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
Feb 9, 2025 • 27min
Assignment: Ghana militants in the Sahel
Edward Adetti, a local journalist from Ghana, provides a gripping insight into the unsettling rise of militancy threatening Ghana’s stability. He discusses the alarming implications of fuel and livestock smuggling tied to Islamist insurgencies. Personal accounts reveal how ongoing ethnic tensions and territorial disputes contribute to a cycle of violence in northeastern Ghana. Adetti highlights the shift from ideological motivations to economic factors driving militant alignment, posing significant risks for the region and beyond.
Feb 9, 2025 • 50min
Sportshour at Super Bowl LIX: New Orleans edition
In this engaging discussion, Doug Thornton, the Superdome manager during Hurricane Katrina, shares gripping firsthand accounts of the storm's chaos and the stadium's inspiring recovery. Photojournalist Ted Jackson recounts his emotional journey of helping former NFL star Jackie Wallace reclaim his life after addiction and homelessness. The podcast highlights the contrasts between New Orleans' vibrant culture and its resilience amid challenges, punctuated by Jackie’s fall from grace and Darren Waller's musical legacy.
Feb 8, 2025 • 26min
The Fifth Floor: An Afghan love story
Aalia Farzan, a journalist with BBC Afghan Service, shares her inspiring love story after leaving Afghanistan post-Taliban takeover. She highlights Afghan courtship traditions and the clash with modern dating. Ilona Hromliuk, a BBC Ukrainian journalist, discusses the poignant journeys of women visiting their partners on the frontlines amid war, revealing the emotional toll and resilience required in these challenging times. Together, they illustrate the intricate dynamics of love in contrasting cultures shaped by conflict.
7 snips
Feb 8, 2025 • 23min
BBC OS Conversations: Donald Trump and the future of Gaza
Weam Abu Dukka, a 21-year-old graduating student from Gaza, shares her poignant experiences after the ceasefire, providing an intimate audio diary of resilience amidst ruin. She discusses the stark realities and joys of her life post-conflict, emphasizing her strong connection to her homeland and the desire not to be displaced. The conversation then shifts to Donald Trump’s controversial proposal for Gaza, exploring its implications on U.S. policies and the complex debates surrounding peace and Palestinian statehood.
Feb 7, 2025 • 27min
Heart and Soul: Feminism is my jihad
In Turkey, a vibrant Muslim feminist movement is rising, with young women passionately advocating for their rights. They share personal journeys of empowerment and resilience against societal pressures and intimidation. The discussion explores the intersection of faith and feminism, challenging traditional norms while navigating the complexities of their identities. Women recount their efforts to create inclusive spaces and resist patriarchal interpretations within both religious and societal frameworks. Through their experiences, they reveal a powerful narrative of courage and change.
Feb 6, 2025 • 26min
Germany: Rebellion on the Rhine
As Germany gears up for snap elections, tensions run high in Ludwigshafen, where industrial decline is shaking local communities. Residents express deep anxieties over job security and economic uncertainty, spotlighting the town’s struggles. The influence of BASF on the local economy raises concerns, while political polarization intensifies, particularly with the rise of parties like AFD. Amidst these challenges, the need for cultural revitalization becomes increasingly urgent as the community grapples with its identity and future.
Feb 5, 2025 • 18min
BBC Trending: The dark side of music streaming
A shocking case emerges as musician Michael Smith allegedly exploits AI and bots to steal millions in streaming royalties. The FBI's raid highlights the alarming prevalence of fraud in the music industry. Insiders reveal how these deceptive practices not only harm independent artists but also challenge major labels. Hear the emotional tale of an artist coping with the removal of their music from platforms due to similar fraud. The discussion delves into the intricate dynamics of charting success and the vital need for authenticity amidst these troubling trends.
Feb 4, 2025 • 27min
Assignment: Spain - ‘liquid gold’ under pressure
Spain's olive oil industry faces a dual threat: drought and skyrocketing prices. With climate change relentlessly affecting harvests, farmers are adapting from traditional methods to super-intensive farming. Meanwhile, the rising value of olives has led to a surge in thefts, straining local law enforcement. Personal stories from the fields reveal not just the challenges, but also the resilience of those fighting to protect their livelihoods. Innovations in drought-resistant farming offer a glimmer of hope amidst this pressing crisis.
Feb 3, 2025 • 56min
Encore: Border stories
Since President Trump was inaugurated in January, migrants – and especially the border the US shares with Mexico - have dominated the news. In this bonus edition, we share an episode first broadcast in March 2024 and provide updates on the people we met. The first part charts some of the fallout from the first Trump administration’s policy of forcibly separating migrant children from their parents on the southern border back in 2017/2018. The second half explores the deeply troubling impact of organised crime and the cartels on migrants as they journey across Mexico towards the United States.
Feb 2, 2025 • 27min
Troublemakers: Drugged, framed and detained
A chilling investigation reveals the misuse of psychiatric detention in China. The podcast shares harrowing testimonies from individuals wrongfully detained for dissent, subjected to electric shock therapy and forced drug treatment. It explores the systemic flaws that allow police to bypass laws meant to protect citizens, and the deep trauma faced by families of those speaking out. Personal stories illustrate the terrifying reality of oppressive tactics, highlighting the urgent need for justice in a system that punishes free expression.
