

The Documentary Podcast
BBC World Service
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 China’s state-backed overseas spending, to on the road with Canada’s Sikh truckers, 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.
From China’s state-backed overseas spending, to on the road with Canada’s Sikh truckers, 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
Mentioned books

Nov 9, 2023 • 28min
The Jews and Arabs coexisting in crisis
Exploring Jewish Arab solidarity in Haifa, this podcast discusses the experiences of Palestinian citizens of Israel, the displacement of Palestinians during the creation of Israel, shared struggles and futures, growing up as a minority, and the burden of disappointment in the ongoing conflict.

Nov 7, 2023 • 28min
My Forgotten War
The podcast discusses the struggles of Syrian refugees in Turkey, including the threat of deportation and tensions with locals. It highlights the first-hand account of a Syrian's experience during the civil war and their escape to Turkey. The podcast also explores the thriving business community of Syrian refugees in Essenyeet. It delves into the European Union's failed deal with Turkey to manage the refugee crisis and the challenges faced by Syrian refugees in Turkey, including difficult living conditions and the pressure to return home.

Nov 6, 2023 • 28min
In The Studio: Carol Morley
Filmmaker Carol Morley discusses the challenges of adapting her own novel for the screen, including the difficulties she faced and the emotions it brought back. She also talks about the process of selling a screenplay and waiting for film companies' response. The podcast explores the inspirations for the film, the use of character profiles, and dealing with rejection. It emphasizes the power of self-belief and setting goals in the writing process.

Nov 4, 2023 • 25min
BBC OS Conversations: Palestinian losses
Palestinian guests, Yousef A and an unknown guest, share their heartbreaking conversations about the deaths in their families. They discuss the devastating losses experienced in Gaza and the constant longing to be reunited with loved ones. The chapter also covers the criticism of Israel's actions and the call for detailed media coverage of Palestinian losses.

18 snips
Nov 3, 2023 • 28min
Heart and Soul: Finding Falun Gong
The podcast explores the Falun Gong movement, discussing its claims of persecution by the Chinese government and its spiritual beliefs. It includes personal stories of healing through Falun Gong, the dilemma of seeking medical treatment, the belief in humans coming from outside Earth, and the resilience of the movement despite suppression.

Nov 2, 2023 • 28min
Assignment: Taught to fear - corporal punishment in the classroom
Investigation into the ongoing issue of corporal punishment in Kenyan schools, including the tragic deaths and severe abuse suffered by students. Interviews with victims, families seeking justice, and teachers advocating against violence in the classroom.

Nov 1, 2023 • 28min
The Raspberry Visa
Exploring life for berry pickers in Odemira, Portugal and their quest for a 'Raspberry Visa'. Investigating allegations of exploitative working conditions and unhealthy housing. Challenges faced by Nepalese workers and their journey to Portugal. Transformation of Alentajo region into a berry farm with migrant labor. Risks and high costs for Nepalese migrants.

Oct 30, 2023 • 27min
In the Studio: Kieran Stanley - Designing a Zoo
Zoo designer Kieran Stanley, passionate about animal welfare, discusses the fascinating process behind creating immersive and realistic zoo environments. He explores the secretive 'Zoo India' project and the roles within the architecture and landscape architecture teams. The challenges of designing a zoo in Gujarat, India, and the balance between enriching environment and visitor experience are highlighted. The importance of emotional connections, creativity, and conservation in zoo design are also discussed.

Oct 28, 2023 • 24min
BBC OS Conversations: Jewish-Palestinian couples
The podcast explores the experiences of Jewish-Palestinian couples and their mixed cultural relationships. It delves into the challenges faced in Israel, the importance of heritage, and the impact of recent conflicts. The discrimination faced by Arab Americans and Palestinians, as well as the definition of genocide, are also discussed. Emotional personal experiences from Gaza residents are shared, along with a promotion for another podcast focusing on finding children lost in war-torn Syria.

Oct 27, 2023 • 27min
Heart and Soul: The New York Supreme Court's first female Hasidic judge
Rachel Freier, a woman from a Hasidic Jewish community, defied cultural norms and became the Supreme Court's first female Hasidic judge. Despite discouragement, she balanced her strong religious beliefs and a demanding career. She shares her journey, the challenges she faced, and the impact of her achievement on the community. This program explores her home, the unique customs of the Hasidic community, and the fear of being seen as an outcast. It also discusses the influence of her success on young Hasidic girls, emphasizing cultural pride and values.


