The Documentary Podcast

Nina Akhmeteli, Rayhan Demytrie, and Maka Dzneladze are BBC journalists in Tbilisi, offering a deep dive into Georgia's political turmoil. They discuss the suspension of EU talks and its implications, as protests continue to escalate. The trio reveals the tension between cultural identity and civic engagement, weaving in the importance of traditional Georgian cuisine. They also reflect on the complex historical ties to Russia, the generational divide in public sentiment, and the challenges faced by independent journalists amid mounting government pressure.

Negotiations for a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine are underway, yet citizens face emotional turmoil. Diverse perspectives emerge from ordinary Russians, grappling with the war's implications on family and society. Discussions reveal deep historical contexts and the emotional burden on national identity. Voices from the youth reflect a blend of despair and hope. Misinformation shapes opinions, while mothers express their fears and hopes for a peaceful future amidst chaos, highlighting resilience in the face of conflict.

In a village in Bangladesh, transgender women are finding hope and acceptance at a newly built mosque. The story centers on Tanu, a resilient leader who helps others reconnect with their faith and community. Hijras, once revered, now face societal rejection, but through prayer and education, they reclaim their dignity. As they battle rising conservatism, the mosque serves as a sanctuary, promoting inclusivity and resilience. Their journey reveals the transformative power of faith in overcoming adversity and reclaiming their rightful place in society.

In November 2024, six people died after visiting a bar in Vang Vieng, Laos. Authorities in the country said it was a suspected mass poisoning - the culprit, methanol. It made headlines around the world, but it was not an isolated incident. It is happening across South East Asia, Central America and the Middle East, often in countries where drinking alcohol is frowned upon, taboo, or even illegal. Matthew Hill investigates a devastating story of a rising death-toll, and travels to Bangladesh to meet the people on the ground urgently working to treat those affected.

Daily protests across the country have continued in Georgia since disputed elections in October, particularly since the ruling Georgian Dream party announced it would suspend discussions about joining the EU. Outside election observers identified a number of shortcomings and violations in the voting process. Critics of Georgian Dream say it is cosying up to Moscow and using underhand and increasingly authoritarian tactics, mimicking Russia, to stay in power. New laws against protesting have been introduced by the government and the number of arrests of protestors, opposition political figures and journalists has been rising. Some are asking is this a piece-by-piece dismantling of Georgia’s democracy? And how, with little sign of the government backing down, can the protests be maintained?

Artists Himali Singh Soin and David Soin Tappeser explore the complex weave of histories and myths around Britain’s imperial salt monopoly in India. Paul Waters joins them as they create an open-air installation at the Somerset House gallery in London, paired with a poignant indoor exhibition occupying spaces formerly used to administer Britain’s colonial-era salt tax. The 80 metre long fabric installation is to replicate the Inland Customs Line, a monumental 2,500 mile long hedge across India, created by Britain in the 1800s, to enforce salt taxation. This reinterpretation draws on cotton printed with botanical dyes from the hedge's original plants, to highlight the human and ecological cost of colonial extraction. Himali and David aren’t just creating one exhibition in one location. They are also creating a parallel installation further along the river Thames, at the Tate Britain art gallery and we’ll be following them as they work across both sites.

BBC health correspondent James Gallagher investigates how our noisy world is damaging our health. He finds out why noise increases our risk of health problems, like heart attacks, sleep problems and anxiety, and can even affect how long we live. James spends two days in Barcelona – one of the noisiest cities in Europe – to meet the people whose health is being ruined by noise and the scientists and doctors trying to solve the problem. He also visits London to be experimented on in a lab to find out how noise changes the body, and hears from Dhaka, capital of Bangladesh, one of the loudest places on the planet.

According to Kenya’s Health Ministry, between 2020 and 2023, about 16,000 women in Kenya decided to undergo a sterilisation procedure known as tubal ligation. While some of them already had children and didn’t want any more, others were saying no to motherhood altogether: they’re women who define themselves as child-free, meaning they have consciously decided never to have children. BBC Africa's Danai Nesta Kupemba has been looking into the this movement and has spoken to two Kenyan women who have recently committed to a child-free life.Also on the show: stories about people celebrating Ramadan around the world, with BBC Urdu's Aliya Nazki, BBC Indonesia's Silvano Hajid and BBC Arabic's Khitam Amer; cricket enthusiast Janhavee Moole reporting for BBC Marathi on India's recent success at the ICC Champions Trophy; and the ship fixing Africa's internet blackouts with Daniel Dadzie in Ghana. Presented by Faranak Amidi. Produced by Hannah Dean, Alice Gioia and Caroline Ferguson. (Photo: Faranak Amidi. Credit: Tricia Yourkevich.)

On his first day in office, Donald Trump froze foreign aid funding, ordering an immediate review into USAID, the government agency which was running programmes in around 120 countries. The review was swift and the cuts severe. President Trump’s team concluded that tens of billions of dollars were being spent in ways which “did not serve” or “harmed" US interests. We hear from USAID employees who describe the shock of suddenly losing their own jobs, and the grim anticipation of the impact the cuts will have on people around the world. We also hear from people running treatment centres around the world, and about the impact on HIV provision in Africa.

The podcast explores the sacred tradition of ayahuasca in the Peruvian Amazon, highlighting its significance to the Shipibo-Konibo peoples. It discusses the surge in Western tourists seeking healing through ayahuasca ceremonies, driven by celebrity endorsements. As the ayahuasca boom unfolds, it examines the rise of dubious shamans and the commercialization of Indigenous wisdom. Personal stories reveal the emotional journeys of individuals before and after their experiences. The balance of healing versus exploitation surfaces, prompting reflection on the future of this ancient practice.