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
Oct 21, 2024 • 33min
‘For me, there was no other choice’: inside the global illegal organ trade
In this engaging discussion, journalist Seán Columb sheds light on his investigations into the global illegal organ trade. He shares chilling stories of individuals like Jonas, who become ensnared in this dark world due to desperation. Columb reveals how vulnerable people are exploited by criminal networks and details a harrowing journey from Sudan to Europe, exposing the grim realities of human trafficking. He also provides insight into the mindset of brokers who profit from this trade, offering a stark view of morality in chaos.
Oct 18, 2024 • 1h 10min
How oligarchs took on the UK fraud squad – and won
Tom Burgis, an investigative journalist, discusses his deep dive into the ENRC case, a convoluted tale of oligarchs battling the UK’s fraud squad. He reveals how a routine investigation spiraled into a decade-long saga of legal battles. The discussion unveils the challenges faced by law enforcement when confronting corporate crime, as well as the heavy toll it takes on public resources. Burgis sheds light on the implications of wealth and power in the pursuit of justice, reshaping perceptions of accountability in the UK.
Oct 16, 2024 • 41min
10 years of the long read: Man v rat: could the long war soon be over? (2016)
Guest Jordan Kisner, author of "Man vs. Rat," dives into the age-old battle between humans and rats. She shares her journey from skepticism to understanding the urgency of effective rat control. The discussion reveals innovative solutions like ContraPest, a humane contraceptive for rats that challenges traditional extermination methods. Kisner also highlights the importance of scientific research and independent journalism in addressing urban rodent issues. Tune in for a fascinating look at our unlikely foes and the quest for sustainable pest management!
Oct 14, 2024 • 34min
Morality and rules, and how to avoid drowning: what my daughters learned at school in China
Peter Hessler, an acclaimed author, shares insights from his twin daughters' two-year journey in public school in Chengdu, China. He explores the cautionary tales integral to their education, underscoring how national pride is woven into the curriculum. Hessler contrasts the competitive nature of Chinese classrooms with American dynamics and reflects on cultural expectations around academic success. Through heartfelt anecdotes, he highlights the enriching lessons of Chinese poetry and the emotional connections fostered between teachers and students.
Oct 11, 2024 • 48min
The shapeshifter: who is the real Giorgia Meloni?
Alexander Stille, an insightful journalist and author, takes listeners on a deep dive into Giorgia Meloni’s fascinating rise to power as Italy's Prime Minister. The discussion highlights her unique blend of traditional and contemporary leadership styles during key global events like the G7 Summit. Stille examines her controversial roots, including a connection to far-right ideology shaped by fantasy literature. He also addresses Italy's economic challenges and Meloni's complex immigration policies, raising crucial questions about her impact on the future.
Oct 9, 2024 • 41min
10 years of the long read: Farewell to America (2015)
Gary Younge, former US correspondent for The Guardian and professor at the University of Manchester, reflects on his decade in America, navigating its turbulent political landscape from Obama to Trump. He delves into racial tensions highlighted by movements like Black Lives Matter, emphasizing the fragile nature of social justice. Younge examines systemic inequalities and the complex dynamics of race, particularly how black Americans face unique challenges in society. Through personal anecdotes, he poignantly addresses the ongoing struggle for equity amidst pervasive injustices.
Oct 7, 2024 • 34min
The cocaine kingpin’s wildest legacy: what can be done with Pablo Escobar’s marauding hippos?
In this fascinating discussion, Joshua Hammer, an author who delves into the intersection of wildlife and human impact, explores Pablo Escobar's notorious legacy through the lens of his hippos. The conversation highlights how these non-native animals have proliferated in Colombia, disrupting local ecosystems. Hammer shares gripping stories about conservation efforts, including the challenges of surgical intervention. The ethical questions surrounding their management and the socio-economic effects on communities add layers to this wild tale of coexistence.
Oct 4, 2024 • 28min
‘Like a cheese grater raking across my nipple’: why I kept trying to breastfeed for so long
Niamh Campbell, an independent journalist, shares her candid experiences with breastfeeding, exploring the emotional turmoil and societal pressures that influenced her journey. She discusses the intense commitment driven by the fear of inadequacy and the struggle against an often formula-driven culture. Vivid imagery highlights both the joy and isolation of motherhood, revealing poignant reflections on personal and societal expectations. The conversation combines humor and honesty, painting a relatable picture of the challenges new mothers face.
Oct 2, 2024 • 43min
10 years of the long read: Is this the end of Britishness? (2014)
Ian Jack, a thoughtful writer, dives deep into the complex identity of the United Kingdom as it marks a decade of Long Read features. He reflects on the fragile nature of Britishness and the potential impact of Scotland's independence vote. Exploring the historical intricacies, Jack discusses the evolving sentiments of Scottish nationalism and the contributions of 18th-century events to British identity. Through personal anecdotes, he captures the tension between regional pride and the collective history, pondering whether we should mourn the potential loss of this intricate identity.
Oct 1, 2024 • 30min
Special Edition: 10 years of the Guardian Long Read
David Wolf, the editor, and Clare Longrigg, the deputy editor, are joined by Jonathan Shainin, the founder of The Long Read. They celebrate a decade of long-form journalism amidst the rise of quick-click content, discussing the cultural impact of key articles, including the death of the Queen. The team shares captivating stories from conflict zones, like evacuating a family in Khartoum, to quirky investigations into British sandwich culture. They reflect on the evolution and future of storytelling in an ever-changing media landscape.
