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
Jun 18, 2025 • 26min
What’s Iran’s IRGC?
Barry Sadeed, a BBC Monitoring Iran expert, unpacks the powerful role of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in shaping Iran's influence network. He delves into the historical ties that forged the 'axis of resistance,' exploring how groups like Hezbollah link to the Palestinian cause. Sadeed discusses Iran's geopolitical maneuvers against Israel and the U.S., and the recent escalations since the October 7 attack. The conversation highlights the IRGC's complex legacy and the potential fallout from rising tensions in the region.
8 snips
Jun 18, 2025 • 22min
Could your colleague be a North Korean in disguise?
Discover the eerie trend of North Korean IT workers applying for remote jobs abroad while disguising their identities. With blurred faces and advanced tech filters, these candidates raise profound questions about security and authenticity. The podcast reveals alarming insights from defectors and highlights the risks companies face when hiring remotely. As this phenomenon extends into Europe, it calls for greater vigilance in recruitment practices, leaving listeners pondering the implications of such digital deceptions on the job market.
18 snips
Jun 17, 2025 • 27min
The Ketamine trail
Ketamine, originally an anesthetic, is rapidly gaining popularity as a recreational drug among young people in the UK. The podcast highlights troubling stories of trafficking networks, revealing how organized crime exploits legal loopholes to flood the market. Investigations into police raids illustrate the dark realities of this trade, linked to rising hospitalizations and fatalities. Attention is drawn to the complexities of regulating ketamine, emphasizing the urgent need for cohesive action to address its dual nature as both medicine and controlled substance.
Jun 16, 2025 • 26min
Amoako Boafo: Creating space to celebrate Blackness
Amoako Boafo, a Ghanaian artist celebrated for his bold fingertip-painted portraits, dives into his artistic journey and the significance of Black identity in art. He shares how his experiences in Vienna ignited his passion for changing the representation of Black subjects. In preparation for a major show in London, he transforms the gallery into a Ghanaian courtyard, showcasing emotional creativity and community collaboration. Boafo’s innovative techniques and themes of joy, pain, and cultural heritage come alive in this vibrant discussion.
Jun 15, 2025 • 59min
Australia's extinction crisis
Andrew Pass, a Professor of Genetics and Developmental Conservation Biology at the University of Melbourne, dives into Australia’s alarming extinction crisis. He discusses the dire state of native species, revealing that nearly 10% have vanished since European colonization. The conversation highlights the fusion of Indigenous knowledge with modern science for effective conservation and innovative steps like vaccinating koalas against chlamydia. Pass also explores the success of breeding programs, including for the Eastern Barred Bandicoot, showcasing a hopeful path forward.
9 snips
Jun 14, 2025 • 25min
The TV drama that shocked the Arab world
Ahmed Abdallah, a BBC Arabic journalist, dives into the groundbreaking Egyptian TV drama 'Lam Shamsaya' that tackled child sexual abuse and shook the Arab world. He discusses the show's profound impact, igniting crucial conversations about trauma within families. Abdallah emphasizes the responsibility of storytelling in sensitive topics and how social media shapes public discourse. He advocates for women's narratives to foster genuine dialogue and understanding surrounding these pressing issues.
Jun 14, 2025 • 23min
Female influencers
The tragic story of a young influencer's death sparks a vital conversation about the safety of women in social media. Influencers from Pakistan share their struggles with abuse in a male-dominated society. Zenith, Mahnoor, and Sabah discuss resilience and sisterhood amid the challenges they face. Voices from the US, Mexico City, and Peru join the dialogue, emphasizing the universal hurdles and the importance of community. This discussion highlights the need for empowerment and vigilance as women navigate their digital presence.
10 snips
Jun 13, 2025 • 26min
Pulpit to palace
Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, the Soun of Ogbomoso and former senior pastor in Washington D.C., shares his remarkable journey from pulpit to palace. He discusses the challenges he faces in reconciling his Christian faith with the traditional expectations of kingship in Nigeria. Olaoye delves into the legal disputes with his relatives and the pressures from traditionalists urging him to abandon Christianity. He emphasizes the importance of embracing both spirituality and cultural heritage while navigating the complexities of his dual identity.
Jun 12, 2025 • 27min
The tyre scandal
Discover the dark side of the tyre recycling industry, where millions of tyres are mismanaged and shipped to illegal plants in India. Follow a team of journalists tracking this hazardous waste and uncover the shocking financial motivations behind the practices. Listen as they confront industry insiders and expose the health risks faced by communities affected by these dangerous pyrolysis operations. The story shines a light on corruption and environmental harm at a global scale.
Jun 11, 2025 • 21min
No, there isn’t a ‘white genocide’ in South Africa
Mpo Lakashi, a South African journalist, dives into the contentious claims of a so-called 'white genocide' in South Africa. He dissects the misinformation underpinning these narratives and highlights the complexities surrounding farm attacks and land ownership laws. Lakashi discusses how political figures have exploited these fears, impacting diplomatic relations, particularly with the U.S. The conversation also touches on the role of social media in shaping public perception, revealing the deep-seated issues of identity and culture within South Africa.
