

The Audio Long Read
The Guardian
Three times a week, The Audio Long Read podcast brings you the Guardian’s exceptional longform journalism in audio form. Covering topics from politics and culture to philosophy and sport, as well as investigations and current affairs.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Apr 17, 2024 • 57min
From the archive: Did Brazil’s evangelical superstar have her husband killed?
A Brazilian evangelical superstar with a fascinating rise to fame and political power is now on trial for murder. The complex narrative of her life, global travels, emotional connections, and political ascent are discussed. Betrayal and a murder plot unfold, leading to tragic consequences in a deadly police raid.

Apr 15, 2024 • 34min
Rage, waste and corruption: how Covid changed politics
Explore how Covid-19 has reshaped politics, causing rage, waste, and corruption. Reflect on the lingering effects of the pandemic, comparing global responses and political fallout. Delve into the financial implications, public support, and the future of US elections post-Covid.

Apr 12, 2024 • 29min
Disappearing tongues: the endangered language crisis
Exploring the urgency of documenting endangered languages, challenges faced by speakers, and revitalization movements worldwide. Emphasizing the significance of linguistic diversity and the need for collaborative efforts to preserve mother tongues.

Apr 10, 2024 • 37min
From the archive: The mystery of the Gatwick drone
The podcast discusses the mystery of the Gatwick drone incident in 2018, exploring the chaos at the airport, ongoing investigations, drone enthusiasts' concerns, unanswered questions, regulatory changes, and the fallout post-incident, including wrongful arrests and airport operations impact.

Apr 8, 2024 • 42min
‘What’s the worst that could happen?’: Love in the sickle cell capital of the world
Explore the complexities of love, genetics, and parenthood in Nigeria's sickle cell capital. Follow the emotional journeys of couples facing societal pressures and personal choices. Learn about the challenges of living with sickle cell disease and the impact on relationships and families.

Apr 5, 2024 • 25min
Radioactive waste, baby bottles and Spam: the deep ocean has become a dumping ground
Explore the deep ocean's role as a dumping ground for radioactive waste, baby bottles, and Spam, revealing the interconnectedness of the planet. Learn about the rich biodiversity thriving around hydrothermal vents and the historical significance of the deep ocean. Delve into the environmental impacts of using the ocean as a dumping ground and discover its role as a vital contributor to the planet's biosphere.

Apr 3, 2024 • 40min
From the archive – Out of thin air: the mystery of the man who fell from the sky
Exploring the intersection of global insecurity and refugee crises, the podcast investigates the mysterious case of a man who fell from the sky into a residential garden. The narrative delves into the challenges faced by authorities in identifying the stowaway and sheds light on the desperate risks taken by individuals seeking safety in hostile environments. It also uncovers the enigma of aviation stowaways and the human stories behind their perilous journeys, highlighting the complexities and dangers of such acts.

Apr 1, 2024 • 27min
200 cats, 200 dogs, one lab: the secrets of the pet food industry
Discover the secrets of the £120bn pet food industry, with insights into the Waltham Pet Care Science Institute's research involving 200 dogs and cats. Explore the evolution of pet food from table scraps to specialized formulations, including the challenges of catering to cat food preferences and forming a unique bond with beloved pets.

Mar 29, 2024 • 25min
Power grab: the hidden costs of Ireland’s datacentre boom
Explore the impact of data centres in Ireland's tech boom, with discussions on energy consumption, historical memory preservation, challenges of digitization, and the environmental implications. Is our reliance on data centres risking our memories and the environment?

Mar 27, 2024 • 36min
From the archive: ‘Is anybody in there?’ Life on the inside as a locked-in patient
Guest, Jake Haendel, shares his experience of being trapped in his body with locked-in syndrome. The podcast explores his struggles with addiction, health deterioration, and the challenges of trapped consciousness. It delves into his journey of recovery, showcasing the power of the mind in overcoming obstacles.


