The Documentary Podcast

Sergeant Luis Ortiz, a former Colombian Marine now processing Spanish-speaking recruits in Ukraine, shares his frontline experiences and the stark realities of war. Arabe Montañero, a Colombian volunteer and social media personality, recounts his injury and recovery, highlighting motivations beyond pay, like duty and ideological support for Ukraine. They discuss the complexities of recruitment, the appeal of military life, and the sacrifices made by Colombians seeking better opportunities amidst conflict, revealing a poignant narrative of courage and resilience.

Li and Yu, victims of the Lan Tian Ge Rui scheme, share their heart-wrenching stories of financial ruin and personal trauma after being duped by Qian Zhimin's cryptocurrency scam. Detective Constable Joe Ryan details the police investigation that unraveled the case, including the dramatic raids and Bitcoin seizures. The podcast explores Qian's ambitions, her escape to the UK, and the difficulties faced by victims seeking justice and compensation. Listeners gain insight into the lure of cryptocurrency and the real-life consequences of betrayal.

Chef Yoshifumi Yamaguchi, a Kyoto native and co-founder of Cots Cots in Uganda, delves into the art of fusion cuisine. He crafts Japanese dishes using Ugandan ingredients, like creating tilapia sashimi and adapting the local kachumbari for ceviche. Alongside Temi Rogers, the head chef at Yamasen, they explore how to elevate simple dishes like cassava through Japanese techniques and presentation. The duo also emphasizes sourcing local produce, merging culinary traditions to deliver a unique and harmonious dining experience.

Explore the devastating famine in Kazakhstan during the 1930s, which took the lives of over a third of its population. Discover the silence surrounding the tragedy within families and firsthand accounts of starvation and loss. Learn about traditional nomadic life, the impact of Soviet policies that led to mass displacement, and how music and literature have preserved the memory of this dark chapter. Hear personal survivor stories and how modern generations remember their ancestors and honor the victims of the famine.

Kanye Kobo, a BBC Africa reporter from Johannesburg, dives into the heated debate surrounding Kruger National Park's name, exploring its ties to South Africa's apartheid past. Luiz Fernando Toledo, a BBC Brazil journalist, discusses the remarkable comeback of the pirarucu fish, focusing on conservation successes and the stark economic disparities faced by local fishermen. Lastly, Tejas Vaidya introduces us to Dr. Chandarana and his incredible Dental Museum, showcasing the world’s largest toothbrush collection and the fascinating history of dental care.

Immigrant, Muslim and self-proclaimed democratic socialist, Zohran Mamdani is also, at 34, the city’s youngest mayor in a century. Famed for his charisma, and with millions of views on social media, the Democratic candidate campaigned on a platform that included reducing the cost of living, free childcare and new taxes for millionaires and corporations. In our conversations, we bring together three American Muslims who tell us why they believe Mamdani’s election is so important. In his victory speech, Mamdani made a point of thanking the voters he says have been left behind by the city, including immigrants. We hear from New Yorkers originally from Sierra Leone, Nepal and Columbia. And two friends, Brooke and Katherine, share the challenges they’ve experienced of living in one of the world’s most expensive cities.

Kai Höss, grandson of Auschwitz commandant Rudolf Höss, shares his compelling journey of confronting a harrowing family legacy. He discusses discovering his grandfather's role in history and the shame that ensued. At a film screening, Kai engages in emotional dialogues with Jewish survivors, fostering understanding and reconciliation. His near-death experience led him to Christianity, reshaping his perspective on Jewish history and his family's past. Throughout, Kai emphasizes the need for grace and dialogue as he navigates the complexities of intergenerational trauma.

Mawesh Kakumba, a long-serving train inspector, shares heartfelt memories of the Benguela Railway and discusses its impact on his community. Rafael Marquez, an activist and journalist, critiques the Lobito Corridor project, questioning if it truly benefits Angolans or just foreign interests. Chris Masters, a farmer in Huambo, highlights the corridor's agricultural potential and the Kaala logistics platform's promise for better exports. Together, they explore the complex interplay between local needs and global supply chains.

Mauricio Medinaceli, an economist and former Bolivian hydrocarbons minister, discusses the economic implications of the Mayaya gas discovery. Joshua Bellot, part of the economic team, addresses the need for a reformulated hydrocarbon policy in light of new reserves. Political anthropologist Brett Gustafsson reveals the social impacts of Bolivia's gas boom and its historical context. Together, they explore the potential for economic transformation, the challenges of sustainable development, and the intricate balance between fossil fuel reliance and renewable alternatives.

Brudd Smith, a fifth-generation Montana rancher, shares insights about ranch life and the importance of federal grazing permits for his family business. Tracy Stone Manning, former head of the Bureau of Land Management, discusses the risks of public land sell-offs for housing and highlights the cultural significance of keeping these lands accessible. Together, they explore a remarkable coalition forming between ranchers and environmentalists against the backdrop of a heated debate over land ownership and the essence of Western identity.