The Documentary Podcast

The podcast explores how American views of Russia have shifted, particularly in the context of Eastern Orthodoxy. It highlights young converts drawn to the faith, seeking tradition amidst changing social norms. There’s a fascinating look at the rise of digital media in promoting Orthodox beliefs, and how personal faith intertwines with geopolitics. Discussions also reveal some converts' admiration for authoritarian figures like Putin and the complexities of faith in the face of contemporary extremism, adding depth to the religious landscape in Texas.

Bishwajit Goswami, an artist and educator from Dhaka, leads a poignant discussion about his unique journey of creation at the intersection of art and identity. He reflects on how the polluted yet vibrant rivers of Bangladesh inspire his work, emphasizing their role in community rituals and cultural identity. As he prepares for an international exhibition, Bishwajit shares insights into his installation, 'Prichoy,' and the significance of using found materials, revealing the deep connections between his homeland, personal stories, and environmental challenges.

Freddy Lim, the heavy metal frontman of Phonic and a former Taiwanese politician, shares his insights on Taiwan's unique cultural identity. He discusses how his music serves as a vessel for exploring his country's rich history and personal stories. The podcast also features Hsin-Mei Cheng, who sheds light on the provocative TV series 'Zero Day,' depicting a fictional Chinese invasion of Taiwan. Additionally, award-winning author Yang Shuang-zi and translator Lin King talk about their historical novel 'Taiwanese Travelogue,' showcasing its contemporary relevance in understanding Taiwan's past.

Saif Rebai from BBC Arabic Xtra shares inspiring tales from the Libyan desert, highlighting a teacher's relentless 40km journey to educate children in a remote village. The discussion reveals the staggering issue of over 30 million kids out of school in the Middle East and North Africa, particularly those affected by crises in Sudan and Gaza. Joining him are Hanan Razek and Georgina Pearce, who detail innovative educational programs aimed at connecting these children to essential learning resources, showcasing resilience and hope in dire circumstances.

In this powerful discussion, Maureen Molak, Ellen Roome, and Holly Dance share their heartbreaking experiences of losing children to online harm. They advocate for urgent changes in social media policies to ensure children's safety. The conversation highlights the devastating effect of cyberbullying and the need for parental access to children's online data. The mothers emphasize the importance of community rallies and legislative action to hold platforms accountable. Their stories resonate deeply as they seek to foster a safer digital environment for future generations.

As the world mourns Pope Francis, Catholics gather in Rome to share their hopes for the next leader. From vibrant discussions in St. Peter's Square to the emotional scenes at his funeral, a diverse range of voices express their desires for future leadership. Young Catholics voice their need for inclusivity and relevance, while others address potential shifts in women's roles and the existence of married priests in the Church. The contrast between the thriving faith in Kenya and declining engagement in the West highlights the urgent aspirations for a connected, compassionate papacy.

In January a boat carrying migrants across the Atlantic Ocean to Europe was miraculously rescued by a fishing trawler after two weeks lost at sea. At least 20 people died from starvation, dehydration and hypothermia. Many of those on the boat - Pakistani men - were promised safe, legal routes to Europe by the smugglers but that was far from their reality. BBC Trending tracks the digital footprint of one of the suspected smugglers wanted for deaths on this very migrant boat. On TikTok, trivial videos depict his lifestyle - one of money, nice restaurants and a lot of travel. But these videos reveal much more about the smuggler’s operations. Presenter/producer: Reha Kansara and Shruti Menon Producer: Mohammad Zubair Khan

Galia Sofa, an Israeli woman who relocated to Cyprus with her family after the October 7th attacks, shares her compelling journey in search of safety. She discusses the rising trend of Israeli exodus prompted by political turbulence and escalating security fears. Galia highlights the vibrant Jewish community in Cyprus, revealing personal stories of resilience and cultural revival. The conversation also touches on the controversial luxury developments in northern Cyprus, shedding light on the socio-political complexities at play.

Madeleine Thien, a celebrated Canadian author known for her acclaimed novel 'Do Not Say We Have Nothing', shares her creative journey while crafting her new work, 'The Book of Records'. She candidly discusses the challenges of finding peace amidst public scrutiny and the significance of privacy in her writing process. From cafes in Berlin to the historical streets of Lisbon, Thien reveals how environment and personal experiences shape her characters, while also reflecting on life's lessons of failure, joy, and discovery in storytelling.

A bonus episode from Good Bad Billionaire - the award-winning podcast from the BBC World Service. You can find more episodes by searching for ‘Good Bad Billionaire’ wherever you get your BBC podcasts.Minecraft is the most successful computer game ever. It's sold 300 million copies, built an active community of fans and there's now even a Minecraft movie. So how did one man - Markus Persson - create it all by himself, before selling it for billions?BBC business editor Simon Jack and journalist Zing Tsjeng find out how a high school dropout, obsessed with Lego and gaming, became a computer game hero. The Swedish programmer, known by the nickname Notch, built a virtual 3D world where, with the help of a pickaxe, players could harness their creativity to build almost anything, one block at a time. Persson founded the video game development company Mojang Studios, before selling it to Microsoft, but then came a spectacular downfall.Good Bad Billionaire is the podcast exploring the lives of the super-rich and famous, tracking their wealth, philanthropy, business ethics and success. There are leaders who made their money in Silicon Valley, on Wall Street and in high street fashion. From iconic celebrities and CEOs to titans of technology, the podcast unravels tales of fortune, power, economics, ambition and moral responsibility, before inviting you to make up your own mind: are they good, bad or just another billionaire?