The Documentary Podcast

Delve into the world of genes with a focus on the Ginger Gene linked to red hair. Explore the history and cultural perceptions of redheads, including pain sensitivity and skin cancer risk. Discover the genetic culprits BRCA1 and BRCA2 increasing the chances of developing cancer.

Sister Denise Bergon, a Catholic nun in Nazi-occupied France, saved 82 Jewish children by hiding them in a convent. Survivors share their bond with Sister Denise and escape from collaborators. The podcast explores the bravery, the fear of discovery by SS troops, and the harrowing experiences of hiding Jewish children during wartime.

Exploring the effects of South Africa's alcohol ban on hospital workload, economic desperation in Colombia, and the success story of a hospital in Bergamo with no Covid-19 patients after 137 days

Julia Bell, a genealogist, helps Tony May, an abandoned baby from WWII, discover his birth parents through DNA testing. The podcast explores Tony's journey of self-discovery, the emotional impact of uncovering hidden identities, and the anticipation of reuniting with newfound family members.

Exploring the impacts of coronavirus in Africa, the podcast features experts discussing the delicate balance between hunger and infection, police brutality during lockdowns, and unexpected positives from the pandemic. Topics cover disparities in COVID-19 responses, challenges in education, humanitarian crises, government regulations on tobacco and alcohol, police brutality, and the balance between civil rights and public health concerns in various African countries.

Exploring the scandal of sediment found in fuel oil deliveries to Lebanon, uncovering corruption and leading to indictments against top officials. Discovering the dire situation in Lebanon marked by power outages, economic crisis, and widespread corruption. Investigating the shutdown of Lebanon's power station due to bad fuel, revealing a scandal involving forged documents, bribery, and money laundering. Unraveling the convoluted 2005 contract between Sonatrak and the Lebanese government for fuel oil, exposing a web of middlemen and global oil market intricacies. Delving into the complexities of political affiliations and business dealings in Lebanon's energy sector, highlighting issues of corruption and lack of transparency.

BBC reporter Sophia Smith Galer and her father uncover shocking family secrets through an at-home DNA test. They reflect on unexpected traits, delve into ancestry details, and explore the emotional impact of newfound knowledge on personal identity and cultural immersion. The podcast highlights the complexities of self-perception, societal attitudes towards race, and the resilience found in uncovering family ties and genetic heritage.

Exploring how black-owned radio stations in the US are covering George Floyd's killing and protests, discussing systemic racism, activism, and reducing police budgets. Personal reflections on navigating interactions with law enforcement and amplifying black voices on radio.

Dr. John Wright, an epidemiologist at Bradford Royal Infirmary, discusses COVID-19 topics including antibody testing reliability, emotional toll on healthcare workers, survivor stories, long-term impact on health, stress on frontline workers, and challenges in diagnosing pediatric inflammatory syndromes.

Exploring the aftermath of the collapsed health system in Guayaquil during the peak of the coronavirus pandemic, focusing on the search for missing bodies left unburied at home or on the streets. The dire consequences of COVID-19 in Ecuador revealed, with a city grappling with a healthcare crisis as over 10,000 people succumbed to the virus in a span of two months. Heart-wrenching stories of families desperately searching for their loved ones' bodies in the chaos and despair of the pandemic.