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
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.
Sep 15, 2025 • 52min
Very British bribery: the whistleblower who exposed the UK’s dodgy arms deals with Saudi Arabia
A whistleblower uncovers shocking corruption within the UK arms trade while working in Riyadh. His efforts reveal the moral dilemmas faced when exposing unethical practices tied to military contracts. With an ongoing battle against systemic bribery, the podcast dives into the tangled web of greed and secrecy within government dealings. This gripping tale highlights the personal risks involved in standing up for what is right, sparking a deeper discussion on accountability in an opaque industry.
Sep 12, 2025 • 50min
‘People pay to be told lies’: the rise and fall of the world’s first ayahuasca multinational
Explore the controversial journey of the world's first ayahuasca multinational, led by Alberto Varela. As claims of mind liberation clash with alarming revelations, followers uncover exploitative practices hiding behind a facade of healing. The dark side of sacred plant medicine is laid bare, raising important questions about ethics and safety in such retreats. This deep dive into participant experiences uncovers a world where seekers of truth may have been misled.
Sep 10, 2025 • 33min
From the archive: ‘We were all wrong’: how Germany got hooked on Russian energy
Explore Germany's historical dependence on Russian energy, revealing how Cold War tensions set the stage for today's dilemmas. Discover the complexities of Germany's energy policies and misjudgments that led to a dangerous reliance, particularly highlighted during the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The discussion dives into key milestones, including the pivotal 1970 pipeline contract and the implications of the Nord Stream project. Unravel the intricate relationship between economic interests and geopolitical security, shedding light on the lessons learned from this energy dependency.
11 snips
Sep 8, 2025 • 35min
Dancing with Putin: how Austria’s former foreign minister found a new home in Russia
Karin Kneissl's controversial invitation to Putin at her wedding sparked global headlines and highlighted Austria's delicate ties with Russia. Her career as a foreign minister was filled with ambition, challenges, and provocative writings on international affairs. The podcast dives into her shocking shift from Vienna’s political scene to life in St. Petersburg, exploring her ideological transformation amid rising geopolitical tensions. With anecdotes of her eccentricities and the infamous dance with Putin, the discussion reveals a complex figure navigating a tumultuous landscape.
Sep 5, 2025 • 31min
Don’t call it morning sickness: ‘At times in my pregnancy I wondered if this was death coming for me’
The podcast dives into the harrowing experience of hyperemesis gravidarum, exploring its historical roots and how society often dismisses this severe form of morning sickness. Personal anecdotes reveal the isolation felt during pregnancy and historical treatments that ranged from bizarre to extreme. It reflects on the importance of an empathetic doctor-patient relationship, especially after the thalidomide crisis. The emotional highs and lows of motherhood are candidly discussed, illustrating the deep and complex bond between mother and child.
Sep 3, 2025 • 34min
From the archive: ‘We need to break the junk food cycle’: how to fix Britain’s failing food system
Dive into the critical issues surrounding Britain's food system. Discover the shortcomings of obesity policies that have failed to curb rising rates of food insecurity. Hear about the desperate need for food quality regulation and how Amsterdam's successful strategies could inspire transformative changes. The podcast highlights the disconnect between food production and nutritional standards, urging a coordinated approach for a healthier future. It's a thought-provoking exploration of how advocacy can shift public consciousness around food.
26 snips
Sep 1, 2025 • 52min
The rise and fall of the British cult that hid in plain sight
Philippa Barnes shares her harrowing journey within the Jesus Fellowship cult, exposing its manipulative practices and strict ideologies. Survivor testimonies reveal the cult's shocking scale of abuse, highlighting the struggle for freedom faced by former members. The podcast delves into the sociological complexities of cult dynamics, contrasting their utopian façade with oppressive control. Following the leader's death, a disturbing scandal unfolds, leading to a survivors' association fighting for justice and ultimately seeking redress for the victims.
Aug 29, 2025 • 37min
Best of 2025 … so far: ‘The Mozart of the attention economy’: why MrBeast is the world’s biggest YouTube star
Dive into the captivating world of MrBeast, the YouTube sensation known for his outrageous challenges and philanthropic stunts. Discover the secrets behind his immense popularity and what makes his content irresistible to millions. Explore how childhood curiosity blends with digital fame, raising ethical questions in the process. Is he a savvy clickbait artist or a genius innovator? Join the discussion about the psychological and social forces driving modern content creation, reflecting on the intersection of entertainment and commerce.
Aug 27, 2025 • 46min
Best of 2025 … so far: ‘Look, they’re getting skin!’: are we right to strive to save the world’s tiniest babies?
Delve into the emotional turmoil of parents facing the birth of extremely premature babies at just 22 or 23 weeks. Explore the ethical dilemmas medical professionals grapple with while pushing the boundaries of neonatal care. The narrative highlights personal stories that reveal both hope and fear surrounding survival rates. Listen in as they discuss the delicate balance between advanced healthcare and the potential suffering of these vulnerable lives. Expect a deep dive into the struggles and triumphs of this incredible journey!
