What in the World

Sander van der Linden, Cambridge social psychology professor explaining how gamified hype can distance viewers. Anthony Zurcher, BBC North America correspondent reporting on the White House’s social media strategy and its precedents. They discuss viral meme-style videos, targeting young gamers, comparisons to past wartime media, and the ethical backlash and public reactions.

Trevor Larcom, an actor and social creator sharing his looksmaxing journey, and Thomas Morgan, a BBC journalist who traced the trend's roots. They discuss extreme self-improvement, online communities and ranking culture. Conversation covers origins in manosphere forums, harmful practices like bonesmashing, and the pressure-versus-mental-health trade-offs.

Isaac Fanning, BBC sport presenter and African football expert, breaks down the AFCON final controversy. He recounts the walk-off, CAF’s decision to overturn the result, and the wave of reactions across the continent. He also discusses refereeing scrutiny, governance worries, and what could happen next for medals and appeals.

David Robert Grimes, Irish scientist and author who critiques the evidence and study design behind red-light mask claims. Rio Rennalls, a team member who shares his personal at-home LED mask experiences. They explore why LED masks are trending on social media. They discuss red versus blue light, biological mechanisms, concerns about at-home device strength and study quality, and regulatory complaints about misleading ads.

Yasmin Rufo, BBC Entertainment reporter who covers awards season, shares quick takes on the 2026 Oscars. She discusses One Battle After Another's big sweep. She reacts to Michael B. Jordan’s surprise win and Timothée Chalamet’s loss. She breaks down red carpet fashion moments, memorable roasts, speech cutoffs, and what she wants to see at next year’s ceremony.

Tim Bowler, BBC Monitoring defence expert, and Bernd Debusmann Jr, BBC correspondent on geopolitics, unpack Iran’s mass drone campaign. They describe the Shahed flying bomb, why Iran favors cheap, mass-launched drones, and the costly challenges of defending against swarms. They compare tactics with Ukraine and discuss how drone stockpiles could shape the conflict’s duration.

Chelsea Coates, a producer and lifelong ballet enthusiast, brings personal perspective from her dance background. She explores Timothée Chalamet's controversial remark and the passionate public reaction. Short takes cover attendance trends, financial pressures, viral defenses, cultural crossovers, and efforts to broaden access to ballet and opera.

Ghoncheh Habibiazad, BBC Persian reporter covering Iran and its women's football team, explains why several players chose to remain in Australia after refusing to sing the national anthem. She explores the team's act of defiance, state accusations of treason, intense hotel surveillance and how humanitarian visas changed their options.

Wanqing Zhang, BBC reporter covering China trends; Luke Hanna, personal trainer and nutritionist; TL Huang, Australian creator who spent a month in a military-style camp. They describe strict daily routines and intense weigh-ins. They discuss emotional coping and community in confined settings. They explore the camps’ rise across China and the social and lifestyle forces behind growing obesity.

Coverage of Iran naming Mojtaba Khamenei as the new supreme leader after a high‑profile strike. Discussion of the leader's obscure background, limited public profile and ties to the IRGC and Basij. Debate about whether policy will stay hardline or shift. Reactions inside Iran and from the US are examined, and the potential impact on the regional conflict is explored.