

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

Apr 8, 2025 • 27min
Assignment: Unidentified flying drones in Denmark
Mysterious orb-like lights have captured the attention of both believers and skeptics in Denmark. Eyewitness accounts reveal strange aerial phenomena, sparking debates over whether they are advanced drones or something more sinister. The discussion also delves into the implications of these sightings amid geopolitical tensions. Personal stories and societal perceptions weave through the narrative, highlighting Denmark's relationship with UFOs. As new drone sightings emerge, the lines between technology and the unexplained continue to blur, fueling public intrigue.

Apr 7, 2025 • 26min
In the Studio: Anna Clyne and Jody Elff
Contemporary classical composer Anna Clyne, known for her innovative compositions, teams up with her Grammy-winning husband, audio engineer Jody Elff. They discuss their latest project, PALETTE, a concerto inspired by colors that will be performed by the St Louis Symphony Orchestra. The intriguing concept of the Augmented Orchestra, blending live orchestration with electronic manipulation, takes center stage. Anna's unique approach includes painting seven pieces that complement her music, enhancing the overall sensory experience for the audience.

41 snips
Apr 6, 2025 • 49min
Donald Trump’s new world order
Fred Flights, the former Chief of Staff of the National Security Council during Trump's first term, provides insight into the drastic changes in U.S. foreign policy under the 'America First' agenda. He discusses how Trump's approach has unsettled global alliances and reshaped international relations, including the dynamics with NATO and Russia. The conversation also touches on the impact of these policies on younger voters and America's identity. Flights emphasizes the need for healing domestic divisions while navigating a new multipolar world.

10 snips
Apr 5, 2025 • 27min
The Fifth Floor: India's 'godwoman'
Divya Arya, a Delhi correspondent who met Radhe Maa, offers a fascinating glimpse into the life of this controversial 'godwoman' and her dedicated followers. She explores the rise of women like Radhe Maa in a patriarchal society, challenging norms as they claim miraculous powers. The podcast reveals personal testimonies of healing and the complex interplay between faith and skepticism. Arya also discusses Radhe Maa's luxurious lifestyle, the dynamics between wealth and devotion, and the cultural phenomenon of belief in modern India.

4 snips
Apr 5, 2025 • 23min
BBC OS Conversations: Adolescence
A gripping conversation unfolds around the Netflix series exploring toxic masculinity and its consequences. Teenagers share their experiences with social media's role in promoting online misogyny and bullying. Insights from boys reveal how male influencers distort self-improvement messages into harmful ideologies. A girl's uncertainty about friendships with boys adds depth to the discussion. The impact of the pandemic on adolescent interactions and the need for positive role models highlight the urgency of addressing these contemporary issues.

8 snips
Apr 4, 2025 • 27min
Heart and Soul: I was shot at school and wouldn’t change a thing
A school shooting in West Liberty reveals the incredible resilience of a community. Logan Cole, a young survivor, embodies forgiveness as he navigates his trauma, even praying for his shooter. The podcast highlights chilling premonitions from a local church, whose prayers align eerily with the events. Amid despair, a love story blossoms during the pandemic, showcasing the power of connection amidst uncertainty. Through it all, the themes of hope and compassion shine, demonstrating how love can thrive even in the darkest times.

14 snips
Apr 3, 2025 • 26min
The subsea war
Delve into the shadowy world of undersea infrastructure and its role in geopolitical conflicts. Learn how subsea cables, crucial for global transactions, are vulnerable to sabotage, particularly in the Baltic Sea. Discover Russia's tactic of plausible deniability amid rising tensions and the use of advanced technologies for monitoring threats. Explore the military significance of the Arctic region and the collaborative defense strategies being employed to protect underwater assets against evolving risks.

Apr 2, 2025 • 27min
Living in a bubble: The headphone revolution
Per Sennström, co-founder of Earin and an electronics engineer from Malmö, dives into the headphone revolution. He discusses the rapid rise of wireless earbuds, their transformation into fashionable accessories, and their impact on our daily lives. Sennström highlights the duality of this trend—while offering high-quality sound, it poses challenges like social isolation and safety concerns in public spaces. He emphasizes the importance of carving out moments of silence amidst our audio-filled world, urging a balance between technology and personal reflection.

18 snips
Mar 31, 2025 • 28min
Assignment: Lebanon - Hezbollah in trouble
The podcast explores the staggering impact of the recent war on Hezbollah and its strongholds in Lebanon. Personal stories reveal the emotional and physical toll on communities while shedding light on internal dissent within the militia. Dissenting voices question Hezbollah's military strategies and its connection to the broader Lebanese identity. The narrative delves into the challenges of reconstruction amidst a shattered landscape, intertwined with tales of resilience and hope from individuals directly affected by the conflict.

9 snips
Mar 31, 2025 • 26min
In the Studio: Lindy Lee’s Ouroboros
Lindy Lee, a renowned Chinese Australian artist famous for her large-scale installations, discusses her monumental work, the Ouroboros, the most expensive single artwork commission in Australian history. She shares insights into the intricate design and massive scale of the sculpture, highlighting its cultural significance and connection to Ngunnawal language. The conversation also touches on Australia's journey from racism to embracing diversity through art, as well as the emotional and logistical challenges of creating such a transformative piece.


