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
11 snips
Apr 20, 2025 • 26min
Make me perfect: Manufacturing beauty in China
In China, a booming cosmetic surgery industry is fueled by social media and beauty apps that promise perfection. Young women share their journeys, revealing the emotional and psychological toll of chasing unrealistic beauty standards. The dark side is exposed as unregulated clinics become commonplace, leading to disastrous results and financial struggles. The podcast highlights personal stories of botched surgeries and the societal pressures that drive individuals towards these risky enhancements, questioning the true cost of beauty.
9 snips
Apr 19, 2025 • 27min
The Fifth Floor: Inside the Taliban's surveillance network
Mahjooba Nowrouzi, a journalist with BBC Afghan Services, shares her eye-opening experience inside the Taliban's surveillance network control room in Kabul. With over 90,000 CCTV cameras scrutinizing citizens, she explores the implications for privacy and freedom, especially for women. William Márquez from BBC Mundo adds a lighter note, discussing Charles Darwin's legacy and his connection to a recent TikTok visit to Darwin's house, illustrating the crossover between history and modern media.
Apr 19, 2025 • 24min
BBC OS Conversations: Colourism
Nyakim Gatwetch, the South Sudanese American model known as the Queen of the Dark, shares her powerful experiences with colorism in the fashion industry. Accompanied by Ateh Jewel, a London-based beauty journalist, they tackle the deep-rooted biases surrounding skin tone. They discuss the societal pressures and personal struggles faced by women of color, the impact of harmful beauty standards, and the rising issue of skin bleaching in various cultures. Together, they inspire a conversation about acceptance and the need for change in the perception of beauty.
Apr 18, 2025 • 26min
Heart and Soul: Our Sacred Harp
In a captivating discussion, Tim Eriksen, a Sacred Harp pioneer and former punk frontman, delves into the powerful resurgence of shape note singing. He emphasizes its inclusive nature, welcoming all faiths and backgrounds, and highlights its communal spirit in a politically polarized society. Sketching the rich history of this a-cappella tradition, Tim shares how it fosters deep connections among singers, transcending differences. With a new edition of the songbook on the horizon, he reflects on how the music continues to unite amidst division.
Apr 17, 2025 • 27min
Braille and me
Celebrate the 200-year legacy of Braille in a lively game of Braille Scrabble! Hear inspiring stories from a mollusk expert, an Ethiopian lawyer who sees her blindness as a gift, and a pianist who mastered Braille music. A linguistics professor shares her unique contributions to Star Trek and the search for extraterrestrial messaging. Explore the emotional depth of Braille as a literacy tool while pondering its future in a tech-driven world. Plus, a surprise encounter with the legendary Stevie Wonder adds a touch of magic!
Apr 16, 2025 • 49min
Olympique Lyonnais: The Champions League trailblazers
Jean-Michel Aulas, former president of Olympique Lyonnais and current vice president of the French Football Federation, revolutionized women's football by establishing the iconic women's team in 2004. He shares insights about their unprecedented success, boasting eight Champions League titles and equal treatment for all players. Personal stories from stars like Ada Hegerberg and Lucy Bronze highlight the club's commitment to empowerment and resilience. Aulas also discusses the new ownership of Michele Kang and her ambitious vision for the future of women's football.
Apr 15, 2025 • 27min
Assignment: New Zealand - what counts as Māori equality
In this thought-provoking discussion, Awatia Mita, an Indigenous Maori woman from Ruatoria, shares her insights on the systemic healthcare inequities impacting her community and the far-reaching consequences of the Treaty of Waitangi. She highlights the recent protests against government proposals seen as threats to Maori rights and the essential role of affirmative action. Awatia delves into the historical complexities of the Treaty, expressing concerns that changes in governance may reverse progress for the Maori people, entrenching existing disparities in health, education, and employment.
Apr 14, 2025 • 26min
In the Studio: Steve Reich
Steve Reich, a New York composer and minimalism pioneer, shares stories from his 60-year career. He discusses the groundbreaking piece 'It's Gonna Rain' and how cassette tape experiments shaped his orchestral masterpieces. Diving into the evolution of minimalism, he contrasts it with complex serialism, blending personal memories and historical context. Reich also reflects on his Jewish heritage, the emotional depth behind 'City Life,' and the innovative techniques that inspire his music at 88. His insights reveal the enduring power of passion in the creative process.
7 snips
Apr 13, 2025 • 49min
Defeated: How ordinary Germans experienced the end of World War Two
Hans Rosenthal, a Holocaust survivor turned TV quiz show host, and Melitta Maschmann, a former Nazi youth leader, share their profound insights on post-WWII Germany. They discuss the emotional chaos faced by ordinary Germans in the wake of surrender, contrasting feelings of relief and despair. Personal stories reveal the struggle of survival, moral complexities, and the fight for identity amidst the ruins of a fallen regime. Their reflections provoke questions about guilt and the journey toward forgiveness in a transformed society.
Apr 12, 2025 • 20min
The Fifth Floor: Stranded in Panama
Santiago Vanegas, a BBC Mundo journalist, shares gripping insights from his coverage of Venezuelan migrants navigating a perilous return home through Central America. He highlights their struggles, particularly focusing on Adrianiela, a young mother facing the dangers of the Darien Gap with her toddler. Vanegas sheds light on health risks, threats from gangs, and the psychological toll of their journey. Additionally, he critiques the inadequate government responses and the harsh realities of migrant detention in Panama, painting a vivid picture of their dire circumstances.
