The Documentary Podcast Podcast
Hear the voices at the heart of global stories. Where curious minds can uncover hidden truths and make sense of the world. Documentary storytelling 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. The best of documentary storytelling from the BBC World Service.
From China’s state-backed overseas spending, to on the road with Canada’s Sikh truckers, to the front line of the climate emergency, we go beyond the headlines.
Each week we dive into the minds of the world’s most creative people, take personal journeys into spirituality and connect people from across the globe to share how news stories are shaping their lives.
Episodes to download
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The naked monks
Today
In parts of India, Jain monks permanently renounce all possessions, including clothes
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The women of IS: Part three
Yesterday
What do developments in the Middle East mean for those in Syrian detention camps?
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The women of IS: Part two
Wednesday
How governments are drawing the line on repatriation of refugees from camps in Syria
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The women of IS: Part one
Tuesday
What next for the women and children living in Syria’s detention camps?
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Ukraine: The war behind the war
Monday
Serhiy Laziuk’s job is to bring families news of loved ones who are killed or missing
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Graffiti across continents
Sunday
When graffiti artist Wise Two travels from Kenya to Mexico how does his style evolve?
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Inside Russia’s ‘Youth Armies’
Last Saturday
How Russia is making soldiers out of Ukrainian children
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Iranians in London
Last Saturday
What do Iranians living in London think about the war in their home country?
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Leaving Isis: Is redemption possible?
Last Friday
A former Isis recruit reflects on radicalisation, faith, regret and redemption
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Forty-eight hours in Isfahan
Last Thursday
Iranians describe seeing armed forces loyal to the Islamic regime kill protesters
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Namibia’s hydrogen superpower dream
Wed 4 Mar 2026
What impact will a green hydrogen project have on Namibia’s environment and unemployment?
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Can Syria’s Kurds save their women’s revolution?
Tue 3 Mar 2026
What’s the future for Syria’s Kurds now they’re losing their autonomy
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Kwan Pun Leung: The image creator of nature
Mon 2 Mar 2026
Cinematographer Kwan Pun Leung on channelling the unconscious energy into a frame
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Rewriting a revolution
Sun 1 Mar 2026
The Philippines bloodless revolution stunned the world. 40 years on, has all been lost?
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Will Venezuela ditch Chavismo?
Sat 28 Feb 2026
Acting president Delcy Rodriguez and the legacy of Hugo Chavez
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When music became a prayer
Fri 27 Feb 2026
The Chinese pianist who discovered God after hearing Vivaldi’s Gloria
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Ukraine’s defiance, four years on
Thu 26 Feb 2026
Perspectives on the war from those living on Ukraine’s front line
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Bonus: Lives Less Ordinary
Wed 25 Feb 2026
Dan Whitlam survived assault at 16, the physical scars healed faster than the mental ones
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The Dream Makers
Mon 23 Feb 2026
Can the emerging field of dream engineering influence our thoughts as we sleep?
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Jason Gilkison: Choreographer for Strictly Come Dancing
Mon 23 Feb 2026
Jason Gilkison has been the creative force behind Strictly Come Dancing for a decade
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Ukraine after four years of war
Sat 21 Feb 2026
Despite relentless bombardments the people of Kharkiv love their city more than ever
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Remembering Ukrainians who have lost their lives in the war
Sat 21 Feb 2026
Families and friends share their memories of loved ones
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‘Oasis of peace’ in wartime
Fri 20 Feb 2026
The challenges faced by Israeli Jews and Arabs living together in a unique community
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Give me my child back
Thu 19 Feb 2026
The Greenlandic parents fighting for the return of their children
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Alex Eala: The tennis star who could be a game-changer for the Philippines
Wed 18 Feb 2026
Why the Philippines' Alex Eala was the hottest ticket at the Australian Open
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Bridgerton: Behind the scenes
Mon 16 Feb 2026
Producer Jess Brownell takes us behind the scenes of Bridgerton
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