The Audio Long Read

Three times a week, The Audio Long Read podcast brings you the Guardian’s exceptional longform journalism in audio form. Covering topics from politics and culture to philosophy and sport, as well as investigations and current affairs.

Last refreshed: July 1st, 2026 at 5:18 AM

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Episodes

‘I’m good, I promise’: the loneliness of the low-ranking tennis player

I was once Ireland’s No 1 player, and tried for years to climb the global ranks. But life at the bottom of the top can be brutal. By Conor Niland. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/longreadpod

Jul 26, 2024•25 min

From the archive: ‘As borders closed, I became trapped in my Americanness’: China, the US and me

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: I’ve long nursed vague plans of moving back to China for a few years, to solidify my place there. But with each year that passes in the US, such a move gets harder and harder to make. By Cleo Qian. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/longreadpod

Jul 24, 2024•35 min

‘If there’s nowhere else to go, this is where they come’: how Britain’s libraries provide much more than books

In 2024, libraries are unofficial creches, homeless shelters, language schools and asylum support providers – filling the gaps left by a state that has reneged on its responsibilities. By Aida Edemariam. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/longreadpod

Jul 22, 2024•33 min

‘How do I heal?’: the long wait for justice after a black man dies in police custody

The true number of black people who have died after contact with the police has been hidden, while their families are faced with delays and denials. By Raekha Prasad. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/longreadpod

Jul 19, 2024•37 min

From the archive: The elephant vanishes: how a circus family went on the run

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: Dumba has spent her life performing in circuses around Europe, but in recent years animal rights activists have been campaigning to rescue her. When it looked like they might succeed, Dumba and her owners disappeared. By Laura Spinney. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/longreadpod...

Jul 17, 2024•38 min

Dirty waters: how the Environment Agency lost its way

Having created a watchdog for the environment, the government took its teeth out and muzzled it. Can public outrage rouse the Environment Agency to action? By Hettie O’Brien. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/longreadpod

Jul 15, 2024•37 min

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