The Documentary Podcast

Ismo Leikola, a celebrated Finnish comedian and writer known for his sharp, language-driven humor, shares insights into his journey from university comedy to global recognition as one of the funniest people in the world. He dives into his performance style, emphasizing ad-libbing and humor derived from language quirks. Ismo discusses the importance of avoiding politics to connect with diverse audiences, and reveals how he crafts jokes from everyday observations and theories. With tales from his hometown, he blends personal stories with a deep understanding of comedy's essence.

Victoria Gill, a Science Correspondent, dives into the fascinating evolutionary origins of kissing, revealing that it may date back over 21 million years across species. Meanwhile, Marie Tussiama, founder of Archive Ivoir, shares her personal insights on Côte d'Ivoire's 90s–00s aesthetics and the current Y2K revival among Gen Z. They discuss how nostalgia helps us reconnect with the past, why younger generations embrace retro styles, and explore the intriguing behaviors surrounding kissing in both humans and animals.

Join Shekiba Habib, Aalia Farzan, and Abdullah Shadan as they delve into the world of Afghan poetry, spotlighting the legendary Rabia Balkhi. Shekiba shares how poetry seamlessly integrates into Afghan culture, while Aalia discusses Rabia's role as a pioneer of Persian love poetry and her inspirational life story. Abdullah reflects on his personal connection to Rabia, including his experience acting in a film about her. Together, they explore Rabia's tragic fate and enduring legacy, illustrating how Afghan women continue to draw strength from her words.

Nicole Stott, a former NASA astronaut with two spaceflights, and Tim Peake, a British ESA astronaut, share their captivating experiences aboard the ISS, touching on life in microgravity and the emotional views of Earth. Mike Massimino discusses the exciting Artemis II lunar mission, while Kiri Wagstaff explores the future role of AI and robotics in deep-space exploration. Together, they reflect on the importance of continued human exploration and the balance between public and private ventures in space.

Salih Hardaga, a Bosnian Muslim, shares his family's courageous history of sheltering Jewish neighbors during WWII, revealing poignant memories of his parents' bravery. Vladimir Andola, president of Sarajevo's Jewish charity, provides context on the humanitarian efforts of the Jewish community during the city's 1990s siege. Their discussion navigates through the interconnected fates of the Hardaga and Kabiljo families, highlighting themes of friendship, solidarity, and resilience amid conflict and adversity.

In this engaging discussion, Mike Wamaya, founder of Project Elimu in Kibera, shares his journey from ballerina to educator. He reveals how ballet empowers children with essential life skills like discipline and confidence. Through inspiring stories, dancers like Lydia and Flavian discuss the impact of scholarships on their dreams. The preparation for a grand performance at the National Theatre showcases their dedication and passion, while also shedding light on the social challenges they face. Ballet becomes a beacon of hope in Kibera.

Hanya Aljamal, a 28-year-old Palestinian aid worker and diarist, shares her harrowing experience of life in Gaza during a time of conflict. She recounts daily life amidst bombings, the emotional weight of displacement, and hopes sparked by simple acts, like a neighbor gardening for the future. Hanya’s audio diaries capture surreal moments, the chaos of evacuations, and her longing for peace as she grapples with grief and uncertainty. Her journey culminates in feelings of detached safety after leaving Gaza, highlighting the stark contrast between her new life and the struggles back home.

Josh Abattoi, a conservative real estate developer and founder of Ridge Runner, discusses his vision for communities centered on 'faith, family, and freedom' in rural Appalachia. He explains why Gainesboro, Tennessee, was chosen for this venture and the appeal it holds for like-minded conservatives relocating from blue states. The podcast delves into the complex dynamics of Christian nationalism, local resistance movements, and the methods residents are using to oppose perceived extremism, making Gainesboro a microcosm of America's broader cultural conflicts.

Haroon Mirza, a British sound and installation artist known for his immersive multi-sensory works, joins forces with collaborating artist Jack Jelfs to create an ambitious installation inspired by their time at CERN. They delve into the intricate design process that fuses light, sound, and video through unique structures like an LED chandelier and a circle of speakers. Technical challenges abound as they fine-tune synchronization and iterate on glitches, all while drawing inspiration from everyday life and music. The duo’s innovative approach promises a sensory cocoon for viewers.

Anthony Zurcher, a Senior North America correspondent, dissects the political landscape around Trump's potential return. Asma Khalid shares insights on electoral risks for Republicans and the internal debates within the Democratic Party. Faisal Islam examines the economic implications of new tariffs and the rise of AI in the market. Laura Bicker reports on China's tech ambitions and the ongoing Taiwan tensions. Meanwhile, Lyse Doucet highlights fragile peace prospects in Ukraine and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Sudan.