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 15, 2025 • 23min
Solutions Journalism: Prison of the mind
Rivelino Rigters, who brings firsthand experience from the Dutch criminal justice system, discusses the transformative potential of community-focused rehabilitation approaches. He highlights how prioritizing mental health can reduce reoffending rates and the importance of supportive reintegration systems for former inmates. Alongside experts like Dr. Jenny Okolo and Dr. Marrit de Vries, they explore successful European models that tackle crime at its roots, emphasizing personal growth, social connections, and a kinder approach to justice.
Jan 15, 2025 • 21min
BBC Trending: The chatbot bridging an aid gap
A mechanical engineer named Hania Zataari creates a WhatsApp chatbot to connect those in Lebanon with vital aid amid the escalating war. The podcast showcases her innovative response to the humanitarian crisis, featuring testimonials from users and aid workers about the chatbot’s impact. It examines the emotional toll of the conflict on individuals and the ongoing challenges in delivering assistance. The narrative highlights the importance of digital solutions in a landscape of resource scarcity, underscoring the persistent need for support in this devastated region.
Jan 14, 2025 • 27min
Assignment: The Gambia - when migrants are forced to go home
This podcast reveals the heart-wrenching stories of Gambian migrants facing the stark reality of returning home after failed attempts to reach Europe. Personal accounts highlight the emotional struggles, societal stigma, and trauma experienced by these individuals. It also touches on the unique challenges faced by women, such as discrimination and violence. Amidst the despair, the narrative showcases moments of hope, including a poignant reunion between a returnee and his mother, emphasizing the enduring bonds of family.
Jan 13, 2025 • 26min
In the Studio: Madame Gandhi
Kiran Gandhi, aka Madame Gandhi, is an American artist and activist known for her innovative fusion of music and environmental advocacy. In this discussion, she shares her inspiring journey recording unique sounds in the Arctic to highlight the beauty of nature and raise climate change awareness. Kiran reveals how she transforms these natural soundscapes into compelling music, explores the challenges of her expedition, and emphasizes the transformative power of music in motivating people towards environmental activism. Her mission blends creativity with urgent conservation efforts.
Jan 12, 2025 • 52min
Paths of return: A special homecoming to Sierra Leone
An African-American returnee shares their profound journey back to Sierra Leone, uncovering heritage after DNA testing linked them to this vibrant West African nation. They recount the emotional experience of being adopted by a local family, receiving a traditional name, and the powerful visit to Bunce Island, a site of haunting historical significance. The conversation dives into cultural reawakening, the importance of education for girls, and the challenges faced by returnees in navigating their newfound identities in a place rich with history and resilience.
Jan 11, 2025 • 25min
The Fifth Floor: China's empty maternity wards
Eunice Yang, a BBC Chinese journalist, discusses the alarming closure of over 400 maternity wards in China while revealing the underlying issues of declining birth rates influenced by historical policies. Yuna Ku shares insights into South Korea's underground tattoo industry and the unique challenges faced by female tattoo artists amidst legal hurdles. Jelilat Olawale celebrates Ghana's kente fabric gaining UNESCO status, emphasizing its cultural significance and need for preservation. Together, they explore profound societal shifts impacting women across Asia and Africa.
Jan 11, 2025 • 23min
BBC OS Conversations: Dealing with trauma after vehicle-ramming attacks
The podcast delves into the emotional trauma caused by vehicle-ramming attacks, featuring survivors' powerful stories. Personal accounts from a Christmas parade attack reveal the chaos and pain of loss. The journey of community healing is explored, showcasing support networks like the dancing grannies. Chaplains emphasize the importance of listening and emotional support in recovery. Additionally, the psychological effects on survivors, including feelings of fear and guilt, highlight the need for self-care and professional support in the aftermath of such tragedies.
Jan 10, 2025 • 27min
Heart and Soul: The plight of Hindus in Bangladesh, part two
Sahar Zand highlights the alarming plight of Bangladesh's Hindu minority through the eyes of young activists documenting violence. She uncovers heart-wrenching stories, including a grieving mother who lost her son while trying to flee. The podcast also confronts a far-right leader accused of inciting violence and explores the emotional toll on victims. As mob attacks escalate, personal testimonies reveal the community's struggle for justice and safety amid a climate of oppression and fear.
8 snips
Jan 9, 2025 • 26min
Licence to operate a space object
Radmila Topalovic, an astronomer and math teacher at Morley College in London, discusses the enchanting yet rapidly changing night sky. She highlights how artificial light from thousands of satellites disrupts our view and affects circadian rhythms. Topalovic delves into the consequences of light pollution on wildlife, including migratory birds and sea turtles. Emphasizing the cultural significance of the stars, she calls for a reconnection with nature and urges for the preservation of our celestial heritage amidst modern advancements.
Jan 8, 2025 • 23min
Child soldiers and capoeira
In the city of Goma, former child soldiers are being rehabilitated using capoeira, the Brazilian martial art. Since the start of the conflict in 1996 in the Democratic Republic of Congo, child soldiers have been recruited to fight. After they are demobilised from armed groups, many suffer from mental health disorders like anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. The demobilised child soldiers are housed in transit centres while they wait to be reunited with their families. While they wait, Social Capoeira is one of the therapies offered to them. It is a form of capoeira where the fighting is non-contact and dialogue, and wellbeing are prioritised. Congolese journalist Ruth Omar explores the impact of this unique approach.
