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The Documentary Podcast

BBC World Service
Ukraine
Greenland
Climate Change
Russia
China
Iran
Faith
Music
Denmark
Donald Trump
Kenya
Avalanches
Addiction
Super Bowl
Forgiveness
Christianity
Islamic State
BBC World Service
Trauma
Mental Health

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

It is 10 years since the UK voted to leave the European Union in the Brexit referendum. In this two-part series, Alex Forsyth, a BBC correspondent who’s covered Brexit from both Brussels and Westminster, looks at what impact the decision to leave the... more

It is 10 years since the UK voted to leave the European Union in the Brexit referendum. In this two-part series, Alex Forsyth, a BBC correspondent who’s covered Brexit from both Brussels and Westminster, looks at what impact the decision to leave the... more

Sean Cooney is a powerful voice in British folk music and theatre. Winner of 3 BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards with his band the Young'uns, the creator, musical director, lyricist, composer, and book writer has made 9 albums, recorded a number of radio progr... more

This unique BBC radio programme is aimed at just a few dozen listeners: The team of scientists and support staff isolated at British research stations in the Antarctic midwinter.

Hosted by Cerys Matthews, the show features messages from family and f... more

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People also subscribe to these shows.

The Inquiry
The InquiryBBC World Service
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Witness HistoryBBC World Service
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Lives Less OrdinaryBBC World Service
Global News Podcast
Global News PodcastBBC World Service

Recent Guests

Ian McMillan
Poet, Barnsley poet-in-residence, writer
Barnsley FC connection mentioned
Episode: World Cup poetry: Lines for the beautiful game
Joyce Anoyabwa
Football commentator and deputy journal manager for Juventus Academy Ghana
Ghanaian football media
Episode: World Cup poetry: Lines for the beautiful game
Thomas Touré
President of the Sierra Leonean Fisherman's Union
Sierra Leonean Fisherman's Union
Episode: Introducing: Business Daily: Who’s behind Sierra Leone’s illegal fishing problem?
Mary Pierre
Fisherwoman describing local fishing impacts
Community Fisherfolk (Sherbro Island)
Episode: Introducing: Business Daily: Who’s behind Sierra Leone’s illegal fishing problem?
Steve Trent
Co-founder of the Environmental Justice Foundation
Environmental Justice Foundation
Episode: Introducing: Business Daily: Who’s behind Sierra Leone’s illegal fishing problem?
Sheku Say
Acting Director of Fisheries for Sierra Leone
Government of Sierra Leone
Episode: Introducing: Business Daily: Who’s behind Sierra Leone’s illegal fishing problem?
Musa Gassimo
Fisherman quoted on inshore conflicts
Local fishing community
Episode: Introducing: Business Daily: Who’s behind Sierra Leone’s illegal fishing problem?
Emery Makumeno
BBC West Africa journalist reporting from Kinshasa on the Ebola outbreak
BBC
Episode: Ground zero: reporting an epidemic
Musa Sangarie
Country director for Sierra Leone for BBC Media Action
BBC Media Action
Episode: Ground zero: reporting an epidemic

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
  • 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 Statesa month 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
    Australiaa month 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
  • Lovely documentary about the people power revolution in the Philippines, led by nuns!

    This was super encouraging to listen to. In the volatile politics and destruction of international order we are living through, we all need realistic, optimism, and stories that inspire. Our brains are Velcro a negative and Teflon positive. We need to meditate on beautiful things to thrive and bless those around us. This episode on people power is a keeper.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Marknph
    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.

Introducing: The Interface - What goes on in TikTok's Farlands?
Q: What does this say about the relationship between creators, audiences, and the platform's algorithm?
Creators use codes and niche aesthetics to navigate and resist algorithmic control, creating spaces for community and self-expression beyond the app's original design, while the platform benefits from longer engagement regardless of content type, highlighting a tension between user agency and corporate goals.
Introducing: The Interface - What goes on in TikTok's Farlands?
Q: So what exactly is the TikTok Farlands and how do you access them?
They are a hidden subset of TikTok content accessed by entering obscure codes in search, which reveals videos that are not normally recommended by the For You Page, blending horror, art, and community-driven content that challenges conventional algorithmic boundaries.
Embargo and the Cuban spirit
Q: What are Cubans inside and outside the country hoping for in the future?
People want basic well‑being, greater economic freedom, and family reunification; diaspora groups seek to preserve Cuban identity even as some advocate for political change.
Embargo and the Cuban spirit
Q: Why has the embargo persisted for so long, and what has changed recently in terms of policy or hope?
The embargo has been reinforced over decades, with some openings during specific administrations, but broader policy shifts have been rolled back, leading to a long cycle of hope and disappointment.
Embargo and the Cuban spirit
Q: What was life like living under sanctions and embargo for ordinary Cubans and for you personally?
Life was marked by scarcity yet resilience; many families faced regular shortages, but people found ways to stay hopeful, with support from relatives abroad and communities sharing resources.

Audience Metrics

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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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How many listeners does The Documentary Podcast get?

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

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. Ian McMillan
2. Joyce Anoyabwa
3. Thomas Touré
4. Mary Pierre
5. Steve Trent
6. Sheku Say
7. Musa Gassimo
8. Emery Makumeno

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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