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
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.
Nov 11, 2024 • 30min
Has poppymania gone too far?
The podcast delves into the evolution of the poppy as a symbol of remembrance, tracing its journey from honoring veterans to becoming a source of public pressure and controversy. It discusses the commercialization of the poppy and the societal expectations tied to it, revealing how media influence has intensified the obsession. Personal reflections from the last surviving WWI veteran add depth, questioning the sincerity of Remembrance Sunday and emphasizing the importance of genuine commemoration over performative patriotism.
Nov 8, 2024 • 37min
Slash and burn: is private equity out of control?
Alex Blasdel, author known for his incisive analysis of financial systems, discusses the vast and often troubling reach of private equity. He highlights the luxurious lifestyles of its leaders against the backdrop of communities facing neglect. The talk exposes the aggressive tactics that prioritize profits over people, leading to lower wages and job insecurity. Blasdel critiques the collusion with political leaders that thwarts necessary regulations, showcasing a system that enriches a few while leaving many struggling in its wake.
Nov 6, 2024 • 43min
10 years of the long read: Hand dryers v paper towels: the surprisingly dirty fight for the right to dry your hands (2019)
Saman Subramanian, author of "Hand Dryers vs. Paper Towels" from The Guardian, delves into the fierce competition between these two drying methods. He uncovers the history and marketing tactics that fuel their rivalry, revealing how consumer perceptions and hygiene concerns shape choices. Subramanian discusses the rise of Dyson's Airblade and the complexities of converting facilities to hand dryers, while also analyzing the environmental and financial impacts. The podcast highlights the surprising nuances behind something as seemingly simple as drying your hands.
7 snips
Nov 4, 2024 • 40min
Hidden traces of humanity: what AI images reveal about our world
In this intriguing discussion, Rachel Ossip, a skilled author at The Guardian, dives into the intersection of AI and human creativity. She explores how AI-generated images hold unexpected traces of human influence. Listen as she discusses the whimsical side of AI image creation, including generating playful cat visuals. Rachel also tackles the implications of biases in AI datasets and critiques the superficial solutions often proposed. This conversation reveals the fascinating challenges and ethical dilemmas of merging technology with art.
Nov 1, 2024 • 32min
The other British invasion: how UK lingo conquered the US
Explore how British terms have made their way into American English, from 'cheeky' to 'clever.' Discover how cultural exchanges and media figures like Mike Myers have popularized British slang across the pond. The discussion highlights historical influences and the emotional weight of language, revealing an ongoing linguistic transformation. Dive into the fascinating world of how two dialects evolve and shape societal attitudes, bridging the gap between the UK and the US.
7 snips
Oct 30, 2024 • 44min
10 years of the long read: Why Silicon Valley billionaires are prepping for the apocalypse in New Zealand (2018)
Mark O'Connell, author of "Why Silicon Valley Billionaires Are Prepping for the Apocalypse in New Zealand" and "Notes from the Apocalypse," explores the bizarre trend of tech moguls like Peter Thiel buying property in New Zealand as a safe haven from global chaos. He discusses the societal fears fueling this obsession, contrasting stark visions of isolationist wealth with local Maori perspectives. O'Connell also shares his stunning impressions of New Zealand’s landscapes while critiquing the underlying dynamics of luxury and survivalism in an uncertain world.
Oct 28, 2024 • 29min
‘Places to heal, not to harm’: why brutal prison design kills off hope
Yvonne Jewkes, author of "An Architecture of Hope," dives into the pressing issue of prison design and its impact on rehabilitation. She discusses the physical and psychological toll of overcrowded facilities and harsh environments, revealing how these conditions thwart rehabilitation efforts. Jewkes presents examples of innovative designs that promote healing, like the Oasis Restore school for young offenders. She advocates for a reimagined approach to prison reform that prioritizes humane treatment and social infrastructure over punitive measures.
Oct 25, 2024 • 48min
The trial of Björn Höcke, the ‘real boss’ of Germany’s far right
Alex Dziadosz, a journalist, dives deep into the controversial figure of Björn Höcke, leader of the far-right AfD party. He discusses Höcke's alarming rhetoric, often compared to Nazi language, and the recent court trial that scrutinized these claims. The conversation highlights the socioeconomic divides influencing Germany's political landscape, the internal strife within the AfD, and the delicate balance between free speech and combating extremism. Dziadosz sheds light on how historical narratives shape contemporary politics.
Oct 23, 2024 • 43min
10 years of the long read: How the sandwich consumed Britain (2017)
Discover the fascinating world of the British sandwich, a £8bn industry that's reshaped lunch, breakfast, and dinner. From its 18th-century origins to a contemporary staple, explore how consumer habits and innovations have transformed this beloved food. Learn about the sandwich's cultural significance and its evolution amid Brexit and the pandemic. With insights into emerging trends, like flexitarianism, this deep dive reveals why the sandwich remains a resilient icon of British dining.
