Searching for Soldier Dad: 3. Ghosts

World of Secrets

BBC

Society & Culture, Documentary

4.7 • 765 Ratings

🗓️ 4 May 2026

⏱️ 38 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

Cathy and Peter confront their demons. Their searches for their fathers take them to dark and desperate places.

And back in London, it’s time to reveal the results of the DNA analysis, with life-changing consequences.

This episode contains references to suicide and self-harm, which some listeners may find upsetting.

If you are suffering distress or despair and need support, you could speak to a health professional, or an organisation that offers support. Details of help available in many countries can be found at Befrienders Worldwide. www.befrienders.org

Searching for Soldier Dad is a BBC Long Form Audio production for the BBC World Service.

Please note, the image being used is for illustrative purposes only and the child depicted is a model.

Presenter: Ivana Davidovic Series producer: Josephine Casserly Sound design: Tom Brignell Executive producer: Matt Willis Commissioning senior producers: Katy Davis and Anne Dixey Commissioning editor: Jon Manel

Transcript

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0:00.0	BBC Sounds, music, radio, podcasts.
0:06.1	Can I just say?
0:07.6	You're about to listen to a BBC podcast.
0:10.0	It's such a wonderful listen.
0:11.7	So nice.
0:12.5	There are loads more like it on BBC Sounds.
0:14.8	Different paces, different heights, the roof is buckling.
0:17.9	Where you can also listen to live sports commentary.
0:20.2	It's right foot goes for goal.
0:21.6	And then enjoy even more podcasts full of analysis and reaction to the big stories.
0:27.7	The stat that is astonishing is they ended with the lowest amount of possession.
0:31.2	And she's had to live with that.
0:32.8	So if you love sport, a passion, it's almost like a religion.
0:35.8	Listen on BBC Sounds.
0:37.8	Sort of expecting that every week now.
0:40.8	Episodes of World of Secrets are released weekly, wherever you get your BBC podcasts.
0:45.8	But if you can't wait, you can listen to the full series right now, first, on BBC Sounds.
0:51.7	Before we start, just a warning that this episode contains references to suicide and self-harm,
0:58.2	which some listeners may find upsetting.
1:05.1	Kathy and her mum Maggie are at one of the clubs on Anuki's main street.
1:09.9	It's January 2024, and it's Kathy's 18th birthday.
1:14.4	I'll be the one to buy her the first drink.
	...

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