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
Aug 6, 2025 • 33min
New Zealand: Heading across the ditch
Join Paul Spoonley, Emeritus Professor at Massey University, as he discusses New Zealand's alarming brain drain. Young professionals are flocking to Australia for better jobs, raising concerns about the country's future. Yet, immigration is booming, especially from India, the Philippines, and China, reshaping demographics. Spoonley explores the housing crisis in Auckland and the complexities of multiculturalism amid these shifts. He highlights the resilience of Māori identity in the face of rapid change and the importance of strategic planning for New Zealand's diverse future.
9 snips
Aug 5, 2025 • 30min
Waiting for my Dad - Ukraine's children of the missing
Explore a vibrant summer camp in Ukraine that brings hope to children with missing parents due to war. The camp provides therapy through art, sports, and community bonding to help them process grief. Personal stories reveal deep emotional struggles and resilience among the kids, who share memories around a campfire, juxtaposing joy with their present pain. Amid the stunning Carpathian Mountains, nature becomes a healing backdrop as these children connect and navigate their lives in the wake of conflict.
Aug 4, 2025 • 27min
Luke Jerram: A good yarn
Luke Jerram, a renowned artist known for his large-scale installations, discusses his innovative approach to art and community engagement. He shares insights into his famous 'Play Me, I’m Yours' project with street pianos and the breathtaking 'Museum of the Moon' installation. The conversation dives into his latest endeavor, A Good Yarn, a vibrant yarn ball project in Bradford, where local residents collaborate to weave a kilometer-long rope, celebrating the city's rich textile history and fostering a sense of community.
Aug 2, 2025 • 18min
Why a South Korean church bought a village in Paraguay
Ronald Avila Claudio, a BBC Mundo journalist, reveals the complexities of Puerto Casado, a village in Paraguay bought by the Unification Church. He discusses the contentious land dispute between the church, local residents, and the Paraguayan state. The episode highlights the village's historical struggles, the oppressive control of landowners, and the protests against displacement. Avila Claudio captures the community's fight for stability amid uncertainty and migration, shedding light on a unique and troubling aspect of rural life.
Aug 2, 2025 • 25min
Hunger in Gaza
The podcast delves into the severe humanitarian struggles faced by Gaza residents amid the ongoing conflict and blockade. Personal stories reveal heartbreaking accounts of food shortages and medical challenges, particularly affecting children. A medical student shares her experiences and hopes for the future, while journalists highlight the urgent need for humanitarian aid. The rise of malnutrition becomes a central theme, showcasing the harrowing realities in emergency care and the emotional toll on families as they fight for survival.
Aug 1, 2025 • 26min
Bergen-Belsen: Among graves, we were born
Karen Lasky, a Canadian woman born in the Bergen-Belsen Displaced Persons Camp, shares her poignant story as part of the Bergen-Belsen babies group. She reflects on the historical significance of the former concentration camp and its transformation over 80 years. Lasky discusses the enduring identity struggles of survivors and their descendants. The touching narratives highlight themes of resilience and hope, exploring the profound impact of personal histories on memory and the importance of preserving these stories for future generations.
Jul 31, 2025 • 27min
Controlling nature's data
Can AI unlock the secrets of nature's DNA to help cure diseases like cancer? Discover how a London tech firm is mapping the genetic data of organisms, potentially revolutionizing medicine and agriculture. Join a thrilling scientific journey to Cameroon, where researchers uncover new microbes, and explore the ethical dilemmas of biodiversity data ownership. The conversation dives into the balance between innovation and fairness in data practices, raising crucial questions about who benefits from nature's treasures.
21 snips
Jul 30, 2025 • 32min
The JNIM branch of al-Qaeda
Barry Marston and Jacob Boswall, jihadist media analysts from BBC Monitoring, delve into the deadly JNIM group, an al-Qaeda affiliate causing chaos in the Sahel. They explore JNIM's recruitment strategies and its claims of protecting local communities amidst violence. The discussion reveals the group's surprising acknowledgment of human rights violations, highlighting their complex relationship with ethnic divisions. Their innovative propaganda tactics, showcasing prosperity, attract recruits from impoverished areas, positioning JNIM as a formidable player in the region.
12 snips
Jul 29, 2025 • 27min
Can Greenland go it alone?
Akra Niviana, an actor, artist, and poet from Nuuk, shares her deep insights into Inuit culture and Greenlandic identity. The conversation navigates the island's historical landscape and the complexities of seeking independence from Denmark. Akra discusses the balance between economic development through tourism and mining while preserving cultural integrity. She also highlights the importance of sustainable practices in exploiting Greenland’s mineral wealth, emphasizing community concerns amidst rising global attention to the island.
Jul 28, 2025 • 26min
Marina Tabassum: Designing London's Serpentine Pavilion
Bangladeshi architect Marina Tabassum, renowned for her innovative designs in a climate-challenged country, shares her vision for the 25th Serpentine Pavilion. Inspired by her childhood memories of Shamiyana awnings, she discusses how the pavilion fosters community engagement and inclusivity. Marina delves into the creative process behind the design, balancing aesthetics with structural integrity, and highlights the serene atmosphere intended to connect visitors with nature. Her work symbolizes resilience and offers a tranquil space in the heart of London.
