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
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.
Dec 1, 2023 • 36min
A violent murder, a child on death row
A troubled teenager commits a violent murder, leading to a death sentence. The aftermath of the murder and the involvement of the prosecutor are explored. The victim's grandson contemplates forgiveness and writes a letter of forgiveness to the girl on death row.
Nov 29, 2023 • 44min
From the archive: ‘We the people’: the battle to define populism
Explore the meaning of populism and its impact on democracy. Examine the various forms of populism and the controversies surrounding its definition. Discuss the relationship between populism, Marxism, and political conflict. Uncover the challenges of identifying and understanding populism. Examine the clash between populism and liberal democracy.
Nov 27, 2023 • 37min
The Netanyahu doctrine: how Israel’s longest-serving leader reshaped the country in his image
Exploring the impact of Benjamin Netanyahu's long rule in Israel, including his rise to power and reshaping of the political landscape. Delving into the consequences of his security policies, coalition negotiations, and annexation measures on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Discussing his failures in intelligence and foreign relations, as well as the political crisis in Israel. Highlighting potential successors and their impact on Israel's occupation management and relations with the West.
Nov 24, 2023 • 54min
Chainsaws, disguises and toxic tea: the battle for Sheffield’s trees
This podcast explores the battle in Sheffield over tree removal, with a focus on the motivations behind the project, the protests that ensued, and the conflict between campaigners and the council. It discusses the experiences of individuals involved in the protests, including arrests and forming a WhatsApp group. The intense battle between protesters and arborists, the efforts to find peaceful solutions, and the consequences of leadership failure are also examined. Additionally, the podcast briefly touches on the impact of 1988 on hip-hop culture.
Nov 22, 2023 • 53min
From the archive: How the murders of two elderly Jewish women shook France
The podcast explores the shocking murders of two elderly Jewish women in France, delving into the political backdrop surrounding Macron's election and his efforts to combat far-right extremism. It discusses historical themes, including the lingering impact of Vichy and the connection between Islamist terrorist violence and antisemitic attacks. The influence of Jewish identity on victimization is explored, as well as the tensions and suspicions among residents following a murder. The issue of anti-Semitism in contemporary France is discussed, along with efforts to combat hatred and the controversy surrounding banning portions of the Quran.
5 snips
Nov 20, 2023 • 37min
‘I stopped counting how many friends died’: life after the contaminated blood scandal
A personal account of the contaminated blood scandal explores the devastating consequences of HIV and Hepatitis C. The podcast discusses the start of the inquiry and the promise to put those affected at the heart of it. It also highlights the personal experiences and struggles of individuals impacted by the contaminated blood scandal. The impact of HIV on the hemophilia community is explored, including the stigma and lack of referrals to HIV specialists.
Nov 17, 2023 • 37min
Inside the Taliban’s luxury hotel
Explore the history and significance of the Intercontinental Hotel in Kabul, now under Taliban control, as a symbol of power. Learn about the hotel's fading glory, the integration and experimentation of the Taliban in the government. Discover the historical account of Kabul's iconic Pamir Saper Club and delve into the life of Sir Adjidin Hakani, the Minister of Interior Affairs. Get a glimpse into the operations of the Intercontinental hotel under Taliban control and enjoy stories from the hip-hop scene in 1988.
Nov 15, 2023 • 25min
Special Edition: Behind the scenes at the Long Read
This podcast discusses the production process of The Guardian's Long Read, the importance of finding central characters and captivating endings, animating everyday objects and experiences in writing, a controversial book about the rise and fall of a crypto titan, the writers' reflection on their experience, and the evolution and unique value of the Long Read section at The Guardian.
Nov 13, 2023 • 34min
The mass protest decade: why did the street movements of the 2010s fail?
Exploring the global wave of mass protests from 2010 to 2020, this podcast reveals why many of the protests led to unintended consequences. It discusses the role of Students for a Democratic Society (SDS) in shaping protests and explores the initial protests against police brutality in Egypt. It also dives into the emergence and struggles of the MPL movement in Brazil, which campaigned for free public transport.
