Best The Guardian Long Read Podcasts (2025)

1
From the archive: Forgetting the apocalypse: why our nuclear fears faded – and why that’s dangerous 44:32

Play Pause

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…

1
Indigenous Relationships and the Ocean: Stories of Connection and Conservation with ONC 59:18

5h ago59:18

59:18

Indigenous relationships with the ocean reveal powerful ways of understanding stewardship, culture, and conservation. This episode highlights how Indigenous communities have long held knowledge that connects people with marine ecosystems, guiding sustainable practices and deep respect for biodiversity. Indigenous relationships are also about resili…

1
What does the UK recognising Palestinian statehood really mean? 25:56

2d ago25:56

25:56

Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey discuss the UK’s recognition of Palestine as a state. With the US and Israel criticising the move, what will it mean for the war in Gaza, and for diplomacy? Plus, what do we know about the split at the top of Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana’s new leftwing party? And Pippa has the latest from the Liberal Democrat confer…

1
Martinelli to Arsenal’s rescue and Liverpool move five points clear – Football Weekly 54:06

2d ago54:06

54:06

Max Rushden is joined by Barry Glendenning, John Brewin and Dan Bardell as Arsenal rescue a late point against Manchester City and a win in the Merseyside derby means Liverpool maintain their 100% start to the season. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/footballweeklypodBy The Guardian

1
‘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

1
Fisheries Subsidies Agreement Explained with Oceana's Dan Skerritt 57:29

2d ago57:29

57:29

Fisheries subsidies are at the heart of one of the most important global trade agreements for the ocean. In this episode, I sit down with Dan Skeritt to break down the World Trade Organization’s new Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, discuss why it matters, and explore its implications for countries around the world. We explore how harmful subsidies…

1
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…

1
Ocean Book You Need to Read: Amanda Leland’s Vision for a Sea Change 1:03:46

5d ago1:03:46

1:03:46

Ocean Book you need to read introduces listeners to Sea Change by Amanda Leland, a powerful and hopeful exploration of how individuals and communities can unite to protect our oceans. Amanda draws from her expertise and experience to highlight the urgency of tackling climate change, overfishing, and pollution, while also showcasing the innovative s…

1
Liverpool’s late show stays on air and Kane sinks Chelsea: Football Weekly Extra 54:03

6d ago54:03

54:03

Max Rushden is joined by Barry Glendenning, Jonathan Liew and Archie Rhind-Tutt as Liverpool score yet another late winner and Chelsea show their inexperience away at Bayern Munich. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/footballweeklypodBy The Guardian

1
Trump on tour: pomp, pageantry and politics 29:20

7d ago29:20

29:20

Donald Trump is back on UK soil for his ‘unprecedented’ second state visit. Will the US president’s trip help to distract from Keir Starmer’s challenges at home? Or could it leave the prime minister even more exposed? Kiran Stacey asks the columnist and Politics Weekly America host, Jonathan Freedland Send your thoughts and questions to politicswee…

1
Arsenal and Spurs kick off Champions League campaigns with wins – Football Weekly 49:17

7d ago49:17

49:17

Max Rushden is joined by Barry Glendenning, Nicky Bandini and Philippe Auclair as Arsenal win in Bilbao and Spurs host Villarreal to start this season’s Champions League. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/footballweeklypodBy The Guardian

1
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…

1
Great White Shark Populations Have Interesting DNA 13:14

8d ago13:14

13:14

Great white shark DNA is one of the most puzzling mysteries in marine biology. Recent research has revealed that despite being one species, great whites have split into three distinct genetic groups across the globe. What’s even stranger: their nuclear DNA and mitochondrial DNA tell conflicting stories, leaving scientists scratching their heads. Sh…

1
Could Trump’s visit be a useful distraction for Starmer? 23:06

9d ago23:06

23:06

Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey discuss the fallout from Keir Starmer’s handling of the sacking of the US ambassador, Peter Mandelson. And with growing questions about whether the prime minister can survive, they ask whether Donald Trump’s state visit to the UK might actually be a welcome distraction for the government -- Send your thoughts and quest…

1
Manchester is blue and Arsenal brush Postecoglou aside: Football Weekly 55:39

9d ago55:39

55:39

Max Rushden is joined by Barry Glendenning, Lars Sivertsen and Jonathan Wilson as Premier League football returns after the international break. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/footballweeklypodBy The Guardian

1
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

1
Will the UK ever rejoin the EU? 27:23

12d ago27:23

27:23

Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey speak to the minister for EU relations, Nick Thomas-Symonds, about the fallout from Brexit and our relationship with the European Union. Plus, we hear his thoughts on Keir Starmer’s leadership and how Labour should take on Nigel Farage and the rise of Reform –– Send your thoughts and questions to politicsweeklyuk@thegu…

1
‘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

51
Manchester derby, Moldova’s misery and Zohran Mamdani – Football Weekly podcast 59:29

13d ago59:29

59:29

Max Rushden is joined by Barry Glendenning, Seb Hutchinson and Paul Watson to preview the weekend while New York’s mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani joins to discuss World Cup ticket pricing, Arsenal and more. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/footballweeklypodBy The Guardian

1
How Scientists Can Become Advocates 20:52

13d ago20:52

20:52

Advocacy for scientists is a skill that can transform how research impacts the real world. In this episode of How to Protect the Ocean, host Andrew Lewin reflects on an article by Melissa Varga from the Union of Concerned Scientists that encourages scientists to step into advocacy roles. Andrew shares why many researchers hesitate to speak out, the…

1
Starmer’s Mandelson mess and deputy leadership damage 34:09

14d ago34:09

34:09

As the race to replace Angela Rayner as Labour’s deputy leader exposes tensions within the party, John Harris speaks to the former transport secretary Louise Haigh about what she thinks Keir Starmer should do to get back on track, and whether he will survive until the next election. Plus, Pippa Crerar joins John to discuss the mounting pressure on …

1
England swipe Serbia aside and the return of Postecoglu – Football Weekly 49:27

14d ago49:27

49:27

Max Rushden is joined by Barry Glendenning, Nicky Bandini and John Brewin as England put in their best performance under Thomas Tuchel so far, beating Serbia 5-0. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/footballweeklypodBy The Guardian

1
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 …

1
Sustainable Fashion with Courtney Barriger: Protecting the Ocean Through Clothing Choices 52:55

15d ago52:55

52:55

Sustainable fashion is more than a trend, it is a movement that connects what we wear to the health of our planet. In this episode, Andrew Lewin speaks with Courtney Barriger, CEO of Holding Court Inc., about how clothing design can reduce waste, prevent microplastic pollution, and empower people to make responsible choices. The discussion reveals …

1
Reshuffle, Rayner resignation and rift with the unions 28:48

16d ago28:48

28:48

Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey discuss the fallout from Angela Rayner’s resignation and Keir Starmer’s subsequent cabinet reshuffle. Why has Rayner’s departure raised concerns among union leaders? Who could become the next deputy Labour leader? And, what does the reshuffle tell us about the direction of travel for the government? Plus, Pippa and Kir…

1
Thomas Tuchel’s England labour again and Levy out at Spurs – Football Weekly 50:37

16d ago50:37

50:37

Max Rushden is joined by Barry Glendenning, Dan Bardell and Ali Maxwell to discuss all the latest World Cup qualifying action. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/footballweeklypodBy The Guardian

1
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…

1
What’s feeding the rise of Reform? On the road in Birmingham 36:21

17d ago36:21

36:21

John Harris is at the Reform UK conference, asking how this once insurgent party came to dominate the political mainstream. And he speaks to people in Birmingham to find out what the rise of Nigel Farage’s party tells us about the state of the country Send your questions and thoughts to [email protected]. Help support our independent…

1
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

1
Terracycle: Recycling Everything from Plastics to Global Waste Solutions 1:10:59

19d ago1:10:59

1:10:59

Terracycle is proving that almost anything can be recycled, from cigarette butts to ocean plastics, transforming how the world thinks about waste. In this episode of How to Protect the Ocean, Andrew Lewin speaks with Tom Szaky, the founder and CEO of TerraCycle, to explore how his company is creating global recycling programs that redefine sustaina…

1
World Cup qualifying preview and new WSL season kicks off – Football Weekly 50:44

20d ago50:44

50:44

Max Rushden is joined by Barry Glendenning, Paul Watson, Jonathan Fadugba and Suzy Wrack to discuss a new Women’s Super League format and the race to reach the 2026 World Cup. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/footballweeklypodBy The Guardian

1
Flags, flats and Labour in trouble (again) 28:16

21d ago28:16

28:16

It’s the first week back after summer recess and Labour is already in trouble, with the deputy prime minister, Angela Rayner, referring herself to the standards watchdog over underpaying tax on her flat. Meanwhile, Keir Starmer and his ministers have been proclaiming their love of British flags as they struggle to compete with Reform UK. John Harri…

1
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…

1
Shark Meat Fed To Students: Brazil’s Hidden School Lunch Scandal 1:05:31

21d ago1:05:31

1:05:31

Shark Meat Fed To Students in Brazil’s public institutions has sparked outrage after Mongabay uncovered thousands of tons of mislabeled shark meat, including endangered species like angelsharks, being served in schools, hospitals, prisons, and elderly care centers. Labeled as “cação” or “angel fish,” these meals were consumed by thousands of unsusp…

1
Oceana Working to Protect Endangered Species: How Legal Action Safeguards Whales and Sea Turtles 50:56

21d ago50:56

50:56

Oceana, working to protect endangered species, is at the heart of this powerful episode featuring Tara Brock, an environmental lawyer advocating for ocean life. Tara unpacks how the Endangered Species Act is used to protect humpback whales and sea turtles, and how legal tools like this remain essential to ocean conservation. As threats like ship st…

1
Deadline-day chaos and Middlesbrough lead promotion race – Football Weekly 1:00:58

22d ago1:00:58

1:00:58

Max Rushden is joined by Barry Glendenning, George Elek and Sanny Rudravajhala to sift through a bonkers deadline day, questionable spending, and the best Championship pick-ups you’ve never heard of.. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/footballweeklypodBy The Guardian

1
Starmer’s back-to-school headaches 24:25

23d ago24:25

24:25

Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey are back, talking through all of the challenges the government faces as MPs return to Westminster. Plus, they discuss the prime minister’s shake-up of his Downing Street team. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspodBy The Guardian

1
Szoboszlai’s rocket and Milner’s new milestone – Football Weekly 59:27

23d ago59:27

59:27

Max Rushden is joined by Philippe Auclair, Lars Sivertsen and Nooruddean Choudry to discuss Liverpool’s perfect start, Manchester City’s latest stumble and another chaotic weekend. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/footballweeklypodBy The Guardian

1
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

1
Best of 2025 … so far: ‘The Mozart of the attention economy’: why MrBeast is the world’s biggest YouTube star 37:14

26d 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…

1
Starting an Environmental Nonprofit: The Balean Founders Story with Bart Oor and Sander Brienen 55:20

26d ago55:20

55:20

Starting an environmental nonprofit often begins with a vision and the determination to make a difference, but it also comes with challenges in funding, community support, and long-term sustainability. In this episode of How to Protect the Ocean, Bart Oor and Sander Brienen share the story of how they created Balean, a platform designed to help ind…

1
Grimsby’s glory and Scottish sides slump in Europe – Football Weekly 56:32

27d ago56:32

56:32

Max Rushden is joined by Jonathan Wilson, Robyn Cowen, Mark Langdon and Ewan Murray to discuss Manchester United’s shock defeat to Grimsby, a disastrous week for Scottish football and look ahead to the weekend’s Premier League action.. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/footballweeklypod…

1
No going back: Nigel Farage’s immigration plan 26:00

28d ago26:00

26:00

In a major speech this week, Reform UK set out how it would lower immigration. With controversial plans to deport hundreds of thousands of migrants and scrap key human rights protections, Nigel Farage described immigration as a ‘scourge’ and an ‘invasion’. Was this a watershed moment in the way politicians talk about small boat crossings? And what …

1
Best of 2025 … so far: ‘Look, they’re getting skin!’: are we right to strive to save the world’s tiniest babies? 45:49

28d 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 …

1
Pacific Islands Marine Monument Rollback and Court Reversal Explained 59:44

28d ago59:44

59:44

Pacific Islands Heritage Marine National Monument: For over a decade, these waters stood as one of the largest no-take zones on Earth, safeguarding corals, fish, and migratory species. But on day one of his presidency, Donald Trump erased the U.S. commitment to 30x30 and soon after issued Proclamation 10918, opening parts of the monument to commerc…

1
Rio’s teenage kick caps a thriller at St James’ Park – Football Weekly 50:13

29d ago50:13

50:13

Max Rushden is joined by John Brewin, Lucy Ward and Jonathan Liew as Liverpool beat Newcastle 3-2 away from home thanks to a debut goal in the 100th minute from teenager Rio Ngumoha. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/footballweeklypodBy The Guardian

1
Spurs stun Manchester City again and crisis already at West Ham? – Football Weekly 1:02:00

30d ago1:02:00

1:02:00

Max Rushden is joined by Dan Bardell, Nedum Onuoha and Sam Dalling as Spurs start their season with back-to-back wins and West Ham are thrashed at home by Chelsea. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/footballweeklypodBy The Guardian

1
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

1
A year of hate: what I learned when I went undercover with the far right – from The Audio Long Read 35:55

1M ago35:55

35:55

Working for Hope Not Hate, I infiltrated an extremist organisation, befriended its members and got to work investigating their political connections Written and read by Harry Shukman Find more from The Audio Long Read here Read the text version here Adapted from Year of the Rat: Undercover in the British Far Right, published by Chatto & Windus. To …

1
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. …