What in the World

Discover the fascinating world of human hair, as India emerges as the top exporter, providing 85% of global demand. Learn about the unique sources of Indian hair, from temple donations to salon cast-offs. Delve into the quality and types of wigs, and find out why China dominates the export market. Hear from drag artists on the cultural significance of wigs, and explore how social media is shaping trends and ethical considerations in hair sourcing. It's a captivating journey through a vibrant industry!

Protests have erupted in Turkey following the arrest of opposition leader Ekrem Imamoglu, raising questions about President Erdogan's grip on power. Thousands have taken to the streets, driven by a mix of student activism and calls for democratic reforms. Young voices express their frustration over the state of democracy, highlighting the economic struggles and a mass exodus of talent. Experts discuss the impact of government repression and the shifting political landscape as the country braces for upcoming elections.

Phoebe Hopson, a BBC reporter with extensive experience in health issues, dives into the hotly debated topic of fluoride. She discusses its historical role in public health, particularly in preventing tooth decay in children. The podcast examines the conflicting views on fluoride's safety, including skepticism from public figures like Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Listeners will learn about the scientific consensus on fluoride levels in tap water and the ethical considerations surrounding its use, making it a captivating exploration of a crucial public health topic.

Hyojung Kim, a reporter from the BBC’s Korean Service, sheds light on the alarming deepfake porn crisis plaguing over 500 schools in South Korea. She discusses how teenage perpetrators, often young students, are trivializing serious emotional harm inflicted on victims. The conversation also highlights the complexities of legal accountability for minors and the efforts of the Ministry of Education to combat this issue. Jess Davies shares crucial tips for those affected, emphasizing the importance of collecting evidence and seeking support.

Finland continues its reign as the happiest country, thanks to a unique blend of culture, nature, and strong social welfare. The impact of simplicity, family, and community creates profound contentment among its citizens. Dive into the role of trust and social cohesion in Scandinavia, plus personal anecdotes from Sweden. Discover how kindness and social connections are key to happiness, and explore global trends that show older people tend to be happier than younger generations facing mental health challenges, especially in vibrant Costa Rica.

Jacqui Wakefield, a BBC Global Disinformation reporter, dives into the murky waters of wellness scams proliferating online. She exposes outlandish claims, from slimming teas to gemstone treatments, all lacking scientific backing. The conversation touches on the disturbing rise of these scams on TikTok, their global impact, and the added risks in Nigeria and Latin America. Wakefield empowers listeners with key warning signs to spot false wellness claims, encouraging skepticism in a landscape filled with misinformation.

Imagine going on a work or school trip for eight days, but ending up away from home for nine months. Now, imagine that journey was to space. NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore’s spacecraft launched in June last year from Cape Canaveral in Florida. They were taking part in the first crewed test flight of the Starliner spacecraft, developed by Boeing. But there were some technical problems after launch and NASA decided it was too risky to use it to take the astronauts back to Earth. Instead, Suni and Butch would catch the next scheduled flight home, which ended up being nine months later. And now Suni and Butch have splashed down off the coast of Florida in a different spacecraft. Our Science Editor, Rebecca Morelle, explains what went wrong with the mission, if they were really stranded, and what daily life is actually like in space.Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Emily Horler and Elena Angelides Editor: Verity Wilde

On Sunday night, hundreds of people gathered at Pulse nightclub in Kocani, North Macedonia to watch the popular hip-hop duo DNK perform. It ended in tragedy. A fire ripped through the venue killing 59 people and leaving more than 150 others injured. Reports say the fire was caused by sparks from pyrotechnic devices that hit the ceiling, which was made of highly flammable material. The incident has raised questions about how the venue was able to operate with inadequate safety measures, and if corruption has a role to play.We speak to Saska Cvetkovska, an investigative journalist in Skopje, about what we know so far and how the country is coping with the aftermath of the tragedy. Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: William Lee Adams and Benita Barden Editor: Verity Wilde

In this discussion, Thomas Morgan, an expert from the Institute for Economics and Peace, dives into the disturbing trend of youth radicalization in Europe, revealing that over 40% of UK terror suspects are under 18. He explains how online content drives this alarming rise. Joined by Julian, a Berlin-based counselor, they explore transformative counseling approaches aimed at helping radicalized teenagers. This conversation shines a light on societal factors, isolation, and the importance of preventive measures to curb youth extremism.

In this engaging discussion, BBC tech reporter Tom Gerken reveals Saudi Arabia's strategic $3.5 billion acquisition of Niantic, the publisher behind Pokémon Go. He explores the reasons behind the Kingdom's massive investments in gaming, driven by a desire for economic diversification. The conversation highlights the booming gaming scene in Saudi Arabia, fueled by government support and shifting social norms. Additionally, Abdirahim Saaed from BBC Arabic shares insights on the PIF's financial power and implications for data privacy in gaming.