What in the World

Thousands of people - including politicians, students and journalists - are killed in drug cartel violence in Mexico every year.One of the biggest cartels is Sinaloa. Joaquín "El Chapo” Guzmán led the cartel until he was jailed in 2019. He’s currently serving a life sentence. His wife, Emma Coronel, has been released from a three year jail term after pleading guilty to drug trafficking charges. But how involved was she and how did she reach ‘narco queen’ status?Blaire Toedte, a BBC reporter in Miami, tells us about Emma Coronel’s involvement in cartel crime, her ‘buchona’ style, and the impact drug cartel violence has around the world.Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart and Alex Rhodes Producers: Emily Horler, Benita Barden and Julia Ross-Roy Editors: Verity Wilde and Simon Peeks

Niger and Gabon are the latest countries in Africa's Sahel to experience military coups. But that’s not the only issue that is facing the area. Beverly Ochieng from BBC Monitoring in Nairobi explains why several countries in the region are among the worst on the Global Terrorism Index from the Institute for Economics & Peace. And we look at which militant groups operate in the region, why France has faced hostility and backlash in a number of countries, and how the Wagner Group — a group of soldiers-for-hire from Russia — are exploiting existing tensions to gain a foothold in the region. We also hear more about a new and cheaper malaria vaccine that can be produced on a massive scale. BBC Health & Science correspondent James Gallagher explains why people are hopeful this might save hundreds of thousands of lives.Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: William Lee Adams and Mora Morrison Editors: Verity Wilde and Simon Peeks

A decades-long territorial dispute between Armenia and Azerbaijan, over the Nagorno-Karabakh region has flared up. Now nearly the entire ethnic Armenian population living there has fled. The United Nations has sent its first mission to the territory in about 30 years to assess the humanitarian situation. Azerbaijan has been accused of ethnic cleansing - which it denies.Alex Rhodes, from the What in the World team, takes us through the history of the region and runs through what’s been happening in recent weeks.Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart and Alex Rhodes Producers: Emily Horler and Benita Barden Editors: Verity Wilde and Simon Peeks

A truckload of rubbish enters the ocean every minute. Boyan Slat is on a mission to remove it. He’s the founder of The Ocean Cleanup, one of the organisations ridding the oceans of plastic. But how does so much rubbish end up in the ocean to begin with? Boyan explains. One solution is to stop the flow from polluted rivers. You may have spotted clean-up videos on TikTok, especially in Bali. We speak to local Giri Winckler who is picking up plastic piece by piece. Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Presenters: Alex Rhodes with Mora Morrison Producer: William Lee Adams Editors: Verity Wilde and Simon Peeks

Our phones are powered by teeny tiny semi conductors. Taiwan produces over 60% of them. Huawei recently unveiled a phone with a chip made in mainland China. Chris Miller is an expert on this subject. He tells us why the United States is wary of this move.We know our phones have a chip in them, but what’s it made of? And what else is in our phones? They’re built with metals and materials from some of the poorest countries in the world. They’re also designed to be difficult to recycle, leading to lots of technology waste. The BBC’s Science Correspondent, Victoria Gill, explains why our phones are made this way and what their life cycle is.Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Alex Rhodes Producers: Emily Horler, Benita Barden and Julia Ross-Roy Editors: Verity Wilde and Simon Peeks

After nearly five months, Hollywood writers have ended their strike, which brought the American film and TV industry to a halt. The Writers Guild of America said in a statement that union leaders ‘voted unanimously’ in favour of a deal - which some writers have called ‘exceptional’. It’ll now be voted on by union members.Some of the main sticking points included payments for reruns (known as residuals), and AI. The BBC’s Vivienne Nunis talks us through the detail. But the actors’ strike continues. The BBC’s Regan Morris is at the picket line in Los Angeles where she’s been speaking to actors, including stunt performer Max Calder and Frances Fisher from the film Titanic. Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Alex Rhodes Producers: William Lee Adams and Mora Morrison Editors: Verity Wilde and Simon Peeks

There are loads of videos on TikTok of people calling their 20s the loneliest decade. But are they?We speak to Foyin Ogunrombi (@FoyinOG), a content creator from South Africa, who’s been discussing this topic on her podcast. Dr Meg Jay, a clinical psychologist and author of ‘The Defining Decade’, explains what’s happens in our brains, and why we may feel a little haywire.Plus, Dr Laurie Santos from Yale University, and The Happiness Lab Podcast, gives us tips on how to feel more socially connected.Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Alex Rhodes Producers: Mora Morrison and Emily Horler Editors: Simon Peeks

Talks about net zero have been getting heated in the UK. It’s after the Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said he was still confident the country would hit net zero by 2050 — despite announcing changes to scale back some of the government’s key green policies. If you're confused about net zero and how to get on track to meet targets, Alex and Jordan Dunbar can help. Jordan is a presenter on The Climate Question podcast. He spells out the basics and helps assess the progress of the world’s biggest polluters — China, the United States and India. Also, NASA scientist Dr Jason Dworkin talks about the Bennu asteroid. The Osiris-Rex space mission left Earth in 2016; it scraped dust and rock from the asteroid three years ago and yesterday the sample landed in a Utah desert. He explains how it might answer some of the questions about life on this planet. .Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Alex Rhodes with Jordan Dunbar Producers: William Lee Adams and Benita Barden Editors: Simon Peeks

What do Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, BTS and Olivia Rodrigo’s “world tours“ have in common?…None of them are going to Africa. And only two of them are going to Asia.Many international stars seem to skip huge parts of the world even though fans are desperate for them to come and perform. Why is this?Four BBC reporters join us to paint a picture of pop concerts around the world: Faith Oshoko from Nigeria, Hyunjung Kim from South Korea, Trisha Husada from Indonesia and Giulia Granchi from Brazil.Also, Osikhena Dirisu from The Beat 99.9 FM in Lagos gives us his take on why more artists aren’t performing across Africa.Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: William Lee Adams Producers: Emily Horler and Alex Rhodes Editors: Julia Ross-Roy and Simon Peeks

Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has said his government is investigating "credible" claims that Indian government agents may have been involved in the murder of Canadian citizen Hardeep Singh Nijjar.It’s soured the relationship between the two countries. But how much do we really know about the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) - India’s version of the CIA? Rupsha Mukherjee, a senior reporter in Delhi, gives us some answers.(07:40) #JusticeforMohBad has been a top trend following the death of the Afrobeats musician. There have been protests and lots of speculation about the circumstances of his death. It follows a public spat with his record label. Yūsuf Akínpẹ̀lú, a reporter in Lagos, brings us five things you need to know about the story.Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Presenters: Hannah Gelbart with Rupsha Mukherjee Producers: William Lee Adams and Benita Barden Editors: Julia Ross-Roy and Simon Peeks

People seem to be turning to social media influencers for advice on what birth control method to use. Some influencers are suggesting that their followers stop taking hormonal contraception due to rumoured side effects.In Scotland, experts are worried that misinformation online may be contributing to record high abortion rates.Two BBC reporters talk us through attitudes towards hormonal contraception in the areas they report on - Katie McEvinney in Scotland and Dorcas Wangira, our Africa Health Correspondent, in Kenya.Laura Foster from our health team gives us some facts on birth control effectiveness, safety and explains where you can go for advice.Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Emily Horler and Alex Rhodes Editors: Julia Ross-Roy and Simon Peeks

Palm oil is found in everything from chocolate to shampoo, pizza, toothpaste and deodorant. It’s hugely popular with food and cosmetics companies because it’s odourless, tasteless and colourless, and does not alter the smell, taste or look of products. But palm oil — 85% of which is produced in Indonesia and Malaysia — is also a major driver of deforestation, which threatens the habitat of endangered species like the orangutan. That’s part of the reason scientists around the world have been trying to develop alternatives to palm oil. Esme Stallard, a BBC Climate and Science journalist, explains how some companies are trying to move away from palm oil and how it can be cultivated in a more sustainable way. Astudestra Ajengrastri, a BBC reporter in Jakarta, tells us what steps the Indonesian government has done to regulate the palm oil industry there. And conservation scientist Melvin Gumal, who has worked to protect orangutans since the 1980s, discusses how policies in the Malaysian state of Sarawak have helped protect orangutan habitats. (09:19) Also: Why has Canada warned its LGBTQ citizens about visiting the United States and how does that relate to bans on drag queen events? William from the What in the World team explains. We also hear from Dan Clay, who performs in drag as Carrie Dragshaw. He describes what it was like to lead a Drag Story Hour in Princeton, New Jersey — despite receiving a bomb threat just hours before. Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Presenters: Hannah Gelbart Producers: William Lee Adams and Benita Barden Editors: Simon Peeks

A few days ago police in the United Arab Emirates intercepted a huge haul of illegal Captagon pills worth one billion dollars. It’s an addictive party drug that’s sweeping across the Middle East. A BBC investigation has found that most of the world’s supply of the drug is coming from Syria - and the trade has links to the highest levels of the Syrian government, something the Assad regime denies. We speak to Emir Nadir, a BBC journalist, who helped expose the scandal around what’s sometimes called “the poor man’s cocaine”. Plus, the Women’s Tennis Association returns to hosting tournaments in China. Has anything changed since it boycotted the country four years ago following the treatment of top player, Peng Shuai? Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Alex Rhodes, Julia Ross-Roy and Maria Clara Montoya Editors: Emily Horler and Simon Peeks

One year ago Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old woman from Iran, died in police custody. The country’s “morality police” had detained her for wearing her hijab too loosely. It sparked defiant protests across the country and calls for greater respect for women.Two Iranian reporters — Baran Abbasi from BBC Persian and Kian Sharifi from BBC Monitoring — explain what life is like for young women in Iran a year on and assess whether the protests made a difference.Also: Mimi Swaby, a BBC reporter who has been in Morocco covering last week’s deadly earthquake, tells us three things that have brought her hope from the relief efforts. Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart with Baran Abbasi and Kian Sharifi Producers: William Lee Adams and Benita Barden Editors: Julia Ross-Roy and Simon Peeks

Devastating flooding has washed away entire neighbourhoods, killing tens of thousands of people in Libya. In this episode, BBC Monitoring’s Amira Fathalla explains how the country’s history and unique political situation has made everything far more complicated. And Esme Stallard, a BBC climate reporter, examines the role climate change could have played in the storm’s severity. Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Presenters: Hannah Gelbart with Amira Fathalla Producers: Emily Horler, Alex Rhodes and Maria Clara Montoya Editors: Julia Ross-Roy and Simon Peeks

The professional wrestling company WWE and the Mixed Martial Arts company UFC have merged in a giant deal that has created a new organisation called TKO Holdings. The WWE and UFC are quite different and fans of the brands aren’t sure what this deal will mean for them or the future of the sports.Alex from the What in the World team explains the differences between the UFC, which is a real combat sport, and the WWE, which is a scripted form of entertainment. BBC business journalist Tom Gerken explains the incentives behind the merger, and BBC Sport reporter Paul Battison assesses whether the scripted and non-scripted formats will appeal to existing fans.We also hear from Nicole Vaziri, the daughter of WWE wrestler The Iron Sheik. She tells us what it was like growing up with the former heavyweight world champion and explains how different he was from the villainous character he portrayed in the ring.Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Presenters: Hannah Gelbart with Alex Rhodes Producers: Benita Barden and William Lee Adams Editors: Julia Ross-Roy and Simon Peeks

The new ruling legalises abortion across all 32 states. Mexico's Supreme Court said the denial of the possibility of a termination violated the human rights of women.BBC Mundo's Beatriz de la Pava talks us through what abortion laws are like across Latin America and explains how this rule-change might need a cultural shift for it to have significant impact.Also, the BBC's Mimi Swaby is with aid crews in the Moroccan Atlas Mountains - the area most affected by Friday's earthquake. She explains why the government hasn't accepted aid from all countries that have offered it.Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Presenters: William Lee Adams with Beatriz de la Pava Producers: Alex Rhodes and Emily Horler Editor: Simon Peeks

Rescue efforts are continuing in Morocco following a deadly earthquake. The worst affected areas are remote villages in the Atlas Mountains. Aid workers are struggling to reach survivors due to its poor infrastructure, rubble and boulders. Mimi Swaby, a BBC reporter, tells us about the ongoing rescue and relief efforts. Also on the pod - is 2023 India’s year of wins? They’ve just hosted the G20 summit and had a successful moon landing in August. BBC India correspondent Zubair Ahmed explains how the country prepared to host some of the world’s most powerful leaders. Finally, Maria Clara Montoya tells us how Spain is reacting to the resignation of Luis Rubiales as president of the Spanish football federation in the wake of the Se Acabo movement.Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Presenters: Hannah Gelbart with Benita Barden Producers: William Lee Adams Editors: Emily Horler and Simon Peeks

The number of climate cases being brought to court has doubled over the last five years (Source: UNEP). There are now over 2,000 cases being brought against states, governments and companies. Over 30 of these have been brought by and on behalf of people under 25. Are these an effective way to force governments and companies to reduce their emissions? BBC climate reporter Georgina Rannard joins Hannah to answer our questions. Six young people from Portugal are bringing 32 countries to trial at a hearing before the European Court of Human Rights. One of them, Andre, 15, tells us why. And what’s it like to win? We hear from one of the people at the centre of the Montana case in the US, Rikki Held, which made headlines in August. Plus - the BBC’s Waihiga Mwaura in Nairobi gives us an update from the first Africa Climate Summit. Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart with Georgina Rannard Producers: Mora Morrison and Julia Ross-Roy Editors: Verity Wilde and Simon Peeks

The German politician Hubert Aiwanger has admitted to carrying an anti-Jewish pamphlet that mocked the Holocaust when he was a schoolboy. But despite Germany’s tough laws against antisemitism and glorifying Nazism, he’s been allowed to keep his job as deputy premier of Bavaria, the biggest state in the country. Now some worry Germany’s stance against antisemitism is weakening.BBC reporter Kristina Volk, who grew up in Bavaria, explains the scandal, how hate speech laws apply online, and how the Holocaust is taught in schools. Also: Surbhi Kaul, a journalist in the BBC Delhi bureau, talks to Alex about why people are discussing whether India could be renamed Bharat. Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: William Lee Adams with Kristina Volk Producers: Alex Rhodes and Julia Ross-Roy Editors: Verity Wilde and Simon Peeks

Tens of thousands of teachers in South Korea have been striking to demand better protection. They say they are so scared of being called child abusers at work, they feel they can't discipline their students. The protests happened after the suicide of a young teacher. It later came out she had been dealing with severe complaints from parents. The BBC's Yuna Ku explains what it's like to be a teacher in a high-pressure society, like South Korea.Also, the Burning Man festival in the US has been struggling with mud and also swirling fake rumours. We debunk the claims.If you have been affected by the issues raised in this episode, help and support can be found at this https://www.bbc.co.uk/actionline/ If you live in South Korea, you can visit https://www.129.go.kr/1393/ for help, or call LifeLine on 1588-9191 or the Suicide Prevention Hotline on 1577-0199.Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Emily Horler, Mora Morrison, and Benita Barden Editors: Verity Wilde and Simon Peeks

Spain’s victory in the Women’s World Cup was overshadowed by Luis Rubiales, the head of the Spanish national football federation, kissing player Jenni Hermoso on the lips without her consent. But now the uproar has gone beyond football. Women across the country are sharing experiences of harassment in their workplace and other spaces under one hashtag: #SeAcabo, which means “it’s over”. In this episode we hear from some of those women. The BBC’s Maria Clara Montoya helps us understand why so many have had enough and discusses whether this could prompt a change in Spanish society. This episode contains discussion about sexual assault and harassment. Details of organisations offering information and support with these issues are available at bbc.co.uk/actionline.Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart with Maria Clara Montoya Producers: Emily Horler and Alex Rhodes Editors: Verity Wilde and Simon Peeks

Bali has a problem with badly behaved tourists. Influencers have been caught posing naked on top of sacred mountains, driving recklessly and interrupting religious ceremonies. More than 200 tourists have been kicked out of the Indonesian island this year alone. But local officials are hitting back. They’ve started a hotline for people to tell on misbehaving tourists and, when things get bad, are even deporting them. Niluh Djelantik was born and raised in Bali and has been helping snitch on those who break the rules. She tells us about her social media campaigns, and her hopes for the future. Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart with William Lee Adams Producers: Emily Horler, Mora Morrison and Alex Rhodes Editors: Verity Wilde and Simon Peeks

For some countries in Africa ruling is very much a family business. Ali Bongo was president of Gabon for 14 years. But that’s nothing compared to his father, who ruled for 41 years. And Mr Bongo will not go on to beat his dad’s record. He’s the latest African leader to be deposed in a coup. There have now been eight in Central and West African states in the last three years. With growing discontent for the traditional, elite families that have dominated many countries for decades we’re asking if Africa’s “nepo baby” leaders are getting nervous. Plus how do these coups happen and how do people pull them off? We speak to Professor Rory Cormac from the University of Nottingham about the plotters who risk it all for power. Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart with Beverly Ochieng Producers: Alex Rhodes and William Lee Adams Editors: Verity Wilde and Simon Peeks

North Korea has carried out a record number of weapons tests this year. At the end of August it said it fired two short-range tactical ballistic missiles to simulate what a nuclear attack on South Korea would be like. We hear about missile tests from there regularly but what do we actually know about the country itself?It’s super secretive and it’s really difficult to actually know what’s going on. Hyunjung Kim from BBC Korean and our Seoul Correspondent Jean Mackenzie help us get to grips with what’s going on inside North Korea. We’ll also debunk some common myths.Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Emily Horler, Benita Barden, and Filiz Gurer Editors: Verity Wilde and Simon Peeks

Poor air quality is now one of the greatest threats to human health. That’s according to a study from the University of Chicago’s Energy Policy Institute. Researchers say air pollution cuts life expectancy by five years in South Asia, the worst affected region.Two BBC reporters — Jaidaa Taha in Cairo and Trisha Husada in Jakarta — tell us what it’s like living in cities coping with high levels of pollution. And from Delhi our South Asia correspondent, Samira Hussain, discusses the startling impact pollution can have on health outcomes. We also hear from Glory Dolphin Hammes — the CEO of IQAir, a tech company that monitors air quality in real time around the world. Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: William Lee Adams, Mora Morrison, Alex Rhodes and Julia Ross-Roy Editors: Verity Wilde and Rachael Akidi Okwir

Ecuador used to have one of the lowest annual murder rates in Latin America. But this year there’s been 3500 murders so far and in the midst presidential elections one of the candidates - Fernando Villavicencio - was shot and killed after a campaign event.Hannah is joined by Ana Maria Roura, a BBC Mundo reporter who was born in Ecuador, to get an explanation on what led to the country’s increasing violence. And what’s being done to stop it?Also, the BBC’s Ece Goksedef tells us about the French government’s decision to ban the abaya in state schools, and explains how it links to the country’s history of secularism. Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Emily Horler, Benita Barden, Alex Rhodes and Julia Ross-Roy Researcher: Dan Eboka Editors: Verity Wilde and Rachael Akidi Okwir

From the U.S. to Australia, reality TV show contestants have been discussing their mental health. The same is true for Big Brother Naija, which is currently airing its eighth season – a special All-Stars edition. The Nigerian programme -- one of the biggest reality shows in Africa – often reflects public debates around important issues like women’s rights and mental health. BBC Pidgin journalist and self-described “BB Naija stan” Faith Oshoko joins us from Lagos to explain why the show is so popular across the continent. We also hear from Season 6 contestant Ololade Gbolahan — better known as Mr. KayVee — who walked out of the show after experiencing what he describes as a “mental breakdown.”Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Presenters: William Lee Adams with Faith Oshoko Producers: Mora Morrison and Emily Horler Editors: Verity Wilde and Rachael Akidi Okwir

Japan has started to release more than a million tonnes of treated waste water from the Fukushima nuclear power plant into the Pacific Ocean. The United Nations nuclear watchdog says it’s safe - but what actually is in the water? And why has there been so much criticism?Hannah is joined by Navin Singh Khadka, a BBC World Service environment correspondent and Tessa Wong, a BBC reporter in Singapore to get the answers.Our health correspondent James Gallagher also explains what exposure to radiation does to our bodies and health - and assesses how dangerous this waste water is.Also in the episode - Coldplay, Beyoncé and Taylor Swift are famous for their huge international tours, but what environmental impact do concerts and festivals have? Jordan Dunbar tells us a bit about what he found out in his episode of The Climate Question podcast. Spoiler alert - it’s the fans, not the private jets. Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Benita Barden, Alex Rhodes and Julia Ross-Roy Researcher: Dan Eboka Editors: Verity Wilde and Rachael Akidi Okwir

A plane has crashed in Russia - and everyone on it is said to have died. The Russian authorities say Yevgeny Prigozhin was amongst them. Lots of people are asking; Was the plane crash an accident? How come it was all caught on camera? And is Mr Prigozhin really dead? In this episode Hannah is joined by Beverly Ochieng and Howard Gethin, both from BBC Monitoring, to explain who Prigozhin is, what the Wagner group does and what we know about the crash. We answer your questions - including one from the BBC’s Ashley Lime in Nairobi - on what will happen to Wagner forces in Africa? Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Julia Ross-Roy and Filiz Gurer Editors: Verity Wilde and Rachael Akidi OkwirAudio for this episode was update on 24 August 2023

India's Chandrayaan-3 is the first mission to land near the south pole. One of its main goals is to hunt for water ice. Scientists believe the deep craters on the dark side of the moon may hold frozen water as they’re permanently in shadow.India's success comes just after Russia's Luna-25 spacecraft spun out of control and crashed trying the same thing.Ashley Christine explains maths, science and philosophy on TikTok - she talks us through what we know about water on the moon. Our reporter in Delhi, Geeta Pandey, has been following the mission from India. And Harriet Bradshaw, our science reporter, ponders what life might be like if we lived on the moon.Also, Indian chess fans tell us how excited they are about the World Cup final, where Pragg is going head-to-head with Magnus Carlsen.Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Emily Horler, Benita Barden and Alex Rhodes Researcher: Dan Eboka Editors: Verity Wilde and Rachael Akidi Okwir

Somalia’s government has banned TikTok, Telegram, and online betting website 1XBet.It says it’s to ‘limit terrorists and immoral groups spreading constant horrific images and misinformation to the public’. Lots of users rely on TikTok for income, entertainment, and to stay informed. Many have been posting their shock online using the hashtag #tiktokban. So, in this episode we’re asking: Why is Somalia banning these apps? And why are some TikTokers threatening to take to the streets?BBC Somali’s Fardowsa Hanshi has spoken to the country’s communications minister and prominent TikTokers in Somalia - including Abdisalam Abukar who has 1.5 million followers. Fardowsa joins us from Nairobi to explain.Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Mora Morrison and William Lee Adams Editors: Verity Wilde and Simon Peeks

Two reporters help us to reflect on the legacy of this women’s football World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. Sergi Forcada Freixas watched the game in Madrid in a fan zone and Katie Falkingham watched it in Manchester. She also breaks down some of the key facts of the history of women’s football and who she thinks are the biggest legends of all time.And the BBC’s Nadine Yousif takes us through the impact of Meta’s news ban on people trying to evacuate the Canadian wildfires.Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Emily Horler and Benita Barden Editors: Verity Wilde and Rachael Akidi Okwir

Skinny shaming can be just as harmful as fat shaming.We recently covered fat shaming on this podcast following allegations against Lizzo. Body image is a hot topic on social media and some celebs, like Ariane Grande, have been hitting back when people comment on their bodies. BBC reporter Ashley Lime wanted to look into skinny shaming in Kenya. Ashley talks about her experience of people commenting on her size. We also hear how skinny shaming impacts men, like 27-year-old Solomon Buchi from Nigeria. And we learn about the mental health effects of skinny shaming from Ugandan psychologist Leona Buhenzire. Plus, why has news disappeared from Instagram in Canada? The BBC’s Nadine Yousif explains. Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6Presenter: Hannah Gelbart with Ashley Lime Producers: Mora Morrison, Adam Chowdhury and Julia Ross-Roy Researcher: Dan Eboka Editors: Verity Wilde and Simon Peeks

Parts of Hawaii have been devastated and Canada is having its worst wildfire season on record. Are wildfires getting worse? Are they happening more frequently? BBC climate reporter Georgina Rannard explains. Thomas Grübler, founder of Orora Tech, explains how they use AI to detect wildfires more quickly, to prevent them spreading. With speculation on Tiktok that lasers started the wildfires in Hawaii, BBC climate disinformation reporter Merlyn Thomas does some fact-checking. Plus, Jacqui Wakefield looks into a curious story about blond twitter bots fan-girling the United Arab Emirates. Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Alex Rhodes and Julia Ross-Roy Researcher: Dan Eboka Editors: Verity Wilde and Simon Peeks

South African runner Caster Semenya won’t be at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary. It’s because she has differences of sexual development - or DSD - and isn’t allowed to compete in any track events without taking testosterone-reducing drugs.But what is DSD? And why is it stopping Caster from competing? Celestine Karoney from BBC Sport Africa explains.Plus, we’re joined by Frances Mao who talks us through recent 'Mudjima' knife crimes in South Korea. Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Emily Horler, Mora Morrison and Julia Ross-Roy Editors: Verity Wilde and Simon Peeks

Rigid dress codes, education bans and job restrictions. Things have changed a lot for women in Afghanistan since the Taliban regained power two years ago. In this episode we explain who the Taliban are, what they want and if their government kept its promise to uphold women's rights. Alex Rhodes speaks to Sana Safi from the BBC's Afghan service to understand what life is like there now.Plus we hear from two women footballers who had to flee the country.Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6Presenter: Alex Rhodes Producers: Emily Horler and Benita Barden Editors: Verity Wilde and Simon Peeks

Over three billion people around the world play video games and the industry is worth roughly $350 billion dollars. However, do we understand the relationship between the games we play and our mental health?Alex Rhodes is joined by the BBC’s Laura Cress to find out. They chat with psychologist and game designer Doctor Kelli Dunlap to understand whether violent video games actually lead to violence in real life, and she gives us her three tips on how to manage our mental health when it comes to gaming.Sky Tunley-Stainton from gaming charity Safe in our World explains what they are doing to help the mental health of gamers and people working in the gaming industry. Plus, BBC Culture reporter Annabel Rackham gives us an update on the writers’ and actors’ strikes that have bought Hollywood to a halt.Details of organisations offering information and support with mental health are available at bbc.co.uk/actionlineEmail: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6Presenter: Alex Rhodes with Laura Cress Producers: Adam Chowdhury, Emily Horler, Mora Morrison, Benita Barden and Dan Eboka Editors: Verity Wilde and Rachael Akidi Okwir

Hip-hop is celebrating its unofficial 50th birthday. The genre has had a massive influence on everything from fashion to politics to culture. It’s a global phenomenon which continues to evolve - with artists like Nicki Minaj and Jay-Z driving it forward. So, what is hip-hop’s legacy at 50?To help explain its origins and relevance today we’re joined in the studio by Nicholas-Tyrell Scott, a London-based music journalist. We also hear from South African kwaito star Moonchild Sanelly, and from fans in Ghana, the U.S. and Germany about why they love hip-hop.Switching gears, we learn more about the “body check” controversy at the recent Miss Universe Indonesia pageant. Pijar Anugrah, a BBC journalist in Jakarta, explains how police are investigating the allegations of sexual harassment and how pageant officials have responded.Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart with William Lee Adams Producers: Mora Morrison and Dan Eboka Editors: Verity Wilde and Rachael Akidi Okwir

Hannah is joined by BBC reporter Favour Nunoo in Accra, Ghana to present this episode. Some of the biggest names in football, like Sadio Mane, Rúben Neves and Karim Benzema have been bought by Saudi clubs this summer, to play in a league that is ranked 68th in the world in terms of quality. BBC Sport reporter Sam Harris tells us why. Is this just another example of ‘sportswashing’? Abdirahim Saeed from BBC Monitoring explains what that means. We’ve been hearing a lot about inflation - and now deflation in China - but what is it? BBC Asia Business Correspondent Nick Marsh joins the conversation - and Favour tells us what it’s like for people in Ghana.Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart with Favour Nunoo Producers: Julia Ross-Roy, Adam Chowdhury and Benita Barden Editors: Verity Wilde and Rachael Akidi Okwir

Around 60 million adults around the world vape but governments are trying to crack down by putting bans in place. New Zealand and Australia are two of the latest countries to introduce restrictions.What are the health risks to vaping and how does it compare to smoking cigarettes? Why are so many countries looking to restrict vaping and is there evidence to show that bans work?The BBC’s Laura Foster, Dr Stewart Beggs, Freddie Dawson from ECigIntelligence, and Priyansha Gupta, a law student from Rajasthan, all help us to try and answer those questions.And we have a quick update on that meeting discussing deforestation in the Amazon.Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6Presenter: Hannah Gelbart with Emily Horler Producers: Alex Rhodes, Julia Ross-Roy and Benita Barden Editors: Verity Wilde and Rachael Akidi Okwir

Deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon fell by 66% in July 2023 compared to a year earlier. The news comes as leaders from eight South American countries are gathering in Belem to discuss how to protect the rainforest. The BBC’s South America Correspondent Katy Watson is in Brazil and tells us what she’s been hearing. We also look at Lyme disease following Bella Hadid’s recent Instagram post that details her struggles with the disease. Our Health and Science Correspondent James Gallagher explains the cause and symptoms. And our friends at BBC Reel speak to Iranian-American novelist Porochista Khakpour, whose memoir “Sick” describes the difficulties and expense of living with the condition. Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Benita Barden, Adam Chowdhury, William Lee Adams Editors: Verity Wilde and Rachael Akidi Okwir

Manipur, a state in north-eastern India, has been struggling with violence over the past few months. Clashes between two communities have killed more than 150 people.One graphic video has gone viral. The BBC’s Divya Arya went to Manipur and the street where it was filmed.Also, Hannah speaks to two of the people behind Disney’s first animation series made by studios across Africa. And the Barbie movie has passed a billion dollars at the box office.Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Emily Horler and Alex Rhodes Editors: Verity Wilde and Rachael Akidi Okwir

Blackpink’s Jisoo has announced she’s in a relationship - the 28-year-old K-pop star and actor Ahn Bo-hyun, 35, are "getting to know each other with good feelings", according to Korean media reports. The BBC’s Fan Wang explains why K-pop stars are usually so secretive about their private lives. Costs of petrol are rising in Nigeria because the President has said he’ll cut fuel subsidies - so Hannah tries a thought experiment with our special “Presidential Simulator 2K23” and the BBC’s business reporter in Nigeria, Nkechi Ogbonna - what would you do if you were in charge of a country? And Nomia Iqbal, BBC North America Correspondent brings you up to date on all things Trump. Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Julia Ross Roy, Alex Rhodes, Mora Morrison Editors: Verity Wilde and Simon Peeks

The way we buy clothes has massively changed over the past decade - it’s now cheaper and quicker to buy fashionable clothes with the growth of ‘fast fashion’.So what is it? And is there more to it than making a quick purchase and staying on trend? Hannah Gelbart is joined by Sophie Eastaugh, who’s covered the topic for the BBC's Climate Question.Favour Nunoo, a BBC Reporter in Ghana, gives us a glimpse into what happens to some of the clothes that get thrown away, and how they end up at Kantamanto market, in Accra.Fair fashion campaigner and influencer Venetia La Manna gives her view on how shoppers should change their habits.Plus BBC Monitoring’s Samuel Murunga explains what’s behind the TikTok ban in Senegal.Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Julia Ross Roy, Benita Barden & Emily Horler Editors: Verity Wilde and Simon Peeks

The government in South Korea hopes money will persuade young recluses out of their homes. Hannah Gelbart talks to BBC reporter Hyunjung Kim in Seoul.Also in this episode Lizzo is being sued by three of her former dancers over claims including sexual harassment and fat shaming. The ‘About Damn Time’ singer is known for celebrating her body and self-love, so this has come as a surprise to many. This got us thinking about body shaming around the world. We hear from fat activist James O’Hagan in Ireland, and Esther Ogola in Kenya. At the time of recording Lizzo hadn’t responded to the BBC’s request for comment. Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Mora Morrison and William Lee Adams Editors: Verity Wilde and Simon PeeksUpdate 3 August: Since the recording Lizzo has responded to allegations describing them as "false" and "outrageous".

With the Women’s World Cup taking place in Australia and New Zealand, athletes around the world are tracking their menstrual cycles to adapt their training plans and improve their performance based on their hormonal fluctuations.In this episode, we’re demystifying periods and looking at how the conversation around them is changing. Hannah Gelbart is joined by Hannah Wilkinson, who plays for the New Zealand national football team and Dr Georgie Bruinvels.Plus, BBC reporters Kerry Allen and Sarah Keith-Lucas explain what’s happening with typhoons in China.Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6Presenter: Hannah Gelbart with William Lee Adams Producers: Emily Horler, Benita Barden and Mora Morrison Editors: Verity Wilde and Simon Peeks

Temperatures above 50 degrees Celsius have been recorded in China and the US and the UN chief says the era of global warming has ended and “the era of global boiling has arrived”.When it’s extremely hot, there are more hospital admissions and more deaths. But one thing that isn’t talked about as much is how the heat affects your mental health. So, in this episode we’re asking: What in the World happens to your mental health in extreme heat? Hannah Gelbart is joined by BBC reporters Kelly Ng and Sofia Bettiza, and also Dr Dominic Canova from New York City. Plus, the BBC’s Mimi Fawaz explains how Moroccan defender Nouhaila Benzina has made history by becoming the first football player to wear a hijab at a World Cup. Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6Presenter: Hannah Gelbart with William Lee Adams Producers: Mora Morrison and Adam Chowdhury Editors: Verity Wilde and Simon Peeks

We’re here to help you work out What in the World is going on. Monday to Friday, join Hannah and the team around the world as they make sense of the issues that matter to you. Starting 31 July.