

What in the World
BBC World Service
Helping you make sense of what’s happening in your world. Big stories, small stories and everything in between. Understand more, feel better. Five days a week, Monday to Friday.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jun 18, 2024 • 15min
Japa Syndrome: Why are so many young people leaving Nigeria?
Nigeria is Africa’s economic powerhouse - so why are so many young people trying to leave and find opportunities in other countries? It’s become so common there’s even a word for it: Japa.Last year, Nigeria’s immigration service issued a record number of passports - almost 2 million.So when we were in Lagos we spoke to the BBC’s Faith Oshoko, who explained what drives young professionals to move abroad. And we chatted to students - would they ever Japa? And would they come back?Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld
WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6
Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk
Presenter: Hannah Gelbart with Makuochi Okafor
Producers: Emily Horler and Alex Rhodes
Editor: Verity Wilde

Jun 17, 2024 • 15min
Could nuclear be the answer to our power problems?
Jordan Dunbar from the BBC podcast The Climate Question discusses the potential of nuclear power as a green energy source, while exploring its benefits and drawbacks. The podcast also touches on the history of nuclear disasters like Chernobyl and the growing interest in nuclear power in African countries like Nigeria and Uganda.

Jun 14, 2024 • 13min
Feel the burn: Why does spicy food hurt so much?
BBC's Health and Science Correspondent James Gallagher explains the burning sensation of spicy food, debunking myths and sharing tips. Stories include workplace drama from hot sauce, intense reactions to spicy food, and Denmark's concern over super spicy noodles.

Jun 13, 2024 • 14min
Have you ever been ghosted like Billie Eilish?
Exploring the origins and prevalence of ghosting in different relationships, including Billie Eilish's experience. Discussion on the mental health impact and coping strategies for being ghosted. Insights from various countries on cultural influences and reasons behind ghosting behavior.

Jun 12, 2024 • 14min
Why is pregnancy so dangerous in Nigeria?
BBC's Africa Health Correspondent, Dorcas Wangira, discusses the challenges of maternal healthcare in Nigeria and Kenya, highlighting the causes of maternal deaths and prevention efforts. The podcast also features Isata Dumbuya, a midwife from Sierra Leone, sharing the success of reducing maternal mortality rates by 60% through improved healthcare initiatives.

8 snips
Jun 11, 2024 • 13min
Why is feminism taboo in South Korea?
Journalists Rachel Lee and Chloe Hadjimatheou discuss the growing anti-feminist sentiment in South Korea, the Burning Sun scandal involving K-pop stars and crimes against women, and the 4B movement on TikTok promoting gender equality. They shed light on the challenges feminists face and the government's response to protect women in Korean society.

Jun 10, 2024 • 12min
Why is ‘All Eyes on Papua’ spreading across social media?
BBC journalist Abraham Utama discusses the 'All Eyes on Papua' campaign in Indonesia, highlighting indigenous rights, environmental impacts, and media restrictions. Indigenous Papuan campaigner Deffe Wabiser shares her reaction to the viral image. The podcast explores the rich biodiversity of Papua, challenges faced by indigenous communities, and the campaign to protect their forests.

Jun 7, 2024 • 16min
How Junior Pope’s death got Nollywood looking at its safety record
In April, a top Nollywood star, Junior Pope, was killed in a boat crash, while being transported from a film set. He starred in more than a hundred Nigerian-produced films and his death has got the people who work in the industry asking questions about its safety record. We speak to Ruth Kadiri, an actor and screenwriter who knew Junior Pope. She tells us about her own experiences with dangerous situations in moviemaking. She also talks about the big changes to Nollywood and how some producers are putting their films straight on YouTube, racking up millions of view in the process. Plus we speak to Chidi Dike, a star who’s only recently burst onto the scene. He shares his advice for other young actors and tells us what it’s like to suddenly find yourself in the limelight. Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld
WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6
Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk
Presenter: Hannah Gelbart with Chimezie UcheAgbo
Producers: Emily Horler and Alex Rhodes
Editor: Simon Peeks

Jun 6, 2024 • 13min
Help! My phone’s been stolen
Phone theft is really common - but what happens to your phone after it’s stolen? Nowadays it’s not just about taking the phone to sell on, or strip for parts. Now thieves will try to scam you afterwards to get your data or bank details. BBC Journalist Zofia Louise’s phone was stolen in London and ended up in Dubai. She talks Hannah through her experience.Nigeria and Brazil also see a lot of phone robberies - BBC journalist Makuochi Okafor tells us what it’s like in Lagos and Jessica Cruz, from the BBC bureau in Sao Paolo, describes how people there try to avoid being a victim of phone theft. Lots of stolen phones seem to turn up in Shenzhen in China. Shawn Yuan from the BBC Global China Unit explains why. And we get tips on how to keep your phone and data safe from British cybersecurity expert Jake Moore.Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld
WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6
Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk
Presenters: Hannah Gelbart and Zofia Louise
Producers: Alex Rhodes and Julia Ross-Roy
Editor: Verity Wilde

Jun 5, 2024 • 15min
Everest: How dangerous is it really?
For many, it’s a dream to fly to Nepal and reach the top of the highest peak in the world. But climbing Mount Everest is considered extremely risky even for experienced climbers and it can be deadly. On top of this, climate change is making the conditions even more dangerous. It’s thought that the bodies of nearly 200 of the 330 climbers who have died on the peak are still there, in hard-to-reach areas. The BBC’s Navin Singh Khadka gives us an overview of the facts about the giant and takes us through some of the problems climbing Mount Everest.We hear from two people who have been to the summit - Prakriti Varshney who climbed it in 2022 and Kami Rita Sherpa, who has summited Everest 30 times. That’s the most summits that anyone has ever done! He has been a guide there for 20 years. His son Lakpa Tenzing Sherpa tells us about the dangers of his dad going up the mountain.Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld
WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6
Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk
Presenter: Hannah Gelbart
Producers: Emily Horler, Alex Rhodes, Benita Barden, Baldeep Chahal and Mimi Swaby
Editor: Verity Wilde


