

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

Oct 13, 2023 • 14min
Will Australia’s referendum give Indigenous people a Voice?
The podcast explores Australia's referendum on creating the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice. It discusses the origins, goals, and opposition to the reform, as well as the misinformation and racism surrounding it. Additionally, it touches on Microsoft's approved deal to buy Activision Blizzard and the impact of Microsoft's Game Pass service in the gaming industry.

Oct 12, 2023 • 13min
Why is it dangerous to be a climate activist in Colombia?
Maria Clara Montoya, a BBC journalist, discusses the dangers faced by climate activists in Colombia, the most biodiverse yet dangerous country for activists. The podcast also explores the ongoing issue of violence against activists and the urgent need for increased protection. Additionally, it covers the Escasu Agreement and NASA's recent discovery on Bennu asteroid.

Oct 11, 2023 • 15min
How a deadly scam is costing lives in India
Discover the shocking instant loan scam in India, Africa, and Latin America that leads to blackmail and suicide. Uncover the investigation into loan app scams and the tragic death of Monika. Explore the inspiring DARS program supporting women's education in Afghanistan despite the ban.

Oct 10, 2023 • 14min
How did 6 million people in China buy homes that don’t exist?
Fan Wang, a BBC reporter in Singapore, discusses societal pressures and challenges young people face to be home owners in China. Chen Yen, a journalist at BBC’s Chinese service in Hong Kong, explains the details of the housing market crisis. The podcast explores the implications of a collapse in China's property market and the risks faced by millions who paid for non-existent homes. It also delves into the growth and transformation of China's real estate industry and the role of China's pre-sell system in the crisis.

Oct 9, 2023 • 12min
Israel-Gaza violence: The conflict explained
Recent violence between Israel and Gaza explained, including rocket launches by Hamas and Israel's airstrikes. The impact of the attack compared to 9-11 and the healthcare crisis in Gaza. Overview of Gaza's complexities, including geography, population, living conditions, and Hamas' control. Challenges of the Gaza hostage crisis discussed.

Oct 6, 2023 • 14min
Why has it taken so long to arrest someone for Tupac’s murder?
Suspect Duane 'Keefe D' Davis has been arrested for Tupac Shakur's murder. The podcast explores his links to Tupac and explains what happened that night. It also discusses the impact of Tupac's legacy in hip-hop and Hollywood, as well as the delay in the arrest and the various rumors and conspiracies surrounding his life and death.

Oct 5, 2023 • 15min
Why are young people calling on Ghanaians to #OccupyJulorbiHouse?
Thousands of people have been out on the streets of Ghana and organising protests online, using #OccupyJulorbiHouse. In 2019 - just four years ago - Ghana had the fastest growing economy in Africa. But now it’s in crisis, with high inflation and huge debts. Daniel Dadzie explains what in the world is going on with protests in Ghana?
And from Jakarta, the BBC’s Astudestra Ajengrastri tells us about her trip to Rempang island, where the Indonesian government is planning a huge development called Eco City. It’ll involve a Chinese glass factory and the eviction of 7,500 residents. How Eco is it? Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk
WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6
Presenter: Hannah Gelbart
Producers: Mora Morrison, Benita Barden and Julia Ross-Roy
Editors: Verity Wilde and Simon Peeks

Oct 4, 2023 • 15min
The dark but luxurious life of El Chapo’s wife
Emma Coronel, wife of Mexican drug lord El Chapo, talks about her involvement in cartel crime, her 'buchona' style, and the impact of drug cartel violence. Delve into the dark side of El Chapo, his prison escapes, and the glamour of drug cartels. Learn about Coronel's influential life as the Bachona Maxima and her emergence as a cartel beauty influencer. Explore her social media presence and the 'buchana look' of a convicted criminal's wife. Discover the dark reality behind Coronel's luxurious lifestyle and the impact of drug cartels on various countries.

Oct 3, 2023 • 16min
Why is there so much instability in the Sahel?
Beverly Ochieng from BBC Monitoring in Nairobi discusses the instability in the Sahel region of Africa and the presence of militant groups. The podcast also highlights the hostility faced by France, the involvement of the Wagner Group from Russia, and the development of a new malaria vaccine.

Oct 2, 2023 • 13min
Why are thousands of people fleeing Nagorno-Karabakh?
A territorial dispute between Armenia and Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh has led to the ethnic Armenian population fleeing. The UN has sent a mission to assess the humanitarian situation. Azerbaijan denies allegations of ethnic cleansing. The podcast explores the history of the region, recent events, and the lack of intervention.


