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
Mar 11, 2024 • 27min
In the Studio: Peter Beatty
British artist Peter Beatty's journey into stop-motion animation with a unique multiplane camera, winning international awards. Exploring challenges, inspirations, and the intricate process of creating a detailed animated film. Reflecting on personal growth and unexpected success in the completion and release of the project.
Mar 10, 2024 • 23min
Bonus: The Global Story
Exploring the decrease in sexual activity among Gen Z, 'pureateens', challenges of data collection, impact of anxiety on intimacy, navigating gender roles post #MeToo, economic pressures on relationships, coping with social media and surveillance culture
Mar 9, 2024 • 24min
BBC OS Conversations: The cost of living crisis in Nigeria
The podcast discusses Nigeria's severe economic crisis, with food and fuel prices skyrocketing. Stories from a chef, baker, and health workers highlight the challenges faced by businesses and individuals. Government interventions, rising healthcare costs, and the impact on daily living are explored amidst the country's cost of living crisis.
Mar 8, 2024 • 28min
Heart and Soul: I joined the Taliban after they kept me hostage
A former captive shares his journey of faith and transformation after joining the Taliban following his release. The podcast explores his conversion to Islam in captivity, the complex identity he faced, and the impact of forgiveness and faith in his life.
Mar 7, 2024 • 28min
Assignment: Educating Tibet
Investigating China's educational reforms in Tibet: children separated from families, learning Chinese, not Tibetan. Is this social engineering or progress? Tibetan refugees face challenges in boarding schools, cultural struggles. Educational reforms in China under scrutiny for lack of transparency, dominance of Mandarin. Cultural suppression in Tibet, identity struggles highlighted by sociologist's escape to Canada.
Mar 6, 2024 • 27min
Diving With a Purpose
Join a group of Black scuba divers searching for slave wrecks like the Guerrero. Discover their youth diving program's mission, challenges on the sea bed, and efforts to raise the voices of captive Africans. Explore the significance of protecting history and coral ecosystems amid environmental challenges. Experience the excitement of underwater archaeology and the determination to continue exploring despite financial limitations.
Mar 6, 2024 • 20min
Trending - The anti-vax candidate?
A look into Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s anti-vaccine stance and his bid for the US presidency. Exploring his controversial history of spreading misinformation and how he attracts support from various political backgrounds. Investigating trust issues in fact-checking and skepticism towards mainstream sources. Discussing the impact of his views on public health policy and personal stories like Lydia Green's journey.
Mar 5, 2024 • 27min
Tumaini
Explore the Tumaini festival in Malawi, a refugee-led celebration promoting cultural unity through music and arts. Learn how refugees in Zalekan camp use art to transcend their status, culminating in a large festival fostering economic growth. Discover tech training hubs empowering refugees and promoting cross-cultural connections. Experience the annual festival uniting global guests for cultural exchange and inclusivity, showcasing resilience and unity in Saleka camp.
Mar 4, 2024 • 27min
In the Studio: Ghawgha
Meet Ghawgha, a talented singer-songwriter from Afghanistan now living in Norway. Her music reflects the struggles of women and minorities in Afghanistan under Taliban rule. Follow Ghawgha's journey as she records her new album, Qaf, inspired by Persian poetry and personal experiences.
Mar 3, 2024 • 26min
Bonus: The Global Story
The Global Story podcast explores the rising trend of women choosing to have babies later in life, societal perspectives on childbirth demographics, environmental concerns influencing family planning, myths around age and fertility, changing narratives on parenthood and fertility choices.
