The Audio Long Read

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.