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 the legacy of football icon Mo Salah, 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
Oct 1, 2025 • 19min
Deepfaking disability
Explore the alarming rise of Down syndrome deepfakes, where creators exploit AI to transform content and monetize on adult platforms. Hear how victims like Alice discovered their images misused, revealing a disturbing lack of recourse. Experts discuss the ethical implications of using disability for profit, while those involved in the AI creation business share their strategies. The hosts examine the inadequate responses from social media giants and the broader consequences for communities affected by this trend.
Sep 30, 2025 • 27min
Haitians living in fear in the Dominican Republic
Explore the harrowing realities faced by Haitians in the Dominican Republic as they navigate the looming threat of mass deportations. The podcast highlights the irony of a booming tourism industry built on Haitian labor, yet marked by growing hostility towards these workers. Personal stories reveal the fear instilled by immigration raids, challenging living conditions, and the risks of corruption for re-entry. Cultural roots clash with identity as families grapple with their heritage amidst a backdrop of political tension and human rights concerns.
Sep 29, 2025 • 26min
Emilia Wickstead: London Fashion Week
Emilia Wickstead, a luxury womenswear designer celebrated for her feminine styles, discusses her upcoming Spring/Summer 2026 collection. Drawing inspiration from her New Zealand upbringing and her time in Milan, Emilia emphasizes the collaborative effort behind her designs. She highlights the influence of Robert Mapplethorpe on her color choices and silhouettes, shares her perfectionist approach to crafting collections, and reflects on her unique experience designing uniforms, notably for Air New Zealand.
29 snips
Sep 28, 2025 • 27min
Bonus: The Global Story
Patrick McGee, a journalist and author known for his insights on Apple and China, dives into the complexities of Apple's manufacturing ties. He discusses Tim Cook's ambitious $600 billion investment in U.S. production and why breaking away from China poses enormous challenges. McGee shares how Apple's quality-driven outsourcing shaped its operations and the critical shift in geopolitics under Xi Jinping. He also highlights the intricacies of maintaining a supply chain reliant on Chinese-trained expertise, raising questions about Apple's future amid U.S.-China tensions.
10 snips
Sep 27, 2025 • 26min
Social media influencers and politics
Luis Fajardo, a BBC Monitoring journalist, discusses how social media influencers intertwine with politics in Latin America, revealing controversies in Colombia and Argentina where influencers are contracted by the government. Famega Syavira, head of social media for BBC Indonesia, highlights the rise of paid influencers, dubbed 'buzzers', shaping the political landscape during elections. Additionally, Satish Urugonda talks about the conservation efforts for the critically endangered Jerdon's Courser, showcasing the dedication of forest watchers in India.
Sep 27, 2025 • 23min
Living with the threat of drone attacks
As Ukrainian drone attacks escalate, we hear harrowing stories from survivors like Inna, who narrowly escaped a strike. Kamila mourns a lost relative, reflecting on the pain of such tragedies. Kateryna shares her trauma of losing homes while drone pilots like Andy and Oleksii discuss their perilous roles on the front lines. The podcast explores drones' transformative impact on warfare, including lifesaving deliveries and strategic advantages, raising profound questions about the morality of remote warfare.
5 snips
Sep 26, 2025 • 27min
Finding my Sikh faith against the odds
Harj Gahley, a recovering gambling addict and community campaigner, shares his journey of overcoming addiction through his Sikh faith. He recalls the thrill of his first casino visit, which spiraled into a decade of deception and financial ruin. Harj faced shame when seeking help from his community, highlighting a cultural stigma around addiction. A life-changing moment with his son sparked his spiritual reconnection. Now, he advocates for awareness and founded a charity to support others battling gambling harm, transforming his experience into a force for good.
Sep 25, 2025 • 44min
Bonus. 13 Minutes Presents: The Space Shuttle
Bob Crippen, a veteran NASA astronaut and pilot of STS-1, shares his remarkable journey in shaping the future of space travel. He dives into the early days of the space shuttle program, revealing the excitement and challenges of launching the first shuttle. Crippen recounts the intense prelaunch atmosphere at Kennedy Space Center and the innovative techniques tested during team preparations. His firsthand insights illuminate the pivotal moments leading to the historic mission that aimed to make spaceflight routine.
6 snips
Sep 24, 2025 • 20min
Goodreads’ ‘unfair’ rating problem
In this insightful discussion, Craig Silverman, a media researcher and co-founder of Indicator, delves into the perplexing issue of unfair Goodreads ratings. He explores the phenomenon of negative pre-publication reviews, suggesting that both personal vendettas and automated bots may be to blame. Silverman highlights the design flaws of Goodreads that enable abuse and proposes potential fixes, including verification methods to curb malicious ratings. The conversation shines a light on the broader implications for authors and the integrity of online platforms.
Sep 23, 2025 • 27min
‘A new foe’: Conscripting women in Denmark
In a critical discussion, military officials and defense experts, including Senior Navy Commander Sun Lund, delve into Denmark’s historic shift to conscript women alongside men. The guests explore the recruitment process on ‘Defences Day,’ featuring medical tests and lottery systems that determine recruits' futures. They highlight the geopolitical motivations behind this expansion amidst rising tensions with Russia, and provide insights into public reactions, reflecting a mix of support and dissent across communities.
