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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 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.

Episodes

Lucy Sparrow, a renowned felt artist, transforms everyday consumer goods into soft, hand-stitched sculptures. Operating from a converted ambulance station in Suffolk, she manages a complex production process involving industrial cutting machines and a dedicated team to recreate life-size, nostalgic retail environments ...

China: The rise of a science superpower

23 Aug 2026

49m

AI processed

China has rapidly ascended to become a global scientific powerhouse, driven by massive state investment, a vast research workforce, and long-term strategic planning. This transformation is evident in high-profile achievements like lunar exploration, large-scale particle physics projects such as the Jiangmen Underground...

Secret phone calls from a Saudi jail

22 Aug 2026

26m

AI processed

Hundreds of young Ethiopian migrants face death row in Saudi Arabian prisons after migrating to escape conflict and economic hardship in the Tigray region. Many of these individuals, often convicted of smuggling Qat, endure overcrowded and inhumane conditions while their families remain largely unaware of their impendi...

Flying with kids: Cabin chaos

22 Aug 2026

23m

What in the World: Will AI make your degree pointless?

21 Aug 2026

16m

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AI is fundamentally reshaping the landscape for university students, prompting a shift in how they perceive the value of their degrees and future career paths. While some students express concern regarding the automation of entry-level tasks, particularly in law and translation, others view AI as a transformative oppor...

The Vatican's AI Battle

21 Aug 2026

26m

LA: Rising from the ashes

20 Aug 2026

26m

AI processed

The 2025 Altadena and Pacific Palisades fires destroyed over 15,000 buildings, prompting a critical reevaluation of residential construction in fire-prone Los Angeles. Architects are spearheading a transition from combustible wood-frame structures to resilient, non-combustible materials like steel, concrete, and fiber ...