The Audio Long Read - podcast cover

The Audio Long Read

The Guardianwww.theguardian.com
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.
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Episodes

My husband and son suffered strokes, 30 years apart. Shockingly little had changed

Comparing her husband's stroke care in the 90s to her son's 30 years later, the author reveals shockingly little progress in rehabilitation despite advances in acute treatment. She recounts their personal battles against dismissive doctors and inadequate hospital care, highlighting the critical difference intensive physiotherapy made for her son and critiquing the NHS's failure to provide sufficient long-term support for stroke survivors.

Jun 30, 202531 min

‘The Mozart of the attention economy’: why MrBeast is the world’s biggest YouTube star

This episode delves into the phenomenon of MrBeast, analyzing how Jimmy Donaldson built his massive YouTube empire through viral stunts, giveaways, and savvy algorithm charming. It explores his origins, the evolution of his content from simple counting to elaborate challenges and controversial philanthropy, and what his immense success signifies about the attention economy, online culture, and society's current state, viewing his work through lenses of art, theology, and politics.

Jun 27, 202535 min

Why does Switzerland have more nuclear bunkers than any other country?

Switzerland is home to more than 370,000 nuclear bunkers – enough to shelter every member of the population. But if the worst should happen, would they actually work? By Jessi Jezewska Stevens. Read by Rachel Handshaw. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/longreadpod

Jun 27, 202528 min

From the archive: ‘A nursery of the Commons’: how the Oxford Union created today’s ruling political class

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 2022: at the Oxford university debating society in the 80s, a generation of aspiring politicians honed the art of winning using jokes, rather than facts By Simon Kuper. Read by Andrew McGregor. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/longreadpod

Jun 25, 202530 min

‘Outdated and unjust’: can we reform global capitalism?

The episode delves into the current crisis facing global capitalism, triggered partly by Trump's trade policies but stemming from deeper issues of legitimacy and inequality. It examines historical precedents for capitalism's crises and explores diverse critiques, including conservative concerns about globalization and financialization, and leftist ideas like degrowth and calls for a new managed or 'shrunk' form of capitalism. The discussion covers policy proposals, alternative economic models, and the political forces shaping the debate, considering whether reform is possible despite significant opposition.

Jun 23, 202534 min

From the archive: Burying Leni Riefenstahl: one woman’s lifelong crusade against Hitler’s favourite film-maker

This episode tells the story of Nina Gladitz, a filmmaker who dedicated her life to exposing the complicity of Leni Riefenstahl, Hitler's favorite filmmaker, with the Nazi regime's crimes. It details Gladitz's lengthy legal battles, her documentary 'Time of Darkness and Silence' which highlighted Riefenstahl's exploitation of Sinti and Roma extras from concentration camps, and her decades-long research culminating in a book. The narrative explores the personal cost of her relentless pursuit of truth.

Jun 18, 202550 min

‘You can let go now’: inside the hospital where staff treat fear of death as well as physical pain

Step inside a Danish palliative care unit that focuses on providing relief and comfort to terminally ill patients and their families, treating both physical pain and the fear of death. Hear the stories of patients like René, Nils, and Liv, and learn about the holistic approach of the staff who prioritize listening, emotional support, and dignified end-of-life care over curative treatment.

Jun 16, 202539 min

An English gentleman, a crooked lawyer: the secrets of Stephen David Jones

This episode tells the story of Stephen David Jones, a seemingly respectable 'English gentleman' solicitor who built a career advising wealthy clients on tax and offshore structures. Clients like Ewan Mackay and Russian businessmen trusted him with their fortunes, only to discover their assets were being mismanaged and used without their consent. The episode details the complex schemes, the façade of his law firm Jirehouse, the warning signs missed, and the eventual downfall leading to his conviction for fraud and a 12-year prison sentence.

Jun 13, 202554 min

From the archive: Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o: three days with a giant of African literature

Author Carey Baraka recounts his three days visiting the legendary Kenyan novelist Ngugi wa Thiong'o, exploring his life intersecting major historical events and his uncompromising commitment to writing in African languages. The episode delves into Ngugi's literary evolution, political activism leading to imprisonment and exile, his health challenges, and his enduring, albeit sometimes pessimistic, reflections on language, colonialism, and the state of African literature today.

Jun 11, 202559 min

Death, divorce and the magic of kitchen objects: how to find hope in loss

Exploring how everyday kitchen objects, from a heart-shaped cake tin to inherited china and platters, become imbued with deep emotional meaning, especially after loss like divorce or death. The episode shares personal stories, including that of chef Rupa Gulati, illustrating how giving these objects new life can help process grief, connect with loved ones, and find hope and comfort in the present.

Jun 09, 202529 min

Missing in the Amazon: the disappearance – episode 1

This episode recounts the initial days following the vanishing of British journalist Dom Phillips and indigenous defender Bruno Pereira in the dangerous Javari Valley, a region rife with illegal activity. It covers the frantic early search by friends and family, the growing international concern, and the difficult conditions faced by search teams, highlighting the lack of immediate official support. The episode culminates with the discovery of crucial evidence by indigenous searchers that suggests an ambush rather than a simple disappearance, setting the stage for further investigation in the series.

Jun 06, 202527 min

A deadly mission: how Dom Phillips and Bruno Pereira tried to warn the world about the Amazon’s destruction

The Guardian journalist and the Brazilian Indigenous expert were killed while investigating the impact of deforestation. In this extract from the book Phillips was writing at the time of his death, he reflects on his encounters with the rainforest and its people – and why it is so vital to save this precious place By Dom Phillips. Read by Felipe Pacheco. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/longreadpod

Jun 05, 202531 min

From the archive: Alan Yentob: the last impresario

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 2016: For decades, Alan Yentob was the dominant creative force at the BBC – behind everything from Adam Curtis to Strictly Come Dancing. He was a towering figure in British culture – so why did many applaud his very public slide from power? Written and read by Sam Knight. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/longreadpod...

Jun 04, 202548 min

‘We know what is happening, we cannot walk away’: how the Guardian bore witness to horror in former Yugoslavia

This episode recounts how Guardian reporters, particularly Ed Vulliamy and Maggie O'Kane, covered the brutal ethnic cleansing during the wars in former Yugoslavia. Their decision to abandon neutrality and passionately condemn atrocities sparked debate among colleagues. The episode details their vivid reporting from sieges and concentration camps, Vulliamy's controversial testimony at the war crimes tribunal, and the international community's dither documented by the paper through the war's conclusion and the Dayton Accord.

Jun 02, 202532 min

The ancient psychedelics myth: ‘People tell tourists the stories they think are interesting for them’

The episode challenges widespread beliefs about the ancient and ubiquitous use of psychedelics and their role in traditional shamanic healing. It highlights anthropological research questioning the long history of ayahuasca use in the Amazon and presents data suggesting hallucinogen use was historically rare globally. The narrative critiques popular evidence like art and mythology, and contrasts the modern view of shamans as psychotherapists with anthropological accounts of their actual practices, suggesting modern ideas are often projected onto the past for financial or ideological reasons.

May 30, 202533 min

From the archive: The lost Jews of Nigeria

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 2022: Until the 1990s, there were almost no Jews in Nigeria. Now thousands have enthusiastically taken up the faith. Why? By Samanth Subramanian. Read by Raj Ghatak. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/longreadpod

May 28, 202549 min

‘We thought we could change the world’: how an idealistic fight against miscarriages of justice turned sour

Explore the rise and fall of the UK's Innocence Network, founded by Michael Norton to fight miscarriages of justice with student investigators. Initially idealistic and rapidly expanding, the movement faced internal conflicts, external skepticism, and challenging cases like Simon Hall's, ultimately leading to its dissolution and Norton's burnout, though a few projects persist and continue to highlight systemic failures.

May 26, 202542 min

‘All other avenues have been exhausted’: Is legal action the only way to save the planet?

This episode explores how lawyers like Monica Feria-Tinta are using legal action to fight climate breakdown and environmental destruction. It details key cases, including the landmark Torres Strait Islanders human rights claim against Australia and the Los Cedros forest case establishing rights of nature in Ecuador. The discussion covers the challenges and potential of climate litigation as governments fail to act decisively.

May 23, 202532 min

From the archive: Super-prime mover: Britain’s most successful estate agent

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 2022: Gary Hersham has been selling houses to the very rich for decades. At first, £1m was a big deal. Now he sells for £50m, £100m, even £200m. What does it take to stay on top in this cut-throat business? By Sophie Elmhirst. Read by Andrew McGregor. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/longreadpod...

May 21, 202542 min

A year of hate: what I learned when I went undercover with the far right

Harry Shukman recounts his experience infiltrating the British far-right for Hope Not Hate, detailing the creation of his alter ego, the challenges he faced, and the disturbing normalization of extremist views. He uncovers a network of individuals and organizations pushing race science, including a rebranded Pioneer Fund. Shukman reflects on the loneliness and conspiracy theories prevalent among far-right members and the ethical dilemmas of befriending those he intended to betray.

May 19, 202535 min

‘I am not who you think I am’: how a deep-cover KGB spy recruited his own son

This episode delves into the extraordinary life of a deep-cover KGB spy, Rudy, who recruits his own son, Peter, into the world of espionage. It explores the psychological impact on Peter, the family's complex relationships, and the challenges of living under false identities. Ultimately, it raises questions about the cost of loyalty, the burden of secrets, and the sacrifices made in the name of ideology, ending with reflection on the long-term consequences of such a life on family.

May 16, 202550 min

From the archive: What lies beneath: the truth about France’s top serial killer expert

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: An intrepid expert with dozens of books to his name, Stéphane Bourgoin was a bestselling author, famous in France for having interviewed more than 70 notorious murderers. Then an anonymous collective began to investigate his past By Scott Sayare. Read by Simon Vance. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/longreadpod...

May 14, 202558 min

‘Why would he take such a risk?’ How a famous Chinese author befriended his censor

This episode explores the complex relationship between a Chinese author and his censor, revealing the inner workings of China's internet censorship system and the personal risks individuals take to subvert it. It details how a censor, disillusioned with his job, secretly helped the author by leaking sensitive information, and the consequences for both as they navigate the political landscape. The story highlights themes of censorship, courage, and the fight for freedom of speech in China.

May 12, 202539 min

The mystery of the nameless girl found dead in a Spanish border town

In 1990, a young woman was found dead in a Spanish border town, her identity a mystery for decades. This episode explores the investigation, the doubts surrounding her death, and the eventual identification of the girl as Evie Rauta, an Italian woman who disappeared in 1990. Despite the discovery, questions remain about the circumstances of her death and whether it was a suicide or murder.

May 09, 202539 min

From the archive: Food fraud and counterfeit cotton: the detectives untangling the global supply chain

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: Amid the complex web of international trade, proving the authenticity of a product can be near-impossible. But one company is taking the search to the atomic level By Samanth Subramanian. Read by Raj Ghatak. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/longreadpod

May 07, 202546 min

From acid house to ancient rites: Jeremy Deller’s enormous, collaborative, unsellable art

This episode explores the art of Jeremy Deller, focusing on his collaborative and large-scale public events, including a bacchanalian festival for the National Gallery's anniversary. It details the development and influences behind his unique approach to art, blending historical and contemporary elements. Deller's process involves working with diverse groups and compressing history to create revelatory experiences.

May 05, 202538 min

What happens when the US declares war on your parents? The Black Panther Cubs know

This episode explores the lives of the children of Black Panthers, examining their upbringing amidst radical activism, the impact of government surveillance and violence, and their diverse paths as adults. It delves into themes of black pride, community, loss, and resilience, while also reflecting on the parallels between the past and present social justice movements. The podcast offers a poignant look at the price of revolution and the enduring legacy of the Black Panther Party through the eyes of its children.

May 02, 202552 min

From the archive: The last phone boxes: broken glass, cider cans and – amazingly – a dial tone

This episode explores the surprising persistence of phone boxes in the UK, despite the ubiquity of mobile phones. It delves into the history, cultural significance, and modern-day uses of these iconic structures, from emergency calls and lifelines in remote areas to symbols of nostalgia and even targets of theft. The piece examines the ongoing debate about their removal and the evolving role of public communication in a digital age.

Apr 30, 202532 min
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