The Documentary Podcast

Emilia Wickstead, a luxury womenswear designer celebrated for her feminine styles, discusses her upcoming Spring/Summer 2026 collection. Drawing inspiration from her New Zealand upbringing and her time in Milan, Emilia emphasizes the collaborative effort behind her designs. She highlights the influence of Robert Mapplethorpe on her color choices and silhouettes, shares her perfectionist approach to crafting collections, and reflects on her unique experience designing uniforms, notably for Air New Zealand.

Patrick McGee, a journalist and author known for his insights on Apple and China, dives into the complexities of Apple's manufacturing ties. He discusses Tim Cook's ambitious $600 billion investment in U.S. production and why breaking away from China poses enormous challenges. McGee shares how Apple's quality-driven outsourcing shaped its operations and the critical shift in geopolitics under Xi Jinping. He also highlights the intricacies of maintaining a supply chain reliant on Chinese-trained expertise, raising questions about Apple's future amid U.S.-China tensions.

Luis Fajardo, a BBC Monitoring journalist, discusses how social media influencers intertwine with politics in Latin America, revealing controversies in Colombia and Argentina where influencers are contracted by the government. Famega Syavira, head of social media for BBC Indonesia, highlights the rise of paid influencers, dubbed 'buzzers', shaping the political landscape during elections. Additionally, Satish Urugonda talks about the conservation efforts for the critically endangered Jerdon's Courser, showcasing the dedication of forest watchers in India.

As Ukrainian drone attacks escalate, we hear harrowing stories from survivors like Inna, who narrowly escaped a strike. Kamila mourns a lost relative, reflecting on the pain of such tragedies. Kateryna shares her trauma of losing homes while drone pilots like Andy and Oleksii discuss their perilous roles on the front lines. The podcast explores drones' transformative impact on warfare, including lifesaving deliveries and strategic advantages, raising profound questions about the morality of remote warfare.

Harj Gahley, a recovering gambling addict and community campaigner, shares his journey of overcoming addiction through his Sikh faith. He recalls the thrill of his first casino visit, which spiraled into a decade of deception and financial ruin. Harj faced shame when seeking help from his community, highlighting a cultural stigma around addiction. A life-changing moment with his son sparked his spiritual reconnection. Now, he advocates for awareness and founded a charity to support others battling gambling harm, transforming his experience into a force for good.

Bob Crippen, a veteran NASA astronaut and pilot of STS-1, shares his remarkable journey in shaping the future of space travel. He dives into the early days of the space shuttle program, revealing the excitement and challenges of launching the first shuttle. Crippen recounts the intense prelaunch atmosphere at Kennedy Space Center and the innovative techniques tested during team preparations. His firsthand insights illuminate the pivotal moments leading to the historic mission that aimed to make spaceflight routine.

In this insightful discussion, Craig Silverman, a media researcher and co-founder of Indicator, delves into the perplexing issue of unfair Goodreads ratings. He explores the phenomenon of negative pre-publication reviews, suggesting that both personal vendettas and automated bots may be to blame. Silverman highlights the design flaws of Goodreads that enable abuse and proposes potential fixes, including verification methods to curb malicious ratings. The conversation shines a light on the broader implications for authors and the integrity of online platforms.

In a critical discussion, military officials and defense experts, including Senior Navy Commander Sun Lund, delve into Denmark’s historic shift to conscript women alongside men. The guests explore the recruitment process on ‘Defences Day,’ featuring medical tests and lottery systems that determine recruits' futures. They highlight the geopolitical motivations behind this expansion amidst rising tensions with Russia, and provide insights into public reactions, reflecting a mix of support and dissent across communities.

Lesia Khomenko, a Ukrainian artist who fled Kyiv with her daughter just after the invasion, now living in New York, shares her journey of resilience through art. She discusses her poignant portrait series 'Max is in the Army,' featuring civilians transformed into soldiers. Lesia also details her creative process behind monumental works, including a striking banner for the Kyiv train station, symbolizing the nation's spirit. Her unique perspective captures the intersection of creativity and conflict, illustrating the human side of wartime experiences.

Moldova's upcoming parliamentary election is in the spotlight as fugitive oligarch Ilan Shor orchestrates a disinformation campaign from Russia. A reporter goes undercover to investigate the flow of money and the impact of this misinformation. President Maia Sandu discusses the threats to democracy and the geopolitical ramifications of foreign influence. The dynamics between the EU, Russia, and local voters reveal a complex narrative of power and manipulation.