Best Guardian Long Read Podcasts (2025)

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

18h 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
No going back: Nigel Farage’s immigration plan 26:00

18h 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

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

2d 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

3d 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

3d 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

3d 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
A year of hate: what I learned when I went undercover with the far right – from The Audio Long Read 35:55

3d 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

6d 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. …

1
Arsenal swoop for Eze but where will he fit in? – Football Weekly Extra 50:47

7d ago50:47

50:47

Max Rushden is joined by Barry Glendenning, Will Unwin, Seb Hutchinson and Sanny Rudravajhala as Arsenal look set to hijack Spurs’ attempts to sign Eberechi Eze. We also have a Premier League weekend preview. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/footballweeklypodBy The Guardian

1
Revisited: A day on the frontline of England’s social care crisis 36:24

7d ago36:24

36:24

An ageing population, a funding squeeze and a recruitment crisis have taken England’s adult social care system to breaking point. In this episode, recorded and first published in March, John Harris visited Greater Manchester to find out what a day in the life of a care worker looked like and whether it was too late to save this vital service. Help …

1
Revisited: A day on the frontline of England’s social care crisis 37:54

7d ago37:54

37:54

An ageing population, a funding squeeze and a recruitment crisis have taken England’s adult social care system to breaking point. In this episode, recorded and first published in March, John Harris visited Greater Manchester to find out what a day in the life of a care worker looked like and whether it was too late to save this vital service. Help …

1
Best of 2025 … so far: Kahane’s ghost: how a long-dead extremist rabbi continues to haunt Israel’s politics 48:46

8d 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 …

1
Leeds make winning Premier League return, plus a Euro roundup – Football Weekly 57:36

9d ago57:36

57:36

Max Rushden is joined by Barry Glendenning, Archie Rhind-Tutt, Philippe Auclair and Sid Lowe to discuss Leeds, Barça, Bayern and more. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/footballweeklypodBy The Guardian

1
Arsenal kick off with a win at Old Trafford as Premier League returns – Football Weekly 55:04

10d ago55:04

55:04

Max Rushden is joined by Barry Glendenning, Nicky Bandini and Lars Sivertsen as the Premier League season kicks off. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/footballweeklypodBy The Guardian

1
How does woke start winning again? – from The Audio Long Read 35:24

10d ago35:24

35:24

British progressives have suffered major setbacks in recent years, in both public opinion and court rulings. Was a backlash inevitable, and are new tactics needed? By Gaby Hinsliff. Read by Carlyss Peer Find more from The Audio Long Read here Read the text version here. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod…

1
Starmer v Starmer: why is the former human rights lawyer so cautious about defending human rights? 46:39

10d ago46:39

46:39

Many of his supporters hoped the prime minister would restore the UK’s commitment to international law. Yet Labour’s record over the past year has been curiously mixed By Daniel Trilling. Read by Simon Darwen. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/longreadpodBy The Guardian

1
How does woke start winning again? – from The Audio Long Read 35:24

10d ago35:24

35:24

British progressives have suffered major setbacks in recent years, in both public opinion and court rulings. Was a backlash inevitable, and are new tactics needed? By Gaby Hinsliff. Read by Carlyss Peer Find more from The Audio Long Read here Read the text version here. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod…

1
Best of 2025 … so far: The savage suburbia of Helen Garner: ‘I wanted to dong Martin Amis with a bat’ 41:00

13d ago41:00

41:00

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 March: over 50 years, she has become one of the most revered writers in Australia. Is she finally going to get worldwide recognitio…

1
Premier League season preview: Leeds to Wolves: Football Weekly 1:03:45

14d ago1:03:45

1:03:45

Max Rushden is joined by Barry Glendenning, Jonathan Wilson and John Brewin for the second of our Premier League preview podcasts. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/footballweeklypodBy The Guardian

1
Our list of the summer’s best culture picks 4:02

14d ago4:02

4:02

Politics Weekly is taking a break for the summer. But, as is tradition, John Harris has a roundup of some of his favourite cultural picks Get In: The Inside Story of Labour Under Starmer by Patrick Maguire and Gabriel Pogrund The Restless Republic: Britain Without a Crown by Anna Keay The Blood in Winter: A Nation Descends, 1642 by Jonathan Healey …

1
Our list of the summer’s best culture picks 4:02

14d ago4:02

4:02

Politics Weekly is taking a break for the summer. But, as is tradition, John Harris has a roundup of some of his favourite cultural picks Get In: The Inside Story of Labour Under Starmer by Patrick Maguire and Gabriel Pogrund The Restless Republic: Britain Without a Crown by Anna Keay The Blood in Winter: A Nation Descends, 1642 by Jonathan Healey …

1
Premier League season preview: Arsenal to Fulham: Football Weekly 55:13

15d ago55:13

55:13

Max Rushden is joined by Barry Glendenning, Jonathan Liew and Jordan Jarrett-Bryan for the first of our Premier League preview podcasts. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/footballweeklypodBy The Guardian

1
Best of 2025 … so far: ‘I am not who you think I am’: how a deep-cover KGB spy recruited his own son 51:52

15d ago51:52

51:52

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 May: for the first time, the man the KGB codenamed ‘the Inheritor’ tells his story By Shaun Walker. Read by James Faulkner. Help su…

1
Crystal Palace win the Community Shield and the Championship is back – Football Weekly 58:17

17d ago58:17

58:17

Max Rushden is joined by Barry Glendenning, Ali Maxwell and George Elek as Crystal Palace get the better of Liverpool at Wembley and the Championship gets under way. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/footballweeklypodBy The Guardian

1
Your questions answered: opinion polls and celebrity politicians 33:30

17d ago33:30

33:30

You asked, we answered. In this special episode, Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey sit down to chat through some of the questions you’ve sent to us. Fancy another one? We’d love to hear from you. Our email address is [email protected]. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod…

1
How Pakistan fell in love with sushi 33:52

17d ago33:52

33:52

Once upon a time, Pakistanis scorned raw fish. Now sushi is everywhere from Ramadan meals to wedding buffets – and it all started with one man and a dream By Sanam Maher. Read by Amina Zia The Oath documentary: to be a Palestinian doctor in Israel’s healthcare system. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/longreadpod…

1
Your questions answered: opinion polls and celebrity politicians 33:30

17d ago33:30

33:30

You asked, we answered. In this special episode, Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey sit down to chat through some of the questions you’ve sent to us. Fancy another one? We’d love to hear from you. Our email address is [email protected]. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod…

1
Best of 2025 … so far: ‘The ghosts are everywhere’: can the British Museum survive its omni-crisis? 38:45

20d ago38:45

38:45

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 March: beset by colonial controversy, difficult finances and the discovery of a thief on the inside, Britain’s No 1 museum is in de…

1
Is Sesko a good fit for Manchester United and who will win the Championship? – Football Weekly Extra 48:51

21d ago48:51

48:51

Max Rushden is joined by Barry Glendenning, Lars Sivertsen and Ben Fisher as Manchester United look set to win the race to sign Benjamin Sesko. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/footballweeklypodBy The Guardian

1
Best of 2025 … so far: the great abandonment: what happens to the natural world when people disappear? 36:18

22d ago36:18

36:18

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 February: across the globe, vast swathes of land are being left to be reclaimed by nature. To see what could be coming, look to Bul…

1
Dale Vince on net zero, Gaza and why he’s still backing Labour 34:17

22d ago34:17

34:17

John Harris is joined by the eco-activist, entrepreneur and political donor Dale Vince to chat through his journey from new age traveller to renewable energy millionaire and major backer of the Labour party. Plus, he discusses why he believes business holds the key to solving the climate emergency, and what he thinks the government should be doing …

1
Dale Vince on net zero, Gaza and why he’s still backing Labour 34:17

22d ago34:17

34:17

John Harris is joined by the eco-activist, entrepreneur and political donor Dale Vince to chat through his journey from new age traveller to renewable energy millionaire and major backer of the Labour party. Plus, he discusses why he believes business holds the key to solving the climate emergency, and what he thinks the government should be doing …

1
The state of football finance as the new season begins – Football Weekly 52:31

23d ago52:31

52:31

Max Rushden is joined by Barry Glendenning, Philippe Auclair and Kieran Maguire to discuss the most pressing concerns in the often unclear world of football finance. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/footballweeklypodBy The Guardian

1
Son signs off at Spurs and the Football League kicks off – Football Weekly 51:02

24d ago51:02

51:02

Max Rushden is joined by Barry Glendenning, Ali Maxwell and Dan Bardell as Son Heung-min bids farewell to Tottenham after a decade and the Football League returns. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/footballweeklypodBy The Guardian

1
Catherine Ashton on the UK’s role in a changing world 31:15

24d ago31:15

31:15

Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey sit down in a special episode with peer Catherine Ashton to hear from the former EU commissioner and trade negotiator on what she makes of an increasingly unstable world. Find out what it’s like to be in a room with world leaders including Benjamin Netanyahu, Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin …. Help support our independen…

1
The Shining: my trip to the G7 horror show with Emmanuel Macron 41:03

24d ago41:03

41:03

Deeply unpopular in France, President Macron relishes the international stage, where he projects himself as the leader best placed to handle Trump. Seven years after our last encounter, I joined him as he prepared for battle By Emmanuel Carrère. Read by David Sibley. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/longreadpod…

1
Catherine Ashton on the UK’s role in a changing world 31:15

24d ago31:15

31:15

Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey sit down in a special episode with peer Catherine Ashton to hear from the former EU commissioner and trade negotiator on what she makes of an increasingly unstable world. Find out what it’s like to be in a room with world leaders including Benjamin Netanyahu, Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin …. Help support our independen…

1
Are we witnessing the death of international law? 34:40

27d ago34:40

34:40

A growing number of scholars and lawyers are losing faith in the current system. Others say the law is not to blame, but the states that are supposed to uphold it By Linda Kinstler. Read by Rachel Handshaw. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/longreadpodBy The Guardian

1
The Football League returns and crisis at Morecambe – Football Weekly Extra podcast 55:06

28d ago55:06

55:06

Max Rushden is joined by Barry Glendenning, Sanny Rudravajhala and George Elek to preview the return of league football this weekend. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/footballweeklypodBy The Guardian

1
Summer riots: what have we learned a year on? 36:53

28d ago36:53

36:53

This week marks a year since the murder of three young girls in Southport became a catalyst for riots that spread to many parts of the UK. With scenes of unrest at hotels housing asylum seekers in recent weeks, have we learned anything from the events of last year? John Harris is joined by Dame Sara Khan, the former counter-extremism commissioner a…

1
Summer riots: what have we learned a year on? 39:29

28d ago39:29

39:29

This week marks a year since the murder of three young girls in Southport became a catalyst for riots that spread to many parts of the UK. With scenes of unrest at hotels housing asylum seekers in recent weeks, have we learned anything from the events of last year? John Harris is joined by Dame Sara Khan, the former counter-extremism commissioner a…

1
From the archive: Bicycle graveyards: why do so many bikes end up underwater? 29:57

29d ago29:57

29:57

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: every year, thousands of bikes are tossed into rivers, ponds, lakes and canals. What’s behind this mass drowning? By Jody Rosen. Read by Masud Milas. Help support our independent journalism …

1
Alexander Isak to Liverpool? And your questions answered: Football Weekly 51:18

30d ago51:18

51:18

Max Rushden is joined by Barry Glendenning, John Brewin and Mark Langdon as Liverpool look to sign Alexander Isak, while the panel answer your questions from the pre-season mailbag. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/footballweeklypodBy The Guardian

1
England are European champions, again: Football Weekly 48:36

1M ago48:36

48:36

Max Rushden is joined by Nick Ames, Seb Hutchinson and Faye Carruthers as England retain the European crown against Spain. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/footballweeklypodBy The Guardian

1
Angela Rayner on lessons learned from Labour’s first year 34:35

1M ago34:35

34:35

Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey speak to Angela Rayner about Labour’s first year in government and the challenges ahead. The deputy prime minister reveals the issue that keeps her awake at night, reflects on why voters are frustrated with Labour, what she thinks the party can do about it, and how it’s planning to take the fight to Reform. Help suppor…

1
Poison in the water: the town with the world’s worst case of forever chemicals contamination 38:15

1M ago38:15

38:15

When a small Swedish town discovered their drinking water contained extremely high levels of Pfas, they had no idea what it would mean for their health and their children’s future. By Marta Zaraska. Read by Myanna Buring. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/longreadpodBy The Guardian

1
Angela Rayner on lessons learned from Labour’s first year 37:11

1M ago37:11

37:11

Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey speak to Angela Rayner about Labour’s first year in government and the challenges ahead. The deputy prime minister reveals the issue that keeps her awake at night, reflects on why voters are frustrated with Labour, what she thinks the party can do about it, and how it’s planning to take the fight to Reform. Help suppor…

1
‘A relentless, destructive energy’: inside the trial of Constance Marten and Mark Gordon 1:02:41

1M ago1:02:41

1:02:41

How did the daughter of an aristocrat end up at the Old Bailey with her partner, charged with killing their two-week-old baby? By Sophie Elmhirst. Read by Serena Manteghi. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/longreadpodBy The Guardian

1
Brilliant Bonmatí sends Spain into Euro 2025 final, plus transfer talk – Football Weekly Extra 56:28

1M ago56:28

56:28

Max Rushden is joined by Jonathan Liew, Nedum Onuoha and Seb Hutchinson to discuss Euro 2025 and the latest transfer news. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/footballweeklypodBy The Guardian

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Guardian Long Read Podcasts

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