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
Jul 30, 2025 • 30min
From the archive: Bicycle graveyards: why do so many bikes end up underwater?
Explore the intriguing phenomenon of bicycles ending up underwater, delving into the cultural and social implications. Discover why urban landscapes like Paris and Amsterdam witness this curious trend, from accidents to vandalism. Uncover the complexities of dockless bike-sharing, where convenience meets privacy issues. Examine the rising struggle of e-scooter and e-bike vandalism and its impact on urban transport. Finally, envision a future where abandoned bikes become part of a creative urban landscape through recycling.
Jul 28, 2025 • 38min
Poison in the water: the town with the world’s worst case of forever chemicals contamination
A small Swedish town faces a shocking discovery: their drinking water is tainted with dangerous levels of forever chemicals known as PFAS. The community grapples with the implications for their health and the future of their children. Personal stories of families reveal the emotional toll of contamination. The quest for justice highlights both the resilience and vulnerability of the residents, showcasing the human impact behind a toxic legacy.
Jul 25, 2025 • 1h 3min
‘A relentless, destructive energy’: inside the trial of Constance Marten and Mark Gordon
The podcast dives into the gripping trial of a couple accused of their newborn's death. It uncovers their tumultuous past and the courtroom's emotional chaos. Tension rises as one defendant navigates self-representation amid serious charges. The narrative grapples with themes of parental love and neglect, revealing the complexities of parenting under scrutiny. The emotional weight of the trial culminates in a unanimous guilt verdict, sparking questions about justice and family dynamics.
Jul 23, 2025 • 46min
From the archive: how two BBC journalists risked their jobs to reveal the truth about Jimmy Savile
Dive into the brave journeys of two journalists who risked their careers to expose the dark truths behind Jimmy Savile's public facade. Explore the significant shifts in media narratives around sexual abuse and how these investigations helped amplify the voices of victims. Uncover the internal struggles at the BBC and the emotional challenges faced by reporters as they fought against institutional pressures. This compelling narrative highlights the relentless pursuit of truth and the evolving societal attitudes towards justice for survivors.
8 snips
Jul 21, 2025 • 58min
The curse of Toumaï: an ancient skull, a disputed femur and a bitter feud over humanity’s origins
A groundbreaking discovery in the Djurab desert in 2001 ignited debates on human origins. Scholars clashed over the significance of the Toumaï skull, highlighting fierce rivalries within paleoanthropology. Conflicts over fossil evidence and personal ambitions shaped the discourse, revealing ethical dilemmas faced by researchers. The narrative unfolds the turbulent history surrounding a controversial femur, showcasing how competition can cloud scientific progress. All this drama unravels in the search for understanding our ancient ancestry.
11 snips
Jul 18, 2025 • 31min
Horse racing and erotica: how I survived the fickle world of freelance writing
Dive into the quirky world of freelance writing, where horse racing meets erotica. Experience personal challenges and the ups and downs of balancing diverse gigs amid health hurdles. Discover the intricacies of navigating a volatile job market and the necessity of networking. Uncover the humorous realities of writing in the erotica genre and how it impacts passion and creativity. Join a journey of ambition, self-reflection, and the quest for a viable writing career in a non-traditional landscape.
Jul 16, 2025 • 51min
From the archive: The sludge king: how one man turned an industrial wasteland into his own El Dorado
Alexander Clapp, an accomplished journalist and author of "The Sludge King", dives into the remarkable story of Daniel Boldore, a Romanian entrepreneur who transformed a mining wasteland into a potential goldmine. The discussion highlights Boldore's rise as a local hero amidst social inequality and environmental decay. Clapp unveils the ethical dilemmas and fraud allegations surrounding Boldore's operations, showcasing the complex intersection of hope, deception, and the desire for progress in a struggling community.
Jul 14, 2025 • 17min
Sold to the Trump family: one of the last undeveloped islands in the Mediterranean
Discover the fascinating history of Cezanne, an Albanian island now set for a luxury transformation by the Trump family. Explore the intriguing blend of its military past and lush biodiversity. Dive into the complexities of real estate ambitions as luxury tourism meets environmental concerns. Learn about the challenges of developing such a unique site while respecting local history and ecology.
13 snips
Jul 11, 2025 • 34min
How does woke start winning again?
The transformation of 'woke' from empowerment to controversy is dissected, revealing its ties to historical activism. Challenges faced by progressive advocates today highlight the need for effective communication and unity. Heated debates around transgender rights in academia, sparked by a Montreal professor's experience, showcase the complexities of public opinion. The podcast also examines changing views on trans rights within the context of climate activism, emphasizing the importance of coalition-building in both social and environmental movements.
Jul 9, 2025 • 34min
From the archive: The death of the department store
John Harris, author of 'The Death of the Department Store', shares insights on the closure of John Lewis in Sheffield, a significant loss felt by the community. He discusses the emotional impact on employees and the city's historical connection to retail. The conversation shifts to Sheffield's innovative vision for redefining urban spaces, including proposals for repurposing the vacant site. Harris emphasizes the need for community involvement in revitalizing city centers, blending culture, education, and leisure in a changing landscape.
