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 5, 2024 • 27min
Heart and Soul: The caste faultlines in Modi’s India
Exploring caste dynamics in Modi's India, the podcast discusses the pride and challenges of Brahmins, social media advocacy for Dalits, and the intersection of caste and Hindu nationalism. It highlights efforts towards a unified society free from caste barriers and the complexities within Indian society.
Apr 4, 2024 • 27min
Azovstal: The 80 day siege
Experience the harrowing tales of survival at the Azovstal steelworks during an 80-day siege, where residents faced constant bomb threats, food shortages, and the choice between self-preservation and helping others. The podcast delves into the daily struggles, resilience, and emotional aftermath of the survivors, showcasing the indomitable spirit amidst desperation and uncertainty.
Apr 3, 2024 • 49min
Forward Thinking: Is it ethical to live longer?
Nobel prize winning scientist Venki Ramakrishnan discusses the potential of life-extending treatments for diseases like cancer and Alzheimer's, raising questions on affordability and quality of life. The podcast explores the ethical dilemmas of increasing lifespan, societal implications of aging, and the feasibility of living indefinitely through body part replacements. It also touches on intergenerational dynamics, political influence on lifespan limits, and the societal obsession with immortality.
Apr 2, 2024 • 29min
Assignment: Secret Sisters. Political prisoners in Belarus
Explore the plight of female political prisoners in Belarus, facing mass arrests and harsh conditions. Learn about the resilience and camaraderie within the prison walls, as women endure humiliation and deprivation. Discover the sacrifices and risks taken by those on the outside to support the imprisoned, showcasing the strength and determination of all involved.
Apr 1, 2024 • 26min
In the Studio: Maria Grachvogel
Fashion designer Maria Grachvogel, celebrating 30 years in the industry, shares her creative process in designing her autumn 2024 collection. From sketching designs and experimenting with prototype garments to exploring color palettes and fabric swatches, Maria emphasizes empowering women through cut and fit. The podcast also delves into the intricate details of designing figure-hugging dresses and the collaborative effort involved in perfecting garment fit on different body shapes.
Mar 31, 2024 • 44min
Bonus: Lives Less Ordinary
A Jordanian coach shares her journey of starting a refugee kids' football team in the US after being rejected by her family. The podcast discusses her childhood, defiance of gender norms, early realization of sexuality, and finding hope through role models. It also highlights her strategy of enforcing academic excellence for team performance and building strong bonds through soccer, emphasizing community empowerment and growth.
Mar 30, 2024 • 32min
Bonus: The Global Jigsaw: Moscow attack: disinfo wars
The podcast delves into the aftermath of a concert venue attack in Russia, exploring narratives of blame and disinformation surrounding the incident. It examines the manipulation of the attack to push specific agendas, including allegations against Ukraine and suspicions of a false flag operation. The episode also analyzes Kremlin propaganda, IS ideology, Tajikistan's response to extremism reports, challenges faced by Central Asian migrant workers in Russia, and the disputed narratives and brutal realities surrounding the Moscow attack.
Mar 30, 2024 • 30min
BBC OS Conversations: Messages from Gaza
BBC OS Conversations: Messages from Gaza discusses the experiences of young women in Gaza during the Israel-Hamas war, showcasing their resilience, loss, and challenges through personal voice messages. Stories depict the fear, suffering, and desperation faced by individuals in Gaza, emphasizing the need for global attention. A journalist shares struggles of life in Gaza, while a woman documents her escape to a refugee camp. Gazans exhibit unwavering resilience amidst conflict, with families undertaking risky journeys to find safety.
Mar 29, 2024 • 28min
Heart and Soul: An ‘Encore’ for Jesus
Former Hollywood socialite Mother Antonia Brenner founded a Catholic order of nuns ministering in La Mesa prison, Tijuana. Despite initial Church resistance, Pope John Paul II supported her work. The Eudist sisters, in their 50s and 60s, leave comfortable lives to uplift the poor as an 'encore' for Jesus Christ.
Mar 29, 2024 • 25min
Bonus: HARDtalk
Stephen Sackur interviews newsworthy figures in Guyana, discussing the nation's transition to an oil powerhouse, environmental concerns in the mangrove forests, tensions with Venezuela, economic impacts on the population, and ethical dilemmas of resource exploitation.
