

What in the World
BBC World Service
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jun 20, 2024 • 15min
Why’s everyone talking about Ozempic and Wegovy?
Celebrity buzz around weight loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy is dissected by guest Kevyah Cardoso from What in the World team, along with insights from health correspondent James Gallagher and TikTok doctor Dr. Austin. Black market 'skinny jabs' trend and investigation by BBC journalist Pria Rai are explored, debunking myths and exploring effectiveness of these medications.

Jun 19, 2024 • 11min
Panda express: Why does China send pandas around the world?
BBC's Katie Watson and Jack Lau discuss China's use of pandas for diplomatic relations. Katharina Marie Sperling sheds light on the costs of keeping them. The podcast explores panda mating habits and their dwindling numbers in the wild.

Jun 18, 2024 • 15min
Japa Syndrome: Why are so many young people leaving Nigeria?
Nigeria is Africa’s economic powerhouse - so why are so many young people trying to leave and find opportunities in other countries? It’s become so common there’s even a word for it: Japa.Last year, Nigeria’s immigration service issued a record number of passports - almost 2 million.So when we were in Lagos we spoke to the BBC’s Faith Oshoko, who explained what drives young professionals to move abroad. And we chatted to students - would they ever Japa? And would they come back?Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld
WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6
Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk
Presenter: Hannah Gelbart with Makuochi Okafor
Producers: Emily Horler and Alex Rhodes
Editor: Verity Wilde

Jun 17, 2024 • 15min
Could nuclear be the answer to our power problems?
Jordan Dunbar from the BBC podcast The Climate Question discusses the potential of nuclear power as a green energy source, while exploring its benefits and drawbacks. The podcast also touches on the history of nuclear disasters like Chernobyl and the growing interest in nuclear power in African countries like Nigeria and Uganda.

Jun 14, 2024 • 13min
Feel the burn: Why does spicy food hurt so much?
BBC's Health and Science Correspondent James Gallagher explains the burning sensation of spicy food, debunking myths and sharing tips. Stories include workplace drama from hot sauce, intense reactions to spicy food, and Denmark's concern over super spicy noodles.

Jun 13, 2024 • 14min
Have you ever been ghosted like Billie Eilish?
Exploring the origins and prevalence of ghosting in different relationships, including Billie Eilish's experience. Discussion on the mental health impact and coping strategies for being ghosted. Insights from various countries on cultural influences and reasons behind ghosting behavior.

Jun 12, 2024 • 14min
Why is pregnancy so dangerous in Nigeria?
BBC's Africa Health Correspondent, Dorcas Wangira, discusses the challenges of maternal healthcare in Nigeria and Kenya, highlighting the causes of maternal deaths and prevention efforts. The podcast also features Isata Dumbuya, a midwife from Sierra Leone, sharing the success of reducing maternal mortality rates by 60% through improved healthcare initiatives.

8 snips
Jun 11, 2024 • 13min
Why is feminism taboo in South Korea?
Journalists Rachel Lee and Chloe Hadjimatheou discuss the growing anti-feminist sentiment in South Korea, the Burning Sun scandal involving K-pop stars and crimes against women, and the 4B movement on TikTok promoting gender equality. They shed light on the challenges feminists face and the government's response to protect women in Korean society.

Jun 10, 2024 • 12min
Why is ‘All Eyes on Papua’ spreading across social media?
BBC journalist Abraham Utama discusses the 'All Eyes on Papua' campaign in Indonesia, highlighting indigenous rights, environmental impacts, and media restrictions. Indigenous Papuan campaigner Deffe Wabiser shares her reaction to the viral image. The podcast explores the rich biodiversity of Papua, challenges faced by indigenous communities, and the campaign to protect their forests.

Jun 7, 2024 • 16min
How Junior Pope’s death got Nollywood looking at its safety record
In April, a top Nollywood star, Junior Pope, was killed in a boat crash, while being transported from a film set. He starred in more than a hundred Nigerian-produced films and his death has got the people who work in the industry asking questions about its safety record. We speak to Ruth Kadiri, an actor and screenwriter who knew Junior Pope. She tells us about her own experiences with dangerous situations in moviemaking. She also talks about the big changes to Nollywood and how some producers are putting their films straight on YouTube, racking up millions of view in the process. Plus we speak to Chidi Dike, a star who’s only recently burst onto the scene. He shares his advice for other young actors and tells us what it’s like to suddenly find yourself in the limelight. Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld
WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6
Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk
Presenter: Hannah Gelbart with Chimezie UcheAgbo
Producers: Emily Horler and Alex Rhodes
Editor: Simon Peeks


