A daily news podcast from the BBC World Service that helps you make sense of what's happening in your world. It covers big stories, small stories, and everything in between, aiming to help listeners understand more and feel better. New episodes are released Monday to Friday.
Episodes
Sex, lies and (alleged) Chinese spies: the Nvidia CEO’s affair
The Venn diagram of technology, geopolitics and national security = the Nvidia scandal. Something we didn’t have on our bingo cards for 2026: The boss of the AI firm Nvidia is being investigated by his own company after being caught having an affair with a woman alleged to be a Chinese spy. Jensen Huang’s admitted the affair with Alice Huang (no relation) and China’s denied that she’s a spy. Jense
Ash Dykes on his Congo Basin mission
Ash Dykes has five Guinness World Records. He’s trekked through some of the world’s toughest environments. And he just can’t stop. The extreme adventurer has recently completed a 700km (434 mile) journey through the Congo Basin in central Africa by inflatable kayak. It was the first of six expeditions he’s doing back-to-back. The journey was documented ‘live’ on his socials. So how do you prepare
Should film-makers be using AI?
Have you ever watched a film, and wondered: has this been made with AI? From AI animals to face swapping, it’s getting harder to tell. When Director Danny Boyle’s upcoming movie Ink premiered at film festivals this autumn, many viewers noticed the tell-tale signs of AI. But the director said that he made sure no actors lost out on work and that AI-generated animals could be an ethical solution to
The downfall of Russell Brand
Russell Brand started off as a comedian and presenter in the UK, known for his back-brushed hair and self-proclaimed sex addiction. After fame in the US and a short marriage to Katy Perry, he’s now a big religious influencer.He’s also now been found guilty of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault in a big trial in London. He was found not guilty on three other counts. We will find o
Is ‘ferritin face’ a real thing?
You might’ve seen lots of chat online about ‘ferritin face’ alongside zoomed in before and after pics of people’s faces. Some claim that changes in their appearance, like pale skin and hair loss, are down to having low ferritin levels. But what even is ferritin? It’s the protein responsible for storing iron in the body. Iron is important for creating red blood cells, which carry oxygen around the
Midterm elections: How the Democrats beat President Trump’s Republicans
Democrats in the US have won control of Congress in the midterm elections. They’ve done better than even the polls suggested - winning seats held by Republicans for decades. But what does that actually mean? BBC reporter and What in the World’s resident American, William Lee Adams, breaks down what the elections were for, what voters were most concerned about, what it means for President Trump a
The ghost jobs haunting your job hunt
While job hunting have you ever spotted a job ad that never seems to go away? When you apply you don’t get a reply, let alone a rejection. You may have spotted a ghost! Or a ghost job.In fact, it’s happening so much ‘ghost jobs’ was on the shortlist for Collins dictionary word of the year (mogging won in the end).According to a study across the US, UK and Germany up to 22% of jobs posted online la
Why is the new Call of Duty game getting backlash?
Modern Warfare 4 - the latest Call of Duty game - was already deemed controversial before its release. The main storyline depicts a fictional conflict in the Korean Peninsula, with North Korea invading the South. That’s upset many Koreans: More than one million people died in the real Korean War, and technically North Korea and South Korea remain at war because a peace deal was never signed. Loyal
Hyrox could become an Olympic sport
When you think of Hyrox, you might remember those viral pictures of an athlete pushing through the race even though diarrhoea was running down her legs.Her name is Joanna Wietrzyk - and in an exclusive interview with the BBC, she’s described the fallout after she won the competition. She and Hyrox have previously apologised. She’s spoken to the BBC now about the online hate she got after the race
Would you use an 'Etsy witch'?
Need good weather for your birthday? Want a date to go well? Maybe you’ve got exams coming up or want a promotion at work and need some good vibes. An 'Etsy witch' might be able to help… There are loads of online witches on platforms, like eBay and Etsy, offering spells to help us with everything from love to money. But do they actually work? And why has witchcraft become so popular online? Morgan
Why Kylian Mbappe has been cancelled in China
Kylian Mbappé - the French football superstar sometimes nicknamed a ‘Dictator’ online - has found himself at the centre of a scandal in China this week, after mentioning one of the memes made about him. It shows his face on the body of Mao Zedong, the former Chinese leader, and on a French talk show, when Mbappé describes it, he refers to Mao as a dictator.The backlash against Mbappé has been huge
What Bukangi the shark in South Korea tells us about climate change
For weeks, the city of Busan in South Korea has been playing host to an unexpected visitor. A Dusky shark nicknamed Bukangi. She swam into a canal in the city and simply won’t leave, despite efforts from experts to try to coax her back to the to the open sea. Those attempts to move her have been live-streamed and Bukangi has become something of a celeb in Busan. There’s merchandise of her, posters
How student protesters won against Serbia's Vučić
Snap elections in Serbia have resulted in the toppling of the long-term leader, Aleksandar Vučić, as protest movement ‘The Student List’ won a decisive victory over the weekend.
Over the last two years, students have protested against the government after a concrete roof collapsed outside of a train station and 16 people were killed. Lots of people saw the disaster as a result of corruption and
Five ways El Niño is affecting weather around the world
El Niño has been strengthening for several months now and is already having a significant impact on global weather patterns.Countries including Indonesia, India and the United States have been experiencing droughts, floods and heatwaves in line with projections about how extreme weather events will be supercharged by the phenomenon.The World Meteorological Agency says the record-breaking El Niño w
Hangxiety: Why some people experience anxiety after drinking alcohol
After drinking alcohol, some people don’t just have a headache - they feel guilt, dread, low mood and a deep sense of embarrassment. It’s known as ‘hang-xiety’ or hangover anxiety, and science backs up that it’s a real phenomenon. Alcohol affects all systems in the body, including the brain. so it can cause psychological symptoms.Millie Gooch, author of Hangxiety and speaker breaks down how the ne
How have the protests in France changed?
Protests are still ongoing across France, but now it’s no longer just about schools. People of all ages are protesting over a high cost of living. But there was violence and riots over the weekend, with thousands of arrests.Dramatic pictures of wreckage, fires and police clampdowns have spread online and have had a huge response internationally. But what exactly is happening and why have things sh
Why polyester is in its flop era
Have a look at the label in the clothes you’re wearing today. Chances are, you’re wearing some polyester. It’s the most- produced synthetic fibre on the planet and it’s having a bit of a moment on socials. In a bad way…people are giving it up and swapping for more natural fibres. You might’ve seen claims that polyester is linked to diseases like cancer and can cause fertility issues. But how worri
Why the word ‘vagina’ is getting blocked on social media
Is educational content about women’s reproductive and sexual health being removed or restricted on social media apps? Content moderation tools are meant to flag specific words and imagery that breach platform guidelines, like showing nudity or explicit content, but posts that use clinical terms like ‘vagina’ are getting blocked too. BBC reporter, Ashitha Nagesh has been speaking to charities, camp
How flamingos in Albania sparked massive protests
What began as a peaceful protest in Albania turned violent in October, as students took the lead, setting buildings on fire and clashing with police. They are demanding better university conditions, greater opportunities for young people – and an end to what they describe as a corrupt government.This all goes back to a proposal to build a huge, luxury tourist resort in Zvërnec, where there’s a fla
Can airport scanners see you naked?
Shoes on or off? Laptops in or out? And don’t get us started on the rules around liquids! Getting through airport security never seems to be simple. It’s there for a reason, of course. But there are so many rules and why do they seem to be different everywhere you go? We’re joined by science journalist and presenter Caroline Steel to talk about everything from the miles long luggage belts our suit
How fires in Indonesia are impacting Singapore’s air
Singapore’s got a reputation for being one of world’s cleanest cities. But right now, it’s covered in a thick blanket of smog. And it’s recently seen its worst air quality levels for the year. The reason? Fires in nearby Indonesia. Indonesia’s seen its worst wildfire season in years. Huge areas of land have been burning for weeks. Fires are sometimes lit as a way to illegally clear land to make ro
Would you do an ‘influencer degree’?
It’s no surprise more people want to become influencers - a study found that in 2024, YouTube content creators alone contributed £2.2bn to the UK’s economy. But… would you pay thousands to study how to be one?A growing number of universities around the world, like Arizona State University in the US, have started offering Content Creation courses. We hear from Martyna who is currently studying BA C
The AI influencer who had lots of us fooled
There’s just SOMETHING not quite right about that French influencer we’re seeing all over socials. His blonde bob, the suit he wears, and that moustache! His name is Jean Philanthrope, and his videos have wracked up millions of views. But, it turns out, he’s not real. He’s AI and he’s being used to promote a risky type of crypto called a Meme coin. We speak to BBC Verify’s Marco Silva about how he
Christa Pike: What happens when executions go wrong?
Last week, Christa Pike, a death row inmate in the US faced execution via lethal injection for a murder she committed in 1995. But after she was given two full doses of the drug pentobarbital, she survived. At the time of uploading this podcast, she remains awake in hospital and it’s unclear what went wrong with the attempted execution.We hear the details from BBC reporters in the US, who have bee
Everyone is talking about the "great lock-in"
January isn’t the only time for new year’s resolutions anymore. The end of the year is having a moment too - as part of the great lock-in trend. There’s lots of content online about locking in for the last four months of the year - whether that’s working out more regularly, spending less time on your phone, or trying to get that promotion at work. Some people call it a winter arc, a September rese
Are online gig spoilers ruining live music?
Film and TV show spoilers often come with a warning because people know they can be annoying. But when it comes to footage from concerts and gigs… those rules don’t really apply, as Olivia Rodrigo fans found out when clips of a surprise moment from her ‘Unraveled Tour’ went viral on socials. You might have saved up for a ticket to see your favourite artist, found the perfect outfit and be counting
Why are black holes still such a mystery?
Can we really get swallowed by a black hole? And what would actually happen if we did? Black holes are really mysterious and there is still so much we don’t know about them. So, grab your space helmet because we’re getting into some of the biggest questions scientists are still trying to answer.We speak to science journalist, Caroline Steel, to clear up some of the mysteries around black holes. Ho
Why are so many students protesting in France?
Across France, thousands of high school students are protesting. They say they’re doing it because of conditions in their schools - that classrooms are overcrowded, there’s not enough teachers and they can’t concentrate on exams because school buildings aren’t being maintained well enough.Five hundred schools are shut and some protests have turned violent, with riot police being deployed and some
Location: Tiny Island. Population: YOU
It’s something you might dream of - or only see in films or read in books - moving to a remote island in the middle of the sea. Only wildlife around you. No bars or clubs and barely any people! Sound like a bit of you? Or maybe it’s your worst nightmare. We speak to BBC reporter Georgina Rannard, about why she’s swapping city life to be a farmer on an island in Wales with only three other people.
Is sleepmaxxing actually helpful?
Researching ways to improve your sleep has been popular for years but now it’s evolved and there’s a whole new genre of social media content called ‘Sleepmaxxing’. It shows ways you can build your perfect night’s sleep, by taking magnesium supplements, using black-out curtains or white noise machines. Experts say the popularity has boomed thanks to the accessibility of smart watches which give use
Why everyone’s talking about Cornell University
The issue of safety on college campuses is nothing new. But it’s back in the spotlight again because of the re-opening of a case at Cornell University, New York in the US. A woman alleges she was gang raped at a fraternity party in October 2024. The group is being called the ‘Cornell 7’ on social media. The incident was reported to campus police at the time, but no formal charges were made. The wo
Is it time to find a side hustle?
More and more of us are picking up side hustles - US national employment data shows that the number of people with more than one job is going up year on year, and a survey found that the majority of them are 16-24 year olds. So why are more of us turning to side hustles? And what’s the best way to start one?We hear from Katie (@katiesgarms), Vera (@viavera_) and Shania (@shaniasvault) who have all
MTV VMAs: Does anyone even watch award ceremonies anymore?
Madonna won Artist of the Year and Taylor Swift made a splash at Sunday’s MTV Video Music Awards - she became the most decorated performer in VMA history, and premiered her music video for Patient Zero, the lead single from the encore to her album The Life of a Showgirl. And there’s a reason the VMAs might have been so keen to have her - award ceremonies aren’t pulling the big audiences that they
Is it OK to bring iced coffee to a job interview?
Would you bring an iced coffee to a job interview? A viral TikTok from Caitlin Wehniainen - a recruiter in Florida - has stirred up a huge debate. It’s after she said that Gen Z candidates turning up to job interviews with an iced coffee can look too casual and unprofessional.But seriously…can an iced latte actually hurt your chances of getting a job? And what does your coffee order have to do wit
Should we be syncing our workouts to our menstrual cycles?
We’ve seen more and more women talking about cycle-syncing. It’s where you adjust your diet and work outs to match the different phases of your period. Things like eating more in certain phases or taking it easy in others.But does cycle-syncing help you get better results? Does the science back it up or is it just another wellness trend and rule book for women to follow?BBC reporter Zara Salaria t
How South Korea keeps most of its food waste out of landfills
Globally more than a billion tonnes of food is wasted each year and much of it ends up in landfills. As the food breaks down it releases huge amounts of methane, making up 10% of the world’s climate-warming emissions. Now many cities and governments are looking to South Korea as a model of how to reduce food waste and boost food recycling.BBC reporter Soo Min Kim explains how South Korea cut house
Are rhinestones the death of the whimsy trend?
You may have seen whimsy all over your socials this year. Maybe you’ve been trying to make your days more whimsical? To some, that means taking a moment to appreciate the small things in life: the way the light falls on your desk in the afternoons, or a slow moment spent watching the way the trees blow in the wind. But now, rhinestones have entered the chat and the trend seems to have evolved into
Resident Evil: The movie reviews are in
For months gamers and horror movie fans around the world have been waiting for the brand new Resident Evil movie to drop. After the trailer was released there was a huge backlash from fans who were worried that it would be terrible. They said that key characters were missing, it was set in the wrong decade and previous films in the franchise weren’t great. So, now that they’ve seen it, what do the
Should artists speak up about Israel-Gaza?
For the first time in a loooong time, Macklemore’s face is probably all over your timeline, alongside Ed Sheeran’s. This week, Ed Sheeran’s Loop tour’s been plunged into chaos after Macklemore was dropped as Ed's support for making pro-Palestinian comments on stage. The other artists who were going to take part in the tour with Ed pulled out in solidarity. What’s gonna happen with his Philadelphia
How does it feel to live in a bendy body?
Can being ultra-flexible be a sign of a health condition? Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders (HSD) cause joint hypermobility - which is when your joints have greater than normal range of motion. It means you might be able to bend your body in ways others can’t, but it can come with lots of health issues including digestive problems, joint pain and fatigue. It can take years to be diagnosed with HSD.
Why Sydney Sweeney’s ad has angered women athletes
Sydney Sweeney has sparked controversy for a provocative ad campaign that appears to show her naked. It’s for the sports betting company Novig. In the advert, Sweeney is seen covering parts of her body with footballs, basketballs, golf clubs and other sports equipment and is heard repeating the word “sports.” But several women athletes — including Sophie Capewell, Amy Hunt, and Gracie Kramer — hav
Why flying can make you feel rough
Ever wondered why you might feel a bit unwell after a flight? There are lots of reasons for that - from dehydration, jet lag, cabin pressure and altitude. Last month, a French court recognised that cosmic radiation was a factor in a flight attendant’s breast cancer diagnosis. Studies show that cabin crew and pilots have the highest level of radiation- related cancer deaths compared to more than 5
Fertility and sport: When’s the best time to have a baby?
You are at the top of your game in your sport. Maybe you are the best in the world. But, you also want to start a family. For many female athletes, these two things happen at the same time - with careers often peaking when athletes are most fertile - the ages of 20-29. Can you do both? We have seen athletes like Serena Williams, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and Alice Kinsella do it. But how easy is it
Why are more young Africans learning Russian?
Russia has been trying to grow its influence in Africa for years, with Russian paramilitary groups operating in countries such as Mali and Niger and Africans being recruited to fight in Russia’s war in Ukraine.But it’s not just through soldiers and paramilitaries - Russia has now announced plans to open eight new cultural centres across Africa. The new centres are expected to open in countries suc
Why some people are taking anxiety meds on nights out
A series of recent studies suggests that drug use is increasing among Gen Z. Some young people are taking prescription anti-anxiety medications — such as propranolol and pregabalin — without a prescription. They’re buying them online or on the black market, exposing themselves to additional risks.Jacqui Wakefield, our Global Health Reporter, explains why some young people see these drugs as an alt
Would you accept a job interview in front of judges and an audience?
In the current global economic environment, youth unemployment is higher than the national average in many countries, as companies are reluctant to take on new staff. According to the United Nations, the global youth unemployment rate rose to 12.4 per cent last year, meaning around 67 million people under 24 can’t find jobs.Now some companies are staging less conventional recruitment processes tha
We should all appreciate vultures more!
From memes to movies, we’ve all seen vultures getting a bit of a bad rep! The bird of prey is often linked to death and decay, but some people are trying to fight back and try and give them a bit of a rebrand. Kojo Baidoo is a vulture fan and birder in the US. He tells us about how he’s trying to rehab the vulture brand through social media and why we should have some more love for these feathered
How does nine months at sea impact your mental health?
After a record 250 consecutive days at sea, the USS Abraham Lincoln finally docked in Thailand last week. Half of the 5,000 crew members are under 24 years old and they’ve been on board since December, as part of the US-Israel war with Iran.There have been reports of difficult conditions on board, with food shortages, broken plumbing and concerns about the crew’s morale and mental health, but the
Peekaboo! The story of Canada’s moving island
A floating island that appeared in a Canadian reservoir and seemed to vanish has returned. Officials at Williston Reservoir in British Columbia spent months tracking it through satellite imagery and discovered it had drifted 30 kilometres away. The island made international headlines and gained a loyal fan base on social media. Jake Horton from BBC Verify has been looking at the data and gave us a
What’s the right way to address your boss?
Imagine you’ve just started a new job or it’s your first day at uni. You’re talking to your boss or teacher, someone who’s much older, much richer, or much more powerful than you. Do you call them by their first name? Or do you go with Mr, Mrs, Professor, Doctor?In Nigeria, a video of a young woman being corrected for calling a billionaire businessman, Tony Elumelu, by his first name has sparked a
A look inside Latin America’s aura battles
Aura farming has left your phone screen and landed in public squares all over Latin America. Hundreds of people are attending ‘aura battles’ - high-energy public competitions where the only way to win is show just how much raw charisma you have. Laura Garcia from BBC Mundo tells us exactly what it takes to prove your aura. Dani San, who’s been organising aura battles in Chile, tells us what it’s l
Why women are often better investors than men
Investing used to be seen as something that was for older people in suits, but now more young people are getting into it, thanks to the rise in online investing apps that have made it more accessible, and a growing awareness of how stocks and shares work.But data suggests that despite being less likely to start investing, women often make higher returns than men when they do. So, why are women oft
Why humanoid robots matter to China
Videos from the second edition of the World Humanoid Robot Games in Beijing have been going viral. Two thousand robots from 16 countries took part and the robots seem more human-like than ever. They dance, compete in boxing matches, sprint faster than Usain Bolt, and even lift weights (not always successfully).BBC China Analyst Kerry Allen explains how the Games relate to China’s international and
GTA 6: Did the ‘extended look’ trailer live up to the hype?
Rockstar — the developer behind Grand Theft Auto 6 — has released the “extended look” trailer ahead of the game’s November release. The 26-minute preview offers fans the first detailed footage from the game. Among other things, the trailer showcases the relationship between protagonists Jason Duval and Lucia Camino and some very impressive chase scenes.The extended look premiered following a week
Why influencers are rejecting the tradwife label
Tradwife content is everywhere - you’ve seen it on your feed. Influencers showing off their sourdough loaves while talking about how lucky they are to be stay-at-home wives, mothers, and girlfriends. For some, it looks like an aspirational lifestyle - fairy-tale wealth, a beautiful home, family and no 9-5 job. One of the biggest accounts like this is Nara Smith. And although she’s often seen as th
‘I Will Always Love You’: Why the world is mourning Dolly Parton
Dolly Parton was a country music star like no other. Following her death from cancer on Tuesday, everyone from President Donald Trump to Beyoncé has expressed condolences online. But the public mourning isn’t just about Dolly’s catalogue of hits like “I Will Always Love You,” “Jolene” and “9 to 5,” or her nearly 50 studio albums like “Backwoods Barbie.” William Lee Adams, a BBC culture reporter, e
The most detailed pictures of the Sun… EVER
Scientists have snapped some shiny new pictures of the Sun in the most detail we’ve ever seen. They used a super powerful solar telescope to show "whirlpools" of activity which are the Sun’s magnetic field being twisted and moved by the motion of hot gas.Victoria Gill, our Science Correspondent chats to us about how the pictures were taken by the Inouye Solar Telescope and what they tell us about
Will the Divine app revive six-second loops on social media?
Divine, a short-form video-sharing app, lets users create and share videos which are just six seconds long and repeat on a loop. It’s inspired by Vine, an app founded in 2012 that, at its peak, had more than 200 million monthly active users. It helped launch the careers of some of the internet's biggest stars, including Jake Paul and Lele Pons.Laura Cress, a BBC tech reporter, explains how the app
So bad it’s good: How the Chinese cow movie ‘Niu Lai’ became a box office hit
Niu Lai, a low-budget Chinese animation film about a cow in a dream sequence, is going viral. Released on August 5, it earned less than $1,500 in its first ten days. But then — following snarky comments, bad reviews and widespread mockery by Gen-Z — the film found a larger audience and has now brought in more than $1.6 million dollars. We speak with William Lee Adams, a BBC culture reporter, and M
Is it okay to run shirtless in public?
Do you run without a a shirt on ever? Lots of people have opinions on this topic and in some parts of the world it’s something you’re just not allowed to do. We hear from runners around the world for their take on the decision to run without a shirt one - for both men and women.And Yijin Shim from BBC Korean tells us about how in South Korea “no shirtless running” signs have been popping up after
How the ‘luteal uglies’ impact women during their periods
Across social media young women are discussing the "luteal uglies." These are changes in appearance and mood that women experience during the luteal phase of their menstrual cycle. We hear from women in Vietnam, the Philippines, and the UK about the symptoms they experience, from acne and bloating to fatigue and brain fog. But what’s behind these changes? Dr Helen O'Neill, an associate professor i
Will AI make your degree pointless?
AI isn’t just occasionally going rogue…(Open AI and Meta we’re looking at you) it’s also changing the world of work. Nearly 70% of college students in the US said they thought AI would make it harder to find a job in a recent survey - and 22% said that they’ve changed what they’re deciding to study at university because of this. They’re not the only ones… students all over the world are thinking a
Tupac trial: What you need to know
Rapper Tupac Shakur is one of the most influential music artists ever - with musicians such as Kendrick Lamar, Justin Bieber and Drake citing him as a major inspiration. His career was cut short in 1996 when he was killed in a drive-by shooting in Las Vegas - but now, nearly three decades later, a man is going on trial, accused of his murder. He’s called Duane "Keffe D" Davis - he has pled not gui
Why AI music is getting labelled on streaming sites
What would you do if you found out that your favourite artist was not actually human? More musicians are using AI-tools for their work. But recently, there has also been a boom in AI Personas and 100% AI generated work. Some fans and musicians are not happy, they have called for more transparency around what’s human made. Streaming websites have also raised concerns about fraud and copyright infri
How extreme rain is putting orangutans at risk
Orangutans are the world’s most endangered apes and they’re now even closer to extinction. They live on two islands in southeast Asia: Sumatra and Borneo. In November, an extreme weather event in the area killed more than 1,000 people there, plus about 7% of the world’s rarest type of orangutan according to a new study.BBC Climate and Science reporter Georgina Rannard takes us through how oranguta
How heatwaves impact people with disabilities
Heatwaves are uncomfortable for everyone. But people living with disabilities face additional and specific challenges that can compromise their health and well-being. Many of these issues - from struggling service dogs to overheating wheelchairs - are frequently overlooked, even in public advice and emergency planning. Maddie Molloy is a BBC climate and science reporter who is also profoundly deaf
Is working from home holding you back in your career?
Working from home has plenty of benefits: no commute, greater flexibility and the chance to catch up on household chores during your break. But for young people starting out their careers, could this extra freedom actually have a negative impact on career progression?Emer Moreau, a BBC Business Reporter, breaks it down. She explains how the pandemic led to a huge increase in at-home and remote wor
Loudcasting: Is it ever OK to go headphone free in public?
There’s a name for when people blare out music, scroll through social media on full volume or talk on loudspeaker in public - loudcasting. Surveys show that in the U.K. most adults find this behaviour irritating, but there’s also data suggesting that your age and culture may influence how indifferent you are to this kind of noise. BBC Reporter Angus Thompson tells us what experts say and explains
Oil giants make record profits during Iran war
Oil prices have shot up since the US-Israel war with Iran began, and the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil shipping routes, has been almost completely closed.It’s been bad news for drivers, airlines and anyone already feeling the squeeze from the cost of living. But for some of the world’s biggest oil companies, it’s been very good news. Oil giants like ExxonMobil and Chevron
Why everyone is talking about attachment theory
In recent years, attachment theory has exploded into the public consciousness. On TikTok, videos tagged #AttachmentTheory have racked up hundreds of millions of views, with some advising users on how to become more securely attached.The theory was first developed in the 1950s by John Bowlby, and suggests that the bonds we form with early givers shape our expectations in adult relationships. Furthe
Ariana Grande: Is it ever okay to comment on people’s bodies?
Ariana Grande has announced that she's planning to take a break from the public eye after her Eternal Sunshine tour ends in September. She started her performing career when she was a kid and has since become one of the biggest pop stars in the world, winning three Grammys and most recently portraying Glinda in the hit film Wicked. But over the past couple of years, a lot of the conversation onlin
AMOC: Could the ocean system collapse?
Disaster movie The Day After Tomorrow showed the world hit by extreme weather events caused by disruption to the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC). Today, even though the events of the film are highly unlikely to happen, scientists are concerned by changes to the AMOC.The AMOC is a massive north-south system of currents in the Atlantic Ocean that carries warm surface water towards
Tyla removes Nigeria from her world tour dates
Protests against undocumented migrants have been going on for months in South Africa. We’ve talked about them on the podcast before - people are protesting against illegal immigrants, and some of the marches have turned violent and deadly. Houses have been burned down, shops looted, and countries like Ghana and Nigeria have even evacuated some of their citizens from the country. But these protests
Why are we talking about the World Cup again?
It’s less than two weeks after Spain won the men’s World Cup, but suddenly the tournament is back in the headlines. This time it’s because of a plan from Fifa’s President Gianni Infantino to sell a stake in their tournaments to private investors. Infantino says it’s a chance to “turbocharge” the development of the game - and national associations have been offered millions of dollars if they agree
Why is everyone ditching alcohol?
You might have heard Gen Z being called the “sober generation” - the data suggests that we’re less likely to drink than older generations, that alcohol-free brands are getting more popular with under-30s and there’s a huge push towards sobriety and wellness culture more generally. At the same time, pre-mixed cocktails are flying off the shelves - and new figures suggest that binge drinking has gon
Why Gen Z love birdwatching apps
This year alone, tens of millions of people have downloaded apps which help you identify birds, lots of them are Gen Z. In our gardens, local parks on the street or even just with phones sticking out of a window people are using these apps everyday. But why?We hear from BBC Tech reporter Liv McMahon about just how big these apps are and what is making them so popular. Plus, we talk to young birder
Why are rich people obsessed with owning dinosaur bones?
Dinosaur bones have become one of the world’s most expensive collector’s items, with some selling for tens of millions of dollars at auction. A Tyrannosaurus rex fossil recently sold for $50 million, making it the most expensive dinosaur ever auctioned. Some celebrities, including Leonardo DiCaprio and Russell Crowe, have their own private collections. So why are the ultra wealthy spending so much
OpenAI went rogue. What now?
The headlines do sound slightly like the plot of a sci-fi film… but Open AI recently announced that one of its most advanced AI models went ‘rogue’ - and hacked a start-up called Hugging Face. The cyber attack, which the ChatGPT-maker called ‘unprecedented’, took place even though the AI model was being tested in a controlled environment. Open AI says they’re still investigating and they want to i
A simple guide to India’s ‘cockroach’ protests
Huge crowds have been gathering in Jantar Mantar in Delhi all week in support of India’s newest political movement - The Cockroach Janta Party. Supporters are asking for education reforms and the resignation of the country’s Education Minister, Dharmendra Pradhan, sparked by repeated exam papers leaks. Over 2 million students were told they would have to resit their exams this year after they were
Why Chinese actors are being replaced with AI
The emergence of micro dramas led to transformation of China’s entertainment industry, cutting costs for sets and boosting jobs for newer actors. There were early estimates that the micro-drama market would be worth $14bn by 2027. But now the emergence of AI tools has changed things once again. Actors and sets can be generated with AI, so production has accelerated and costs have lowered even furt
