The Audio Long Read

Journalists describe leaving their country to avoid arrest after releasing videos about alleged links between gang leaders and the president. They recount state accusations, leaked arrest plans and new laws used to silence critics. The story covers cancelled return plans, a warned airport arrest that forced exile, and the emotional toll of life uprooted in a neighboring country.

The podcast dives into the grim history of Tadamon, where residents recall a chilling burning smell during the war. It reveals horrific footage of executions and the identification of a shooter linked to Assad's regime. Survivors share harrowing tales of mass graves and torture sites, shedding light on ethnic cleansing. There's a surprising turn of reconciliation after Assad's fall, but tensions simmer as former regime figures like Fadi Sakhar work with the new government, igniting community outrage and fears of renewed violence.

Explore the profound insights of Paul Gilroy, a leading scholar navigating race and racism. Discover his critiques on British nationalism and identity politics, and his reflections on the implications of 2020's anti-racist mobilizations. Delve into his concept of conviviality and his radical humanism, contrasting with Afro-pessimism. With a unique blend of history and personal narrative, Gilroy’s journey from academic exile to influential thinker highlights the urgent need for a collective understanding of humanity.

Discover how Fuchsia Dunlop became a key figure in popularizing Sichuan cuisine among both Westerners and Chinese food lovers. The podcast dives into her culinary journey from Cambridge to Chengdu, highlighting the rich history of Chinese cooking and the artistry behind its techniques. Explore how she challenges gender norms in the culinary world and her efforts to elevate the perception of Chinese food globally. The discussion also touches on the nostalgia for old Chengdu and the cultural significance of traditional food practices.

Exploring the unexpected danger of Buddhist extremism, the discussion uncovers how Theravada monks have shifted towards nationalist agendas in Sri Lanka and Myanmar. It contrasts the philosophy's peaceful image with historical instances of violence. The rise of militant movements is linked to global autocratic trends, while leaders like Nanasara exploit rhetoric on social media, igniting real-world violence. The silence of moderate clergy raises questions about complicity, highlighting a complex interplay between religion, identity, and nationalism.

Explore how Strava transformed from a cycling app to a running community powerhouse, offering motivation and community support. Discover the gamified thrill of leaderboards and the competition for segments, which can sometimes lead to risky behaviors. Hear personal stories about the addiction to performance data and the toll it can take. Delve into the app's global reach, its monetization strategies, and the debate over constant tracking, while balancing community connection with the desire for freedom from data.

Eric Schlosser, an investigative journalist and author known for his groundbreaking work on the food industry, dives into the alarming rise of health risks in industrial dairy farming. He reveals a troubling H5N1 outbreak linked to factory farms and highlights regulatory failures that hinder public safety. Schlosser discusses the vulnerability of immigrant workers and the potential for viral mutations into pandemics. He also critiques the monopolistic tendencies in the food industry and advocates for true cost accounting to promote safer food practices.

Following a life-altering climbing accident, Paul Sagar shares his frustrating journey navigating the NHS wheelchair service. He highlights the inconsistency and bureaucracy that complicate access to vital equipment. Insights from a physiotherapist reveal disturbing postcode disparities, leading to insufficient service quality. Sagar's choice to seek private solutions showcases the risks of reliance on a flawed system. The discussion uncovers the importance of accountability and the continuous challenges faced by users, including ongoing order failures and health risks.

Explore the dark underbelly of organized crime in the Netherlands, where a shocking series of gangland killings laid bare a hidden crisis. Witness the rise of trafficker Ridwan Taki and the dangerous choices faced by whistleblower Nabil B. Discover the explosive role of investigative journalist Peter R. de Vries, who risked everything to expose the truth. Hear about the chilling aftermath of de Vries's assassination and the shifting tides in public policy towards crime. This haunting narrative unravels the complex web of crime, courage, and media in a liberal society.

Explore the meteoric rise of the leftist party from Spain's anti-austerity protests to a governing coalition. Hear a firsthand account of personal attacks, media scandals, and the internal conflicts that shaped its journey. Delve into the leadership style that secured early victories yet ultimately constrained growth. Discover the lessons learned from their fall, including the consequences of neglecting local organization. Reflect on the bittersweet goodbye from politics and the lessons on the challenges of maintaining momentum in political movements.