The Documentary Podcast: Archive 2012

In a country having kittens over its plummeting birth-rate, there are now twice as many pets in Japan as there are children. As the number of dogs has increased, so too has the number of childless women and couples, many of whom dote on their dogs in place of children. Roland Buerk seeks an explanation for this explosion in interest in all things canine, and explores the demographic time-bomb behind it.

Helena Merriman goes on the trail of Egypt's secret police files to find out the stories of those whose names were listed in them and to find out whether the files - now in the possession of the new state security police - will ever be made public.

The BBC's Arts Editor Will Gompertz continues his examination of 1000 years of British monarchy by discussing items in the Royal Collection. This week, Will looks at an idea as old as royalty itself: magnificence. How has the Royal family tried to project its wealth and status through its objects?

Sharon Mascall meets Australians from all walks of life who have met Queen Elizabeth II during her many visits to the country. The Queen's former Private Secretary Sir William Heseltine also sheds light on how the Queen's visits to Australia have changed over time.

Will Gompertz continues a four-part exploration of almost 1000 years of the British monarchy as told through the objects of art they collected. In part two, he examines items from the Royal Collection that are associated with war.

Presenter Dzifa Gbeho tours Accra with Chris Hesse - the then President's official photographer - who followed Queen Elizabeth II's every move during her first visit to Ghana in 1961. This visit is then contrasted with her second visit to the country in 1999.

More women are playing online video games than ever before, but life can be tough for them in this male dominated world. For Assignment, James Fletcher reports. Strong language throughout.

Will Gompertz begins a four-part exploration of almost 1000 years of the British monarchy as told through the objects of art they collected. In part one, he looks at some of the most personal images in the Royal Collection.

China's natural ageing process has been accelerated by the One Child Policy. For Assignment, Mukul Devichand asks whether Shanghai's ageing population could be undermining economic growth.

In the final episode, Ed Butler investigates the many internet stakeholders. What can governments do to protect the net? And what can we do?