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 China’s state-backed overseas spending, to on the road with Canada’s Sikh truckers, to the frontline of the climate emergency, we go beyond the headlines.Every week, we take you into the minds of the world's most creative people and explore personal approaches to spirituality. And we 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 and The Fifth Floor.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Dec 12, 2025 • 27min
The divine gift of sex
Dr. Rica Cruz, a psychologist and Catholic sex therapist from the Philippines, is on a passionate quest to destigmatize sex. She shares her journey from a strict Catholic upbringing to advocating for better sex education, encouraging the idea that sex is a divine gift intertwined with faith. Rica discusses the cultural shame surrounding sex in Filipino society, the impact of censorship on her work, and the importance of open conversations. She believes that education is crucial for protecting young people, especially amidst rising HIV rates.
Dec 11, 2025 • 24min
Surgery in a backpack
Craig Langren, an investigative reporter, and Kat Sellers, the Executive Director of FieldReady, dive into the innovative delivery of medical support in conflict areas. They discuss the groundbreaking Sergibox, an inflatable operating bubble used in dangerous settings like Ukraine and Myanmar, and how local repairs can revitalize vital equipment. Kat explains the importance of 3D printing to restore medical devices in places like Syria, while Craig highlights community-driven emergency responses in Sudan that revolutionize healthcare access amidst chaos.
8 snips
Dec 9, 2025 • 29min
The struggle of Israel's peace movement
Alon Lee Green is the national co-director of Standing Together, a grassroots Israeli-Palestinian peace movement, while Rula Daoud and Sally Abed represent Palestinian perspectives within the same initiative. They delve into the shift in focus from advocating for a Gaza ceasefire to protecting West Bank communities. Rula candidly shares the rising fears faced by Palestinian citizens, while Sally discusses the challenges of motherhood amid conflict. Their collective efforts highlight the complexities of promoting coexistence and the backlash from both sides of the divide.
Dec 8, 2025 • 30min
Anna-Karin Karlsson: Sunglasses made for icons
Anna-Karin Karlsson, a luxury eyewear designer known for her iconic, bejeweled glasses, chats with cultural journalist Anna Åkerlund. They explore how her serene upbringing inspires bold creations worn by icons like Beyoncé and Elton John. Anna-Karin shares her journey from London jobs to founding her brand, emphasizing craftsmanship and the evolution of her collections. We learn about her commitment to financial independence, her meticulous design process, and how she balances creativity with the demands of the fashion world.
8 snips
Dec 7, 2025 • 26min
Steel from shipwrecks
In this engaging discussion, guests include Giles Richardson, COO at the Maritime Archaeology Sea Trust, who delves into the preservation of wreck artefacts; Kim Brown, a maritime lawyer focused on WWII wrecks and legal frameworks; Atay Mhanders, an underwater archaeologist exploring looting in the Java Sea; and Reginald John Greenham, sharing the emotional toll of losing a sailor on the HMS Repulse. They tackle the alarming rise in shipwreck looting, the value of pre-war steel, and the legal challenges in protecting these crucial underwater sites.
Dec 6, 2025 • 26min
Reporting the Nigerian school kidnappings
Madina Maishanu, a senior BBC Africa journalist, shares her gripping firsthand experiences covering the Papiri school kidnappings in Nigeria, revealing the dangerous conditions faced by reporters and the distress of parents seeking clarity. Zlata Onufrieva and Olga Prosvirova dive into the tragic case of Aishat Baimuradova, the first Chechen woman in exile killed outside Russia, discussing the chilling implications for Chechen women and the heightened fear among exiles. Together, they shed light on the human stories behind the headlines.
9 snips
Dec 6, 2025 • 24min
Australia’s under-16 social media ban
Sherry-Anne, a concerned parent from New South Wales, highlights the risks of social media addiction and harmful content that young people face, supporting the under-16 ban. In contrast, Courtney, a creator mom, passionately defends the opportunities social media offers her children, arguing that the ban threatens their creative ventures and income. The discussion reveals a complex interplay between safety, mental health, and the evolving landscape of youth content creation, with young creators advocating for the removal of harmful content rather than a blanket ban.
9 snips
Dec 5, 2025 • 27min
The mosque for Bangladesh’s transgender women
Tanu Hijra Guru, a trailblazing leader in Bangladesh's transgender community, shares her journey of creating a supportive hijra village and mosque. She reveals the struggle against societal discrimination and the resilience found in faith. Imam Amin, a local religious figure, highlights his advocacy for the hijras' right to worship and the challenges he faces. Together, they discuss the mosque as a beacon of hope amid rising extremism, fostering inclusion and dignity for a community often marginalized.
7 snips
Dec 4, 2025 • 35min
Made in Russia: The Kremlin’s economic rebrand
Evgeny Pudovkin, an insightful economics commentator, and Tim Bowler, a military and economy expert, dive into how sanctions have reshaped Russia’s economy. Pudovkin reveals the state’s push for patriotic consumerism and the rebranding of former Western chains. Bowler discusses the shadowy tactics behind Russia's energy exports and evaluates its sustainability amidst economic pressures. They explore consumer responses to limited choices and the emergence of a new Russia-China partnership, shedding light on an evolving landscape.
10 snips
Dec 3, 2025 • 27min
From rocks to riches
Join Professor Sarah Russell, a planetary scientist who delves into meteorite classification, along with Professor Idi Umaru Amadou, an archaeology expert discussing cultural heritage laws, and Daryl Pitt, a meteorite dealer sharing insights on the auction market. Discover the thrill of meteorite hunts and how private collectors impact scientific access. Unravel the legality of meteorite exports and the challenges regulators face. The conversation explores how the commercial market is reshaping the study of these celestial treasures.
