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 war in Sudan, to the legacy of football icon Mo Salah, 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
Oct 4, 2025 • 26min
The Kremlin’s reporter
Elizaveta Fokht is a BBC Russian journalist who delves into the intriguing world of Pavel Zarubin, the Kremlin’s favored reporter with unparalleled access to Putin. She highlights his rise from an idealistic journalist to a key figure in state media, revealing personal anecdotes of their rapport. On the flip side, BBC Urdu's Nazish Fiaz interviews Pakistani cricketer Sana Mir, discussing her trailblazing journey in a male-dominated sport and her recent ICC Hall of Fame induction, emphasizing her battle against sexism and inspiring future generations of female athletes.
Oct 4, 2025 • 24min
Conversations from a year in Gaza and Israel
The podcast delves into a year of turmoil in Gaza and Israel, highlighting personal stories amid the conflict. Sanabel shares her profound losses and critiques the military campaign, emphasizing the plight of children. Sharon recounts the traumatic October 7 attacks and advocates for a decisive response to Hamas. With reports of famine and civilian suffering, the discussion reveals the ongoing humanitarian crisis. Both voices underscore the urgent need for dialogue, understanding, and the importance of returning hostages.
13 snips
Oct 3, 2025 • 26min
Orthodoxy or death: The fight for Mount Athos
A forbidden monastery on Mount Athos is at the center of a fierce conflict in Eastern Orthodox Christianity. Meet the Esphigmenou monks, who refuse to abandon their radical beliefs, branding their struggle as 'Orthodoxy or Death.' Delve into their history, the violent evictions, and the leadership of the controversial Abbot Methodios. Explore deep-rooted schisms and the political dynamics affecting their legacy. Amidst claims of martyrdom and calls for peace, the clash reveals broader themes of faith, identity, and nationalism.
Oct 2, 2025 • 27min
Powering Nigeria
In this enlightening discussion, Abdulaziz Fagi, the World Bank's project leader for energy in Nigeria, highlights the country's staggering electricity access deficit affecting over 80 million people. He explains the challenges posed by urban-rural disparities and how rapid population growth strains the already fragile grid. Fagi shares insights into the rise of decentralized power solutions, like solar mini-grids, as communities innovate to mitigate frequent outages. He also addresses the reliance on generators and the potential of new reforms to empower local energy management.
8 snips
Oct 1, 2025 • 19min
Deepfaking disability
Explore the alarming rise of Down syndrome deepfakes, where creators exploit AI to transform content and monetize on adult platforms. Hear how victims like Alice discovered their images misused, revealing a disturbing lack of recourse. Experts discuss the ethical implications of using disability for profit, while those involved in the AI creation business share their strategies. The hosts examine the inadequate responses from social media giants and the broader consequences for communities affected by this trend.
Sep 30, 2025 • 27min
Haitians living in fear in the Dominican Republic
Explore the harrowing realities faced by Haitians in the Dominican Republic as they navigate the looming threat of mass deportations. The podcast highlights the irony of a booming tourism industry built on Haitian labor, yet marked by growing hostility towards these workers. Personal stories reveal the fear instilled by immigration raids, challenging living conditions, and the risks of corruption for re-entry. Cultural roots clash with identity as families grapple with their heritage amidst a backdrop of political tension and human rights concerns.
Sep 29, 2025 • 26min
Emilia Wickstead: London Fashion Week
Emilia Wickstead, a luxury womenswear designer celebrated for her feminine styles, discusses her upcoming Spring/Summer 2026 collection. Drawing inspiration from her New Zealand upbringing and her time in Milan, Emilia emphasizes the collaborative effort behind her designs. She highlights the influence of Robert Mapplethorpe on her color choices and silhouettes, shares her perfectionist approach to crafting collections, and reflects on her unique experience designing uniforms, notably for Air New Zealand.
29 snips
Sep 28, 2025 • 27min
Bonus: The Global Story
Patrick McGee, a journalist and author known for his insights on Apple and China, dives into the complexities of Apple's manufacturing ties. He discusses Tim Cook's ambitious $600 billion investment in U.S. production and why breaking away from China poses enormous challenges. McGee shares how Apple's quality-driven outsourcing shaped its operations and the critical shift in geopolitics under Xi Jinping. He also highlights the intricacies of maintaining a supply chain reliant on Chinese-trained expertise, raising questions about Apple's future amid U.S.-China tensions.
10 snips
Sep 27, 2025 • 26min
Social media influencers and politics
Luis Fajardo, a BBC Monitoring journalist, discusses how social media influencers intertwine with politics in Latin America, revealing controversies in Colombia and Argentina where influencers are contracted by the government. Famega Syavira, head of social media for BBC Indonesia, highlights the rise of paid influencers, dubbed 'buzzers', shaping the political landscape during elections. Additionally, Satish Urugonda talks about the conservation efforts for the critically endangered Jerdon's Courser, showcasing the dedication of forest watchers in India.
Sep 27, 2025 • 23min
Living with the threat of drone attacks
As Ukrainian drone attacks escalate, we hear harrowing stories from survivors like Inna, who narrowly escaped a strike. Kamila mourns a lost relative, reflecting on the pain of such tragedies. Kateryna shares her trauma of losing homes while drone pilots like Andy and Oleksii discuss their perilous roles on the front lines. The podcast explores drones' transformative impact on warfare, including lifesaving deliveries and strategic advantages, raising profound questions about the morality of remote warfare.
