Global News Podcast

In the Swiss mountains, handwritten notes left on mountain peaks have been turning scenic climbs into unexpected matchmaking journeys, bringing nature lovers together one hike at a time.Dubbed “Mountain Tinder”, couples are meeting through notebooks tucked into mountaintop letterboxes. The movement is spreading beyond Switzerland, inspiring similar efforts as far away as Argentina. With no swipes or algorithms, it’s a love story written in the clouds.Also: the couple in Tasmania who have taken tackling homelessness into their own hands; a group of actors who bring the joy of theatre to remote communities in Finland -- by touring on a boat; and how Strictly Come Dancing's first celebrity with Down's Syndrome is inspiring others.

We hear how a woman helped save one of India's rarest birds by holding baby showers to celebrate the arrival of their chicks. Thousands have now joined Purnima Devi Barman's Hargila Army, which campaigns to protect adjutant storks and guards their nests. Also: a chef stranded on the cargo ship, Avontuur, for months during the pandemic says inner strength can turn a challenge into an opportunity; the volunteers helping older people feel the wind in their hair on cycle rides; the baby found at a train station who's inspired a song; and the huge range of unique moves that keep cockatoos dancing.Presenter: Nick Miles Music: Iona Hampson. (Picture credit: Getty Images)

Meet the charity which is providing free breakfasts for three million children across sixteen countries. We visit a school to see how Mary's Meals is helping children to focus on learning. Their biggest programme is in Malawi in south-east Africa, and for many students there, it's a reason to stay in school. Also on the podcast, we hear from the micro-farm in Montreal growing fruit and veg for local people on low incomes. Plus a social club trying to combat loneliness in Venezuela by bringing elderly people together for a dance, and the Italians coming together to save a tiny island from developers.The Happy Pod, our weekly collection of uplifting and inspiring stories from around the world. Part of the Global News Podcast from the BBC World Service.Presenter: Ankur Desai. Music composed by Iona Hampson.

The street musician whose dream of seeing Oasis came true, thanks to a stranger. He says people should never give up. Also: an amazing survival story; hope for better cancer treatment; and a very slow world championship.

We meet some of the swimmers participating in this year's swim across the Arctic Circle. Also, the groundbreaking science behind three parent babies, and the grandchildren available for hire in Bulgaria.

The trio hoping to soothe global tensions through musical collaboration. They mix Chinese and American songs to focus on similarities not differences. Also: helping disadvantaged teens go to the prom; and a K-pop first.Presenter: Valerie Sanderson. Music composed by Iona Hampson

A surgeon who left his wedding to save a life says it's inspired him to help more people. Also: one man's adventures with a pet goose; a police officer reunited with a baby he rescued; and why we should eat more custard.

We meet Jack Pepper, the composer who's written a song for King Charles. The piece celebrates the harmony between people and the natural world. Also: hope for Alzheimer's patients; and how tourism could help stray dogs.

A special episode answering your questions about the Iran crisis. BBC experts discuss Iran's nuclear ambitions, possibilities of regime change and the impact on the wider Middle East.

The woman fulfilling her mother's dreams of travel by launching her ashes out to sea in a bottle. It's brought her happiness amid her grief. Also: Thailand's tigers bounce back; and making hospitals happier for children.Presenter: Nick Miles. Music composed by Iona Hampson

A tiny dog famous for her big adventure reunites with her overjoyed owners, after 529 days in the wild. Also: the escaped Tennessee Zebra; why a man risked his life to save 41 others; and a footballing first for Senegal.

Joy in China as Beanbag the Capybara returns after months on the run. The giant rodent's adventures had gripped social media. Also: an ingenious idea making cities greener; and the flatpack furniture world champion.

Why the ancient English tradition of chasing a giant cheese down a steep hill is gathering crowds from around the world. Also: a life saving donation from a stranger half a world away; and Brazil's beatboxing nuns.

We hear how a man travelling the world with a cuddly duck has encouraged thousands to open up about mental health problems. Also: a roaring success for India's lions; and Kermit the Frog urges graduates to leap together.Presenter: Valerie Sanderson Music: Iona Hampson

Listener Tania tells us how stories on The Happy Pod helped her fight for life after a near fatal mountain fall. Now she's determined to inspire others. Also: a park designed in a computer game becomes a reality; why happiness boosts vaccines; and the cheerleading businessmen.

We meet a man learning to read in his thirties, and inspiring others. He overcame embarrassment to share his journey on his TikTok, Oliver Speaks. Also: laughter yoga; rehoming chimps; and an 81-year-old female Ironman.

A group of lions rescued from Ukraine are roaring again. Their new homes were built with money donated globally. Also: the paralysed man who's completed a marathon; a teenage cricket star; and a 103-year-old influencer.

A special episode of The Happy Pod for International Dance Day. From the Royal Opera House in London, we are hearing stories from performers and choreographers across the world.

After Dave's video rental store was forced to close, he created a space for his most loyal customer, Christina, so she could stick to her vital daily routine. Also: why millions of people are tuning in to watch the moose migration and what's the secret to 70 years of marriage?

Meet the rat with a life-saving sense of smell. Carolina has correctly identified thousands of cases of Tuberculosis. Also: the Malaria vaccine providing hope in Uganda and, what is the UK tea time alarm?Presenter: Oliver Conway. Music composed by Iona Hampson