Today in Focus
1,722 episodes - English - Latest episode: 12 days ago - ★★★★★ - 649 ratingsHosted by Michael Safi and Helen Pidd, Today in Focus brings you closer to Guardian journalism. Combining personal storytelling with insightful analysis, this podcast takes you behind the headlines for a deeper understanding of the news, every weekday. Today in Focus features journalists such as: Aditya Chakrabortty, Alex Hern, Alexis Petridis, Andrew Roth, Emma Graham-Harrison, George Monbiot, Jim Waterson, John Crace, John Harris, Jonathan Freedland, Kiran Stacey, Larry Elliott, Luke Harding, Marina Hyde, Nesrine Malik, Owen Jones, Peter Walker, Pippa Crerar, Polly Toynbee, Shaun Walker, Simon Hattenstone and Zoe Williams. The podcast is a topical, deep dive, explainer on a topic or story in the news, covering: current affairs, politics, investigations, leaks, scandals and interviews. It might cover topics such as: GB, Scotland, England and Ireland news, the environment, green issues, climate change, the climate emergency and global warming; American politics including: US presidential election 2024, Biden, Trump, the White House, the GOP, the Republicans and the Republican Party, the Democrats and the Democratic Party; UK politics including: UK election 24, Parliament, Labour, the Conservative Party, the Liberal Democrats, Reform UK, Rishi Sunak, Keir Starmer; culture; the royals and the royal family, including King Charles III and Prince Harry; HS2; the police and current affairs including: Ukraine, Russia, Bangladesh, Israel, Palestine, Gaza and AI.
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Episodes
Inside the US gun industry
May 30, 2022 02:00 - 36 minutes - 50.7 MBThere are more guns than people in the United States, and the industry is still able to sell almost 2m a month. Ryan Busse, a former gun company executive, explains how we got here. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Inside the US gun industry – podcast
May 30, 2022 02:00 - 36 minutes - 50.7 MBThere are more guns than people in the United States, and the industry is still able to sell almost 2m a month. Ryan Busse, a former gun company executive, explains how we got here. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
How the climate crisis upturned Australian politics
May 27, 2022 02:00 - 27 minutes - 42.1 MBThe rightwing coalition that has run Australia for most of the past decade has been ejected from power by voters sick of its inaction on the climate crisis, says Lenore Taylor. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Sue Gray day: the Partygate finale
May 26, 2022 02:00 - 28 minutes - 44.1 MBThe Partygate saga culminated with a report on Wednesday on the extent of rule-breaking in Downing Street during lockdown. Peter Walker and Jonathan Freedland analyse what it means for the PM. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
How worried should we be about monkeypox?
May 25, 2022 02:00 - 24 minutes - 38.8 MBAn outbreak of monkeypox in the UK is ‘significant and concerning’, but for now it poses a low risk to the public, says science editor Ian Sample. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Toothaches and waiting lists: where did the NHS dentists go?
May 24, 2022 02:00 - 28 minutes - 44.6 MBMillions of people in the UK are struggling to gain access to affordable dental care. Denis Campbell explores the crisis in NHS dentistry. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
A travesty in Turkey: the Gezi Park trials
May 23, 2022 02:00 - 37 minutes - 55.6 MBEight human rights activists have been given long prison sentences for anti-government protests in Turkey. Sami Kent reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
The nurses getting huge bills for quitting the NHS
May 20, 2022 02:00 - 26 minutes - 41.7 MBInternational nurses working for NHS trusts are being trapped in their jobs by clauses in their contracts that require them to pay thousands of pounds if they try to leave. Shanti Das reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
How Vladimir Putin rejuvenated Nato
May 19, 2022 02:00 - 30 minutes - 46.4 MBFinland and Sweden this week formally applied to join Nato after years of non-alignment. Jon Henley reports on how the Ukraine war has given the alliance a new lease of life. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
The ‘carbon bombs’ set to blow up the world’s climate pledges
May 18, 2022 02:00 - 27 minutes - 42.3 MBA Guardian investigation has revealed 195 oil and gas projects known as ‘carbon bombs’ that could trigger catastrophic climate breakdown if allowed to continue. Damian Carrington reports Revealed: the ‘carbon bombs’ set to trigger catastrophic climate breakdown. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Florida’s ‘don’t say gay’ bill
May 17, 2022 02:00 - 30 minutes - 42.8 MBFlorida’s legislature has introduced a bill that would allow parents to sue school districts if they consider lessons to not be ‘age-appropriate’. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Marcos’ myths: the dictator’s son rewriting history in the Philippines
May 16, 2022 02:00 - 35 minutes - 49.1 MBFerdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos is on course for a landslide victory in the Philippines presidential election. For those who grew up under the martial law of his father, the result brings up the horrors of the past. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
The fight for the right to roam in the English countryside
May 13, 2022 02:00 - 29 minutes - 44.6 MBA campaign to widen access to the English countryside is gathering momentum. However, as Helena Horton reports from a mass trespass event in Devon, there is little sign the government is willing to budge. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Why are so many journalists being killed in Mexico?
May 12, 2022 02:00 - 30 minutes - 46.2 MBThe death of Mexican crime reporter Margarito Martinez shocked his friends and colleagues in Tijuana. Tom Phillips reports on how the Mexican president’s verbal attacks on the press are putting its country’s journalists at risk. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Putin’s dilemma: what is his next move in Ukraine?
May 11, 2022 02:00 - 27 minutes - 42.5 MBVladimir Putin’s Victory Day speech revealed a man facing one of the biggest decisions of his presidency: to escalate or de-escalate the war in Ukraine. Andrew Roth reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Putin’s dilemma: what is his next move in Ukraine? – Podcast
May 11, 2022 02:00 - 27 minutes - 42.5 MBVladimir Putin’s Victory Day speech revealed a man facing one of the biggest decisions of his presidency: to escalate or de-escalate the war in Ukraine. Andrew Roth reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
What does Sinn Féin’s win mean for Northern Ireland?
May 10, 2022 02:00 - 29 minutes - 46 MBThe Irish nationalist party Sinn Féin won the most seats in the Northern Ireland assembly last week for the first time. Rory Carroll explains what happens now. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
The Division: New Orleans – part four
May 09, 2022 02:00 - 49 minutes - 58.3 MBThe division begins to reinvestigate Kuantay Reeder’s case, discovering new evidence that could hold the key to his freedom. The Guardian’s US southern bureau chief, Oliver Laughland, goes to interview Harry Connick, the district attorney from 1973 to 2003, to ask how he felt about presiding over an administration accused of rights violations and disproportionately punishing the city’s poorest Black residents.. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
The Division: New Orleans – part three
May 08, 2022 02:00 - 38 minutes - 54.5 MBIn 2020 a change comes to New Orleans. The city elects Jason Williams, a progressive Black prosecutor who promises to reckon with the past. One of the first things he does is set up a civil rights division, led by Emily Maw. The division takes on the case of Kuantay Reeder, and assistant district attorney Bidish Sarma is able to view Reeder’s case file. Will there be evidence inside to support his claim of innocence?. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
The Division: New Orleans – part two
May 07, 2022 04:00 - 34 minutes - 50.2 MBIn 1995, Kuantay Reeder is sentenced to spend the rest of his life in prison for a crime he says he didn’t commit. He spends years doing hard labour in the fields of the prison, and trying to have his conviction overturned. By 2020, he has exhausted almost every legal avenue available to him. But 2020 is also the year that Jason Williams is elected to be the new district attorney of New Orleans. Will the creation of a new civil rights division in his office offer hope to Reeder?. Help support...
The Division: New Orleans – part one
May 06, 2022 02:00 - 41 minutes - 59 MBThe Guardian’s US southern bureau chief, Oliver Laughland, has spent the past six months following what happened when a progressive Black district attorney called Jason Williams was elected in Louisiana, the heart of the deep south. Jason had promised sweeping reforms across New Orleans, and part of that change involved opening up a civil rights division to look over old cases. Kuantay Reeder has been in Louisiana’s ‘Angola’ prison since 1995 for a murder he says he didn’t commit. Will the di...
The US supreme court is ready to overturn the right to an abortion. What happens next?
May 05, 2022 02:00 - 28 minutes - 39.6 MBA leaked draft opinion lays out the supreme court’s plans to overturn Roe v Wade. It is something abortion activists have long feared – and will have lasting repercussions for all Americans, reports Jessica Glenza. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Walls, ‘gates’ and Britain’s local elections
May 04, 2022 02:00 - 25 minutes - 40.1 MBWhether its a focus on the ‘red wall’ or the ‘blue wall’, Partygate or Tractorgate, local elections are an important guide to the prospects of the national government and opposition alike, says Heather Stewart. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
The Wagatha Christie case (part 2)
May 03, 2022 02:00 - 26 minutes - 40.8 MBAs the so-called ‘Wagatha Christie’ trial approaches, neither side is backing down from a case that has legal fees running into the millions, says media editor Jim Waterson Listen to part 1. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
The Wagatha Christie case (part 1)
May 02, 2022 02:00 - 28 minutes - 44 MBA sensational libel trial is due to begin next week. Jim Waterson dives into the worlds of celebrity, media and the courts to understand how we got here. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Will Elon Musk regret buying Twitter?
April 29, 2022 02:00 - 30 minutes - 47.4 MBIt’s not rocket science – but it might be even harder. Alex Hern explains why Elon Musk may find that running Twitter and making a profit is a greater challenge than he bargained for. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Will Elon Musk regret buying Twitter?
April 29, 2022 02:00 - 30 minutes - 47.4 MBIt’s not rocket science – but it might be even harder. Alex Hern explains why Elon Musk may find that running Twitter and making a profit is a greater challenge than he bargained for. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Searching for the shadow man (part 2)
April 28, 2022 02:00 - 43 minutes - 64.2 MBA genocide researcher investigating a 2013 atrocity committed in Syria creates an alternate online identity – the character of ‘Anna S’ – to entice a military commander to confess to war crimes. But how far can she push? And how long can Anna go on? Listen to part 1. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Searching for the shadow man (Part 1)
April 27, 2022 02:00 - 37 minutes - 56.3 MBLeaked footage documenting the 2013 execution of dozens of Syrian civilians led two genocide researchers on a painstaking search over three years to find the man responsible. The first of a two-part special. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Can Emmanuel Macron reunite France?
April 26, 2022 02:00 - 26 minutes - 41 MBThe French president has faced down the challenge from the far right to win a second term. But he returns to office as president of a deeply divided country, says Angelique Chrisafis. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Shein and the rise of ultra-fast fashion
April 25, 2022 02:00 - 31 minutes - 48.1 MBThe Chinese fashion brand Shein found rapid success by catering to young shoppers whose tastes are driven by social media. But making fast fashion even faster comes at a cost. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
The shaming of the Salvation Army
April 22, 2022 02:00 - 33 minutes - 50.6 MBInvestigative reporter Simon Goodley talks about the organisation which has been accused of acting as a rogue landlord in a Thames estuary community in Essex. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Can Russia succeed as a new chapter of war begins in Ukraine?
April 21, 2022 02:00 - 24 minutes - 38.5 MBUkraine’s army held off Putin’s forces and stopped a Russian takeover of Kyiv in the first phase of the war. But, as Luke Harding reports, Russia’s approach in this next stage looks very different. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
What’s behind the economic implosion in Sri Lanka?
April 20, 2022 02:00 - 30 minutes - 47.3 MBAn economic crisis in Sri Lanka is now threatening starvation for the poorest citizens. Hannah Ellis-Petersen reports on a disaster still unfolding. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Will the UK really send refugees to Rwanda?
April 19, 2022 02:00 - 30 minutes - 46.7 MBBoris Johnson has announced a scheme to send people seeking asylum in Britain to Rwanda for resettlement. Sunder Katwala argues that it will fail as a policy – and it misreads the mood of the country • How to listen to podcasts: everything you need to know. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Will the UK really send refugees to Rwanda? – podcast
April 19, 2022 02:00 - 30 minutes - 46.7 MBBoris Johnson has announced a scheme to send people seeking asylum in Britain to Rwanda for resettlement. Sunder Katwala argues that it will fail as a policy – and it misreads the mood of the country • How to listen to podcasts: everything you need to know. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
The real cost of the chicken in your supermarket trolley
April 18, 2022 02:00 - 26 minutes - 40.6 MBChicken has become such a staple of the British diet that shoppers have grown used to paying less than a pint of beer for a whole bird in a supermarket. But the supply chain that leads to the shelves is mired in ethical and environmental dilemmas, finds Simon Usborne. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Where did it all go wrong for Imran Khan? – podcast
April 15, 2022 02:00 - 27 minutes - 42.9 MBThe ousting of Pakistan’s prime minister in a vote of no confidence followed a period of intense political turmoil. Yale political scientist Sarah Khan describes what could come next. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Boris Johnson broke the law. Will the Met's Partygate fines be the PM’s undoing?
April 14, 2022 02:00 - 26 minutes - 40.9 MBHe says he will pay the penalties issued by the Met police, but he is not resigning – at least, not yet. Are Tory MPs prepared to push the prime minister out of office?. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
How a conspiracy theory about Ukrainian ‘bioweapons labs’ took off
April 13, 2022 02:00 - 30 minutes - 47.3 MBFirst it was just a tweet – but soon it had turned into a favourite Kremlin talking point. Journalist Justin Ling charts how a false claim about biological warfare spread across the internet and the world. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
How conspiracy theory about Ukrainian ‘bioweapons labs’ took off
April 13, 2022 02:00 - 30 minutes - 47.3 MBFirst it was just a tweet – but soon it had turned into a favourite Kremlin talking point. Journalist Justin Ling charts how a false claim about biological warfare spread across the internet and the world. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Who gets to decide the future of Channel 4?
April 12, 2022 02:00 - 27 minutes - 43 MBCritics in the Conservative party say the broadcaster’s best years are behind it and privatisation is the answer. But what would be lost in the process?. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
The insect crisis: where did all the bugs go?
April 11, 2022 02:00 - 24 minutes - 39 MBWhat does the drastic decline in insect populations mean for our lives? The Guardian’s Oliver Milman talks about these miraculous creatures and how they play a vital role in making the Earth habitable. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
The week the world woke up to Russian war crimes in Ukraine
April 08, 2022 02:00 - 33 minutes - 50.5 MBAfter the rapid withdrawal of Russian forces from the suburbs around Kyiv, the full scale of the atrocities they had committed were exposed to the world this week. The Guardian’s Daniel Boffey was one of the first reporters to witness the scene of multiple war crimes in Bucha. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Can Emmanuel Macron hold off France’s far-right surge?
April 07, 2022 02:00 - 29 minutes - 44.8 MBThe first round of the French election takes place this Sunday with Emmanuel Macron staking his claim to a second term. But to do so he must beat a resurgent far right, says our Paris correspondent Angelique Chrisafis. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
How boycotts against Russia work – and how they don’t
April 06, 2022 02:00 - 32 minutes - 49.1 MBFrom the cancellation of performances of Tchaikovsky to the exit of Ikea and McDonald’s from Moscow, there has been a rush to boycott all things Russian. But what impact do these official and unofficial economic protests have?. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Babies in bunkers: the surrogate mothers and infants trapped in Ukraine
April 05, 2022 02:00 - 27 minutes - 42.9 MBSirin Kale reports on the surrogate mothers trapped in Ukraine – and the parents struggling to bring their babies home to safety. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
How fentanyl flooded the US and sent opioid deaths soaring
April 04, 2022 02:00 - 29 minutes - 45.2 MBErin McCormick examines what’s driving a surge in drug overdose deaths in America – and why Black Americans, Indigenous Americans and young people have been so hard hit by the crisis. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Weekend: episode two of a new podcast
April 01, 2022 14:48 - 49 minutes - 70.4 MBEase 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 episode, Marina Hyde looks at the new additions to Downing Street (2m00s), Hadley Freeman interviews Hollywood actor Will Arnett (9m56s), Sirin Kale tries her hand at quiz show Mastermind (26m32s), and David Robson examines why we’re so stressed about stress (41m08s). If you like what you hear, subscribe to Weekend on Apple, Spotify or ...
Myanmar: the reporters risking everything to cover a forgotten conflict
April 01, 2022 02:00 - 31 minutes - 48.4 MBAfter a military coup in February 2021, the grinding conflict in Myanmar has entered its second year with no resolution in sight. There is a danger the world has started forgetting, says reporter Emily Fishbein. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus