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
Apr 17, 2024 • 57min
From the archive: Did Brazil’s evangelical superstar have her husband killed?
A Brazilian evangelical superstar with a fascinating rise to fame and political power is now on trial for murder. The complex narrative of her life, global travels, emotional connections, and political ascent are discussed. Betrayal and a murder plot unfold, leading to tragic consequences in a deadly police raid.
Apr 15, 2024 • 34min
Rage, waste and corruption: how Covid changed politics
Explore how Covid-19 has reshaped politics, causing rage, waste, and corruption. Reflect on the lingering effects of the pandemic, comparing global responses and political fallout. Delve into the financial implications, public support, and the future of US elections post-Covid.
Apr 12, 2024 • 29min
Disappearing tongues: the endangered language crisis
Exploring the urgency of documenting endangered languages, challenges faced by speakers, and revitalization movements worldwide. Emphasizing the significance of linguistic diversity and the need for collaborative efforts to preserve mother tongues.
Apr 10, 2024 • 37min
From the archive: The mystery of the Gatwick drone
The podcast discusses the mystery of the Gatwick drone incident in 2018, exploring the chaos at the airport, ongoing investigations, drone enthusiasts' concerns, unanswered questions, regulatory changes, and the fallout post-incident, including wrongful arrests and airport operations impact.
Apr 8, 2024 • 42min
‘What’s the worst that could happen?’: Love in the sickle cell capital of the world
Explore the complexities of love, genetics, and parenthood in Nigeria's sickle cell capital. Follow the emotional journeys of couples facing societal pressures and personal choices. Learn about the challenges of living with sickle cell disease and the impact on relationships and families.
Apr 5, 2024 • 25min
Radioactive waste, baby bottles and Spam: the deep ocean has become a dumping ground
Explore the deep ocean's role as a dumping ground for radioactive waste, baby bottles, and Spam, revealing the interconnectedness of the planet. Learn about the rich biodiversity thriving around hydrothermal vents and the historical significance of the deep ocean. Delve into the environmental impacts of using the ocean as a dumping ground and discover its role as a vital contributor to the planet's biosphere.
Apr 3, 2024 • 40min
From the archive – Out of thin air: the mystery of the man who fell from the sky
Exploring the intersection of global insecurity and refugee crises, the podcast investigates the mysterious case of a man who fell from the sky into a residential garden. The narrative delves into the challenges faced by authorities in identifying the stowaway and sheds light on the desperate risks taken by individuals seeking safety in hostile environments. It also uncovers the enigma of aviation stowaways and the human stories behind their perilous journeys, highlighting the complexities and dangers of such acts.
Apr 1, 2024 • 27min
200 cats, 200 dogs, one lab: the secrets of the pet food industry
Discover the secrets of the £120bn pet food industry, with insights into the Waltham Pet Care Science Institute's research involving 200 dogs and cats. Explore the evolution of pet food from table scraps to specialized formulations, including the challenges of catering to cat food preferences and forming a unique bond with beloved pets.
Mar 29, 2024 • 25min
Power grab: the hidden costs of Ireland’s datacentre boom
Explore the impact of data centres in Ireland's tech boom, with discussions on energy consumption, historical memory preservation, challenges of digitization, and the environmental implications. Is our reliance on data centres risking our memories and the environment?
Mar 27, 2024 • 36min
From the archive: ‘Is anybody in there?’ Life on the inside as a locked-in patient
Guest, Jake Haendel, shares his experience of being trapped in his body with locked-in syndrome. The podcast explores his struggles with addiction, health deterioration, and the challenges of trapped consciousness. It delves into his journey of recovery, showcasing the power of the mind in overcoming obstacles.
