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
Jun 18, 2025 • 50min
From the archive: Burying Leni Riefenstahl: one woman’s lifelong crusade against Hitler’s favourite film-maker
Discover the relentless pursuit of truth by a woman determined to expose Leni Riefenstahl's ties to Nazi propaganda. The discussion reveals the personal stakes behind a legal battle against glorifying Riefenstahl's legacy. Hear about hidden stories of Sinti and Roma, shedding light on their experiences during the Holocaust. The emotional toll of unraveling a controversial filmmaker's history is explored, underscoring the importance of confronting dark legacies and amplifying marginalized voices in Germany's narrative.
Jun 16, 2025 • 39min
‘You can let go now’: inside the hospital where staff treat fear of death as well as physical pain
Explore the compassionate world of a Danish palliative care unit where the focus is on easing fear and providing comfort, rather than curing illness. Hear moving personal stories of patients and families grappling with emotional struggles and the realities of mortality. Delve into the profound connections formed in the final days, as loved ones come together to support each other, embracing love and acceptance on the journey toward saying goodbye.
Jun 13, 2025 • 54min
An English gentleman, a crooked lawyer: the secrets of Stephen David Jones
Explore the fascinating duality of Stephen David Jones, an English gentleman entangled in legal deceit. Unravel the betrayal of trust in the golf industry and the unsettling dynamics of client-lawyer relationships. Delve into how outdated values shape the legal landscape and the impact of ambitious decisions. Discover the mysterious death of Scott Young and the web of deceit involving financial misconduct. This gripping tale examines morality, ambition, and the ethical challenges within the world of law.
Jun 11, 2025 • 59min
From the archive: Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o: three days with a giant of African literature
Kenyan writer Carey Baraka reflects on the life of Ngugi wa Thiong'o, a towering figure in African literature. They discuss Ngugi's transformation from colonial oppression to literary innovation and his shift to writing in Gikuyu to capture authentic Kenyan identity. Baraka dives into the impact of colonialism on literature and the importance of heritage and community in shaping voices. They also explore the personal struggles faced by Ngugi, highlighting the intersection of art and activism as well as the resilience required in the literary journey.
Jun 9, 2025 • 29min
Death, divorce and the magic of kitchen objects: how to find hope in loss
Colleen Prendergast, a talented narrator, delves into the emotional ties we form with kitchen objects in times of loss. She shares how these everyday items serve as vessels for memories and connections, offering comfort and solace. Through personal stories, she explores the significance of a Syrian feast that evokes familial warmth and remembrance. The discussion highlights how cooking utensils can magically connect us to loved ones, illustrating the power of cherished objects to bring hope amid grief.
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.
15 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.
