What in the World

Explore the significance of intangible cultural heritage, from festive dances to unique recipes. Hear why UNESCO's recognition matters, benefiting community pride and cultural transmission. Matthieu Guevel highlights the shift from protecting physical sites to celebrating living traditions. Personal stories from practitioners—like a British-Italian cook and a Lebanese journalist—show how this recognition fosters diplomacy and unity across countries. Discover the rigorous process behind getting on the UNESCO list!

Mark Savage, the BBC music correspondent and pop music expert, dives into the age-old debate of boy bands versus girl bands. He explores how boy bands evolve teenage identity while girl groups often emphasize themes of sisterhood and belonging. Mark critiques the lyrical differences, praising the creativity in modern groups like Stray Kids, and highlights the scrutiny girl bands face online. Additionally, he discusses the commercial dynamics and marketing strategies behind these iconic groups and weighs in on Simon Cowell's new quest to discover the next big act.

Panisa Amosha, a BBC reporter based in Bangkok, delves into the humanitarian crisis resulting from escalating clashes between Cambodia and Thailand. Over half a million people have been displaced due to ongoing conflicts over the border, exacerbated by a fragile ceasefire. Panisa highlights the dire conditions in evacuation centers and the struggles of families affected by the violence. She shares powerful stories from evacuees, offering insight into their lost livelihoods and the challenges faced in their search for safety amid geopolitical tensions.

Mimi Swaby, a BBC Global Affairs Reporter specializing in Latin America, offers a profound insight into the tense relations between Venezuela and the US. She highlights the alarming exodus of over eight million Venezuelans and the devastating impact of economic collapse and sanctions. Swaby discusses the US strikes on boats allegedly linked to Venezuelan drug trafficking and the lack of evidence provided by the US government. The conversation touches on mixed Venezuelan sentiments regarding outside intervention and the complex historical relationship with the US.

Australia's planned ban on social media for those under 16 sparks a lively discussion. Guests share their experiences with social media's pressures and its role in shaping identity. They reflect on the harmful effects like cyberbullying, as well as the benefits of community and representation. Opinions vary on the ban's merits, with thoughts on whether it might have changed their teenage years significantly. Practical advice is offered for under-16s facing the changes, focusing on real-life connections and maintaining curiosity.

Football is trending younger, with over half of Premier League players now under 25. Young talents like Max Dowman are breaking records, debuting as early as 15. Clubs are investing in youth for financial gain, spotting talent earlier than ever. Improved training facilities are helping teens step into first-team football sooner. A young semi-pro from Malawi shares how rising stars inspire dreams internationally. Meanwhile, support systems are crucial to manage the mental pressures young athletes face as they gear up for tournaments like the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Jonathan Head, a BBC Southeast Asia correspondent, brings his on-the-ground insights about the dark world of scam text operations in Myanmar. He reveals how thousands are trapped in scam centres, often facing exploitation and violence. The conversation touches on the shocking concept of 'pig butchering' scams and how victims are manipulated into these schemes. Mwesezi, a young man from Uganda, shares his harrowing story of being trafficked and forced into scamming. The discussion also highlights the challenges in shutting down these operations amidst civil unrest and corruption.

Journalist Shruti Menon, a BBC correspondent from Kerala, dives into the state's bold claim of ending extreme poverty. She clarifies what extreme poverty really means based on World Bank standards. With Kerala's unique blend of high literacy and public health services, she explores how these factors alongside national initiatives have contributed to significant poverty reduction in India. Menon also raises critical questions about the government's claims, including concerns over transparency and the risk of families slipping back into poverty.

Olga Malchevska, a BBC reporter covering Ukraine, shares her experiences from the frontlines. She discusses the establishment of underground schools in Zaporizhia to protect students from missile threats. Olga reveals how the ongoing war has led to drastic changes in education, including rapid evacuations during air raids and the psychological stress students face. She also highlights controversial curriculum shifts in Russian-occupied territories, emphasizing the resilience and determination of Ukrainian children to continue their education amid adversity.

Maria Clara Montoya, a journalist and producer, and Elisa Pineda, a researcher at The George Institute for Global Health, dive into the world of sugar taxes. They explore how these taxes aim to reduce sugary drink consumption amid rising health concerns like obesity and diabetes. Maria highlights consumer reactions in Mexico, while Elisa shares successes in the UK, showing significant purchase drops. They also discuss potential expansions of sugar taxes to ultra-processed foods and address fairness concerns among lower-income groups.