The Audio Long Read

Exploring the deaths of unarmed black men in police custody, highlighting the lack of accountability and racial biases within law enforcement. The podcast delves into the challenges faced by bereaved families seeking justice and healing, exposing systemic failures and lack of urgency in addressing these tragedies.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.