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
Jan 24, 2024 • 39min
From the archive: ‘I just needed to find my family’: the scandal of Chile’s stolen children – podcast
Maria Diemar, a woman adopted from Chile, uncovers the scandal of stolen children. The podcast explores the challenges of investigating international adoptions, the betrayal of adoptive parents, and the lack of systemic investigation. It also follows Diemar's journey to discover her roots and reconnect with her birth mother.
Jan 22, 2024 • 36min
We have a tool to stop Israel’s war crimes: BDS
This podcast explores the strategy and potential power of the BDS movement in addressing Israel's violations of international law. It discusses the tactics used by BDS, the danger of allowing a state to act with impunity, and the legal intimidation faced by BDS supporters. It also highlights the growing acceptance and effectiveness of BDS as a non-violent response to Israel's war crimes, emphasizing the need for international intervention and accountability.
Jan 19, 2024 • 28min
The ghosts haunting China’s cities
Explore the prevalence of ghostly beliefs in urban China and their impact on social life and urban space. Learn about unique funeral rituals in Nanjing and the fear of death and burial places in China's major cities. Discover the presence of death and ghosts in China's cities, despite the lack of visits to cemeteries and funeral homes.
Jan 17, 2024 • 44min
From the archive: Inside the bizarre, bungled raid on North Korea’s Madrid embassy
A bizarre raid on the North Korean embassy in Madrid and its potential impact on US-North Korea negotiations. A gang of armed men held embassy staff captive and tried to convince an official to defect. The raid raises questions about the attackers' identities and motives. The podcast also explores the involvement of individuals and organizations in the case, including Adrian Hong's activism and the role of John Bolton. It discusses the waning US influence, the release of a suspect on bail, and the struggles of North Koreans.
Jan 15, 2024 • 47min
‘They treated me like an animal’: how Filipino domestic workers become trapped
Exploring the mistreatment of Filipino domestic workers, their vulnerability and the challenges they face. Discussing the significant contributions of Filipino domestic workers in London and their involvement in support networks and activist organizations. Highlighting the exploitation and vulnerability of Filipino workers abroad. Following the harrowing journey of Marakris, who was trafficked as a pregnancy surrogate in China and faces threats on social media. Shedding light on the challenges faced by Filipino workers abroad and the efforts to address these issues. Reflecting on the reality of being a Filipino domestic worker and the responsibilities that come with it.
Jan 12, 2024 • 26min
America’s undying empire: why the decline of US power has been greatly exaggerated
Explore the arguments for and against the idea of the United States as an empire in decline. Analyze the significance of Joe Biden's win in the US presidential election of 2020. Examine the decline of American power through Trump's presidency, US withdrawal from Afghanistan, the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and Israel's actions in Gaza. Discover the role of the US in supplying Israel during the Gaza campaign and the challenges to American dominance by the global financial crisis and China's rise.
Jan 10, 2024 • 39min
From the archive: How Nespresso’s coffee revolution got ground down
Explore the history and challenges faced by Nespresso as a company, including its transformation into a luxury brand. Discover the disputed origins of Nespresso and its rise to success. Learn about Nespresso's successful branding with George Clooney and its global expansion. Dive into the environmental impact of Nespresso pods and the potential of reusable pods.
Jan 8, 2024 • 35min
Four bike rides, four years in the life of Black Britain: ‘On the road, we found ourselves again’
Explore a powerful annual Black Unity bike ride in London during the pandemic, reflecting on COVID-19's impact on the Black community and the Black Lives Matter movement. Encounter with a man selling CMOS and alkaline water as cancer preventatives. Diminishing enthusiasm for racial equality amidst the challenges of racism and the pandemic. A reflection on the changes in the Notting Hill Carnival, Prime Ministers, and the presence of young children and babies during the fourth bike ride.
5 snips
Jan 5, 2024 • 31min
Too much stuff: can we solve our addiction to consumerism?
An exploration of an active landfill and the consequences of consumerism. Motivations for minimalism and living with less, and the critiques of minimalism. Plastic pollution in our oceans and the challenges of cleaning up microplastics.
9 snips
Jan 3, 2024 • 35min
From the archive: Dark crystals: the brutal reality behind a booming wellness craze
This podcast explores the dark reality behind the booming crystal industry, highlighting dangerous mining conditions, child labor, and tragic deaths. It also discusses the lack of regulations and the growing demand for ethically sourced crystals. Additionally, the podcast explores the responsibility of retailers and consumers in addressing ethical concerns and the potential healing powers of crystals.
