The Documentary Podcast
BBC World Service
A window into our world, through in-depth storytelling from the BBC. Investigating, reporting and uncovering true stories from everywhere. Award-winning journalism, unheard voices, amazing culture and global issues. From Trump's new world order, to war in Sudan, to climate issues, The Documentary investigates major global stories.We delve into social media, take you into the minds of the world's most creative people and explore personal approaches to spirituality. Every week, we also bring together people from around the globe to discuss how news stories are affecting their lives. A new episode most days, all year round. From our BBC World Service teams at: Assignment, Heart and Soul, In the Studio, OS Conversations, The Fifth Floor and Trending.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Dec 1, 2025 • 26min
Joana Vasconcelos: Mask of mirrors
Joana Vasconcelos, a celebrated Portuguese contemporary artist known for her bold sculptural installations, delves into her creative process behind the dazzling Venetian-style mask for the Guggenheim Bilbao. She shares insights on the concept of shedding identities through art and discusses the intricate journey from sketches to the final production. Joana reveals the collaborative nature of her studio, involving a skilled team in crafting her reflective masterpieces. Listeners get a glimpse into the challenges of precision welding and the magic of mirroring effects that bring her vision to life.
Nov 30, 2025 • 55min
Young and stateless
Alexis Zivoszuk, founder of Apatrid Network, advocates for stateless individuals in the EU. Christiana Bucallot, from State Free, shares her battle with inherited statelessness in Germany. Albert Joffe recounts the struggles of being a non-citizen in Latvia. They explore the hidden figures behind statelessness, the bureaucratic nightmares faced by stateless youth, and the lifelong impacts on education, healthcare, and rights. The conversation highlights resilience, community building, and the urgent need for political action to secure nationality and justice.
35 snips
Nov 30, 2025 • 27min
Ireland's new alcohol warning
Sheila Gilheny, CEO of Alcohol Action Ireland and a public health advocate, dives into Ireland's groundbreaking alcohol warning labels linking drinking to cancer and liver disease. She discusses the implications of these labels and critiques the government's delay in their mandatory implementation until 2028, attributing it to industry lobbying. The conversation also explores the cultural shifts in drinking habits, the rise of binge drinking among the youth, and the potential for learning from tobacco regulation to drive change in alcohol policy.
22 snips
Nov 29, 2025 • 26min
What is the 'Shadow Fleet'?
In this engaging discussion, Alexey Kalmykov, a BBC Russian economics reporter, reveals the dark world of the 'shadow fleet,' highlighting how over a thousand oil tankers aid Russia in evading sanctions. José Carlos Cueto shares the haunting story of Jennifer, the 'daughter of the volcano,' who survived the devastating Nevado del Ruiz eruption but lost her mother in the chaos. Meanwhile, Bimal Thankachan uncovers the spicy history of Chicken 65, tracing its origins and the story of its creator. A fascinating mix of geopolitics, history, and culinary culture!
4 snips
Nov 29, 2025 • 23min
Brain fog and perimenopause
Zoe Kleinman, BBC Tech Editor, shares her candid experience with brain fog during perimenopause, revealing the embarrassment she felt while live on air. Comedian Chantaquillette Carter discusses how her stroke recovery complicated her symptoms, calling it a 'double whammy.' Carol King, the 'menopause auntie,' highlights the struggles of prolonged symptoms and misdiagnosis. Katie, a menopause coach, emphasizes the urgent need for workplace policies and education about menopause to support women effectively.
Nov 28, 2025 • 27min
Twin spirits: A lost bond that lives in dreams
Claire Nakato, a woman from Kampala, shares her profound journey of connecting with her deceased twin brother, Waswa, through dreams since childhood. Growing up in a multi-faith household, she faced confusion and rejection from her family regarding her spiritual experiences. After traumatic encounters with a medicine man, Claire found solace in a new spiritual community that blends African spirituality with Christianity, empowering her to heal and embrace her unique identity.
17 snips
Nov 27, 2025 • 32min
What is the 'Russian cultural code'?
Veronika Malinboim, a researcher and fashion commentator, and Yulia Volovik, a cultural researcher, delve into the resurgence of traditional Russian fashion, particularly the kokoshnik headdress. They discuss how this symbol has become a tool for promoting national identity, especially under Putin's regime. The conversation explores the intertwining of fashion, patriotism, and cultural policies that shape modern Russian society. From the online popularity of folk styles to the influence of state-sanctioned narratives, they investigate the complex 'Russian cultural code' that defines contemporary identity.
7 snips
Nov 25, 2025 • 27min
Stemming the tide in Normandy
Marion, a local oyster producer from the Coutainville coastline, shares her family's generational connection to the area and the impact of coastal erosion. She details how rising sea levels are threatening both homes and oyster farms, creating heated debates about defense strategies. Marion recounts community efforts to protect the dunes, from salvaging cabins to creating wooden defenses. Locals voice skepticism about government plans for nature-based solutions while grappling with the economic stakes of relocation and loss of their heritage.
Nov 24, 2025 • 25min
The Shiralee: D'Arcy Niland's 1955 Australian western
Kate Mulvany, a talented playwright and actor, shares her journey adapting D'Arcy Niland's The Shiralee for the Sydney Theatre Company. She discusses the challenges of transforming a chapterless novel into a play, reimagining perspectives, and her deep personal connection to the story. Kate recounts her experiences during rehearsals, from intense fight choreography to a heartfelt return to the stage after personal tragedy. The conversation also touches on the creative process behind staging the outback's vast landscapes and the emotional resonance of this Australian classic.
Nov 22, 2025 • 26min
Inside India's war on Maoists
Jugal Purohit, a BBC reporter, shares his insights from the frontline of India's ongoing battle against Maoist insurgents. He discusses the origins and brutal tactics of the Maoists, the government's ambitious plan to eliminate them by 2026, and the role of the controversial District Reserve Guard in countering violence. Meanwhile, Thuong Le takes us to Thailand's Buffalo Racing Festival, celebrating the cultural significance of buffaloes in agriculture and the spirited chaos of the races, blending tradition with community bonding.
