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Podcast · 508 episodes

The Documentary Podcast, page 9

by BBC World Service · English

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 Australia's relationship with China, to Turkey's sinkhole problem, to understanding the behaviour of dictators, 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.

All episodes, page 9

Back to books: Sweden’s digital backlashSweden’s rapid shift from one-to-one laptops/tablets in schools to a “screen to binder” rollback under a right-wing government (in power since 2022), including new rules for preschool and younger…16 Apr 2026 · 29 min · 12 chapters
Surviving my daughter's killingA mother, Kate, describes the 2010 killing of her 19-year-old daughter Anne by Anne’s boyfriend Connor, and how she chose “radical” forgiveness and restorative justice to find peace and reshape…15 Apr 2026 · 24 min · 9 chapters
Pakistan: Hospitals putting children at risk of HIVA BBC World Service documentary/Assignment investigation into a suspected HIV outbreak among children in Tonsa, central Pakistan, allegedly linked to unsafe practices at Tehsil Headquarters Hospital…13 Apr 2026 · 27 min · 12 chapters
Helping prisoners become better parentsA BBC World Service bonus episode about “Healthy Dads, Healthy Kids,” a parenting and wellbeing program inside Barlin(i) Prison (Scotland) that helps incarcerated fathers maintain and strengthen…13 Apr 2026 · 24 min · 8 chapters
British Queen Elizabeth II's century of fashionHow Queen Elizabeth II’s clothes mapped her life and diplomacy, using the Royal Collection’s archive and a new London exhibition, Queen Elizabeth II, Her Life in Style.12 Apr 2026 · 26 min · 18 chapters
Bringing India's daughters back homeThe episode has two parts. First, BBC India’s Geeta Pandey discusses the short film “Band Baja Bitya” (a wedding band and daughter), a promotional ad for steel/metal construction rods.11 Apr 2026 · 26 min · 15 chapters
Hopes for a 'fragile' Middle East ceasefireReactions to a fragile Middle East ceasefire after a Trump ultimatum over Iran, plus how fighting continued in Lebanon and affected civilians.11 Apr 2026 · 23 min · 9 chapters
Your questions answered about Artemis II and space travelBBC “What’s in the World” answers young listeners’ questions about Artemis II and space travel, focusing on lunar photography, microgravity, training, long-term goals, moon-landing skepticism, and…10 Apr 2026 · 14 min · 8 chapters
Freddie’s second verseFreddie’s shift from a Universal Records pop career to daily Buddhist practice in Hong Kong, and how mindfulness, chanting, and monastery visits help him and his partner Carl find peace, purpose, and…10 Apr 2026 · 27 min · 14 chapters
The battle for HungaryHungary’s April 12 election and the “battle for Hungary” between incumbent Viktor Orbán/Fidesz and opposition leader Péter Magyar/TISZA, framed as a fight over the architecture of power, media…9 Apr 2026 · 41 min · 16 chapters
The ExtractorSearch-and-rescue specialist Hillik Magnus (“the extractor”) and his life rescuing people worldwide, from desert and river operations to major terror and disaster responses, guided by a philosophy of…8 Apr 2026 · 27 min · 11 chapters
Albania: Land, money and the seaAlbania’s land and corruption legacy colliding with luxury tourism plans on the Vlora coast and Nata Lagoon, including Ivanka Trump/Jared Kushner’s resort vision, disputed property ownership, and…7 Apr 2026 · 27 min · 13 chapters
Chef Rodolfo Guzman: Chilean summer menuBBC “In the Studio” profiles Chilean chef Rodolfo Guzman as he builds Borrego’s seasonal Chilean summer tasting menu, driven by “territorial gastronomy,” short ingredient seasons, and months of…6 Apr 2026 · 26 min · 15 chapters
Growing up black in a white family – the truth behind my birthAndrew Lovell (M People’s percussionist, “Shovel/Shovel”) recounts growing up Black in a white family in south-east London, discovering at age 33 (Christmas 1998) that he was not adopted but the…5 Apr 2026 · 40 min · 17 chapters
The woman fighting IS in SomaliaBBC “The Fifth Floor” documentary segments on (1) Islamic State operations in Somalia’s Puntland and locals fighting back, and (2) Iranian Jewish life in Israel amid the Israel-Iran war.4 Apr 2026 · 26 min · 7 chapters
Surviving a shark attackThree Australians recount surviving shark attacks (sailing, surfing, and swimming) and how the trauma and injuries shaped their lives, including recovery and community support.4 Apr 2026 · 23 min · 8 chapters
God, grief and the chatbotA BBC World Service “Heart and Soul” interview about grief after a 14-year-old boy, Sewell, died by suicide after forming a relationship with a realistic “companion” AI chatbot (Character AI).3 Apr 2026 · 26 min · 8 chapters
The SaltmakersSalt production in India’s Run of Kutch and how climate change and land-rights battles threaten traditional Agariya salt farmers.2 Apr 2026 · 26 min · 12 chapters
Inheritance: Samsung: 1. My kingdom for a horseThe episode traces how Samsung’s heir, J.Y. Lee, allegedly used political connections and money to secure control of Samsung, beginning with his 2017 bribery arrest and then rewinding to the 2015…1 Apr 2026 · 25 min · 11 chapters
India’s Shadow ChildrenFrench adoptee Stephanie (39) reconnects with her Indian birth story after being sent from India as a baby; the episode examines “shadow children” and identity erasure in inter-country adoption.31 Mar 2026 · 27 min · 13 chapters
Kubra Khademi: Art of strength and survivalAfghan artist Kubra Khademi’s steel “armor” street performance in Kabul (2015) confronting everyday harassment of women, the backlash and her subsequent exile, and how those experiences shape her…30 Mar 2026 · 26 min · 17 chapters
Elana Meyers Taylor: A 20-year journey to goldElana Myers-Taylor reflects on her 20-year path to winning Olympic gold in women’s monobob at her fifth Olympics, and connects the victory to motherhood, disability advocacy (deafness and Down…29 Mar 2026 · 22 min · 12 chapters
Eighty years of the BBC Russian ServiceThe BBC Russian Service’s 80 years on air, from shortwave broadcasts and Soviet jamming to post-Soviet media freedom, internet blocking, and the 2022 shutdown/blocks.28 Mar 2026 · 26 min · 16 chapters
Bombings in LebanonThe BBC World Service documentary “Bombings in Lebanon” covers Israel-Hezbollah fighting, civilian displacement, and Lebanon’s humanitarian and economic fallout, including how businesses and daily…28 Mar 2026 · 23 min · 10 chapters