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
Dec 4, 2023 • 27min
Filmmaker Iryna Tsilyk: Animating Ukraine’s War
Filmmaker Iryna Tsilyk, known for documenting lives on the frontline in East Ukraine, discusses her decision to create an animated film about her own experiences. She explores the challenges of making an animated film, protecting privacy, and finding an appropriate ending amidst the ongoing war. Tsilyk also emphasizes the emotional truth and bravery captured in certain scenes and the obstacles faced by the film industry in Ukraine, highlighting the need for foreign partnerships.
Dec 3, 2023 • 3min
Introducing Amazing Sport Stories
Discover the challenges of climbing high mountains in the 'death zone'. Explore the captivating stories featured on 'Amazing Sport Stories' from the BBC World Service, including underdogs challenging authority and controversial narratives.
Dec 3, 2023 • 27min
Kissinger’s Legacy
Henry Kissinger, one of the most important diplomatic figures of the last 50 years, reflects on his global influence. Topics discussed include his role in normalizing US-China relations, secret diplomacy with Chairman Mao, his experiences in WWII, controversial actions, and his thoughts on the future of democracy and autocracy.
Dec 2, 2023 • 24min
BBC OS Conversations: Israel and Gaza - securing freedom
Families anxiously await the release of loved ones held hostage, while prisoners in Israeli jails increase. Two men share their harrowing experience escaping Gaza. Interviews shed light on emotional toll and difficult living conditions. Arrested individual shares challenges faced in prison. Uncertain conditions and fears faced by Palestinians living in the Occupied West Bank and Gaza. Individuals discuss challenges and mixed feelings of leaving loved ones behind during the war in Gaza.
Dec 1, 2023 • 27min
Heart and Soul: Follow God, not the people
The podcast explores the challenges faced by Frank Mugisha, a gay man in Uganda, as he reconciles his Catholic faith with his sexual orientation. It delves into his journey of coming out to family and friends, starting an organization to support LGBTQ+ individuals, and the impact of anti-gay sentiments in Uganda. It also discusses the intersection of sexuality and faith, and the emotional and spiritual costs of navigating one's identity in a hostile environment.
Nov 30, 2023 • 49min
Kissinger
Former US Secretary of State and Nobel Peace laureate, Henry Kissinger, discusses his extensive diplomatic career, the current state of the world, and his new book 'Leadership'. Topics include the dangerous time in Ukraine, Kissinger's upbringing in Germany during the Nazi era, assessing West German Chancellor Conrad Adenauer, shuttle diplomacy efforts, views on the American War in Vietnam, and China-Taiwan relations and escalating tensions.
Nov 30, 2023 • 27min
Assignment: Poland's forest frontier
Explore the impact of Poland's border wall on humans and wildlife, including the ancient forest and megafauna. Discover the environmental effects on wildlife and plant life, with challenges in measurement. Learn about the dynamic history of the Białowieza forest and its connection to human migration. Witness the resilience of the forest through camera traps capturing various animals passing by.
Nov 29, 2023 • 27min
Gaza diaries
English teacher and medical supplier in Gaza document their struggle to survive the war. Insights into challenges, escalating conflict, dire situation, temporary truce, devastating impacts, and unwavering determination in Gaza.
Nov 28, 2023 • 27min
Sweden: Living with guns and gangs
Exploring the surge of gun violence in Sweden, including deadly shootings and explosions. It discusses the recruitment of children by criminal gangs through social media, the impact on affected communities and families, and efforts to address the problem through community initiatives.
Nov 27, 2023 • 27min
In the Studio: Danny Boyle
Oscar-winning director Danny Boyle returns to Manchester to direct a hip-hop dance show based on the Matrix franchise. The show explores human enslavement by algorithms and updates the concept of a dystopian future. The podcast discusses the collaboration between artistic leaders, testing of pyrotechnics, and the incorporation of Alan Turing's work in computer science and AI. It also highlights the challenges of leading a group of dancers, the power of street dance in creating unity, and the feelings of pride and joy after a successful performance.
