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 20, 2024 • 26min
The Fifth Floor: My emergency kit list
Juna Moon discusses young people's perceptions of war in South Korea. Joy Chang shares earthquake preparedness in Taiwan. Hernando Álvarez shares life advice from Gabriel García Márquez. The podcast explores emergency kits, war preparedness, and classic literature lists.
Apr 20, 2024 • 23min
BBC OS Conversations: Living in Israel
Three Israeli residents, Avi, Lianne, and Liah, share personal experiences living through ongoing attacks in Israel including Iran's involvement and the impact of the Hamas-led attack. They discuss the emotional challenges, resilience, and the complexities faced in protecting civilians amidst conflict.
Apr 19, 2024 • 27min
Heart and Soul: Should I change my name?
Robert Beckford, struggling with his inherited slave surname, contemplates changing it for a more spiritual alternative. The podcast explores the conflict between negative connotations, Christian beliefs, and personal identity, touching on the significance of names in cultural heritage and the transformative power of reclaiming ancestral roots.
Apr 18, 2024 • 27min
The poker parent
Science writer Alex O'Brien teaches her daughter poker for three years, focusing on life lessons and skills like critical thinking, empowerment, and psychology. The podcast explores the benefits of teaching children poker, including emotional control and understanding probabilities. It also discusses the empowerment of women through poker and how game theory principles in poker can be applied to real-life situations.
Apr 17, 2024 • 50min
Forward Thinking: Can going vegan feed the world?
Veganism advocates Gary Francione and Dr. Ron Weiss discuss the environmental impact of veganism, cultural barriers to adopting a plant-based diet, and the nutritional benefits of a non-meat diet. They address concerns about food availability and debunk myths about veganism being a luxury choice. The podcast explores the moral, nutritional, and environmental aspects of veganism, advocating for sustainable food practices to combat climate change.
Apr 16, 2024 • 27min
Assignment: Reggaeton - the pride of Puerto Rico?
Explore the evolution of reggaeton in Puerto Rico, from its underground roots to a powerful tool for social commentary and protest. Dive into the LGBTQ+ representation in reggaeton music, challenging stereotypes and advocating for marginalized communities. Uncover the impact of reggaeton on Puerto Rican society and its role in reflecting the cultural and political landscape of the island.
Apr 15, 2024 • 25min
Bonus: The Global Story on Iran-Israel attacks
BBC’s Chief International Correspondent, Lyse Doucet, discusses the unprecedented Iranian attack on Israel, marking a potential turning point in Middle East relations. The podcast explores Iran's shift to open conflict, Israel's diverse perspectives on Iran, and analyzes global geopolitical tensions amidst escalating conflicts.
Apr 15, 2024 • 26min
In the Studio: Helle Nebelong
Danish landscape architect Helle Nebelong discusses her innovative approach to natural playground design, focusing on creativity and independence. She details the challenges of designing one of America's largest natural playgrounds in Illinois, inspired by her childhood on the Faroe Islands. The podcast delves into the design process, collaboration with children, and transforming drawings into a vibrant mosaic playground, fostering inclusivity and unique play experiences.
Apr 14, 2024 • 49min
His and hers medicine
Dr Zoe Williams investigates historical gender disparities in healthcare, focusing on heart disease. Despite the myth, heart disease is the top killer of women in the US. Discusses the impact of excluding women from drug trials and the necessity of including them. Explores the unique risk factors and challenges women face in receiving proper care for heart attacks.
Apr 13, 2024 • 27min
The Fifth Floor: A journalist's life in Israel
BBC journalists Shaina Oppenheimer and Alicia Hernandez share insights on monitoring media narratives in Israel and Equatorial Guinea. Topics include emotional impact of war on food, linguistic variations in Equatorial Guinea, and reconciliation efforts in Jerusalem.
