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 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.
Sep 30, 2024 • 27min
Strange and wondrous creatures: plankton and the origins of life on Earth
Ferris Jabr, a journalist specializing in environmental issues, dives into the fascinating world of plankton and their foundational role in marine ecosystems. He unveils how these tiny organisms are crucial for the ocean's health and the existence of complex life on Earth. The discussion highlights the impact of environmental changes on plankton blooms and their historical significance in shaping our planet's climate and human civilization. Jabr paints a vivid picture of a world without plankton, reminding us of their indispensable contribution to life.
17 snips
Sep 27, 2024 • 33min
No god in the machine: the pitfalls of AI worship
Navneet Alang, an insightful author, dives into the hype surrounding artificial intelligence and its societal implications. He warns against over-reliance on AI, suggesting that our fascination may cloud critical thinking. The conversation touches on the dual nature of AI's evolution, balancing promise with peril. Alang questions our expectations of AI regarding consciousness and morality while emphasizing the limitations of tech in solving complex issues. Ultimately, he invites a reflection on how AI reshapes daily life while fundamental human experiences remain timeless.
11 snips
Sep 25, 2024 • 39min
From the archive: The unravelling of a conspiracy: were the 16 charged with plotting to kill India’s prime minister framed?
Siddhartha Deb, a keen writer and journalist renowned for tackling intricate social issues, sheds light on the harrowing plight of 16 activists accused of plotting against India's Prime Minister. The discussion reveals the troubling manipulation of evidence and the crackdown on dissent in Modi's India. From the dubious arrest of human rights activist Rona Wilson to the misuse of anti-terror laws, Deb highlights a chilling narrative of repression, underscoring the dangerous implications for democracy and civil liberties.
Sep 23, 2024 • 33min
On board the Creed cruise: the unfathomable return of the ‘worst band of the 90s’
A lively cruise turns into a nostalgia-fueled celebration for fans of a once-mocked 90s rock band. Listeners dive into the emotional connections that fans feel towards the music and the unexpected resurgence of the band's popularity. The narrative highlights a vibrant live performance, capturing the atmosphere of joy and reflection as fans bask in shared memories. Celebrating their controversial legacy, the podcast explores how perceptions transform over time, revealing deep ties and a sense of redemption among loyal followers.
Sep 20, 2024 • 32min
A Chinese-born writer’s quest to understand the Vikings, Normans and life on the English coast
Xiaolu Guo is a Chinese-born writer navigating her new life in England. She shares her emotional journey of belonging and identity, reflecting on her immigrant experience near the historic Hastings coast. The discussion intertwines personal narratives with Anglo-Saxon history, especially the Battle of Hastings, exploring nostalgia and cultural connections. Guo also critically analyzes the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle’s value, drawing parallels between historical conflicts in England and China, and delves into the complexities of migration and the legacies that shape identity.
Sep 18, 2024 • 54min
From the archive: The invention of whiteness: the long history of a dangerous idea
Robert P. Baird, an insightful author on racial identity, delves into the historical concept of whiteness, emphasizing its creation before the 17th century and its reshaping of modern society. He explores the implications of whiteness through various lenses, including its cultural satire and the serious critique it faces today. Baird links the legacy of whiteness to systemic racism, the evolution of public discourse post-World War II, and ongoing social movements like Black Lives Matter, ultimately arguing for transformation through conscious effort.
Sep 16, 2024 • 44min
Ukraine’s death-defying art rescuers
In this engaging discussion, a historian from Kyiv passionately details his mission to safeguard Ukraine’s cultural heritage amid the war. He shares harrowing tales of rescuing priceless artwork from conflict zones, emphasizing the emotional and physical risks involved. The conversation highlights the crucial link between cultural preservation and national identity, showcasing the unwavering determination of volunteers as they navigate perilous situations to protect their local heritage. Prepare to be inspired by their resilience and bravery!
Sep 13, 2024 • 1h 4min
As a former IDF soldier and historian of genocide, I was deeply disturbed by my recent visit to Israel
Omer Bartov, a former IDF soldier and historian of genocide, shares his poignant reflections on a recent visit to Israel, where he faced protests reflecting troubling historical parallels. He discusses the moral complexities of current Israeli society amid the ongoing conflict and the unsettling mindset of students and soldiers justifying violence. Bartov also critiques the emotional turmoil surrounding Gaza, emphasizing the need for empathy, and contemplates missed chances for reconciliation during the Oslo peace process. His insights provoke deep thought on the implications of history and the quest for coexistence.
Sep 11, 2024 • 40min
From the archive: Death on demand: has euthanasia gone too far?
Christopher de Bellaigue dives into the controversial topic of euthanasia, examining its implications across various countries. He shares his personal journey through loss, shedding light on the evolving laws in the Netherlands. The discussion reveals the ethical dilemmas faced by healthcare providers, particularly regarding consent in mental health cases. De Bellaigue raises critical questions about patient autonomy and the broader societal impacts of liberalizing assisted dying, urging a careful and reflective approach to this sensitive issue.
