The Documentary Podcast

After 17 years of conflict costing 300,000 lives, a peace agreement offers new hope to Sudan’s troubled Darfur region. It comes as UNAMID, the United Nations and African Union peacekeeping force, prepares to finally pull out at the end of December. But with nearly two million displaced people still living in camps and some armed groups yet to sign the agreement, who will protect civilians if the peace fails? For Assignment, Mike Thomson gains rare access to Darfur to hear the stories of those still living with deep uncertainty. Producer: Bob Howard Editor: Bridget Harney (Image: UN peacekeepers on patrol in Darfur, Sudan. Credit: Bob Howard/BBC)

Alhaji is building a house for his parents in Sierra Leone with money earned in the US. Tiffany helps visually impaired people in India. Stories of transformation and resilience during the pandemic are shared, highlighting the power of community support and personal growth.

Two doctors in Nairobi discuss challenges faced in healthcare, including unpaid salaries and lack of medical insurance. Biden's Covid task force members address vaccine hesitancy in the US. Personal stories of moving back in with families during the pandemic are also shared.

Exploring the dark reality of Syrian men lured into becoming mercenaries in Azerbaijan, driven by economic desperation. Witness the chaos and tragedy faced by these fighters on the frontlines, highlighting the emotional toll of war. Delve into the exploitation of Syrian fighters for geo-strategic battles and the impact on their families.

Airline pilot turned bus driver, wedding planner in India, and ballet dancer in Paris share their pandemic stories. From career changes to industry challenges, the podcast dives into the impact on various professions and communities worldwide.

Poet Valzhyna Mort captures firsthand stories of protesters in Belarus, highlighting ordinary people making extraordinary choices. The podcast delves into the ongoing protests in Minsk, the personal journey of political awakening, gripping portrayals of fear and resistance, and the unity of Belarusian civilians in commemorating past atrocities and striving for positive change.

Beatriz De La Pava discusses the challenges and ethical concerns of space colonization on the podcast. They explore the dangers and costs of human space exploration, argue for the immorality and unnecessary expense of space colonization, and investigate if it's time to focus on Earth instead of space travel.

Nuala McGovern shares her experience with muscular dystrophy while shielding in England, and Dr. Joseph Varon discusses his tireless work at a Texas hospital during the pandemic. Topics include the challenges of vaccination, emotional struggles, healthcare workers' experiences in COVID units, controversies around masks and lockdowns, and the urgent need for precautions and vaccination.

British journalist, Sali Hughes, delves into the world of online trolls, exploring their motivations and impact. She shares personal accounts of online abuse and confronts one of her tormentors. The podcast highlights the devastating effects of trolling on victims and the urgent need for regulation in combating online harassment.

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres discusses urgent global environmental challenges like climate change, biodiversity collapse, and plastic pollution. The need for carbon neutrality, empowering youth and indigenous voices, defunding fossil fuels, and addressing systemic changes for climate crisis are highlighted as crucial actions. The podcast emphasizes the urgency of global action in 2021 as a critical year for combating environmental issues.