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 29, 2025 • 42min
From the archive: The queen of crime-solving
Explore the fascinating journey of forensic scientist Angela Gallop, who played a key role in solving some of the UK's most notorious murder cases. Discover her unique approach to investigation, from testing the circumstances of Roberto Calvi's death to uncovering DNA evidence in the Damilola Taylor case. Gallop shares insights into the decline of forensic science, the challenges of privatization, and the emotional impact of her work on victims' families. Delve into the intricate world of forensics and its vital role in justice.
15 snips
Oct 27, 2025 • 26min
A critique of pure stupidity: understanding Trump 2.0
The discussion explores how Trump's second term shifted perceptions from post-truth panic to a broader cultural stupidity. Key events highlight administrative incompetence, while cultural imagery like Idiocracy shapes our understanding of political absurdity. The debate also delves into whether these actions are strategic or genuinely incompetent. With a focus on how neoliberalism has outsourced judgment, the conversation questions if reinstating expertise or imagination can combat systemic stupidity.
Oct 24, 2025 • 37min
‘Resistance is when I put an end to what I don’t like’: The rise and fall of the Baader-Meinhof gang
Join Noof Ousellam, a professional narrator known for his engaging voice work, as he explores the chaotic world of the Baader-Meinhof gang. The discussion dives into the contrasting motivations of West German radicals and their Palestinian counterparts. Ousellam reveals Ulrike Meinhof's disturbing transformation from journalist to radical, the group's hasty escapes to the Middle East, and their unexpected challenges back in Germany. The podcast paints a vivid picture of ambition, error, and the dark turn to violence that defined this infamous group.
Oct 22, 2025 • 49min
From the archive: Who owns Einstein? The battle for the world’s most famous face
Delve into the fascinating saga of Albert Einstein's posthumous image rights. A California lawyer transformed his likeness into a lucrative asset, raising questions about commercialization versus legacy. Explore legal battles over Einstein's image, including lawsuits against corporations and debates within the Hebrew University. Discover how his iconic photo with a tongue out shaped public perception and why Einstein continues to resonate across cultures. Would he approve of the way his image is used today? Tune in for intriguing insights on fame and ownership.
4 snips
Oct 20, 2025 • 29min
The origins of today’s conflict between American Jews over Israel
American Jews' evolving relationship with Israel is explored, revealing early cultural fascinations and political divides. The Six-Day War of 1967 stands out as a transformative moment, uniting many in emotional solidarity. Yet, critiques emerged, highlighting tensions over identity and dual loyalties. The shift from skepticism to advocacy reshaped American Jewish institutions, prompting questions about representation and territorial expansion. The podcast delves into historical perspectives that continue to influence contemporary debates.
9 snips
Oct 17, 2025 • 55min
‘I have to do it’: why one of the world’s most brilliant AI scientists left the US for China
Song-Chun Zhu's bold move from the U.S. to China unravels a narrative packed with ambition and geopolitical tension. His early life shaped his relentless drive, while dissatisfaction with mainstream AI led him to seek a deeper, philosophical approach. Zhu's concerns about data-driven methods highlight a desire for generalization and cognizance in AI. He proposes a centralized national effort for AI development, sparking discussions on global talent flows and the eroding appeal of American academia.
Oct 15, 2025 • 33min
From the archive: ‘Infertility stung me’: Black motherhood and me
Dive into the complex journey of Black motherhood and infertility as Edna Bonhomme candidly shares her experiences. She delves into the gaps in reproductive health data and challenges the assumption of reproductive agency. Edna contrasts her experiences with IVF and healthcare systems in the U.S. and Germany, highlighting the impact of medical racism and maternal mortality. Through personal anecdotes and community discussions, she paints a poignant picture of the emotional toll of infertility and the quest for new parenting narratives.
Oct 13, 2025 • 43min
‘What reconciliation? What forgiveness?’: Syria’s deadly reckoning
In a poignant exploration of Syria's turmoil, two friends navigate a landscape marred by sectarian violence and revenge killings. As chaos reigns post-Assad, interviews reveal deep scars and a refusal to forgive without justice. Munir and Enes, from conflicting backgrounds, face personal and communal tragedies while displaying acts of silent solidarity amid the bloodshed. A failed rescue exposes the brutal reality of survival, while warnings about a cycle of reprisal violence highlight the urgency for a new social contract.
Oct 10, 2025 • 30min
Take away our language and we will forget who we are: Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o and the language of conquest
Join stage and screen actor Kobna Holdbrook-Smith as he breathes life into Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o's poignant essay on language and decolonisation. The discussion highlights Ngũgĩ's reclamation of his Kikuyu identity and his Marxist activism, alongside the historical suppression of native languages as tools of conquest. Delve into the grim realities of cultural erasure in educational settings and the ongoing postcolonial privileging of imperial languages. Ngũgĩ emphasizes the urgent need for decolonised education that honors indigenous languages and fosters genuine knowledge.
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.
