The Happy Pod: Six months on, revisiting the baby born under the rubble

Julian Assange returns to Australia a free man after a court appearance on a remote Pacific island. Also: American journalist Evan Gershkovich has gone on trial in Russia on spying charges, an Islamist rebel is found guilty of war crimes in Mali and who is filling the Legend slot in this year's Glastonbury festival?

The court on the island of Saipan is expected to allow the Wikileaks founder, Julian Assange, to walk free and return to his native Australia. Also: the Kenyan president, William Ruto, has described violence during huge protests against tax rises as an unprecedented attack on the country's democracy, and scientists in Japan are working on creating human-like skin for robots.

Julian Assange has for years fought extradition to the United States, accused of leaking a huge quantity of classified defence documents. He will now return to Australia, where his wife Stella Assange is waiting for him. But first, he has to appear in court in a United States territory in the pacific. Also on this podcast, protests erupt in Kenya over new tax proposals, Israel's supreme court orders ultra-orthodox religious students can no longer avoid being drafted into the military, and why a sample of dirt and rocks from the far side of the moon has scientists excited.

The head of the UN children's agency says Sudan is one of the worst places in the world for children. Also: France's Macron warns of civil war if extremists win snap polls, and Spanish nuns are excommunicated for rebelling against Vatican over property deal.

Footage posted on social media show people shooting at police cars. Among the dead are 15 police officers. The attacks targeted churches and synagogues in Derbent and Makhachkala. Investigators say five gunmen were killed. Most of the attackers, they said, came from one small area of Dagestan. In its first comments, the Kremlin dismissed the possibility of another wave of Islamist violence in the Northern Caucasus. Also: a huge fire at a lithium battery factory in South Korea kills 22 people including 18 Chinese workers, and Princess Anne - the sister of King Charles - has been admitted to hospital in England after an incident involving a horse.

Gunmen in the southern Russian republic have killed police officers and a priest in what officials are calling acts of terror. Also: the US prepares to receive two new pandas from China, and the man whose home was turned into a cannabis farm.

The Supreme Court has ordered a retrial for Toomaj Salehi who was sentenced to death after speaking out in support of protests that had exploded across Iran. Also: the new documentary about the designer of the wrap dress, Diane von Furstenberg, and the world's ugliest dog.

When Celia's daughter asked about regrets, she posted a message about a puffin sweater she wished she'd bought. Just days later, a man she'd never met sent her the exact same one for free - saying it felt so good to be kind. Also: The earthquakes being caused by enthusiastic fans during Taylor Swift's Eras Tour. A BBC radio programme reaches 46 people celebrating mid winter in Antarctica. How artificial intelligence could help us understand what dogs are trying to say. Why a sculptor decided to create dozens of art galleries and museums around the world - underwater. And the festival celebrating the enduring traditions of Flamenco dancing - and bringing it into the twenty first century.

Our weekly collection of happy news and positive stories from around the world.

Court in Switzerland sentences four members of the billionaire family to jail for exploiting domestic staff. Also: the fierce battle for a small Ukrainian town, and John F. Kennedy's watch will go under the hammer.

Lobby groups say at least 200 people were injured and more than 100 arrested across Kenya. Protesters say the controversial finance bill that includes additional taxes would choke the economy and raise the cost of living. Also: parts of southern China have once in a century flooding, while the north is hit by extreme temperatures and drought, how wild chimpanzees seek out medicinal plants, and Stonehenge marks the summer solstice - the longest period of daylight in the northern hemisphere.

Covid, supply chain, the Ukrainian conflict... The crises follow one another. It makes you wonder if a startup can still launch itself and make its mark on the market. 

Yet some do, and the buzzword to describe them is resilience. To talk about this term and no doubt inspire you, my guest today is Gary Garnier-Guisgand from Nespart. Together we talk about Kidywolf, a brand of toys and objects for children that launched at the end of 2019 and that despite successive crises has established itself well in several countries. A great example that with resilience, great results can happen. 

Don't Be AVERAGE!

In a world that celebrates mediocrity and conformity, the call to "Don't Be Average" serves as a resounding reminder of the importance of striving for excellence and individuality. Average is often seen as the safe, comfortable, and ordinary path in life, but it's not the path that leads to remarkable achievements, personal growth, or a life filled with fulfillment.

To understand the significance of not being average, we must first define what average means in different contexts. Average can refer to the middle point or typical value within a set of data. In terms of personal qualities, it often implies mediocrity or a lack of distinction. When applied to our daily lives, being average is characterized by complacency, conformity, and a reluctance to venture beyond the comfort zone.

Why should we strive not to be average? The answer lies in the fact that the human spirit is naturally inclined toward growth, self-improvement, and the pursuit of excellence. Average doesn't align with these fundamental desires and ambitions. Here are a few key reasons why you should aim higher:

1. **Fulfillment and Satisfaction**: Leading an average life often leads to feelings of regret and unfulfilled potential. Embracing your uniqueness and pursuing excellence in your endeavors can bring a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction that averageness can never provide.

2. **Innovation and Progress**: Throughout history, it has been individuals who dared to be different and challenged the status quo who have driven innovation and progress. Average thinking and actions seldom lead to groundbreaking discoveries or transformative changes.

3. **Self-Discovery**: When you decide not to be average, you embark on a journey of self-discovery. You push your boundaries, face challenges, and learn more about your strengths, weaknesses, and passions. This process of self-exploration can lead to a deeper understanding of who you are and what you're capable of.

4. **Resilience**: The path to greatness is often filled with obstacles and setbacks. Those who refuse to be average tend to develop greater resilience and determination, as they are not easily discouraged by failure or adversity.

5. **Impact on Others**: By refusing to be average, you become an inspiration to others. Your actions can motivate and encourage those around you to strive for greatness in their own lives.

So, how can you avoid falling into the trap of being average and embark on a journey of self-improvement and excellence? Here are some practical steps:

1. **Set Ambitious Goals**: Define clear, ambitious goals that challenge you and align with your passions and values. These goals should serve as a constant reminder of what you're striving to achieve.

2. **Embrace Continuous Learning**: Cultivate a growth mindset by committing to lifelong learning. The pursuit of knowledge and skill development is a fundamental aspect of avoiding mediocrity.

3. **Step Out of Your Comfort Zone**: Growth happens outside of your comfort zone. Be willing to take risks, try new things, and embrace uncertainty. It's in these moments of discomfort that you often find the greatest opportunities for growth.

4. **Seek Feedback and Improvement**: Don't be afraid to seek feedback from others and use it as a tool for improvement. Constructive criticism can help you refine your skills and refine your path.

5. **Surround Yourself with Excellence**: Your environment and the people you surround yourself with play a significant role in your pursuit of excellence. Seek out mentors, colleagues, and friends who challenge and inspire you to be your best.

6. **Persist Through Adversity**: Understand that setbacks and challenges are a natural part of any journey to excellence. Instead of giving up, use these experiences as opportunities to learn and grow stronger.

In conclusion, the call to "Don't Be Average" is a rallying cry for anyone who seeks a life of purpose, achievement, and self-fulfillment. It encourages you to break free from the constraints of conformity, mediocrity, and comfort to pursue a path that is uniquely your own. By embracing excellence, continuous self-improvement, and a willingness to stand out, you can craft a life that not only exceeds the average but also leaves a lasting impact on the world. So, dare to be exceptional, and don't settle for anything less than the extraordinary.

Scandinavians Arne Nerjordet and Carlos Zachrison are highly regarded designers, textile artists, and authors. They are best known for their original, colorful, and visually striking designs as well as their craft books. Their work is highly influenced by their Scandinavian background and their everyday life in rural Norway.