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
Aug 9, 2024 • 50min
Best of 2024 … so far: Hippy, capitalist, guru, grocer: the forgotten genius who changed British food
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.
Aug 5, 2024 • 28min
Revolution in the air: how laughing gas changed the world
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.
Aug 2, 2024 • 34min
From Nobel peace prize to civil war: how Ethiopia’s leader beguiled the world
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.
Jul 31, 2024 • 41min
From the archive: From Game of Thrones to The Crown: the woman who turns actors into stars
Nina Gold, a prominent casting director known for her work on hit series like Game of Thrones and Chernobyl, shares insights into her transformative role in the entertainment industry. She discusses the art of spotting fresh talent and the high-stakes nature of auditions, revealing the emotional rollercoaster actors face. Gold also reflects on the challenges of gender biases within casting and the complex blend of artistic vision and commercial demands that shape her casting decisions. Her anecdotes highlight the invisible yet vital impact of casting on storytelling.
Jul 29, 2024 • 36min
Chortle chortle, scribble scribble: inside the Old Bailey with Britain’s last court reporters
Dive into the intriguing world of court reporters at the Old Bailey. Discover their daily routines and the challenges they face covering grim criminal cases. Explore a humorous tale involving a wealthy tailor that highlights the nostalgia of seasoned reporters. Learn how they're adapting amidst rising crime rates and digital reforms, impacting their storytelling. Gain insight into the vital role these reporters play in documenting trials, shaping public understanding of justice, and navigating courtroom rituals.
Jul 26, 2024 • 25min
‘I’m good, I promise’: the loneliness of the low-ranking tennis player
Former Ireland's No 1 tennis player, Conor Niland, shares the brutal reality of life as a low-ranking tennis player, including isolation, financial hardships, and competitive pressures. He explores the challenges faced on the lower tiers of professional tennis, encounters with big names like Andre Agassi, and the struggle to find warm-up partners. Niland provides insights into the loneliness and competitiveness of striving for success in the sport.
Jul 24, 2024 • 35min
From the archive: ‘As borders closed, I became trapped in my Americanness’: China, the US and me
Delving into cultural roots, family loss, and identity, the narrator navigates between the US and China. Reflecting on family history, the challenges of maintaining connections across borders, and the impact of technology on relationships. The complexity of cultural identity, intergenerational ties, and the struggle of being torn between two worlds.
Jul 22, 2024 • 33min
‘If there’s nowhere else to go, this is where they come’: how Britain’s libraries provide much more than books
Explore the diverse and vital roles of Britain's libraries, serving as shelters, language schools, and asylum support providers. Learn about the challenges faced, such as closures and budget cuts, and how libraries have become essential community hubs offering much more than just books.
Jul 19, 2024 • 37min
‘How do I heal?’: the long wait for justice after a black man dies in police custody
Exploring the deaths of unarmed black men in police custody, highlighting the lack of accountability and racial biases within law enforcement. The podcast delves into the challenges faced by bereaved families seeking justice and healing, exposing systemic failures and lack of urgency in addressing these tragedies.
Jul 17, 2024 • 38min
From the archive: The elephant vanishes: how a circus family went on the run
Follow the story of a circus family and their elephant, Dumba, as they escape from animal rights activists, settle in a village in France, and face backlash. Learn about the changing views on using wild animals in circuses, the compassionate nature of elephants, and the challenges of rescuing and relocating former circus elephants to sanctuaries.
