When the drilling platform in the Gulf of Mexico exploded in 2010, Stephen Stone escaped with his life. But in the years that followed, he came to feel deeply betrayed by the industry he had once trusted. By Eyal Press. 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 2018: After almost a decade away, Robyn is about to release a new album. Laura Snapes examines her seismic cultural impact. By Laura Snapes. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/longreadpod

Modern society has largely exiled death to the outskirts of existence, but Covid-19 has forced us all to confront it. Our relationship to the planet, each other and time itself can never be the same again. By Jacqueline Rose. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/longreadpod

As a child, I fled Afghanistan with my family. When we arrived in Britain after a harrowing journey, we thought we could start our new life in safety. But the reality was very different. By Zarlasht Halaimzai. 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. No language in history has dominated the world quite like English does today. Is there any point in resisting? By Jacob Mikanowski. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/longreadpod

We were told coronavirus didn’t discriminate, but it didn’t need to – society had already done that for us. But there is a path to a fairer future if we want it. By Gary Younge. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/longreadpod

As I embark on a third year of general practice under Covid, I am more conscious than ever that recovery is different for every illness and every patient. By Gavin Francis. 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 2018: For millions of Algerians, life has been shaped by years of conflict, unemployment and state repression. Sheep fighting offers an arena where young men can escape the constant supervision of the state. By Hannah Rae Armstrong. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/longreadpod

Richard Amoah went to Ghana for his father’s funeral and found himself barred from returning to Britain for two and a half years. Like other victims of the Windrush scandal, he is owed compensation – but what will he actually get? By Amelia Gentleman. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/longreadpod

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. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/longreadpod