Today in Focus
1,722 episodes - English - Latest episode: 11 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
Exposing Israel’s secret ‘war’ on the ICC – podcast
May 31, 2024 02:00 - 36 minutes - 54.8 MBHarry Davies and Yuval Abraham report on how Israeli intelligence agencies tried to derail an ICC war crimes investigation. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
How an Indian state became a testing ground for Hindu nationalism
May 30, 2024 02:00 - 30 minutes - 46.1 MBHannah Ellis-Petersen reports from Uttarakhand, which offers a glimpse into what the future might look like if the BJP retains its power in national elections. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
How an Indian state became a testing ground for Hindu nationalism – podcast
May 30, 2024 02:00 - 30 minutes - 46.1 MBHannah Ellis-Petersen reports from Uttarakhand, which offers a glimpse into what the future might look like if the BJP retains its power in national elections. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Why is Sunak’s election campaign so chaotic?
May 29, 2024 02:00 - 24 minutes - 37.8 MBBig beasts have stepped down, a sitting MP has endorsed a Reform UK candidate and the prime minister has already had to have a campaign reset. Peter Walker reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
A journey on weight-loss drug Ozempic
May 28, 2024 02:00 - 27 minutes - 42.8 MBThe company behind the weight-loss drug has made millions, but without health insurance it is unaffordable for many. George Chidi reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Damien Hirst and the dates that don’t add up
May 27, 2024 02:00 - 29 minutes - 45.2 MBGuardian investigations correspondent Maeve McClenaghan discusses her investigation into some of the work of the artist Damien Hirst that has been dated to the 1990s, years before it was actually made. Art critic Jonathan Jones discusses the impact Hirst’s work has had on him. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
What should kids be taught about sex and relationships?
May 24, 2024 02:00 - 27 minutes - 42.4 MBThe sex and relationships educator Jo Morgan discusses what she believes a sex education curriculum should look like. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Rishi Sunak’s big election gamble
May 22, 2024 20:55 - 25 minutes - 39.9 MBThe prime minister has ended months of speculation by calling an election for 4 July. But why so soon? Jonathan Freedland reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Inside Kharkiv as Russia advances
May 22, 2024 02:00 - 24 minutes - 37.9 MBShaun Walker reports on Russia’s recent offensive in the Kharkiv region of Ukraine. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Could Netanyahu really be arrested for war crimes?
May 21, 2024 02:00 - 22 minutes - 35.8 MBInternational criminal court prosecutors have requested arrest warrants for the leaders of Israel and Gaza. Julian Borger reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
The rightwing Christian group and the battle over end-of-life care
May 20, 2024 02:00 - 33 minutes - 50.4 MBThe Christian Legal Centre is behind a number of end-of-life court cases that could be ‘prolonging suffering’, according to doctors. Josh Halliday reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
The children of the contaminated blood scandal
May 17, 2024 02:00 - 37 minutes - 56 MBIt is the NHS’s worst treatment disaster – with 30,000 patients infected. Two survivors, Ade Goodyear and Andy Evans, explain why it took so long for it to be brought to light. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
What keeps the world’s top climate scientists up at night?
May 16, 2024 02:00 - 30 minutes - 47.1 MBHundreds of climate experts expect global temperatures to rise to at least 2.5C (4.5F) above preindustrial levels by 2100. Damian Carrington reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
The 'foreign agents' law that has set off mass protests in Georgia
May 15, 2024 02:00 - 20 minutes - 32.6 MBThe bill requires any civil society organisation that receives more than 20% of its funds from abroad to register as being under foreign influence. Daniel Boffey reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
The growing tensions over immigration in Ireland
May 14, 2024 02:00 - 26 minutes - 35.3 MBRory Carroll, the Guardian’s Ireland correspondent, looks at what is fuelling anti-immigrant anger in the Republic of Ireland. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
The growing tensions over immigration in Ireland
May 14, 2024 02:00 - 26 minutes - 35.3 MBRory Carroll, the Guardian’s Ireland correspondent, looks at what is fuelling anti-immigrant anger in the Republic of Ireland. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Put it down! Should children be allowed smartphones?
May 13, 2024 02:00 - 29 minutes - 45.1 MBAlmost all children have them by the time they are 11 years old – and some get them at four. But are they ruining childhoods? Blake Montgomery reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Rishi Sunak staggers on – but for how long?
May 10, 2024 02:00 - 24 minutes - 37.8 MBThe prime minister is another MP down after Natalie Elphicke crossed the floor to join Labour. With the Conservatives trailing by 30 points after heavy local election losses, what options does Rishi Sunak now have? Guardian political correspondent Kiran Stacey tells Helen Pidd what these losses mean for the PM, and looks at what calculation Keir Starmer made in taking in a rightwing Tory. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Escaping Rafah: on the ground in Gaza’s last refuge
May 09, 2024 02:00 - 24 minutes - 37.9 MBWe hear from two Palestinians living in tents in the city of Rafah. As the threat of an Israeli invasion hangs over them, they decide whether to stay or leave. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
The London Bridge ‘hero’ who could go to prison for 99 years podcast
May 08, 2024 02:00 - 28 minutes - 44.6 MBIn 2019, ex-offender Marc Conway helped hold down a knifeman who killed two people in a terror attack. But by doing so he risked being recalled to prison. Simon Hattenstone reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
The London Bridge ‘hero’ who could go to prison for 99 years
May 08, 2024 02:00 - 29 minutes - 44.8 MBIn 2019, ex-offender Marc Conway helped hold down a knifeman who killed two people in a terror attack. But by doing so he risked being recalled to prison. Simon Hattenstone reports Marc Conway risked his life to stop the London Bridge terror attack. Why did he fear being sent to prison for it?. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Non-doms are threatening to leave. Should they be convinced to stay?
May 07, 2024 02:00 - 20 minutes - 28.5 MBMulti-millionaire Bassim Haidar says ending the non-dom tax status is a mistake. He plans to leave the UK and says other non-doms will do the same. Should the government change their mind?. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
How do we protect teenagers from sextortion scams?
May 06, 2024 02:00 - 28 minutes - 44.4 MBMurray Dowey, a 16-year-old from Dunblane, was targeted by a sextortion scammer in the hours before he took his own life. Now his parents are raising awareness of this increasingly prevalent crime. Libby Brooks reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Politics Weekly Westminster: local elections special
May 05, 2024 14:54 - 30 minutes - 39.3 MBIn the first of our Politics Weekly Westminster episodes, the Guardian’s political editor Pippa Crerar and political correspondent Kiran Stacey go over the big wins and losses from the local and mayoral elections. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Are we on the brink of a ceasefire deal for Gaza? Podcast
May 03, 2024 02:00 - 30 minutes - 46.1 MBWith the threat of famine and the invasion of Rafah looming over Gaza, the leaders of Israel and Hamas are discussing a ceasefire deal. Julian Borger reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Are we on the brink of a ceasefire deal for Gaza?
May 03, 2024 02:00 - 30 minutes - 46.1 MBWith the threat of famine and the invasion of Rafah looming over Gaza, the leaders of Israel and Hamas are discussing a ceasefire deal. Julian Borger reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Has Elon Musk driven Tesla off track?
May 02, 2024 02:00 - 24 minutes - 38 MBThe electric carmaker’s Cybertruck was recalled last month after safety concerns emerged over the accelerator pedal. Kari Paul reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Is Labour about to win a local election landslide?
May 01, 2024 02:00 - 27 minutes - 43.2 MBCouncillors, mayors and police commissioners across England and Wales are facing voters this week. What’s at stake?. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Scotland’s first minister Humza Yousaf resigns
April 30, 2024 02:00 - 27 minutes - 42.6 MBOn Monday, Scotland’s first minister Humza Yousaf announced his resignation. What does this mean for the Scottish National party? Severin Carrell and Libby Brooks report. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Have open marriages gone mainstream?
April 29, 2024 02:00 - 26 minutes - 34.7 MBFrom therapy sessions to bookshelves, interest in non-monogamous relationships seem to be soaring. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
The US college protests and the crackdown on campuses
April 26, 2024 02:00 - 28 minutes - 37.5 MBPolice have arrested dozens of students across US universities this week after a crackdown on pro-Palestine protests on campuses. Erum Salam and Margaret Sullivan report from New York. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
What Ukraine needs to change the course of the war
April 25, 2024 02:00 - 27 minutes - 35.9 MBUkraine has been granted a multibillion-dollar lifeline in military aid. But it will need more than that to prevail in the conflict with Russia. Dan Sabbagh in Kyiv and Shaun Walker report. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Could a row over a council house bring down Angela Rayner?
April 24, 2024 07:10 - 27 minutes - 42.6 MBKeir Starmer’s deputy is facing questions over the sale of her former home. But do voters care? Gaby Hinsliff reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Sudan’s forgotten war
April 23, 2024 02:00 - 27 minutes - 36.4 MBWhile conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine have captured global attention, the civil war in Sudan has been largely ignored. That can’t be allowed to continue, says the Guardian’s Nesrine Malik. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Where does the Cass report leave trans teenagers?
April 22, 2024 02:00 - 36 minutes - 55.2 MBDr Hilary Cass’s review of NHS gender identity services has been published. Amelia Gentleman reports on what it means for children at the centre of it all. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
The chilling policy to cut Greenland’s high birth rate
April 19, 2024 02:00 - 31 minutes - 47.9 MBIn the 1960s the birthrate in Greenland was one of the highest in the world. Then it plunged. Decades later, women have finally begun speaking out about what happened. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Can Rishi Sunak create a smoke-free generation?
April 18, 2024 02:00 - 24 minutes - 32.2 MBMPs voted this week to ban anyone aged 15 or younger in 2024 from ever buying cigarettes. If the legislation passes and is enacted, it would be a world first. Ben Quinn reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Liz Truss and her plan to ‘save the west’
April 17, 2024 02:00 - 27 minutes - 35.5 MBLiz Truss is back – kind of. The former PM of just 49 days has published a book, Ten Years to Save the West. The Guardian’s political correspondent Eleni Courea and breaking news correspondent Martin Pengelly discuss her seeming lack of regret. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Is the Middle East on the brink?
April 16, 2024 02:00 - 24 minutes - 38.9 MBAfter Iran launched an attack on Israel, is the region heading for all-out war? Emma Graham-Harrison reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
How Swiss women won a landmark climate case for Europe
April 15, 2024 02:00 - 25 minutes - 40.4 MBLast week a group of older women successfully challenged the Swiss government’s climate policies at the European court of human rights. Isabella Kaminski reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Carers scandal: why are so many being prosecuted by the UK government?
April 12, 2024 02:00 - 27 minutes - 36.1 MBGeorge Henderson was convicted of fraud and had to repay £19,500 in carer’s allowance years after ticking the wrong box on the form. He is not alone. The Guardian’s social policy editor, Patrick Butler, looks at why thousands are facing prosecution over innocent mistakes. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Stormy Daniels, Donald Trump, and the start of the hush money trial
April 11, 2024 02:00 - 27 minutes - 41.9 MBHugo Lowell talks through the law and the politics of a case starting this Monday against Donald Trump – the first ever criminal trial of a former or sitting US president. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Profits over pipes: who should own our water?
April 10, 2024 02:00 - 25 minutes - 33.8 MBThames Water owes hundreds of millions of pounds in debt, and the UK government is concerned about its potential collapse. Helena Horton reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
The devil walking on Earth part 2
April 09, 2024 02:00 - 22 minutes - 36.2 MBAnnie Kelly reports on the story of Sosa Henkoma, who was exploited by drug gangs as a child and now mentors young people at risk of gang violence. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
The devil walking on Earth: part 1
April 08, 2024 02:00 - 30 minutes - 46.4 MBAnnie Kelly reports on the story of Sosa Henkoma, who was exploited by drug gangs as a child and now mentors young people at risk of gang violence. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Should the UK stop arming Israel?
April 05, 2024 02:00 - 28 minutes - 37.3 MBThe killing of six international aid workers and their Palestinian driver this week has brought new scrutiny of Israel’s conduct in its war in Gaza. Peter Beaumont and Patrick Wintour examine the growing backlash. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Scotland’s new hate crime law
April 04, 2024 02:00 - 28 minutes - 43.6 MBThe Scottish government has introduced a hate crime law that broadens protections for marginalised groups but critics say it limits freedom of speech. Libby Brooks reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Israel divided: Netanyahu’s coalition crisis
April 03, 2024 02:00 - 25 minutes - 33.7 MBA cabinet split over military service for ultra-Orthodox Jews and large street protests demanding the release of hostages are threatening the prime minister’s grip on power. Bethan McKernan reports from Jerusalem. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
What is Reddit really worth?
April 02, 2024 02:00 - 28 minutes - 37.5 MBThe popular social media site has never made a profit and relies on an army of unpaid moderators to keep order. So what difference will a stock market listing make? Alex Hern reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
The birdwatcher fighting racism in public spaces - Podcast
April 01, 2024 02:00 - 27 minutes - 36.4 MBA Central Park birdwatching incident went viral after Christian Cooper filmed a white woman threatening him. Now he is using his platform to share his passion for nature. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus