The Documentary Podcast

Julia Paul, a former reporter and media educator in Afghanistan, shares her journey two decades later. She reconnects with Afghan women she once taught, revealing their starkly contrasting lives—some remain confined at home, while others have sought refuge abroad. The discussion highlights the grave impact of the Taliban's resurgence on women's rights and media freedoms. Julia reflects on the West's intervention in Afghanistan, questioning its effectiveness while emphasizing the resilience of Afghan women advocating for change.

Kgothatso Montjane, the first black South African to compete at Wimbledon, shares her inspiring journey in wheelchair tennis, focusing on resilience and passion. She discusses the challenges she faced, her preparation for Paris 2024, and the emotional connection to her sport. Joining her is Brad Parks, co-inventor of wheelchair tennis, who highlights the sport's evolution and the critical role of the Paralympics in promoting inclusion. Together, they celebrate the community support that uplifts athletes and the triumphs of their remarkable journeys.

The podcast dives into Hezbollah's dual roles in politics and warfare amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. It traces the group's origins and its transformation into a significant military force supported by Iran. The discussion further explores Hezbollah's impact on Lebanon-Israel relations and its intricate ties to the Palestinian struggle. From strategic military maneuvers to its evolving political influence, the podcast questions Hezbollah's ultimate goals and the potential for broader conflict in the region.

Explore the existential struggle of the Armenian community in Jerusalem's Old City. Discover how a contentious land sale threatens their cultural heritage and identity. Personal stories reveal the impact of rising extremism on local businesses. Hear about the deep connections residents have to their land and the fears of displacement amid political changes. The episode discusses the intricate conflicts in this historical tapestry, highlighting the urgent need to protect Jerusalem's multicultural identity.

Daniel Libeskind, a renowned architect famous for groundbreaking designs like the Jewish Museum in Berlin and the Masterplan for Ground Zero, shares insights with Samira Ahmed. He discusses the new Albert Einstein House in Jerusalem, revealing its rich connection to Einstein's legacy. The conversation also highlights Libeskind's global projects, the interplay of architecture with politics and music, and the emotional journey behind creating meaningful structures that honor memory and resilience.

Deepthi Jeevanji, India’s first Paralympian with an intellectual impairment, shares her inspiring journey from a rural village to the world stage in Paris. Battling bullying and family hardships, her triumphs include winning a gold medal at the World Para Athletics Championships. Joining her is Dan Pepper, a British ex-Paralympic swimmer, who discusses the challenges athletes with intellectual disabilities face globally. Together, they spotlight the importance of support systems and the drive for greater representation and inclusivity in sports.

Olga Ivshina, a BBC Russian journalist covering the Ukrainian conflict, and Vitaly Shevchenko, a presenter on Ukrainecast, explore the harrowing battle for Bakhmut. They discuss the city's transformation from a cultural hub to a war zone and the strategic importance it held for Russia. The guests reveal the controversial recruitment of prisoners by mercenaries and the staggering human cost of the battle, with the town's population dwindling from 70,000 to just over 500. Personal stories highlight the resilience of those still hoping to rebuild their lives.

Arunima, a resident of Kolkata, shares her traumatic experiences with public transport harassment following the tragic murder of a trainee doctor. She highlights the fear and outrage women face daily, especially in healthcare settings. The discussion also features insights from women doctors about inadequate safety measures at hospitals. Meanwhile, two men reflect on societal attitudes towards women, stressing the need for cultural change and education to foster respect and improve safety for women across India.

Libero Milone, the first auditor of the Vatican and former CEO of Deloitte, shares his dramatic journey within the Church’s financial labyrinth. He discusses facing immense resistance while uncovering financial irregularities linked to a notorious Cardinal. Milone reflects on the emotional toll of standing against corruption and his subsequent lawsuit against the Vatican for unfair dismissal. His insights reveal a complex blend of faith, accountability, and the quest for transparency in an institution battling deep-rooted issues.

In this insightful discussion, the founder of the Danish Octo Project shares how crocheting tiny octopuses for preterm babies has sparked a global movement. They highlight the significance of comfort items in NICUs and the innovative Zaki hug device designed to soothe infants in incubators. The conversation also delves into disparities in neonatal care worldwide, emphasizing the urgent need for improved practices. Personal stories of resilience and support showcase the emotional journeys of families navigating these challenges, painting a hopeful picture for vulnerable newborns.