The Audio Long Read

Kirsten Smith transforms from a young heroin addict and bank robber into a scholar advocating for addiction reform. She challenges the prevailing disease model of addiction, emphasizing personal choice and hope. Her journey from incarceration to academia paints a compelling picture of recovery, education, and the complexity of addiction. As she navigates treatment barriers and societal stigma, Smith's insights shed light on the multifaceted nature of addiction and recovery, blending personal narrative with critical analysis.

Two comedians, Josh and Jack, embark on a profound journey from skeptical jokesters to priests, questioning the meaning of faith. Their friendship deepens as they navigate the challenges of ordination and the emotional weight of ministry. Balancing comedy with newfound beliefs, they grapple with ethical dilemmas and the sacrifice required for priesthood. The story unfolds their unique paths to faith, revealing how their comedic past shapes their spiritual future and the complexities of their identities within the church.

Explore the chilling parallels between historical mass extinctions and today's rapid carbon emissions. Discover how massive volcanic eruptions once shaped Earth's ecosystems and led to catastrophic biodiversity loss. Learn about the alarming rate of carbon release from human activities, which may outpace ancient volcanic events. The discussion delves into the potential consequences of climate change, including ecosystem collapse and toxic ocean conditions. Can we avoid repeating the mistakes of the past, or are we facing another Great Dying?

The discussion delves into how Netflix's algorithm shapes films, often resulting in bland, formulaic content that caters to broad audiences. Examples like 'The Electric State' highlight this trend, as narratives become overly simplistic to accommodate background viewing. The podcast also examines the impact of data-driven decisions on creative processes, pointing to a lack of raw data for creators. Moreover, it explores the economic motivations behind mass-appeal strategies and how exclusive distribution affects indie film financing.

Explore the fading memory of nuclear fears and the dangers it presents. The narrative dives into the horror of Hiroshima, detailing the immediate global shock and how the atomic bomb reshaped military and political thinking. Discover the contrasts between deterrence theory and the power of memory in preventing escalation during crises like the Cuban Missile Crisis. With collective nuclear memory waning, experts warn of rising contemporary risks as leaders break norms and treaties, heightening the threat in today’s world.

A football tournament in the Swiss mountains quickly turns disastrous as a severe thunderstorm descends. As the rain intensifies, participants face growing unease amid meteorological warnings. The chaos peaks when a massive surge of water and rock transforms the landscape overnight. Local heroes emerge as they improvise rescues and navigations through the wreckage. The aftermath reveals a stark reality of climate change, with communities left to grapple with the devastation and a heightened fear of future storms.

As sea levels rise, Tuvalu faces the grim prospect of disappearing. The podcast explores the intriguing digital-statehood concept pitched by Simon Kofi, aimed at safeguarding Tuvalu's identity. Residents rely on .tv domain revenue and fishing licenses amidst limited local services. Tensions between scientific research and political messaging are highlighted, revealing the challenges of atoll dynamics. With recent mobility agreements in place, the conversation delves into the broader implications of migration as the nation grapples with its uncertain future.

Dive into the murky waters of sewage pollution and its devastating impact on Welsh and English rivers. Hear about whistleblowers unearthing shocking truths of untreated sewage discharges, revealing a systemic failure in regulation. Personal stories highlight dedicated activists fighting back to restore river ecosystems. Explore the struggle against corporate greed and the urgent need for change. This captivating discussion underscores the pressing environmental crisis, urging listeners to take action for our waterways.

A whistleblower uncovers shocking corruption within the UK arms trade while working in Riyadh. His efforts reveal the moral dilemmas faced when exposing unethical practices tied to military contracts. With an ongoing battle against systemic bribery, the podcast dives into the tangled web of greed and secrecy within government dealings. This gripping tale highlights the personal risks involved in standing up for what is right, sparking a deeper discussion on accountability in an opaque industry.

Explore the controversial journey of the world's first ayahuasca multinational, led by Alberto Varela. As claims of mind liberation clash with alarming revelations, followers uncover exploitative practices hiding behind a facade of healing. The dark side of sacred plant medicine is laid bare, raising important questions about ethics and safety in such retreats. This deep dive into participant experiences uncovers a world where seekers of truth may have been misled.