The Documentary Podcast Podcast
Hear the voices at the heart of global stories. Where curious minds can make sense of the world. Home of 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. Home of the best documentaries from the BBC World Service.
From the impact of drought on crops, tourism and trade, to Africa's first film city, to the Romanian teenagers who built a DIY internet...we go beyond the headlines.
Each week we look at the stories shaping our world and hear voices connecting people from across the globe, asking how news stories are shaping their lives. We also follow spiritual journeys, examine the world through the lens of its media and focus on solutions to global problems.
Episodes to download
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BBC OS Conversations: The Taylor Swift phenomenon
Sat 23 Dec 2023
Experts and fans discuss the global appeal of the singer-songwriter megastar.
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Heart and Soul: Irish myths and fairy tales
Fri 22 Dec 2023
The mysterious twilight world of Celtic traditions and folklore that continue today
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Assignment: Ukraine - building back better
Thu 21 Dec 2023
How will Ukraine ensure the billions needed to rebuild the country are properly spent?
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Rewilding the orphaned elephants
Tue 19 Dec 2023
Former Samburu warriors rescue baby elephants, but can they rewild them during drought?
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In the Studio: Ivan Hove
Mon 18 Dec 2023
Inside the creative mind of one of the world's most celebrated theatre directors
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BBC OS Conversations: Ukrainians and hope
Sat 16 Dec 2023
People directly affected by the war share their experiences at home and abroad.
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Heart and Soul: Queer and Christian in Kenya
Fri 15 Dec 2023
Esther Ogola meets Christians who have formed Kenya’s first openly queer-affirming Church
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Assignment: Ukraine - fighting for openness
Thu 14 Dec 2023
Meet the citizens battling for better government on Ukraine's home front
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Stories from the New Silk Road: Iceland
Tue 12 Dec 2023
What does increased co-operation with China mean for Iceland?
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In the Studio: Kengo Kuma
Mon 11 Dec 2023
One of the world’s finest architects plans an unusual monument
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Taiwan's balancing act
Sun 10 Dec 2023
Two young Taiwanese share their lives and views in the run up to the election
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BBC OS Conversations: Climate change and the young
Sat 9 Dec 2023
Living with air pollution and deciding not to have children to save the planet.
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Heart and Soul: The Sarajevo Haggadah
Fri 8 Dec 2023
How Sarajevo’s most famous artefact captures the story the city wants to tell
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Assignment: Cyprus and the battle over songbird slaughter
Thu 7 Dec 2023
How killing migrating birds became a multi-million dollar criminal business
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The Children of Paradise: Without hope you're dead
Wed 6 Dec 2023
30 years after South Africa's momentous changes what’s happened to the hope and promises?
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The Children of Paradise: A deadly mixture
Wed 6 Dec 2023
30 years after South Africa's momentous changes what’s happened to the hope and promises?
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The Children of Paradise: The future must change
Wed 6 Dec 2023
30 years after South Africa's momentous changes what’s happened to the hope and promises?
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Stories from the New Silk Road: Norway
Tue 5 Dec 2023
How is China's Polar Silk Road impacting Norway?
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Filmmaker Iryna Tsilyk: Animating Ukraine’s War
Mon 4 Dec 2023
Iryna Tsilyk has won awards for her documentaries in east Ukraine.
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Introducing Amazing Sport Stories
Sun 3 Dec 2023
Sport but not as you know it. A brand new sports storytelling podcast
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Kissinger’s Legacy
Sun 3 Dec 2023
Henry Kissinger was one of the most important diplomatic figures of the last 50 years
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BBC OS Conversations: Israel and Gaza - securing freedom
Sat 2 Dec 2023
Families on both sides share their experiences of reunions with loved ones
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Heart and Soul: Follow God, not the people
Fri 1 Dec 2023
Frank Mugisha, Uganda’s best-known LGBTQ+ activist, on faith, fear and personal freedom
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Assignment: Poland's forest frontier
Thu 30 Nov 2023
Poland builds a wall through one of Europe’s most precious forests. What’s the impact?
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Sweden: Living with guns and gangs
Tue 28 Nov 2023
How Sweden became a European hotspot for gangs, drugs and deadly violence
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In the Studio: Danny Boyle
Mon 27 Nov 2023
Creating a dance spectacular to launch Manchester’s new venue
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The Cultural Frontline: K-drama
Sun 26 Nov 2023
South Korean actress Min-ha Kim explores the phenomenal global impact of K-drama
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BBC OS Conversations: Hostages, prisoners and peace
Sat 25 Nov 2023
Israelis and Palestinians discuss the prospect of peace and the return of loved ones