The Documentary Podcast cover image

The Documentary Podcast

Latest episodes

undefined
Dec 16, 2024 • 26min

In the Studio: Creating Selfridges’ Christmas windows

Bobbie Tree, Senior Lead of the windows team at Selfridges, shares her expertise in crafting the department store's iconic Christmas displays. She discusses the year's theme, 'More the Merrier', and how they collaborated with renowned artists to bring it to life. Bobbie reveals the meticulous process behind each vibrant design, from concept to execution, highlighting the emotional impact these windows aim to create. Listeners get a behind-the-scenes look at the challenges and creativity that transform the displays into festive spectacles.
undefined
Dec 14, 2024 • 27min

The Fifth Floor: Fleeing Chechnya

Zlata Onufrieva, a BBC Russian journalist, dives into the harrowing journeys of Chechen women fleeing oppressive societal norms. She illustrates the struggles of Leah and Aminat, highlighting grassroots initiatives aimed at empowering women. Meanwhile, Ehsan Yunus, a BBC Urdu journalist, explores the historical significance of South Asian corner shops in Britain, revealing their role as community pillars. Together, they shed light on resilience, identity, and the vital connections that shape lives amidst adversity.
undefined
Dec 14, 2024 • 23min

BBC OS Conversations: Syrians after the fall of Assad

Syrians are rediscovering their voices after decades of silence under Assad’s rule. Personal stories reveal a mix of joy and uncertainty as they celebrate newfound freedoms while reflecting on past traumas. Conversations about women’s representation in governance spark cautious optimism for the future. Refugees share their experiences abroad, grappling with the decision to return home amidst fears of extremist factions. Overall, there’s a strong desire for collective governance and international support as Syria navigates its complex new landscape.
undefined
Dec 13, 2024 • 31min

Heart and Soul: Black Madonnas

Chine McDonald, an author known for her explorations of faith and race, and Janina Ramirez, a professor of medieval history, discuss the powerful imagery of Black Madonnas. They explore the absence of black representations of the Virgin Mary and the cultural and emotional significance of these figures. McDonald shares her personal journey and encounters with Black Madonnas in France, while Ramirez highlights their historical context. Together, they examine how these images empower marginalized communities, particularly Black women, within religious spaces.
undefined
Dec 12, 2024 • 27min

Srebrenica’s forgotten refugees

Thirty years after the Bosnian War, survivors and their descendants still grapple with displacement in Tuzla's makeshift settlements. The haunting stories of Srebrenica genocide survivors reveal deep emotional scars and a relentless struggle for normalcy. Personal narratives highlight the challenges of rebuilding lives amid systemic failures and ongoing trauma. Amid these hardships, tales of resilience emerge, showcasing the strength of individuals like Mersad, who strive to reconnect with their lost homes and loved ones. The podcast poignantly underscores the importance of remembering and addressing the past.
undefined
Dec 11, 2024 • 2min

Introducing World of Secrets S6: The bad guru

Dive into the unsettling world of wellness culture, where a woman's quest for inner peace through yoga leads to shocking revelations of grooming and exploitation. Hear her mother recount the slow descent into darkness that many fail to notice. This exploration unmasks the hidden dangers in the quest for spiritual transformation, revealing stories that urge listeners to question the very foundations of the wellness industry.
undefined
Dec 10, 2024 • 27min

Assignment: Mining the Pacific – future proofing or fool’s gold?

As rising sea levels threaten low-lying Pacific Islands, the Cook Islands considers deep sea mining as a potential lifeline. This controversial strategy aims to harvest metallic nodules for tech industries, promising economic boost but raising environmental alarms. Local protests highlight community concerns about government support and ecological impacts. Diverse opinions within the community expose the tensions between development and cultural preservation, while training initiatives empower local youth to engage in marine science.
undefined
Dec 9, 2024 • 29min

Bonus: The Food Chain is 10!

Celebrate a decade of stories exploring our relationship with food. Discover a gripping survival tale of enduring hunger while adrift at sea. Hear reflections on wartime scarcity that shaped a lifelong aversion to waste. Experience the emotional bonds formed over shared meals, such as a Ukrainian family's solace with British hosts. Dive into the impact of friendship and culinary legacies, revealing how past connections enhance our present experiences. Food isn’t just sustenance; it’s a vital link to each other.
undefined
16 snips
Dec 8, 2024 • 27min

Morse code: Ready to transmit

Dive into the thrilling world of High Speed Telegraphy, where competitors from countries like Belarus, Russia, and Japan battle it out in a silent hall, just clicks echoing the atmosphere. Discover how musical skills enhance Morse code transmission and witness the heartwarming story of a tech student creating devices to aid communication for those with speech disabilities. Plus, explore the rich history of Morse code and its vital role during crises, as well as the emotional rollercoaster of a champion celebrating their record-breaking victory.
undefined
8 snips
Dec 7, 2024 • 24min

The Fifth Floor: Javier Milei's first year in power

Verónica Smink, a BBC Mundo journalist, reports from Buenos Aires on President Javier Milei's unique approach to leadership. They discuss his chainsaw campaign promise and controversial austerity measures, highlighting their impact on vulnerable citizens. Christine Otieno from BBC Africa shares insights into her work revealing and restoring thousands of old portraits in Uganda, exploring the emotional connections these images foster within families and communities. Together, they navigate the intersection of politics and cultural heritage.

The AI-powered Podcast Player

Save insights by tapping your headphones, chat with episodes, discover the best highlights - and more!
App store bannerPlay store banner
Get the app