The Documentary Podcast

Alon Lee Green is the national co-director of Standing Together, a grassroots Israeli-Palestinian peace movement, while Rula Daoud and Sally Abed represent Palestinian perspectives within the same initiative. They delve into the shift in focus from advocating for a Gaza ceasefire to protecting West Bank communities. Rula candidly shares the rising fears faced by Palestinian citizens, while Sally discusses the challenges of motherhood amid conflict. Their collective efforts highlight the complexities of promoting coexistence and the backlash from both sides of the divide.

Anna-Karin Karlsson, a luxury eyewear designer known for her iconic, bejeweled glasses, chats with cultural journalist Anna Åkerlund. They explore how her serene upbringing inspires bold creations worn by icons like Beyoncé and Elton John. Anna-Karin shares her journey from London jobs to founding her brand, emphasizing craftsmanship and the evolution of her collections. We learn about her commitment to financial independence, her meticulous design process, and how she balances creativity with the demands of the fashion world.

In this engaging discussion, guests include Giles Richardson, COO at the Maritime Archaeology Sea Trust, who delves into the preservation of wreck artefacts; Kim Brown, a maritime lawyer focused on WWII wrecks and legal frameworks; Atay Mhanders, an underwater archaeologist exploring looting in the Java Sea; and Reginald John Greenham, sharing the emotional toll of losing a sailor on the HMS Repulse. They tackle the alarming rise in shipwreck looting, the value of pre-war steel, and the legal challenges in protecting these crucial underwater sites.

Madina Maishanu, a senior BBC Africa journalist, shares her gripping firsthand experiences covering the Papiri school kidnappings in Nigeria, revealing the dangerous conditions faced by reporters and the distress of parents seeking clarity. Zlata Onufrieva and Olga Prosvirova dive into the tragic case of Aishat Baimuradova, the first Chechen woman in exile killed outside Russia, discussing the chilling implications for Chechen women and the heightened fear among exiles. Together, they shed light on the human stories behind the headlines.

Sherry-Anne, a concerned parent from New South Wales, highlights the risks of social media addiction and harmful content that young people face, supporting the under-16 ban. In contrast, Courtney, a creator mom, passionately defends the opportunities social media offers her children, arguing that the ban threatens their creative ventures and income. The discussion reveals a complex interplay between safety, mental health, and the evolving landscape of youth content creation, with young creators advocating for the removal of harmful content rather than a blanket ban.

Tanu Hijra Guru, a trailblazing leader in Bangladesh's transgender community, shares her journey of creating a supportive hijra village and mosque. She reveals the struggle against societal discrimination and the resilience found in faith. Imam Amin, a local religious figure, highlights his advocacy for the hijras' right to worship and the challenges he faces. Together, they discuss the mosque as a beacon of hope amid rising extremism, fostering inclusion and dignity for a community often marginalized.

Evgeny Pudovkin, an insightful economics commentator, and Tim Bowler, a military and economy expert, dive into how sanctions have reshaped Russia’s economy. Pudovkin reveals the state’s push for patriotic consumerism and the rebranding of former Western chains. Bowler discusses the shadowy tactics behind Russia's energy exports and evaluates its sustainability amidst economic pressures. They explore consumer responses to limited choices and the emergence of a new Russia-China partnership, shedding light on an evolving landscape.

Join Professor Sarah Russell, a planetary scientist who delves into meteorite classification, along with Professor Idi Umaru Amadou, an archaeology expert discussing cultural heritage laws, and Daryl Pitt, a meteorite dealer sharing insights on the auction market. Discover the thrill of meteorite hunts and how private collectors impact scientific access. Unravel the legality of meteorite exports and the challenges regulators face. The conversation explores how the commercial market is reshaping the study of these celestial treasures.

Joana Vasconcelos, a celebrated Portuguese contemporary artist known for her bold sculptural installations, delves into her creative process behind the dazzling Venetian-style mask for the Guggenheim Bilbao. She shares insights on the concept of shedding identities through art and discusses the intricate journey from sketches to the final production. Joana reveals the collaborative nature of her studio, involving a skilled team in crafting her reflective masterpieces. Listeners get a glimpse into the challenges of precision welding and the magic of mirroring effects that bring her vision to life.

Alexis Zivoszuk, founder of Apatrid Network, advocates for stateless individuals in the EU. Christiana Bucallot, from State Free, shares her battle with inherited statelessness in Germany. Albert Joffe recounts the struggles of being a non-citizen in Latvia. They explore the hidden figures behind statelessness, the bureaucratic nightmares faced by stateless youth, and the lifelong impacts on education, healthcare, and rights. The conversation highlights resilience, community building, and the urgent need for political action to secure nationality and justice.