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
7 snips
Jan 27, 2025 • 33min
The man making a business out of China’s burnout generation
Li Jianxiong, a former marketing executive turned mental health advocate, shares his profound journey from burnout to healing. He founded Hardify, a community that blends Western psychology with traditional Chinese culture to support those disillusioned by China's intense work culture. They delve into the effects of the pandemic on societal values, the shift towards self-awareness, and the therapeutic power of storytelling. Jianxiong’s insights reveal a generation seeking balance amid overwhelming pressure.
Jan 24, 2025 • 44min
Humphrey’s world: how the Samuel Smith beer baron built Britain’s strangest pub chain
Discover the intriguing world of Humphrey Smith, a brewing baron whose unique vision contrasts starkly with modern pub culture. Explore the secretive yet generous personality behind his eccentric pub empire, where historic buildings often sit empty. Delve into the complex societal impacts of his frugality and strong beliefs, while examining the community's emotional response to the shuttering of local pubs. Finally, learn about his resistance to urban change and the nostalgic connection to his childhood environment.
Jan 22, 2025 • 33min
From the archive: Inspired by nature: the thrilling new science that could transform medicine
Jeffrey Karp, a leading bioengineer at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, shares his groundbreaking work in bio-inspired medicine. He discusses how nature's designs, like gecko tape, are revolutionizing surgical adhesives and transforming surgeries, especially in pediatric care. Karp emphasizes the challenges of developing innovative medical devices and highlights the collaborative spirit at CARP Lab. From dissolvable staples to advanced robotic applications, discover how nature is shaping the future of medical technologies.
Jan 20, 2025 • 44min
‘Look, they’re getting skin!’: are we right to strive to save the world’s tiniest babies?
Dive into the emotional journey of parents grappling with the birth of extremely premature infants. Explore the ethical dilemmas faced by doctors in resuscitating babies born at just 22 weeks. Hear poignant stories of grief, relief, and the societal impacts of misinformation on families. Experience the highs and lows of parenting through touching anecdotes that highlight both the bittersweet challenges and everyday joys. It's a compelling exploration of hope, survival, and the fragility of life.
16 snips
Jan 17, 2025 • 35min
Inside the Vatican’s secret saint-making process
Linda Kinstler, an insightful author, delves into the Vatican's secretive sainthood process. She shares the compelling story of Carlo Acutis, a young boy whose miraculous life has captured the Church's attention. The discussion reveals how candidates are assessed, the evolving definition of miracles, and the balance between faith and ecclesiastical authority. Kinstler also highlights the impact of individual beliefs amid institutional scrutiny, offering a fascinating look into canonization's cultural significance today.
Jan 15, 2025 • 40min
From the archive: ‘A deranged pyroscape’: how fires across the world have grown weirder
Discover the surprising truth about wildfires worldwide, as recent data reveals fewer burning lands despite more intense megafires. Historical attitudes and climate change intertwine, reshaping perceptions of fire's role in ecosystems. The podcast examines the socio-economic impacts and the intricate human relationship with fire, highlighting alarming health effects from smoke exposure. It urges a reevaluation of fire management practices to adapt to our changing environment, providing a nuanced perspective on this fiery crisis.
Jan 13, 2025 • 36min
The inspiring scientists who saved the world’s first seed bank
In this engaging discussion, Simon Parkin, an accomplished author and journalist, shares the extraordinary story of botanists who safeguarded the world’s first seed bank during the harrowing Leningrad siege. He highlights their relentless efforts to preserve vital genetic diversity amidst chaos and hunger. Parkin details the intense evacuation challenges faced by the staff and the moral dilemmas they encountered while balancing survival with their commitment to preservation. It's a fascinating tale of resilience and dedication in the face of war's brutality.
Jan 10, 2025 • 26min
The ‘mad egghead’ who built a mouse utopia
In this engaging discussion, Lee Alan Dugatkin, an author and expert on animal behavior, delves into the groundbreaking yet overlooked work of John Calhoun. They explore Calhoun's 'mouse utopia' experiment, revealing how overcrowding transformed rodent behavior and what that means for human society. Dugatkin highlights the fading influence of Calhoun's research in modern discourse and discusses intriguing parallels between rodent and human societal challenges, including overpopulation and technological integration.
Jan 8, 2025 • 36min
From the archive: Cold comfort: how cold water swimming cured my broken heart
Discover the transformative power of cold water swimming through a poignant personal journey of healing. The speaker shares how icy dips in Brittany helped mend a broken heart after loss. Explore the therapeutic benefits of this rising trend, emphasizing connection to nature and community. Delve into the emotional landscape of vulnerability and resilience, finding joy amidst grief. Encounter insights on the physiological effects of cold exposure and the camaraderie among adventurers facing discomfort for personal growth.
Jan 6, 2025 • 30min
Teeth as time capsules: Soviet secrets and my dentist grandmother
In this engaging discussion, Jacob Mikanowski, author and history enthusiast, delves into the life of his grandmother Zosia, a dentist navigating postwar Warsaw. He unveils the eerie secrets she encountered while treating prisoners and spies. Listeners are taken on a journey through the intertwined lives of Eastern Europeans during the Soviet era. The episodes touch on the significance of teeth as symbols of personal identity and history, and even explore a quirky dental mishap that connects to Mikanowski's Lithuanian roots.
