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
Bobi Wine: the reggae singer vying to be Uganda’s next president
January 14, 2021 03:00 - 24 minutes - 34.3 MBUgandans go to the polls today to elect a new president. Can a charismatic young musician end three and a half decades of rule by a strongman? Freelance reporter Samuel Okiror has been following Bobi Wine’s campaign to defeat Yoweri Museveni. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Covid: vaccinating our way out of a crisis
January 13, 2021 03:00 - 26 minutes - 37.4 MBGovernment aims to vaccinate 12 million people by middle of February. With the NHS struggling, Robin McKie asks whether it is fast enough. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Covid: vaccinating our way out of a crisis
January 13, 2021 03:00 - 26 minutes - 37.4 MBGovernment aims to vaccinate 12 million people by middle of February. With the NHS struggling, Robin McKie asks whether it is fast enough. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Inside the investigation into how Covid-19 began
January 12, 2021 03:00 - 23 minutes - 26.8 MBThis week a team of international experts from the WHO will arrive in China to investigate the origins of Covid-19. A year into the pandemic, Guardian health editor Sarah Boseley looks at what questions still need to be answered. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Inside the investigation into how Covid-19 began
January 12, 2021 03:00 - 23 minutes - 26.8 MBThis week a team of international experts from the WHO will arrive in China to investigate the origins of Covid-19. A year into the pandemic, Guardian health editor Sarah Boseley looks at what questions still need to be answered. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
From Yemen to the UK: Noor's story
January 11, 2021 03:00 - 25 minutes - 28.9 MBA women’s rights activist tells the extraordinary story of how she fled Yemen after her life was threatened, and her devastation at having to leave her four children behind. She describes her terrifying journey to the UK, where she faces an uncertain future. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
From Yemen to the UK: Noor's story
January 11, 2021 03:00 - 25 minutes - 28.9 MBA women’s rights activist tells the extraordinary story of how she fled Yemen after her life was threatened, and her devastation at having to leave her four children behind. She describes her terrifying journey to the UK, where she faces an uncertain future. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
The storming of the Capitol and the end of the Trump era
January 08, 2021 03:00 - 29 minutes - 34.2 MBWhen rioters stormed into the Capitol building in Washington DC this week, it marked a new low for the Trump presidency. David Smith and Lauren Gambino describe a week in US politics like no other. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
The storming of the Capitol and the end of the Trump era
January 08, 2021 03:00 - 29 minutes - 34.2 MBWhen rioters stormed into the Capitol building in Washington DC this week, it marked a new low for the Trump presidency. David Smith and Lauren Gambino describe a week in US politics like no other. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
How the Covid surge has left the NHS on the brink
January 07, 2021 03:00 - 29 minutes - 41.8 MBBoris Johnson has announced a new national lockdown amid fears the NHS could be overwhelmed within weeks with Covid patients. Denis Campbell and Dr Samantha Batt-Rawden describe a service already at breaking point. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
How the Covid surge has left the NHS on the brink
January 07, 2021 03:00 - 29 minutes - 41.8 MBBoris Johnson has announced a new national lockdown amid fears the NHS could be overwhelmed within weeks with Covid patients. Denis Campbell and Dr Samantha Batt-Rawden describe a service already at breaking point. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Is your boss spying on you?
January 06, 2021 03:00 - 27 minutes - 38.8 MBWith home working now well established, many companies are finding new ways to monitor the productivity of their employees often with intrusive spyware, says technology editor Alex Hern. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Is your boss spying on you?
January 06, 2021 03:00 - 27 minutes - 38.8 MBWith home working now well established, many companies are finding new ways to monitor the productivity of their employees often with intrusive spyware, says technology editor Alex Hern. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
A new national lockdown
January 05, 2021 03:00 - 22 minutes - 31.2 MB2021 has begun in crisis mode for Boris Johnson’s government as it scrambles to control new Covid infections by closing schools and implementing a new national lockdown. Peter Walker reports on the new measures Coronavirus – latest updates See all our coronavirus coverage. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
A new national lockdown
January 05, 2021 03:00 - 22 minutes - 31.2 MB2021 has begun in crisis mode for Boris Johnson’s government as it scrambles to control new Covid infections by closing schools and implementing a new national lockdown. Peter Walker reports on the new measures Coronavirus – latest updates See all our coronavirus coverage. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Why do some people find it harder than others to lose weight?
January 04, 2021 03:00 - 28 minutes - 33 MBAfter treating thousands of obese people, bariatric surgeon Andrew Jenkinson was left wondering why, when most people eat too many calories, only some become overweight. After years of research, he believes he has the answer. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Why do some people find it harder than others to lose weight?
January 04, 2021 03:00 - 28 minutes - 33 MBAfter treating thousands of obese people, bariatric surgeon Andrew Jenkinson was left wondering why, when most people eat too many calories, only some become overweight. After years of research, he believes he has the answer. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Revisited: the clitoris coverup – why do we know so little?
January 01, 2021 03:00 - 27 minutes - 37.9 MBMedical textbooks are full of anatomical pictures of the penis, but the clitoris barely rates a mention and many medical professionals are uncomfortable even talking about it. Reporter Calla Wahlquist and associate news editor Gabrielle Jackson explain the history and science of the clitoris, and speak to the scientists and artists dedicated to demystifying it. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Revisited: the clitoris coverup – why do we know so little?
January 01, 2021 03:00 - 27 minutes - 37.9 MBMedical textbooks are full of anatomical pictures of the penis, but the clitoris barely rates a mention and many medical professionals are uncomfortable even talking about it. Reporter Calla Wahlquist and associate news editor Gabrielle Jackson explain the history and science of the clitoris, and speak to the scientists and artists dedicated to demystifying it. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Revisited: a cure for insomnia?
December 31, 2020 03:00 - 19 minutes - 27.7 MBLike a growing number of people, Simon Parkin suffered from insomnia for years. After dozens of failed techniques, he finally found one that worked. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Revisited: a cure for insomnia?
December 31, 2020 03:00 - 19 minutes - 27.7 MBLike a growing number of people, Simon Parkin suffered from insomnia for years. After dozens of failed techniques, he finally found one that worked. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Revisited: Leonardo da Vinci and the mystery of the world's most expensive painting
December 30, 2020 03:00 - 24 minutes - 34.8 MBSalvator Mundi was sold for a record $450m at auction in 2017 to an anonymous bidder. But the painting’s provenance as the work of Leonardo has been called into question. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Revisited: Leonardo da Vinci and the mystery of the world's most expensive painting
December 30, 2020 03:00 - 24 minutes - 34.8 MBSalvator Mundi was sold for a record $450m at auction in 2017 to an anonymous bidder. But the painting’s provenance as the work of Leonardo has been called into question. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Revisited: Leonardo da Vinci and the mystery of the world's most expensive painting. Podcast
December 30, 2020 03:00 - 24 minutes - 34.8 MBSalvator Mundi was sold for a record $450m at auction in 2017 to an anonymous bidder. But the painting’s provenance as the work of Leonardo has been called into question. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Revisited: Otters, badgers and orcas – can the pandemic help rewild Britain?
December 29, 2020 03:00 - 26 minutes - 37.5 MBSound recordist Chris Watson shares the birdsong from his English garden, while environmentalist George Monbiot looks at how the pandemic might be an opportunity for rewilding. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Revisited: Otters, badgers and orcas – can the pandemic help rewild Britain?
December 29, 2020 03:00 - 26 minutes - 37.5 MBSound recordist Chris Watson shares the birdsong from his English garden, while environmentalist George Monbiot looks at how the pandemic might be an opportunity for rewilding. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Revisited: is veganism the future?
December 28, 2020 03:00 - 22 minutes - 31.6 MBMarco Springmann, a public health expert, tells Anushka Asthana why cutting out animal products is the best route to a healthy diet – and why veganism is good for the planet. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Revisited: is veganism the future?
December 28, 2020 03:00 - 22 minutes - 31.6 MBMarco Springmann, a public health expert, tells Anushka Asthana why cutting out animal products is the best route to a healthy diet – and why veganism is good for the planet. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Culture 2020: a look back at the best TV, music and books
December 24, 2020 03:00 - 31 minutes - 36.3 MBThe Guardian’s deputy music editor, Laura Snapes, the assistant TV editor, Ammar Kalia, and books site editor, Sian Cain, discuss their favourite music, TV and books from the past six months and what they’re looking forward to hearing, watching and reading in 2021. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Culture 2020: a look back at the best TV, music and books
December 24, 2020 03:00 - 31 minutes - 36.3 MBThe Guardian’s deputy music editor, Laura Snapes, the assistant TV editor, Ammar Kalia, and books site editor, Sian Cain, discuss their favourite music, TV and books from the past six months and what they’re looking forward to hearing, watching and reading in 2021. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
How Lewis Hamilton became one of the UK’s top sports stars and activists
December 23, 2020 03:00 - 28 minutes - 32.2 MBWriters Michael Eboda and Oliver Owen look at how a 12-year-old go karting champion went on to become Formula One’s most successful driver. This year, more than ever, Hamilton has also been leading the fight against racism. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
How Lewis Hamilton became one of the UK’s top sports stars and activists
December 23, 2020 03:00 - 28 minutes - 32.2 MBWriters Michael Eboda and Oliver Owen look at how a 12-year-old go karting champion went on to become Formula One’s most successful driver. This year, more than ever, Hamilton has also been leading the fight against racism. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
The new strain of coronavirus that has cancelled Christmas
December 22, 2020 03:00 - 22 minutes - 26 MBGuardian health editor Sarah Boseley looks at the fast-spreading Covid variant that has prompted the prime minister to put London, the south east and the east of England into tier 4 and more than 40 countries to ban UK arrivals because of concerns about the spread. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
The new strain of coronavirus that has cancelled Christmas
December 22, 2020 03:00 - 22 minutes - 26 MBGuardian health editor Sarah Boseley looks at the fast-spreading Covid variant that has prompted the prime minister to put London, the south east and the east of England into tier 4 and more than 40 countries to ban UK arrivals because of concerns about the spread. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
From Wuhan to an ICU in Wales: the people who helped us report the pandemic
December 21, 2020 03:00 - 37 minutes - 52.2 MBThroughout 2020 we have reported on the shocking developments as Covid-19 swept through Britain, changing our way of life in a flash. In this episode we revisit people who helped us tell the story, from Wuhan, ICU wards, care homes and unemployment claims to a blind date that led to romance. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
From Wuhan to an ICU in Wales: the people who helped us report the pandemic
December 21, 2020 03:00 - 37 minutes - 52.2 MBThroughout 2020 we have reported on the shocking developments as Covid-19 swept through Britain, changing our way of life in a flash. In this episode we revisit people who helped us tell the story, from Wuhan, ICU wards, care homes and unemployment claims to a blind date that led to romance. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
The Georgia runoff: an historic battle for control of the US Senate
December 18, 2020 03:00 - 27 minutes - 31.2 MBReporter Khushbu Shah discusses the runoff in Georgia. Republicans have 50 seats in the Senate and the Democrats 48, so much hangs on the outcome of the 5 January election. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
The Georgia runoff: an historic battle for control of the US Senate
December 18, 2020 03:00 - 27 minutes - 31.2 MBReporter Khushbu Shah discusses the runoff in Georgia. Republicans have 50 seats in the Senate and the Democrats 48, so much hangs on the outcome of the 5 January election. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Returning to Tunisia on the tenth anniversary of the Arab Spring – podcast
December 17, 2020 03:00 - 27 minutes - 32 MBThe Guardian’s international correspondent Michael Safi returns to Tunisia where, 10 years ago, fruit seller Mohamed Bouazizi set fire to himself. It triggered a wave of protests across North Africa and the Middle East which have had profound ramifications. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Returning to Tunisia on the tenth anniversary of the Arab Spring – podcast
December 17, 2020 03:00 - 27 minutes - 32 MBThe Guardian’s international correspondent Michael Safi returns to Tunisia where, 10 years ago, fruit seller Mohamed Bouazizi set fire to himself. It triggered a wave of protests across North Africa and the Middle East which have had profound ramifications. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Rugby's dementia crisis – podcast
December 16, 2020 03:00 - 30 minutes - 42.6 MBIn 2003 Steve Thompson helped England win the World Cup, playing a part in one of the most memorable endings to a match. Now aged 43, he finds he has no memory of the match at all – and has been diagnosed with early onset dementia. Andy Bull describes how a group of former stars are launching a legal case against the sport’s governing bodies. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Rugby's dementia crisis – podcast
December 16, 2020 03:00 - 30 minutes - 42.6 MBIn 2003 Steve Thompson helped England win the World Cup, playing a part in one of the most memorable endings to a match. Now aged 43, he finds he has no memory of the match at all – and has been diagnosed with early onset dementia. Andy Bull describes how a group of former stars are launching a legal case against the sport’s governing bodies. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Deal or no deal: where is Brexit heading?
December 15, 2020 03:00 - 23 minutes - 32.9 MBWith talks ongoing between the EU and UK over the final Brexit trade deal, the clock is running down and the January deadline is looming. Daniel Boffey explains what is at stake. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Deal or no deal: where is Brexit heading?
December 15, 2020 03:00 - 23 minutes - 32.9 MBWith talks ongoing between the EU and UK over the final Brexit trade deal, the clock is running down and the January deadline is looming. Daniel Boffey explains what is at stake. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Has Labour lost its 'red wall' forever?
December 14, 2020 07:42 - 29 minutes - 34.6 MBLabour’s historical general election victories were built on a bedrock of safe seats in the north of England. But a year ago it lost some of its most prized seats to the Conservatives – and so far voters appear to have few regrets. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Has Labour lost its 'red wall' forever?
December 14, 2020 07:42 - 29 minutes - 34.6 MBLabour’s historical general election victories were built on a bedrock of safe seats in the north of England. But a year ago it lost some of its most prized seats to the Conservatives – and so far voters appear to have few regrets. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Looking back at 2020: a year like no other
December 11, 2020 03:00 - 33 minutes - 47.4 MBA look back at how the Guardian covered a year that began with the outbreak of a pandemic, witnessed global anti-racism protests after the killing of George Floyd, and ended with the voting out of President Donald Trump. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Looking back at 2020: a year like no other
December 11, 2020 03:00 - 33 minutes - 47.4 MBA look back at how the Guardian covered a year that began with the outbreak of a pandemic, witnessed global anti-racism protests after the killing of George Floyd, and ended with the voting out of President Donald Trump. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
The mystery of the Gatwick drone
December 10, 2020 03:00 - 27 minutes - 38.4 MBIn December 2018 a series of drone sightings forced the closure of Gatwick airport, causing chaos for Christmas travellers. Two years on and with the mystery still unsolved, Samira Shackle investigates what really happened. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
The mystery of the Gatwick drone
December 10, 2020 03:00 - 27 minutes - 38.4 MBIn December 2018 a series of drone sightings forced the closure of Gatwick airport, causing chaos for Christmas travellers. Two years on and with the mystery still unsolved, Samira Shackle investigates what really happened. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus