Pure Nonfiction: Inside Documentary Film

Pure Nonfiction: Inside Documentary Film


Latest Episodes

233: Alexandria Stapleton on "Sean Combs: The Reckoning"
December 20, 2025

Director Alexandria Stapleton discusses her Netflix series "Sean Combs: The Reckoning," backed by executive producer Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson.

232: Apocalypse in the Tropics
December 04, 2025

"Apocalypse in the Tropics" explores the tumultuous battle to save democracy in Brazil. It reveals striking parallels to politics in the United States.

231: Docs from Five Countries
November 25, 2025

Host Thom Powers interviews the film teams behind five projects that are qualified for the Oscars.

230: Storks, Orphans, Rebels & Predators
October 24, 2025

Hear the filmmakers behind four of this year's most acclaimed documentaries.

229: Poetry, Murder, Prison & UFOs
October 23, 2025

Recorded live in Los Angeles, we partnered with The Ankler to bring you conversations covering four new documentaries.

228: Contessa Gayles on "Songs From the Hole"
August 28, 2025

Thom Powers interviews "Songs from the Hole" director Contessa Gayles about her career path from working inside CNN to goingindependent.

227: Heidi Ewing & Rachel Grady on "Folktales"
July 24, 2025

Heidi Ewing's and Rachel Grady's latest film Folktales follows three teens in Norway learning outdoor survival skills at a folk high school where they bond with sleddogs.

226: Martha Stewart, Alice Waters, John Williams
June 13, 2025

Our Emmy contender conversations conclude with a look at three stand out biographies.

225: Will & Harper, Social Studies, Chimp Crazy
June 12, 2025

Thom Powers hosts conversations on three Emmy contenders: "Will & Harper", "Social Studies" and "Chimp Crazy".

224: Emmy contenders
May 30, 2025

Recordedlive in New York City, Pure Nonfiction host Thom Powers interviews the filmmakers behind four Emmy contenders.