Charlie Kirk and free speech
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.
20 Sep 23min
Digital Dolittles: Talking to the animals?
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.
19 Sep 50min
The social lives of bacteria
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.
18 Sep 27min
Faith on the Russia-Ukraine frontline
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.
17 Sep 28min
Kenya: A Battle For Gen Z
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.
16 Sep 30min
Jon Foreman: Art that goes out with the tide
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.
15 Sep 26min
Decoding China’s doublespeak
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
14 Sep 27min
Who's behind Europe's largest rare book heist?
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.)
13 Sep 26min
