The Audio Long Read
The Guardian
The Audio Long Read podcast is a selection of the Guardian’s long reads, giving you the opportunity to get on with your day while listening to some of the finest longform journalism the Guardian has to offer, including in-depth writing from around the world on current affairs, climate change, global warming, immigration, crime, business, the arts and much more. The podcast explores a range of subjects and news across business, global politics (including Trump, Israel, Palestine and Gaza), money, philosophy, science, internet culture, modern life, war, climate change, current affairs, music and trends, and seeks to answer key questions around them through in depth interviews explainers, and analysis with quality Guardian reporting. Through first person accounts, narrative audio storytelling and investigative reporting, the Audio Long Read seeks to dive deep, debunk myths and uncover hidden histories. In previous episodes we have asked questions like: do we need a new theory of evolution? Whether Trump can win the US presidency or not? Why can't we stop quantifying our lives? Why have our nuclear fears faded? Why do so many bikes end up underwater? How did Germany get hooked on Russian energy? Are we all prisoners of geography? How was London's Olympic legacy sold out? Who owns Einstein? Is free will an illusion? What lies beghind the Arctic's Indigenous suicide crisis? What is the mystery of India's deadly exam scam? Who is the man who built his own cathedral? And, how did the world get hooked on palm oil? Other topics range from: history including empire to politics, conflict, Ukraine, Russia, Israel, Gaza, philosophy, science, psychology, health and finance. Audio Long Read journalists include Samira Shackle, Tom Lamont, Sophie Elmhirst, Samanth Subramanian, Imogen West-Knights, Sirin Kale, Daniel Trilling and Giles Tremlett.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Dec 4, 2024 • 31min
Revisited: Too much stuff: can we solve our addiction to consumerism?
In this discussion, Chip Colwell, author of "Stuff, Humanity's Epic Journey from Naked Ape to Nonstop Shopper," dives into the urgent issues surrounding consumerism and its impact on the environment. He shares personal anecdotes about his family's journey toward minimalism and a 'slow-buy year.' Colwell also highlights the alarming consequences of plastic pollution on marine life and advocates for systemic change through a circular economy. His insights emphasize the critical balance between individual choices and the need for collective action.
Dec 2, 2024 • 26min
The scandal of food waste – and how we can stop it
Julian Baggini, a noted author, unpacks the pressing issue of food waste and its implications for global food security and climate change. He reveals the stark contrast in cultural attitudes toward food between traditional societies and industrialized nations. Baggini highlights the role of retailers in exacerbating food waste, advocating for better consumer awareness and grassroots solutions. He critiques existing initiatives and calls for systemic changes, emphasizing the need for collaboration between government and private sectors to effectively combat this scandal.
Nov 29, 2024 • 47min
‘I couldn’t cry over my children like everyone else’: the tragedy of Palestinian journalist Wael al-Dahdouh
Nesrine Malik, the author who penned an article on Wael al-Dahdouh, a Palestinian journalist, provides profound insights into his tragic experience. Following the death of his wife and two children in Gaza, al-Dahdouh gained global attention for his commitment to reporting amidst personal devastation. The discussion touches on the intricate balance between his grief and professional duties, and how this struggle highlights the broader human cost of war on families and journalists alike.
Nov 27, 2024 • 48min
10 years of the long read: Seven stowaways and a hijacked oil tanker: the strange case of the Nave Andromeda (2022)
A dramatic hijacking incident unfolds as seven stowaways board the Nave Andromeda, triggering a military response. Their intense struggle for survival at sea brings to light the complex narratives of migration and asylum in the UK. Faced with confinement and uncertainty, the stowaways' emotional journeys raise vital questions about fate and perseverance. Explore the intertwining tales of desperation and hope as they navigate the crisis, highlighting profound issues that reflect the human experience amidst maritime law challenges.
Nov 25, 2024 • 32min
A cool flame: how Gaia theory was born out of a secret love affair
Jonathan Watts, a journalist known for his insightful articles, dives deep into the intriguing origins of Gaia theory, spotlighting the passionate collaboration between scientist James Lovelock and his vital, yet overlooked, partner. The discussion reveals how their secret romance sparked groundbreaking ideas about Earth's interconnectedness. Watts also touches on turbulent times in the NASA space program, illustrating how emotional challenges intertwined with scientific exploration, showcasing the profound interplay between love and discovery.
5 snips
Nov 22, 2024 • 48min
‘You tried to tell yourself I wasn’t real’: what happens when people with acute psychosis meet the voices in their heads?
Jenny Kleeman, a journalist known for her insightful writing on mental health, dives into avatar therapy designed for those with acute psychosis. She shares the remarkable journey of patients like Joe, who confront their inner demons through innovative digital avatars. The conversation sheds light on the stigma surrounding mental health and the profound isolation faced by individuals battling tormenting voices. Kleeman also discusses the challenges of ongoing anxiety and the limitations of current treatments, emphasizing the need for personalized approaches in mental health care.
Nov 20, 2024 • 42min
10 years of the long read: The disastrous voyage of Satoshi, the world’s first cryptocurrency cruise ship (2021)
Explore the ambitious dream behind the Satoshi, a cryptocurrency cruise ship aiming to foster a floating libertarian community. Discover the revolutionary concept of seasteading and the challenges faced by pioneers trying to create autonomous ocean societies. Delve into the unique life aboard this ill-fated ship, its operational hurdles, and the eventual heart-wrenching fate that led it to a scrapyard. This tale of aspiration highlights the complexities of building a new way of living at sea amidst the backdrop of a changing pandemic landscape.
Nov 18, 2024 • 52min
The cement company that paid millions to Isis: was Lafarge complicit in crimes against humanity?
Samanth Subramanian, a Guardian journalist, uncovers the troubling story of Lafarge, a French cement giant, entangled in controversy during the Syrian civil war. He reveals how the company paid protection money to ISIS just to maintain its operations. The discussion dives into the ethical dilemmas placed upon corporations in conflict zones, the implications of their actions on local communities, and the overarching questions of corporate accountability and international law. The conversation sheds light on the dark side of business in crises.
Nov 15, 2024 • 48min
Journalist or Russian spy? The strange case of Pablo González
Pablo González navigated the dangerous waters of Russian opposition journalism, charming those around him while covering Putin's conflicts. His arrest in 2022 sparked intense debate—was he a legitimate journalist or a spy in disguise? The podcast delves into his dual identity and the fallout of his alleged espionage, including how it affected his relationships, particularly with a Polish journalist. With tangled loyalties and the shadow of betrayal, the narrative unveils the costs of journalism in perilous political landscapes.
Nov 13, 2024 • 45min
10 years of the long read: The invisible city: how a homeless man built a life underground (2020)
Dominic Van Allen, a resilient homeless man who constructed a hidden bunker beneath Hampstead Heath, shares his extraordinary story. He discusses the daily realities of living underground, the ingenuity required just to survive, and the profound struggles faced by those in similar situations. From humorous anecdotes about park rangers to the serious challenges of legal troubles, Dominic's experiences reveal the complex and often invisible world of homelessness in urban settings. His journey is a poignant reminder of resilience and the human spirit.
