The Documentary Podcast

Aid is pouring in to Nepal in the wake of the recent earthquakes. But in a country where corruption is endemic, will the money go where it is meant to? Simon Cox investigates.

Claudia Taranto travels to the Philippines where 10% of the population work overseas. She travels to the coastal town of Mabini where many citizens have gone to Italy for work. She hears from the children left behind, including 10-year-old Jen who lives with her 80-year-old grandmother. Claudia asks whether the Philippines have become over-reliant on work abroad and if there is any prospect of breaking the cycle

Claudia Taranto travels to Australia where she hears how temporary workers are changing the face of a country founded on the idea of permanent settlement. She uncovers abuses of the temporary migrant visa system and speaks to a group of Filipino welders earning far less than they were promised in their contracts. Claudia also hears from critics who call for a return to a 'settler society'.

The story of how Islamic State, a small band of fanatical jihadi fighters, became the world’s richest terror army.

Andrew Harding speaks to defectors inside the militant group al-Shabab and asks if Somalia is turning the tide against extremism.

Claudia Taranto visits Singapore, which is increasingly reliant on labour from abroad - 40% of the population are in the country temporarily for work. She hears from locals who feel anger at being squeezed out of the job market and from exploited migrant workers who are in despair at Singapore's complex and bureaucratic system for resolving workplace problems.

Claudia Taranto travels to Nepal where - until the recent disasters - 1600 people were leaving each day to travel overseas for work. The earthquakes are only likely to add to this exodus in the coming years. Claudia discovers the benefits of money earned in the Middle East, but also hears appalling accounts of exploitation. She discovers the benefits of money earned in the Middle East, but also hears appalling accounts of exploitation.

Peru is one of the most biodiverse nations in the world. But its precious wildlife is threatened by traffickers. Crossing Continents goes on operations with the wildlife police.

Over 35,000 African students studied at British universities last year - part of a growing number of foreign students coming to the UK. Bola Masuro charts the progress of four students from Africa. What do they want to take back with them from the British way of life? And what could the UK learn from Africa?

The Jordanian social media campaign run in response to the burning of pilot Moaz al-Kasasbeh. Dominic Casciani examines Islamic State’s social media strategy and the attempts to combat it.