

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

Oct 26, 2023 • 27min
Assignment: The Life, Death and Rebirth of a Russian Theatre
Follow Tatiana Frolova, a theatre director from Soviet Far East, as she creates the first independent theatre in the Soviet Union. Explore the challenges faced by Tatiana and her troupe due to political events and their exile. Learn about their new play touring Europe, reflecting on their experiences and loss. Discover the impact and legacy of the 37-year-old theatre in Russia amidst war. This podcast provides honest explanations of global events.

Oct 24, 2023 • 38min
Africa's urban future: What next?
The podcast explores the future of Africa's swelling cities and the challenges of rapid urbanization. It discusses the implications of climate change on African cities and the need for effective management. It highlights the efforts of African countries in combating climate change and the struggles faced by slum dwellers. The chapter concludes with insights on the future of urbanization in Africa and recommends two other podcasts.

Oct 23, 2023 • 27min
In the Studio: PAC NYC
Explore the significance of PAC NYC's location near the 9/11 memorial, the unique design and construction of the building with high marble walls and custom chandeliers, flexible theater spaces and seating capacities, upcoming events including the first commissioned music theater work and a production of Cats, and the challenges of audience membership sales and preparations for premieres of commissioned artists' works.

Oct 22, 2023 • 50min
Other people's children
This podcast explores the experiences of mothers who leave their families to work as nannies in other countries. It delves into the challenges faced by these women, the impact on their families, and the emotional complexity of nurturing someone else's children. The podcast also highlights the unique perspective of nannies and the milestones they witness with the children they care for. Additionally, it discusses the challenges faced by children growing up without their mothers and the strategies for taking care of them in their absence. The speaker also reflects on the importance of setting emotional boundaries as a nanny.

Oct 21, 2023 • 24min
BBC OS Conversations: Teenagers in Gaza and Israel
The podcast explores the experiences of teenagers living in Gaza and Israel amidst the ongoing conflict. It discusses the impact of the violence and destruction on young people, the fear and trauma faced by families, and the prospects of military service. The speakers share personal experiences and emotions regarding the conflict, emphasizing the importance of unity and hope for an end to the violence.

19 snips
Oct 20, 2023 • 1h 6min
Understand: Israel and the Palestinians
Journalist Katya Adler and guests provide a guide to the history and context of the Israel-Palestine conflict, exploring the creation of Israel, the experience of Palestinians, the role of Hamas, and the involvement of global powers. They discuss overcrowding and poverty in Gaza City, the transformation of Israel's leadership, the rise and alliances of Hamas, Hezbollah's relationship with Israel, the potential normalization between Saudi Arabia and Israel, and the unresolved issues of the conflict.

Oct 20, 2023 • 27min
Heart and Soul: My journey beyond death
A man recounts his near-death experience after a train accident, which led to a spiritual awakening. The podcast explores the experiences of others who have had supernatural encounters after near-death experiences. The speaker also shares their own terrifying escape and calm revelation. They describe being in a realm of light and encountering beings that helped heal them. Additionally, the podcast delves into the speaker's exploration of various religions and belief systems, as well as the interconnectedness of life force energy and consciousness.

Oct 19, 2023 • 28min
Assignment: The village versus the mine
A farming village in Portugal fights against a large lithium mine on their doorstep, fearing the destruction of their agricultural way of life. The mine aims to produce enough lithium for 500,000 electric car batteries a year. The villagers' concerns include the impact on the environment, agriculture, and water supply. Portugal has significant lithium reserves and the government is in favor of exploiting them for the green transition.

Oct 17, 2023 • 39min
Africa’s Urban Future: South Africa
Exploring the challenges of urbanization in South Africa, including the legacy of apartheid, power shortages, neglected areas, migration tensions, and transformations in Chiamandie.

Oct 16, 2023 • 27min
In the Studio: Mohsen Makhmalbaf
Iranian director Mohsen Makhmalbaf discusses the challenges of making the film Kandahar, including filming on a smugglers' route and avoiding the Taliban. He shares his revolutionary journey and the impact of his work, as well as the dangers faced by artists and the transformative power of film.


