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
Jan 25, 2025 • 23min
BBC OS Conversations: The first days of the Gaza ceasefire
The podcast delves into the emotional aftermath of the recent ceasefire in Gaza, highlighting the poignant stories of both Israeli and Palestinian individuals. It captures the hope and trauma of displaced residents returning home, alongside the relief efforts facing immense challenges. Personal narratives reveal deep-seated mistrust, emphasizing the urgent need for a new narrative to foster peace. Aid workers discuss the humanitarian crisis, while the psychological impact on children underscores the critical need for international support in rebuilding healthcare and education systems.
Jan 24, 2025 • 27min
Heart and Soul: Glorifying God through wine
Father Père Basile, a Benedictine monk at St. Madeleine's Abbey in France, shares his journey from a young boy in a globetrotting family to a cloistered life dedicated to faith and winemaking. He describes the monastic routine filled with prayer and labor, emphasizing the divine significance of wine. The rich history of the abbey's papal vineyard, revived to support local families, showcases the collaboration between monks and winemakers. Father Basile also reflects on themes of mortality, humility, and the spiritual joy found in community and devotion.
Jan 23, 2025 • 27min
Israel’s Unrwa ban
The discussion unveils the potential repercussions of Israel's proposed ban on UNRWA, which provides vital aid to millions of Palestinian refugees. Personal stories from educators and students illustrate the agency's crucial role in education and health. Allegations against UNRWA's ties to Hamas spark controversy, but independent investigations counter these claims. The looming ban raises fears of a humanitarian crisis, with calls for urgent support as communities face displacement and precarious living conditions.
22 snips
Jan 22, 2025 • 19min
BBC Trending: Passport bros
The podcast dives into the rising trend of foreign men flocking to Medellín, Colombia, fueled by social media's portrayal of romantic opportunities. It highlights the darker side of this tourism, revealing the troubling exploitation of local women and minors. Experiences of digital nomads illustrate the allure of living abroad, but the discussion unearths the associated risks, including violence and drugging tactics. Ultimately, it paints a picture of a city caught between vibrant attractions and a harsh reality of sexual exploitation.
Jan 21, 2025 • 30min
Assignment: Death marches - uncovering the truth beneath the soil
Explore the haunting history of a small Polish town, once part of Germany, as it confronts its past linked to Nazi atrocities. Discover the chilling stories of Jewish prisoners forced on brutal death marches from Auschwitz, revealing personal legacies intertwined with collective memory. Hear descendants reflecting on family ties to the war and the emotional burden of inherited guilt. The podcast dives deep into the importance of remembrance and the recent efforts to commemorate forgotten victims through collaborative memorials.
Jan 20, 2025 • 26min
In the Studio: Michael Visocchi
Michael Visocchi, a trailblazing sculptor and the youngest member of the Royal Scottish Academy, shares his journey creating 'Commensalis' for South Georgia. He unveils the challenges of constructing this public artwork in a remote area steeped in whaling history. Visocchi explores the artistic parallels between rusting rivets and living barnacles, embodying themes of coexistence with nature. He also reflects on the duality of whaling, highlighting its legacy and the importance of conserving the region's unique ecosystem.
Jan 19, 2025 • 27min
The Coming Storm: Inauguration
Explore the surreal political landscape shaped by figures like Kash Patel and RFK Jr. as they influence America’s governance. Delve into the haunting details of Robert F. Kennedy's assassination, where mind control theories intertwine with mystery. Unpack the heated debates surrounding Ukraine's biolabs and the misinformation fueling conspiracy theories. Finally, confront the controversial views on vaccines championed by RFK Jr. amid a critical reassessment of public beliefs in an era marked by distrust.
Jan 18, 2025 • 27min
The Fifth Floor: IVF and me
Ana Maria Roura, a BBC Mundo journalist, shares her profound journey with infertility and IVF, showcasing her vulnerability while documenting her struggles in the film 'Infertile.' She discusses the emotional toll of the IVF process, societal expectations of motherhood, and the shared trauma within couples facing infertility. Additionally, Roura touches on evolving societal attitudes and advocacy for better fertility care. The conversation also intriguingly shifts to the secrets of longevity, exploring the lives of centenarians and what contributes to their extraordinary ages.
Jan 18, 2025 • 23min
BBC OS Conversations: Living through the Los Angeles fires
Witness the heart-wrenching stories of families fleeing the infernos in Los Angeles, gathering precious belongings moments before losing everything. Feel the emotional weight of community loss as business owners recount their struggles. Listen to firefighters share their battles against relentless flames and the hurdles of resource limitations and climate change. Discover the resilience and unity that emerges in the face of disaster, showcasing how communities come together to support each other during such catastrophic events.
Jan 17, 2025 • 26min
Heart and Soul: Kaddish - why we pray for the dead
Rabbi Herschel Gluck discusses the significance of Kaddish, the Jewish prayer for the dead, and its central role in mourning practices. Ruth Langer, a Professor of Jewish studies, provides insight into the prayer's historical evolution and its emotional weight. The conversation explores how Kaddish fosters connections between the living and the deceased, intertwines with Jewish identity, and serves as a powerful tool for remembering Holocaust victims. Anecdotes and reflections illuminate the prayer's profound impact on communal grief and personal loss.
