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
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.
15 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.
6 snips
May 16, 2025 • 50min
‘I am not who you think I am’: how a deep-cover KGB spy recruited his own son
James Faulkner narrates a gripping tale about a former KGB spy known as 'the Inheritor.' The discussion delves into the emotional turmoil of revealing hidden identities and the profound impact on family bonds. A pivotal moment unfolds between a father and son in Lima as shocking secrets challenge their relationship. The struggles of balancing family loyalty with the moral dilemmas of espionage are examined, alongside the sacrifices made for a life shrouded in secrecy. This story uncovers dark consequences on personal lives, highlighting an extraordinary world of spies.
May 14, 2025 • 58min
From the archive: What lies beneath: the truth about France’s top serial killer expert
Delve into the enigmatic world of a renowned French serial killer expert, Stéphane Bourgoin, who captivated audiences with his insights. Discover the allure and societal obsession with serial killers, tracing its roots from France to the U.S. Unravel the complexities behind Bourgoin's controversial methods and the investigation into his deceptive practices. Explore the darker aspects of human psychology, revealing unsettling patterns of deceit among killers and the emotional turmoil faced by those who study their twisted minds.
9 snips
May 12, 2025 • 39min
‘Why would he take such a risk?’ How a famous Chinese author befriended his censor
In this engaging discussion, Zhang Wang Li narrates an insightful piece by Murong Xuecun, highlighting the surprising friendship between a Chinese author and his censor, Liu Lipeng. They delve into the moral dilemmas of censorship in China, exploring how Liu grapples with his role while secretly supporting critical voices against the Communist Party. The conversation uncovers the paradox of expressing dissent in an oppressive regime and reflects on how unlikely alliances emerge amidst the struggle for freedom and creativity.
May 9, 2025 • 39min
The mystery of the nameless girl found dead in a Spanish border town
A young woman's body is discovered in a Spanish border town, sparking a decades-long search for her identity. The mystery unfolds against a backdrop of societal issues surrounding unnamed victims. The story extends to the haunting disappearance of Evie Rauta, revealing the emotional turmoil faced by her family. Additionally, the community responds passionately, creating memorials for the nameless dead, blending grief with awareness of loss and the importance of their stories.
10 snips
May 7, 2025 • 46min
From the archive: Food fraud and counterfeit cotton: the detectives untangling the global supply chain
Raj Ghatak, the narrator and voice behind compelling stories, dives into the labyrinth of food fraud and counterfeit textiles. He reveals how Oritain uses atomic-level analysis to authenticate products and combat deceit in the global supply chain. The conversation touches on the Wellspun cotton scandal, emphasizing the fallout from misrepresentation. Ghatak highlights the rising consumer demand for transparency, showcasing the challenges brands face in regaining trust and the vital role that forensic testing plays in ensuring product integrity.
