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
Mar 4, 2024 • 50min
What the unrest in Leicester revealed about Britain – and Modi’s India
Exploring the unrest in Leicester, the podcast touches on clashes between Hindus and Muslims, political influences, economic challenges, impact of austerity on local politics, evolution of South Asian communities, hindutva ideology, and community activism.
7 snips
Mar 2, 2024 • 15min
The Guardian’s new podcast series about AI: Black Box – prologue
Exploring the human side of AI, Hannah's relationship with AI entity Noah raises concerns. The podcast delves into navigating boundaries, loneliness in the pandemic, and emotional complexities of human-AI connections.
Mar 1, 2024 • 48min
Precipice of fear: the freerider who took skiing to its limits
Discover the thrilling world of extreme skiing with Jérémie Heitz, as he pushes freeriding to new limits. Explore the risks, challenges, and evolution of steep skiing in the western Alps. From modest beginnings to skiing stardom, learn about the journey of this renowned free rider. Delve into the world of free riding and sponsorships in skiing, uncovering the fusion of mountaineering and skiing, sponsor dynamics, and the darker side of the sport.
Feb 28, 2024 • 36min
From the archive: How maverick rewilders are trying to turn back the tide of extinction
Exploring the daring actions of maverick rewilders who clandestinely breed and release endangered species. They risk breaking the law to save animals they love. Follow the clash between traditional conservationists and these unconventional saviors as they reintroduce rare species into the wild.
Feb 26, 2024 • 35min
‘Farming is a dirty word now’: the woman helping farmers navigate a grim, uncertain future
A woman guides farmers through tough industry questions, succession planning dilemmas, farm ownership shifts in Scotland, youth commitment to agriculture, and emotional family farming dilemmas. The podcast explores the deep ties of family farms in Britain and the challenges they face.
Feb 23, 2024 • 23min
‘Ukraine fatigue’: why I’m fighting to stop the world forgetting us
The podcast explores Ukraine's struggle for international support, reflecting on historical identity and the transformation of its global perception. It delves into the challenges faced by displaced Ukrainians and the need for continued support for lasting victory. Additionally, the episode discusses reshaping digital strategies for universities in the human-centered era.
Feb 21, 2024 • 32min
From the archive: Penthouses and poor doors: how Europe’s ‘biggest regeneration project’ fell flat
Exploring the controversial 'poor doors' and class divisions in London's luxury residential developments. Contrasts between penthouses and council estates in Vauxhall Nine Elms Battersea, with allegations of cronyism. Critique of management of affordable housing and the surge of luxury skyscrapers in the Nine Elms area, highlighting social cleansing concerns.
Feb 19, 2024 • 27min
‘Scars on every street’: the refugee camp where generations of Palestinians have lost their futures
Journalist Ghaith Abdul-Ahad discusses the struggles of Palestinian refugees in camps like Shatila, drawing parallels with the potential fate of Gaza. Topics include the harsh living conditions, historical and political implications, traumatic events like the 1982 massacre, and the intergenerational impact of displacement on families.
Feb 16, 2024 • 41min
‘They were dying, and they’d not had their money’: Britain’s multibillion-pound equal pay scandal
Glasgow council's compensation offer for historic pay inequality falls short again; workers all over the UK join the fight. The slow progress in Glasgow, personal experiences of the fight for equal pay, the impact of the scandal on Birmingham City Council's finances, and the frustration and inspiration in the ongoing battle for equality.
Feb 14, 2024 • 36min
From the archive: The air conditioning trap: how cold air is heating the world
This podcast discusses the impact of air conditioning on electricity grids and the environment, the rise of air conditioning in post-war America, the global spread of air conditioning, and the approach to air conditioning and the need for alternatives.
