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
What do progressives make of Joe Biden's presidency so far
March 18, 2021 03:00 - 29 minutes - 38.1 MBLauren Gambino, political correspondent for Guardian US, discusses the $1.9tn Covid relief package, which was passed by Congress last week. It was seen as a major legislative victory for Joe Biden. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
What do progressives make of Joe Biden's presidency so far
March 18, 2021 03:00 - 29 minutes - 38.1 MBLauren Gambino, political correspondent for Guardian US, discusses the $1.9tn Covid relief package, which was passed by Congress last week. It was seen as a major legislative victory for Joe Biden. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Amy-Leanne Stringfellow’s story and the campaign to end femicide
March 17, 2021 03:00 - 29 minutes - 41.4 MBPolice response to death of Sarah Everard reminds reporter Yvonne Roberts of the Yorkshire Ripper killings; Helen Pidd reports on the murder of an Afghanistan veteran that has also put the spotlight on cycle of women being killed by men. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Amy-Leanne Stringfellow’s story and the campaign to end femicide |podcast
March 17, 2021 03:00 - 29 minutes - 41.4 MBPolice response to death of Sarah Everard reminds reporter Yvonne Roberts of the Yorkshire Ripper killings; Helen Pidd reports on the murder of an Afghanistan veteran that has also put the spotlight on cycle of women being killed by men. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Amy-Leanne Stringfellow’s story and the campaign to end femicide
March 17, 2021 03:00 - 29 minutes - 41.4 MBPolice response to death of Sarah Everard reminds reporter Yvonne Roberts of the Yorkshire Ripper killings; Helen Pidd reports on the murder of an Afghanistan veteran that has also put the spotlight on cycle of women being killed by men. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Why are women so angry after the killing of Sarah Everard?
March 16, 2021 03:00 - 25 minutes - 34.3 MBThe death of Sarah Everard has shocked the UK and ignited a furious debate around the issue of male violence. Guardian senior reporter Alexandra Topping discusses why Everard’s case has prompted so many women to speak out. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Why are women so angry after the killing of Sarah Everard?
March 16, 2021 03:00 - 25 minutes - 34.3 MBThe death of Sarah Everard has shocked the UK and ignited a furious debate around the issue of male violence. Guardian senior reporter Alexandra Topping discusses why Everard’s case has prompted so many women to speak out. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Scandal, riots and the Dutch election
March 15, 2021 03:00 - 24 minutes - 33.1 MBThe Dutch cabinet resigned in disgrace earlier this year after admitting it falsely accused thousands of citizens of cheating the benefits system. Then a strict second lockdown sparked riots. Now Dutch voters go to the polls, but are they in the mood for a change of government?. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Scandal, riots and the Dutch election
March 15, 2021 03:00 - 24 minutes - 33.1 MBThe Dutch cabinet resigned in disgrace earlier this year after admitting it falsely accused thousands of citizens of cheating the benefits system. Then a strict second lockdown sparked riots. Now Dutch voters go to the polls, but are they in the mood for a change of government?. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Hostage diplomacy: when will Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe be free?
March 12, 2021 03:00 - 34 minutes - 51.6 MBNazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe has endured a five-year nightmare after being arrested and jailed in Iran while on holiday. But now as her husband, Richard Ratcliffe, and the Guardian’s Patrick Wintour explain, having served her sentence she is being threatened with further charges. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Hostage diplomacy: when will Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe be free?
March 12, 2021 03:00 - 34 minutes - 51.6 MBNazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe has endured a five-year nightmare after being arrested and jailed in Iran while on holiday. But now as her husband, Richard Ratcliffe, and the Guardian’s Patrick Wintour explain, having served her sentence she is being threatened with further charges. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Is the government ready to lead the fight against the climate crisis?
March 11, 2021 03:00 - 26 minutes - 34.7 MBLater this year, the government will host COP26 in Glasgow – possibly one of the last opportunities for the world to avert global climate catastrophe. Guardian environment journalist Fiona Harvey examines whether the UK government is equipped to lead the world in the crisis. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Is the government ready to lead the fight against the climate crisis?
March 11, 2021 03:00 - 26 minutes - 34.7 MBLater this year, the government will host COP26 in Glasgow – possibly one of the last opportunities for the world to avert global climate catastrophe. Guardian environment journalist Fiona Harvey examines whether the UK government is equipped to lead the world in the crisis. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
The great global vaccine divide
March 10, 2021 03:00 - 26 minutes - 41.8 MBThe speed at which the world’s scientists have managed to create several effective Covid vaccines has been close to miraculous. But as Michael Safi says, the richest countries have taken the lion’s share. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
The great global vaccine divide
March 10, 2021 03:00 - 26 minutes - 41.8 MBThe speed at which the world’s scientists have managed to create several effective Covid vaccines has been close to miraculous. But as Michael Safi says, the richest countries have taken the lion’s share. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Meghan and Harry's brutal takedown of the royal family
March 09, 2021 03:00 - 29 minutes - 38.5 MBReporters Archie Bland and Aamna Mohdin discuss the impact of Oprah Winfrey’s interview with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, which contained shocking revelations, including allegations of racism at the heart of the royal family. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Meghan and Harry's brutal takedown of the royal family
March 09, 2021 03:00 - 29 minutes - 38.5 MBReporters Archie Bland and Aamna Mohdin discuss the impact of Oprah Winfrey’s interview with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, which contained shocking revelations, including allegations of racism at the heart of the royal family. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Why has there been a rise in anti-Asian hate crime in the US?
March 08, 2021 03:00 - 30 minutes - 46.1 MBA rise in anti-Asian hate crime during the pandemic is forcing the US to reckon with a racism that’s been overlooked for decades. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Why has there been a rise in anti-Asian hate crime in the US?
March 08, 2021 03:00 - 30 minutes - 46.1 MBA rise in anti-Asian hate crime during the pandemic is forcing the US to reckon with a racism that’s been overlooked for decades. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
The lawyer who fought to free Guantánamo's highest-value detainee
March 05, 2021 03:00 - 28 minutes - 39.1 MBNancy Hollander has taken on many difficult cases in her career, but none quite like that of the Guantánamo detainee Mohamedou Ould Salahi. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
The lawyer who fought to free Guantánamo's highest-value detainee
March 05, 2021 03:00 - 28 minutes - 39.1 MBNancy Hollander has taken on many difficult cases in her career, but none quite like that of the Guantánamo detainee Mohamedou Ould Salahi. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
The lawyer who fought to free Guantánamo's highest-value detainee - Pt 2
March 05, 2021 03:00 - 28 minutes - 39.1 MBNancy Hollander has taken on many difficult cases in her career, but none quite like that of the Guantánamo detainee Mohamedou Ould Salahi. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Guantánamo’s highest-value detainee and the guard who befriended him
March 04, 2021 03:00 - 41 minutes - 57.1 MBMohamedou Ould Salahi was once Guantánamo’s highest-value detainee, but during the 14 years he spent behind bars he was never charged with a crime. Salahi and his former guard Steve Wood reflect on their time at the prison. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Guantánamo’s highest-value detainee and the guard who befriended him - Pt 1
March 04, 2021 03:00 - 41 minutes - 57.1 MBMohamedou Ould Salahi was once Guantánamo’s highest-value detainee, but during the 14 years he spent behind bars he was never charged with a crime. Salahi and his former guard Steve Wood reflect on their time at the prison. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Guantánamo’s highest-value detainee and the guard who befriended him
March 04, 2021 03:00 - 41 minutes - 57.1 MBMohamedou Ould Salahi was once Guantánamo’s highest-value detainee, but during the 14 years he spent behind bars he was never charged with a crime. Salahi and his former guard Steve Wood reflect on their time at the prison. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Alex Salmond, Nicola Sturgeon and the turmoil inside Scottish politics
March 03, 2021 03:00 - 30 minutes - 39.9 MBWith Scotland’s first minister Nicola Sturgeon giving evidence today, the Guardian’s Scotland correspondent, Libby Brooks, charts the unravelling of the alliance between first minister Nicola Sturgeon and her predecessor Alex Salmond – once seen as Scotland’s greatest political partnership. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Alex Salmond, Nicola Sturgeon and the turmoil inside Scottish politics
March 03, 2021 03:00 - 30 minutes - 39.9 MBWith Scotland’s first minister Nicola Sturgeon giving evidence today, the Guardian’s Scotland correspondent, Libby Brooks, charts the unravelling of the alliance between first minister Nicola Sturgeon and her predecessor Alex Salmond – once seen as Scotland’s greatest political partnership. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Alex Salmond, Nicola Sturgeon and the turmoil inside Scottish politics
March 03, 2021 03:00 - 30 minutes - 39.9 MBWith Scotland’s first minister Nicola Sturgeon giving evidence today, the Guardian’s Scotland correspondent, Libby Brooks, charts the unravelling of the alliance between first minister Nicola Sturgeon and her predecessor Alex Salmond – once seen as Scotland’s greatest political partnership. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Why has the Brazilian butt lift become so popular? – podcast
March 02, 2021 03:00 - 30 minutes - 39.7 MBThe Brazilian butt lift (BBL) has become the world’s fastest growing cosmetic surgery, despite mounting concerns over the growing number of deaths from the procedure. What is driving its popularity?. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Why has the Brazilian butt lift become so popular? – podcast
March 02, 2021 03:00 - 30 minutes - 39.7 MBThe Brazilian butt lift (BBL) has become the world’s fastest growing cosmetic surgery, despite mounting concerns over the growing number of deaths from the procedure. What is driving its popularity?. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
The life and death of Robert Maxwell
March 01, 2021 03:00 - 31 minutes - 47.8 MBIn 1991, the tycoon Robert Maxwell died in circumstances that have yet to be fully explained. Thirty years on, his legacy is still being felt, says the author John Preston. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
The life and death of Robert Maxwell
March 01, 2021 03:00 - 31 minutes - 47.8 MBIn 1991, the tycoon Robert Maxwell died in circumstances that have yet to be fully explained. Thirty years on, his legacy is still being felt, says the author John Preston. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Is this the worst year ever for the UK music industry?
February 26, 2021 03:00 - 28 minutes - 44.4 MBGuardian music writer Laura Snapes, singer-songwriter Arlo Parks and musician Nitin Sawhney discuss the impact that Covid, Brexit and the ‘streaming economy’ are having on the sector. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Is this the worst year ever for the UK music industry?
February 26, 2021 03:00 - 28 minutes - 44.4 MBGuardian music writer Laura Snapes, singer-songwriter Arlo Parks and musician Nitin Sawhney discuss the impact that Covid, Brexit and the ‘streaming economy’ are having on the sector. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
No sex please, we're British. Dating in a pandemic
February 25, 2021 03:00 - 28 minutes - 20.3 MBLockdown rules have left little opportunity for people who aren’t already living with a partner to pursue romantic relationships, explains Zoe Williams. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
No sex please, we're British. Dating in a pandemic
February 25, 2021 03:00 - 28 minutes - 20.3 MBLockdown rules have left little opportunity for people who aren’t already living with a partner to pursue romantic relationships, explains Zoe Williams. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
The science behind England’s Covid exit plan – podcast
February 24, 2021 03:00 - 22 minutes - 30.5 MBNicola Davis runs through the science behind the government’s decision to begin lifting lockdown restrictions, a four-stage plan that starts with the reopening of schools and could see the return of nightclubs on 21 June. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
The science behind England’s Covid exit plan – podcast
February 24, 2021 03:00 - 22 minutes - 30.5 MBNicola Davis runs through the science behind the government’s decision to begin lifting lockdown restrictions, a four-stage plan that starts with the reopening of schools and could see the return of nightclubs on 21 June. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Freshwater part 5: the appeal
February 23, 2021 03:00 - 43 minutes - 65 MBToday, the Freshwater Five case is in front of the court of appeal after the disclosure of new evidence that the defence says points to the men’s conviction being unsafe. Why has it taken a decade to get to this point? Listen to episode 1 Listen to episode 2 Listen to episode 3 Listen to episode 4. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Freshwater part 5: the appeal
February 23, 2021 03:00 - 43 minutes - 65 MBToday, the Freshwater Five case is in front of the court of appeal after the disclosure of new evidence that the defence says points to the men’s conviction being unsafe. Why has it taken a decade to get to this point? Listen to episode 1 Listen to episode 2 Listen to episode 3 Listen to episode 4. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Freshwater part 4: radar
February 22, 2021 03:00 - 46 minutes - 68.8 MBWhen the Freshwater Five’s lawyer, Emily Bolton, found new evidence not disclosed at the men’s trial, it set her on a path to the court of appeal and another version of events that adds weight to their claims Listen to episode 1 Listen to episode 2 Listen to episode 3. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Freshwater part 4: radar
February 22, 2021 03:00 - 46 minutes - 68.8 MBWhen the Freshwater Five’s lawyer, Emily Bolton, found new evidence not disclosed at the men’s trial, it set her on a path to the court of appeal and another version of events that adds weight to their claims Listen to episode 1 Listen to episode 2 Listen to episode 3. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Freshwater part 3: the clifftop evidence
February 21, 2021 03:00 - 36 minutes - 54.5 MBA major part of the evidence against the Freshwater Five came from the clifftop above Freshwater Bay. It was there that police saw bags being thrown from the men’s boat. But the defence still have questions about what the police actually saw Listen to episode 1 Listen to episode 2. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Freshwater part 3: the clifftop evidence
February 21, 2021 03:00 - 36 minutes - 54.5 MBA major part of the evidence against the Freshwater Five came from the clifftop above Freshwater Bay. It was there that police saw bags being thrown from the men’s boat. But the defence still have questions about what the police actually saw Listen to episode 1 Listen to episode 2. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Freshwater part 2: the circumstantial evidence
February 20, 2021 03:00 - 49 minutes - 72.8 MBIn the second part of Freshwater, Anushka Asthana examines the circumstantial evidence presented at trial against the Freshwater Five including a series of phone calls from sea and why a man with no prior fishing experience was onboard the boat that night Listen to episode 1. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Freshwater part 2: the circumstantial evidence
February 20, 2021 03:00 - 49 minutes - 72.8 MBIn the second part of Freshwater, Anushka Asthana examines the circumstantial evidence presented at trial against the Freshwater Five including a series of phone calls from sea and why a man with no prior fishing experience was onboard the boat that night Listen to episode 1. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Freshwater part 1: are the wrong men in jail?
February 19, 2021 03:00 - 43 minutes - 64.8 MBIn 2011, five men were sentenced to a total of 104 years for conspiracy to import £53m worth of cocaine. They have always said they are innocent. Now, as new evidence is due to be put before the court of appeal, we investigate the case of the Freshwater Five Listen to part 2 Listen to part 3 Listen to part 4 Listen to part 5. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Freshwater part 1: are the wrong men in jail?
February 19, 2021 03:00 - 43 minutes - 64.8 MBIn 2011, five men were sentenced to a total of 104 years for conspiracy to import £53m worth of cocaine. They have always said they are innocent. Now, as new evidence is due to be put before the court of appeal, we investigate the case of the Freshwater Five Listen to part 2 Listen to part 3 Listen to part 4 Listen to part 5. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Catherine Flowers and her fight for environmental justice in Alabama
February 18, 2021 03:00 - 22 minutes - 30.8 MBIn parts of the American south, many homes don’t have access to working waste treatment – something activist Catherine Flowers is fighting to change. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Catherine Flowers and her fight for environmental justice in Alabama
February 18, 2021 03:00 - 22 minutes - 30.8 MBIn parts of the American south, many homes don’t have access to working waste treatment – something activist Catherine Flowers is fighting to change. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus