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
Oct 21, 2024 • 26min
In the Studio: Jonny Banger
Jonny Banger is a bold fashion designer known for his provocative slogan T-shirts and community-centered initiatives like setting up food banks. In this engaging conversation, he discusses the success of his bootleg T-shirts, which fused satire with sportswear and gained popularity during the pandemic. Jonny shares heartfelt stories of how his community efforts fed 160 families weekly, and dives into the intertwining of art with activism. He also reflects on the chaotic roots of his journey and the challenges of balancing authenticity with commercialism.
Oct 20, 2024 • 26min
Caught at the helm
In this insightful discussion, Akif Rasuli shares his harrowing journey as an Afghan man wrongfully imprisoned in Greece for people smuggling, shedding light on judicial flaws. Dimitris Houlis, a dedicated human rights lawyer, reveals the systemic injustices faced by vulnerable migrants prosecuted while true smugglers go free. Julia Winkler, a political scientist, critiques the EU's migration policies, advocating for urgent reform amid tales of chaos and human rights violations that leave fragile lives hanging in the balance.
Oct 19, 2024 • 20min
The Fifth Floor: Who runs Russia's African Initiative?
Olaronke Alo and Maria Korenyuk, both BBC journalists, delve into the intriguing workings of the African Initiative, a Russian media organization. They discuss how this initiative organizes cultural events like graffiti festivals and football matches to enhance Russian influence in Africa. The duo sheds light on the alarming spread of online misinformation aimed at fostering pro-Kremlin narratives. They also unpack the connections between the African Initiative and Wagner’s legacy, revealing how these efforts shape Russia's role in the Sahel region.
Oct 19, 2024 • 23min
BBC OS Conversations: Living alongside Mexico's drug gangs
Maria Isabel is a mother from Sinaloa who shares her heartbreak after her son disappeared in 2017, reflecting the ongoing anguish many face in places torn apart by drug violence. Alejandra Ibarra Chaul, who leads a project preserving murdered journalists' work, sheds light on the dangers journalists encounter in Mexico. Together, they discuss the pervasive fear that suffocates daily life and the chilling reality of investigations overshadowed by corruption and crime, as families yearn for justice amidst uncertainty.
Oct 18, 2024 • 16min
Bonus: What in the World - Liam Payne
Bonnie McLaren, an entertainment reporter known for her insights into the music industry, and psychotherapist Joshua Miles discuss the shockwaves following Liam Payne's tragic death. They explore the profound emotional connections fans share with celebrities, highlighting tributes in Buenos Aires and the impact of grief on global admirers. Joshua dives into the psychology behind mourning public figures, shedding light on why fans feel such deep loss, even for those they never personally knew. Together, they reflect on Liam's journey from One Direction to solo stardom.
Oct 18, 2024 • 27min
Heart and Soul: The dead are not dead
Aloyo Nyeko Omega advocates against the Enkumbi ritual, seeing it as oppressive, while Nakazwe Janet Sebunya defends its cultural significance as a phytotherapist. Viola Nila Nyakato discusses gender dynamics in traditions, while Pastor Dr. Wakabi Dominic adds a religious perspective. Kerotic Shalom Etina offers a modern viewpoint on the ritual as a single mother, and Pruna Ahumuza shares her trauma connected to it. Together, they unravel the complexities of love, loss, and women's rights amidst deep-rooted cultural practices in Uganda.
Oct 17, 2024 • 26min
The children's hospital of Entebbe
The podcast delves into Uganda's critical pediatric healthcare crisis, revealing a shocking shortage of surgeons and alarming child mortality rates. It highlights the transformative establishment of a children's hospital in Entebbe, showcasing the heartfelt stories of young patients and the dedicated medical team striving for change. Listeners gain insight into the emotional struggles faced by families, particularly single mothers, and the complex political landscape affecting healthcare access. Ultimately, it emphasizes hope and the potential for sustainable improvements in children's health.
Oct 16, 2024 • 18min
BBC Trending: Yami Baito - Inside Japan’s dark part-time jobs
Ryuzo Tsutsui, a Japanese expert on the underground job market, sheds light on the alarming trend of "yamibaito," or dark part-time jobs, in Japan. He discusses how social media platforms are exploited by criminal gangs to lure individuals into illegal activities. Tsutsui shares personal accounts of those ensnared by this trap, revealing their struggles and moral conflicts. The conversation also highlights the challenges law enforcement faces in tackling this issue, even as police efforts to combat yamibaito continue amid ongoing recruitment.
Oct 15, 2024 • 53min
Assignment: Singapore – drugs, rehab, execution
Kay Shanmugam, Singapore's Minister for Home Affairs and Law, staunchly defends strict drug policies, including the death penalty. Dr. Muni Winslow, a revered addiction psychiatrist, discusses the evolution and effectiveness of treatment for drug users. On the other hand, Kirsten Han from the Transformative Justice Collective passionately campaigns against capital punishment, highlighting its harsh human costs. Together, they dive into the intense realities of rehabilitation, the ethical dilemmas of punitive laws, and the societal implications of such stringent measures in Singapore.
Oct 14, 2024 • 26min
In the Studio: Mia Lehrer and the LA River
Mia Lehrer, a visionary landscape architect famous for revamping urban spaces in Los Angeles, teams up with journalist Pat Morrison, author of "Rio LA," to reimagine the Los Angeles River. They delve into its controversial transformation from a natural waterway to a concrete channel, discussing its dystopian portrayal versus its potential for revitalization. Mia shares her ambitious vision to turn the river into a community-friendly space, tackling bureaucratic challenges and drawing inspiration from beautiful waterways like Paris's Seine.
