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
Feb 24, 2026 • 28min
Russia's Church in Texas
Father Moses Macpherson, a ROCOR priest near Austin known for growing a young, online-following parish. He discusses converting trends, massive interest in traditional liturgy, why many young men are drawn to strong male role models and ritual, and how priests and influencers use social media to spread Russian Orthodox ideas across the US.
Feb 23, 2026 • 49min
The Dream Makers
Will Dowd, writer and artist who used Dormio and poetry to program his dreams. Dr. Deidre Barrett, Harvard dream researcher tracing incubation from temples to modern practice. Adam Har‑Horowitz, cognitive scientist and creator of Dormio exploring hypnagogia. They discuss dream incubation techniques, hypnagogic creativity, Dormio’s methods, therapeutic uses, and the ethical and commercial stakes of influencing dreams.
Feb 23, 2026 • 27min
Jason Gilkison: Choreographer for Strictly Come Dancing
Jason Gilkison, renowned choreographer behind global TV dance spectacles and Burn the Floor alum, shares his creative process. He talks planning huge group numbers, teaching professionals efficiently, adapting choreography for cameras, costume collaboration, and modernising ballroom with same-sex partnerships. Short, energetic insights into the high-pressure world of televised finales.
15 snips
Feb 21, 2026 • 26min
Ukraine after four years of war
Nataliia Patrikieieva, a BBC Ukrainian reporter who studies social change, Victoria Kalimbet, a journalist from Kharkiv who chronicles civic resilience, and Vitaly Shevchenko, Russia editor and podcast presenter, discuss life after four years of war. They talk about Kharkiv’s survival, how dating and demographics have shifted, coping humor, and investigations into occupied homes and regional dynamics.
Feb 21, 2026 • 23min
Remembering Ukrainians who have lost their lives in the war
Maria, a journalist recalling colleague Victoria Roschina, speaks about Vika’s bravery reporting from occupied areas and the circumstances of her detention and death. The conversation highlights other personal remembrances, music written in memory, and families coping with loss. Short, poignant stories bring to life the human cost of the conflict.
Feb 20, 2026 • 26min
‘Oasis of peace’ in wartime
Adam Ben Shabbat, a young Jewish resident and filmmaker who served briefly in the reserves; Ramez Manna, a young Palestinian raised in the mixed community; Samah Salahim, Palestinian peace activist and educator whose family was displaced in 1948; Nava Zonenshine, longtime resident and founder of the School for Peace. They discuss the village’s origins, schooling and dialogue projects, strains after October 7 and the Gaza war, efforts to rebuild trust, and debates over the community’s future.
Feb 19, 2026 • 27min
Give me my child back
Dina Namensen, co-founder of SILA 360 fighting Denmark’s child removal practices. She discusses protests and a government review of ~300 cases. Short scenes cover parenting competency tests, cultural misreadings of Greenlandic families, painful long separations, contested adoptions and legal paths people are taking.
Feb 18, 2026 • 21min
Alex Eala: The tennis star who could be a game-changer for the Philippines
Kate Reyes, Filipino sports journalist covering Philippine sports culture. Ben Rothenberg, tennis writer and Bounces editor with tournament insight. They explore why Alexandra Eala drew massive crowds in Melbourne. They trace her Miami breakthrough, Nadal Academy training, and the Philippines’ national reaction. They discuss organisers’ missteps, grassroots momentum, and hopes for local tennis growth.
Feb 17, 2026 • 27min
Fixing Chile’s fashion graveyard
Ivan Berrios, chairman of Zofri, explains the free trade zone and Chile’s new traceability rules. Jean Carla Zambrana Aviles, founder of Desierto Vestido, talks about grassroots campaigns against illegal clothes dumping in Alto Hospicio. They discuss why garments are abandoned, the health and environmental harms, recycling plans and a giant art installation made from used shirts to spark change.
Feb 16, 2026 • 27min
Bridgerton: Behind the scenes
Yerin Ha, an actor new to Bridgerton who plays Sophie, shares first-on-set nerves and developing chemistry. Luke Thompson, who portrays Benedict Bridgerton, talks preparing to lead the season and evolving his character. Jess Brownell, showrunner and writer from Shondaland, reveals shaping the show's modern-Regency tone and the writers' room process. They discuss romance, chemistry, and crafting standout scenes.
