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The Documentary 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. From the global housing crisis to gerrymandering in US politics to the miracle doctor of Lourdes, 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

The UK’s relationship with China has undergone a dramatic transformation, shifting from a "Golden Era" of economic partnership to a state of heightened national security concern. Investigative research reveals persistent efforts by the Chinese Communist Party to exert influence through the United Front Work Department,...

What China's solar panel obsession means for the world

19 Oct 2026

18m

Shadowmen: Russians working with Ukraine

18 Oct 2026

26m

Afghan refugees: Back to zero

18 Oct 2026

31m

Afghan refugees: Life in exile

18 Oct 2026

29m

Afghan refugees: The exodus

18 Oct 2026

28m

Final moments with death row inmates

17 Oct 2026

23m

Living lands of Hawai'i

16 Oct 2026

26m

The dream academy

15 Oct 2026

26m

Breaking the code of silence

14 Oct 2026

23m

Hungary after Orban

13 Oct 2026

26m

AI processed

Hungary is undergoing a profound political transformation following the unexpected electoral defeat of Prime Minister Viktor Orbán after 16 years in power. The rise of Peter Magyar and the Tisza party signals a departure from the populist right-wing governance that defined the previous administration. Key structural ch...