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
Feb 18, 2024 • 50min
World Wide Waves '24
Women around the world use radio to make a difference: from empowering Afghan women under Taliban rule, amplifying voices in Fiji, to advocating for farmworkers in Yakima Valley and protecting indigenous rights in Ecuador.
Feb 17, 2024 • 36min
Bonus: The Global Jigsaw - Does Russia’s election matter?
Explore the upcoming Russian presidential election, Putin's dominance, soldier casualties in Ukraine, women protesting military mobilization, theory of Putin's body doubles, and the secrecy of the Kremlin.
Feb 17, 2024 • 24min
BBC OS Conversations: The earthquake in Turkey and Syria – one year on
Survivors of the earthquake in Turkey and Syria share their experiences and struggles, including loss of family and friends. A family who fled from the war in Syria speaks about their new life in Turkey. The podcast also features messages from BBC listeners in Turkey and explores the challenges of finding work after the earthquake. Reflections on the past year and volunteer efforts to support children and women are discussed.
Feb 16, 2024 • 25min
Bonus: HARDtalk - Alexey Navalny: The interview
Alexey Navalny, a prominent critic of President Putin, discusses the risks involved in being an opposition leader in Russia. They talk about their experience with the opposition movement, the complex issue of Crimea and international law, their determination to challenge Putin, and their unwavering commitment to their cause despite adversity.
Feb 16, 2024 • 27min
Heart and Soul: The killer's counsel
Forensic psychiatrist Dr. Gwen Adshead discusses therapeutic treatment for violent offenders. She speaks with convicted murderer Erwin James about his life story and the role of Christianity in Adshead's work.
8 snips
Feb 15, 2024 • 28min
Assignment: Tempting fate - Istanbul's earthquake dilemma
Discover the challenges facing Istanbul regarding earthquake risks, including political obstacles and housing inequality. Explore the rising demand for tiny houses and the analysis of concrete strength in buildings. Learn about the government's role in unsafe buildings and urban renewal, as well as the dismissive attitude towards earthquake safety in the city.
Feb 14, 2024 • 19min
Trending: The Mexican mayor and a deepfake scandal
This podcast episode explores a deepfake scandal involving the Mayor of Mexico City. It dives into the debates over the authenticity of an AI-generated audio clip and the proposed regulations to combat AI disinformation in Mexico. The episode investigates the origins of the leaked audio clip, analyzes the challenges of verifying deepfake audio, and discusses the implications of this technology in upcoming elections.
Feb 13, 2024 • 27min
Reporting Greece
Investigation into Greece's media freedom, including journalists' phones being hacked, defamation lawsuits, and surveillance. The murder of an investigative journalist highlights the media crisis in Greece and the need for reform. The European Court of Human Rights proposes compensation, signaling a potential victory for media freedom.
Feb 12, 2024 • 29min
In the Studio: Jon Foreman
Jon Foreman, a land artist known for his mesmerising sculptures that harmonise with nature, discusses the process of creating temporary artwork on a remote beach. He highlights the essentiality of each stone and curve in his harmonious spiral sculptures, and explores the significance of music in the artistic process. The podcast also explores the challenges of working against the tide and the appreciation for the ephemeral nature of his stone formations on a pristine beach.
Feb 11, 2024 • 25min
Bonus: The Global Story
This podcast explores topics such as Taylor Swift's political influence, her economic impact, analyzing English literature through her music, her values and potential impact on the next presidential election, and the challenges faced by artists engaged in politics.
