahal Editors: Verity Wilde

There’s a name for when people blare out music, scroll through social media on full volume or talk on loudspeaker in public - loudcasting. Surveys show that in the U.K. most adults find this behaviour irritating, but there’s also data suggesting that your age and culture may influence how indifferent you are to this kind of noise. BBC Reporter Angus Thompson tells us what experts say and explains why some people get so annoyed. Plus we hear from our friends across the World Service about loudcasting in their country.Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: William Lee Adams and Benita Barden Editors: Verity Wilde

Oil prices have shot up since the US-Israel war with Iran began, and the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil shipping routes, has been almost completely closed.It’s been bad news for drivers, airlines and anyone already feeling the squeeze from the cost of living. But for some of the world’s biggest oil companies, it’s been very good news. Oil giants like ExxonMobil and Chevron are reporting huge profits.And at the same time, we’re seeing record-breaking heatwaves, with wildfires raging in parts of Europe and Asia. Our resident business expert, Emer Moreau, tells us about the oil giants’ profits and how the high costs are impacting all of us.Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producer: Emily Horler, Chelsea Coates and Adam Chowdhury Editor: Verity Wilde

In recent years, attachment theory has exploded into the public consciousness. On TikTok, videos tagged #AttachmentTheory have racked up hundreds of millions of views, with some advising users on how to become more securely attached.The theory was first developed in the 1950s by John Bowlby, and suggests that the bonds we form with early givers shape our expectations in adult relationships. Further research has expanded our understanding of how we connect since then, and offered a more nuanced view on attachment. But this is not always reflected in popular videos online. We speak to Josh Elgin, a BBC journalist who’s been reporting on discussions of attachment theory.Plus we hear from Dr Amir Levine, a Professor of Clinical Psychiatry at Columbia University and author of Attached, a book which played an influential role in bringing attachment to the mainstream.Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producer: Chelsea Coates, Benita Barden and Eleanor Sly Video Producer: Adam Chowdhury and Baldeep Chahal Editor: Verity Wilde

Ariana Grande has announced that she's planning to take a break from the public eye after her Eternal Sunshine tour ends in September. She started her performing career when she was a kid and has since become one of the biggest pop stars in the world, winning three Grammys and most recently portraying Glinda in the hit film Wicked. But over the past couple of years, a lot of the conversation online about Ariana hasn't been about her music or acting: it's been about her appearance. That's despite her asking people repeatedly not to comment on her body over the years. Her most recent music video, Petal, went viral after some fans said they were concerned about how thin she was. So, is it ever ok to talk about a celebrity's health or appearance? And where's the line between concern and scrutiny?Chelsea Coates from the What in the World team joins us to discuss it all - and we hear how Ariana’s fans are reacting to her decision to take a break.Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producer: Emily Horler and Chelsea Coates Editor: Verity WildeIf you are concerned about your health, you could speak to a health professional. If you are suffering distress or despair and need support, you could speak to a health professional or an organisation that offers support. Details of help available in many countries can be found at Befrienders Worldwide. www.befrienders.org

Disaster movie The Day After Tomorrow showed the world hit by extreme weather events caused by disruption to the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC). Today, even though the events of the film are highly unlikely to happen, scientists are concerned by changes to the AMOC.The AMOC is a massive north-south system of currents in the Atlantic Ocean that carries warm surface water towards the Arctic and returns colder water thousands of miles south through the deep ocean. It impacts weather patterns across the world from north-west Europe, to west Africa and all the way to India. However, scientists are worried that climate change is weakening the system which could lead to dramatic changes in weather around the world.BBC Weather presenter Sarah Keith-Lucas explains what the AMOC is, what exactly scientists are worried about and what the potential impacts could be if the AMOC is weakened or collapses entirely.Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: William Lee Adams Producers: Adam Chowdhury Video Producer: Adam Chowdhury Editors: Emily Horler & Verity Wilde

Protests against undocumented migrants have been going on for months in South Africa. We’ve talked about them on the podcast before - people are protesting against illegal immigrants, and some of the marches have turned violent and deadly. Houses have been burned down, shops looted, and countries like Ghana and Nigeria have even evacuated some of their citizens from the country. But these protests aren’t just affecting politics and South Africa’s relationships with other countries on the continent. They’re also impacting sports and pop culture.Now, Tyla, the South African pop star, has taken Nigeria off her world tour dates. She hasn’t given a reason, but thousands of Nigerians had signed a petition urging her to stay away.So that’s what we’re getting into today with Makuochi Okafor, our West Africa Reporter. Plus, we hear from people in Nigeria on what they think about it all.Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producer: Chelsea Coates, Benita Barden and Emily Horler Editor: Verity Wilde

It’s less than two weeks after Spain won the men’s World Cup, but suddenly the tournament is back in the headlines. This time it’s because of a plan from Fifa’s President Gianni Infantino to sell a stake in their tournaments to private investors. Infantino says it’s a chance to “turbocharge” the development of the game - and national associations have been offered millions of dollars if they agree to the plans.It’s fair to say the plans haven’t gone down well with everyone - with European’s governing body Uefa saying their members won’t go to any World Cups (men’s or women’s) if the plans go through.We talk to BBC Sport’s Isaac Fanin (fresh from a month at the World Cup) about what the plans are, what the response has been and what might happen next.NB: We recorded this episode on Friday morning and it’s all changing so fast we have to keep rewriting this description…Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producer: Emma-Louise Amanshia Editor: Verity Wilde

You might have heard Gen Z being called the “sober generation” - the data suggests that we’re less likely to drink than older generations, that alcohol-free brands are getting more popular with under-30s and there’s a huge push towards sobriety and wellness culture more generally. At the same time, pre-mixed cocktails are flying off the shelves - and new figures suggest that binge drinking has gone up.So is Gen Z really drinking less than previous generations? Or is that just a myth?In this episode, we go to one of London’s alcohol-free pubs to chat to three guests who all stopped drinking in their 20s: Millie, founder of the Sober Girl Society and author of HANGXIETY, Daniel, creative director of The Scene, a South Asian-led collective organising alcohol-free events in London, and Tyler, a content creator. We discuss how drinking culture is changing — and whether quitting alcohol is on the rise for Gen Z.Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Chelsea Coates and William Lee Adams Video Producer: Baldeep Chahal Editor: Verity Wilde

This year alone, tens of millions of people have downloaded apps which help you identify birds, lots of them are Gen Z. In our gardens, local parks on the street or even just with phones sticking out of a window people are using these apps everyday. But why?We hear from BBC Tech reporter Liv McMahon about just how big these apps are and what is making them so popular. Plus, we talk to young birders in the UK and Canada who tell us about their love for birds and what makes these apps so special.Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producer: Chelsea Coates, Emma-Louise Amanshia and Emily Horler Editor: Verity Wilde

Dinosaur bones have become one of the world’s most expensive collector’s items, with some selling for tens of millions of dollars at auction. A Tyrannosaurus rex fossil recently sold for $50 million, making it the most expensive dinosaur ever auctioned. Some celebrities, including Leonardo DiCaprio and Russell Crowe, have their own private collections. So why are the ultra wealthy spending so much money on dinosaur bones, and what does it mean for science?We speak to BBC Climate and Science journalist Esme Stallard about why they have become so valuable, who is buying them, and why many scientists are concerned about private ownership. We also hear from Professor Steve Brusatte, a palaeontologist at the University of Edinburgh and consultant on the Jurassic Park films, about why these ancient fossils matter and the growing debate over who should really own them.Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producer: Adam Chowdhury, William Lee Adams and Emma-Louise Amanshia Video producer: Baldeep Chahal Editor: Emily Horler

The headlines do sound slightly like the plot of a sci-fi film… but Open AI recently announced that one of its most advanced AI models went ‘rogue’ - and hacked a start-up called Hugging Face. The cyber attack, which the ChatGPT-maker called ‘unprecedented’, took place even though the AI model was being tested in a controlled environment. Open AI says they’re still investigating and they want to implement what they learn from this to stop it happening again.But how was the AI model able to do this in the first place? And more importantly… should we be worried about AI chatbots taking over?BBC Tech reporter Laura Cress gives us the lowdown on how OpenAI’s model managed to hack a company - and what safeguards governments and AI companies are putting in place to combat this.Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Emma-Louise Amanshia Producers: William Lee Adams and Chelsea Coates Editor: Emily Horler

Huge crowds have been gathering in Jantar Mantar in Delhi all week in support of India’s newest political movement - The Cockroach Janta Party. Supporters are asking for education reforms and the resignation of the country’s Education Minister, Dharmendra Pradhan, sparked by repeated exam papers leaks. Over 2 million students were told they would have to resit their exams this year after they were cancelled in May.Several people were injured in a police crackdown on protestors marching to parliament. One activist, Sonam Wangchuk, has been on hunger strike for weeks in support of the Cockroach Janta Party.The BBC’s South Asia Correspondent Azadeh Moshiri is in Delhi where most of the protests are going on. She breaks down how they all started and answers the question, could this lead to real change for students in India?Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Emma-Louise Amanshia Producers: Benita Barden and Chelsea Coates Editor: Emily Horler

The emergence of micro dramas led to transformation of China’s entertainment industry, cutting costs for sets and boosting jobs for newer actors. There were early estimates that the micro-drama market would be worth $14bn by 2027. But now the emergence of AI tools has changed things once again. Actors and sets can be generated with AI, so production has accelerated and costs have lowered even further. The quality of the content has also massively changed thanks to the uncanny visuals AI can make.We speak to BBC Global China Unit’s Mengchen Zhang about how this is affecting actors in China especially. We also hear about concerns around rights and the use of people’s likeness in this style of content.Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Emma Louise Amanshia, Benita Barden and Emily Horler Editor: Verity Wilde

Christopher Nolan's latest film, The Odyssey, is already making headlines. Shot entirely with IMAX 70mm cameras, it’s got a star-studded cast including Zendaya, Tom Holland, Robert Pattinson and Lupita Nyong'o. The epic has also had a huge box office opening, earning nearly $260 million worldwide - that makes it one of the year's biggest releases so far.But not everyone is celebrating. From casting choices to its portrayal of Greek mythology, the film has sparked debate and criticism online. We speak to BBC Culture's Nicholas Barber to break down the controversy and explain why so many people are talking about it.Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: William Lee Adams Producers: Chelsea Coates and Stefania Okereke Editor: Verity Wilde

Loads of young men watch porn and there are plenty of studies that suggest it can be bad for mental health and relationships. Some governments have restricted access to porn sites, and there’s a growing movement towards cutting out porn.Freddie Woodward is a British Diver and quit porn two years ago. He tell us why he did it.Some people have healthy relationships with porn but there is some misinformation online and even harmful claims about sex, porn and masturbation. Jacqui Wakefield, our Global Health Correspondent, takes us through some of these claims.Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Emily Horler and Eleanor Sly Video Producer: Baldeep Chahal Editor: Verity Wilde

A monkey with striking orange lips and a black furry coat has been officially recognised as a new species in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It was first spotted back in 2008, but at the time researchers only managed to capture a blurry photograph, leaving many questions unanswered. Years later, after extensive fieldwork and research, scientists have finally confirmed it as a species new to science. They've named it “Colobus congoensis”, while local communities have long known it as “Likweli”.Our BBC Science Correspondent Victoria Gill reveals what makes this monkey so special and how researchers finally solved the mystery of its identity.Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Emily Horler and Stefania Okereke Editor: Verity Wilde

A record 48 teams competed at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Now, with the tournament nearing the final on Sunday, 46 nations have been eliminated, leaving millions of fans to process their team’s defeat.Football has an extraordinary ability to unite people. Fans have travelled across the world to support their teams, while millions more have gathered in homes, pubs and public spaces to share every moment together. Victory brings elation, celebration and national pride. But defeat can trigger equally powerful emotions – disappointment, anger, grief and even a sense of emptiness. So why do football results affect us so deeply?In this episode, Martha Newson, Associate Professor of Psychology at the University of Greenwich, explains the psychology behind our emotional investment in the beautiful game. We also hear from football fans in Belgium, Egypt, England and France about what it felt like to watch their teams lose on the biggest stage.Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: William Lee Adams and Adam Chowdhury Editor: Verity Wilde

For decades, only licensed doctors were allowed to ink tattoos in South Korea and breaking the law could lead to heavy fines or jail. Now, that law has been overturned, but there’s still a lot of stigma around body art in Korea, and east Asia more generally.Leehyun Choi, our BBC Reporter in Seoul, takes us through why and what is changing in South Korea.Plus, we hear from a Korean tattoo artist in the UK (@doo__tattoo) and a Japanese tattoo artist in Osaka, Japan (@taiki__tattoo) about how they see stigma towards tattoos changing.Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Emily Horler, Benita Barden and Lucy Davies Video Producer: Baldeep Chahal Editor: Verity Wilde

ADHD is a condition that causes difficulties with things like concentrating, regulating emotions and sitting still. And many young women living with ADHD say their symptoms worsen during specific periods of their menstrual cycle. Now, a first of its kind study by Queen Mary University and Kings College in London is putting that potential link to the test. They’re asking around 50 women who have ADHD and are taking medication for it to track their menstrual cycle and the impact it has on their ADHD symptoms, and daily life more broadly.Dr Jessica Agnew-Blais, lead academic on the study, explains the motivations behind her work and why past ADHD studies have focused mostly on men and boys. We also hear from two women living with ADHD who explain how their symptoms change during their menstrual cycle. Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: William Lee Adams and Chelsea Coates Editor: Verity Wilde

Sickle cell is a genetic blood condition that can cause severe pain, extreme tiredness and serious health complications. It mainly affects people of African and Caribbean heritage, and for many, it's something they've had to live with their whole lives. But that could be changing.We meet Daniel Cressy, a young man from Louisiana whose dream is to become a pilot. After years of living with sickle cell, he received a ground-breaking treatment that has effectively cured him. He shares what life was like before and what it's like now to be sickle cell free.We'll also hear from Dr Steven Okoli, who breaks down how these new treatments work and what needs to happen to make them available to more people across the world. Could we be entering a future where sickle cell is no longer a lifelong condition? Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Emma-Louise Amanshia Producers: William Lee Adams and Stefania Okereke Video Producer: Baldeep Chahal Editor: Verity Wilde

There’s a new Netflix show that has got lots of us talking: The Polygamist. It’s a drama based in South Africa about a wealthy businessman named Jonasi Gomora who has multiple wives and a mistress. It’s packed with betrayal, revenge… and cheating. It’s become the most-watched Netflix show in South Africa and Kenya, and it’s hit the top 10 in countries like Nigeria and Romania too. But it’s also got people talking about polygamous relationships - which are legal in South Africa and many other countries - and whether they work.BBC reporter Khanyisile Ngcobo joins us from Johannesburg to unpick how people in South Africa have been reacting to the show, how polygamy traditionally works, and how conversations around it are changing. And we hear from fans in Ghana, South Africa, the US and the UK, who share what their group chats have been saying about the hit show.Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: William Lee Adams and Chelsea Coates Editor: Verity Wilde

According to the National Institute of Health, long or repeated exposure to sounds at or above 85 dBA can cause hearing loss. The noise levels at a big concert or live music gig typically fall between 90 and 120 dBA, according to the British Academy of Audiology. These levels depend on things like the type of music, whether the venue is indoors or outdoors, and how close you stand to the speakers. So what impact is this level of noise having on our ears and can the trendy, visible earplugs that are booming online protect you from hearing loss. We speak to Andrew Rogers from BBC Newsbeat who has been reporting from gigs and festivals across the UK and speaking to earplug users.BBC Health Correspondent, James Gallagher gives us a full explanation on what happens inside our ears when we are in loud environments.Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Lucy Davies, Benita Barden,Eleanor Sly and Liv Cleal Editor: Verity Wilde

You've heard of a situationship. Now meet its chaotic cousin: the ‘maybelatership'. It's when someone says they want a relationship... just not right now. So are more people putting commitment on hold? How do you know if you're in a ‘maybelatership’? And what does this latest dating trend tell us about modern dating?Chelsea Coates from the What in the World team explains how ‘maybelaterships’ differ from situationships, why they can leave one person stuck in limbo, and whether they can ever become healthy, committed relationships. We also hear from a dating coach on how to communicate your expectations and avoid waiting around for someone might not want to commit.Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: James Beardsworth, Ash Mohamed and William Lee Adams Video Producer: Baldeep Chahal Editor: Verity Wilde

AI has evolved. It’s not just typing a message or speaking to robot-like voice similar to Siri anymore. Now there are apps where you can design AI companions - digital characters customised to act, look and sound however you want. Some users have made AI boyfriends or AI life assistants. Experts have raised concerns about misuse and how apps like this can reinforce negative or even risky behaviours. The market is continuing to grow globally but China has become the first country to introduce regulation in this area, due to take effect next week.We chat to BBC’s China Media Analyst, Kerry Allen, about what is behind China’s clamp down on these apps. Plus, we hear from an AI companion user.Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producer: Benita Barden, Emily Horler and Liv Cleal Editor: Verity Wilde

Extreme heat is becoming more common around the world. From Europe to India, record-breaking heatwaves are affecting millions of people - but what is all that heat actually doing to our bodies?Brain fog, poor sleep, heat exhaustion and heatstroke are just some of the ways extreme heat can affect our health. So when does hot weather become dangerous, and how can you stay safe during a heatwave?BBC Health Editor and doctor Michelle Roberts explains how the body keeps itself cool, why extreme heat can become life-threatening, and who is most at risk. We also hear from some of you about how you're coping with increasingly extreme temperatures where you live.Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Emily Horler and Stefania Okereke Video Producer: Baldeep Chahal Editor: Verity Wilde

West Africa has been struggling with heavy rains. Ghana, Nigeria, Ivory Coast and other countries across the region have had severe flooding - you might have seen videos online. Deep water, filled gutters and lots of people trying to get to safety.People have sadly died in the floods - at least 59 people in Ivory Coast and 13 people in Ghana. And more heavy rains are expected. We hear from some of you in Ivory Coast, Ghana and Lagos for how you’ve been affected. Makuochi Okafor, our West Africa reporter, explains what’s been happening in the region.Plus, Sophia Herod, from BBC Weather, takes us through how the weather works in this part of the world and how much climate change is playing a role in the rains. Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Emma-Louise Amanshia Producers: Benita Barden and Emily Horler Editor: Verity Wilde

Are those wedding bells we’re hearing? If the rumours are true, pop star Taylor Swift could get married this Independence Day weekend to NFL star Travis Kelce…in Madison Square Garden arena in the middle of New York City. It’s one of the most anticipated celebrity weddings of the year - but is any of the speculation actually true? The BBC’s music correspondent Mark Savage joins us to chat through what we know so far…and why Taylor Swift might have chosen Madison Square Garden as the venue for her big day. We also hear from Swifties on their thoughts and hopes for the wedding and ask: Could this all be a decoy for something else?Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Emma-Louise Amanshia Producers: William Lee Adams and Chelsea Coates Editor: Verity Wilde

Not to sound like a gym bro…but the science is clear: more of us should start lifting. Strength training is when you lift weights or use your own body weight to build muscle — and it’s not just about toning up or getting ripped. A new study found it can actually help you live longer. So why is it so good for your health - and how can you start doing more of it?Health correspondent Melissa Hogenboom joins us to unpack the latest studies on strength training and why we’re seeing a rise in its popularity. Personal trainer and nutritionist Luke Hanna explains the science behind the long-term health benefits of lifting weights. And we hear from some of you about why you’re getting into weightlifting.Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Chelsea Coates and Emily Horler Video producer: Baldeep Chahal Editor: Verity Wilde

The 2026 Fifa Men's World Cup has the highest proportion ever of players representing countries they were not born in - almost a quarter of all the participating players. Several squads, including those from DR Congo, Morocco and Bosnia & Herzegovina, have a team made up mostly of foreign-born players. Of the 26 players who represented Curaçao, only one was born on the Caribbean island. Fernando Duarte, a reporter with the BBC World Service, explains why more World Cup footballers aren’t playing for their birth nations. He also highlights how Morocco, the only African team ever to reach the semi-finals of a World Cup, has successfully recruited players from its diaspora. We also hear from football fans around the world about the foreign-born players representing Cape Verde, Curaçao, Morocco and Bosnia & Herzegovina. Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: William Lee Adams Editor: Verity Wilde

When you think of fertility, you might automatically think of women’s fertility. But there are men online doing something called ‘fertilitymaxxing’ - it’s all about young men trying a bunch of unproven hacks in hopes of improving their sperm health. Content with these hacks are often pushed by male wellness and manosphere influencers online - but is this really about raising more awareness of male fertility (which is an under-researched issue)? Or is it about other anxieties Gen Z men might have about their health - and masculinity more generally?Jacqui Wakefield is our Global Health Correspondent and has been speaking to men, like Simon in Miami, who have been doing things like icing his testicles in a bid to boost sperm count. And also Professor Channa Jayasena, a reproductive endocrinologist and Imperial College, explains that some medicines these influencers are recommending can be very dangerous. Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Emily Horler and Chelsea Coates Video Journalist: Baldeep Chahal Editor: Verity Wilde

After a devastating double earthquake in Venezuela, tens of thousands of people are still believed to be missing, with many trapped under rubble. Nearly 1,500 people have been confirmed dead and the death toll is expected to rise. Aid agencies say the first 72 hours after a disaster are the most critical to finding people alive. But there is a lack of heavy machinery and specialised equipment needed to rescue people. Much of the emergency response is being carried out by volunteers and international aid workers from Turkey, the UK and France. BBC’s Global Affairs reporter Mimi Swaby gives us the latest update on the situation.Against all odds, several videos online show miraculous stories of survival, like young infants and children being lifted from the rubble. Bill Murphy, a professor of engineering geology at the University of Leeds in the UK, tells us what increases the chances of survival in awful conditions like these. Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Emma-Louise Amanshia Producer: William Lee Adams and Benita Barden Editor: Verity Wilde

Buzz around the GTA 6 pre-order is building fast. After two trailers and a 13-year wait, fans can finally play the latest instalment of the game on 19 November when it’s released on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X and S. Priced at $79.99 and $100 for its standard and premium versions in the US, it’s expected to generate billions for its developer Rockstar Games. BBC technology reporter Laura Cress explains the scale and significance of the upcoming release. We also hear from GTA fans from Italy, South Africa and Canada about why they love the game. Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: William Lee Adams and Stefania Okereke Editor: Verity Wilde

For some women, the two-week luteal phase of their menstrual cycle can be extremely disruptive and life altering. PMDD or Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder is mental health disorder directly linked to regular hormonal fluctuations that take place during a cycle. People living with PMDD can experience anger, anxiety, severe depression, and even suicidal thoughts which then stops shortly after menstruation begins. Two women, Shariya in the US and Janna in Germany tell us how PMDD has impacted them.There’s very little scientific research about why PMDD happens and the signs or symptoms can be missed by doctors. We hear from BBC Health Reporter Ruth Clegg, who’s been reporting on how social media has shifted perceptions of the disorder, and led to changes around how doctors screen for symptoms. If you are affected by any of the issues in this episode, or suffering distress or despair and need support, you could speak to a health professional, or an organisation that offers support. Details of help available in many countries can be found at Befrienders Worldwide. www.befrienders.org Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Benita Barden, Ash Mohamed and Adam Chowdhury Video Journalist: Baldeep Chahal Editor: Verity Wilde

A heatwave across Western Europe has left tens of millions of people coping with record temperatures. France endured its hottest day since records began, with temperatures reaching 44.3C in Pissos, and it’s estimated that nearly 100 million people will endure temperatures of over 35 degrees Celsius on Wednesday. Temperatures can feel particularly extreme in cities, where buildings trap heat and where there’s often a lack of green spaces. In today’s episode, BBC weather presenter Sarah Keith-Lucas explains why we’re seeing more heatwaves. We also hear from people around the world about what it’s like where they live. And several BBC reporters — Davide Ghiglione in Rome, Pierre-Antoine Denis in Nice, Makuochi Okafor in Lagos and our Chelsea Coates and William Lee Adams in London — explain how people in various cities are addressing rising temperatures.Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Chelsea Coates and William Lee Adams Editor: Verity Wilde

For decades, mangrove forests were disappearing at an alarming rate. Now, new satellite data reveals a hopeful shift. After years of decline, these vital coastal ecosystems are making a comeback. In this episode, BBC environment correspondent Matt McGrath explains what mangrove forests are, why they suffered such significant losses from the 1980s through the 2010s and how advances in technology are allowing scientists to track their recovery from space. We also examine why mangroves are one of nature’s most powerful tools for protecting coastlines, storing carbon and helping communities adapt to climate change.Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: William Lee Adams and Benita Barden Video producer: Baldeep Chahal Editor: Verity Wilde

If someone you loved died, would you want to keep chatting to them? Now you can - with an AI griefbot. The idea is you use their texts, emails and voice notes, as well as photos and videos, to train AI to reply in the dead person’s tone and style. It can be through text-based conversation or even an AI-generated voice. The "digital afterlife" industry is now worth more than $130 billion. Is this just the latest way for humans to try to maintain a relationship with their deceased loved ones? Or could it negatively affect the grieving process, if people start to believe that person is actually still alive through the technology? And what might companies do with all the data we input?Tech journalist Tamzin Kraftman explains this growing area of tech and the pros and cons of using griefbots. Andy Langford, clinical director at Cruse, a bereavement charity in the UK, gives us his thoughts. And we hear from Muhammad Ahmad in the US, who developed his own grief bot of his dad. Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Julia Ross-Roy, William Lee Adams and Chelsea Coates Editor: Verity Wilde

Smart glasses are big business, Meta, one of the leading manufacturers of the glasses say that last year they sold seven million pairs globally. But new designs that resemble regular sunglasses or reading frames mean they can be difficult to spot. Users can make phone calls, follow maps, and use AI assistants completely hands free. They can also use the built in camera to take photos and record videos subtly - this is part of the controversy. There have been cases of people being filmed secretly and posted online without their consent. So how many people are buying smart glasses and how significant is the risk to privacy? BBC technology reporter Laura Cress tells us about the tech that goes into smart glasses and investigative reporter Georgia Poncia talks us through the concerns. Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Iqra Farooq Producer: Benita Barden and Emma-Louise Amanshia Editor: Verity Wilde

Backrooms. Obsession. Bring Her Back. These are some of the biggest Hollywood films from the past 12 months and they have one thing in common: they are all horror movies directed by YouTubers.What’s behind this new wave of directors coming from YouTube and why is horror becoming more and more popular? BBC journalist and horror obsessive Mel Ramsay explains how the likes of Kane Parsons and Curry Barker have shown how their success online can be translated to the box office.Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: William Lee Adams, Adam Chowdhury, Benita Barden and Chelsea Coates Editor: Verity Wilde

People in South Korea have been smashing their Starbucks mugs with hammers, a CEO has been fired and there have been protests on the streets, but why? Starbucks is the number one coffee chain in South Korea with over 2000 branches. Recently they launched a marketing campaign for a new reusable tumbler "SS Tank" and they've faced huge backlash. The release was on the same day as the anniversary of the 1980 Gwangju Uprising, a sad day in the history of the country which left more than a 200 people dead.So what impact have the boycotts had? And what happens next? Jake Kwon the BBC's Seoul correspondent tells us about the Tank Day promotion, the financial implications and the wider context of the upset this has caused. We also hear from young people in South Korea on what they think about the boycott.Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: William Lee Adams Producer: Benita Barden and Emma-Louise Amanshia Editor: Verity Wilde

For millions of people living with obesity, weight loss drugs have been hailed as a game changer.They’re known as GLP-1s but are more commonly known by their trade names: Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro. So far they’ve only been made by two companies in Denmark and the US and they’re pretty expensive. But now the patents for these drugs have expired in China and India, which means pharmaceutical companies in those countries can now make cheaper copies. India has a reputation as the "pharmacy of the world" because of its ability to turn expensive medicines into affordable mass-market products. The country is the world's largest supplier of generic medicines. Indian companies are already starting to produce and sell these weight loss drugs. So what impact will this have on the cost and supply of weight loss drugs in India and around the world? Archana Shukla, the BBC’s India business correspondent in Mumbai, tells us why the expiry of the patents is such a big deal. And BBC Health correspondent James Gallagher explains how these drugs work. Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Chelsea Coates, Julia Ross-Roy and Benita Barden Video Producer: Baldeep Chahal Editor: Verity Wilde

This year’s Fifa World Cup is the biggest yet. The football tournament is being co-hosted by Mexico, Canada and the United States and has a record 48 teams taking part. Four of those teams have qualified for the first time ever: Cape Verde, Curaçao, Jordan and Uzbekistan. In this episode, we get familiar with the debuting nations on and off the pitch with some of our BBC reporters, including Paul Njie, a senior journalist at BBC Africa, and Husam Assal, a BBC reporter in Amman. Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Iqra Farooq Producers: William Lee Adams, Benita Barden and Julia Ross-Roy Editor: Verity Wilde

On Thursday, US President Donald Trump threatened to take “total control" of Iran's oil and gas markets, and to seize Kharg Island. Just hours later though, he claimed an agreement to end the war with Iran was on the horizon and cancelled a third consecutive night of strikes.Mixed messaging from the US President on this conflict is nothing new - but the island at the centre of this latest dispute has a huge role to play. It’s a small, rocky outcrop off of Iran’s coast - but it’s importance for the country’s oil infrastructure- and now for President Trump - is huge. So why is Kharg Island so important? And why does President Trump want it?Ghoncheh Habibiazad, from the BBC’s Persian language service, joins us to unpack it all - and to explain what the consequences could be if President Trump decides to take the island.Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: William Lee Adams Producers: Chelsea Coates and Emily Horler Editor: Verity Wilde

PCOS is one of the most common hormonal disorders affecting women globally; affecting roughly 13% of women who have a menstrual cycle. The World Health Organization has estimated that up 70% of women with PCOS worldwide do not know they have this condition. Symptoms can include irregular periods, fertility issues, weight gain, acne, excess hair growth and insulin resistance. There is no cure. And now Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is officially being reclassified as polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS). The new name reflects growing recognition that the condition involves much more than ovarian cysts alone. It’s actually a complex endocrine condition (to do with hormones) which affects the whole body. Experts hope that the name change will lead to a better focus on treating and reversing some of symptoms. Global health reporter Dorcas Wangira in Kenya explains what we know about the condition. And we hear from Professor Helena Teede, from Monash Univerity in Australia, who led the name-changing initiative. Jenef Ngombo, 25 from the UK and Chelle Robotham, in Florida USA, share their experiences of PMOS/PCOS and tell us what they think about the name change. Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producer: Shakira Abdi and Julia Ross-Roy Editor: Verity Wilde

Since its invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Russia has been banning social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and X. Recently the government also extended the ban to Telegram, one of Russia’s most popular messaging apps. It’s cracking down on VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) and it’s introduced a new state-backed app called Max, which comes downloaded on any new phone. Authorities say these internet crackdowns are needed to “ensure security” and disrupt Ukrainian drones. But some say this is actually all about censorship - and that the government is trying to extend its control over the internet. So - how are these bans affecting Russians that rely on the internet everyday?BBC Monitoring journalist Clare Denning joins us to break down why the Kremlin is restricting access to the internet and how Russians are reacting to the crackdown.Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Julia Ross-Roy, Sarah Coop and Chelsea Coates Editor: Verity Wilde

Around half of the world’s languages are in danger of disappearing, according to UNESCO. Languages often become endangered when parents stop talking in them to their children, when schools no longer offer them on the curriculum - or when governments don’t recognise them as official languages that need to be protected. Campaigners are calling for more efforts to preserve them - and the history, heritage and culture they carry - and they’re using an unlikely tool: AI. But there are concerns that artificial intelligence could actually create more language inequality, because it’s mainly trained on a handful of dominant languages.So, could AI stop endangered languages from going extinct? Or will it speed up their demise?Journalist and author Sophia Smith Galer joins us to explain how languages become endangered, how AI is being used to combat this and the risks of using the technology to preserve languages. And we hear from Ivory Yang in the US, who built an AI tool to help preserve her grandmother’s endangered language, Nüshu.Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Chelsea Coates and William Lee Adams Video producer: Baldeep Chahal Editor: Verity Wilde