The Documentary Podcast
News & Politics
About
Hear the voices at the heart of global stories. Where curious minds can uncover hidden truths and make sense of the world. The best of documentary storytelling from the BBC World Service. From conflict in the Middle East to the advance of AI, to the front line of the climate emergency, we go beyond the headlines. Each week we dive into the minds of the world’s most creative people, take personal journeys into spirituality and connect people from across the globe to share how news stories are shaping their lives.
Episodes
- Mika Obanda: Mosaic art
Mika Obanda creates vibrant mosaics using egg shells in his Kenyan studio. The episode covers his art, including the "Trying to Blossom" collection, and his resilience during hardship with community support.
- Searching for Soldier Dad: Ep 1. Love story
Cathy, at 10 years old, begins to question the absence of her father. Her mother, Maggie, reveals a life-altering secret. Years later, Maggie hopes DNA samples taken in Kenya will finally uncover the truth.
- A 93 year old president gets a deputy
This episode discusses Cameroon's 93-year-old president, Paul Biya, and the newly created vice-president position. It also covers a Thai drag performer winning RuPaul's Drag Race: UK versus The World and the challenges faced by exiled Russ…
- Sir David Attenborough
This episode discusses Sir David Attenborough's long career and impact on how we think about nature, as told by conservationists and filmmakers. It explores how his TV programs and books have reached global audiences and inspired individua…
- Befriending the man who killed my family
This episode of The Documentary podcast explores forgiveness and reconciliation in Rwanda, 30 years after the genocide against the Tutsi. It features accounts from survivors who met with perpetrators, and perpetrators who describe their pa…
- Russia's 'nyet' to the internet
This episode investigates Russia's efforts to create a 'sovereign internet' and the resulting digital isolation. It examines the political, economic, and military implications of Russia's tightening digital borders.
- 13 Minutes Presents: Artemis II: What’s next for Nasa's Artemis mission?
Artemis II astronaut Jeremy Hansen reflects on the mission, his return to Earth, and upcoming Artemis missions. He also recounts a hull breach alarm incident and discusses the future of the Artemis program.
- Artist Joan Eardley
This episode of The Documentary Podcast explores the life and artistic work of Joan Eardley, an artist known for her seascapes, landscapes, and portraits. It delves into her diverse style, which incorporated elements of abstract expression…
- Serbia: Under The Canopy
This episode of The Documentary Podcast examines the aftermath of the Novi Sad railway station canopy collapse in Serbia. It explores the subsequent protests, accusations of government corruption, and foreign interference claims.
- For the love of dogs
This documentary explores the world of dog-rescue scammers in Mityana, Uganda. It exposes how a network of young men uses emotional images and fabricated stories to exploit well-meaning animal lovers in the West.
- Mapping Epstein's global connections
This episode of The Documentary Podcast examines the global connections of Jeffrey Epstein, based on the personal correspondence, photographs, and papers released to the public. Journalists Abdirahim Saeed and Luiz Fernando Toledo share th…
- My social life as a wheelchair user
This episode features four wheelchair users from different countries sharing their experiences with accessibility challenges and societal attitudes while socializing. They discuss issues ranging from being denied entry to venues to encount…
- A church without walls
Pastor Jane Codrington founded "We Are Church" for individuals excluded by traditional religious institutions. She discusses the challenges of radical inclusivity and the personal impact of her work.
- Atomic crossroads: Poland's nuclear future
Poland is set to open its first nuclear power plant, aiming for energy independence and to reduce reliance on coal. This initiative comes decades after Chernobyl, with public support for nuclear power growing significantly. Journalist Zuza…
- In Our Time: The Mariana Trench
Misha Glenny and guests discuss the Mariana Trench, its discovery in 1875 by HMS Challenger, and its formation. They explore the life found within the trench, which is deeper than Mount Everest is high.
- Driving Against Net Zero
This episode of The Documentary Podcast investigates the rise of petrol car defense among Europe's populist parties, featuring insights from Zwickau, Germany, and the Czech Republic. It examines the anxieties within Germany's car culture a…
- Neha Vyaso: Crafting consent in Bollywood
Neha Vyaso, a prominent intimacy co-ordinator in Bollywood, helps shape how sex and desire are portrayed on screen. She works with actors and directors to balance script demands, directorial vision, and actor consent in choreographing inti…
- Introducing: The Climate Question: China's green energy revolution
China is rapidly installing solar panels and wind turbines, leading to a potential peak in its greenhouse gas emissions. The episode explores China's green energy efforts, including solar farms in Inner Mongolia and Yunnan, and floating pa…
- Inside the Mugabe dynasty
This episode of The Documentary Podcast examines the public perception of the Mugabe family in Zimbabwe, focusing on the children of the late Robert Mugabe and their legal troubles. It also covers other global stories, including a social m…
- Meet the preppers
This episode of The Documentary Podcast features preppers who share their experiences with "stockpiling peace." The discussion focuses on their preparations and perspectives.
- Faith and revolution in the Philippines
This episode of The Documentary Podcast explores the 1986 Philippine revolution against Ferdinand Marcos Sr., featuring firsthand accounts from former soldier Gregorio Honasan and activist Sister Mary John Mananzan. It details their involv…
- Under the influence of AI
This episode of The Documentary Podcast explores individuals\
- Introducing Searching for Soldier Dad
This episode introduces "Searching for Soldier Dad," a series about DNA detectives tracking British soldiers who fathered children in Kenya and then disappeared. It follows a team of lawyers and a geneticist as they work to locate these mi…
- In Iceland's defence
This episode of The Documentary Podcast examines Iceland's defense strategy. Despite lacking a military, Iceland, a NATO founding member, relies on international alliances and its coast guard for security.
- The last dance floor in Chernobyl
This episode tells the story of Serhiy and Iryna, who were planning their wedding when the Chernobyl nuclear power plant disaster occurred. They got married amidst the unfolding catastrophe and subsequent evacuation of the city.
- Patti LuPone: Taking the stage at Carnegie Hall
Patti LuPone, a celebrated Broadway and concert performer, takes the stage at Carnegie Hall for a solo concert. The episode delves into her preparations, the performance itself, and her reflections on a career spanning decades, encompassin…
- Counting the soldiers dying for Russia
This episode of The Documentary Podcast focuses on tracking Russian military casualties in the Ukraine conflict using open-source information. It also explores the implementation of Sharia law in Aceh, Indonesia, and presents other global…
- Experiences of miscarriage
This episode features two couples who share their experiences with miscarriage and its impact on their relationships. It also explores the provision of support for grieving parents and legal entitlements to miscarriage leave in different c…
- Jamaica: Shaken, not broken
This episode of The Documentary Podcast explores how Jamaica, an island with a high density of churches, faced a spiritual crisis after Hurricane Melissa damaged many sacred spaces. Journalist Nick Davis travels to the hardest-hit areas to…
- Back to books: Sweden’s digital backlash
Sweden, a country known for its digital education, is now returning to traditional learning methods with physical books and reduced screen time. This shift is driven by declining test scores and concerns about the impact of screen use on s…
- Surviving my daughter's killing
In this episode of The Documentary Podcast, Kate shares her story after her 19-year-old daughter Ann was killed in 2010. Kate chose restorative justice, meeting the man who killed her daughter to discuss the impact of Ann's death and shape…
- Pakistan: Hospitals putting children at risk of HIV
This episode investigates frequent HIV outbreaks in Pakistan, particularly among children in Taunsa. It uncovers potential lapses in medical protocol, such as the reuse of needles and vials in hospitals, while local authorities deny the ho…
- Helping prisoners become better parents
This episode of The Documentary Podcast explores an innovative scheme in Scotland that helps incarcerated fathers develop parenting skills. Myra Anubi visits Barlinnie jail to see the program, which is based on a successful Australian init…
- British Queen Elizabeth II's century of fashion
This episode of The Documentary Podcast explores Queen Elizabeth II's fashion, highlighting her use of clothing to represent Commonwealth countries and an exhibition at London's Kings Gallery showcasing outfits from her ten decades.
- Bringing India's daughters back home
This episode of The Documentary Podcast examines domestic violence in India, including statistics on marital abuse and dowry-related deaths. It discusses a new film, Band Baaja Bitiya, which aims to challenge societal attitudes towards dom…
- Hopes for a 'fragile' Middle East ceasefire
This episode of The Documentary Podcast examines the fragile Middle East ceasefire with perspectives from individuals in various affected regions. It covers reactions to the ceasefire and ongoing conflicts in areas like Lebanon.
- Your questions answered about Artemis II and space travel
This episode of The Documentary Podcast addresses listener questions about the Artemis II mission and space travel. Former NASA astronauts Steve Swanson and Nicole Stott provide answers.
- Freddie’s second verse
Freddie, once signed to a major record label, discusses his decision to leave the music industry and embrace Buddhism. The episode explores his new life as a nail technician and how his beliefs, shared with his partner Carl, shape their da…
- The battle for Hungary
This episode of The Documentary Podcast explores the upcoming Hungarian election, where Viktor Orban faces a challenge from former ally Peter Magyar. It examines the dynamics of the election, the campaigns of Fidesz and Tisza, and the pote…
- The Extractor
Hilik Magnus, an Israeli search and rescue specialist, reflects on over 30 years of missions across six continents. He discusses his experiences in various global disasters and his work with diverse groups, driven by a "higher purpose" to…
- Albania: Land, money and the sea
This episode explores Albania's journey through its complex past, from Ottoman rule to communism, and its current efforts to develop luxury tourism. It examines the opportunities and challenges, including land disputes and corruption, as t…
- Chef Rodolfo Guzman: Chilean summer menu
Chef Rodolfo Guzman discusses the summer menu at his Santiago restaurant, Borago. The menu highlights native Chilean plants and includes dishes such as pink tomato ice cream and wild mountain coconuts.
- Growing up black in a white family – the truth behind my birth
Andrew Lovell, drummer for M People, discusses his experience growing up as a mixed-race child in a white family in south London. He shares his decades-long search for his birth parents and the truth behind his birth.
- The woman fighting IS in Somalia
This episode covers the fight against the Islamic State group in Somalia, highlighting the efforts of a female fighter and the Puntland Defence Force. It also explores the experiences of Iranian Jews in Israel, discussing their heritage an…
- Surviving a shark attack
This episode of The Documentary Podcast features Australian shark attack survivors Brett Connellan, Justine Barwick, and Dave Pearson. They share their experiences and discuss their perspectives on life after the attacks.
- God, grief and the chatbot
Megan Garcia shares her story of grief after her son's death, his emotional attachment to an AI chatbot, and her subsequent legal action against the chatbot company. She also discusses finding solace in prayer and devotion.
- The Saltmakers
This episode of The Documentary Podcast explores the lives of the Agariyas, nomadic saltmakers in India's Gujarat state, who face challenges to their traditional salt harvesting due to climate change and economic hardship. Efforts are unde…
- Inheritance: Samsung: 1. My kingdom for a horse
This episode of The Documentary Podcast explores the heir to Samsung facing jail in 2017 and how a deal meant to secure family control of the company went wrong. It delves into the family power struggles and deals that shape global empires.
- India’s Shadow Children
Stephanie, an Indian adoptee raised in France, searches for her birth mother in rural India with journalist Tanya Datta. She uncovers details about her birth that challenge her lifelong understanding of her origins.
- Kubra Khademi: Art of strength and survival
This episode explores the work of Afghan artist Kubra Khademi, who creates multidisciplinary art confronting patriarchy and reclaiming the female body. It follows her creative process as she transforms memory, exile, and defiance into art.