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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August 24, 2015 11:07 PM

Barber gives free haircuts to kids who read out loud for him

Barber Courtney D. Holmes gives free haircuts to underprivileged kids, in exchange for them reading out loud to him. "I've got two sons of my own," he said. "I just want to help kids start reading."

by Heather McElhatton

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July 13, 2015 11:09 PM

A Beautiful World: The majestic universe

Meet the man in charge of NASA's mission to investigate the last two uncharted worlds in our inner solar system, Vesta and Ceres.

by Heather McElhatton

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June 29, 2015 11:12 PM

A Beautiful World: Altruism can change your life

Buddhist monk and cell biologist Matthieu Ricard's study shows how compassionate meditation and focusing on the well-being of others can physically alter your mind, as well as the world.

by Heather McElhatton

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June 22, 2015 11:14 PM

A Beautiful World: Exploring is not dead

Canadian Explorer, Adam Shoalts discovered seven waterfalls on the Again River in Canada's remote Hudson Valley Lowlands.

by Heather McElhatton

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May 18, 2015 8:21 PM

Alaskan Obituaries that Inspire the Angels

Author and journalist Heather Lende writes obituaries for the Chillkat Valley News, a small newspaper in her hometown of Haines, Alaska. She recounts the many life lessons she's learned writing obituaries in a small town in her new book: Find the Good.

by Heather McElhatton

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May 4, 2015 8:16 PM

Prison Program Helps Rescue Dogs

Over 2 million dogs are euthanized in U.S. shelters every year due to lack of space, could prisons offer a unique solution?

by Heather McElhatton

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February 9, 2015 2:00 PM

A Beautiful World: Oceans in outer space

"Ocean Worlds" details the vast history of not only our oceans here on Earth, but of oceans on other planets in our solar system as well.

by Heather McElhatton

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February 2, 2015 2:00 PM

A Beautiful World: Synesthesia and tasting the London Underground

James Wannerton has a neurological condition called "lexical-gustatory synesthesia," which allows him to taste sound.

by Heather McElhatton

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January 26, 2015 10:37 AM

A Beautiful World: Leaving a (written) legacy

Writing a "legacy letter" or an ethical will offers the means to share thoughts, memories, hopes and dreams with future generations.

by Heather McElhatton

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January 19, 2015 1:00 PM

A Beautiful World: Innovation, good will craft prosthetic arms in Sudan

Project Daniel uses 3-D printers to create prosthetic arms for youth in Sudan's Nuba Mountains. The effort is the brainchild of Mick Ebeling.

by Heather McElhatton

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