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
Mar 8, 2024 • 28min
Heart and Soul: I joined the Taliban after they kept me hostage
A former captive shares his journey of faith and transformation after joining the Taliban following his release. The podcast explores his conversion to Islam in captivity, the complex identity he faced, and the impact of forgiveness and faith in his life.
Mar 7, 2024 • 28min
Assignment: Educating Tibet
Investigating China's educational reforms in Tibet: children separated from families, learning Chinese, not Tibetan. Is this social engineering or progress? Tibetan refugees face challenges in boarding schools, cultural struggles. Educational reforms in China under scrutiny for lack of transparency, dominance of Mandarin. Cultural suppression in Tibet, identity struggles highlighted by sociologist's escape to Canada.
Mar 6, 2024 • 27min
Diving With a Purpose
Join a group of Black scuba divers searching for slave wrecks like the Guerrero. Discover their youth diving program's mission, challenges on the sea bed, and efforts to raise the voices of captive Africans. Explore the significance of protecting history and coral ecosystems amid environmental challenges. Experience the excitement of underwater archaeology and the determination to continue exploring despite financial limitations.
Mar 6, 2024 • 20min
Trending - The anti-vax candidate?
A look into Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s anti-vaccine stance and his bid for the US presidency. Exploring his controversial history of spreading misinformation and how he attracts support from various political backgrounds. Investigating trust issues in fact-checking and skepticism towards mainstream sources. Discussing the impact of his views on public health policy and personal stories like Lydia Green's journey.
Mar 5, 2024 • 27min
Tumaini
Explore the Tumaini festival in Malawi, a refugee-led celebration promoting cultural unity through music and arts. Learn how refugees in Zalekan camp use art to transcend their status, culminating in a large festival fostering economic growth. Discover tech training hubs empowering refugees and promoting cross-cultural connections. Experience the annual festival uniting global guests for cultural exchange and inclusivity, showcasing resilience and unity in Saleka camp.
Mar 4, 2024 • 27min
In the Studio: Ghawgha
Meet Ghawgha, a talented singer-songwriter from Afghanistan now living in Norway. Her music reflects the struggles of women and minorities in Afghanistan under Taliban rule. Follow Ghawgha's journey as she records her new album, Qaf, inspired by Persian poetry and personal experiences.
Mar 3, 2024 • 26min
Bonus: The Global Story
The Global Story podcast explores the rising trend of women choosing to have babies later in life, societal perspectives on childbirth demographics, environmental concerns influencing family planning, myths around age and fertility, changing narratives on parenthood and fertility choices.
Mar 2, 2024 • 23min
BBC OS Conversations: Beyoncé and the changing face of country music
Beyoncé's historic achievement in topping the US country charts sparks a conversation on diversity in the genre. The podcast explores the global impact of country music, including personal experiences of black artists worldwide. It delves into the creation of safe spaces for authentic expression and the evolution of country music towards modernization and inclusivity.
Mar 1, 2024 • 27min
Heart and Soul: The new iconographers
Two iconographers, Irena and Kelly, bring a modern twist to traditional iconography. Irena sees it as worship while Kelly uses art to highlight social issues. They discuss inspiration, spirituality, and the challenges they face in their unique approaches to creating iconic art.
Feb 29, 2024 • 28min
Assignment: Botswana - living with elephants
Exploring the delicate balance between people and elephants in Botswana's Okavango Delta, the podcast sheds light on the challenges of elephant conservation and human-elephant conflicts. It delves into the efforts made to keep both elephants and locals safe, while also highlighting the economic benefits of elephant tourism in the region. Additionally, it discusses the threats posed by modernization and industrial activities to the unique ecosystem of Botswana.
