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
Feb 26, 2025 • 19min
BBC Trending: Can Community Notes clean up your feed?
The shift to community-led moderation on social media raises questions about free speech and misinformation. A closer look at strategies employed during the pandemic reveals the balance between fact-checking and user corrections. Political influences loom large as the 2024 U.S. election approaches. Innovative tactics like 'pre-bunking' aim to combat misinformation before it spreads. The control of social media by the wealthy complicates efforts for genuine understanding, highlighting the challenges faced in an era of information overload.
Feb 25, 2025 • 28min
Assignment: Road wars - cycling in Paris
The tragic death of cyclist Paul Varry sparks a powerful conversation about urban cycling safety in Paris. With the city's cycling revolution in full swing, tensions rise as cyclists, motorists, and pedestrians grapple with new traffic dynamics. Hear firsthand experiences from locals navigating the chaos of Parisian streets and the impact of increased cyclist numbers. Amidst the heartbreak, there's a vision for a more bicycle-friendly future that prioritizes safety and community over cars.
Feb 24, 2025 • 26min
In the Studio: Mohammad Barrangi
Mohammad Barrangi, an Iranian-born artist and former Paralympian, creates surreal artwork that beautifully merges Persian aesthetics with contemporary themes. He discusses his unique printmaking technique, developed due to his disability, and the emotional journey behind it. Barrangi dives into his latest project, 'The Last Rain in Wonderland,' which tackles the climate crisis and its impact on displaced communities in Iran. His art reflects deep connections to migration, memory, and the fragility of our environment, revealing both personal struggles and broader societal challenges.
14 snips
Feb 23, 2025 • 60min
Life in occupied Ukraine
Jaffer Umerov, a BBC journalist from Crimea, discusses the impact of Russification on Crimean Tatar identity. Jen Monaghan analyzes the Kremlin’s narratives and media strategies in Ukraine. Vitaly Shevchenko gives first-hand insights into life in occupied regions like Kherson and Zaporizhia. The trio dives into the complexities of identity erasure, personal experiences under occupation, and the fight against oppressive propaganda. They highlight resilience amid crisis and the growing humanitarian issues faced by locals.
10 snips
Feb 22, 2025 • 12min
The Fifth Floor: Syria after Assad
Salma Khattab, a BBC Arabic journalist with firsthand experience reporting in Syria, discusses the country's transformation following Bashar al-Assad's departure. She paints a vivid picture of the hopes and challenges faced by citizens, from celebrations in the streets of Damascus to the stark economic realities of daily life. Khattab shares the struggles of families, especially women, navigating a new societal landscape and highlights the daunting obstacles for refugees trying to rebuild their lives amidst ongoing uncertainty.
Feb 22, 2025 • 24min
BBC OS Conversations: Ukraine and three years of war
Explore the ongoing challenges faced by Ukraine as the war continues, revealing the resilience of its people through compelling personal stories. Discover how cultural moments coexist with the harsh realities of conflict, showcasing the strength and humor of individuals. Hear the emotional journeys of refugees navigating displacement and the deep psychological scars left by war. Experience the innovative ways communities come together, like rebuilding homes to the rhythm of music, demonstrating the power of hope and unity amid adversity.
Feb 21, 2025 • 26min
Heart and Soul: The only thing certain in life
Rochi Rampal, a performer and writer, shares her journey through grief and spirituality after losing ten loved ones in one year and facing her own health challenges. She discusses navigating loss through the lens of Irish wakes and Hindu funeral practices, highlighting the vital role of community and cultural rituals. Rochi contrasts her experiences with tending to her allotment and reflects on finding beauty in everyday moments. The conversation emphasizes the importance of embracing life and discussing death openly, fostering acceptance of our mortality.
Feb 20, 2025 • 52min
Witness History: US Black History Month special
In this poignant discussion, Elaine Klein Moctofi, an American living in Algiers who aided Eldridge Cleaver during his exile, shares her experiences intertwined with powerful moments of Black activism. Akilah Powell, a participant in the Million Man March, reflects on its transformative impact on the community. They dive into tales of bravery from the Tulsa Race Massacre to Major Charity Adams’ trailblazing military service, celebrating resilience and the continuing fight for rights and representation throughout African-American history.
Feb 19, 2025 • 19min
BBC Trending: Quadrobic panic in Russia over craze to dress and walk on all fours like animals
A quirky youth trend is causing moral panic in Russia as kids don animal costumes and scurry on all fours. Critics, including politicians and religious leaders, claim it threatens traditional values and may lead to an anti-quadrobics law. Surprisingly, this unconventional movement boasts a history as a sport, with a Japanese athlete holding the record for the fastest 100m on all fours. The backlash also serves as a distraction from more pressing issues, raising questions about identity, expression, and the role of such trends in society.
Feb 18, 2025 • 27min
Assignment: The village that came back from the dead
Discover the haunting legacy of coal mining in Germany, where entire villages have vanished for fossil fuels. Hear emotional accounts from residents torn between nostalgia and an uncertain future. Explore the rise of environmental activism and its impact on communities. Witness the remarkable transformation of Morschenich into a sustainable haven as coal operations cease early. This gripping journey captures the struggle between industrial progress and the preservation of local heritage in the face of climate change.
