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 13, 2024 • 23min
BBC OS Conversations: Sudan's war - One year on
Omnia, a recent college graduate, shares her experiences of being separated from her family due to the civil war in Sudan. She talks about the resilience and strength she discovered in herself during this difficult time. Another guest, Samreen, an aid worker in Sudan, discusses the overwhelming requests for help she receives and the limitations of what can be done in such a crisis.
Apr 12, 2024 • 27min
Bonus: The Global Story
FTC Chair Lina Khan leads US lawsuits against tech giants. Explore antitrust, Lena Khan's journey, Silicon Valley insiders' perspectives on big tech regulation, lack of innovation in Apple, antitrust remedies, legislative challenges, and implications of political terms on big tech cases.
Apr 12, 2024 • 27min
From the Archive: Heart and Soul - Faith, terrorists and mercy at Guantanamo
Dr Jennifer Bryson, former lead interrogator at Guantanamo Bay, discusses the moral challenges of using 'enhanced interrogation techniques' on suspected Al-Qaeda terrorists. She reflects on how her faith guided her through this radical time in her life, questioning the justification of such methods and the impact on both detainees and interrogators.
Apr 11, 2024 • 16min
Bonus: What in the World
Botswana, the world leader in elephant conservation, faces challenges with the growing elephant population causing conflicts with humans. Controversial trophy hunting generates income for conservation efforts but sparks debates on cruelty. Germany's proposed restrictions on importing hunting trophies incite backlash. The podcast delves into the complexities of managing elephant populations and the ethical dilemmas surrounding conservation efforts.
Apr 10, 2024 • 49min
Forward Thinking: Jocelyn Bell Burnell
Jocelyn Bell Burnell, who discovered the Pulsar but didn't receive the Nobel Prize, emphasizes the need for more diversity in space research. In a conversation with Nuala McGovern, they discuss the importance of different perspectives in advancing science and exploring the cosmos globally.
Apr 9, 2024 • 27min
Assignment: New Caledonia - new agreement needed
Discover the challenges of crafting a new agreement for governance in New Caledonia, an island with a rich history as a penal colony and naval base. Dive into the clash of rights between French settlers and indigenous Kanak, explore the impact of nickel mining on culture and economics, and reflect on the complexities of cultural identity and societal tensions in the region.
Apr 8, 2024 • 27min
In the Studio: Ellie Simmonds
Paralympic gold medallist Ellie Simmonds explores the design and importance of swimming pools. She joins award-winning Dutch architects for the Paris 2024 Aquatic Centre project. Topics include sustainability, accessibility, and the role of public pools in promoting community health and fitness.
Apr 7, 2024 • 53min
El Salvador's missing children
The podcast explores the heartbreaking stories of children separated during El Salvador's civil war, including a woman raised in France searching for her birth family, a young woman entangled in Marxist guerrillas' world, and a man reuniting with his biological family after years apart. It delves into the emotional impact of adoption, identity crisis, and the journey of individuals trying to piece together their past amidst trauma and uncertainty.
Apr 6, 2024 • 27min
The Fifth Floor: My Ramadan
Asif Farooqi, Aalia Farzan, and Deena Easa discuss the impact of conflict, natural disasters, and Covid-19 on Ramadan. Topics include Ramadan cricket, marriage during the Holy Month, and popular TV shows. The podcast showcases diverse Ramadan traditions, cultural significance of foods, reporting challenges in Gaza, and heartwarming family visits during Eid celebrations.
Apr 6, 2024 • 23min
BBC OS Conversations: Living with cancer
Young women worldwide share their candid experiences with cancer diagnosis, highlighting the emotional impact, challenges in communication, and the importance of maintaining hope. Stories of survivors battling cancer at a young age emphasize the need for early detection and adapting to new realities. The podcast also delves into the complexities of discussing cancer with children and navigating life with stage four breast cancer while staying positive and resilient.
