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
5 snips
Jul 15, 2025 • 27min
Myanmar’s Scam Centres
Explore the chilling world of scam centers in Myanmar, where countless individuals are lured into a web of deceit and exploitation. Hear harrowing personal stories of victims trapped in brutal conditions, revealing the psychological manipulation at play. Delve into the deep-rooted corruption in Thailand that allows these scams to thrive, alongside the grim realities of life under authoritarian rule. The podcast uncovers the staggering billions involved in these fraudulent schemes, highlighting a pressing human rights crisis that demands urgent attention.
Jul 14, 2025 • 26min
Anatomy of a scene
A filmmaker shares the tumultuous journey of creating an unconventional costume drama in the Scottish Highlands. Listeners are taken behind the scenes of a gripping filming process filled with unexpected chaos and emotional depth. The preparation for intense scenes highlights the importance of vulnerability and instinct for actors. Personal anecdotes reveal unique connections made between actors and local residents while tackling a gruesome pivotal scene. This captivating exploration of filmmaking showcases both challenges and triumphs in artistic storytelling.
Jul 13, 2025 • 49min
Dying for a transplant
Stratos Chatsik Sirius, a key figure at the WHO organ transplantation program, shares insights on global donor shortages. Jaya Jaram, a kidney recipient and project director at the Mohan Foundation, discusses the emotional strides in donor support. Dr. Axel Ommel sheds light on Germany's efficient transplant coordination. They tackle cultural stigmas affecting organ donation in different regions, highlighting the personal stories that underscore the urgent need for increased awareness and systemic support to save lives.
Jul 12, 2025 • 27min
The Romanians choosing life in the hills
Anca Badea, a seasoned Romanian journalist at BBC Monitoring, dives into the trend of Romanians moving to the countryside, seeking a slower, sustainable lifestyle despite various challenges. André Biernath, a BBC Brasil journalist, shares the inspiring story of a man who transformed a São Paulo wasteland into a thriving park. The discussion also touches on food safety, particularly regarding sprouted potatoes, and reflects on the struggles of the Kenyan flower industry, blending personal stories with broader environmental themes.
15 snips
Jul 12, 2025 • 25min
Why it's good for men to talk
The podcast tackles the stigma surrounding men's emotional expressions across cultures. It highlights the urgent need for supportive environments, showcasing powerful discussions about vulnerability among male friends. Personal stories reveal how societal pressures shape grief and silence. The narrative emphasizes the impact of male friendships and support groups in promoting mental health and emotional healing. Lastly, it challenges traditional masculinity, advocating for safe spaces where men can openly share their feelings and experiences.
5 snips
Jul 11, 2025 • 26min
France’s new Christians
Lorraine Mercredi Binet and Jeremy Bossard share their transformative journeys to Christianity in France. Lorraine's path involved a life-changing horse accident that deepened her faith, while Jeremy faced personal struggles that led him to baptism. Both guests discuss the notable rise in adult baptisms in a secular society and reflect on the powerful emotional and spiritual awakenings that accompany their newfound beliefs. Their stories highlight the shifting landscape of French Catholicism and the significance of adult conversion in a modern context.
Jul 10, 2025 • 26min
Ark of the dry lands
In Morocco, researchers are revolutionizing dry-land agriculture, preserving 150,000 seed types in a vital gene bank. This initiative supports farmers like Laaziza Atmani, who promotes women's empowerment through a couscous co-op. The podcast discusses the intersection of tradition and innovation in farming practices, especially in the face of climate challenges. It also highlights the importance of gene banks during conflicts, ensuring genetic diversity for sustainable agriculture. Overall, it's a compelling exploration of resilience and community in agriculture.
Jul 9, 2025 • 36min
Bonus. World of Secrets: The Killing Call
Dive into the captivating rise and tragic fall of Sidhu Moose Wala, a Punjabi music icon who blended hip-hop with his cultural roots. Explore his electrifying performances and the dark realities of fame, including chilling death threats. The narrative unveils a haunting investigation into a fatal ambush that shook the music world. Through personal struggles and cultural significance, this story uncovers the complex web of power, legacy, and the shocking consequences tied to a life intertwined with fame.
9 snips
Jul 8, 2025 • 27min
Re-homing France’s immigrant workers
The podcast delves into the impending demolition of immigrant worker housing in France, revealing the fears of long-time residents about losing their community and culture. Personal stories highlight the struggles and cramped living conditions faced by these workers. It also addresses the control and surveillance they endure in their housing, as well as the emotional toll of new eviction regulations. A community kitchen emerges as a vital space for preserving cultural identity, emphasizing the importance of communal ties amid ongoing changes.
9 snips
Jul 7, 2025 • 26min
Max Kidruk: Imagining the future in a science fiction trilogy
Max Kidruk, a bestselling Ukrainian science fiction writer and author of The New Dark Ages trilogy, discusses his unique perspective on crafting futures while living amid war. He reveals how contemporary geopolitical conflicts shape his narratives, moving from idealistic dreams of Mars to realistic portrayals of colonization and survival. Kidruk shares the emotional challenges of writing during air alerts in Kyiv and the solace he finds in creativity. His journey symbolizes resilience, blending personal trials with broader cultural narratives.
