Best Narrative Declaration Podcasts (2025)

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The Martin | Rotgrind | S4 E6 2:24:45

4d ago2:24:45

2:24:45

By Narrative Declaration

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#1656 A Conversation with Novelist Anne Hillerman 52:16

4h ago52:16

52:16

Clay interviews the southwestern crime novelist Anne Hillerman, now publishing her 10th novel about crime-solving in the land of the Navajo in Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, and Colorado. Anne is the daughter of the acclaimed and bestselling Tony Hillerman, who wrote 19 novels before he died in 2008. Anne decided to carry on the tradition, and her succ…

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

8h 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

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City of Johannesburg A former World Class African City. Can it be saved 1:07:42

3d ago1:07:42

1:07:42

Johannesburg, South Africa’s economic hub, is falling apart. The state of the road, electricity, and water infrastructure is showing clear signs of collapse. As the country’s largest city and primary economic hub, Johannesburg is home to over 5.5 million people and contributes nearly 16% of South Africa’s GDP. The City is home to the headquarters o…

1
Israel attacks Iran and declares emergency over expected 'missile and drone' retaliation 23:17

3d ago23:17

23:17

Israel launched a series of airstrikes against Iran early Friday morning, targeting locations it said were related to Iran’s nuclear program. Mohammad Hossein Bagheri, chief of the Iranian Armed Forces, the country’s most senior military official, was killed during the strikes, alongside the commander-in-chief of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard …

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

3d 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

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

5d 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…

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INTERVIEW: Inside the Anti-Axis Alliance of WWII with historian Tim Bouverie 32:14

7d ago32:14

32:14

On this episode of Why Wars Happened, host Emily Ross sits down with British historian Tim Bouverie to talk about his latest book, Allies at War: How the Struggles Between the Allied Powers Shaped the War and the World. Their conversation unpacks the tense and often fragile relationships between the major Allied leaders—Stalin, FDR, and Churchill—a…

1
Statistics South Africa’s data ecosystems: Analysing the work of Stats SA amid a stagnant economy 1:14:04

7d ago1:14:04

1:14:04

Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) publishes the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) every quarter. GDP measures the size of the economy and its growth rate over time and is the most familiar and widely recognised feature of the national accounts. The international gold standard for national accounts compilation is the System of National Account…

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National Lottery Commission: Ithuba Holdings Granted 12-months Extension 16:44

7d ago16:44

16:44

The minister responsible for the National Lottery has awarded an “emergency” 12-month temporary licence to Ithuba Holdings, the company that has operated the National Lottery for the past 10 years. The awarding of the temporary licence was made just hours before Ithuba’s contract ended on 31 May 2025. According to the Lotteries Act, an operator’s l…

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When ELIZA meets therapists: A Turing test for the heart and mind 22:08

7d ago22:08

22:08

If your relationship is on the rocks, your best bet to patch things up might not be to seek counseling from a therapist, but from AI — or so posits a new study exploring the potential of ChatGPT in couples therapy. The experiment, which was published in PLOS Mental Health, put 830 participants in couples therapy scenarios to determine whether AI wo…

1
IN CONVERSATION WITH… 38:16

7d ago38:16

38:16

Ihashi Elimhlophe is a household name in South African maskandi traditional Zulu music. Leader Bheki Ngcobo, the brains behind the group, first recorded in 1986. He has never looked back since. In 1976 Bheki Ngcobo left his small village of KwaBiyela in KwaZulu-Natal for Johannesburg, in search of opportunities in the big city of gold. He started h…

1
Rectifying the ‘false’ colonial narrative of Nongqawuse and the cattle culling of 1856 25:13

7d ago25:13

25:13

Traveller and author Treive Nicholas reclaims the tragic story of the Gcaleka clan by exploring ancient amaXhosa heritage and offering a powerful re-examination of Nongqawuse within a harshly scarred history. In his book "In Search of Nongqawuse," Nicholas tells the story of a young orphan girl whose life intersects with a catastrophic historical c…

1
Trump and Musk Feud 20:16

7d ago20:16

20:16

President Donald Trump threatened on Thursday to cut off government contracts with billionaire Elon Musk's companies, while Musk suggested Trump should be impeached, turning their bromance into an all-out brawl on social media. The hostilities began when Trump criticized Tesla CEO Musk in the Oval Office. Within hours, the once-close relationship h…

1
#1655 Clay and Lindsay Live: Religious Freedom 51:37

7d ago51:37

51:37

Clay’s live conversation with Dr. Lindsay Chervinsky on Religious Freedom. Clay and Lindsay met in person at The Historic Christ Church and Museum in Weems, Virginia to discuss the history of religous freedom in the United States. They talk about how many Presidents have shared the faith, why there was an effort to separate the church and state fro…

1
Parks Tau's appoints Ithuba Holdings to operate the national lottery for the next 12 months 9:45

8d ago9:45

9:45

The minister responsible for the National Lottery has awarded an “emergency” 12-month temporary licence to Ithuba Holdings, the company that has operated the National Lottery for the past 10 years. The awarding of the temporary licence was made just hours before Ithuba’s contract ended on 31 May 2025. According to the Lotteries Act, an operator’s l…

1
DA Federal Leader, Helen Zille looking to be Johannesburg’s next Mayor 22:22

8d ago22:22

22:22

Helen Zille is considering throwing her hat into the ring to become the DA’s mayoral candidate for Johannesburg. Senior DA sources indicated to City Press sister publication Rapport in the past week that Zille is being encouraged to make herself available as the party’s candidate for the municipal election set to take place at the end of 2026. Zill…

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

8d 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

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

11d 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…

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FUND TO HELP PEOPLE PAY BAIL 45:57

12d ago45:57

45:57

More than 2,600 awaiting-trial detainees are stuck in overcrowded South African prisons because they cannot afford to pay bail of less than R1,000. Many more cannot afford low bail amounts of more than R1,000. The Bail Fund working group, led by the Judicial Inspectorate for Correctional Services (JICS) and with the support of the Bertha Centre and…

1
Western Cape Gang Monitor report: Gangs recruit 12-year-olds, fuelling rise in child murders 24:05

12d ago24:05

24:05

Western Cape gangs are recruiting children as young as 12 to conceal dangerous weapons and as “spotters” to watch out for the police. This phenomenon is driving up the rate of child murders in the province, according to a Western Cape Gang Monitor report released by the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organised Crime (GI-TOC). Citing police…

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Florence Nightingale and her Geeks Declare War on Death 46:01

12d ago46:01

46:01

In this episode from the Cautionary Tales podcast, Harford teams up with actor Helena Bonham Carter, a distant relative of Florence Nightingale, to tell the story of how the ‘“Lady with the Lamp” revolutionized public health with a pie chart. Nightingale was a statistician as well as a nurse, and it was her use of data graphics that led hospitals t…

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

12d 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…

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FOOD FOR THOUGHT: REFLECTIONS ON FOOD (IN)SECURITY 46:52

13d ago46:52

46:52

Civil society organisations are calling for amendments to the updated National Food and Nutrition Security Plan to address and monitor affordability and food pricing and give people economic access to nutritious food.  This is one of the recommendations in a new report by the Socio-Economic Rights Institute of South Africa (Seri). The report, launc…

1
GDP growth subdued in the first quarter: Why is SA economy stagnant? 22:02

13d ago22:02

22:02

The South African economy kept its head above water in the first quarter of 2025 (January–March), expanding by a marginal 0,1% compared with the fourth quarter of 2024.1 Four of the ten industries on the production (supply) side of the economy recorded positive gains, with agriculture driving most of the upward momentum. Household spending, stronge…

1
State to appeal ruling on Moroadi Cholota's extradition from US 13:14

13d ago13:14

13:14

The State in the Free State asbestos trial has confirmed that it plans to appeal the Bloemfontein High Court judgment that overturned Moroadi Cholota's extradition from the US. Mbuyiseni Ndlozi is in conversation with NPA Spokesperson, Advocate Mthunzi Mhaga. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

1
A basic income support grant can address extreme poverty and inequality in South Africa - economic model shows how 12:15

13d ago12:15

12:15

South Africa remains one of the most unequal countries in the world. The country’s per-capita expenditure Gini coefficient, a measure of how spending from income is distributed, stands at 0.65. This puts it among countries with the most unequal distribution of spending globally. Mbuyiseni Ndlozi is in conversation with IEJ's, Dr Kelle Howson. See o…

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

13d 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
INTERVIEW: 36th US Army Chief of Staff, General George Casey, on Iraq, 9/11, and Leading in Chaos 36:38

14d ago36:38

36:38

Hey guys, welcome back to the Why Wars Happened History Podcast, where you learn about the causes of wars and things like, why did it happen? Was it inevitable? Who was involved? Sometimes I go back hundreds of years just so we can understand what happened in our narrative episodes covering the long course of a war and the background of the war. An…

1
#1654 Wandering In Canyon Country — A Conversation with Craig Childs 56:58

14d ago56:58

56:58

Clay’s conversation with writer Craig Childs of western Colorado. Childs is the author of more than a dozen books about America’s backcountry. He’s spent months, even years, exploring the Grand Canyon and a hundred lesser but magnificent canyons in desert country. Childs has been a river runner, a guide, and a consultant, but mostly, he is a writer…

1
HIV Infections in Children: Why Children are Left Behind 41:39

15d ago41:39

41:39

HIV is still a critical issue in South Africa. While rates of HIV in children have declined significantly since the early 2000s, an estimated 270 000 children aged 0 –14 are living with HIV, 10 000 become newly infected and 2100 die from AIDS each year, according to UNAIDS. The majority of HIV-positive children are infected before and during birth,…

1
State of City of Tshwane 55:21

15d ago55:21

55:21

The City of Tshwane is the capital of South Africa and is the largest municipality, as measured by land mass. Tshwane is amongst the six largest metropolitan municipalities in South Africa and the second largest in Gauteng, as measured by Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The Tshwane region covers 6 368km² of Gauteng’s 19 055km² and houses approximatel…

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

15d 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
The Future of State-Funded Higher Education - Zoning into the U.S. and South African Institutional funding 22:43

18d ago22:43

22:43

The recent standoff between the Trump administration and Harvard University marks a pivotal moment in American higher education policy, with global implications on funding and academic freedom. Triggered by disputes over race-conscious admissions and broader ideological battles, the administration moved to suspend or revoke federal funding for elit…

1
History of Morogoro and Understanding iGwijo 33:33

18d ago33:33

33:33

Gwijo Avenue, is an acclaimed acappella music group from the vibrant township of Alexandra in South Africa. Renowned for their extraordinary "Ama-Gwijo" sounds popular sung at sporting events, rallies, and traditional gatherings. The group was founded with the intention of honouring and promoting South Africa's rich cultural heritage. Gwijo Avenue …

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

18d 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

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The Sustainable Infrastructure Development Symposium 2025: Aims, Outcomes and The Strategic Infrastructure Priorities Outlined 23:25

19d ago23:25

23:25

The Sustainable Infrastructure Development Symposium South Africa (SIDSSA) 2025, hosted in Cape Town from 25 to 27 May, emerged as a cornerstone event in shaping the trajectory of South Africa’s infrastructure landscape. Convened under the guidance of President Cyril Ramaphosa, SIDSSA was framed around South Africa’s imperative to reposition infras…

1
Mthandeni SK: The King of Maskandi Music 34:03

19d ago34:03

34:03

Mthandeni Mangele who is popularly known as Mthandeni SK or Igcokama Elisha, is a renowned South African Maskandi musician, singer, and songwriter. Born and raised in KwaZulu-Natal, Mthandeni SK’s music career spans over a decade, with numerous awards and accolades to his name. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

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South Africa paving the way for Starlink: Connectivity and Broader Internet Access 49:26

20d ago49:26

49:26

Starlink is a satellite constellation system that aims to deliver global internet coverage. This system is ideally suited for rural and geographically isolated areas where internet connectivity is unreliable or non-existent. Starlink operates on a satellite internet service technology that has existed for decades. Instead of using cable technology,…

1
South Africa's Emerging Role in Global Drug Trafficking Networks: The Rise of Drug Mules and International Implications 22:38

20d ago22:38

22:38

South Africa has increasingly become a pivotal node in global drug trafficking networks, serving as a transit hub, consumer market, and source of drug mules. Its strategic geographic position, advanced infrastructure, and socio-economic disparities have created conducive conditions for both international criminal syndicates and local operators. Thi…

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

20d 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
INTERVIEW: The 82nd Airborne’s Heroic D-Day Mission with Author James Donovan 39:00

21d ago39:00

39:00

Hey guys, welcome back to the Why Wars Happened History Podcast, where you learn about the causes of wars and things like, why did it happen? Was it inevitable? Who was involved? Sometimes I go back hundreds of years just so we can understand what happened in our narrative episodes covering the long course of a war and the background of the war. An…

1
South Africa's Crime Crisis 51:00

21d ago51:00

51:00

In 2024, South Africa had a crime index of 75.4, which is to be considered high. However, this was one of the lowest indexes recorded in the country since 2017. Over the observed period, the value continuously fluctuated between 75 and 77. South Africa has the highest crime index in Africa and ranks as the fifth most dangerous country globally acco…

1
FOCUS: South African Revenue Services 1:09:53

21d ago1:09:53

1:09:53

The South African Revenue Service (Sars) has committed to accelerating its efforts to recover all debt and to catch tax evaders to increase revenue collection. This comes after Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana announced a 2025/26 financial year revenue estimate of R1.986 trillion in his budget speech this week. Sars said it recognized the funding …

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Bullying Prevalent in South African Schools 22:14

21d ago22:14

22:14

South Africa reported 548 cases of bullying in schools since January, prompting the Minister of Basic Education to unveil new initiatives aimed at combating this growing issue. Twenty-nine cases were reported in KwaZulu-Natal, 23 in Gauteng and 305 in Limpopo. These shocking statistics were released last week by the Minister of Basic Education, Siv…

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#1653 Clay and the new History Channel Series, Kevin Costner's The West 55:48

21d ago55:48

55:48

Guest host Russ Eagle interviews Clay Jenkinson about the forthcoming eight-part History Channel series, Kevin Costner's The West. Clay was interviewed as a historical expert twice for the series produced by Doris Kearns Goodwin and featuring Kevin Costner. Clay explains his intensive preparations to participate in a documentary by Ken Burns or Dor…

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Remembering ANC stalwart Gertrude Shope 26:32

22d ago26:32

26:32

ANC stalwart Gertrude Shope has died at the age of 99. According to the party, Shope, also known as MaShope, died peacefully at her Gauteng home on Thursday morning. "A lifelong revolutionary, MaShope was a leader of profound discipline, courage and humility. From her early activism to the dawn of democracy, she served the Struggle with unmatched c…

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Reigniting the African renaissance 1:23:03

22d ago1:23:03

1:23:03

Although South Africa's President Mbeki has played (and continues to play) an important role in the contemporary discourse on the African Renaissance, the roots of this particular concept hark back much further in time, and as early as 1948 the well-known West African academic, author and thinker, Cheikh Anta Diop (1923- 1986), published on an Afri…

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

22d 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…

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