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
Sep 20, 2024 • 26min
Heart and Soul: I became a Muslim after the Taliban kept me hostage
Jibra'il Omar, an Australian educator and former hostage of the Taliban, shares his incredible journey of faith. During three years of captivity, he converted to Islam, finding inspiration in the kindness of his captors. He reflects on the psychological trials of imprisonment and the complex interplay between trauma and faith. Jibra'il discusses navigating his identity post-release and his commitment to supporting the Afghan community. His profound transformation illustrates the resilience of belief amid adversity, bringing both solace and connection to his new faith.
Sep 19, 2024 • 27min
Stories from the New Silk Road: Space
Explore the ambitious Space Silk Road and its critical role in global satellite communication. Discover the geopolitical implications of China's lunar missions and the landmark achievements of landing on the moon's far side. Delve into local residents' concerns about the Chinese ground station in Argentina, balancing potential benefits with fears of military involvement. Unpack the dual nature of this facility, viewed as both an observatory and a potential military hub, while assessing China's quest for lunar resources and dominance in space.
Sep 18, 2024 • 22min
BBC Trending: Woman, life, surveillance
Explore the harrowing realities faced by women in Iran under oppressive surveillance and strict hijab laws. Hear personal stories of defiance, highlighting the bravery of those challenging state control. Delve into the 'Woman Life Freedom' movement and the risks activists face, including arrests for social media activity. Understand the complex web of government surveillance technologies aiming to suppress dissent. Witness the resilience of women standing up against brutality while advocating for their rights.
Sep 18, 2024 • 26min
The great dolphin release
Femke Den Haas, the Indonesian campaign director of the Dolphin Project, sheds light on the courageous fight to shut down the last traveling dolphin circus. She and former trainer Ric O'Barry discuss the emotional and ethical transformations in the industry, highlighting the grim realities faced by captive dolphins. The podcast explores inspiring rescue stories, including rehabilitating dolphins and their triumphant return to the wild, emphasizing the urgency of marine wildlife protection and the profound joy of freedom for these intelligent creatures.
Sep 17, 2024 • 27min
Assignment: Ageing without a safety net in Malaysia
Malaysia's rapid aging population faces a shocking lack of support, with many elderly left vulnerable and in poverty. Stories reveal the emotional strain between aging parents and struggling young adults in a low-wage economy. The pandemic worsened financial insecurity, forcing withdrawals from retirement savings, leaving many with nothing. Informal workers, like those in the fishing industry, add to the complexity of planning for the future amid changing family dynamics. Urgent social reforms are needed to address these growing challenges.
Sep 16, 2024 • 26min
In the Studio: Lenin Tamayo and Q-pop
Peruvian singer Lenin Tamayo, the founder of ‘Q-pop,’ merges traditional Andean folk music with vibrant K-pop influences. He shares his journey crafting the new song 'La Jacta,' exploring themes of cultural identity and community. Lenin reflects on the impact of his music on fans' heritage, the challenges of filming in Lima, and the emotional connection with his roots. He also touches on the balancing act of maintaining authenticity while navigating public expectations, all while passionately preparing for live performances.
Sep 15, 2024 • 23min
Solutions Journalism: The African 'Babelfish'
Bonaventure Dossou, a young computer scientist from Benin, created a French to Fon translation app after struggling to communicate with his mother. He discusses the challenges of translation for low-resource languages and how he and fellow innovators aim to establish an 'African Babel Fish' for seamless communication across the continent. The conversation highlights the importance of preserving cultural identity through language and improving digital accessibility in education and healthcare, showcasing a groundbreaking vision for the future.
Sep 14, 2024 • 26min
The Fifth Floor: Exam nightmares
Join journalists Wanqing Zhang and Eric Junzhe as they reflect on the pressures and intense preparation surrounding China’s Gaokao exam, revealing unique coping mechanisms like throwing textbooks out the window. Soutik Biswas shares alarming insights into exam scandals in India that threaten students' futures. Meanwhile, Caroline Steel offers fascinating explanations behind recurring exam nightmares, connecting them to lingering stress and anxiety. It's a riveting look at the emotional toll of education across continents.
Sep 14, 2024 • 23min
BBC OS Conversations: Are we still in love with dating apps?
Dating apps have transformed romance, but some users are feeling burnt out. Faith shares a shocking date experience involving a hidden girlfriend. Meanwhile, success stories shine through, like Dyuti, who filtered matches to find her fiancé. Tricia and Victor's long-distance love blossomed online, proving distance can’t hinder true connection. Perspectives on the positive impact of deleting these apps reveal newfound confidence and authenticity in dating, emphasizing the ongoing evolution of love in the digital age.
Sep 13, 2024 • 26min
Heart and Soul: Indigenous healing on the party island of Ibiza
Kim Booth, a long-time Ibiza resident, shares a unique perspective on the island that contrasts its party reputation with its spiritual richness. She recounts her journey from the music industry to discovering Indigenous healing practices after facing personal tragedies. Kim discusses the Red Road teachings and their role in promoting wellness amid Ibiza's hedonistic culture. The conversation highlights the challenge and beauty of merging ancient wisdom with modern life in a tourist hotspot, emphasizing community, music, and spiritual connection.
