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
Sep 10, 2025 • 27min
My blessed boy: The millennial saint
Antonia Salzano Acutis, mother of Carlo Acutis, shares her poignant experience of raising a boy who transcended his teenage years to become a modern saint. She recounts Carlo's extraordinary acts of kindness and his innovative use of technology to spread faith. The conversation explores the significance of Carlo’s beatification in today’s world, illustrating how his relatable life inspires young people to engage with spirituality. Antonia highlights the transformation in her own faith journey, reflecting on her son's enduring legacy.
4 snips
Sep 8, 2025 • 32min
Saving Gaza's past
Naaman Abdul Al, a Gazan local in his 60s, reflects on his childhood memories of the ancient port of Anthodon. He shares his heart-wrenching feelings about the loss of Gaza's rich heritage and cultural identity amid relentless conflict. Discussions dive into the passionate efforts of volunteers striving to preserve archaeological sites, emphasizing the emotional significance of artifacts that link past with present. Listeners gain insight into the resilience of a community determined to safeguard its history, even as it faces overwhelming challenges.
Sep 7, 2025 • 27min
Kharkiv: Love in a warzone
Adela Knapova, a Czech writer and journalist, shares her poignant journey of moving to Kharkiv to be with her partner, artist Konstantin Zorkin. They discuss the resilience of Kharkiv's residents in the face of relentless conflict, where personal celebrations occur amidst war's chaos. Adela reflects on the bittersweet nature of love and life in a city under siege, emphasizing the transformative power of art for resistance and the bonds that form even in the darkest times. Their story is a testament to hope amid sorrow.
22 snips
Sep 7, 2025 • 27min
MAST: Architecture on water
Marshall Blecher, co-founder of the Copenhagen-based firm MAST, discusses the rise of floating architecture in response to climate change and urban space shortages. He shares how MAST designs and builds innovative structures on water, from homes to community centers, showcasing projects in various countries. The conversation touches on the transformation of Copenhagen's harbor, the historical importance of waterborne dwellings, and the sustainability of floating buildings. Blecher's unique insights reveal how creativity and adaptability are reshaping urban living.
15 snips
Sep 6, 2025 • 27min
Colombia's cocaine submarines
Join José Carlos Cueto, a BBC Mundo reporter, as he reveals the high-tech arms race of Colombian cartels, featuring GPS-tracked, remotely operated submarines and expert scientists aiding cocaine production. Fan Wang uncovers the Labubu doll phenomenon, fueled by celebrity endorsements and a post-pandemic collector craze. Meanwhile, Maria Zaccaro discusses the alarming rise of sandstorms worldwide — their origins linked to climate change — and highlights the urgent need for awareness and action on environmental challenges.
24 snips
Sep 6, 2025 • 23min
Grey divorce
The podcast dives into the phenomenon of 'grey divorce' and its emotional impact on older individuals. Personal narratives reveal struggles with identity and loneliness after decades of marriage. Guests candidly discuss the challenges of re-entering the dating scene later in life, including building trust and navigating self-image. Adult children share their perspectives on the repercussions of their parents' divorces. Themes of self-discovery, personal growth, and resilience shine through the conversations, highlighting a transformative life stage.
5 snips
Sep 5, 2025 • 27min
Blessed with bread
Discover the profound significance of bread in Italian culture, where it's seen as a symbol of life and community. Journey to Sicily, where intricate sculptural breads are created in honor of Saint Joseph, and marvel at the vibrant feasting traditions. Visit Puglia, where locals celebrate Saint Anthony with blessed loaves, reinforcing the communal spirit. Delve into the historical superstitions linked to bread as food historian Fabrizia Lanza uncovers its rich spiritual ties, showcasing how culinary traditions reflect deep-rooted faith across Italy.
23 snips
Sep 4, 2025 • 26min
Germany's timber detectives
Discover the intriguing world of Germany's timber detectives as they analyze wood samples to uncover their origins. Explore the dire consequences of illegal deforestation in Papua New Guinea, where local communities face economic pressures and inadequate protections. Delve into the struggles of advocates fighting for sustainable forest management against corporate interests. Learn about the complexities of timber regulations in the EU, and how scientists are pivotal in ensuring timber authenticity to combat illegal logging and contribute to global conservation efforts.
Sep 3, 2025 • 21min
Floods hit Texas, then came the cloud talk
Augustus Doricko, CEO of Rainmaker, a pioneering cloud seeding tech startup, discusses the fallout from the catastrophic flooding in Texas. He addresses the surge of conspiracy theories blaming his company for the tragedy, highlighting the misconceptions surrounding weather manipulation. The conversation dives into the challenges of educating the public amidst a wave of misinformation and the complex interplay between scientific understanding and public trust. Doricko sheds light on the potential of cloud seeding and the urgent need to combat fake narratives.
Sep 2, 2025 • 30min
Galicia’s wild horses in peril
Laura Lagos, a forestry engineer and researcher specializing in Galician wild horses, sheds light on the plight of Europe’s largest herd in north-west Spain. With their numbers halving over fifty years, these iconic animals face habitat loss and predation. Lagos emphasizes their ecological importance in maintaining landscapes and controlling forest fires, while also detailing the cultural significance of festivals like 'rapas das bestas.' She highlights the community's struggles with legal demands that threaten both the horses and their heritage.
