Shein’s rapid rise to a $66 billion valuation reveals the underbelly of fast fashion. In factories, workers often toil for 75 hours a week under extreme conditions. The discussion highlights the tension between low prices and ethical labor practices. Insights from a young fashion blogger showcase the movement towards alternative shopping options. The podcast also dives into controversies surrounding sourcing practices, including serious human rights concerns. It challenges listeners to consider the hidden costs of their fashion choices.

The Darién Gap is one of the most dangerous migration routes in the world but thousands attempt the journey with hopes to reach the US. It’s a 96km stretch of rainforest across the Colombia-Panama border and it’s the only land bridge between South and Central America. According to official statistics over 50 people died crossing the region last year. But the treacherous conditions makes it difficult to know exactly how many people lost their lives trying to make the crossing.The BBC’s Mimi Swaby has been following one young Venezuelan woman’s journey crossing the Darién gap. She tells us about the dangers and risk of death that migrants face along the way.Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Iqra Farooq Producers: Emilia Jansson and Maria Clara Montoya Editor: Emily Horler

Nawal Al-Maghafi, a BBC investigations correspondent recently embedded with the Kenyan police in Haiti, discusses the overwhelming gang violence that plagues Port-au-Prince. She reveals that an astonishing 85% of the capital is under gang control, following the assassination of Haiti's president in 2021. The UN's response includes a new Multinational Security Support Mission, but its effectiveness is still in question. Personal accounts from young Haitian women illustrate how they navigate life under these dire circumstances and their hopes for a safer future.

Esme Stallard, a BBC Climate and Science journalist, sheds light on the devastating wildfires ravaging Los Angeles, which have claimed lives and destroyed homes. She discusses how recent extreme weather conditions and climate change are fueling these fires. Personal accounts from residents reveal their harrowing experiences of evacuation and loss. The conversation also touches on the concept of hydroclimate whiplash, examining how fluctuating weather patterns are increasing wildfire risks, igniting a pressing discussion on strategies for prevention and recovery.

Esme Stallard, a BBC climate and science reporter, dives into the murky world of carbon offsetting. She discusses a recent study revealing that many offset schemes fail to achieve real emissions reductions. The conversation tackles whether these initiatives are simply distractions from more effective climate action. Additionally, Joshua Gabriel Oluwaseyi, a Nigerian climate activist, shares insight into the impact of these schemes in his country, questioning their true value. Together, they shed light on the ethical dilemmas surrounding carbon credits.

Shawn Yuan, a journalist at the BBC’s Global China Unit, provides vital insights into the devastating 7.1 magnitude earthquake that struck Tibet. He discusses ongoing rescue efforts hampered by winter conditions and the challenges of gathering information in a highly restricted region. The conversation also highlights the geopolitical context and the importance of Shigatse, along with the historical issues residents face. Yuan sheds light on the long-term challenges for survivors in impoverished areas, underscoring the complexity of disaster recovery.

Elon Musk's recent political stirrings have sparked debate across Europe. He criticized UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer while endorsing the far-right AfD ahead of German elections. World leaders like Macron and Scholz reacted to his controversial tweets, raising concerns about misinformation. The podcast delves into how Musk influences politics not just in Europe, but also in Latin America, where he has both friends and critics. The discussions also touch on the darker aspects of the wellness industry, revealing alarming truths that demand attention.

Asthma poses a silent epidemic across Africa, with nearly half of the world's sufferers found on the continent. Many individuals, especially children, go undiagnosed due to socio-economic barriers and cultural stigmas. Experts discuss the alarming rise in asthma linked to urbanization and worsening air quality in cities like Lagos. They highlight the urgent need for better air quality and awareness of asthma's health impacts. As cities grow and pollution increases, efforts are underway to tackle this pressing health challenge.

Bollywood films are known for their epic love stories, energetic dance numbers and huge stars like Shah Rukh Khan and Priyanka Chopra. However, the industry - like Hollywood - has faced a slump since the Covid pandemic. But 2024 marked a new trend; the box office success of horror. Shaitaan, for example, earned over $25m worldwide. We speak to film critic and journalist Yasser Usman and Bollywood influencer Aaina Mehta to hear whether they think witches, zombies and evil spirits could pull more people back to the cinema. Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Mora Morrison and Benita Barden Editor: Julia Ross-Roy

In the middle of the Karakum desert in Turkmenistan, there’s a massive fiery pit officially called the Darvaza Crater - but also known as the “gates of hell”. The fire - which is man made - has been burning for over 50 years. But now satellite images suggest that the brightness of the crater has started to dim. Turkmenistan is trying to finally put out the fire. Alex from the What in the World team tells us all about how the fire started and why it’s taken so long to put it out. We hear from explorer George Kourounis who is (as far as we know) the only person to go down into the pit. And BBC journalist Alistair Coleman gives us some facts about Turkmenistan and its leaders. Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Julia Ross-Roy and Alex Rhodes Editor: Verity Wilde