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
Jul 26, 2025 • 25min
The shooting of India’s biggest hip hop star
Ishleen Kaur, an investigative journalist with the BBC World Service, dives into the shocking assassination of Sidhu Moose Wala, a global hip hop icon from Punjab. She explores the chilling intersection of music and gangsterism, highlighting how his lyrics resonated with societal struggles and youth aspirations. Kaur delves into the immediate fallout of his death, the mystery surrounding the alleged assailant Goldie Brar, and the profound impact of this tragedy on the Punjabi community. The conversation underscores the complexities of fame and violence in celebrity culture.
Jul 26, 2025 • 23min
The hidden pain of fibroids
The podcast dives into the hidden challenges of uterine fibroids, a condition impacting millions yet seldom discussed. Celebrities like Lupita Nyong'o are opening up about their personal battles. Women share their frustrating medical experiences, emphasizing the need for greater understanding. The stigmas around reproductive health are examined, alongside the crucial call for awareness and advocacy. Hear powerful narratives that highlight the emotional and physical toll of fibroids, while exploring the complexities of feminine identity and motherhood.
6 snips
Jul 25, 2025 • 27min
Rāgas and Redemption: Alam Khan’s Spiritual Legacy
Alam Khan, son of legendary Indian classical musician Ali Akbar Khan, shares his fascinating journey of embracing a rich musical legacy. He reflects on his upbringing in a blend of American culture and Indian tradition, emphasizing the emotional bond with the sarod. Alam discusses the spiritual essence of music, exploring how sound connects us to the divine. From honoring his father's memory at his grave to teaching at the family music school, he wrestles with identity and responsibility, seeking personal redemption through the transformative power of rāgas.
Jul 24, 2025 • 26min
The battle for Bangladesh: Eye Investigations
In July 2024, Bangladesh experienced violent protests fueled by anger over corruption and government policies. A tragic story emerges as one brother seeks justice for his sibling, who was killed during the unrest. The narrative intensifies with the revelation of a leaked recording where a political leader allegedly orders lethal force against demonstrators. Amidst chaos, the citizens grapple with the fight for accountability and the emotional aftermath of police brutality, highlighting the intersection of personal grief and national struggle.
23 snips
Jul 22, 2025 • 27min
Vancouver's mental health crisis
In this discussion, Cash Heed, a former chief police officer and current city councillor in Richmond, addresses Vancouver’s escalating mental health crisis. He highlights the tragic consequences of neglecting mental health care, particularly in light of a recent deadly incident at a festival. The conversation brings forth the urgent need for better collaboration between mental health services and law enforcement. Heed advocates for secure care for those struggling with severe mental health issues and the ongoing opioid crisis, emphasizing the city's pressing challenges.
Jul 21, 2025 • 26min
Wynton Marsalis: The sound of democracy
Join Pulitzer Prize-winning jazz trumpeter Wynton Marsalis as he shares insights on preserving musical heritage and the mentorship essential in jazz. He discusses the intricate relationship between democracy and jazz, emphasizing collaboration among diverse voices. With high school students observing, Wynton highlights the emotional depth in rehearsing his Democracy Suite. Experience the backstage excitement and the warm connections forged between seasoned musicians and emerging talent, enriching the vibrant world of jazz.
Jul 19, 2025 • 18min
The mystery of the ‘tula boy’
José Carlos Cueto, a BBC Mundo journalist based in Colombia, delves into the gripping tale of a South Korean child, Carlos Arturo Gallón, smuggled into Colombia in a duffle bag in 1953. He unveils the haunting journey of the Tula Boy and the complex identity shaped by trauma and loss. Listeners will be moved by the poignant bond between Carlos and the soldier who saved him, as well as his surprising reunion with his sister. Cueto also highlights the human impact of the Korean War, blending personal narrative with historical context.
Jul 19, 2025 • 23min
Landmines
Hidden landmines pose an urgent threat in nearly 70 countries, especially war-torn Ukraine, which is becoming one of the most affected regions. The withdrawal of multiple nations from the Ottawa Convention raises alarming concerns about the future of landmine control. Survivors share heart-wrenching stories, revealing the devastating impact on their lives, while brave individuals risk everything to clear these deadly remnants. The podcast highlights the moral imperative for global action and the ongoing fight to defuse the hidden dangers that haunt many communities.
Jul 18, 2025 • 27min
Escaping North Korea
Mrs. Park, a North Korean defector who performed for Kim Il-sung as a child, shares her harrowing escape from the oppressive regime. She discusses the extreme dangers faced by Christians in North Korea and the regime's iron grip on loyalty. The conversation highlights the emotional scars left by indoctrination and the struggle for faith after defection. Mrs. Park also reflects on her journey and the resilience found in the underground Christian church, illustrating the profound impact of faith amidst peril.
Jul 17, 2025 • 26min
Returning Germany’s stolen skulls
Bernard Hebe, an archaeologist and curator at the Museum for Pre and Early History in Berlin, discusses the historical injustices of stolen ancestral remains. Zablon Kiwelu shares his deep emotional journey as he encounters his grandfather's skull, exemplifying the pain of colonial history. They explore the unethical practices surrounding the collection of these skulls and the ongoing struggle for cultural restitution. The episode highlights the urgent need for transparency and collaboration in repatriation efforts, connecting personal grief to broader themes of identity and heritage.
