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 Trump's new world order, to war in Sudan, to the legacy of football icon Mo Salah, The Documentary investigates major global stories.We delve into social media, take you into the minds of the world's most creative people and explore personal approaches to spirituality. Every week, we also 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, The Fifth Floor and Trending.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Sep 27, 2025 • 23min
Living with the threat of drone attacks
As Ukrainian drone attacks escalate, we hear harrowing stories from survivors like Inna, who narrowly escaped a strike. Kamila mourns a lost relative, reflecting on the pain of such tragedies. Kateryna shares her trauma of losing homes while drone pilots like Andy and Oleksii discuss their perilous roles on the front lines. The podcast explores drones' transformative impact on warfare, including lifesaving deliveries and strategic advantages, raising profound questions about the morality of remote warfare.
5 snips
Sep 26, 2025 • 27min
Finding my Sikh faith against the odds
Harj Gahley, a recovering gambling addict and community campaigner, shares his journey of overcoming addiction through his Sikh faith. He recalls the thrill of his first casino visit, which spiraled into a decade of deception and financial ruin. Harj faced shame when seeking help from his community, highlighting a cultural stigma around addiction. A life-changing moment with his son sparked his spiritual reconnection. Now, he advocates for awareness and founded a charity to support others battling gambling harm, transforming his experience into a force for good.
Sep 25, 2025 • 44min
Bonus. 13 Minutes Presents: The Space Shuttle
Bob Crippen, a veteran NASA astronaut and pilot of STS-1, shares his remarkable journey in shaping the future of space travel. He dives into the early days of the space shuttle program, revealing the excitement and challenges of launching the first shuttle. Crippen recounts the intense prelaunch atmosphere at Kennedy Space Center and the innovative techniques tested during team preparations. His firsthand insights illuminate the pivotal moments leading to the historic mission that aimed to make spaceflight routine.
6 snips
Sep 24, 2025 • 20min
Goodreads’ ‘unfair’ rating problem
In this insightful discussion, Craig Silverman, a media researcher and co-founder of Indicator, delves into the perplexing issue of unfair Goodreads ratings. He explores the phenomenon of negative pre-publication reviews, suggesting that both personal vendettas and automated bots may be to blame. Silverman highlights the design flaws of Goodreads that enable abuse and proposes potential fixes, including verification methods to curb malicious ratings. The conversation shines a light on the broader implications for authors and the integrity of online platforms.
Sep 23, 2025 • 27min
‘A new foe’: Conscripting women in Denmark
In a critical discussion, military officials and defense experts, including Senior Navy Commander Sun Lund, delve into Denmark’s historic shift to conscript women alongside men. The guests explore the recruitment process on ‘Defences Day,’ featuring medical tests and lottery systems that determine recruits' futures. They highlight the geopolitical motivations behind this expansion amidst rising tensions with Russia, and provide insights into public reactions, reflecting a mix of support and dissent across communities.
Sep 22, 2025 • 26min
Lesia Khomenko: Art and war
Lesia Khomenko, a Ukrainian artist who fled Kyiv with her daughter just after the invasion, now living in New York, shares her journey of resilience through art. She discusses her poignant portrait series 'Max is in the Army,' featuring civilians transformed into soldiers. Lesia also details her creative process behind monumental works, including a striking banner for the Kyiv train station, symbolizing the nation's spirit. Her unique perspective captures the intersection of creativity and conflict, illustrating the human side of wartime experiences.
23 snips
Sep 20, 2025 • 18min
Will a fugitive oligarch sway Moldova’s election?
Moldova's upcoming parliamentary election is in the spotlight as fugitive oligarch Ilan Shor orchestrates a disinformation campaign from Russia. A reporter goes undercover to investigate the flow of money and the impact of this misinformation. President Maia Sandu discusses the threats to democracy and the geopolitical ramifications of foreign influence. The dynamics between the EU, Russia, and local voters reveal a complex narrative of power and manipulation.
24 snips
Sep 20, 2025 • 26min
A radio lifeline for Afghan women
Join Shekiba Habib, a BBC Afghan journalist, as she reveals how a radio program in the Panjshir Valley is empowering women and girls with essential education and health information despite Taliban restrictions. She shares touching encounters and the challenges faced by these women. In India, Asha Yedgay sheds light on the social and employment struggles of sanitation workers, predominantly from Dalit communities, exploring systemic caste biases and their impact on future generations. A thought-provoking discussion on resilience and hope.
8 snips
Sep 20, 2025 • 23min
Charlie Kirk and free speech
William He, a passionate student activist and organizer of Dream for America, dives into the fraught issue of free speech following the controversial killing of Charlie Kirk. He discusses the stark divide in public opinion about Kirk’s legacy and shares perspectives from both supporters and critics. The conversation touches on the implications of political violence, the challenges of navigating free speech limits, and the growing polarization in the US. Tune in for a gripping exploration of free speech and societal safety amid a turbulent climate.
5 snips
Sep 19, 2025 • 50min
Digital Dolittles: Talking to the animals?
David Gruber, an evolutionary biologist and the mind behind the Cetacean Translation Initiative, explores the cutting-edge realm of bioacoustics. He discusses how AI is revolutionizing our understanding of dolphin whistles and sperm whale clicks. The conversation dives into the implications of translating animal communications and how it challenges our human-centric perspective. Gruber also highlights the role of sound in ecosystem restoration, emphasizing the significance of listening to the natural world and what it reveals about our place on the planet.
