We are raiding the Audio Long Read archives to bring you some classic pieces from years past, with new introductions from the authors. This week, from 2018: An unprecedented US mission to Pyongyang in 1999 promised to defuse Kim’s nuclear threat. But it all came to nothing – and then the hawks took power. By Julian Borger. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/longreadpod

The past two years have been the hardest ever for restaurants. Amid critical shortages of staff, food supplies and even customers, can a new venture from the man behind Polpo survive? By George Reynolds. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/longreadpod

If you’re enjoying the Guardian’s Weekend podcast, make sure to search for it on Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts and hit that subscribe button. You can also leave us a review if you like what you hear. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/longreadpod

We are raiding the Audio Long Read archives to bring you some classic pieces from years past, with new introductions from the authors. This week, as Russia continues its invasion of Ukraine, we revisit this piece by Oliver Bullough from 2018. For decades, politicians have welcomed the super-rich with open arms. Now they’re finally having second thoughts. But is it too late?. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/longreadpod

We are raiding the Audio Long Read archives to bring you some classic pieces from years past, with new introductions from the authors. This week, from 2017: In 2014, documents alleging a conspiracy to Islamise Birmingham schools were leaked to the media, sparking a national scandal. The papers were debunked – but the story remains as divisive as ever. What really happened? By Samira Shackle. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/longreadpod

Despite the rise of headline-grabbing megafires, fewer fires are burning worldwide now than at any time since antiquity. But this isn’t good news – in banishing fire from sight, we have made its dangers stranger and less predictable. By Daniel Immerwahr. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/longreadpod

Ease into the weekend with our brand new podcast, showcasing some of the best Guardian and Observer writing from the week, read by talented narrators. In this week’s episode, Marina Hyde on oligarchs in London (1m53s), Zoe Williams interviews Charlie Brooker (9m26s), Annie Lord discusses the pros and cons of voice notes (19m30s) and Luke Winkie investigates the Crime Queen of Bitcoin (32m04s).. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/longreadpod

My drinking and drug use pushed me over the edge into a complete breakdown. Then a stint in rehab made me question how much we really understand about addiction. By Carl Erik Fisher. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/longreadpod

We are raiding the Audio Long Read archives to bring you some classic pieces from years past, with new introductions from the authors. This week, from 2017: Over three decades, he transformed a nation’s attitude to art. But is his revolution now in danger of being reversed? by Charlotte Higgins. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/longreadpod

After giving safe harbour to thousands of people fleeing Nazi persecution in Europe, the British government decided that some of them could be a threat – and locked all of them up. For many, it was a betrayal on the part of their supposed liberators. By Simon Parkin. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/longreadpod