The Documentary Podcast podcast

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The Documentary Podcast

The best documentaries from the BBC World Service. Hear the voices at the heart of global stories. Where curious minds can uncover hidden truths and make sense of the world. From the global housing crisis to gerrymandering in US politics to the miracle doctor of Lourdes, we go beyond the headlines. Each week, all year round, we bring you the stories shaping our world. From the personal voices behind the headlines to perspectives on faith and spirituality and how work and money impact our lives. Discover how people find solutions to global problems and look at the world through the lens of its media. Powered by the BBC World Service’s global network, The Documentary Podcast is about the people living the story – helping you see the world with greater clarity.

The best documentaries from the BBC World Service. Hear the voices at the heart of global stories. Where curious minds can uncover hidden truths and make sense of the world. From the global housing crisis to gerrymandering in US politics to the miracle doctor of Lourdes, we go beyond the headlines. Each week, all year round, we bring you the stories shaping our world. From the personal voices behind the headlines to perspectives on faith and spirituality and how work and money impact our lives. Discover how people find solutions to global problems and look at the world through the lens of its media. Powered by the BBC World Service’s global network, The Documentary Podcast is about the people living the story – helping you see the world with greater clarity.

 

#2000

The right thing: Gaza's parish priest

As a young missionary priest, Father Gabriel Romanelli left his native Argentina to work i... more

14 hrs Ago

26 MINS

26:36

14 hrs Ago


#1999

Navi Pillay

Navanetham 'Navi' Pillay has been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for 2026. The 85-year-old ... more

Yesterday

22 MINS

22:11

Yesterday


#1998

The silence of the oligarchs

Russia's super-rich once ruled the country, holding deep influence over the country's poli... more

Yesterday

27 MINS

27:59

Yesterday


#1997

The dolphin whisperer of the Amazon

Deep in the Amazon jungle, pink river dolphins are under threat from pollution, deforestat... more

21 Oct 2026

22 MINS

22:48

21 Oct 2026


#1996

China and the UK: After the golden era

Journalist and author Paul Kenyon investigates rising suspicions over China’s presence in ... more

20 Oct 2026

27 MINS

27:17

20 Oct 2026


#1995

What China's solar panel obsession means for the world

China's latest trade data show another huge surplus, putting the country on course for wha... more

19 Oct 2026

18 MINS

18:26

19 Oct 2026


#1994

Shadowmen: Russians working with Ukraine

A network of Russians say they are secretly fighting their own country. They claim armed r... more

18 Oct 2026

26 MINS

26:35

18 Oct 2026


#1993

Afghan refugees: 3. Back to zero

Why are millions of Afghans pushed into circular migration and what awaits them in Taliban... more

18 Oct 2026

31 MINS

31:49

18 Oct 2026


#1992

Afghan refugees: 2. Life in exile

Why are millions of Afghans forced to go home and what awaits them in Taliban-ruled Afghan... more

18 Oct 2026

29 MINS

29:18

18 Oct 2026


#1991

Afghan refugees: 1. The exodus

Why are millions of Afghans pushed into circular migration, and what awaits them in Taliba... more

18 Oct 2026

28 MINS

28:39

18 Oct 2026


#1990

Final moments with death row inmates

Two cases in recent weeks have reignited debate around capital punishment in the United St... more

17 Oct 2026

23 MINS

23:58

17 Oct 2026


#1989

Living lands of Hawai'i

After 23 years in the US military left him broken, Native Hawaiian park ranger Keoni Kahol... more

16 Oct 2026

26 MINS

26:36

16 Oct 2026


#1988

The dream academy

Sean Allsop has had insomnia for much of his adult life and now sees it as a problem he wa... more

15 Oct 2026

26 MINS

26:37

15 Oct 2026


#1987

Breaking the code of silence

We travel to the Italian island of Sicily to see how Palermo residents are fighting back a... more

14 Oct 2026

23 MINS

23:13

14 Oct 2026


#1986

Hungary after Orban

Hungary under Viktor Orban was a model for the populist right the world over. But in April... more

13 Oct 2026

26 MINS

26:53

13 Oct 2026


#1985

Why are birth rates falling across the world?

Birth rates are falling across much of the world, raising questions about the future of ag... more

12 Oct 2026

17 MINS

17:50

12 Oct 2026


#1984

Recommending: Trouble with Hubble

A brand new season of the BBC’s space podcast explores the story of the revolutionary Hubb... more

11 Oct 2026

34 MINS

34:28

11 Oct 2026


#1983

The politics of water: Iraq and Turkey

Two rivers helped build civilisation. Now they are at the centre of a geopolitical struggl... more

11 Oct 2026

28 MINS

28:57

11 Oct 2026


#1982

What goes on in a US college frat house?

The President of Cornell University says it "must do better" after a woman alleged she was... more

10 Oct 2026

23 MINS

23:25

10 Oct 2026


#1981

Jamaica: Shaken, not broken

From historic buildings linked to emancipation to tiny village chapels, Jamaica is home to... more

09 Oct 2026

26 MINS

26:38

09 Oct 2026