The Documentary Podcast

Personal tales of bravery, tragedy, daring and triumph, United in Space unveils the remarkable story of one of humanity’s greatest ever feats – building a home among the stars – the International Space Station.Celebrating 25 unbroken years of humans living in space, former international director of the UK Space Agency, Dr Alice Bunn charts how nations put aside differences to create the ultimate symbol of human ingenuity and collaboration – a space station orbiting our planet that has been home to over 300 people from 24 different nations.Using mission control audio, news archive and personal stories, Alice illuminates acts of epic survival, humour and selflessness that made the station a reality. She investigates why a near fatal disaster on the Russian Mir space station spurred nations to commit to the ISS. She reveals how a Moscow basement and Hollywood royalty sparked bonding between Russians and Americans. She discovers how quick thinking and plastic tape saved the station, allowing it to grow to the size of a football pitch and how one astronaut came within seconds of drowning in space.Looking into the future, Alice explores how the legacy of the ISS will be carried on by a new generation of private space stations, which have the power to push back the boundaries of science for the good of all humanity. The reduced gravity offers enormous possibilities from creating materials impossible to create on Earth - these range from ultrafast semiconductors for use in computing, to life-saving vaccines, and most remarkably of all entire human organs for life-saving transplants.A timely reminder of the extraordinary feats humanity can achieve when we unite and strive for a common goal.

In this engaging discussion, Claire Mawisa, a BBC Africa Eye reporter, delves deep into farm crime in South Africa. She shares startling statistics on farm murders, emphasizing that urban violence mainly impacts Black individuals. Claire also examines the lingering legacy of apartheid, revealing that 72% of farmland remains white-owned decades after democracy. Personal stories, like that of a farmer applying for asylum in the U.S. due to fears of targeted attacks, highlight the complex realities facing both white and Black farmers amid widespread insecurity.

In the wake of the Bondi Beach shooting, Jewish Australians share their fear and the unexpected community support they've found. Heightened security measures are now a part of everyday life. International guests reveal a disturbing rise in antisemitism, recounting incidents across the US and Europe. Discussions include the impact of current conflicts on societal attitudes and the importance of education to combat hate. Advocates call for building bridges between communities to resist division and encourage visibility.

This episode features an Anonymous Palestinian worshipper from Hebron, who shares poignant insights on the daily struggles to access the Ibrahimi Mosque amid stringent checkpoints. Also featured is Mustafa Abishway from the Islamic Waqf Council, who discusses recent changes at Al-Aqsa and their implications for worshippers. They delve into the spiritual impact of restricted access, family separations, and the emotional toll of emptier prayer spaces, shedding light on the evolving dynamics in these contested religious sites.

Professor Victor Muposhi, a conservation biologist from Botswana University, dives into the complex world of elephants in Botswana. With over 130,000 elephants, he discusses the pressures on local communities and the staggering costs of conservation. Innovative solutions like beehive fences and 'elephant-aware' programs are explored. The reintroduction of trophy hunting raises ethical debates and local responses on its economic benefits. Muposhi emphasizes the need for global cooperation to tackle climate change and find sustainable funding for elephant management.

Explore the thrilling dynamics of the Cold War as Khrushchev and Kennedy gear up for their historic Vienna summit. Delve into their contrasting backgrounds and ideologies, from Kennedy's elite upbringing to Khrushchev's peasant roots. Personal stories from their relatives reveal intimate glimpses into the lives of these towering figures. Discover how the ambitious race for missiles and the looming Cuban Missile Crisis added tension to their unprecedented meeting. Witness the complexity of their rivalry marked by both admiration and mistrust.

Khalida Azhigulova, a human rights lawyer and long-time activist, sheds light on the alarming issue of bride kidnapping in Kazakhstan. She discusses the recent law criminalizing forced marriage, a result of her two-decade campaign. The podcast features personal stories from women who faced abduction, revealing the societal pressures and trauma they endure. Khalida also connects these practices to broader issues of domestic violence and highlights changing attitudes as families start to embrace the importance of consent in marriage.

Join Jason Webber, a creative supervisor at Jim Henson's Creature Shop, and Melissa Creighton, the shop's director, as they discuss the magic behind bringing Fraggle Rock back to life. They dive into the intricate process of translating beloved hand puppets into human-sized characters, detailing everything from dyeing fabric to engineering foam body pods. Learn about the team's commitment to quality and the influence of Jim Henson's legacy in their collaborative environment, all while gearing up for an exciting new live show!

Samia Hosni, a BBC Monitoring analyst, discusses the significant PR makeover of Syria's interim leader, Ahmad al-Shara. She highlights his social media presence, playing pool and basketball, aimed at gaining international legitimacy. Samia also analyzes al-Shara's recent diplomatic efforts in Washington. Meanwhile, Osmond Chia reports on Macau's first luxury resort hospital, focusing on its ambitious medical tourism push amidst a gaming-dominated economy, revealing the region's plans for economic diversification.

Kosar, a graduate student and community member from Minneapolis, shares her insights on Somali identity and resilience. She discusses the impact of negative narratives heightened by political remarks and alleged fraud, which have stirred both fear and solidarity within the Somali community. Highlighting the vibrant Somali food culture, Kosar passionately recommends local restaurants. She also explores the dual identities of Somalis in the diaspora and their contributions to Somalia’s future, emphasizing the importance of positive storytelling and community connections.