The Documentary Podcast

Explore the challenges and importance of accurate mapping in Africa, from urban development in Kigali to community mapping in Dar Es Salaam. Discover the role of open map data in public health interventions and the post-Ebola crisis in Boonia, DRC. Uncover the impact of community mapping projects on tackling floods and disease outbreaks in fast-changing African landscapes.

Sharon Leslie Morgan, Bernice Alexander Bennett, and Shonda Brooks discuss the history of slavery in their families and its impact on society today. They reflect on uncovering enslaved ancestors, the legacy of racism, systemic barriers, and the ongoing impact of slavery. The podcast explores the emotional journey of tracing family history and advocates for addressing racial biases.

The podcast features John Sudworth, The BBC's China correspondent, exploring the origins of Covid-19 in Wuhan. He investigates whether the virus emerged naturally or leaked from a Wuhan lab. Sudworth uncovers the difficulties of getting answers in Wuhan post-lockdown, revealing a city filled with suspicion and silence amidst efforts to resume normal life.

Grandmother Lucia from Zimbabwe, part of a network of grandmothers using cognitive behavioural therapy under 'grandma benches'. These grandmothers have helped over 50,000 people, breaking down mental health stigma in the country. Dr. Dixon Chibanda explains the success of the project and its international reach, including the transition to online therapy during the pandemic.

Exploring the grim economic impact of COVID-19, including comparisons to the Great Depression and unprecedented levels of unemployment. Discussions on international tensions, economic disparities, and calls for sustainability. Insights on navigating economic challenges amidst the pandemic, highlighting struggles, layoffs, and wealth gaps. Emphasis on global coordination, business responsibility, and the evolution of capitalism towards a more inclusive form. Reflecting on the pandemic impact and urban resilience, prompting contemplation on future crises and missed urban redesign opportunities.

Health experts and listeners from Ghana, the US, Canada, China, Switzerland and Italy share their views of life in a post-pandemic world.

All over the world engineers are being called on to re-purpose and solve the problems the global pandemic creates. We bring together an audience of engineers and the general public from six continents to share insights to inspire innovation worldwide.How are engineers reinventing our world to fight the virus? What can they do to re-imagine the everyday and make life safer and easier across the globe?Presenter Kevin Fong is joined by a panel of four leading engineers from around the world who respond to questions, comments and first-hand accounts from a global audience linked by Zoom.The panel: Luke Leung: Director of Sustainability at international architecture and engineering firm SOM Linda Miller: Transport infrastructure engineer at the major engineering and construction firm Bechtel Rebecca Shipley: Director of UCL’s Institute for Healthcare Engineering Carlo Ratti: Director of MIT’s Senseable LabThis is a special edition of an annual event series staged in partnership with the Royal Commission for the Exhibition of 1851.

Anne Soy, BBC’s Senior Africa Correspondent, joins a Samburu herdsman turned locust hunter in Kenya. They discuss the devastating impact of desert locust swarms on vegetation, the urgent mission to prevent locust breeding, and the challenges faced in tracking and eradicating the pests. The podcast offers insight into the heroic efforts of Kenya's locust hunters amid the threat of increased hunger and poverty.

Dr. Tom Frieden, former CDC director, discusses global pandemic response. Topics include early stages of COVID-19, challenges managing the crisis, role of vaccines, global collaboration, contact tracing, and positive trends in disease cases. Emphasis on unity, action, and public health strategies.

Former Australian PM Kevin Rudd, ex-Chile President Michelle Bachelet, ex-UK Chancellor George Osborne, and Hungarian official Zoltan Kovacs discuss post-pandemic global changes. Topics include geopolitics, rise of China, tech impact, wealth inequality, data ownership, and the need for collective action for a safer future.