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
25 snips
Sep 9, 2024 • 34min
‘A diagnosis can sweep away guilt’: the delicate art of treating ADHD
Jack Goulder, a seasoned doctor specializing in ADHD diagnoses for children, shares insights on the complicated journey families face. He emphasizes how a proper diagnosis can ease the emotional burden of guilt linked to attention challenges. The discussion highlights the nuances in diagnosing ADHD, particularly distinguishing between overt and subtle symptoms. Goulder also reflects on how social media influences self-diagnosis among teenagers, especially post-pandemic, revealing the significant impact of mental health language on young identities.
Sep 6, 2024 • 51min
From the archive – ‘A merry-go-round of buck-passing’: inside the four-year Grenfell inquiry
Explore the harrowing details behind the Grenfell Tower tragedy, where systemic failures and a culture of buck-passing led to devastating consequences. Hear emotional testimonies from victims' families and insights into the construction industry's profit-driven decisions. Discover the chilling role of corporate negligence and inadequate oversight in the tragedy. The inquiry sheds light on the importance of accountability in preventing future disasters and highlights the troubling disconnect within modern supply chains that fosters evasion of responsibility.
15 snips
Sep 4, 2024 • 36min
From the KKK to the state house: how neo-Nazi David Duke won office
David Duke, a former grand wizard of the Ku Klux Klan, reflects on his controversial rise to political power in Louisiana during the 1980s. The discussion highlights how his extremist ideologies managed to gain traction in mainstream politics. Duke shares insights on his identity struggles and attempts at respectability, including questionable publications. The conversation also examines the socio-political landscape of Louisiana during his ascent and the racial dynamics that shaped his unexpected success and the legacy of division he left behind.
4 snips
Sep 2, 2024 • 29min
‘Nobody knows what I know’: how a loyal RSS member abandoned Hindu nationalism
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.
Aug 30, 2024 • 39min
Best of 2024 … so far: Solar storms, ice cores and nuns’ teeth: the new science of history
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.
Aug 26, 2024 • 43min
‘It comes for your very soul’: how Alzheimer’s undid my dazzling, creative wife in her 40s
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.
Aug 23, 2024 • 30min
Best of 2024 … so far: ‘Scars on every street’: the refugee camp where generations of Palestinians have lost their futures
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.
Aug 19, 2024 • 27min
Food, water, wifi: is this the future of humanitarian aid?
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.
Aug 16, 2024 • 43min
Best of 2024…so far: ‘They were dying, and they’d not had their money’: Britain’s multibillion-pound equal pay scandal
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.
Aug 12, 2024 • 35min
My family and other Nazis
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.
