The Documentary Podcast

Runke Adeagwo, founder of the IA Foundation, and Ayo Adeduin, CEO of PSJ UK, discuss the pressing education crisis in Nigeria. They highlight the staggering reality that millions of children are out of school due to insecurity and systemic underfunding. Personal stories reveal the dire effects of violence on youth aspirations, linking educational access to rising extremism. The guests stress the need for immediate solutions and government action to secure a safer educational environment, underscoring the potential loss of Nigeria's future if these issues remain unaddressed.

The podcast dives into the chaos of Romania's presidential elections influenced by TikTok. It reveals how micro-influencers amplified the obscure far-right candidate Calin Georgescu's campaign amid disinformation. Ethical dilemmas surface as influencers blur the lines between genuine support and paid partnerships. The discussion uncovers foreign interference allegations, exposing the dark side of social media manipulation in politics. Listeners hear first-hand accounts of the fallout and the urgent call for transparency in a world fraught with digital deception.

Aleem Maqbool, BBC's Religion Editor, dives deep into the intricate process of selecting a new Pope following Pope Francis's tenure. He discusses the historical roots and evolving nature of the conclave, explaining the strict regulations faced by cardinals. The importance of a Pope's name choice reveals much about their vision, while the initial blessing sets the tone for their papacy. Maqbool also highlights the significant challenges the next Pope will encounter, including financial struggles and social issues impacting the global Catholic community.

The podcast explores how American views of Russia have shifted, particularly in the context of Eastern Orthodoxy. It highlights young converts drawn to the faith, seeking tradition amidst changing social norms. There’s a fascinating look at the rise of digital media in promoting Orthodox beliefs, and how personal faith intertwines with geopolitics. Discussions also reveal some converts' admiration for authoritarian figures like Putin and the complexities of faith in the face of contemporary extremism, adding depth to the religious landscape in Texas.

Bishwajit Goswami, an artist and educator from Dhaka, leads a poignant discussion about his unique journey of creation at the intersection of art and identity. He reflects on how the polluted yet vibrant rivers of Bangladesh inspire his work, emphasizing their role in community rituals and cultural identity. As he prepares for an international exhibition, Bishwajit shares insights into his installation, 'Prichoy,' and the significance of using found materials, revealing the deep connections between his homeland, personal stories, and environmental challenges.

Freddy Lim, the heavy metal frontman of Phonic and a former Taiwanese politician, shares his insights on Taiwan's unique cultural identity. He discusses how his music serves as a vessel for exploring his country's rich history and personal stories. The podcast also features Hsin-Mei Cheng, who sheds light on the provocative TV series 'Zero Day,' depicting a fictional Chinese invasion of Taiwan. Additionally, award-winning author Yang Shuang-zi and translator Lin King talk about their historical novel 'Taiwanese Travelogue,' showcasing its contemporary relevance in understanding Taiwan's past.

Saif Rebai from BBC Arabic Xtra shares inspiring tales from the Libyan desert, highlighting a teacher's relentless 40km journey to educate children in a remote village. The discussion reveals the staggering issue of over 30 million kids out of school in the Middle East and North Africa, particularly those affected by crises in Sudan and Gaza. Joining him are Hanan Razek and Georgina Pearce, who detail innovative educational programs aimed at connecting these children to essential learning resources, showcasing resilience and hope in dire circumstances.

In this powerful discussion, Maureen Molak, Ellen Roome, and Holly Dance share their heartbreaking experiences of losing children to online harm. They advocate for urgent changes in social media policies to ensure children's safety. The conversation highlights the devastating effect of cyberbullying and the need for parental access to children's online data. The mothers emphasize the importance of community rallies and legislative action to hold platforms accountable. Their stories resonate deeply as they seek to foster a safer digital environment for future generations.

As the world mourns Pope Francis, Catholics gather in Rome to share their hopes for the next leader. From vibrant discussions in St. Peter's Square to the emotional scenes at his funeral, a diverse range of voices express their desires for future leadership. Young Catholics voice their need for inclusivity and relevance, while others address potential shifts in women's roles and the existence of married priests in the Church. The contrast between the thriving faith in Kenya and declining engagement in the West highlights the urgent aspirations for a connected, compassionate papacy.

In January a boat carrying migrants across the Atlantic Ocean to Europe was miraculously rescued by a fishing trawler after two weeks lost at sea. At least 20 people died from starvation, dehydration and hypothermia. Many of those on the boat - Pakistani men - were promised safe, legal routes to Europe by the smugglers but that was far from their reality. BBC Trending tracks the digital footprint of one of the suspected smugglers wanted for deaths on this very migrant boat. On TikTok, trivial videos depict his lifestyle - one of money, nice restaurants and a lot of travel. But these videos reveal much more about the smuggler’s operations. Presenter/producer: Reha Kansara and Shruti Menon Producer: Mohammad Zubair Khan