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The Documentary Podcast

BBC World Service
Ukraine
Russia
Climate Change
China
Greenland
Iran
Music
Faith
Avalanches
Addiction
Super Bowl
Donald Trump
Kenya
Forgiveness
Islamic State
BBC World Service
Mental Health
Leonard Russell
European Union
Ebola

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 conflict in the Middle East to the advance of AI, 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 j... more

PublishesDailyEpisodes2000Founded21 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
DocumentarySociety & Culture

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Latest Episodes

In March this year, 25-year-old Noelia Castillo died by lethal injection. Her father had fought in the courts for nearly 2 years to stop her euthanasia, but failed in the attempt. And the debate about who has the right to challenge an adult’s decisio... more

The BBC investigates Zhang Zhidong, also known as “Brother Wang”, a Chinese national described by US law enforcement as one of the most significant drug traffickers in the world.

He is now awaiting trial in the US and has pleaded not guilty. He is a... more

Jordanian director Zain Duraie talks about her debut film Sink, an intense family drama about a mother coping with her son's mental health issues. Zain reveals the severe difficulties she faced to get the film financed, why she sought out the advice ... more

The Atemoya Custard Apple is a much sought-after fruit grown only in one county in Taiwan. The Taiwanese are justly proud of it. Meanwhile, the Musang King Durian - grown in Malaysia - is also highly prized for its unique flavour as the ‘Hermes of Du... more

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Recent Guests

Ailbhe Ní Ghearbhuigh
Irish language poet
Irish-language poetry community
Episode: The poetry of Ailbhe Ní Ghearbhuigh
Billy Ramsell
Poet and translator, translating the work from Irish to English
Poetry and translation
Episode: The poetry of Ailbhe Ní Ghearbhuigh
Simon Sebag Montefiore
Historian and author
Self; author of books on the modern Middle East
Episode: How did we get here? 1. Israel and the Palestinians
Lloyd Llewellyn-Jones
Professor in Ancient History
Cardiff University
Episode: How did we get here? 1. Israel and the Palestinians
Mahjooba Nowrouzi
Journalist with BBC Afghan Services
BBC Afghan Services
Episode: Witnessing the 'Hand of God'
Mamoon Durrani
Journalist with BBC Afghan Services
BBC Afghan Services
Episode: Witnessing the 'Hand of God'
Aimee Morrison
Recipient of a lung transplant in the UK
Episode: What is it like to have a lung transplant?
Natalia Maeva
Recipient of a lung transplant from Bulgaria
Episode: What is it like to have a lung transplant?
Vicky Gerovasili
Consultant in respiratory and transplant medicine
UK medical community
Episode: What is it like to have a lung transplant?

Host

Multiple BBC World Service Hosts
Hosts and correspondents from the BBC World Service presenting documentary-style investigations and interviews across global affairs, culture, science, and society.

Reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars from 7.4k ratings
  • Informative but sadly all the ads seem to be from ARAMCO (big oil) lately

    Great episodes about protecting wildlife, nature, etc. …sponsored by big oil and hacksawed journalists. #BRAVO !!!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Tolga M
    United Statesa month ago
  • Classic British propaganda.

    Always well produced but sadly subtle petite bourgeois pro western propaganda that the British craft so well.

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    Thanos in Soho
    United States2 months ago
  • Return to Khartoum

    This was such a different take than the usual western media portrayal of Sudan. The amazing strength and determination of the people shone in this excellent documentary.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    MagpieMedia
    Australia2 months ago
  • When it hits, it hits hard

    The variety in this podcast makes it hit and miss by its nature. The hits are truly great - "Last Dancefloor in Chernobyl" will forever haunt me.

    Apple Podcasts
    4
    Kate HSEQ
    United Kingdom2 months ago
  • Epstein apologists?

    Really?

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Groomieswkris
    United States2 months ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

A few episodes are praised for depth and global perspective, while some listeners feel coverage can be biased or polemical on controversial topics.
Listeners appreciate the thorough investigations and human-interest angles that connect global events to personal stories.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Sean Cooney, singer and dog lover
Q: How do you approach storytelling when facts are scarce?
He notes the need to balance emotion with careful research, and to let the available details guide the emotional arc while avoiding inaccuracies.
Sean Cooney, singer and dog lover
Q: What sparked your interest in writing songs about dogs?
Sean explains that moving from historical, social narratives to intimate dog stories grew from a personal connection with Nessie, and a desire to honor the loyalty and bravery of dogs through music.
The Antarctic Midwinter Broadcast
Q: How has the midwinter tradition evolved from the early expeditions to today?
It started as a way to break the monotony of six to seven months of isolation, and over time has moved from improvised celebrations aboard ships to technologically enabled, radio-limited, then fully communicated gatherings that include contemporary science updates and family messages.
Brexit Ten Years On (part 1)
Q: Sam, what did the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement actually do for trade levels?
The agreement reduced some friction for goods yet introduced non-tariff barriers and paperwork, while services saw more ongoing regulatory requirements; overall trade rose slightly but not as much as it might have.
Brexit Ten Years On (part 1)
Q: Julian, would you accept Brexit has had an impact on the economy?
Yes, the initial negative impact is acknowledged, but some categories suggest the effects may fade over time, with investment recovering and trade numbers showing mixed signals.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Documentary Podcast

What is The Documentary Podcast about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A BBC World Service documentary program that brings firsthand voices and expert context to complex global stories. Recent episodes spotlight online movements and their real-life consequences, large-scale cultural events, and long-form investigations into geopolitics, science, and humanitarian issues. The show frequently blends on-the-ground reporting with interviews from researchers, policymakers, activists, and creatives, offering nuanced perspectives that connect personal experiences to broader social and political dynamics. Notable strengths include in-depth storytelling, diverse guest rosters, and a willingness to tackle ethically fraught topics with careful observation. Potential listeners who enjoy rigorous, global storytelling and co... more

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Which podcasts are similar to The Documentary Podcast?

These podcasts share a similar audience with The Documentary Podcast:

1. The Inquiry
2. Global News Podcast
3. The Audio Long Read
4. Witness History
5. Lives Less Ordinary

How many episodes of The Documentary Podcast are there?

The Documentary Podcast launched 21 years ago and published 2000 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact The Documentary Podcast?

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What guests have appeared on The Documentary Podcast?

Recent guests on The Documentary Podcast include:

1. Ailbhe Ní Ghearbhuigh
2. Billy Ramsell
3. Simon Sebag Montefiore
4. Lloyd Llewellyn-Jones
5. Mahjooba Nowrouzi
6. Mamoon Durrani
7. Aimee Morrison
8. Natalia Maeva

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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