What in the World

What’s going on with the price of gold? The precious yellow metal is super important to lots of cultures across the world. In China, its a big part of the Lunar New Year, while in India, gold gifts are linked to marriage traditions. And of course - most of us have dreams of getting our hands on some gold jewellery!
So in this episode, William Lee Adams, from the What in the World team and former host of Marketplace Morning Report, will give us all the deets on those rising rates. We’ll chat the changing value of gold, spot price vs bullion, what’s behind it and why you should care.
Plus, Anahita Sachdev, a reporter in the US, takes us through India’s relationship with gold.
Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld
Email: [email protected]
WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6
Presenter: Iqra Farooq
Producers: Emily Horler, Benita Barden and Emilia Jansson
Video Journalist: Baldeep Chahal
Editor: Verity Wilde

We’re talking about Lunar New Year - it’s the year of the fire horse and it’s the first time this particular combination of Chinese zodiac sign and element has rolled around in 60 years, and the hype is real.
The story, myth and legend of the animals of the Chinese New Year calendar comes from an ancient Chinese poem telling the story of 12 mythical animals who ended up racing each other to decide which order they would appear in the Chinese zodiac.
We’re gonna get into how the Lunar New Year is celebrated across the world, hear from some BBC pals about how they’re celebrating and also from some of you guys about your traditions and why this year is special.
Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld
Email: [email protected]
WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6
Presenter: Iqra Farooq
Producers: Emily Horler and Chelsea Coates
Editor: Verity Wilde

We’ve spotted some of you on your socials talking about eldest sibling vs youngest sibling behaviour. It got us wondering if when you’re born can affect personality, relationships and outlook on life. We all know the stereotypes; the eldest child is more conscientious and responsible. The middle child gets overlooked and craves attention. The youngest is indulged and a risk-taker. Personality psychologist Julia Rohrer, from Leipzig University in Germany breaks down what’s science and what’s fiction.
We hear the experiences from three of our BBC pals; Faith Oshoko in Nigeria, Santiago Vanegas Maldonado from Colombia and Jacob Evans in the UK.
Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld
Email: [email protected]
WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6
Presenter: Iqra Farooq (eldest)
Producers: Julia Ross Roy (only child), Benita Barden (middle) and Mora Morrison (youngest)
Video Journalist: Baldeep Chahal (youngest)
Editor: Verity Wilde (eldest)

President Trump isn’t a big believer in climate change - he’s called it a ‘hoax’ and ‘con job’ in the past. But last week saw one of his boldest moves against US climate policy since becoming president - the termination of the endangerment finding. It’s a ruling that was made in 2009, when Barack Obama was in the White House, and it’s served as the legal basis for lots of other regulations aiming to cut pollution since then. So, it looks like Trump is locked in a showdown with climate policy… but what could this hold for the future?
In this episode, we explain exactly what the ruling is, why Trump has decided to revoke it, and what this could mean for you.
Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld
Email: [email protected]
WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6
Presenter: Iqra Farooq
Producers: Emily Horler and Chelsea Coates
Editor: Verity Wilde

“Wuthering Heights” is back and so is Bridgerton. Period dramas are having a moment. Why are we loving them so much right now? We hear from fans around the world; Tasha in Canada, Gracie in the US and Radhika in India. Chelsea from the What in the World team explains some of the reasons, like wanting more slow burn romance and courtship in our modern dating, and more accountability when it comes to ghosting. Faye Woods from the University of Reading in the UK tells us how female representation plays a role too.
We also discuss whether some of the relationships in these period dramas should be something we aspire to… Heathcliff and Cathy we’re looking at you. Happy Galentine’s Day to all our listeners!
Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld
Email: [email protected]
WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6
Presenter: Iqra Farooq
Producers: Chelsea Coates, Julia Ross Roy, and Ash Mohamed
Editor: Verity Wilde