The Audio Long Read

1437 Episodes

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‘If you build something vastly smarter than you, it better be on your side’: can we stop AI from deceiving us?

2026-09-1830:58

We are used to the idea that our fellow humans might intentionally mislead or manipulate us, but the idea that machines can now do the same is deeply unsettling. Researchers are racing to find solutions before it’s too late. By Snigdha Poonam. Read by Maya Saroya. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/longreadpod

From the archive: The rubbishscapes of Essex: why our buried trash is back to haunt us

2026-09-1631:39

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 2023: Landfill sites have swallowed many a beauty spot along the Thames estuary in the past 50 years. Now, as those dumps start to disgorge tonnes of mouldering detritus into the river, it truly feels like the Age of Consequences By Tim Burrows. Read by Sam Swainsbury. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/longreadpod

Democracy v the machine: the birth of the digital age and the warnings that were ignored

2026-09-1447:42

Many hoped that the march of technology would usher in an egalitarian utopia – but some foresaw the threat it would pose to liberal society. Why did nobody listen? By Jill Lepore. Read by Laurel Lefkow. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/longreadpod

The long shadow of Argentina’s dictatorship: she wasn’t who she thought she was. Neither was her father

2026-09-1144:47

A young activist thought her father’s disapproval of her leftwing views was purely political. Then one evening, a kiss goodbye sent her on a remarkable journey that continues today By Meaghan Beatley. Read by Cynthia Farrell. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/longreadpod

From the archive: Sudan’s outsider: how a paramilitary leader fell out with the army and plunged the country into war

2026-09-0944:471

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 2023: The civilians of Sudan have been trying to throw off military rule for decades, but now find themselves caught in the middle of a deadly power struggle between former allies turned bitter opponents Written and read by Nesrine Malik. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/longreadpod

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