The Audio Long Read

Howard Amos, author and volunteer, shares his harrowing experiences at a Russian orphanage for disabled children. He delves into the grim realities, including the use of antipsychotics and violence by staff. Amos reflects on the emotional deprivation faced by the children and the tragic drowning of a young boy, shedding light on the harsh conditions and systemic neglect. He discusses the fleeting improvements seen in living conditions, yet highlights the ongoing emotional void that persists in the lives of these forgotten children.

The podcast delves into Helen Garner's literary journey over the past 50 years, reflecting on her notable honesty and societal insights. It shares her feelings of alienation within the British literary scene and the emotional complexities of aging. Garner discusses the delicate balance of memoir writing, examining how personal narratives affect relationships. Additionally, it highlights her self-reflection through diary writing as a means of finding joy and resilience while grappling with the challenges of memory and identity.

Jill Lepore, an acclaimed author, dives into the evolution of societal concepts in a post-pandemic world. She discusses how COVID-19 illuminated the relationship between society and government, revealing the erosion of connection amid deregulation. Lepore highlights community resilience and the impact of economic inequality on social cohesion. The talk also explores the New Left’s quest for social justice, contrasting philosophical perspectives while stressing the need for a renewed social contract to foster genuine connections in modern society.

A shocking revelation from the 1960s emerges as Indian women in Britain were unwittingly subjected to radioactive food testing. This exploration of the Coventry Experiment highlights urgent ethical questions surrounding informed consent and the painful legacy of racial disparities in healthcare. Delving into the aftermath, it amplifies the voices of marginalized communities seeking justice and sheds light on the deep mistrust born from historical medical abuses and paternalism.

Alex South, a former prison officer and author, shares his gripping insights into life behind bars. He highlights the overwhelming sensory experiences and emotional toll of the job. South discusses the troubling reality of acutely mentally ill inmates in segregation units, revealing how both inmates and prison staff struggle in such chaotic environments. He emphasizes systemic failures that lead to violence and overcrowding, calling for urgent reforms in the prison system. His candid anecdotes shed light on a world many rarely see.

We are raiding the Guardian Long Read archives to bring you some classic pieces from years past, with new introductions from the authors. This week, from 2021: For the hardline conservatives ruling Poland and Hungary, the transition from communism to liberal democracy was a mirage. They fervently believe a more decisive break with the past is needed to achieve national liberation By Nicholas Mulder. Read by Tanya Cubric. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/longreadpod

Charlotte Higgins, Chief culture writer for The Guardian, delves into the multiple crises facing the British Museum, from colonial controversies to financial struggles. She shares insights from her extensive research, highlighting the museum's complex role in reflecting the UK's historical narratives. The discussion unveils the internal theft scandal and the challenges of artifacts’ restitution. Higgins emphasizes the urgent need for decolonization and the museum's identity crisis, raising questions about its future and relevance in today's cultural landscape.

When China stopped receiving the world’s waste, Turkey became Europe’s recycling hotspot. The problem is, most plastics can’t be recycled. And what remains are toxic heaps of trash By Alexander Clapp. Read by Philip Arditti. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/longreadpod

We are raiding the Guardian Long Read archives to bring you some classic pieces from years past, with new introductions from the authors. This week, from 2018: The foreign policy establishment has been lamenting its death for half a century. But Atlanticism has long been a convenient myth By Madeleine Schwartz. Read by Kelly Burke. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/longreadpod

The podcast explores the decline of handwriting and its impact on personal expression and communication. It discusses how technology is reshaping our relationship with written words, often at the cost of cognitive skills. The significance of handwriting in fields like medicine is highlighted, showcasing its importance for clarity and safety. The emotional connections we have with handwriting are examined, advocating for a balance between traditional and digital methods to preserve this essential aspect of human expression.