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
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.
Jul 15, 2024 • 37min
Dirty waters: how the Environment Agency lost its way
The podcast delves into the Environment Agency's struggle to uphold its environmental watchdog role, calling out lack of funding leading to reduced pollution investigations. It highlights the leniency towards mega farms despite evidence of violations, and the challenges in regulating farming practices. A former employee's frustration over neglected warnings about England's rivers and the sudden shift towards prioritizing water quality are also discussed.
Jul 12, 2024 • 36min
Inside Mexico’s anti-avocado militias
The podcast delves into Mexico's avocado industry, covering topics such as cartel battles, water shortages, corruption, and the fightback of communities against avocado cultivation. It explores the challenges faced by avocado farmers, the environmental consequences of rapid farming growth, and the efforts of anti-avocado militias to protect forests and water sources.
Jul 10, 2024 • 45min
From the archive: ‘Colonialism had never really ended’: my life in the shadow of Cecil Rhodes
Simukai Chigudu reflects on the impact of colonialism in Zimbabwe and at Oxford, discussing challenges in reconciling identities, addressing lack of racial diversity in academia, and efforts in decolonization movements like Rhodes Must Fall.
Jul 8, 2024 • 28min
Where the wild things are: the untapped potential of our gardens, parks and balconies
Exploring the impact of urban development on natural habitats, the importance of gardens and green spaces in combating climate change, and the decline of wildlife species due to habitat loss and pesticide use. Encouraging individuals to take action to preserve biodiversity and create wildlife-friendly environments.
Jul 4, 2024 • 29min
How the Tories pushed universities to the brink of disaster
Exploring the impact of 14 years of Conservative Party governance on British universities, discussing funding crises, challenges with international student numbers, staff cuts, student debt concerns, difficulties in online learning, and the implications of Brexit on research funding. Delving into the history and consequences of tuition fee policies, market discipline, cultural controversies, government policies, and the need for change within the higher education sector.
Jul 3, 2024 • 32min
From the archive: Ten ways to confront the climate crisis without losing hope
Environmental writer and activist, Rebecca Solnit, discusses strategies like grassroots movements and democratic organizing to combat the climate crisis, emphasizing the urgency to reduce fossil fuel usage by 2030 while maintaining hope. She highlights the emotional aspect of climate activism, the significance of holding onto idealism, and the positive impact of climate activism such as divestment from fossil fuels and halting the Keystone XL pipeline.
Jul 1, 2024 • 38min
‘Natty or not?’: how steroids got big
Exploring the rising trend of steroid use outside of bodybuilding, including its risks and consequences. Delving into the influence of social media in promoting strength training, and discussing the contrasting approaches to steroid regulation globally. Sharing personal stories of individuals facing temptations and consequences of steroid use.
Jun 28, 2024 • 34min
Nairobi to New York and back: the loneliness of the internationally educated elite
Exploring the challenges faced by internationally educated Kenyans returning home, the podcast discusses the cultural fusion at a Kenyan festival, contrasting lives of American-educated Kenyan girls, and the bond of elite friends sharing experiences of loneliness and ambition.
Jun 26, 2024 • 42min
From the archive: Brazilian butt lift: behind the world’s most dangerous cosmetic surgery
The podcast delves into the rising trend of Brazilian butt lifts, highlighting the dangers and high mortality rates associated with the procedure. It explores the historical context of cosmetic surgery in Brazil, touching on societal beauty standards and the unattainable expectations imposed by interventions. The risks and realities of Brazilian butt lift surgeries are discussed, including post-operative challenges and irresponsible marketing practices by clinics. The podcast also explores the commercial advantages of these surgeries, emphasizing the cycle of striving for perfection and the effects of aging on the body.
