Best Documentaryfilm Podcasts (2024)

1
Episode 408: North to Trees, South to Gold with Ruby McConnell 1:02:50

3d ago1:02:50

1:02:50

Ruby McConnell (@rubygonewild) is one of our great environmental writers and her latest book is Wilderness and the American Spirit. It's published by Overcup Press. Newsletter: Rage Against the Algorithm Show notes: brendanomeara.com Social: @creativenonfiction podcast on IG and Threads Support: Patreon.com/cnfpod…

1
A Brief History of the Future: Making the World A Better Place 49:51

4h ago49:51

49:51

Climate change, terrorism, social inequality and poverty, wars between nations, and injustice. Things do not look too good for the world today, and there seems to be little to no hope for the future. A Brief History of the Future, a new docu-series on PBS, challenges this pessimistic outlook. Directed by Andrew Morgan and presented by Ari Wallach, …

1
Episode 407: Alex Squadron Respects the Grind 1:04:59

11d ago1:04:59

1:04:59

Alex Squadron is a sports writer for Slam Magazine and the author of Life in the G: Minor League Basketball and the Relentless Pursuit of the NBA. Newsletter: Rage Against the Algorithm Show notes: brendanomeara.com Social: @creativenonfiction podcast on IG and Threads Support: Patreon.com/cnfpodBy Brendan O'Meara

1
Episode 221 | Meaningful Stories w/ Alex Ivany of Ifine: Beauty 55:23

7d ago55:23

55:23

In this episode, host Christian Taylor interviews Alex Ivany, a visual storyteller, about his journey in the documentary filmmaking industry. Alex shares his passion for social and racial justice, which led him to work on projects that shed light on marginalized communities. He discusses his role as a producer and editor on the film "Ifine: Beauty"…

1
Episode 406: When to Share a WIP with Darrell Hartman 58:20

17d ago58:20

58:20

Darrell Hartman (@dwhartman) is the author of The Battle of Ink and Ice: A Sensational Story of News Barons, North Pole Explorers, and the Making of Modern Media. It is published by Viking. Newsletter: Rage Against the Algorithm Show notes: brendanomeara.com Social: @creativenonfiction podcast on IG and Threads Support: Patreon.com/cnfpod…

1
Against All Enemies: US Veterans Fighting Their Own Country 49:11

14d ago49:11

49:11

Why would US military veterans take up arms against the country they swore to protect? This is the question at the heart of Against All Enemies, a new documentary by Charlie Sadoff. In it, Charlie explores the role disaffected veterans played in the January 6th attack on the US Capitol. In order to better understand what happened on that day, he lo…

1
Episode 405: Hallie Lieberman and the Drawer of Dead Pitches 1:17:55

25d ago1:17:55

1:17:55

Hallie Lieberman (@hallielieberman) is a journalist, writer, and historian. She's the author of Buzz: A Stimulating History of the Sex Toy. Her latest piece for The Atavist is "The Handcuff Man." Visit magazine.atavist.com to read it. Newsletter: Rage Against the Algorithm Show notes: brendanomeara.com Social: @creativenonfiction podcast on IG and …

1
Episode 220 | Directing Going to Mars 40:23

22d ago40:23

40:23

In this episode, Christian Taylor interviews Joe Brewster and Michèle Stephenson, the directing duo behind the documentary "Going to Mars, the Nikki Giovanni Project." They discuss their background in filmmaking, the founding of Rada Studios https://radastudio.org/, and their dedication to telling stories of the Black Diaspora. The conversation als…

1
God Save Texas: Life in the Land of Oil and Gas 49:27

22d ago49:27

49:27

God Save Texas is a three-part docu-series inspired by Lawrence Wright’s book of the same name. In each episode, an acclaimed filmmaker explores the past, present, and future of the Lone Star State. Episode One is directed by Richard Linklater, Episode Three by Iliana Sosa. Episode Two is directed by Alex Stapleton, and she joins Matthew Sherwood t…

1
Episode 404: Hanif Abdurraqib's Nod to Witnessing in 'There's Always This Year' 1:02:51

1M ago1:02:51

1:02:51

Hanif Abdurraqib is poet, critic, and author of several books, including There's Always This Year: On Basketball and Ascension (Random House). In this episode we talk about his nod to witnessing, specificity, intentionality, making it, and LeBron James. Newsletter: Rage Against the Algorithm Show notes: brendanomeara.com Social: @creativenonfiction…

1
Episode 403: Elizabeth Rush Moves Toward Exactitude 1:07:43

1M ago1:07:43

1:07:43

Elizabeth Rush is the author of The Quickening: Creation and Community at the Ends of the Earth (Milkweed). Liz talks about writing toward exactitude, lyricing her way through sticking points, being a character in her own work, and voice. For a couple weeks, visit combeyond.bu.edu, use the promo code NARRATIVE25 at checkout and get 25% your tuition…

1
Episode 219 | Editor Extraordinaire Yvette Amirian 56:42

1M ago56:42

56:42

In this episode, host Christian Taylor interviews award-winning editor Yvette Amirian about her journey from documentary to narrative editing. Yvette shares her experiences working on various projects, including "EXmas" and "It Takes a Village". She discusses the differences between editing documentary and narrative films, emphasizing the challenge…

1
The NFL’s Greatest Dynasty: New England Patriots 58:28

1M ago58:28

58:28

Between 2001-19, head coach Bill Belichick created one of the most successful dynasties ever seen in American football. Under his leadership, the New England Patriots won a record equalling six Super Bowl titles. Guided by quarterback Tom Brady, the team also set a host of other NFL records, including most wins over a ten year period, longest regul…

1
Episode 402: The Stentorian-Voiced Dudely Bro-ness of Rob Harvilla 1:09:11

2M ago1:09:11

1:09:11

Rob Harvilla (@harvilla on X) is a staff writer for The Ringer and the host and creator of the long-running 60 Songs that Explain the 90s. His first book is 60 Songs that Explain the 90s. We talk about the end of the podcast, the evolution of voice, and the maze he purposefully escapes each episode. For a couple weeks, visit combeyond.bu.edu, use t…

1
Amityville: Origins of the Horror Story 42:29

1M ago42:29

42:29

On November 13th 1974, Ronald DeFeo shot his family dead in Amityville, New York. Not long after he was convicted of the killings, the Lutz family moved into the DeFeos’ former home. They did not stay long. After just 28 days, they fled, claiming to have been driven out by paranormal activity. The Lutz family’s experience formed the basis of The Am…

1
Episode 401: Jessica Camille Aguirre on Racking Up Rejections, Online Nothing Burgers, and The Atavist's "Watch It Burn" 1:15:41

2M ago1:15:41

1:15:41

Jessica Camille Aguirre (@jessicacaguirre) is a freelance journalist and wrote "Watch it Burn" for The Atavist Magazine. In this episode we talk about racking up rejections, voice, and what makes climate stories drag. For a couple weeks, visit combeyond.bu.edu, use the promo code NARRATIVE25 at checkout and get 25% your tuition for the two-day Powe…

1
Episode 218 | Getting Distributed w/ Joe Amodei Part 2 34:22

2M ago34:22

34:22

In this conversation, Christian Taylor interviews Joe Amodei, CEO of Virgil Films and Entertainment, about the film distribution industry. They discuss the changes in the industry, including the consolidation of companies and the impact of streaming services. Joe emphasizes the importance of collaboration between filmmakers and distributors, as wel…

1
Investigating the Octopus Murders: An American Conspiracy 48:14

2M ago48:14

48:14

The 1980s were a time of allegation and scandal in America. From the 1980 October Surprise, 1985-87 Iran-Contra Affair, and 1986-91 BCCI scandal, the decade seemed only to be going downhill. And in the midst of it all, the US Justice Department was accused of stealing PROMIS, a piece of software that could be used to create a programme that would a…

1
Episode 400: Richard Blanco on Fever Writing and Finding the Poem within the Poem 1:15:49

2M ago1:15:49

1:15:49

Richard Blanco was the Presidential Inaugural poet at Pres. Obama's second inauguration, a winner of the National Humanities Award medal, and the author of Homeland of My Body (Beacon Press). Newsletter: Rage Against the Algorithm Show notes: brendanomeara.com Social: @creativenonfiction podcast on IG and Threads Support: Patreon.com/cnfpod…

1
Now in Paperback: 'Simple is the Way to Go' with Mirin Fader 1:09:27

2M ago1:09:27

1:09:27

This originally aired on December 10, 2021 as Episode 291. Mirin Fader is the author of Giannis: The Improbably Rise of an MVP and a staff writer writing features for The Ringer. She is @mirinfader on social media. Newsletter: Rage Against the Algorithm Show notes: brendanomeara.com Social: @creativenonfiction podcast on IG and Threads Support: Pat…

1
MMA’s Unbreakable Tatiana Suarez | Fighting for her Life in the UFC | Q&A with Cassius Corrigan 41:42

2M ago41:42

41:42

Tatiana Suarez was born into poverty, endured a “tumultuous [and] traumatic childhood”, and at school chose to compete in a sport – wrestling – that led to her being relentlessly bullied. She overcame every obstacle that life and people put in front of her and became a champion. And not just once, but multiple times. Finally, the greatest prize of …

1
Episode 217 | Award-Winning Cinematography w/ Laela Kilbourn 1:06:18

2M ago1:06:18

1:06:18

In this episode, Christian and Chad interview award-winning cinematographer Laela Kilbourn. They discuss her work on the documentary film Girl State, which premiered at Sundance 2024. Laela shares her experiences working with directors and the importance of trust in the DP-director relationship. She also explains the role of prime lenses in cinemat…

1
Now in Paperback: Leslie Jamison — Make It Scream, Make It Burn, and the Bounded Infinity of Nonfiction 50:48

2M ago50:48

50:48

This originally aired on September 27, 2019 as Episode 170. Leslie Jamison is the best selling author of several books including Make it Scream, Make it Burn. She has a new book out (not talked about in this paperback edition) called Splinters: Another Kind of Love Story. Newsletter: Rage Against the Algorithm Show notes: brendanomeara.com Social: …

1
Episode 399: William Ralston Recounts a Harrowing Rescue for The Atavist 46:19

3M ago46:19

46:19

William Ralston is a freelance journalist based out of the UK. In this episode, we talk about his Atavist piece "Mayday." Newsletter: Rage Against the Algorithm Show notes: brendanomeara.com Social: @creativenonfiction podcast on IG and Threads Support: Patreon.com/cnfpodBy Brendan O'Meara

1
Challenging Zuckerberg’s Metanarrative 55:53

3M ago55:53

55:53

Who is Mark Zuckerberg? That is the question at the heart of Nick Green’s new Sky documentary, Zuckerberg: King of the Metaverse. We all know how Zuckerberg took Facebook from being a website accessible to just a few American college students in 2004 to one that is used by over a billion people worldwide in 2024. Along the way, he has acquired Inst…

1
Episode 216 | Getting Distributed w/ Joe Amodei Part 1 38:12

3M ago38:12

38:12

In this episode, Christian Taylor interviews Joe Amodei of Virgil Films Entertainment about the changing landscape of film distribution. They discuss the role of distributors in acquiring and selling the rights to films, the rise of streaming platforms, and the challenges faced by filmmakers in finding trustworthy distributors. Joe shares his insig…

1
Episode 398: Emily Sohn Explores the Complicated Legacy of Virginia Kraft 1:00:14

3M ago1:00:14

1:00:14

Emily Sohn is a freelance journalist and wrote "The Catch," a gripping profile of pioneering sports writer Virginia Kraft for Long Lead. Emily talks about how she arrived at the story, writing through the research, and the dark night of the soul of a piece of writing. Newsletter: Rage Against the Algorithm Show notes: brendanomeara.com Social: @cre…

1
Now in Paperback: Howard Bryant says, 'Everybody Gets Forgotten' 1:12:38

3M ago1:12:38

1:12:38

This originally aired on June 10, 2022 as Episode 320. Howard Bryant is the bestselling author of several books, including Rickey: The Life and Legend of an American Original (Mariner Books). Newsletter: Rage Against the Algorithm Show notes: brendanomeara.com Social: @creativenonfiction podcast on IG and Threads Support: Patreon.com/cnfpod…

1
American Nightmare: Unravelling Crimes That Never Were 35:06

3M ago35:06

35:06

On the night of March 23rd 2015, Denise Huskins and Aaron Quinn were drugged and bound by a mystery assailant who had broken into their home. Denise was then kidnapped. When Aaron called the police the next day, they believed he had murdered her. Two days later, however, Denise – who had been sexually assaulted by her kidnapper - was freed. Now the…

1
Episode 215 | Honoring WWII Veteran George Ciampa (Ep. 115 Re-release) 49:01

3M ago49:01

49:01

On this very special podcast, we honor George Ciampa as Christian shares the news of his recent passing. George Ciampa, a World War II veteran and filmmaker, came on our podcast many times and can be heard on episodes #116, #117, #120, #121. He was born in 1925, served in the Graves Registration Service during WWII, and became a filmmaker in his 80…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Documentaryfilm Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

1
Documentary First

Documentary First Productions

1
The Creative Nonfiction Podcast with Brendan O'Meara

Brendan O'Meara

1
Factual America

Soho Podcasts

1
Episode 408: North to Trees, South to Gold with Ruby McConnell 1:02:50

1
A Brief History of the Future: Making the World A Better Place 49:51

1
Episode 407: Alex Squadron Respects the Grind 1:04:59

1
Episode 221 | Meaningful Stories w/ Alex Ivany of Ifine: Beauty 55:23

1
Episode 406: When to Share a WIP with Darrell Hartman 58:20

1
Against All Enemies: US Veterans Fighting Their Own Country 49:11

1
Episode 405: Hallie Lieberman and the Drawer of Dead Pitches 1:17:55

1
Episode 220 | Directing Going to Mars 40:23

1
God Save Texas: Life in the Land of Oil and Gas 49:27

1
Episode 404: Hanif Abdurraqib's Nod to Witnessing in 'There's Always This Year' 1:02:51

1
Episode 403: Elizabeth Rush Moves Toward Exactitude 1:07:43

1
Episode 219 | Editor Extraordinaire Yvette Amirian 56:42

1
The NFL’s Greatest Dynasty: New England Patriots 58:28

1
Episode 402: The Stentorian-Voiced Dudely Bro-ness of Rob Harvilla 1:09:11

1
Amityville: Origins of the Horror Story 42:29

1
Episode 401: Jessica Camille Aguirre on Racking Up Rejections, Online Nothing Burgers, and The Atavist's "Watch It Burn" 1:15:41

1
Episode 218 | Getting Distributed w/ Joe Amodei Part 2 34:22

1
Investigating the Octopus Murders: An American Conspiracy 48:14

1
Episode 400: Richard Blanco on Fever Writing and Finding the Poem within the Poem 1:15:49

1
Now in Paperback: 'Simple is the Way to Go' with Mirin Fader 1:09:27

1
MMA’s Unbreakable Tatiana Suarez | Fighting for her Life in the UFC | Q&A with Cassius Corrigan 41:42

1
Episode 217 | Award-Winning Cinematography w/ Laela Kilbourn 1:06:18

1
Now in Paperback: Leslie Jamison — Make It Scream, Make It Burn, and the Bounded Infinity of Nonfiction 50:48

1
Episode 399: William Ralston Recounts a Harrowing Rescue for The Atavist 46:19

1
Challenging Zuckerberg’s Metanarrative 55:53

1
Episode 216 | Getting Distributed w/ Joe Amodei Part 1 38:12

1
Episode 398: Emily Sohn Explores the Complicated Legacy of Virginia Kraft 1:00:14

1
Now in Paperback: Howard Bryant says, 'Everybody Gets Forgotten' 1:12:38

1
American Nightmare: Unravelling Crimes That Never Were 35:06

1
Episode 215 | Honoring WWII Veteran George Ciampa (Ep. 115 Re-release) 49:01

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