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
Feb 7, 2024 • 54min
Bonus: Killer drug: Fentanyl in Mexico and the US
This podcast explores the devastating impact of Fentanyl in Mexico and the US, discussing its production by Mexican cartels, its role in escalating violence, and its widespread use in the drug market. It also delves into the challenges faced by law enforcement in detecting and stopping fentanyl smuggling, as well as the tragic stories of those affected by fentanyl overdose.
Feb 7, 2024 • 19min
Trending: Serbia’s real life ‘bots’
Discover the sinister use of social media as a tool for manipulation and control in Serbia, where a secret team of online 'bots' allegedly post whatever the President's party tells them to. Learn about the investigation into 14,000 social media accounts accused of botting for the ruling party, and hear interviews with opposition politicians, pro-democracy activists, and a self-confessed 'bot' who trolled the President's opponents to keep her job.
Feb 6, 2024 • 27min
Cairo in comics
Explore the hidden lives of ordinary people in Cairo through the lens of a comic artist, depicting the diversity and daily interactions of its inhabitants. Discover the impact of Cairo on homegrown comic artists' art and the creation of the Tarktok comics anthology. Delve into the world of Egyptian comics, including the iconic figure of Shennawy and the influence of the revolution on artists' work. Experience the frustration and exhaustion of daily life for a graphic artist in Cairo, while exploring their profession and societal expectations. Dive into the urban fantasy graphic novel Chebec Lebesgue, set in Cairo, where wishes can be bought and sold.
4 snips
Feb 5, 2024 • 27min
In the Studio: Awais Khan - Overcoming writer’s block
Awais Khan, Pakistani author working on his latest thriller, discusses overcoming writer's block and the dark side of dating and family life. Explore his journey in London, the challenges of writer's block for female authors in India, and the inspiration and pressures of being an author. Discover how cultural differences and coffee shops impact creativity and join Awais as he meets with his literary agent to discuss promoting his book and the decision to move to the UK.
Feb 4, 2024 • 26min
Bonus: The Global Story
This podcast explores the rise of Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer BYD and the potential competition it poses to Tesla. It compares the expansion strategies of both companies, discusses the advantages of BYD's cars, and explores their ambitions to enter the US and European markets. The podcast also delves into the impact of tariffs on the electric vehicle market and the role of government subsidies in China's electric vehicle industry.
Feb 3, 2024 • 24min
BBC OS Conversations: Leaving Gaza
Three US doctors who recently left Gaza share their experiences of working in a hospital during the war. Living conditions and medical shortages in Gaza are discussed. A woman and her daughters share their journey of leaving Gaza. The challenges of leaving family behind and the difficulties of staying connected are explored. Two young girls in Cairo talk about their experiences playing games and their fears of war.
Feb 2, 2024 • 28min
Heart and Soul: Religion in the 21st Century - Hindus (episode 2 of 3)
A banker who runs a YouTube channel explaining Hindu scripture, a student of information security, and a student at Cambridge University discuss how they apply ancient traditions in the modern world, the way people respond to their Hindu identity, and the challenges faced by Hindus in relation to their religious practices.
Feb 1, 2024 • 28min
Assignment: Spain, the kiss and the culture war
The podcast explores the debates on consent and sexual violence surrounding a controversial kiss during the women's football world cup in Spain. It delves into the perception that women's equality has gone too far, the fear of false accusations of sexual violence, and the impact of the gender violence law on society. The story of Anna, a domestic abuse survivor, is also highlighted, along with a conversation with a male survivor of sexual assault who holds anti-feminist views.
Jan 31, 2024 • 20min
Trending: Power
A BBC investigation uncovers a network of fake social media accounts promoting the Ugandan government and the East African Crude Oil Pipeline. The podcast explores the impact of these fake accounts, discusses the E-COB project and its criticisms, examines the influence of social media on Uganda's electoral campaign, and delves into the manipulation behind social media posts.
Jan 30, 2024 • 28min
The Israeli hostages
Hamas attacked Israel, killing over 1,200 people and taking 240 hostages, including children. Some hostages have been released, but many remain captive in Gaza. The podcast discusses the devastating massacre in Archibuts and the emotional trauma of survivors. It also explores the quest to bring the hostages back and the aftermath of the tragedy with casualties and ceasefire negotiations.
