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The Documentary Podcast

BBC World Service
China
Islamic State
Russia
BBC World Service
Iran
United States
Belarus
Ukraine
Ebola
Brexit
Penalty Shootout
Israel
Climate Change
United Kingdom
Beyonce Knowles
South Africa
Jamaican Revivalism
Artificial Intelligence
ISIS
Shark Attacks

Hear the voices at the heart of global stories. Where curious minds can uncover hidden truths and make sense of the world. Home of the best documentaries from the BBC World Service. From the impact of drought on crops, tourism and trade, to Africa's first film city, to the Romanian teenagers who built a DIY internet...we go beyond the headlines. Each week we look at the stories shaping our world a... more

PublishesDailyEpisodes2000Founded21 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
DocumentarySociety & Culture

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Latest Episodes

The figures are startling - 2.1 million Brazilians have a clinical addiction to betting and 7.5 million are problem gamblers. Women now comprise 40% of all gamblers, having been 25% just a decade ago. Online sports and casino betting have exploded in... more

Lucy Sparrow stitches life into everyday objects, creating vibrant felt worlds that look just like the real thing. Following the success of her hand-stitched felt fish and chip shop, she has recreated a Walmart convenience store from the 1980s, compl... more

Roland Pease explores how decades of strategic investment and diligent educational reform have brought China to the brink of global scientific dominance. As the world’s other scientific superpowers seemingly retreat from their historical high ground,... more

In a sprawling prison in the Asir province of Southwestern Saudi Arabia, hundreds of young Ethiopian men are currently sitting on death row, not knowing when their name might be called and to be told that it's their turn. In the hope of getting their... more

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Similar Podcasts

People also subscribe to these shows.

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

Recent Guests

Matthew Bogdanos
68-year-old retired Marine Colonel; head of the Antiquities Trafficking Unit
Manhattan District Attorney's Office, Antiquities Trafficking Unit
Episode: Raiders of the lost art
Erin Thompson
Professor of art crime
City University of New York
Episode: Raiders of the lost art
Jennifer Udell
Curator of University Art
Fordham University
Episode: Raiders of the lost art
Sanjay Kapoor
Art dealer
Independent gallery owner
Episode: Raiders of the lost art
Sundae Steinkirchner
Co-owner of B&B Rare Books
B&B Rare Books
Episode: Raiders of the lost art
Josh Mann
Co-owner of B&B Rare Books
B&B Rare Books
Episode: Raiders of the lost art
Matthew Sweet
Broadcaster, Victorian popular culture expert, co-creator of Bookish
Co-creator of Bookish, Matthew Sweet
Episode: Behind the scenes of Bookish
Mark Gatiss
Co-creator of Bookish, actor and writer
Co-creator of Bookish, Sherlock
Episode: Behind the scenes of Bookish
Thomas Witherspoon
Shortwave Radio Archive creator
Shortwave Radio Audio Archive
Episode: The sound of soft power

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 States2 months 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 States3 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
    Australia3 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 Kingdom4 months ago
  • Epstein apologists?

    Really?

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Groomieswkris
    United States4 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.

The Engineers: Flying at the Edge
Q: What is the core idea behind experimental test pilots and how do they interact with engineers?
Experimentation is the operational edge where pilots test models, collect data, and validate simulations, providing real-world feedback that engineers use to refine performance and reliability.
Bonus: Forgiving a killer - from Lives Less Ordinary
Q: What did you learn from meeting former extremists, including a man who shared Breivik's views previously?
That people can change, that there is genuine regret, and that understanding and humane engagement can help others move away from violence.
Bonus: Forgiving a killer - from Lives Less Ordinary
Q: Why did you want to read Breivik's manifesto after the attack?
To understand who Breivik was and what drove someone like him to commit such acts, and to gain context for healing and preventing future violence.
Older women and the challenge of IVF
Q: What is your medical analysis of that research, and how should clinicians communicate these findings to patients considering donor eggs and advanced age?
The doctors emphasize that while age is a major factor, individual health, ovarian reserve, and other conditions matter; they advise honest, nuanced conversations with patients about realistic outcomes, including the possibility that donor eggs may not fully overcome age-related risks.
Tom Bailey: Can a walk across the Arctic be art?
Q: What personal experiences inform this project?
Bailey recounts cancer battles and recovery, using nature as a partner and grounding force that deepens the emotional resonance of the journey.

Audience Metrics

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

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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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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. Witness History
2. The Inquiry
3. Global News Podcast
4. The Audio Long Read
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?

Our systems regularly scour the web to find email addresses and social media links for this podcast. We scanned the web and collated all of the contact information that we could find in our podcast database. But in the unlikely event that you can't find what you're looking for, our concierge service lets you request our research team to source better contacts for you.

Where can I see ratings and reviews for The Documentary Podcast?

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What guests have appeared on The Documentary Podcast?

Recent guests on The Documentary Podcast include:

1. Matthew Bogdanos
2. Erin Thompson
3. Jennifer Udell
4. Sanjay Kapoor
5. Sundae Steinkirchner
6. Josh Mann
7. Matthew Sweet
8. Mark Gatiss

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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