A Beautiful World®

A Beautiful World features inspirational stories in science, technology, ecology, arts, education and culture. The program is hosted by Heather McElhatton, who reports on stories and solid trends towards positive change. ABW illuminates the people, places, programs and communities striving to make our world a better place and delivers solutions-based stories about what’s working in the world.

ABW is broadcast on All Things Considered and at ABeautiful.world.

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April 8, 2019 2:00 PM

A Beautiful World: Tips for artists in hard times

Austin Kleon thought he might give up writing. Then he developed a list of steps that could keep him on track.

by Heather McElhatton

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March 25, 2019 2:43 PM

A Beautiful World: To cut waste, food bank teaches students to cook

The FoodWorks program equips students in Maryland with culinary skills that will serve them both at home and in the workplace.

by Heather McElhatton

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March 11, 2019 2:46 PM

A Beautiful World: How taking risks heals childhood trauma

Irene O'Garden discovered that a shared risk brings benefits.

by Heather McElhatton

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February 25, 2019 11:50 AM

A Beautiful World: Synesthesia and tasting the London Underground

James Wannerton has a neurological condition called synesthesia, which makes him taste sound. So he created a map of the tastes for all the stations of the London Underground.

by Heather McElhatton

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February 11, 2019 4:00 AM

A Beautiful World: Europe bans single-use plastic

In an environmentally historic vote, the European Parliament has moved to ban single-use plastic products across Europe. This ban outlaws plastic bags, straws, plates, cups, drink stirrers and cotton swabs.

by Heather McElhatton

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January 28, 2019 4:55 PM

A Beautiful World: Rescuing animals in winter

As temperatures drop and humans bundle up, homeless animals and wildlife need a helping hand.

by Heather McElhatton

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January 14, 2019 2:24 PM

A Beautiful World: How citizen scientists can save the world

Regular people can help professional researchers extend their reach.

by Heather McElhatton

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December 17, 2018 5:00 PM

Legacy letters let you determine how you want to be remembered

A legacy letter, which is sometimes called an ethical will, lets you leave a written record of your beliefs, values and advice for future generations.

by Heather McElhatton

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December 3, 2018 2:00 PM

Elie Wiesel was a teacher above all else, says book author

Most of the world knows Elie Wiesel as a Holocaust survivor, a human rights activist, a confidant of presidents and prime ministers, and a Nobel Peace Prize winner. But Wiesel always saw himself as a teacher, says Wiesel's former teaching assistant who penned a new book based on those teachings.

by Heather McElhatton