The Audio Long Read

Explore the wild world of extreme cleaning with Ben Giles, who has tackled everything from murder scenes to whale dismemberment. Discover the unique tactics he employs to combat tough stains and the emotional toll his job takes. Delve into the origins of his cleaning empire and the specialized training he offers. Hear amusing anecdotes about bizarre jobs and the personal meanings behind stains. Giles even shares practical tips for tackling blood and other stubborn messes, blending humor with deep reflections on human frailty.

Explore Tuvalu's precarious future as rising sea levels threaten to submerge the nation. Hear about Simon Kofi's ambitious vision of a digital Tuvalu at COP27, as well as the emotional struggles faced by the youth grappling with the idea of disappearing. Discover local skepticism about impending doom and the resilience of residents engaged in land reclamation efforts. Delve into how the economy relies on the .tv domain and fishing licenses while examining potential migration pathways for a new beginning.

In this engaging discussion, professional narrator and voice actor David Bateson shares insights on a gripping tale exploring crime and morality in Denmark. The narrative focuses on a morally ambiguous filmmaker's hidden-camera sting operation that exposes high-level corruption. Bateson highlights the intense reactions from the Danish public, the ethical dilemmas of documentary filmmaking, and the complex character of Amira Smazek, a former accountant turned criminal. Tune in for a deep dive into how art mirrors unsettling truths about society.

Dive into the raw account of relentless nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. Discover how dismissive medical responses leave many feeling isolated and ignored. Learn about hyperemesis gravidarum's global prevalence and its tragic historical remedies, from arsenic to electric shock. Hear the chilling implications of thalidomide and how modern research may offer solutions. This heart-wrenching discussion sheds light on ongoing disparities in care and reveals both the torments and triumphs of becoming a mother.

Meet Terry Ball, a shoe salesman turned mastermind of a bizarre tax-avoidance scheme involving snails! Discover how he exploits loopholes in UK business rates and creates a covert snail empire while battling legal setbacks. Learn about his connections to the mafia and his adventurous past, including how he sheltered a notorious fugitive. As Ball continues his antics at eighty, he shares his motivations: sheer devilment, boredom, and an undeniably unique legacy.

Nicole Garrison, a New Jersey mother, shares her harrowing experience with the Free Birth Society, an organization promoting a no-care childbirth ideology. She recounts her journey of isolation, the allure of FBS’s radical teachings, and how they led her to nearly lose her life due to severe complications after birth. The discussion highlights the dangerous mindset of self-blame and the suppression of medical discourse within the community. Garrison's story challenges the promise of empowerment offered by FBS and reveals the dire consequences of such beliefs.

A mother turns to a chatbot for kidney disease advice after facing exhausting doctor commutes. She finds DeepSeek more compassionate than rushed doctors, leading to lifestyle changes based on its recommendations. However, concerns arise about AI’s reliability, including risks of biased advice and critical errors. The episode explores how chatbots are filling gaps in strained health systems, and the nuanced trust between technology and human caregivers, as the family navigates this new medical landscape.

Explore the complexities of the IMF's role in today's debt crisis as Jamie Martin highlights Pakistan's struggles with bailout conditions. Delve into how the IMF evolved from its non-interventionist origins to wielding tremendous power, especially during the 1990s. Uncover the backlash it faced during the Asian financial crisis and the geopolitical implications of dollar dominance. As China rises as a less conditional lender, questions arise about the IMF's necessary reforms and its potential to provide unconditional support.

As public trust in police wanes, individuals are turning to private prosecutions as an alternative route to justice. This trend is fueled by austerity cuts, leaving victims feeling ignored by law enforcement. Some cases reveal that private investigations can trigger broader police actions, but critics warn this system favors the wealthy. Scandals have exposed risks, highlighting wrongful convictions and corporate abuse. While private prosecutions seem to provide quick relief, they may ultimately undermine the integrity of the public justice system.

A deeply moving story unfolds as Pamela Gordon reflects on her encounter with 13-year-old Craig, a runaway swallowed by the system. His struggle with care homes, homelessness, and the grim realities of life on the streets is heartbreakingly detailed. Despite occasional glimmers of hope, such as brief refuge and praiseworthy achievements, Craig's descent into crime and prison reveals systemic failures. The tragic conclusion raises questions about support systems and the devastating impact of societal neglect on vulnerable youth.