Best Britains Finest Podcasts (2025)

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The Battle Of Britain: Their Finest Hour 56:26

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8d ago56:26

56:26

When did the Luftwaffe begin the Kanalkampf phase of The Battle Of Britain? How many fighters and bombers did Nazi Germany have for the air war over Britain in Summer 1940? What was Operation Sealion called before the name was changed? Join James Holland and Al Murray for part 1 of this new mythbusting series on The Battle Of Britain as they explor…

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‘A climate of unparalleled malevolence’: are we on our way to the sixth major mass extinction? 30:38

22m ago30:38

30:38

Churning quantities of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere at the rate we are going could lead the planet to another Great Dying By Peter Brannen. Read by Lincoln Conway. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/longreadpodBy The Guardian

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Bland, easy to follow, for fans of everything: what has the Netflix algorithm done to our films? 40:58

11m ago40:58

40:58

When the streaming giant began making films guided by data that aimed to please a vast audience, the results were often generic, forgettable, artless affairs. But is there a happy ending? By Phil Hoad. Read by Adam Sims. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/longreadpodBy The Guardian

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The Battle Of Britain: Attrition 40:52

1h ago40:52

40:52

What made a fighter pilot an ace in aerial combat? Why did Nazi Germany switch to bombing British cities? When did Polish and Czech pilots join the frontline in The Battle Of Britain? Join James Holland and Al Murray for part 4 of this new series on The Battle Of Britain as they explore the decisive aerial battles over Britain in summer 1940, and t…

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From the archive: Forgetting the apocalypse: why our nuclear fears faded – and why that’s dangerous 44:32

5h ago44:32

44:32

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: The horrors of Hiroshima and Nagasaki made the whole world afraid of the atomic bomb – even those who might launch one. Today that fear has mostly passed out of living memory, and with it we…

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The Battle Of Britain: Attack Of The Eagles 53:24

6d ago53:24

53:24

What was Eagle Day? Why was German intelligence about British defences so poor? Was British success due to 'The Few'? Join James Holland and Al Murray for part 3 of this new series on The Battle Of Britain as they explore the decisive aerial battles over Britain in summer 1940, and the dogged defence that stopped the Nazi warmachine. Start your fre…

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Hannah Shergold: Flying helicopters, rampaging elephants and painting Ronnie Wood 52:54

1d ago52:54

52:54

Hannah Shergold is nothing if not proof that following your instincts really can take you anywhere. Today, she's one of the best-known artists in Britain, a painter and sculptor who has sold countless works, and raised over £350,000 for charity while doing it. • Listen to Country Life podcast on Apple Podcasts • Listen to Country Life podcast on Sp…

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‘The forest had gone’: the storm that moved a mountain 46:22

2d ago46:22

46:22

On a small ledge in the Swiss mountains, 200 people were enjoying a summer football tournament. As night fell, they had no idea what was coming By Jonah Goodman. Read by Evelyn Miller. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/longreadpodBy The Guardian

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Life in a ‘sinking nation’: Tuvalu’s dreams of dry land 42:36

5d ago42:36

42:36

With sea levels rising, much of the nation’s population is confronting the prospect that their home may soon cease to exist. Where are they going to go? By Atul Dev. Read by Mikhail Sen Check out Between Moon Tides documentary at theguardian.com. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/longreadpod…

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The Battle Of Britain: The Dowding System 59:23

6d ago59:23

59:23

What was The Dowding System? Why was Chain Home pivotal to the defence of Britain in WW2? How many hours of training did RAF pilots have on average? Join James Holland and Al Murray for part 2 of this new series on The Battle Of Britain as they explore the decisive aerial battles over Britain in summer 1940, and the dogged defence that stopped the …

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From the archive: Sewage sleuths: the men who revealed the slow, dirty death of Welsh and English rivers 42:24

7d ago42:24

42:24

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: A tide of effluent, broken laws and ruthless cuts is devastating the nation’s waterways. An academic and a detective have dredged up the truth of how it was allowed to happen – but will anyt…

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Mark Ashley-Miller: The man who sailed to (almost) every harbour in the British Isles 30:40

9d ago30:40

30:40

In 2018, Mark Ashley-Miller bought a boat. There's nothing unusual in that, but there is in what happened next: he decided to sail around the coasts of Britain and Ireland, visiting every single harbour in the British Isles. And unlike most people who have such pipe dreams, he actually did it. The journey is now over, and we're delighted that Mark …

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Very British bribery: the whistleblower who exposed the UK’s dodgy arms deals with Saudi Arabia 51:36

9d ago51:36

51:36

When Ian Foxley found evidence of corruption while working at a British company in Riyadh, he alerted the MoD. He didn’t know he’d stumbled upon one of its most closely guarded secrets By David Pegg. Read by Shane Zaza. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/longreadpodBy The Guardian

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157 - Boosting Biodiversity & Brilliant Broccoli 19:42

10d ago19:42

19:42

In celebration of Organic September, this episode dives into how even the smallest garden can become a biodiversity haven. Alice Whitehead from Garden Organic shares simple, beautiful ways to support wildlife—from window boxes and balcony habitats to mini ponds and edible flowers. Then, Rob Smith returns with a broccoli bonanza—reviewing everything…

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‘People pay to be told lies’: the rise and fall of the world’s first ayahuasca multinational 49:41

12d ago49:41

49:41

Alberto Varela claimed he wanted to use sacred plant medicine to free people’s minds. But as the organisation grew, his followers discovered a darker reality. By Sam Edwards. Read by Sid Sagar. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/longreadpodBy The Guardian

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Rommel: Germany's Best General 49:24

18d ago49:24

49:24

Who was known as 'Smiling Albert'? Why is von Manstein overrated? What makes Model such a good general? Join James Holland and Al Murray for part 6 as they run through the best leadership of the Western Theatre in WW2, and the best generals may surprise you. If you're ready to go beyond the books and walk in the footsteps of heroes - visit ⁠legerba…

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From the archive: ‘We were all wrong’: how Germany got hooked on Russian energy 32:40

14d ago32:40

32:40

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: Germany has been forced to admit it was a terrible mistake to become so dependent on Russian oil and gas. So why did it happen? By Patrick Wintour. Read by Andrew McGregor. Help support our …

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The Best Panzer Generals Of WW2 47:57

20d ago47:57

47:57

Which Prussian general wore a kilt and tricked British units with his excellent English? Why did Halder lose command even after his successes in Poland and France? Who refused to wear their general insignia after the Second World War, and became a humble mechanic? Join James Holland and Al Murray for part 5 as they run through the best leadership o…

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Jules Perowne: Where to go in 2026, hotel disasters and podcasting with Richard E. Grant 34:06

16d ago34:06

34:06

Jules Perowne — CEO and founder of Perowne International — is one of the most respected voices in the luxury travel industry, working as a consultant and PR guru for some of the most famous hotels in the world, including Gleneagles, Claridges and dozens more around the globe. • Listen to Country Life podcast on Apple Podcasts • Listen to Country Li…

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Dancing with Putin: how Austria’s former foreign minister found a new home in Russia 34:56

16d ago34:56

34:56

Karin Kneissl made headlines around the world when she invited the Russian president to her wedding in 2018. Five years later, she moved to St Petersburg. The scandal revealed a dark truth about the ties between Vienna and Moscow By Amanda Coakley. Read by Avena Mansergh-Wallace. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/longreadpo…

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Don’t call it morning sickness: ‘At times in my pregnancy I wondered if this was death coming for me’ 30:44

19d ago30:44

30:44

The Victorians called it ‘pernicious vomiting of pregnancy’, but modern medicine has offered no end to the torture of hyperemesis gravidarum – until now. By Abi Stephenson. Read by Nicolette Chin. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/longreadpodBy The Guardian

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The Case Against General Patton 35:37

25d ago35:37

35:37

How many times was George S. Patton fired by his superiors? Why isn't Lucian Truscott better known? Was Ridgway the most effective airborne commander of the Second World War? Join James Holland and Al Murray for part 4 as they run through the best land forces leadership of the Western Theatre in WW2 - and their answers may surprise you. Start your …

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From the archive: ‘We need to break the junk food cycle’: how to fix Britain’s failing food system 33:47

21d ago33:47

33:47

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: From ultra-processed junk to failing supply chains and rocketing food poverty, there are serious problems with the way the UK eats. Will the government ever act? By Bee Wilson. Read by Elino…

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Eisenhower: America's Best General 38:10

27d ago38:10

38:10

Was General Eisenhower the best US general of WW2? What decision impacts the reputation of Jumpin' Jim Gavin? When did General Mark Clark capture Rome? Join James Holland and Al Murray for part 3 as they run through the best land forces leadership of the Western Theatre in WW2 - and their answers may surprise you. Start your free trial at ⁠patreon.…

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White-tailed eagles: From 'the greatest wildlife crime imaginable' to Nature's most wonderful comeback story 24:46

23d ago24:46

24:46

For most of the last 2,000 years, the white-tailed eagle — or sea eagle — has been one of the most common birds of prey in Britain. That all ended in horrendous fashion from the late 18th century onwards. Shooting, poisoning, egg collection, a mania for taxidermy and more combined to see this majestic creature — affectionately dubbed the 'flying ba…

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156 - September in the Kitchen Garden: Pears, Preserves & Peak Harvest 32:40

23d ago32:40

32:40

September is a month of abundance and transition in the kitchen garden, and in this episode, we’re embracing it all. Stephanie Hafferty walks us through essential tasks for the month — from composting and sowing to harvesting and preserving a bounty of crops. Fruit expert David Patch joins us to share his top pear varieties for home growers, includ…

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The rise and fall of the British cult that hid in plain sight 51:55

23d ago51:55

51:55

Philippa Barnes was a child when her family joined the Jesus Fellowship. As an adult, she helped expose the shocking scale of abuse it had perpetrated By Barbara Speed. Read by Robyn Addison. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/longreadpodBy The Guardian

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Best of 2025 … so far: ‘The Mozart of the attention economy’: why MrBeast is the world’s biggest YouTube star 37:14

1M ago37:14

37:14

Every Wednesday and Friday in August we will publish some of our favourite audio long reads of 2025, in case you missed them, with an introduction from the editorial team to explain why we’ve chosen it. This week, from June: he’s spent 24 hours immersed in slime, two days buried alive – and showered vast amounts of cash on lucky participants. But a…

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Montgomery: Britain's Best General 43:20

1M ago43:20

43:20

Was Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery a bad general? Why isn't Richard O'Connor known for his stunning victories? When did Horrocks take command of XXX Corps? Join James Holland and Al Murray for part 2 as they run through the best land forces leadership of the Western Theatre in WW2 - and their answers may surprise you. Start your free trial at ⁠pa…

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Best of 2025 … so far: ‘Look, they’re getting skin!’: are we right to strive to save the world’s tiniest babies? 45:49

1M ago45:49

45:49

Every Wednesday and Friday in August we will publish some of our favourite audio long reads of 2025, in case you missed them, with an introduction from the editorial team to explain why we’ve chosen it. This week, from January: doctors are pushing the limits of science and human biology to save more extremely premature babies than ever before. But …

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If there's no fish, there's no fishing, with Robin Philpott 28:20

29d ago28:20

28:20

If you are a person who lives in the UK, and you like standing in, or nearby, rivers, there’s a good chance you will have heard of Farlows. It is one of the great outdoors companies of the UK, a place for all fishermen and women to obsess over rods and reels while they tell themselves that they would catch way more fish if they could just buy a bit…

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The Best British General Of WW2 41:48

1M ago41:48

41:48

Was Harold Alexander the best land forces commander the British Empire had? Why was Field Marshal Alan Brooke called Lord Alanbrooke? What's so funny about Percy Hobart? Join James Holland and Al Murray for part 1 as they run through the best land forces leadership of the Western Theatre in WW2 - and their answers may surprise you. Start your free …

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The go-between: how Qatar became the global capital of diplomacy 43:05

1M ago43:05

43:05

The tiny, astonishingly wealthy country has become a major player on the world stage, trying to solve some of the most intractable conflicts. What’s driving this project? By Nesrine Malik. Read by Sulin Hasso. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/longreadpodBy The Guardian

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Best of 2025 … so far: an English gentleman, a crooked lawyer: the secrets of Stephen David Jones 56:55

1M ago56:55

56:55

Every Wednesday and Friday in August we will publish some of our favourite audio long reads of 2025, in case you missed them, with an introduction from the editorial team to explain why we’ve chosen it. This week, from June: with his brilliant mind and impeccable credentials, it’s little wonder that wealthy clients trusted him with their fortunes. …

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A Clash In The Fog 26:34

1M ago26:34

26:34

As a part of our continuing effort to commemorate the incredible global story of WW2, we present our ongoing ‘Family Stories’ series. This series tells YOUR relatives’ stories of derring do - both on the front line and home front. In this episode we hear your tales of being washed up in Barbados, accidental parachute deployments, and lost summer lo…

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Best of 2025 … so far: Kahane’s ghost: how a long-dead extremist rabbi continues to haunt Israel’s politics 48:46

1M ago48:46

48:46

Every Wednesday and Friday in August we will publish some of our favourite audio long reads of 2025, in case you missed them, with an introduction from the editorial team to explain why we’ve chosen it. This week, from April: a violent fanatic and pioneer in bigotry, Meir Kahane died a political outcast 35 years ago. Today, his ideas influence the …

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What the hedge can tell us about the countryside, with Richard Negus 36:36

1M ago36:36

36:36

Hedges are fascinating because they are like buildings. They are pretty much everywhere in rural England, Scotland and Wales, and yet do we ever really stop and think about what they are and what they do? One man who thinks a lot about what they are and what they do is Richard Negus, a professional hedgelayer and writer from Suffolk. His recent boo…

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Hiroshima: VJ Day 45:47

1M ago45:47

45:47

When was WW2 over? How did different leaders behave at the end of the war? Why was the surrender on the deck of the USS Missouri? Join James Holland, Al Murray, and John McManus for Part 4 of the Hiroshima mini-series as they explore the end of WW2, 80 years on. Start your free trial at ⁠patreon.com/wehaveways⁠ and unlock exclusive content and more…