bbc documentary Podcasts

Best bbc documentary podcasts available (Last Updated Aug 2025)

PodcastsEpisodes

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The Documentary Podcast:BBC World Service

The Documentary Podcast

A window into our world, through in-depth storytelling from the BBC. Investigating, reporting and uncovering true stories from everywhere. Award-winning journalism, unheard voices, amazing culture and global issues. From Trump's new world order, to war in Sudan, to the legacy of football icon Mo Salah, The Documentary investigates major global stories.We delve into social media, take you into the minds of the world's most creative people and explore personal approaches to spirituality. Every week, we also bring together people from around the globe to discuss how news stories are affecting their lives. A new episode most days, all year round. From our BBC World Service teams at: Assignment, Heart and Soul, In the Studio, OS Conversations, The Fifth Floor and Trending.

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The Radio 3 Documentary:BBC Radio 3

The Radio 3 Documentary

In-depth documentaries which explore a different aspect of history, science, philosophy, film, visual arts and literature. The Sunday Feature is broadcast every Sunday at 6.45pm on BBC Radio 3.

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World of Secrets:BBC

World of Secrets

Global investigations from the BBC. Uncovering stories around the world and telling them, episode by episode, with gripping storytelling. Delve into a World of Secrets.Latest season: The Killing Call. The murder of Indian music star Sidhu Moose Wala sent shock waves around the world. He was one of India’s biggest stars - a rebel who refused to be silenced. Sidhu Moose Wala was gunned down in rural Punjab, at the height of his success. Who wanted him killed? This is the hunt for answers in a murder that won’t be forgotten. A two-year-long investigation that exposes a tangled web of fame, power and vengeance and uncovers a criminal underworld that reaches far beyond India's borders.The Hindi podcast version is available here: https://www.bbc.com/hindi/podcasts/p0lcbcc5Also, previously on World of Secrets: Al Fayed: Predator at Harrods. Women accuse Mohamed Al Fayed of rape.And: The Abercrombie Guys. Investigating sexual exploitation claims against the former CEO of fashion giant Abercrombie & Fitch.

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heretics.:Andrew Gold

heretics.

From outsiders like a Westboro Baptist Church defector and a female Mormon psychopath to such thought leaders as scholar James Lindsay and feminist Helen Lewis, BBC journalist Andrew Gold takes us away from our comfort zone and into the worlds of people on the edge. New episodes every Monday - with trailers on his Twitter page: @andrewgold_ok and Instagram page: @andrewgold_ok. With an open mind and a wry sense of humour, Andrew alternates the theme of guest. Some weeks it'll be with somebody totally 'on the edge' - whether it be the woman who married a sociopathic bigamist or the Australian Coffin Confessor, who is paid to reveal secrets at funerals . Other episodes will have interviews with such leading minds as Conservative peer Lord Daniel Finkelstein and feminist Helen Pluckrose.It was picked in Apple's prestigious New & Noteworthy category and has been a top Editor Pick for Castbox and Stitcher, who also placed it in their 'What we're listening to'. Get in touch or leave a review - it helps boost it up those charts!About the Host: Andrew is an award-winning journalist and TV presenter who has been making documentaries about bizarre, unusual and remarkable people around the world for a decade. He's done battle with an exorcist and hunted for UFOs - all while living in six different countries and learning to speak five languages. In this podcast, he aims to get to the humanity of people living on the fringes, and introduce these diverse figures to the listener. Click here to go ads-free and support the show See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

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Good Bad Billionaire:BBC World Service

Good Bad Billionaire

How did the richest people on the planet make their billions? From Selena Gomez to Jeff Bezos, and now we find out about five dead billionaires. Meet pioneers who helped build the United States of America: the world’s first billionaire John D Rockefeller, motor magnate Henry Ford, the aviator and filmmaker Howard Hughes, Walmart founder Sam Walton, and Hetty Green - once dubbed “The Witch of Wall Street”. These iconic billionaires may be long dead, but their fingerprints are all over modern industry - in business trusts, IPOs, and mass production. They did it all first, but how did they make their billions? Good Bad Billionaire is the podcast that analyses the minds, motives and money of some of the world's wealthiest individuals. Simon and Zing explore the lives of the super-rich and famous, tracking their wealth, philanthropy, business ethics and success. From iconic celebrities and secretive CEOs to sporting legends and titans of technology, Simon and Zing find out how they made their money, and then it’s over to you to decide whether they’re good, bad, or just another billionaire. Ever wondered how Taylor Swift went from country singer to money-spinner? How Amazon boss Jeff Bezos came to launch one of the biggest corporations of the internet age? And how six-time NBA champion Michael Jordan made his fortune with Nike? Trawl through the archives to find out how Selena Gomez went from a child Disney star to a mega-magnate of makeup and how Martha Stewart, the “original lifestyle influencer” became one of the most successful women in business. We explore the life of British inventor James Dyson and learn about some of the big names behind Minecraft, Marvel, WWE and the ultimate reality TV show – Big Brother. Join us on a global journey, discovering all we can about some of the richest people on the planet. In the United States, there are leaders who made their money in Silicon Valley, on Wall Street and in high street fashion. Hear about billionaires in Russia, China, New Zealand, India, Nigeria and the UK. Exploring the lives of Oprah Winfrey, Bill Gates, Rupert Murdoch, El Chapo, Narayana Murthy and Kim Kardashian, this podcast paints a vivid picture of business, entrepreneurship, capitalism and how our world really works. Discover how the likes of Jerry Seinfeld, Peter Jackson, Doris Fisher and George Soros came to join the billionaires' club. Learn how Tiger Woods went from a child golfing prodigy to the world’s highest paid athlete, how a communist mime artist became the boss of fashion house Prada and how Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich came to buy an English football club. Find out how Mukesh Ambani became Asia’s richest person, and how Patrice Motsepe became the first black billionaire in a post-apartheid South Africa. Plus, we examine some of the biggest names behind the technology shaping our world – the founders of TikTok, Google, ChatGPT, Alibaba and Bumble. But it's not just how these billionaires made their money; it's what they did with it next. Ultimately, Simon and Zing will help you decide whether they’re a force for good, bad, or somewhere in between. Join Simon Jack, the business editor for BBC News, and journalist and author Zing Tsjeng as this podcast unravels tales of fortune, power, economics, ambition and moral responsibility, ultimately inviting you to make up your own mind: are they good, bad, or just another billionaire? We’d love to hear your feedback. Email goodbadbillionaire@bbc.com or drop us a text or WhatsApp to +1 (917) 686-1176. To find out more about the show and read our privacy notice, visit www.bbcworldservice.com/goodbadbillionaire

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13 Minutes Presents: The Space Shuttle:BBC World Service

13 Minutes Presents: The Space Shuttle

Epic space stories. From the first Moon landing, to Apollo 13, to the Space Shuttle. Told by the people who made them happen.NEW: Season 3: The Space Shuttle. A sci-fi dream that changed spaceflight forever. From the boldest test flight in history to one of Nasa’s darkest days – the Challenger disaster. Space scientist Maggie Aderin-Pocock tells the awe-inspiring story of the programme that brought triumph and tragedy. Some scenes in this series use recreated sound effects. Season 2: Apollo 13. Apollo 13 should have been the third Moon landing, but after an explosion, it almost ended in tragedy. Told by the people who flew it and saved it. Presented and co-written by Kevin Fong.Season 1: 13 Minutes to the Moon. The first Moon landing. In the final dramatic 13-minute descent to the Moon, the Apollo 11 mission came close to going badly wrong. Communication was breaking down, technology was failing and fuel was running out. This is the story of how the first Moon landing was saved. Presented by Kevin Fong.13 Minutes is produced by the BBC Audio Science Unit for the BBC World Service. Season 3 theme music by Hans Zimmer and Christian Lundberg and produced by Russell Emanuel, for Bleeding Fingers Music.

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Documentaries:BBC

Documentaries

An indepth look at stories and issues from around the world. This podcast offers you the chance to access landmark series from our archive.

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Que História!:BBC Brasil

Que História!

Thomas Pappon apresenta histórias reais que nem as mentes mais criativas poderiam ter inventado.

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The Lazarus Heist:BBC World Service

The Lazarus Heist

“Almost a perfect crime.” The hacking ring and an attempt to steal a billion dollars. Investigators blame North Korea. Pyongyang denies involvement. The story begins in Hollywood.

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File on 4 Investigates:BBC Radio 4

File on 4 Investigates

News-making original journalism documentary series, investigating stories at home and abroad.

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The Explanation:BBC World Service

The Explanation

The Explanation is a snackable audio guide giving you the backstory behind the headlines. In each episode, presenter Claire Graham meets a BBC News correspondent who has lived and breathed these stories. She’ll hear clear analysis along with powerful archive. The Explanation will go back in time to unpack complex chains of events and will make the stories in question easier to understand.

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Crossing Continents:BBC Radio 4

Crossing Continents

Stories from around the world and the people at the heart of them.

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Great Lives:BBC Radio 4

Great Lives

Biographical series in which guests choose someone who has inspired their lives.

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Short Cuts:BBC Radio 4

Short Cuts

Short documentaries and adventures in sound presented by Josie Long.

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The Hunter:BBC Studios

The Hunter

A gripping true crime story of survival, justice, and the power of a mother’s love.A mother’s love is fierce. A mother’s fight for justice is unstoppable. When Lydia Lerma discovers the unthinkable has happened to her son, she refuses to wait for justice - she hunts for it. The Hunter is a thrilling true crime documentary following one woman’s relentless pursuit of a criminal which turns into a high-stakes international manhunt. From the Rocky Mountains of Colorado to the streets of Mexico, Lydia stops at nothing - risking her own safety to bring him to justice.This series contains very strong language and deals with sexual abuse.  Binge all episodes of The Hunter exclusively and ad-free, right now on Wondery+. Start your free trial in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or by visiting wondery.com/links/the-hunter now.Email the team thehunter@bbc.comHost: Anaya Echo HawkProducer and writer: Emma WeatherillSound designer: Melvin RickarbyProduction management: Juliette HarveyExecutive Producer: Joe KentThe Hunter is a BBC Studios Audio production

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History's Heroes:BBC Radio 4

History's Heroes

History's Heroes: the BBC's breathtaking, high stakes, story-led history podcast feed that shines a light on extraordinary people from across history. Series include 'History's Heroes' with narration from Historian Alex von Tunzelmann, 'History's Youngest Heroes' with narration from Nicola Coughlan and 'History's Secret Heroes' with narration from Helena Bonham Carter. In History's Heroes, Historian Alex von Tunzelmann (Radio 4's The History Podcast: The Lucan Obsession/writer of all the History's Heroes series) shines a light on the inspiring and unusual stories of courage, pioneering and people who used their voice to spark change. Heroes covered include groundbreaking surgeon Harold Gillies, composers Rodgers and Hammerstein and swimming champion Gertrude Ederle. Join Alex for stories of bold voices, with brave ideas and the courage to stand alone. In History's Youngest Heroes, actress Nicola Coughlan (Bridgerton, Derry Girls) tells twelve true stories of rebellion, risk and the radical power of youth. Before she became a Hollywood star, how did the young Audrey Hepburn take on the Nazis during World War Two? As a young activist, how did Nelson Mandela attempt to overthrow the South African government to end apartheid? Did Queen of England, Lady Jane Grey give up her faith or face the executioner's axe? Why did Terry Fox, a young man with a prosthetic leg, set out to run the length of Canada? Join Nicola to hear inspiring tales of young heroes both famous and forgotten, whose bravery demonstrates how young people can change history. In History's Secret Heroes, Helena Bonham Carter recounts untold stories of heroes from World War Two whose acts of resistance, deception and courage helped defeat fascism. In each episode, Helena shines a light on the spies, Royal Air Force pilots, army officers, prisoners of war and double agents who risked their lives to save others. Learn all about forgotten stories of survival, bravery and espionage - from the opera singers who helped dozens of Jewish people escape Nazi Germany, to the woman that Winston Churchill would go on to call his favourite spy. Previous episodes have looked at the story of the American actor George Takei (Star Trek), who was imprisoned without trial along with 12,000 other Japanese Americans, and Bela Hazan, a young Jewish woman who went undercover at the Gestapo headquarters to fight against the Nazis. From secret missions behind enemy lines in occupied Europe, to underground resistance movements across Germany, France, Poland, Great Britain and beyond, History's Secret Heroes reveals how ordinary people can make an extraordinary impact. Join Alex, Nicola and Helena for tales of deception, rebellion, risk and courage.

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Last Word:BBC Radio 4

Last Word

Radio 4's weekly obituary programme, telling the life stories of those who have died recently

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BBC: Documentaries - BBC:BBC: Documentaries - BBC

BBC: Documentaries - BBC

BBC: Documentaries - BBC (2014-08-07 10:53:39 +0000 UTC)

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Space:BBC World Service

Space

A collection of radio documentary programmes broadcast on the BBC World Service, with one thing in common – space.

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As You Wish Talk Radio with James Gilliland:BBS Radio, BBS Network Inc.

As You Wish Talk Radio with James Gilliland

As you Wish Talk Radio, cutting edge authors, healers and scientists broadcasted Live from the ECETI ranch, an internationally known UFO and Paranormal hot spot. Everyone is feeling it. Something is in the wind. Something grand is unfolding on the horizon, just around the corner. A knowingness and feeling that soon it will no longer be business as usual. Is it tumultuous times of exciting social, economic and physical Earth changes? A collective initiation and ascension into Higher Consciousness and Energy? A grand reunion with ancient ancestors from the stars? James Gilliland is a minister, counselor, an internationally known lecturer, best selling author with the books, Reunion with Source, Becoming Gods, and The Ultimate Soul Journey. James appeared in Contact Has Begun, His Story, The History Channel, UFOs then and Now, UFO Hotspots. ABC, Fox News, BBC Danny Dyer Special, Paranormal State, ECETI Ranch a Documentary, the new movie Thrive have all featured James and ECETI which he is the founder. https://www.eceti.org/ He has appeared on Coast to Coast, Jeff Rense, and to numerous other radio shows to mention also being the host of, As You Wish Talk Radio, https://bbsradio.com and Contact Has Begun, http://www.photon.net/ He is a facilitator of many Eastern disciplines, a visionary dedicated to the awakening and healing of Humanity and the Earth and teaches higher dimensional realities from experience.