Documentaries podcast

29:00

Denmark is eyeing up the military threat from Russia – and dramatically increasing the numbers in its national service. Now, 18-year-old girls are facing a call up. The BBC has been granted rare access to a military base on the outskirts of Copenhagen to see the newest recruits learn how to operate on the battlefield. Anna Holligan attends a “Defences Day” where teenagers find out whether they’re fit to serve, and draw a conscription lottery ticket that could shape their future. This episode of The Documentary comes to you from Assignment, investigations and journeys into the heart of global events.…

Documentaries

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Lesia Khomenko: Art and war 28:44

1 day назад28:44

28:44

Artist Lesia Khomenko left Kyiv with her daughter the day after the Russians invaded Ukraine – leaving her husband and all of her artwork behind. She now lives in New York, documenting how the conflict has transformed Ukrainian society through her painting. Her first work after the invasion was a portrait of her husband, wearing jeans and a puffa jacket whilst holding a gun and saluting awkwardly. Max is in the Army is part of a series of lawyers, engineers and musicians – all finding themselves abruptly turned into soldiers. Lucy Ash has been to Kyiv to witness the creation of Khomenko’s largest works to date including one which mirrors Kyiv railway station’s staircase, where it will be hung, crowded with figures, symbolising the nation defending its land, culture and democracy. This episode of The Documentary, comes to you from In the Studio, exploring the processes of the world’s most creative people.…

Documentaries

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Will a fugitive oligarch sway Moldova’s election? 21:36

2 дня назад21:36

21:36

On 28 September, Moldova’s parliamentary election will be closely watched by leaders in both the EU and Russia. Ilan Shor, a fugitive oligarch on the run from Moldovan authorities, and now resident in Russia, is believed to be behind a major disinformation campaign. The apparent aim is to draw the nation of just over two million people under the influence of Moscow. The BBC has sent a reporter undercover to find out how disinformation is being spread, and where the money funding it is coming from. We hear from President Maia Sandu, on the danger it poses to the electorate, and the wider geopolitical forces at play. Presenter: Seamus Mirodan Producer: Sam Judah Editors: Flora Carmichael and Michael Simkin BBC Eye Investigative Team: Rowan Ings, Angela Stanciu, Andreea Jitaru, Oana Marocico, Malvina Cojocari…

Documentaries

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A radio lifeline for Afghan women 28:46

3 дня назад28:46

28:46

Women in Afghanistan are unable to access education, and getting medical help is difficult. But a radio station in the Panjshir Valley is trying to get crucial information to them nevertheless. Their broadcasts cover everything from breast feeding to basic school science lessons for women and girls who are often isolated. Shekiba Habib of BBC Afghan services went to meet the people making this lifeline radio. India is a country of well over a billion people, so the clearing of waste, requires a huge number of sanitation workers. About 98% of those workers are from one caste in society, who find it difficult to get jobs in any other industries. Ashay Yedge reports for BBC in India talked to some sanitation workers about why. This episode of The Documentary comes to you from The Fifth Floor, the show at the heart of global storytelling, with BBC journalists from all around the world. Presented by Faranak Amidi Produced by Rebecca Moore and Caroline Ferguson This is an EcoAudio certified production.…

Documentaries

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Charlie Kirk and free speech 25:21

3 дня назад25:21

25:21

The shooting of conservative US activist Charlie Kirk has intensified what was already a bitter divide between those who found him inspiring, and those who believed he spread hate with his views on subjects like gay marriage, Islam and abortion. Since he was killed at a university rally in Utah, some fear the whole idea of free speech and what it means is now in the balance. We hear from some of Kirk’s supporters, and from others who worry about where the US is heading.…

Documentaries

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Digital Dolittles: Talking to the animals? 52:21

4 дня назад52:21

52:21

Digital technology has transformed the science of bioacoustics - the ways we hear and record animal life in the deep oceans, through the earth and in the skies. Vast leaps in computing power allow us to analyse hundreds of thousands of hours of chirps, whistles, clicks and rumbles. Some researchers say AI can help us understand how elephants communicate in the jungle, what whales are clicking to one another across the watery abyss, and what bats squeal when swooping through the sky. Can we, should we, become digital Dolittles? Maria Margaronis listens in to these ever-expanding realms and wonders what they tell us about our own place on the planet.…

Documentaries

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The social lives of bacteria 29:47

5 дней назад29:47

29:47

Our bodies are filled with bacteria that have rich social lives and, just like people, these microbial neighbours and families do not always get along. In some cases, it is the bacterial equivalent of The Sopranos. Dr Sally Le Page delves into the bacterial dramas of loners, crowd-lovers, backstabbers and do-gooders that are fighting it out in the world and inside our bodies. Co-operation, cheating and selfish behaviour can all lead to benefits or disease so scientists are studying this behaviour to help produce new medicines and clean up our environment.…

Documentaries

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Faith on the Russia-Ukraine frontline 31:21

6 дней назад31:21

31:21

Tens of thousands of Ukrainian army personnel have been killed since the Russian invasion of their country. Russian casualties could be as high as 250,000. But who rallies the troops when morale crumbles and fear creeps in? How important are religion and faith in the war effort? Lucy Ash hears from two military chaplains who live alongside troops on the Ukrainian side of the trenches. Forty-four-year-old Father Dmytro has lost some f his closest friends in the war and was himself injured in a Russian attack in 2022. But this has not shaken his faith. Lucy also hears from Sister Sasha who spends two weeks each month talking and listening to frontline soldiers. And she hears from Father Dmitry Vasilkenkov, head of the Russian military chaplains, about their role in the military. Most Russian clerics are too fearful to speak to foreign media, but one priest, opposed to the war, tells Lucy that some soldiers see faith and taking communion as “some kind of magic charm” offered to troops going into battle.…

Documentaries

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Kenya: A Battle For Gen Z 33:27

7 дней назад33:27

33:27

Over the past year, Kenya has been rocked by anti-government protests. What started as a demonstration over proposed tax increases soon turned into a nationwide, youth-led protest over the state of the economy, alleged political corruption and police brutality. But it's come at a cost. Dozens of protestors have been killed in clashes with the police, and human rights groups say many activists have been abducted and tortured by agents of the states. Michael Kaloki meets the young Kenyans who are caught in a battle for change. This episode of The Documentary comes to you from Assignment, investigations and journeys into the heart of global events.…

Documentaries

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Jon Foreman: Art that goes out with the tide 29:28

8 дней назад29:28

29:28

Jon Foreman is a Land Artist. He creates work in natural spaces using natural materials like stones, sand, leaves and driftwood. Known for his mesmerising sculptures that harmonise with nature, Jon’s work has captured the imagination of art enthusiasts worldwide. His artwork may last as little as ten minutes before the sea washes it away, but his sculptures are not meant to last; his art is a testament to the beauty found in the ephemeral moment. Jon’s work is not defined by meticulous planning, and he rarely has a fully formed idea in his head before he reaches the beach. He allows the environment on the day to guide his creative instincts. From the ancient tools he uses to create his sculptures to the modern technology he employs to capture it; we follow Jon's creative process as he takes us to his favourite location to work - the pristine beach of Lindsway Bay on the Pembrokeshire coast, West Wales. Jon considers his work to be a collaboration with nature. However, it is nature itself which threatens to erase his work before it is even complete. With the tide fast approaching and mere minutes before the artwork is swept away, will he manage to complete the work in time? We listen to the artists race against natures clock. Presented by Dualtagh Herr.…

Documentaries

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Decoding China’s doublespeak 30:34

9 дней назад30:34

30:34

How the Chinese Communist Party gets lost in translation and whether it’s accidental or intentional. “The Belt and Road Initiative”, “community with a shared future for humankind”, “socialism with Chinese characteristics in a new era” - the slogans and proclamations coming out of Beijing can sound abstract and bewildering. We examine the complex character of the language and how it’s put to use by the CCP to understand why its message can get lost on the outside world. Contributor: Tom Lam Producer: Kriszta Satori, Elchin Suleymanov Presenter: Krassi Ivanova Twigg Music: Pete Cunningham…

Documentaries

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Who's behind Europe's largest rare book heist? 29:14

10 дней назад29:14

29:14

The University library in Tartu, in Estonia, is a large brutalist complex, surrounded by concrete water fountains and futuristic steel sculptures. But inside this unassuming building lies a hidden treasure: rare books worth thousands. In April 2022, some of these books were stolen, including historic editions by Alexander Pushkin. According to Europol, the European law enforcement agency, this theft was part of a criminal operation that targeted national libraries in 12 countries, including the Baltic states, Poland, Finland, Germany and France. It's been described as Europe’s largest book heist since War World Two. Who was behind it? My colleague Nina Nazarova from BBC Russian has been investigating this story. Plus, 7-year-old Nigerian online musical sensation Emmanuel plays keyboards and drums, and has been captivating audiences online, as BBC Pidgin’s Adesola Ikulajolu reports. This episode of The Documentary comes to you from The Fifth Floor, the show at the heart of global storytelling, with BBC journalists from all around the world. This is an EcoAudio certified production. (Photo: Faranak Amidi. Credit: Tricia Yourkevich.)…

Documentaries

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Would you want to live until 150? 27:55

10 дней назад27:55

27:55

During an unguarded conversation between President Putin and President Jinping in Beijing, the Chinese leader suggested that scientific developments meant that by the end of the century people might live until 150. So, what is it like to live to an old age and will 150 years ever be possible? We bring together two women in Australia, Janet and Myfanwy, with a combined age of 202. One of them still drives. The other stopped getting behind the wheel at 96. They say they both enjoy busy lives. Janet at 102 doesn’t relish the thought of being 150 though: “Think how doddery and staggery you would be.” And Mwfanwy adds: “I don’t want to live forever!” In another conversation, 87-year-old Elaine in the United States has this advice: “We’ve all been through difficult times, we’ve all had terrible things happen to us, but you just get past it, and you put one foot in front of the other and you just keep on going.” We also hear from three distinguished researchers who discuss the reality of living a long life and the science of anti-aging. This edition is from BBC OS Conversations, where we bring people together to share their experiences. Presenter: Rahul Tandon BBC producers: Iqra Farooq, Akwasi Sarpong, Laura Cress and Ash Mohamed Boffin Media producers: Richard Hollingham and Sue Nelson (Photo:An elderly man holding a walking stick. Credit: Joe Giddens/PA Wire)…

Documentaries

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Selling misleading fertility hope 20:31

11 дней назад20:31

20:31

The global fertility supplements industry has an estimated worth of over 2 billion dollars, and it’s growing. Some experts have raised the alarm around poor regulation of companies and the products they sell. In this episode of BBC Trending we investigate Pink Stork and other supplement companies which say they can help you get pregnant. Now, they're being promoted heavily on social media and beyond. What is the science behind some of the claims? And what does this say about regulation of the supplements industry as a whole? Producer & Presenter: Kayleen Devlin Editor: Flora Carmichael…

Documentaries

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Tequila with the bat man 29:16

12 дней назад29:16