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
Aug 20, 2020 • 26min
Barbara Demick: True stories from North Korea
Barbara Demick, former LA Times correspondent, shares insights on North Korea and Tibet. She conducted deep interviews to create narrative non-fiction, revealing unexpected joy and cynicism in North Korea. The podcast explores reporting challenges in Tibet, ethical considerations, and the value of exiles' insights on uncharted territories.
Aug 19, 2020 • 28min
Rulebreakers: How I disappear
Discover the world of 'johatsu' in Japan where people vanish with the help of 'night moving' services. Hear emotional stories of those who choose to escape hardships and explore cultural nuances of disappearance. From the eerie Aokigahara forest to reflections on departure, this podcast takes you on a journey of vanishing acts and rulebreakers.
Aug 18, 2020 • 28min
Vaccines, money and politics
Exploring strategies for worldwide vaccine deployment, ethical considerations in distribution, global collaboration in vaccine development, vaccine safety monitoring, and challenges in vaccine development amid COVID-19
Aug 16, 2020 • 25min
BBC OS Conversations: Addiction during a pandemic
Journalist Nuala McGovern discusses addiction during the pandemic, highlighting personal struggles with addiction, the challenges faced by addicts during lockdown, and heartwarming stories of family support through music, including a brother playing his trombone outside a rehab center for his sibling.
Aug 16, 2020 • 51min
Stitching souls
Exploring the rich history and emotional connections in G's Bend quilt-making tradition, from using old clothes to fame in major museums. Reflecting on police accountability and protests, the legacy of the community, and the healing power of quilting. Discussing the atomic bomb's impact and promotion of 'The Bomb' podcast.
Aug 13, 2020 • 26min
Milton Nkosi: The apartheid child who changed Africa’s story
Milton Nkosi, a former child of Soweto, shares his journey from apartheid to TV journalism. He discusses navigating ethical dilemmas, questioning post-apartheid leaders, and diversifying coverage of Africa. His personal experiences, including connections to anti-apartheid activists like Nelson Mandela, shape his perspective on impartial reporting and journalistic challenges.
Aug 12, 2020 • 28min
Fighting talk: How language can make us better
When we talk about cancer it’s often hard to find the right words. As we search for the perfect thing to say, we find ourselves reaching for familiar metaphors; the inspiring people fighting or battling their cancer. Cara Hoofe is currently in remission from Stage 3 bowel cancer, she says it would be easy for her to say she has beaten cancer. Cara asks experts what impact these militaristic metaphors actually have on those living with cancer, and asks current and former patients what we should talk about when we talk about cancer.
Aug 11, 2020 • 28min
Vaccines, money and politics
Exploring the challenges of developing a COVID-19 vaccine in record time, from manufacturing complexities to global distribution issues. The podcast delves into the financial risks, political influences, and concerns over equitable access to vaccines. With insights on varied production methods, governmental investments, and the race to achieve global vaccination.
Aug 9, 2020 • 24min
BBC OS Conversations: After the Beirut explosion
Nuala McGovern, a documentary journalist, interviews witnesses of the Beirut explosion, young adults express concerns for Lebanon's future, a doctor helps a mother give birth amidst chaos. Personal accounts capture fear, chaos, and despair in the aftermath of the tragedy, highlighting the challenges faced by the people of Beirut.
Aug 9, 2020 • 50min
Worlds Apart
Exploring the impacts of globalization throughout history and the current challenges faced by global institutions. From the effects of the first great wave of globalization to the reshaping of global supply chains post-pandemic. Reflecting on the trilemma of globalization, national sovereignty, and democracy, and the implications for future economic landscapes.
