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
Jun 8, 2024 • 23min
BBC OS Conversations: Stories from Mexico
Mexico's first female President Claudia Sheinbaum faces challenges with criminal cartels and safety concerns. Stories of fear, migration, and hopes for change are shared by citizens. Women feel unsafe, families impacted by violence, and doubts about significant change despite a woman in power.
Jun 7, 2024 • 26min
Heart and Soul: Losing my religion
Join Kamsy and Ore as they navigate the taboo of questioning their evangelical Christian upbringing in Nigeria, leading to the creation of a WhatsApp group for like-minded individuals seeking spiritual connection beyond traditional beliefs. Explore the challenges of religious trauma, evolving spiritual identities, and the journey towards self-acceptance and love within 'The Table' community.
Jun 6, 2024 • 27min
The Fifth Floor: For the love of football
Argentinian, Iranian, and Kenyan journalists discuss the universal language of football, exploring personal connections and cultural insights. They reflect on diplomatic relations through a match between Iran and USA, unpack football rivalries, and share predictions for the Euros. BBC Pidgin contributor talks about Nigerian players adapting to a new national anthem.
Jun 6, 2024 • 13min
Bonus: What in the world - Africa and FGM: When will it end?
Hibo Wardere, a survivor of FGM, shares her story and emphasizes the role of education in ending the practice. Esther Ogola discusses The Gambia's potential reversal of FGM ban. Kenya's success in reducing FGM victims is highlighted, along with the UN's goal to end the practice by 2030.
Jun 5, 2024 • 17min
Whose Truth?: Online women haters
Nobel Prize laureate Maria Ressa discusses online hate against powerful women in the Philippines. Lucina Di Meco and Audrey Pe talk about digital threats and empowering women in tech. The podcast explores the challenges faced by women in technology and the fight against gendered attacks online.
Jun 5, 2024 • 17min
Whose Truth?: Climate change denial
Climate change denial is tackled by UK activist Phoebe L. Hanson through Teach the Teacher, while Ugandan activist Nyombi Morris mobilizes youth. Sir Paul Nurse emphasizes science over politics. The impact of denial, challenges in education, and empowering youth to combat misinformation are discussed.
Jun 5, 2024 • 17min
Whose Truth?: Russia v Ukraine
Oleksandra and Anastasiia discuss documenting alleged Russian war crimes and exposing disinformation in Ukraine. Lisa Kaplan shares insights on combating social media manipulation. The podcast explores the impact of Russian disinformation on elections and efforts to counter misinformation in Ukraine.
Jun 5, 2024 • 17min
Whose Truth?: The vaccine
Nobel laureate Katalin Kariko shares her experience battling Covid vaccine misinformation. Educator Young Elder discusses building vaccine trust in Baltimore's black community. Topics include vaccine hesitancy, misinformation impact, and the role of credible sources in combatting falsehoods.
Jun 5, 2024 • 20min
Trending: Is Russia targeting Poland's farmers’ protests?
A viral image from a Polish farmers' protest sparked concerns of Russian influence with a provocative tractor banner. The episode explores the motivations behind the protests, including frustrations with low prices, EU regulations, and climate change. It investigates the alleged involvement of a farmer in the protests and discusses anti-Ukrainian sentiments amidst reports of Russian propaganda in the EU.
Jun 4, 2024 • 27min
Assignment: El Salvador – life after the gangs
Explore the aftermath of the government crackdown on gangs in El Salvador, including the challenges faced by workers in gang-controlled regions and the struggles of families with wrongfully arrested loved ones. Discover the impact of police operations targeting gang members and concerns over excessive power wielded by authorities in combatting gang violence.
