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 1, 2024 • 32min
Last love: a romance in a care home
A podcast explores the enchanting relationship between Mary and Derek as they bond over his singing voice. Mary's life is filled with challenges, athletics, marriage, and loss. Derek's personality, background, and his relationship with his family are explored. Deepening connection and blossoming romance between two elderly individuals in a care home. Mary reflects on her past with Derek, discussing her dreams, feelings of solitude, and the joys of growing old.
Dec 29, 2023 • 53min
Best of 2023: The widow and the murderer: a friendship born of tragedy
A widow receives a message from her husband's killer, leading to a surprising journey of forgiveness. The podcast explores the motivations of individuals involved in a violent conflict and the suffocating atmosphere created by ETA's violence. Repentant ETA convicts attempt to make amends with their victims' families. The podcast also delves into the process of confronting the past and meeting the victim's family, examining forgiveness and the changing political landscape in Basque country.
Dec 25, 2023 • 45min
Best of 2023: No coach, no agent, no ego: the incredible story of the ‘Lionel Messi of cliff diving’
Meet Gary Hunt, the greatest cliff diver of all time. Explore his incredible journey as he overcomes adversity, showcases mental strength, and innovates in the extreme sport of cliff diving. Follow his story of despair, struggles, and determination to make it to the Olympics at the age of 40. Discover the challenges, risks, and supportive environment among divers in this fascinating and inspiring podcast.
Dec 22, 2023 • 44min
Best of 2023: The strange survival of Guinness World Records
Exploring the decline and adaptation of Guinness World Records, the controversies they face, and the role of their adjudicators. It also highlights the power of meditation in achieving unexpected accomplishments and discusses the changing dynamics of the record-breaking industry.
Dec 18, 2023 • 46min
Best of 2023: Dismantling Sellafield: the epic task of shutting down a nuclear site
Explore the daunting task of decommissioning the Sellafield nuclear site, from its history to the expensive technology involved. Learn about the origins of uranium, the discovery of its radioactivity, and its use in nuclear reactors. Discover the challenges of managing hazardous waste at Cellophield and the long-term implications of radioactive waste. Delve into the dangers of radioactive leakage and the financial burden of maintaining the facility at Sellafield.
Dec 15, 2023 • 40min
Best of 2023: Proust, ChatGPT and the case of the forgotten quote
The podcast explores the rise of chat GPT and AI, with a humorous take on their limitations. It discusses the search for a quote in Proust's novel using chat GPT and reflects on memory, love, and writing in Proust's works. Frustration, an ad, and a follow-up interview on love affairs are discussed. Marcel Proust's examination of the relationship between past and present emotions is explored. The speaker shares frustration with an AI language model's inability to find a specific passage.
Dec 11, 2023 • 44min
Best of 2023: Dark waters: how the adventure of a lifetime turned to tragedy
Tragic death during a yacht race; investigation reveals risks and commercialization. Knox Johnson's dangerous adventure and potential business opportunity. Origins of Clipper Ventures and Simon Spears' dream. Training and preparation for the challenging race. Family seeks accountability and finds closure.
9 snips
Dec 8, 2023 • 41min
Nitrogen wars: the Dutch farmers’ revolt that turned a nation upside-down
Learn about the Dutch farmers' revolt and its impact on the nation. Explore the harmful effects of nitrogen pollution and the protests by Dutch farmers. Discover the story of a farming family and their plans to sell the farm. Uncover the challenges in addressing nitrogen emissions. Explore the connection between farmers' protests and far right ideology. Delve into the aftermath of the Dutch parliamentary elections.
Dec 6, 2023 • 36min
From the archive: The rise and fall of French cuisine
Exploring the challenges of finding a traditional, mid-range French meal in Paris and the evolving French restaurant scene influenced by economic factors and changing consumer preferences. The changing trends in French cuisine, adoption of global influences and new ideas in French restaurants, shift towards veganism, smaller plates, informality, and the decline of French cuisine. The history, rise, and decline of French cuisine from the 18th century to the post-World War II era, the invention of the restaurant, changing food trends, culinary lexicon, organization of restaurant kitchens, and establishment of restaurant pomp and performance. The influence of the Michelin Guide in shaping the French culinary industry, challenges faced by French restaurants, high expenses, and government interventions. Strict regulations and qualifications for culinary professions in France, tension between tradition and innovation in French cuisine.
Dec 4, 2023 • 26min
‘I remember the silence between the falling shells’: the terror of living under siege as a child
Exploring the terror and psychological impact on children living under siege during war, scarcity of resources, constant shelling, and the coping mechanisms and resilience of the family. The harrowing experiences of a child witnessing overcrowded hospitals and the profound impact of war on innocence. A demand to stop killing children and preserve life and humanity.
