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 10, 2025 • 27min
Balochistan - the women of the vanished
Saira Baloch, a determined advocate searching for her missing brother, and Maharang Baloch, a doctor fighting enforced disappearances, share their heart-wrenching stories. They discuss the emotional toll on families in Balochistan dealing with state-sanctioned violence. Saira reveals the challenges mothers and daughters endure while seeking justice, while Maharang highlights their resilience amid tragedy. The narratives expose the deep grief surrounding enforced disappearances, shedding light on the struggles and the enduring hope of the women left behind.
4 snips
Jun 9, 2025 • 26min
Auntie Flo: Making plants dance
Brian D’Souza, also known as Auntie Flo, is a Scottish musician and DJ renowned for fusing field recordings with cutting-edge production. He discusses his innovative practice of biosonification, creating soundscapes from the electrical impulses of plants. Listeners are taken on a heartfelt journey to Goa, where Brian connects with his heritage and family roots. He delves into the rhythms of the natural world, emphasizing how surrendering to nature inspires unique musical interpretations. It's a captivating exploration of sound, culture, and creativity.
16 snips
Jun 7, 2025 • 17min
Why does Moldova matter to Putin?
Natasha Matyukhina from BBC Monitoring delves into the political landscape of Moldova, a nation caught between pro-Western and pro-Russian influences. She explains the significance of Moldova to Putin, especially with impending elections that may draw Russian interference. The discussion covers Moldova's geographic importance, its tumultuous relationship with Transnistria, and the challenges facing the pro-European ruling party. Additionally, Natasha sheds light on the media dynamics impacting public perception as tensions rise in Eastern Europe.
Jun 7, 2025 • 23min
How life is changing in Syria
In the wake of Bashar al-Assad's overthrow, Syrians share their experiences of newfound hope and challenges in a transforming nation. Entrepreneurs describe the revival of tourism and the hospitality industry's resurgence, while artists discuss the re-emergence of cultural expression amid shifting political landscapes. Students reflect on how freedom of speech has reshaped university life, highlighting both constructive dialogues and new tensions. Overall, the stories reveal a resilient society navigating the complexities of change and rebuilding.
Jun 6, 2025 • 27min
The future of the Alawites
In this podcast, Angelina Balau, a young Alawite activist leading the Alawite Project, shares her journey supporting her community in Tripoli. She discusses the dire conditions faced by Alawite refugees fleeing sectarian violence in Syria, revealing harrowing personal stories of escape. The conversation delves into the complexities of Alawite identity, including their unique beliefs and practices, while highlighting ongoing efforts to empower this marginalized community amidst rising fears of ethnic cleansing.
10 snips
Jun 5, 2025 • 32min
The Global Jigsaw: Netanyahu’s media squeeze
Shaina Oppenheimer, who monitors Israeli and Palestinian news from the Jerusalem bureau, dives into the Israeli government's controversial control over the media landscape. She discusses the implications of Netanyahu's strategies on press freedom, particularly during the Gaza conflict. The conversation reveals how the government's media manipulation shapes public perception and threatens independent journalism. Oppenheimer also highlights growing societal divisions in Israel, raising alarm over proposed reforms that could further compromise media independence.
7 snips
Jun 4, 2025 • 21min
Russian informers: Hunting the enemy within
In a chilling landscape of fear, dissenters in Russia face severe repercussions for opposing the war in Ukraine. Academic Aleksandra Arkhipova embarks on a quest to expose her tormentor, the infamous informer Anna Korobkova. The rise of citizen denunciation echoes historical betrayals, creating a tense atmosphere where safety is compromised. As Arkhipova unravels the threads of Korobkova's identity, the chilling implications of these actions reveal the dangerous interplay between loyalty and betrayal in modern Russia.
Jun 3, 2025 • 27min
Assignment: What future for Assad’s army?
In the aftermath of Assad's regime, a mass dismissal of security forces has created a landscape of vulnerability and fear. Personal stories reveal the plight of former soldiers grappling with their pasts, while experts warn of potential insurgency risks reminiscent of Iraq. The podcast examines the moral complexities of accountability and justice for those implicated in war crimes. It explores the delicate balance between reconciliation and ensuring that the innocent are reinstated, highlighting the fragile dynamics within Syria's military and society.
Jun 2, 2025 • 26min
In the Studio: Designing Conclave
Suzie Davies, a renowned production designer known for her work on films like Mr. Turner and Conclave, shares her creative journey in constructing the Sistine Chapel inside a film studio in Rome. She discusses the balance between historical accuracy and artistic expression, explaining how mood often takes precedence over strict details. Suzie also illuminates the vital role of color and texture in storytelling, and how collaborative design choices enhance character development, creating rich environments that immerse viewers in the narrative.
11 snips
Jun 1, 2025 • 27min
The three babies mystery
A shocking find in East London leads to the discovery of a baby girl named Elsa, sparking an urgent investigation. As DNA tests connect her to two other abandoned infants, the story unfolds around their mysterious mother. Experts and law enforcement delve into psychological profiling and community dynamics, revealing the emotional depths of abandonment. Heartfelt tales of adoption and the search for identity highlight the resilience of families, all while Elsa's journey from peril to potential unfolds with hope.
