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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

Zhang Zhidong, known as "Brother Wang," orchestrated a massive, sophisticated drug trafficking network by bridging the gap between Chinese precursor chemical suppliers and Mexican cartels. Operating as a critical bottleneck in the fentanyl supply chain, he utilized shell companies and strategic logistical networks to m...

Jordanian director Zain Duraie

12 Jul 2026

26m

Why Taiwan and Malaysia's luxury fruit growers have a complex relationship with China

11 Jul 2026

26m

AI processed

The global demand for niche luxury fruits like Taiwan’s Atemoya and Malaysia’s Musang King durian highlights the significant influence of the Chinese middle-class market. While these exports offer economic opportunities, they carry substantial risks, as seen in China’s use of import restrictions as a geopolitical tool,...