The Documentary Podcast
BBC World Service
Hear the voices at the heart of global stories. Where curious minds can uncover hidden truths and make sense of the world. The best of documentary storytelling from the BBC World Service.
From China’s state-backed overseas spending, to on the road with Canada’s Sikh truckers, to the front line of the climate emergency, we go beyond the headlines.
Each week we dive into the minds of the world’s most creative people, take personal journeys into spirituality and connect people from across the globe to share how news stories are shaping their lives.
From China’s state-backed overseas spending, to on the road with Canada’s Sikh truckers, to the front line of the climate emergency, we go beyond the headlines.
Each week we dive into the minds of the world’s most creative people, take personal journeys into spirituality and connect people from across the globe to share how news stories are shaping their lives.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Sep 2, 2020 • 27min
Rulebreakers: A beautiful prison
Exploring Greenland's unique approach to justice without traditional prisons, a 70-year struggle to rewrite laws and create a modern society, a social experiment gone awry with three Danes trying to implement Criminal Law, challenges faced by Greenlandic inmates in Danish prisons, and the clash between enforcing rules and respecting Greenlandic values.
Sep 1, 2020 • 27min
The Soviet Feminist Army
Soviet women volunteers in Afghanistan promoted women's equality, fought illiteracy, and empowered local women. Afghan women faced challenges during the Soviet invasion, including imprisonment and clashes with communism. The podcast explores the roles of Soviet and Afghan women in Afghanistan during the Cold War, highlighting their efforts for peace and a better future.
Aug 30, 2020 • 24min
Coronavirus: Children with special needs
Parents of children with special needs in different countries, along with a teacher, discuss the challenges faced during the pandemic. Mental health professionals share insights on lockdown effects, children's independence, mental health crises, and school reopening challenges. Understanding children's behavior and emotional needs is highlighted throughout the podcast.
Aug 29, 2020 • 24min
August in Minsk
Minsk reporter Ilya Kuzniatsou discusses the uprising in Belarus, detailing police brutality, solidarity among protestors, volunteer support efforts, and peaceful protests against Lukashenko's regime.
Aug 27, 2020 • 26min
Hugh Sykes: Reporting from the frontlines
BBC journalist Hugh Sykes discusses his experiences reporting on major events since the 1970s, from the British miners' strike to the insurgency in Iraq. He shares his love of Iran, preference for radio, and an amusing incident in the studio. Sykes emphasizes the importance of keeping personal feelings out of stories, capturing candid conversations in radio reporting, and finding resilience and hope amidst conflict.
Aug 26, 2020 • 28min
Rulebreakers: Veteran on the tracks
Explore the hidden world of hobos and train hopping, learn about the mysterious Crew Change Guide, reflect on near escapes and finding purpose post-war, discuss the risks and reasons behind train hopping, and delve into the protest and social commentary of this unconventional lifestyle.
Aug 25, 2020 • 28min
Red State refugees
Katy Long, an expert in refugee studies, discusses the impact of refugee resettlement in a small Texas town called Cactus. The town's survival depends on immigrants drawn by well-paid jobs in the meatpacking industry. The podcast delves into the town's transformation, challenges faced by refugees, and the future of immigrant labor in America.
Aug 23, 2020 • 24min
BBC OS Conversations: Covid-19 'long-haulers'
Listeners will hear from 'Covid long-haulers' sharing their persistent symptoms, US parents discussing school reopening amid the pandemic, and a teacher's difficult decision to resign over virus concerns
Aug 20, 2020 • 26min
Barbara Demick: True stories from North Korea
Barbara Demick, former LA Times correspondent, shares insights on North Korea and Tibet. She conducted deep interviews to create narrative non-fiction, revealing unexpected joy and cynicism in North Korea. The podcast explores reporting challenges in Tibet, ethical considerations, and the value of exiles' insights on uncharted territories.
Aug 19, 2020 • 28min
Rulebreakers: How I disappear
Discover the world of 'johatsu' in Japan where people vanish with the help of 'night moving' services. Hear emotional stories of those who choose to escape hardships and explore cultural nuances of disappearance. From the eerie Aokigahara forest to reflections on departure, this podcast takes you on a journey of vanishing acts and rulebreakers.
