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
Dec 6, 2023 • 28min
The Children of Paradise: Without hope you're dead
Three decades after the transition from Apartheid, Fergal Keane and Milton Nkosi return to South Africa to explore the hopes and promises of a better nation. They visit a school in Khayelitsha township and the university in Stellenbosch. With high crime rates, lack of jobs, violence, and corruption, can South Africans still hold onto hope?
Dec 6, 2023 • 28min
The Children of Paradise: A deadly mixture
30 years after the transition from Apartheid, Fergal Keane returns to South Africa to explore the hopes and promises of a better nation. He investigates the ongoing political violence, corruption, and dissatisfaction in the community. The podcast also highlights the significance of faith and churches in South Africa, the impact of unemployment on mental health, and the concept of Imbogort - strong women in South Africa.
Dec 6, 2023 • 28min
The Children of Paradise: The future must change
Returning to post-apartheid South Africa, Fergal Keane and Milton Nkosi explore the broken dreams and enduring struggles of the country. They delve into the poverty, discrimination, lack of basic amenities, corruption, and high unemployment rates. The podcast also highlights the personal stories of individuals, their hopes for a better life, and the ongoing suffering and corruption in South Africa.
Dec 5, 2023 • 28min
Stories from the New Silk Road: Norway
Explore the booming king crab industry, China's Arctic ambitions, and the advantages of the Northern Sea Route. Discover China's interests in the Arctic region, including climate change, shipping routes, and governance. Uncover China's ambitions and activities in the Arctic, including their plans for the Polar Silk Road.
Dec 4, 2023 • 27min
Filmmaker Iryna Tsilyk: Animating Ukraine’s War
Filmmaker Iryna Tsilyk, known for documenting lives on the frontline in East Ukraine, discusses her decision to create an animated film about her own experiences. She explores the challenges of making an animated film, protecting privacy, and finding an appropriate ending amidst the ongoing war. Tsilyk also emphasizes the emotional truth and bravery captured in certain scenes and the obstacles faced by the film industry in Ukraine, highlighting the need for foreign partnerships.
Dec 3, 2023 • 3min
Introducing Amazing Sport Stories
Discover the challenges of climbing high mountains in the 'death zone'. Explore the captivating stories featured on 'Amazing Sport Stories' from the BBC World Service, including underdogs challenging authority and controversial narratives.
Dec 3, 2023 • 27min
Kissinger’s Legacy
Henry Kissinger, one of the most important diplomatic figures of the last 50 years, reflects on his global influence. Topics discussed include his role in normalizing US-China relations, secret diplomacy with Chairman Mao, his experiences in WWII, controversial actions, and his thoughts on the future of democracy and autocracy.
Dec 2, 2023 • 24min
BBC OS Conversations: Israel and Gaza - securing freedom
Families anxiously await the release of loved ones held hostage, while prisoners in Israeli jails increase. Two men share their harrowing experience escaping Gaza. Interviews shed light on emotional toll and difficult living conditions. Arrested individual shares challenges faced in prison. Uncertain conditions and fears faced by Palestinians living in the Occupied West Bank and Gaza. Individuals discuss challenges and mixed feelings of leaving loved ones behind during the war in Gaza.
Dec 1, 2023 • 27min
Heart and Soul: Follow God, not the people
The podcast explores the challenges faced by Frank Mugisha, a gay man in Uganda, as he reconciles his Catholic faith with his sexual orientation. It delves into his journey of coming out to family and friends, starting an organization to support LGBTQ+ individuals, and the impact of anti-gay sentiments in Uganda. It also discusses the intersection of sexuality and faith, and the emotional and spiritual costs of navigating one's identity in a hostile environment.
Nov 30, 2023 • 49min
Kissinger
Former US Secretary of State and Nobel Peace laureate, Henry Kissinger, discusses his extensive diplomatic career, the current state of the world, and his new book 'Leadership'. Topics include the dangerous time in Ukraine, Kissinger's upbringing in Germany during the Nazi era, assessing West German Chancellor Conrad Adenauer, shuttle diplomacy efforts, views on the American War in Vietnam, and China-Taiwan relations and escalating tensions.
