What in the World

In this enlightening discussion, Ghoncheh Habibiazad from BBC Persian sheds light on Ed Sheeran's emotionally charged song 'Azizam,' which celebrates Persian culture. The conversation touches on the inspiring yet challenging reality for female singers in Iran, highlighting their fight for self-expression against severe restrictions. Habibiazad reflects on how Googoosh's involvement opens up dialogue about women's rights and the courage of artists striving for musical freedom, especially amid political turmoil. The song is not just music; it's a movement.

Pope Francis led the Catholic church for more than a decade. He was the first Latin American pope, and the first non-European in more than a thousand years.Many saw him as a more liberal pope than his predecessors - he talked about things like climate change, migration and LGBTQ rights but there are also those who felt he should have been more progressive.After his funeral, a conclave will begin and his successor will be chosen. We explain what this process involves and we hear young voices from around the world speaking about the death of Pope Francis and their hopes for the future of the Catholic Church.Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Emily Horler and Maria Clara Montoya Editor: Verity Wilde

Blythe Milligan, a supply chain expert and host of the Everything is Logistics podcast, dives into the controversial topic of luxury handbags and their manufacturing origins. She explains why many high-end products are produced in Asia, challenging consumer perceptions of value and authenticity. Blythe also unpacks the complexities of global supply chains, discussing the impact of tariffs and the counterfeit market on luxury branding. Listeners will gain insight into the intricate journey of luxury production and the factors shaping their prices.

It’s 2025 and Katy Perry has officially gone to space. On Monday 14th April, she strapped herself into the Blue Origin rocket and blasted off like a “Firework” with five other well-known women. The rocket is owned by Amazon billionaire Jeff Bezos and his fiancé Lauren Sanchez was also on board. The women claimed this all-female mission was to “take up space” but the reaction to the trip has been “Hot N Cold“. Some argue this wasn’t a win for feminism, only for the “Roar“ of capitalism.But what is space tourism? And are regular people going to start flying to space and become “‘E.T.“?The BBC’s Science correspondent Victoria Gill explains what the reaction has been and the impact space travel can have on the environment.Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: William Lee-Adams Producers: Emily Horler and Emilia Jansson Editor: Julia Ross-Roy

Makuochi Okafor, a BBC reporter based in Lagos, dives into the controversy surrounding the ban of Eedris Abdulkareem's song 'Tell Your Papa.' The track critiques President Bola Tinubu amidst Nigeria's spiraling issues like hunger and insecurity. Okafor discusses the government's media regulations and the public outcry over censorship, reflecting the discontent of a frustrated youth. The ban has inadvertently fueled activism, highlighting music's role as a powerful medium for social change in Nigeria.

Julia Braun, a journalist for BBC Brasil with a focus on animal welfare, joins the conversation about a heart-wrenching topic: when to say goodbye to a beloved pet. She discusses the emotional and ethical dilemmas pet owners face, especially amidst advancements in veterinary care that complicate decisions. Financial pressures also play a key role, as owners weigh costs against their pet's quality of life. Insights from veterinary professionals further illuminate the support available during these tough times, adding depth to this poignant discussion.

Georgina Rannard, a climate and science reporter, dives into the fascinating world of artificial reefs, focusing on the planned sinking of the SS United States. She discusses how this massive vessel will enhance biodiversity and local tourism, while carefully examining the environmental preparations required. The podcast also highlights the controversial history of artificial reefs, including past failures like the sinking of tires. Rannard explores both the potential benefits and ecological challenges, questioning whether these reefs truly support marine life or just add to underwater clutter.

Stephanie Hegarty, the BBC's global population correspondent, dives into the enigmatic world of North Sentinel Island and its fiercely isolated residents, the Sentinelese. She discusses their long-standing rejection of contact with outsiders, including a recent incident involving a tourist. The conversation highlights the dangers posed by intrusions, such as disease and social media curiosity, as well as the plight of uncontacted tribes globally. Stephanie emphasizes the need to respect their choice for isolation and the impact of influencer culture on these vulnerable communities.

Victoria Gill, BBC's science correspondent, dives into the fascinating world of de-extinction. She discusses Colossal's ambitious project to revive the dire wolf, shedding light on the genetic techniques used and the challenges faced. Gill raises critical questions about the reality of recreating extinct species and clarifies that these dire wolves are actually genetically modified gray wolves. The conversation also touches on the ethical implications and ecological concerns tied to potentially reintroducing these creatures into today's world.

Ashley Lime, a BBC reporter based in Nairobi, shares her insights on the escalating tensions in South Sudan, focusing on the fraught relationship between President Salva Kiir and First Vice-President Riek Machar. She discusses the dire continuation of violence following a fragile peace deal signed in 2018, which aimed to end a devastating civil war. Lime highlights key events, including militia assaults and the dire humanitarian crisis, underscoring the urgent need for international intervention and dialogue to stave off further conflict.