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.
This episode tells the story of Stephen David Jones, a seemingly respectable 'English gentleman' solicitor who built a career advising wealthy clients on tax and offshore structures. Clients like Ewan Mackay and Russian businessmen trusted him with their fortunes, only to discover their assets were being mismanaged and used without their consent. The episode details the complex schemes, the façade of his law firm Jirehouse, the warning signs missed, and the eventual downfall leading to his conviction for fraud and a 12-year prison sentence.
Author Carey Baraka recounts his three days visiting the legendary Kenyan novelist Ngugi wa Thiong'o, exploring his life intersecting major historical events and his uncompromising commitment to writing in African languages. The episode delves into Ngugi's literary evolution, political activism leading to imprisonment and exile, his health challenges, and his enduring, albeit sometimes pessimistic, reflections on language, colonialism, and the state of African literature today.
Exploring how everyday kitchen objects, from a heart-shaped cake tin to inherited china and platters, become imbued with deep emotional meaning, especially after loss like divorce or death. The episode shares personal stories, including that of chef Rupa Gulati, illustrating how giving these objects new life can help process grief, connect with loved ones, and find hope and comfort in the present.
This episode recounts the initial days following the vanishing of British journalist Dom Phillips and indigenous defender Bruno Pereira in the dangerous Javari Valley, a region rife with illegal activity. It covers the frantic early search by friends and family, the growing international concern, and the difficult conditions faced by search teams, highlighting the lack of immediate official support. The episode culminates with the discovery of crucial evidence by indigenous searchers that suggests an ambush rather than a simple disappearance, setting the stage for further investigation in the series.
The Guardian journalist and the Brazilian Indigenous expert were killed while investigating the impact of deforestation. In this extract from the book Phillips was writing at the time of his death, he reflects on his encounters with the rainforest and its people – and why it is so vital to save this precious place By Dom Phillips. Read by Felipe Pacheco. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/longreadpod
We are raiding the Guardian long read archives to bring you some classic pieces from years past, with new introductions from the authors. This week, from 2016: For decades, Alan Yentob was the dominant creative force at the BBC – behind everything from Adam Curtis to Strictly Come Dancing. He was a towering figure in British culture – so why did many applaud his very public slide from power? Written and read by Sam Knight. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/longreadpod...
This episode recounts how Guardian reporters, particularly Ed Vulliamy and Maggie O'Kane, covered the brutal ethnic cleansing during the wars in former Yugoslavia. Their decision to abandon neutrality and passionately condemn atrocities sparked debate among colleagues. The episode details their vivid reporting from sieges and concentration camps, Vulliamy's controversial testimony at the war crimes tribunal, and the international community's dither documented by the paper through the war's conclusion and the Dayton Accord.
The episode challenges widespread beliefs about the ancient and ubiquitous use of psychedelics and their role in traditional shamanic healing. It highlights anthropological research questioning the long history of ayahuasca use in the Amazon and presents data suggesting hallucinogen use was historically rare globally. The narrative critiques popular evidence like art and mythology, and contrasts the modern view of shamans as psychotherapists with anthropological accounts of their actual practices, suggesting modern ideas are often projected onto the past for financial or ideological reasons.
We are raiding the Guardian long read archives to bring you some classic pieces from years past, with new introductions from the authors. This week, from 2022: Until the 1990s, there were almost no Jews in Nigeria. Now thousands have enthusiastically taken up the faith. Why? By Samanth Subramanian. Read by Raj Ghatak. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/longreadpod
Explore the rise and fall of the UK's Innocence Network, founded by Michael Norton to fight miscarriages of justice with student investigators. Initially idealistic and rapidly expanding, the movement faced internal conflicts, external skepticism, and challenging cases like Simon Hall's, ultimately leading to its dissolution and Norton's burnout, though a few projects persist and continue to highlight systemic failures.
This episode explores how lawyers like Monica Feria-Tinta are using legal action to fight climate breakdown and environmental destruction. It details key cases, including the landmark Torres Strait Islanders human rights claim against Australia and the Los Cedros forest case establishing rights of nature in Ecuador. The discussion covers the challenges and potential of climate litigation as governments fail to act decisively.
We are raiding the Guardian long read archives to bring you some classic pieces from years past, with new introductions from the authors. This week, from 2022: Gary Hersham has been selling houses to the very rich for decades. At first, £1m was a big deal. Now he sells for £50m, £100m, even £200m. What does it take to stay on top in this cut-throat business? By Sophie Elmhirst. Read by Andrew McGregor. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/longreadpod...
Harry Shukman recounts his experience infiltrating the British far-right for Hope Not Hate, detailing the creation of his alter ego, the challenges he faced, and the disturbing normalization of extremist views. He uncovers a network of individuals and organizations pushing race science, including a rebranded Pioneer Fund. Shukman reflects on the loneliness and conspiracy theories prevalent among far-right members and the ethical dilemmas of befriending those he intended to betray.
This episode delves into the extraordinary life of a deep-cover KGB spy, Rudy, who recruits his own son, Peter, into the world of espionage. It explores the psychological impact on Peter, the family's complex relationships, and the challenges of living under false identities. Ultimately, it raises questions about the cost of loyalty, the burden of secrets, and the sacrifices made in the name of ideology, ending with reflection on the long-term consequences of such a life on family.
We are raiding the Guardian long read archives to bring you some classic pieces from years past, with new introductions from the authors. This week, from 2021: An intrepid expert with dozens of books to his name, Stéphane Bourgoin was a bestselling author, famous in France for having interviewed more than 70 notorious murderers. Then an anonymous collective began to investigate his past By Scott Sayare. Read by Simon Vance. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/longreadpod...
This episode explores the complex relationship between a Chinese author and his censor, revealing the inner workings of China's internet censorship system and the personal risks individuals take to subvert it. It details how a censor, disillusioned with his job, secretly helped the author by leaking sensitive information, and the consequences for both as they navigate the political landscape. The story highlights themes of censorship, courage, and the fight for freedom of speech in China.
In 1990, a young woman was found dead in a Spanish border town, her identity a mystery for decades. This episode explores the investigation, the doubts surrounding her death, and the eventual identification of the girl as Evie Rauta, an Italian woman who disappeared in 1990. Despite the discovery, questions remain about the circumstances of her death and whether it was a suicide or murder.
We are raiding the Guardian long read archives to bring you some classic pieces from years past, with new introductions from the authors. This week, from 2021: Amid the complex web of international trade, proving the authenticity of a product can be near-impossible. But one company is taking the search to the atomic level By Samanth Subramanian. Read by Raj Ghatak. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/longreadpod
This episode explores the art of Jeremy Deller, focusing on his collaborative and large-scale public events, including a bacchanalian festival for the National Gallery's anniversary. It details the development and influences behind his unique approach to art, blending historical and contemporary elements. Deller's process involves working with diverse groups and compressing history to create revelatory experiences.
This episode explores the lives of the children of Black Panthers, examining their upbringing amidst radical activism, the impact of government surveillance and violence, and their diverse paths as adults. It delves into themes of black pride, community, loss, and resilience, while also reflecting on the parallels between the past and present social justice movements. The podcast offers a poignant look at the price of revolution and the enduring legacy of the Black Panther Party through the eyes of its children.
This episode explores the surprising persistence of phone boxes in the UK, despite the ubiquity of mobile phones. It delves into the history, cultural significance, and modern-day uses of these iconic structures, from emergency calls and lifelines in remote areas to symbols of nostalgia and even targets of theft. The piece examines the ongoing debate about their removal and the evolving role of public communication in a digital age.
This episode explores an innovative, albeit controversial, approach to funding drug development by targeting desperate, wealthy individuals and offering them participation in clinical trials in exchange for covering the full cost of the research. This is contrasted with traditional funding models, highlighting the challenges of securing funds for less conventional or out-of-patent treatments. The discussion also introduces a novel crowdfunding-like approach for larger trials, aiming to make participation accessible to everyone.
This episode explores the story of Noah Musinku, a scam artist in Bougainville who created a Ponzi scheme, declared himself king, and retreated to a remote jungle compound. It delves into Bougainville's history, its struggle for independence, and the complex relationship between Musinku's kingdom and the region's political landscape. The narrative uncovers the lingering effects of colonialism, the impact of a massive copper mine, and the enduring hope and disillusionment of Bougainville's people.
We are raiding the Guardian long read archives to bring you some classic pieces from years past, with new introductions from the authors. This week, from 2021: As the fighters advanced on Kabul, it was civilians who mobilised to help with the evacuation. In the absence of a plan, the hardest decisions fell on inexperienced volunteers, and the stress began to tell By Zarlasht Halaimzai. Read by Serena Manteghi. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/longreadpod...
This episode explores the documentary "The Black Swan," which exposed corruption in Denmark, shattering the nation's self-image. It delves into the methods of filmmaker Max Brueger and the enigmatic figure of Amira Smazek, a former criminal. The piece also examines the ethical questions raised by the film's production and impact, as well as Brueger's history of staging elaborate setups for his documentaries.
This episode explores the legacy of Meir Kahane, a long-dead extremist rabbi, and how his Kahanist ideology continues to influence Israeli politics today. It examines Kahane's American roots, his violent activism, and the normalization of his ideas in the Israeli right-wing. The podcast also discusses the rise of Kahanist-inspired violence and the current political landscape shaped by his enduring influence.
This episode delves into the 32-year struggle of the Hillsborough families for justice after the 1989 disaster that killed 97 people. It examines the police negligence, cover-ups, and failures of the legal system to hold anyone accountable. The article highlights the families' relentless campaign for truth and the reforms they seek to prevent similar injustices.
In this episode, the author reflects on reconnecting with his racist mother after years of estrangement, grappling with her offensive views and trying to understand their origins. He recounts specific instances of her racism, exploring how her difficult life as a working-class woman shaped her prejudices. Ultimately, the author examines the disintegration of class consciousness and the personal impact of witnessing his mother's transformation.
This episode explores the life of Mustafa, a Syrian man who reluctantly collaborated with the Assad regime to survive the country's brutal civil war. It delves into his experiences with violence, imprisonment, and moral compromises, as well as the broader context of the Syrian conflict and its aftermath. The narrative also follows Ashraf, an army officer, and examines the impact of the war on ordinary Syrians, including their struggles with poverty, fear, and the quest for justice.
David Runciman argues for lowering the voting age to six, asserting it could invigorate democracy and address generational imbalances. He challenges assumptions about children's competence and susceptibility to influence, suggesting their inclusion could lead to a more representative and responsive political system. Runciman believes enfranchising children could shift political priorities and bridge the growing divide between generations.
