The Documentary Podcast podcast

The Documentary Podcast

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 Syria after Assad to rebuilding Ukraine, to how AI changed our lives, The Documentary investigates major global stories. We delve into social media, take you into the minds of the world’s most creative people and explore personal approaches to spirituality. Every week, we also 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, The Fifth Floor and Trending.

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 Syria after Assad to rebuilding Ukraine, to how AI changed our lives, The Documentary investigates major global stories. We delve into social media, take you into the minds of the world’s most creative people and explore personal approaches to spirituality. Every week, we also 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, The Fifth Floor and Trending.

 

#2000

BBC OS Conversations: Ukraine: What do Russians think about the war?

For the first time in three years, there’s talk of a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine.... more

8 hrs Ago

23 MINS

23:06

8 hrs Ago


#1999

Heart and Soul: The mosque for Bangladesh’s transgender women

In Bangladesh, hijras - once a revered community - have long lived on the margins. Also kn... more

Yesterday

26 MINS

26:30

Yesterday


#1998

What’s your poison: The methanol crisis

In November 2024, six people died after visiting a bar in Vang Vieng, Laos. Authorities in... more

20 Mar 2025

26 MINS

26:29

20 Mar 2025


#1997

Assignment: Georgia - keeping the protest alive

Daily protests across the country have continued in Georgia since disputed elections in Oc... more

18 Mar 2025

26 MINS

26:44

18 Mar 2025


#1996

In the Studio: Himali Singh Soin and David Soin Tappeser

Artists Himali Singh Soin and David Soin Tappeser explore the complex weave of histories a... more

17 Mar 2025

26 MINS

26:29

17 Mar 2025


#1995

LOUD: Is noise an invisible killer?

BBC health correspondent James Gallagher investigates how our noisy world is damaging our ... more

16 Mar 2025

49 MINS

49:29

16 Mar 2025


#1994

The Fifth Floor: The Kenyan women saying no to motherhood

According to Kenya’s Health Ministry, between 2020 and 2023, about 16,000 women in Kenya d... more

15 Mar 2025

26 MINS

26:34

15 Mar 2025


#1993

BBC OS Conversations: Cuts to US foreign aid funding

On his first day in office, Donald Trump froze foreign aid funding, ordering an immediate ... more

15 Mar 2025

23 MINS

23:06

15 Mar 2025


#1992

Heart and Soul: Ayahuasca and the new spiritual tourism

For centuries, ayahuasca has been a sacred plant for the Shipibo-Konibo peoples of the Per... more

14 Mar 2025

26 MINS

26:30

14 Mar 2025


#1991

The village of sex offenders

Set among endless sugar-cane fields in a remote part of southern Florida, Restoration Dest... more

13 Mar 2025

26 MINS

26:38

13 Mar 2025


#1990

Assignment: Guatemala’s ‘Indigenous Spring’

Guatemala’s been going through huge political upheavals. Protestors brought the country to... more

11 Mar 2025

26 MINS

26:41

11 Mar 2025


#1989

In the Studio: Kwaku Bediako

Ghanaian fashion innovator Kwaku Bediako is redefining luxury with sustainability at its h... more

10 Mar 2025

26 MINS

26:28

10 Mar 2025


#1988

Witness History: Women's History Month special

Extraordinary stories from global women's history, as told by the people who were there. W... more

09 Mar 2025

52 MINS

52:16

09 Mar 2025


#1987

The Fifth Floor: Russia’s gymnastic drama

The head of the Russian Rhythmic Gymnastics Federation has recently fallen from glory. Iri... more

08 Mar 2025

26 MINS

26:29

08 Mar 2025


#1986

BBC OS Conversations: Three months after the fall of Assad

After 13 years of civil war, a transitional government is now in charge in Syria, led by i... more

08 Mar 2025

23 MINS

23:06

08 Mar 2025


#1985

Heart and Soul: The race to break the glass

Amie Liebowitz interviews matchmaker and dating coach Aleeza Ben Shalom from the Netflix s... more

07 Mar 2025

26 MINS

26:29

07 Mar 2025


#1984

Boxing Sisters: Yazidi women boxing back to health

In Northern Iraq, Yazidi women and girls who have been the victims of brutal sexual enslav... more

06 Mar 2025

26 MINS

26:29

06 Mar 2025


#1983

What in the World: How have older reality tv shows aged?

America’s Next Top Model, the reality competition series hosted by Tyra Banks, continues t... more

05 Mar 2025

22 MINS

22:26

05 Mar 2025


#1982

Assignment: Russia’s new war elite

Russians who sign up to fight in Ukraine earn big money in salaries and bonuses – and the ... more

04 Mar 2025

27 MINS

27:28

04 Mar 2025


#1981

TikTok and the digital pimps: Eye Investigates

With its dancing challenges and comedy sketches, it’s no surprise why Tiktok is popular wi... more

03 Mar 2025

26 MINS

26:29

03 Mar 2025