The Audio Long Read

Exploring the unexpected danger of Buddhist extremism, the discussion uncovers how Theravada monks have shifted towards nationalist agendas in Sri Lanka and Myanmar. It contrasts the philosophy's peaceful image with historical instances of violence. The rise of militant movements is linked to global autocratic trends, while leaders like Nanasara exploit rhetoric on social media, igniting real-world violence. The silence of moderate clergy raises questions about complicity, highlighting a complex interplay between religion, identity, and nationalism.

Explore how Strava transformed from a cycling app to a running community powerhouse, offering motivation and community support. Discover the gamified thrill of leaderboards and the competition for segments, which can sometimes lead to risky behaviors. Hear personal stories about the addiction to performance data and the toll it can take. Delve into the app's global reach, its monetization strategies, and the debate over constant tracking, while balancing community connection with the desire for freedom from data.

Eric Schlosser, an investigative journalist and author known for his groundbreaking work on the food industry, dives into the alarming rise of health risks in industrial dairy farming. He reveals a troubling H5N1 outbreak linked to factory farms and highlights regulatory failures that hinder public safety. Schlosser discusses the vulnerability of immigrant workers and the potential for viral mutations into pandemics. He also critiques the monopolistic tendencies in the food industry and advocates for true cost accounting to promote safer food practices.

Following a life-altering climbing accident, Paul Sagar shares his frustrating journey navigating the NHS wheelchair service. He highlights the inconsistency and bureaucracy that complicate access to vital equipment. Insights from a physiotherapist reveal disturbing postcode disparities, leading to insufficient service quality. Sagar's choice to seek private solutions showcases the risks of reliance on a flawed system. The discussion uncovers the importance of accountability and the continuous challenges faced by users, including ongoing order failures and health risks.

Explore the dark underbelly of organized crime in the Netherlands, where a shocking series of gangland killings laid bare a hidden crisis. Witness the rise of trafficker Ridwan Taki and the dangerous choices faced by whistleblower Nabil B. Discover the explosive role of investigative journalist Peter R. de Vries, who risked everything to expose the truth. Hear about the chilling aftermath of de Vries's assassination and the shifting tides in public policy towards crime. This haunting narrative unravels the complex web of crime, courage, and media in a liberal society.

Explore the meteoric rise of the leftist party from Spain's anti-austerity protests to a governing coalition. Hear a firsthand account of personal attacks, media scandals, and the internal conflicts that shaped its journey. Delve into the leadership style that secured early victories yet ultimately constrained growth. Discover the lessons learned from their fall, including the consequences of neglecting local organization. Reflect on the bittersweet goodbye from politics and the lessons on the challenges of maintaining momentum in political movements.

This episode dives into a harrowing case involving Constance Marten and Mark Gordon, charged with manslaughter after the tragic death of their newborn. It explores the couple's alarming lifestyle, their life on the run, and the chaotic courtroom dynamics, including emotional testimonies and shocking revelations about Gordon's past. The prosecution's evidence and the couple's defense unfold against a backdrop of privilege, loss, and critical social worker warnings that went unheeded, leading to a gripping examination of justice and responsibility.

In this gripping discussion, hear the harrowing experiences of Munir and Enes as they navigate sectarian violence in Syria. Discover how life-or-death decisions hinge on labels like Sunni or Alawite. The podcast highlights the deep scars of a brutal history while reflecting on failed reconciliation efforts. Former prisoners voice their anguish, questioning the very notion of forgiveness. Amid chaos, a poignant story of friendship emerges, showcasing solidarity across sectarian lines despite the ongoing turmoil.

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.