The Audio Long Read

Partha Banerjee, a former senior member of the RSS, shares his incredible journey from staunch Hindu nationalist to a critical observer of the movement. He discusses the emotional turmoil and family conflicts that led to his departure from the organization. Partha reflects on the growing political tensions in India under Modi's leadership, warning about the rise of fascism. He highlights the public's ignorance regarding the RSS's history and urges awareness of the potential erosion of freedoms in contemporary India.

Jacob Mikanowski, a contributor delving into advancements in the science of history, discusses groundbreaking techniques reshaping our understanding of the past. He highlights paleoproteomics and ancient genomics in uncovering human migrations and historical diseases. The conversation also reveals how environmental crises influenced societal beliefs during the Byzantine Empire. Additionally, Mikanowski sheds light on the overlooked contributions of women, particularly nuns, in crafting illuminated manuscripts, enriching our narrative of history with their personal stories.

Michael Aylwin, an author, shares his deeply moving experience of caring for his wife as she battled early-onset Alzheimer's. He candidly recounts the tragic transformation of a vibrant woman into someone unrecognizable. The podcast explores his emotional journey, grappling with love, loss, and the complex decisions required when home care becomes unmanageable. Aylwin's reflections highlight the toll of the illness on both partners, blending heartache with moments of profound connection.

Ghaith Abdul-Ahad, an insightful journalist focused on Palestinian struggles, shares poignant stories from the Shatila refugee camp in Beirut. He discusses the emotional hurdles families face, like a father's determination to secure a brighter future for his son amid despair. The talk dives into the impact of historical injustices on Palestinian identities, the ongoing violence, and the resilience of the community. Abdul-Ahad vividly portrays life in a camp where hope is intertwined with daily struggles, echoing the larger plight of displaced Palestinians.

Jean-Martin Bauer, an expert in food aid delivery, discusses the integration of technology in humanitarian efforts. He introduces the Pouncer, an innovative edible drone for food delivery in conflict zones, sparking debates on practicality and ethics. Bauer highlights the role of mobile money and blockchain in evolving food supply chains and emphasizes community collaboration. He also addresses food insecurity in the U.S. and the importance of digital connectivity for refugees, stressing that technology must work hand-in-hand with human efforts to address these complex challenges.

Samira Shackle, an accomplished journalist known for her insightful reporting on social issues, delves into Britain's multibillion-pound equal pay scandal. She discusses the historical injustices faced by female care workers in Glasgow who fought for fair wages. The podcast explores personal stories of these women, the challenges of outsourcing, and the significant legal battles that ensued. Shackle highlights the ongoing legacy of advocacy amidst financial strains on local councils, emphasizing the importance of achieving true gender equality.

Martin Pollack, a writer and historian, delves into his family's troubling connections to Nazism during World War II. He shares his late awakening to his father's heinous actions and the unrepentant attitudes of his relatives. Pollack reflects on the emotional turmoil of uncovering his family's dark legacy, the struggle between personal grief and historical truth, and the lasting effects of intergenerational trauma. He challenges the notion of Austria as a mere victim, urging a confrontation with forgotten atrocities to understand their impact on society today.

Nicholas Saunders, a counterculture pioneer, transformed British food with his innovative ideas and dedication to quality. He juggled his hippie ideals with capitalist ventures in 1970s London, influencing the culinary scene profoundly. Saunders revived traditional British culinary practices, navigating from engineering to the vibrant counterculture. His legacy includes fostering community-driven ethical businesses like Monmouth Coffee, and redefining the standards of authenticity and quality in British food culture, particularly through Neal's Yard.

Mark Miodownik, a materials science expert and writer, takes us on a captivating journey through the history of nitrous oxide. He discusses its transformation from a 18th-century novelty to a groundbreaking anesthetic that changed medicine. Miodownik shares insights on early experiments with various anesthetics and recounts Queen Victoria’s role in promoting chloroform. He also explores the cultural implications of laughing gas today, including its recreational use, highlighting its surreal and euphoric effects on consciousness.

Abiy Ahmed, Ethiopia's Prime Minister and Nobel Peace Prize winner, initially seen as a unifier, faces backlash amid a deepening civil conflict. Journalist Tom Gardner delves into the stark contrast between Abiy's reformative promises and the violent fallout in Tigray. They discuss his economic reforms and the chaos arising from ethnic tensions. The conversation unveils the complexities of political alliances and the catastrophic humanitarian crisis swirling around Ethiopia, illustrating how misjudgments have led to significant turmoil.