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Episode details

World Service,10 Oct 2026,26 mins

The Happy Pod: Why I danced for seven days straight

Happy News

Available for over a year

A Nigerian man has completed a 168-hour dance marathon in a bid to set a new world record. Benjamin Daniel - better known as 'Ben Dancer' - moved and grooved for seven days straight in an attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the longest individual dance marathon. The 33-year-old would dance for eight hours before taking a 40-minute rest break. There were many times Ben wanted to give up, but he was spurred on by cheering crowds at Freedom Park in Lagos. Also, how Dolly Parton's dream of every child growing up in a house full of books is gradually becoming a reality. The 11-year-old chess prodigy who has made history as the youngest Woman Grandmaster ever. How an usher went from sweeping the aisles to performing on stage in the same theatre. And the grand reveal of a prank between friends that lasted 25 years. (Photo: Ben Dancer dancing on stage at Freedom Park in Lagos. Credit: SayCheese) Presenter: Helena Burke Music: Iona Hampson

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