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
Sep 25, 2023 • 34min
‘Voters are unhappier with the NHS than they’ve been for 30 years. As a GP, I feel the same’
A GP discusses the challenges facing the NHS, including understaffing and long wait times. The chapter also explores the pressures GPs face in their daily routine and the rewards of being a GP. It examines the cost difference between visiting a GP, A&E, and calling an ambulance, highlighting the importance of the NHS. The podcast concludes by discussing the decline of UK healthcare and the need for increased investment to improve its quality.
Sep 22, 2023 • 35min
Proust, ChatGPT and the case of the forgotten quote
The podcast explores the use of ChatGPT to find a quote from Proust's 'In Search of Lost Time', discusses the complexities of memory and emotions in Proust's work, delves into the theme of love affairs, discusses the difficulties of paraphrasing and locating specific quotes, contemplates the behavior of a robotic being, and explores alternative historical scenarios. It also provides tips on finding specific passages in lengthy works.
Sep 20, 2023 • 44min
From the archive: The invisible city: how a homeless man built a life underground
This podcast explores the captivating story of Dominic Van Allen, a long-term homeless man who built an underground bunker for himself on Hampstead Heath. It delves into the challenges faced by the invisible homeless population, the construction of the secret bunker, and the investigation that followed. Van Allen's resilience and rehabilitation efforts are highlighted, providing a thought-provoking and entertaining episode.
Sep 18, 2023 • 41min
The evolution of Steve Albini: ‘If the dumbest person is on your side, you’re on the wrong side’
Guest Steve Albini, synonymous with the indie underground, reflects on his controversial past in the music industry, discussing offensive actions and lyrics. He explores his growth as an engineer, love for poker, and approach to recording. Albini also discusses the challenges of the music industry and his determination to continue making music despite adversity.
Sep 15, 2023 • 37min
‘Move forward. Flap around a little!’ How learning to swim in my 50s set me free
Discover the author's journey of learning to swim later in life as a way to alleviate chronic pain and find liberation. Learn about their challenges and personal growth in the process, as well as the history and amenities of the Prospect Park Y in Brooklyn.
Sep 13, 2023 • 44min
From the archive: A scandal in Oxford: the curious case of the stolen gospel
Explore the scandal surrounding the stolen gospel artifacts at Oxford University. Discover the suspension of Dr. Dirk Obink, the ambitious Museum of the Bible project, and the secretive collection at the Oxford Classics faculty. Reflect on the broader issues of colonial acquisition of artifacts and ethical considerations surrounding their trade and acquisition.
Sep 11, 2023 • 28min
‘Ruzzki not welcome’: the Russian exiles getting a hostile reception in Georgia
The podcast discusses the influx of Russian immigrants in Georgia and the hostile reception they are receiving. It explores the moral questions faced by Georgian society, the controversy over Georgia's decision to resume travel with Russia, and the perception of Russian exiles in the country. It also highlights incidents of offensive graffiti and mistreatment of Russian exiles.
Sep 8, 2023 • 29min
The aftermath: how the Beirut explosion has left scars on an already broken Lebanon
Exploring the chaos and devastation of the Beirut explosion, including the challenges faced by Lebanon. Hearing from a pediatric nurse who worked at a hospital and struggled to save babies amidst the destruction. Examining corruption, sectarianism, and negligence of senior officials. Discovering the trauma, resilience, and fight for justice in Lebanon, particularly after the Beirut explosion.
Sep 6, 2023 • 45min
From the archive: Golden Dawn: the rise and fall of Greece’s neo-Nazis
A decade ago, Greece witnessed the rise of Golden Dawn, a neo-Nazi political party that exploited the national crisis. This podcast delves into their emergence, extreme tactics, and eventual downfall, shedding light on the repercussions of far-right violence and the manipulation of national identity. It also explores the investigation and trial of Golden Dawn, offering a cautionary tale for Greece and beyond.
Sep 4, 2023 • 29min
‘If I left, I’d have to go without a word’: how I escaped China’s mass arrests
A personal story of fleeing China's mass arrests as devout Uyghur individuals are detained in re-education centers. The narrator witnesses the arrests and discusses the surveillance system. Escaping China proves challenging amidst rising fear and uncertainty.
