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
Apr 18, 2024 • 27min
The poker parent
Science writer Alex O'Brien teaches her daughter poker for three years, focusing on life lessons and skills like critical thinking, empowerment, and psychology. The podcast explores the benefits of teaching children poker, including emotional control and understanding probabilities. It also discusses the empowerment of women through poker and how game theory principles in poker can be applied to real-life situations.
Apr 17, 2024 • 50min
Forward Thinking: Can going vegan feed the world?
Veganism advocates Gary Francione and Dr. Ron Weiss discuss the environmental impact of veganism, cultural barriers to adopting a plant-based diet, and the nutritional benefits of a non-meat diet. They address concerns about food availability and debunk myths about veganism being a luxury choice. The podcast explores the moral, nutritional, and environmental aspects of veganism, advocating for sustainable food practices to combat climate change.
Apr 16, 2024 • 27min
Assignment: Reggaeton - the pride of Puerto Rico?
Explore the evolution of reggaeton in Puerto Rico, from its underground roots to a powerful tool for social commentary and protest. Dive into the LGBTQ+ representation in reggaeton music, challenging stereotypes and advocating for marginalized communities. Uncover the impact of reggaeton on Puerto Rican society and its role in reflecting the cultural and political landscape of the island.
Apr 15, 2024 • 25min
Bonus: The Global Story on Iran-Israel attacks
BBC’s Chief International Correspondent, Lyse Doucet, discusses the unprecedented Iranian attack on Israel, marking a potential turning point in Middle East relations. The podcast explores Iran's shift to open conflict, Israel's diverse perspectives on Iran, and analyzes global geopolitical tensions amidst escalating conflicts.
Apr 15, 2024 • 26min
In the Studio: Helle Nebelong
Danish landscape architect Helle Nebelong discusses her innovative approach to natural playground design, focusing on creativity and independence. She details the challenges of designing one of America's largest natural playgrounds in Illinois, inspired by her childhood on the Faroe Islands. The podcast delves into the design process, collaboration with children, and transforming drawings into a vibrant mosaic playground, fostering inclusivity and unique play experiences.
Apr 14, 2024 • 49min
His and hers medicine
Dr Zoe Williams investigates historical gender disparities in healthcare, focusing on heart disease. Despite the myth, heart disease is the top killer of women in the US. Discusses the impact of excluding women from drug trials and the necessity of including them. Explores the unique risk factors and challenges women face in receiving proper care for heart attacks.
Apr 13, 2024 • 27min
The Fifth Floor: A journalist's life in Israel
BBC journalists Shaina Oppenheimer and Alicia Hernandez share insights on monitoring media narratives in Israel and Equatorial Guinea. Topics include emotional impact of war on food, linguistic variations in Equatorial Guinea, and reconciliation efforts in Jerusalem.
Apr 13, 2024 • 23min
BBC OS Conversations: Sudan's war - One year on
Omnia, a recent college graduate, shares her experiences of being separated from her family due to the civil war in Sudan. She talks about the resilience and strength she discovered in herself during this difficult time. Another guest, Samreen, an aid worker in Sudan, discusses the overwhelming requests for help she receives and the limitations of what can be done in such a crisis.
Apr 12, 2024 • 27min
Bonus: The Global Story
FTC Chair Lina Khan leads US lawsuits against tech giants. Explore antitrust, Lena Khan's journey, Silicon Valley insiders' perspectives on big tech regulation, lack of innovation in Apple, antitrust remedies, legislative challenges, and implications of political terms on big tech cases.
Apr 12, 2024 • 27min
From the Archive: Heart and Soul - Faith, terrorists and mercy at Guantanamo
Dr Jennifer Bryson, former lead interrogator at Guantanamo Bay, discusses the moral challenges of using 'enhanced interrogation techniques' on suspected Al-Qaeda terrorists. She reflects on how her faith guided her through this radical time in her life, questioning the justification of such methods and the impact on both detainees and interrogators.
