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
May 10, 2024 • 30min
The true cost of El Salvador’s new gold rush
El Salvador's ban on metal mining is at risk as government considers reversing it, sparking tensions with environmental activists. The podcast discusses the challenges faced by advocates, unjust detentions, tragic consequences of activism, legal battles over mining rights, and political turmoil in the region.
6 snips
May 8, 2024 • 39min
From the archive: The age of perpetual crisis – how the 2010s disrupted everything but resolved nothing
Exploring the chaos and crises of the 2010s, from Brexit to climate change. Delving into societal coping mechanisms like comfort food resurgence and self-improvement trends. Reflecting on unresolved crises and uncertain futures marked by Brexit, populism, and technological advancements.
May 6, 2024 • 30min
How child labour in India makes the paving stones beneath our feet
The podcast delves into the harsh realities of child labor in India's sandstone industry, revealing the exploitative conditions faced by young workers like Saunal and Anita. It also discusses the efforts of companies like Marshalls to address child labor in the supply chain, as well as the stories of children like Ummor and Bulja in the cobblestone industry. The episode sheds light on the challenges faced by stone workers and the lack of support for those suffering from diseases like silicosis.
May 3, 2024 • 37min
Solar storms, ice cores and nuns’ teeth: the new science of history
Explore the blend of ancient history and modern science, revealing secrets of the Scythians, historical catastrophes of 536, and the Justinian Plague. Uncover mysteries through paleogenetics and scientific analysis, reshaping historical narratives with precision and detail.
May 1, 2024 • 46min
From the archive: The battle over dyslexia
The podcast delves into the evolving perception of dyslexia diagnosis, challenges traditional beliefs, explores myths and complexities surrounding dyslexia, highlights socio-economic disparities in diagnosis rates, follows a mother's fight for her daughter's education, and sheds light on dyslexia support challenges in a deprived district.
4 snips
Apr 29, 2024 • 34min
The new science of death: ‘There’s something happening in the brain that makes no sense’
Exploring the mysteries of the dying process, including near-death experiences and evolving research on consciousness. Debating the boundaries of death and resuscitation, challenging traditional beliefs. Delving into the enigmatic science of brain activity during death, hinting at revolutionary findings.
Apr 26, 2024 • 33min
Solidarity and strategy: the forgotten lessons of truly effective protest
Astra Taylor and Leah Hunt-Hendrix discuss the power of organizing and solidarity in effective protests. They delve into historical movements, the importance of collective action, and the transformative impact of grassroots organizing. The podcast explores the evolution of disability rights activism and highlights the need for engaged community-driven movements for lasting change.
Apr 24, 2024 • 43min
From the archive: How Hindu supremacists are tearing India apart
Investigative journalist Samanth Subramanian explores how Hindu supremacists are reshaping India under Modi's BJP. They discuss the rise of Hindutva influence in universities, the power of ABVP, controversial citizenship acts, BJP's Hindu-centric agenda, and the dangers of exclusionary politics in India. An insightful look at the erosion of democratic institutions and the implications on minority rights.
7 snips
Apr 22, 2024 • 43min
What is the real Hamas?
Exploring the origins and evolution of Hamas, its shift from militants to governance, and the challenges faced in governing Gaza. Delving into the political dilemmas of Hamas within Palestinian context, including their stance on the two-state solution and ties to the PLO. Analyzing the proposal to exile Hamas leaders for a ceasefire and the differing perspectives on Hamas from Israeli and Palestinian actors.
Apr 19, 2024 • 45min
A historic revolt, a forgotten hero, an empty plinth: is there a right way to remember slavery?
Vincent Brown, author of a book about an 18th-century Jamaica uprising, questions the campaign to honor its leader. The podcast delves into the complexities of commemorating slavery in Jamaica, exploring themes of historical representation and personal dedication in honoring ancestors.
