What in the World

Akisa Wandera, a BBC journalist from Nairobi, shares the astonishing story of Evans Kibet, a Kenyan runner who became a soldier for Russia after unintentionally signing a document. Akisa provides insights into Kibet's transition from athlete to prisoner of war and his escape attempts. Meanwhile, Vitaliy Shevchenko reveals the troubling tactics Russia employs to recruit foreign fighters, including deception and coercion. They explore the implications of this recruitment on global conflicts and the complex repatriation options for those caught in such circumstances.

Dive into the world of romantic entanglements with a look at the beloved series featuring the tension between two brothers and their shared love interest. Fans are divided into Team Jeremiah and Team Conrad, fueling intense debates, even leading to online hostility. Discover how the show's weekly release strategy keeps the excitement alive, inspiring watch parties across the globe. The discussion also touches on the unique aspects of fan culture, nostalgia, and the powerful role of music in shaping the series' emotional atmosphere.

Dorcas Wangira, a BBC Africa health correspondent, dives into Rwanda's groundbreaking new law allowing teens aged 15 to access contraceptives without parental consent. She highlights how this move aims to tackle the alarming teen pregnancy rates, seen as a national crisis. However, the law faces backlash from religious groups and social media. Dorcas discusses the availability of sex education, the stigmas surrounding teenage pregnancy, and the ongoing debates around comprehensive sex education in a country grappling with cultural norms.

Peter Gillibrand, a BBC reporter, dives into the long-awaited release of Grand Theft Auto VI, revealing it could take over a decade. He talks about the extraordinary production demands, rising expectations, and the impact of recent industry layoffs. The intricate teamwork needed for developing high-quality games is outlined, highlighting the balance between enhancing game quality and managing fan anticipation. Laura Cress also shares her recent gaming experiences, further discussing the challenges developers face in today’s rapidly evolving gaming landscape.

Nathalie Jimenez, a BBC business reporter based in New York, dives deep into the challenges graduates face in the job market as AI takes center stage. She discusses how sectors are grappling with generative AI, leading to reduced job openings for younger workers. Insights reveal personal stories of frustration from job seekers, highlighting the emotional toll of a tough landscape. The conversation also touches on the need for graduates to adapt their skills and embrace new opportunities in an AI-driven world.

Phanindra Dahal, a journalist with the BBC's Nepali service, discusses the recent protests in Nepal led by Gen Z against corruption and censorship. He explains how the movement emerged from anger over a social media ban and political nepotism. Amidst violent clashes that resulted in loss of life, Dahal highlights the youth's desire for reform and their push for accountability. The conversation also touches on the significant political shift with the appointment of Sushila Karki as the first female prime minister, marking a hopeful future for youth involvement in governance.

The podcast delves into the shocking shooting of a controversial conservative activist at a university, igniting discussions about political polarization. It highlights his unique approach to engaging Gen Z through confrontational debates and a robust social media presence. The narrative explores Kirk's significant impact on young conservatives, from voter registration efforts to promoting free speech. Listeners gain insights from students who debated him and witness the powerful reactions online following his untimely death.

In this intriguing discussion, Jacqui Wakefield, BBC's global disinformation reporter, delves into the aftermath of the Tea Dating Advice app's disastrous data breach. She highlights the controversial intentions behind the app, initially designed to help women verify potential partners. However, the fallout exposed personal information and led to a wave of online misogyny. Wakefield also examines the delicate balance between creating safe spaces for women and the risks of public shaming in dating culture, providing insight into the app’s impact on trust and safety in digital dating.

In this discussion, BBC reporter Rachel Lee, who covers Seoul, delves into the intriguing life of Kim Jong Un's daughter, Kim Ju Ae. At around 13, she is speculated to be groomed for leadership, raising questions about her upbringing and potential as the next ruler of North Korea. Rachel explains the complex process of succession in the regime, where loyalty and public perception play crucial roles. The conversation takes a humorous turn with a guest appearance from Hannah’s dad, reflecting on the lighter side of leadership succession.

Explore the surprising distortions of the Mercator projection and its impact on the perception of Africa's true size. Discover how this 450-year-old map exaggerates land masses far from the equator. Advocates for the Equal Earth map argue for a more accurate representation to correct global misconceptions. Learn about the African Union's endorsement of the 'Correct the Map' campaign and its aims for educational reform. Dive into why the Mercator projection remains prevalent and the need for a shift towards maps that reflect true geographic equality.