
The Audio Long Read
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.
Latest episodes

Jun 6, 2025 • 27min
Missing in the Amazon: the disappearance – episode 1
Explore the gripping disappearance of journalist Dom Phillips and indigenous defender Bruno Pereira in the treacherous Amazon. Discover the intense search efforts that bring together local communities and authorities. Uncover shocking evidence suggesting they may have been ambushed rather than lost. Their story sheds light on the broader fight for indigenous rights and the environmental challenges within the Amazon, making for a captivating tale of courage and intrigue.

Jun 5, 2025 • 31min
A deadly mission: how Dom Phillips and Bruno Pereira tried to warn the world about the Amazon’s destruction
Dive into the harrowing journey of two advocates determined to protect the Amazon rainforest. Their efforts highlight the urgent need to conserve the land amid rising deforestation and political challenges. Explore the complex history of indigenous struggles, intertwined with the detrimental effects of recent policies. The discussion shifts to potential sustainable solutions that honor indigenous practices and improve community welfare. This compelling narrative sheds light on both the threats and hopes for one of the world's most vital ecosystems.

Jun 4, 2025 • 48min
From the archive: Alan Yentob: the last impresario
Discover the life of Alan Yentob, a towering figure in British television, whose influence shaped numerous iconic programs at the BBC. Reflect on the complexities of his legacy as admiration intertwines with critique following his fall from grace. Explore the contrasts between artistic aspirations and the harsh realities in refugee camps, questioning the role of celebrities in social narratives. Additionally, delve into the evolution of arts broadcasting, showcasing the shift from tradition to innovative cinema that marked a significant change in media.

Jun 2, 2025 • 32min
‘We know what is happening, we cannot walk away’: how the Guardian bore witness to horror in former Yugoslavia
Delve into the heart-wrenching narratives of journalists brave enough to document the Yugoslav Wars. Hear firsthand accounts of the fall of Srebrenica and the harrowing consequences of failed peacekeeping. Explore the tragic stories of refugees caught in chaos, including a poignant tale of a young woman’s suicide. Discover the complicated nature of NATO's airstrikes and the global reactions they sparked. Ultimately, reflect on how the Dayton Accords solidified ethnic divisions, reshaping the future of Bosnia.

9 snips
May 30, 2025 • 33min
The ancient psychedelics myth: ‘People tell tourists the stories they think are interesting for them’
In this engaging discussion, Sebastián Capitan Viveros narrates Manvir Singh's thought-provoking essay. They challenge the popular myth that ancient tribes regularly used psychedelics like ayahuasca and magic mushrooms. Viveros reveals how colonial narratives shape our understanding of these practices, uncovering the complex interplay between cultural myths and reality. They also explore the limited significance of mushrooms in ancient cultures, reinterpreting their roles in healing and divination while critiquing the contemporary commercialization of shamanic practices.

May 28, 2025 • 49min
From the archive: The lost Jews of Nigeria
Discover the transformation of Nigeria's Igbo community as they embrace Jewish identity after centuries of obscurity. Individuals recount personal journeys from Christianity to discovering their Jewish roots, forming vibrant communities amidst challenges. Delve into the historical ties, cultural perseverance, and resilience of these communities as they navigate their faith against governmental repression. The podcast also highlights the complexities of identity and the community's struggle for recognition in a diverse religious landscape.

9 snips
May 26, 2025 • 42min
‘We thought we could change the world’: how an idealistic fight against miscarriages of justice turned sour
A radical initiative to overturn wrongful convictions in the UK faces harsh realities. The Bristol University Innocence Project, led by a determined lecturer, dives into the complexities of cases like Simon Hall’s, revealing systemic failures. Despite the students’ dedication, they encounter significant obstacles from the legal system. Personal narratives underscore the emotional toll and idealism driving their fight against miscarriages of justice, showcasing both hope and disillusionment in their quest for truth.

May 23, 2025 • 32min
‘All other avenues have been exhausted’: Is legal action the only way to save the planet?
Explore the dynamic role of legal action in environmental advocacy, highlighting stories of attorneys fighting for climate justice. Hear about the urgent battle to protect a historic tree and the intersection of human rights with environmental issues. Discover recent landmark cases that demonstrate the rise of climate litigation and the challenges faced by activists in navigating legal landscapes. The discussion includes the emotional connections people share with nature and the recognition of the rights of ecosystems in the quest for environmental protection.

May 21, 2025 • 42min
From the archive: Super-prime mover: Britain’s most successful estate agent
The podcast unveils the glamorous yet cut-throat world of London’s super-prime estate agents. It explores the staggering rise in property prices, with homes selling for up to £200 million. From innovative marketing strategies that leverage social media to the tension between traditional values and modern trends, hear how agents navigate their pivotal roles. The impact of urban inequality is starkly highlighted, contrasting uninhabited luxury mansions with lively, occupied homes in a housing crisis, making for a thought-provoking listen.

7 snips
May 19, 2025 • 35min
A year of hate: what I learned when I went undercover with the far right
In this intriguing discussion, journalist Harry Shukman, who works for Hope Not Hate, shares his eye-opening experiences infiltrating far-right extremist groups under the pseudonym Chris. He recounts a tense yet humorous encounter at a pub with a white nationalist leader. Shukman delves into the psychological strain of maintaining a false identity and reveals unsettling ties between fringe ideologies and mainstream discourse. His firsthand experiences at a far-right conference in Estonia expose alarming discussions on race science and the motivations behind extremist beliefs.