The Audio Long Read
The Guardian
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Oct 8, 2025 • 45min
From the archive: The Blackstone rebellion: how one country took on the world’s biggest commercial landlord
Hettie O'Brien, a regular Long Read writer and expert on private equity's role in housing, delves into the fierce Danish backlash against Blackstone's housing acquisitions. She reveals how Blackstone transitioned from commercial properties to residential homes post-2008. O'Brien discusses innovative tenant resistance strategies, including the impactful 'Blackstone Law' designed to limit rent hikes. With insights into tenant organization, government interventions, and the tug-of-war between housing policy and investor profits, this narrative shines a light on the complexities of affordable housing.
Oct 6, 2025 • 30min
‘We’ve done it before’: how not to lose hope in the fight against ecological disaster
The discussion explores historical successes in environmental action, like the ban on whaling and the eradication of leaded gasoline. It highlights the importance of regulation over market forces in protecting nature. Key events, such as the Donora smog, illustrate how crises can catalyze policy change. The podcast emphasizes the Montreal Protocol as a triumph of global cooperation against ozone depletion. Ultimately, it reminds listeners that past victories offer hope in the ongoing fight against ecological disasters.
Oct 3, 2025 • 32min
From bank robber to scholar: the Knoxville dropout fighting to change how we see addiction
Kirsten Smith transforms from a young heroin addict and bank robber into a scholar advocating for addiction reform. She challenges the prevailing disease model of addiction, emphasizing personal choice and hope. Her journey from incarceration to academia paints a compelling picture of recovery, education, and the complexity of addiction. As she navigates treatment barriers and societal stigma, Smith's insights shed light on the multifaceted nature of addiction and recovery, blending personal narrative with critical analysis.
7 snips
Oct 1, 2025 • 45min
From the archive: Divine comedy: the standup double act who turned to the priesthood
Two comedians, Josh and Jack, embark on a profound journey from skeptical jokesters to priests, questioning the meaning of faith. Their friendship deepens as they navigate the challenges of ordination and the emotional weight of ministry. Balancing comedy with newfound beliefs, they grapple with ethical dilemmas and the sacrifice required for priesthood. The story unfolds their unique paths to faith, revealing how their comedic past shapes their spiritual future and the complexities of their identities within the church.
Sep 29, 2025 • 31min
‘A climate of unparalleled malevolence’: are we on our way to the sixth major mass extinction?
Explore the chilling parallels between historical mass extinctions and today's rapid carbon emissions. Discover how massive volcanic eruptions once shaped Earth's ecosystems and led to catastrophic biodiversity loss. Learn about the alarming rate of carbon release from human activities, which may outpace ancient volcanic events. The discussion delves into the potential consequences of climate change, including ecosystem collapse and toxic ocean conditions. Can we avoid repeating the mistakes of the past, or are we facing another Great Dying?
Sep 26, 2025 • 41min
Bland, easy to follow, for fans of everything: what has the Netflix algorithm done to our films?
The discussion delves into how Netflix's algorithm shapes films, often resulting in bland, formulaic content that caters to broad audiences. Examples like 'The Electric State' highlight this trend, as narratives become overly simplistic to accommodate background viewing. The podcast also examines the impact of data-driven decisions on creative processes, pointing to a lack of raw data for creators. Moreover, it explores the economic motivations behind mass-appeal strategies and how exclusive distribution affects indie film financing.
Sep 24, 2025 • 45min
From the archive: Forgetting the apocalypse: why our nuclear fears faded – and why that’s dangerous
Explore the fading memory of nuclear fears and the dangers it presents. The narrative dives into the horror of Hiroshima, detailing the immediate global shock and how the atomic bomb reshaped military and political thinking. Discover the contrasts between deterrence theory and the power of memory in preventing escalation during crises like the Cuban Missile Crisis. With collective nuclear memory waning, experts warn of rising contemporary risks as leaders break norms and treaties, heightening the threat in today’s world.
Sep 22, 2025 • 46min
‘The forest had gone’: the storm that moved a mountain
A football tournament in the Swiss mountains quickly turns disastrous as a severe thunderstorm descends. As the rain intensifies, participants face growing unease amid meteorological warnings. The chaos peaks when a massive surge of water and rock transforms the landscape overnight. Local heroes emerge as they improvise rescues and navigations through the wreckage. The aftermath reveals a stark reality of climate change, with communities left to grapple with the devastation and a heightened fear of future storms.
Sep 19, 2025 • 43min
Life in a ‘sinking nation’: Tuvalu’s dreams of dry land
As sea levels rise, Tuvalu faces the grim prospect of disappearing. The podcast explores the intriguing digital-statehood concept pitched by Simon Kofi, aimed at safeguarding Tuvalu's identity. Residents rely on .tv domain revenue and fishing licenses amidst limited local services. Tensions between scientific research and political messaging are highlighted, revealing the challenges of atoll dynamics. With recent mobility agreements in place, the conversation delves into the broader implications of migration as the nation grapples with its uncertain future.
Sep 17, 2025 • 42min
From the archive: Sewage sleuths: the men who revealed the slow, dirty death of Welsh and English rivers
Dive into the murky waters of sewage pollution and its devastating impact on Welsh and English rivers. Hear about whistleblowers unearthing shocking truths of untreated sewage discharges, revealing a systemic failure in regulation. Personal stories highlight dedicated activists fighting back to restore river ecosystems. Explore the struggle against corporate greed and the urgent need for change. This captivating discussion underscores the pressing environmental crisis, urging listeners to take action for our waterways.
