Decisions outsourced, chatbots for friends, the natural world an afterthought: Silicon Valley is giving us life void of connection. There is a way out – but it’s going to take collective effort By Rebecca Solnit. Read by Laurel Lefkow. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/longreadpod
Whether it’s the financial crash, the climate emergency or the breakdown of the international order, historian Adam Tooze has become the go-to guide to the radical new world we’ve entered By Robert P Baird. Read by James Sobol Kelly. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/longreadpod
This episode explores the ongoing scientific controversy over the need for a new theory of evolution. It traces the history from Darwin's initial challenges to the rise of the "Modern Synthesis," and its current critiques from proponents of the "Extended Evolutionary Synthesis" (EES). The discussion delves into how new discoveries in molecular biology, plasticity, and epigenetics are challenging established views, leading to a "culture war" within the field over what constitutes the core narrative of life.
This episode details the narcotrafficking scandal that embroiled the British Virgin Islands, triggered by Hurricane Irma and the subsequent premiership of Andrew Foy. It explores the escalating tensions between the British governor and Premier Foy over corruption and governance, culminating in a Commission of Inquiry and a dramatic DEA sting operation that exposed Foy's involvement in drug trafficking. The story reveals the complex interplay of postcolonial politics, crime, and the struggle for genuine reform in the BVI.
The president has vowed to kill off ‘woke’ in his second term in office, and the venerable cultural institution a few blocks from the White House is in his sights By Charlotte Higgins. Read by Evelyn Miller. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/longreadpod
The author revisits his 2018 article on the "free speech panic," arguing that the narrative of censorship on campuses is largely fabricated by the right to push back against perceived left-wing influence and avoid addressing deeper conservative crises. The episode highlights the hypocrisy of "free speech" advocates who silence opposing views, details how media fabricates stories, and explores how the digital age has transformed communication into an attention economy where claiming censorship is a viral strategy. Ultimately, the panic serves as a substitute ideology for conservatism struggling with economic and demographic shifts.
The episode retraces the proposed route of HS2, examining the railway's escalating costs, significant delays, and its evolution from a high-speed commuter line to a capacity booster. It delves into the profound environmental and human toll on communities, farms, and ancient woodlands, juxtaposing HS2's mitigation efforts with local residents' deep frustrations over disruption and unresolved compensation, alongside rare instances of optimism amidst the colossal construction.
A former prison officer shares their harrowing experiences, detailing a stark increase in violence and murders within UK prisons that traumatizes both inmates and staff. The episode exposes systemic failures, inadequate support for officers, and policy shortcomings, leading the author to a conflicted view of the justice system. Despite the bleak reality, it concludes with a message that violence is not inevitable, highlighting the potential for positive change through purposeful activity and communication.
Delve into the fascinating story of Tsang Tsou-choi, known as the "King of Kowloon," a reclusive graffiti artist whose unique calligraphy transformed from a public nuisance into a revered symbol of Hong Kong's distinct identity. The episode traces his life, from his persistent street protests and eventual rise to cult status in the art and fashion worlds, to his influence on major pro-democracy movements. It also uncovers the secret efforts to preserve his ephemeral works and reflects on his prophetic insights into Hong Kong's ongoing struggle for autonomy under tightening national security laws.
Days before we ran interviews with gang leaders describing their alleged ties to Nayib Bukele’s government, we left the country to avoid arrest. We fear our exile will never end This story, republished with permission, was originally run by El Faro English By Óscar Martínez and Carlos Martínez. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/longreadpod
The episode delves into the harrowing Tadamon massacres in Syria, beginning with Abu Muhammad's chilling recollections of a mysterious smell and later confirmed by leaked video footage depicting executions and body burnings by Assad's forces. It explores the extensive scale of these atrocities, the personal impact on survivors like Malek Mustafa, and the unexpected lack of revenge killings following Assad's fall. However, the narrative highlights the deep public anger over the impunity of key perpetrators, particularly Fadi Sakar, who now collaborates with the new government, challenging the fragile peace and justice efforts in the community.
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: one of Britain’s most influential scholars has spent a lifetime trying to convince people to take race and racism seriously. Are we finally ready to listen? By Yohann Koshy. Read by Dermot Daly. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/longreadpod
This episode celebrates Fuchsia Dunlop's profound influence on Chinese food, both in the West and China. It traces the ancient, sophisticated traditions of Chinese gastronomy, from its philosophical roots to its historical evolution. The discussion highlights Dunlop's efforts to dispel Western stereotypes and document a disappearing culinary heritage amidst China's rapid modernization, offering a rich perspective on food, culture, and identity.
This episode delves into the disturbing transformation of Buddhism, from its foundational principle of non-harming to its weaponization for nationalist and autocratic ends in Southeast Asia, particularly Sri Lanka and Myanmar. It examines how monks, once revered, now incite sectarian hatred, fueled by historical factors like colonialism and economic inequality. The author recounts personal encounters, including a survivor of mob violence and an interview with a notorious militant monk, to reveal how political power and societal anxieties have corrupted the religion's peaceful essence, often with impunity.
This episode explores how the fitness app Strava transformed amateur sport into a competitive religion, offering data, community, and motivation to millions. It delves into the app's origins, its gamified features, and its evolving business model. The discussion also covers the darker impulses it can foster, such as addiction and cheating, and raises questions about data privacy and the changing nature of the athletic experience in a quantified world.
Eric Schlosser reflects on 25 years since Fast Food Nation, highlighting how industrial food practices continue to threaten public health and ecological stability. The episode delves into the H5N1 bird flu spreading through US dairy farms and its muted government response, revealing the dangers of corporate consolidation, market oligopolies, and the resulting food safety failures. Schlosser advocates for "true cost accounting" and systemic change, despite political sabotage, to address the profound and hidden costs of cheap industrial food.
Following a paralyzing climbing accident, the author confronts the dysfunctional reality of privatized NHS wheelchair services, experiencing referral closures, ill-fitting equipment, and a lack of basic care knowledge. The episode critiques how this system, driven by private companies with local monopolies, lacks incentives for improvement, leading to severe health risks for vulnerable patients. It contrasts the author's personal struggles with the profitability of the companies involved, culminating in an ongoing battle for essential, life-saving equipment.
This episode explores the dramatic rise of the "Mucro Mafia" in the Netherlands, led by kingpin Ridwan Taki, and the societal reckoning sparked by a series of gangland killings, including the murder of crown witness Nabil B.'s brother and lawyer. It focuses on the iconic journalist Peter R. de Vries's courageous but ultimately fatal decision to assist Nabil, highlighting the profound impact on Dutch society, its legal system, and its approach to drug policy. The narrative uncovers how Taki orchestrated crimes from prison and how the country grapples with a new, brutal era of organized crime.
Lilith Verstrynge, a key figure in Podemos, chronicles her decade-long journey with the Spanish leftist party, from its explosive emergence out of anti-austerity protests to its eventual collapse. She recounts the party's early electoral triumphs, the challenges of governing, and the internal struggles that led to its downfall, including a focus on media over grassroots organizing and growing paranoia. Verstrynge reflects on the lessons learned, the importance of robust party structures, and her personal decision to retire from politics.
This episode delves into the retrial of Constance Martin, an aristocrat's daughter, and her partner, Mark Gordon, for the manslaughter of their baby. It explores their complex past, their repeated clashes with the judge and the justice system, and the "relentless, destructive energy" that defined their relationship and ultimately led to the tragic verdict. The narrative examines themes of privilege, control, and the limits of the law.
Delve into the brutal sectarian violence that erupted in Syria following the fall of the Assad regime. Through the eyes of Munir, an Alawite ex-prisoner, and Anas, his Sunni friend, this episode chronicles the terrifying days of revenge killings, unfulfilled promises of justice, and the desperate struggle for survival. It highlights the deep-seated historical grievances, the complexities of reconciliation, and the enduring power of friendship amidst unimaginable trauma, ultimately questioning if Syria can ever break its cycle of violence.
Discover the extraordinary world of Ben Giles, Britain's premier extreme cleaner, who specializes in removing the most repulsive and stubborn stains. From theatre entrances to murder scenes and decomposing whales, Giles shares stories of his 25-year career, his unique methods, and how he built a cleaning empire. The episode delves into the profound psychological impact of his work, his coping mechanisms, and the surprising philosophical insights he's gained about human frailty and the universal need for order.
The Guardian Long Read investigates Tuvalu, a nation facing existential threat from rising sea levels, and its highly publicized "digital nation" initiative. While media focused on metaverse connections, reporter Atul Dev uncovers local skepticism regarding full submersion, the severe impact of increasing heat, and the true economic motivations behind a growing desire for emigration. The episode delves into the intricacies of daily life, political efforts to secure statehood, and scientific research challenging conventional views on atoll dynamics, painting a nuanced picture of a country fighting for its future.
The "Real Scandi Noir" explores the explosive documentary "The Black Swan," where a former money-laundering lawyer, Amira Smajic, covertly recorded high-profile criminals and corrupt professionals in Denmark. Directed by Max Brügger, the film exposed systemic corruption, challenging Denmark's cherished self-image as a transparent society and leading to significant legal repercussions. The piece also delves into Brügger's controversial, provocative filmmaking methods and the ethical complexities of Smajic's double-crossing, raising questions about journalistic integrity and the nature of truth.
The episode delves into the debilitating condition of hyperemesis gravidarum (HG), far more severe than typical morning sickness, through the lens of author Abi Stevenson's personal nine-month ordeal. It exposes the historical lack of understanding and medical misogyny surrounding HG, contrasting it with surprisingly serious Victorian-era approaches. The discussion also highlights the critical impact of the Thalidomide scandal on drug development for pregnant women, introduces groundbreaking research by Marlena Faso identifying a genetic culprit (GDF15), and discusses the promise of new treatments while acknowledging ongoing healthcare inequities and unconscious biases faced by women.
This episode explores the audacious tax avoidance empire of Terry Ball, a 79-year-old former shoe salesman who uses "snail farms" in empty office blocks to exploit tax loopholes. Driven by a desire for revenge against authorities he feels wronged him, Ball has also maintained decades-long connections to the Naples Mafia, even housing convicted killers. The podcast details his methods, legal battles, and defiant philosophy on outwitting the taxman.
This episode introduces The Birth Keepers investigation into the Free Birth Society (FBS), an organization promoting radical unassisted birth practices led by Emily Saldaya and Yolanda Norris Clark. It follows Nicole Garrison's journey, who, influenced by FBS's anti-medical rhetoric, opted for a free birth that nearly cost her life due to severe complications. The episode highlights how FBS ideology, which discouraged professional medical intervention and fostered a community resistant to external advice, led to dangerous outcomes.
The episode details a Chinese mother's difficult experience with conventional healthcare, leading her to find comfort and detailed advice in DeepSeek, an AI chatbot. While doctors warn of the AI's significant medical errors and potential risks, the chatbot offers an empathetic, accessible alternative that fills an emotional void. The narrative explores the rapid integration of AI into China's healthcare landscape, examining both its promises to alleviate systemic strains and the ethical dilemmas surrounding its widespread adoption for patient care.
Amidst a severe global debt crisis exacerbated by the pandemic, war, and climate change, this episode questions the International Monetary Fund's effectiveness as a global lender of last resort. It delves into the IMF's history of imposing unpopular austerity measures, which led to a backlash, particularly during the Asian Financial Crisis, and prompted many nations to seek financial autonomy. The discussion also covers how geopolitical competition from lenders like China is pushing the IMF to re-evaluate its strategies, highlighting the paradox of US power in shaping global economic stability.
As the police and courts continue to struggle with the legacy of austerity, many people are seeking alternative routes to justice – but it could be making matters worse By Hettie O’Brien. Read by Rebecca Trehearn. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/longreadpod
