The Documentary Podcast 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.
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 fightback against big surveillance in the US, to Ukraine’s “hell jumpers” to the story of life-saving peanut paste, 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.
Episodes to download
![]()
Bringing Kashmir’s lakes back to life
Today
In northern India, conservationists and communities are reviving threatened lakes
![]()
Has Poland fallen out of love with Ukraine?
Yesterday
Cases of Ukrainians receiving verbal and physical abuse in Poland have risen
![]()
Where is Austin Tice? 1. 'We believe he’s alive'
Monday
American journalist Austin Tice, vanished in Syria, but the US president says he is alive
![]()
From Mao and Nixon to Xi and Trump: A history of China-US trade
Monday
What can Xi and Trump learn from the past ahead of their latest summit
![]()
The dictators' survival guide
Sunday
As ‘strong man’ politics is on the march, we try to understand the behaviour of dictators
![]()
Can we live without our phones?
Saturday
Sharing experiences of tech addiction and “weirdness” on smartphones
![]()
How to leave this Earth
Friday
After a lifetime speaking for others, Dalia Mogahed explores her own faith and legacy now
![]()
Clever ways to cut waste from nappies to games and desks
Last Wednesday
From reusable nappies to plastic desks - clever ways to cut waste and recycle
![]()
Stories from the New Silk Road: The ‘frenemy’
Last Wednesday
Katy Watson explores Australia's relationship with China: partner, rival or 'frenemy'?
![]()
Turkey on trial: Can courts control a nation?
Last Tuesday
From jailed mayors to comedians, Emily Wither investigates Turkey's crackdown
![]()
The cost of war: Inside Russia's economic unease
Mon 14 Sep 2026
Russian workers face fuel shortages and drone strikes on key sectors of the economy
![]()
The Briefing Room: Are Gen Z movements reshaping politics?
Sun 13 Sep 2026
Following youth protests in India, Nepal and Serbia, what are Gen Z complaining about?
![]()
The business of modern dating
Sat 12 Sep 2026
Are in-person dating events the future for dating apps?
![]()
The Reunion: The 9/11 Attacks
Fri 11 Sep 2026
Kirsty Wark is joined by a group of people who experienced the 9/11 attacks in New York.
![]()
The Woman Who Saved Me on 9/11
Fri 11 Sep 2026
How Paul Carris helped a colleague escape the North Tower on 9/11
![]()
Turkey's growing sinkhole problem
Thu 10 Sep 2026
Sinkholes are rapidly increasing in central Turkey after years of groundwater extraction
![]()
The pictures that help and heal
Wed 9 Sep 2026
We look at two solutions that harness the power of pictures to help disabled people
![]()
Ukraine: Fighting Russia, fighting Russian
Tue 8 Sep 2026
The battle within Ukraine over use of Russian, which is increasingly restricted by law
![]()
Who's afraid of the AI job-snatchers?
Mon 7 Sep 2026
How past tech innovations disrupted job markets and changed the world of work
![]()
Getting the homeless homed
Sun 6 Sep 2026
Two projects creating safe places to stay for people without a home
![]()
Ukraine's 'hell jumpers'
Sat 5 Sep 2026
The rescuers who dodge drones and bombs to evacuate people from the frontline in Ukraine
![]()
Nepal floods: 'It was like a tsunami'
Sat 5 Sep 2026
Survivors share their experiences of escaping the flash floods
![]()
Fred Hammond
Fri 4 Sep 2026
Gospel music legend Fred Hammond talks to Swarzy about his faith journey
![]()
A23a: Biography of an iceberg
Thu 3 Sep 2026
Glaciologist Catherine Walker explores the birth, life and death of megaberg A23a
![]()
Fighting the silent killer
Wed 2 Sep 2026
What can be done to prevent, detect and treat the silent killer, sepsis?
![]()
Big surveillance, Flock and ICE
Tue 1 Sep 2026
The Texas surveillance network authorities want to keep quiet
![]()
Is Turkey's clothing industry unravelling at the seams?
Mon 31 Aug 2026
The Turkish textile industry is at risk after hundreds of apparel factories have closed
![]()
The price of peace
Sun 30 Aug 2026
Can Colombia find ways to heal after its army murdered 7000 innocent civilians?
![]()
Hong Kong's bookstore raids
Sat 29 Aug 2026
Why a crackdown on Hong Kong booksellers could impact Taiwan
![]()
We will always love you, Dolly
Sat 29 Aug 2026
Musicians celebrate the life and legacy of the cultural icon Dolly Parton
