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 Trump’s new world order, to protests in Turkey, to the headphone revolution, The Documentary investigates major global stories.We delve into social media, take you into the minds of the world’s most creative people and explore personal approaches to spirituality. Every week, we also 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, The Fifth Floor and Trending.
Episodes
Mentioned books
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.
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.
