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
Nov 10, 2023 • 36min
‘Incoherence and inconsistency’: the inside story of the Rwanda deportation plan
The podcast explores the British government's plan to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda, including legal challenges and doubts about Rwanda as a safe destination. It delves into the political situation in Rwanda, human rights abuses, and migration deals. The flaws in Rwanda's asylum system and the British government's involvement are discussed, along with the legal challenges and concerns over the deportation plan.
Nov 8, 2023 • 42min
From the archive: The last of the Zoroastrians
Explore the challenges faced by the Zoroastrian community in India during COVID-19. Learn about the funeral ceremony and rituals of Zoroastrianism. Follow a group of young individuals as they return to their roots in India. Discover the practice of exposing corpses on the towers of silence. Delve into the life and impact of Freddie Mercury, a Zoroastrian musician. Visit Nafsari and its ties to the Parsee community.
Nov 6, 2023 • 44min
The insider: how Michael Lewis got a backstage pass for the fall of Sam Bankman-Fried
Michael Lewis, author of The Big Short and Moneyball, reflects on his rise in journalism and his talent for showcasing ordinary revolutionaries. He also discusses coping with personal tragedy, football fame and controversy, and his experiences with Sam Bankman-Fried's transformation from a dweeb to a billionaire. The podcast also explores the possibility of Bankman-Fried's sloppiness and the challenges faced by journalists with close relationships to their subjects.
Nov 3, 2023 • 35min
‘We are just getting started’: the plastic-eating bacteria that could change the world
Scientists are researching the potential of plastic-eating bacteria found in a rubbish dump, aiming to revolutionize recycling. The challenges in enhancing their degradation rate and designing enzymes are discussed. Microbiologist Simon Krag explores mangrove swamps for plastic-breaking microbes. The process and potential of using bacterial technology and enzymes for plastic recycling are explored. The role of microbes in transforming plastic waste and the obstacles that need to be overcome are discussed.
Nov 1, 2023 • 30min
From the archive: What I have learned from my suicidal patients
This podcast explores the experiences of a GP treating patients with suicidal thoughts and the impact of suicide on loved ones. It discusses the challenges faced by medical professionals in determining intent and breaking the bad news to families. The author reflects on the effectiveness of Samaritans signs in preventing suicides and emphasizes the importance of assessing and addressing suicidal thoughts. It also delves into the complexity of human emotions, the prevalence of depression, and the importance of offering support and finding metaphors of victory and release for grieving families.
Oct 30, 2023 • 44min
The trials of Robert Habeck: is the world’s most powerful green politician doomed to fail?
Explore the obstacles faced by Germany's vice-chancellor in his pursuit of climate legislation and renewable energy leadership. Learn about the unconventional politician's clear vision and efforts to decarbonize the manufacturing sector. Dive into his political journey, strategies to address the energy crisis, and the historical conflict between Axel Springer and the Green movement.
Oct 27, 2023 • 30min
‘A hidden universe of suffering’: the Palestinian children sent to jail
This podcast explores the experiences of Palestinian children living under Israeli occupation, focusing on a mother's fight for justice after her son is taken by Israeli soldiers. It discusses the challenges faced by Palestinians due to restrictions and the impact on families and society.
Oct 25, 2023 • 41min
From the archive: ‘In our teens, we dreamed of making peace between Israelis and Palestinians. Then my friend was shot’
Roy Cohen recounts his personal journey from hope to disillusionment amidst the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, highlighting his poignant friendship with a Palestinian boy named Asil. The podcast explores the challenges faced by Israeli and Palestinian teenagers in a summer camp called Seeds of Peace. It delves into the events leading up to the Second Intifada, including protests and clashes, and discusses the narrator's transition from studying neuroscience to becoming a documentary filmmaker.
Oct 23, 2023 • 30min
‘You may have been poisoned’: how an independent Russian journalist became a target
A Russian journalist shares her experiences reporting on the invasion of Ukraine, facing threats and uncovering kidnappings. She also recounts her mysterious illness, with symptoms including headaches and abnormal liver enzyme levels. The possibility of poisoning is considered, leading to intense questioning and safety protocols.
Oct 20, 2023 • 29min
Justice for Neanderthals! What the debate about our long-dead cousins reveals about us
Explore the fight to restore dignity to Neanderthals and debunk stereotypes. Uncover the history of our understanding of Neanderthals and the differences between them and Homo sapiens. Challenge traditional stereotypes about Neanderthals, discussing their cognitive capacities, advanced communication skills, hunting techniques, and mastery of fire-making. Learn about the groundbreaking work of a geneticist in extracting and sequencing Neanderthal DNA. Discover the ongoing debate about whether Neanderthals went extinct or still live on in modern humans due to interbreeding.
