What in the World

Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty, host of the BBC podcast Diddy on Trial, delves into the serious allegations against Sean 'Diddy' Combs, including sex trafficking and racketeering. She discusses the gravity of the charges and how they could impact the upcoming trial. The podcast tackles Diddy's response to the allegations and the implications of potential victim testimonies. Anoushka also shares insights into the legal complexities involved, as well as plans for extensive coverage of the trial, ensuring listeners stay informed about this high-profile case.

Two Belgian teenagers have plead guilty to trying to smuggle thousands of giant African harvester ants out of Kenya. The authorities said they were allegedly planning to sell the ants on the growing exotic pet market in Europe and Asia, where ant keepers put the insects in special habitats and watch them build their colonies. BBC reporter Akisa Wandera talks us through this landmark case.We also hear from two ant keepers, Kaden (Ender Ants) and Mauro (Bruma Ants) on why they love their pets.And finally, a quick question for you, how many ants do you think there are for every person on earth? A) 10 ants B) 67 thousand ants C) 980 thousand ants D) 2.5 million antsListen to the episode for the answer!Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Emily Horler and Chelsea Coates Editor: Verity Wilde

Caroline Steel, a BBC science presenter, dives into the fascinating world of human adaptation to space. She discusses how spending extended time in microgravity affects muscles, bones, and even vision, highlighting the unique challenges astronauts face. Steel shares insights on training regimens designed to combat these effects and the extraordinary stories of astronauts like Peggy Whitson, who holds the record for time spent in space. Discover how these brave explorers maintain their health while floating among the stars!

In this discussion, BBC journalist Natalia Zuo, known for her documentary on China's booming cosmetic surgery industry, uncovers the pressures driving young women towards extreme beauty standards. She highlights how filtered images on social media and easy access to procedures are transforming perceptions of beauty and success. Zuo also reveals the dangerous rise of unlicensed clinics and the urgent need for regulation, offering a glimpse into the profound societal impacts of this trend.

Many economists have warned that the world is poised for an economic downturn. The warnings come after President Trump's recent changes to America’s tariff policies. Changes in consumer spending — including their fashion choices — are one potential “recession indicator.”Erin Delmore, the BBC’s North America business correspondent, explains what a recession is and discusses how people’s purchasing decisions — regarding everything from clothes to salon visits — offer clues to what’s going on with the economy. We also hear from Caroline Stevenson from the London College of Fashion. She explains how trends come about and unpacks recent trends like the “clean girl” look and the “office siren”. Plus content creator Leah Holme discusses how she makes mindful purchasing decisions based on the long-term. Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: William Lee Adams, Benita Barden, Abiona Boja, Maria Clara Montoya Editor: Verity Wilde

Finding the right shade of makeup can be a struggle, especially if you have really fair or dark skin. But things are changing. Some brands, including Korean ones are looking at their shade ranges and making them more inclusive. Soo Min Kim, a BBC reporter, takes us through the K-beauty industry and what’s changing.We also hear from two beauty influencers - May Akhtar and Oceanne Comtois. Have they seen much change and could K-beauty be what the market needs?Gloria Achieng is a BBC reporter in Kenya - how popular are products there?And Adam Triantis from Dcypher walks us through why brands having a huge shade range can be hard logistically and whether AI could help. Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Emily Horler and Benita Barden Video Journalist: Baldeep Chahal Editor: Verity Wilde

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