What in the World

Scientists use satellite images to spot emperor penguin molting sites and feather mounds on Antarctic ice. Recent satellite data show many molting sites have vanished after summer sea ice collapse. Researchers fear mass die-offs and shifting extinction timelines. The episode also shares upbeat wildlife news, from tortoise reintroductions to a viral zoo animal update.

Zara Hiridjee, a UK registered nutritionist who explains fiber needs and types. Basma El-Atti, a Nairobi-based BBC reporter who tracks cultural trends. They explore why cabbage has gone viral with fibremaxxing. They discuss how social media and Gen Z budgets shaped the craze. Practical fiber guidance and the risks of too much fiber are also covered.

Laura Garcia, a BBC reporter from Mexico, explains how cartels recruit and affect young people and how communities adapt to persistent violence. She describes reasons youths join, methods cartels use to retain them, and how everyday life changes in affected towns. The conversation also touches on risks for major events and how Mexicans organize and take precautions.

Nathalia Jimenez, a BBC business reporter in New York covering global labour and markets, and Meghna Kanwar, a Delhi-based labour reporter, discuss huge gig-worker protests. They talk about strikes over pay and penalties, the backlash against 10-minute deliveries, unpaid travel time and road dangers. The conversation spans legal fights, company concessions and how quick-commerce is reshaping work in India and beyond.

Highlights from Milan's Winter Games include a historic South American gold and a surprise figure skating comeback. They unpack a bizarre condom shortage and a live-TV cheating confession. Stories cover helmet politics, environmental and inclusion protests, and athletes from nontraditional countries pushing for wider Winter Games representation.

A senior royal was arrested and then released under investigation, sparking worldwide media attention. The legal probe focuses on alleged sharing of official documents, not sexual offences. The story examines how police searches unfolded and what 'misconduct in public office' could mean. The discussion explores public reaction, survivors' responses, and potential implications for the monarchy's future.

William Lee Adams, journalist and former Marketplace Morning Report host, explains why gold is rallying now. He breaks down spot price vs bullion and the different ways people buy gold. He explores drivers of the surge like geopolitics, central bank buying and inflation. The show also looks at India and China’s cultural and investment demand for gold.

Wanqing Zhang, a BBC Global China journalist, explores Lunar New Year traditions and the rare return of the Fire Horse. She recounts the zodiac race myth and describes Spring Festival feasts, red envelopes and fireworks. Wanqing also explains what the Fire Horse combination signifies and how celebrations differ across Asia.

Julia Rohrer, a personality psychologist at Leipzig University, explains how researchers test birth-order effects. She separates science from stereotypes about eldest, middle and youngest roles. The conversation covers IQ differences, childhood vs adult findings, twins and cultural context, and why simple birth-order stories stick.

A tense showdown over the 2009 endangerment finding and its role in US pollution rules. The legal reversal, political backing and opposition get unpacked. Discussion covers health risks, economic claims about cheaper cars, and possible legal battles ahead.