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
Dec 13, 2024 • 31min
Heart and Soul: Black Madonnas
Chine McDonald, an author known for her explorations of faith and race, and Janina Ramirez, a professor of medieval history, discuss the powerful imagery of Black Madonnas. They explore the absence of black representations of the Virgin Mary and the cultural and emotional significance of these figures. McDonald shares her personal journey and encounters with Black Madonnas in France, while Ramirez highlights their historical context. Together, they examine how these images empower marginalized communities, particularly Black women, within religious spaces.
Dec 12, 2024 • 27min
Srebrenica’s forgotten refugees
Thirty years after the Bosnian War, survivors and their descendants still grapple with displacement in Tuzla's makeshift settlements. The haunting stories of Srebrenica genocide survivors reveal deep emotional scars and a relentless struggle for normalcy. Personal narratives highlight the challenges of rebuilding lives amid systemic failures and ongoing trauma. Amid these hardships, tales of resilience emerge, showcasing the strength of individuals like Mersad, who strive to reconnect with their lost homes and loved ones. The podcast poignantly underscores the importance of remembering and addressing the past.
Dec 11, 2024 • 2min
Introducing World of Secrets S6: The bad guru
Dive into the unsettling world of wellness culture, where a woman's quest for inner peace through yoga leads to shocking revelations of grooming and exploitation. Hear her mother recount the slow descent into darkness that many fail to notice. This exploration unmasks the hidden dangers in the quest for spiritual transformation, revealing stories that urge listeners to question the very foundations of the wellness industry.
Dec 10, 2024 • 27min
Assignment: Mining the Pacific – future proofing or fool’s gold?
As rising sea levels threaten low-lying Pacific Islands, the Cook Islands considers deep sea mining as a potential lifeline. This controversial strategy aims to harvest metallic nodules for tech industries, promising economic boost but raising environmental alarms. Local protests highlight community concerns about government support and ecological impacts. Diverse opinions within the community expose the tensions between development and cultural preservation, while training initiatives empower local youth to engage in marine science.
Dec 9, 2024 • 29min
Bonus: The Food Chain is 10!
Celebrate a decade of stories exploring our relationship with food. Discover a gripping survival tale of enduring hunger while adrift at sea. Hear reflections on wartime scarcity that shaped a lifelong aversion to waste. Experience the emotional bonds formed over shared meals, such as a Ukrainian family's solace with British hosts. Dive into the impact of friendship and culinary legacies, revealing how past connections enhance our present experiences. Food isn’t just sustenance; it’s a vital link to each other.
16 snips
Dec 8, 2024 • 27min
Morse code: Ready to transmit
Dive into the thrilling world of High Speed Telegraphy, where competitors from countries like Belarus, Russia, and Japan battle it out in a silent hall, just clicks echoing the atmosphere. Discover how musical skills enhance Morse code transmission and witness the heartwarming story of a tech student creating devices to aid communication for those with speech disabilities. Plus, explore the rich history of Morse code and its vital role during crises, as well as the emotional rollercoaster of a champion celebrating their record-breaking victory.
8 snips
Dec 7, 2024 • 24min
The Fifth Floor: Javier Milei's first year in power
Verónica Smink, a BBC Mundo journalist, reports from Buenos Aires on President Javier Milei's unique approach to leadership. They discuss his chainsaw campaign promise and controversial austerity measures, highlighting their impact on vulnerable citizens. Christine Otieno from BBC Africa shares insights into her work revealing and restoring thousands of old portraits in Uganda, exploring the emotional connections these images foster within families and communities. Together, they navigate the intersection of politics and cultural heritage.
Dec 7, 2024 • 23min
BBC OS Conversations: The Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire
A fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah brings stories of hope and trauma from those on both sides. Residents share their bittersweet relief amid ongoing fears and the emotional scars of conflict. In Lebanon, some chose to stay, facing the challenge of rebuilding lives while grappling with memories of violence. Meanwhile, Israeli border residents recount their daily safety concerns. The complex dynamics of post-ceasefire support from Hezbollah highlight the tension between aid and corruption, revealing the nuanced lives caught in this geopolitical struggle.
Dec 6, 2024 • 27min
Heart and Soul: Should I change my name?
Explore the profound meaning of names and their ties to spirituality and identity. Robert Beckford grapples with the legacy of his slave surname and its implications. Delve into the transformative power of name changes across cultures, especially for those in the Dalit community in India. Hear personal stories within the Black community that highlight the emotional weight carried by names rooted in oppression. Discover how reclaiming names can serve as a powerful act of identity reconstruction and a way to honor heritage.
7 snips
Dec 6, 2024 • 26min
Over the fence: From Turkey into the EU
The podcast dives into the dangerous journeys of refugees crossing from Turkey to Bulgaria, sharing personal stories of hardship and human rights violations. It discusses the evolving landscape for Syrian refugees in Turkey, marked by increasing hostility and discrimination. As migration policies and border security tighten, the resilience of migrants is tested at the Bulgarian border. Listeners learn about the paradox of enhanced security amid a humanitarian crisis, while highlighting the struggles and hopes of those seeking a better life in Europe.
