Best Deep South Reformation Podcasts (2025)

1
‘Daddy’ Trump meets Nato, while defence, trade and Gaza dominate EU summit 44:28

5h ago44:28

44:28

Pat Leahy and Cormac McQuinn join Jack Horgan-Jones to look back on the week in politics: · US President Donald Trump was the main attraction at a landmark Nato summit on Wednesday with Nato secretary general Mark Rutte calling him ‘Daddy’ during their press conference. Trump got what he came for with Nato member states agreeing to an increase of 5…

1
‘The Mozart of the attention economy’: why MrBeast is the world’s biggest YouTube star 35:24

3h ago35:24

35:24

He’s spent 24 hours immersed in slime, two days buried alive – and showered vast amounts of cash on lucky participants. But are MrBeast’s videos simply very savvy clickbait – or acts of avant garde genius? Written and read by Mark O’Connell. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/longreadpod…

1
From the archive: ‘A nursery of the Commons’: how the Oxford Union created today’s ruling political class 29:49

1d ago29:49

29:49

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. He…

1
EU watches on as Trump changes the world 41:42

5d ago41:42

41:42

Europe correspondent Jack Power joins Pat and Jack Horgan-Jones to discuss monumental events in the Middle East, with the US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities being followed by a ceasefire that may or may not be holding as you listen to this podcast. They also discuss the EU's struggle to assert influence on the global stage as it heads into a …

1
‘Outdated and unjust’: can we reform global capitalism? 34:05

3d ago34:05

34:05

President Trump’s tariffs have plunged the world economy into chaos. But history counsels against despair – and the left should seize on capitalism’s crisis of legitimacy By John Cassidy. Read by Chris Reilly. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/longreadpodBy The Guardian

1
Could the Israel-Iran war completely destabilise the Middle East? 49:01

9d ago49:01

49:01

Sally Hayden and Harry McGee join Jack Horgan-Jones to look back on the week in politics: · Sally Hayden joins the pod on the line from Beirut where missiles flying overhead have become a fact of daily life despite the ceasefire agreement Lebanon signed with Israel last November. With Israel’s attention now firmly on Iran, the rising death toll and…

1
Extremely loud and incredibly scouse: how Jamie Carragher conquered football punditry 46:06

7d ago46:06

46:06

Football coverage no longer stops after the final whistle. And in this new era, the former Liverpool defender reigns supreme By Kieran Morris. Read by Felipe Pacheco. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/longreadpodBy The Guardian

1
Opposition smells blood in the water over RPZ changes 35:51

11d ago35:51

35:51

Ellen Coyne and Jack Horgan-Jones join Harry McGee to talk about the ongoing fallout from the Government's proposed changes to the rights of tenants and landlords. They look at growing criticism of the finer points of the policy. Will the delay in rolling out RPZs to the whole country incentivise landlords to raise rents while they can? Do the new …

1
From the archive: Burying Leni Riefenstahl: one woman’s lifelong crusade against Hitler’s favourite film-maker 49:37

9d ago49:37

49:37

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: Nina Gladitz dedicated her life to proving the Triumph of the Will director’s complicity with the horrors of nazism. In the end, she succeeded – but at a cost Written and read by Kate Connol…

1
O Kashmir: A Primer on South Asia’s Forever War 7:01

12d ago7:01

7:01

Ishtiaq Ahmed and Siddharthya Roy discuss the conflict's origins, its importance to India and Pakistan, and the evolution of the Kashmir insurgency. In the wake of the Pahalgam attack and the India-Pakistan hostilities that followed, this month's episode of Beyond the Indus is a primer on the Kashmir conflict. Professor Ishtiaq Ahmed and Siddharthy…

1
‘You can let go now’: inside the hospital where staff treat fear of death as well as physical pain 38:52

11d ago38:52

38:52

In a Danish palliative care unit, the alternative to assisted dying is not striving to cure – offering relief and comfort to patients and their families By Line Vaaben. Read by Freya Miller. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/longreadpodBy The Guardian

1
Is there any such thing as a political genius? With Helen Lewis 39:17

13d ago39:17

39:17

You can tell an awful lot about a society by who it labels a genius. You can also learn from who it excludes from that category, who it enables and what it is prepared to tolerate from them. The tortured poet, the rebellious scientist, the monstrous artist, or indeed the tech disruptor. All of these archetypes feature in The Genius Myth, the new bo…

1
Rent reform: is immediate pain worth uncertain gains? 50:23

16d ago50:23

50:23

Pat Leahy and Ellen Coyne join Hugh Linehan to look back at the week in politics: Rent reform: the announcement of Minister for Housing James Browne’s plans to change the rules around rent pressure zones dominated the week. But why was the rollout so haphazard? Adjustments to residential property tax received less attention but the changes also car…

1
An English gentleman, a crooked lawyer: the secrets of Stephen David Jones 54:02

14d ago54:02

54:02

With his brilliant mind and impeccable credentials, it’s little wonder that wealthy clients trusted him with their fortunes. Then they started to get suspicious By Hettie O’Brien. Read by Simon Vance. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/longreadpodBy The Guardian

1
LA protests: how far will Trump go to extend his power? 44:27

18d ago44:27

44:27

US president Donald Trump's response to protests against immigration raids in Los Angeles - to send in troops - is in keeping with a broader theme of his second presidency so far - extending executive power and challenging institutional norms. But how far is Trump willing to go? TCD's Daniel Geary joins Hugh to talk about the events in LA and the p…

1
From the archive: Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o: three days with a giant of African literature 59:05

16d ago59:05

59:05

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 2023: The Kenyan novelist’s life and work has intersected with many of the biggest events of the past century. At 85, he reflects on his long, uncompromising life in writing Written and read by Ca…

1
Why Europe needs to realise the truth about America - with Helen Thompson 42:33

20d ago42:33

42:33

Where does Europe fit into the 21st century? Political scientist Professor Helen Thompson returns to the podcast to talk about the big picture for the global economy and international relations in the age of Trump's second term, China's rise and Europe's relative decline. She talks to Hugh about the real significance of America's debt pile, Silicon…

1
Death, divorce and the magic of kitchen objects: how to find hope in loss 28:45

18d ago28:45

28:45

As they pass through different hands, cooking utensils can magically connect us to loved ones who are no longer with us By Bee Wilson. Read by Colleen Prendergast. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/longreadpodBy The Guardian

1
CHI controversy: a hard decision faces the Government 42:00

23d ago42:00

42:00

Joining Hugh and Cormac McQuinn on today's podcast is Ellen Coyne, the newest member of The Irish Times political team. Together they look back on the week in politics in Ireland and beyond: The crisis at Children's Hospital Ireland deepens Growing international disquiet over Israel's conduct in Gaza Planning exemptions for "granny flats" - can suc…

1
Missing in the Amazon: the disappearance – episode 1 26:51

21d ago26:51

26:51

Three years ago British journalist Dom Phillips and Brazilian indigenous defender Bruno Pereira vanished while on a reporting trip near Brazil’s remote Javari valley. The Guardian’s Latin America correspondent Tom Phillips investigates what happened in the first episode of a new six-part investigative podcast series. Find episode 2 – and all future…

1
Can South Korea's new president unify an unhappy country? 24:23

24d ago24:23

24:23

With the election of Lee Jae-myung as president of South Korea, a period of political turmoil there may be over - for now at least. But Lee, leader of the centre-left Democratic Party, faces many challenges, including a political system in disarray, the threat of tariffs and a looming demographic disaster. Denis Staunton reports. Hosted on Acast. S…

1
A deadly mission: how Dom Phillips and Bruno Pereira tried to warn the world about the Amazon’s destruction 30:36

22d ago30:36

30:36

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 Pa…

1
Why Poland's dramatic election result is a setback for Europe 29:55

25d ago29:55

29:55

Poland is facing political deadlock after pro-Trump candidate Karol Nawrocki, backed by the country’s right-wing opposition, won Sunday’s presidential by less than two percentage points. The result also has major implications for European politics. On today's podcast Hugh discusses the outcome with Berlin correspondent Derek Scally. Hosted on Acast…

1
From the archive: Alan Yentob: the last impresario 47:39

23d ago47:39

47:39

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 ma…

1
‘We know what is happening, we cannot walk away’: how the Guardian bore witness to horror in former Yugoslavia 31:34

25d ago31:34

31:34

During the decade-long conflicts, the major powers dithered as Serb militias carried out their brutal campaigns of ethnic cleansing. Guardian reporters became more passionate and more outspoken in their condemnation, attracting praise and criticism By Ian Mayes. Read by Owen McDonnell. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/long…

1
Committees of the Oireachtas are back, but why can’t Irish politicians ask a good question? 40:01

30d ago40:01

40:01

Pat Leahy and Harry McGee join Hugh Linehan to look back on the week in politics: · Committees of the Oireachtas are indeed back, but rigor and insight seem to be missing in some of the questions posed by politicians during RTÉ’s appearance in front of the Oireachtas media committee on Wednesday. · Independent TDs Barry Heneghan and Gillian Toole, …

1
The ancient psychedelics myth: ‘People tell tourists the stories they think are interesting for them’ 33:19

28d ago33:19

33:19

The narrative of ancient tribes around the world regularly using ayahuasca and magic mushrooms in healing practices is a popular one. Is it true? By Manvir Singh. Read by Sebastián Capitán Viveros. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/longreadpodBy The Guardian

1
Why 'left' and 'woke' are not the same thing - with Susan Neiman 53:30

1M ago53:30

53:30

In her book Left Is Not Woke today's guest Susan Neiman argues that the left has taken a wrong turn and must differentiate itself from "wokism". She talks to Hugh about what she means by "woke" and why its appeal to traditional left-wing tendencies, like solidarity and supporting the underdog, helps disguise its more reactionary elements. They also…

1
From the archive: The lost Jews of Nigeria 49:14

1M ago49:14

49:14

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 j…

1
Gavan Reilly: The Secret Life of Leinster House 47:59

1M ago47:59

47:59

Leinster House is more than a place of work - it's a way of life for the politicians and other professionals who spend their days there. Journalist and broadcaster Gavan Reilly has written a book about the inner-workings of our parliament building and its inhabitants. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

1
‘We thought we could change the world’: how an idealistic fight against miscarriages of justice turned sour 42:06

1M ago42:06

42:06

When a no-nonsense lecturer set up a radical solution to help free the wrongfully convicted in the UK, he was hopeful he could change the justice system. But what started as a revolution ended in acrimony By Francisco Garcia. Read by Nicholas Camm. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/longreadpod…

1
Sinn Féin versus William the Conqueror 39:30

1M ago39:30

39:30

Pat Leahy and Harry McGee join Hugh Linehan to look back on the week in politics: · Ireland’s decision to participate in a European-wide initiative celebrating Norman heritage and influence has drawn the ire of Sinn Féin. The initiative is called ’2027 The Year of the Normans – People of Europe’, and Cabinet approved plans to mark 1000 years since …

1
‘All other avenues have been exhausted’: Is legal action the only way to save the planet? 32:29

1M ago32:29

32:29

Monica Feria-Tinta is one of a growing number of lawyers using the courts to make governments around the world take action By Samira Shackle. Read by Díana Bermudez. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/longreadpodBy The Guardian

1
Refugees in Ireland: is the Government getting the balance right? 44:38

1M ago44:38

44:38

The unprecedented increase in the numbers of people coming to Ireland seeking International Protection due to war or oppression in their homeland put serious pressure on State resources since 2023. The new Government has signalled a tougher approach to the issue, and has claimed some success. Are their reforms working, and is the tougher messaging …

1
From the archive: Super-prime mover: Britain’s most successful estate agent 42:26

1M ago42:26

42:26

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…

1
'The people who voted no are expected to go under a rock and disappear' - Ronán Mullen on losing the marriage referendum 35:17

1M ago35:17

35:17

The tenth anniversary of the marriage equality referendum has prompted some reminiscing about how the vote was the first of two pinnacles for progressivism in Ireland, the other being the abortion referendum three years later. For women and members of the LGBT community, the successful campaigns were pivotal moments for an Ireland escaping its oppr…

1
A year of hate: what I learned when I went undercover with the far right 34:58

1M ago34:58

34:58

Working for Hope Not Hate, I infiltrated an extremist organisation, befriended its members and got to work investigating their political connections Written and read by Harry Shukman. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/longreadpodBy The Guardian

1
The Public Accounts Committee returns, and is already making headlines 38:08

1M ago38:08

38:08

Jack Horgan-Jones and Cormac McQuinn join Hugh Linehan to look back on the week in politics: · The Public Accounts Committee returned on Thursday and already it was making headlines with revelations about former Children’s Health Ireland boss Eilish Hardiman’s salary. PAC is apt at generating headlines with leaked opening statements and TDs eager t…

1
‘I am not who you think I am’: how a deep-cover KGB spy recruited his own son 49:36

1M ago49:36

49:36

For the first time, the man the KGB codenamed ‘the Inheritor’ tells his story By Shaun Walker. Read by James Faulkner. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/longreadpodBy The Guardian

1
Beyond the Tariffs: Liberation Day’s Impact on South Asia 7:01

2M ago7:01

7:01

Priyanka Bhide, Uzair Younus, Umesh Moramudali and Jyoti Rahman discuss how tariffs will impact India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh. This month's episode of Beyond the Indus focuses on how the Liberation Day tariffs announced by the Trump administration will impact South Asia. Host Tushar Shetty is joined by four distinguished economic comme…

1
Marriage equality: ten years on, has Ireland's progressive optimism disappeared? 44:33

2M ago44:33

44:33

It is ten years since the country voted to legalise same-sex marriage. This victory for progressive politics was followed by another when abortion rights were won in 2018. But what is sometimes called "the progressive agenda" has since had setbacks, including last year's defeated referendums on family and care. So how relevant is progressivism to I…

1
From the archive: What lies beneath: the truth about France’s top serial killer expert 58:12

2M ago58:12

58:12

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 c…

1
‘Why would he take such a risk?’ How a famous Chinese author befriended his censor 39:25

2M ago39:25

39:25

Online dissent is a serious crime in China. So why did a Weibo censor help me publish posts critical of the Communist party? By Murong Xuecun. Read by Zhang Wang Li. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/longreadpodBy The Guardian

1
Simon Harris: my style of politics is not a problem 58:40

2M ago58:40

58:40

Simon Harris had a difficult general election campaign as Fine Gael leader and has since faced criticism that he has not learned from mistakes in his new roles as Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs. On today's podcast he tells Jack Horgan-Jones and Hugh Linehan that his style of politics won't change. He also answers questions about policy i…

1
Are the Government spooked by the consequences of the Occupied Territories Bill? 38:02

2M ago38:02

38:02

Pat Leahy and Harry McGee join Hugh Linehan to look back on the week in politics: · On the same day that the US agreed a trade deal with the UK, the European Commission unveiled a second, larger package of retaliatory tariffs – this was in response to the absence of negotiation from the US on what they actually want. Thankfully for Ireland, our big…

1
The mystery of the nameless girl found dead in a Spanish border town 38:52

2M ago38:52

38:52

On a summer morning in 1990, the body of a young woman appeared in a small town close to the frontier. For those who saw her, finding her identity became an obsession that would last 30 years By Giles Tremlett. Read by Luis Soto. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/longreadpodBy The Guardian

1
Conclave: why this papal election is the hardest to call in decades 37:16

2M ago37:16

37:16

The death of Pope Francis has set in train one of the most unique contests in world politics: the Papal conclave. Cardinals will vote again and again until one name achieves a two-thirds majority and becomes pope. Voting is not the conclave's only similarity to secular politics. The prospects of victory for frontrunners Antonio Tagle from the Phili…

1
From the archive: Food fraud and counterfeit cotton: the detectives untangling the global supply chain 45:32

2M ago45:32

45:32

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. Re…

1
From acid house to ancient rites: Jeremy Deller’s enormous, collaborative, unsellable art 38:24

2M ago38:24

38:24

The artist Jeremy Deller can’t really draw or paint. Instead of making things, he makes things happen. And later this year, he is planning to unleash a bacchanalian festival that will be his most daring public artwork yet By Charlotte Higgins. Read by Richard Coyle. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/longreadpod…

1
What does the surge of Farage's Reform mean for UK politics? 21:42

2M ago21:42

21:42

On today’s Inside Politics podcast Irish Times London Correspondent Mark Paul joins Hugh Linehan to discuss what Reform UK leader Nigel Farage is already calling “the beginning of the end of the Conservative Party" as Tories lost council seats all over England. And to add icing to Farage’s cake, Reform Party candidate Sarah Pochin dramatically won …

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Deep South Reformation Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

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