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
Light at the end of the lockdown tunnel
November 05, 2020 03:00 - 25 minutes - 29.8 MBIt’s day one of the lockdown in England, and it’s been a turbulent week in US politics. Thankfully Robin McKie, the Observer’s science editor, has some good news on the race to find a vaccine. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
US election 2020: how the night unfolded
November 04, 2020 08:56 - 25 minutes - 36.3 MBIt’s been a night of increasingly tense election results. Pollsters had projected a big win for the Democratic candidate, Joe Biden, but with the major swing states too close to call at the time of recording, his route to the White House appeared to be narrowing. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
US election 2020: how the night unfolded
November 04, 2020 08:56 - 25 minutes - 36.3 MBIt’s been a night of increasingly tense election results. Pollsters had projected a big win for the Democratic candidate, Joe Biden, but with the major swing states too close to call at the time of recording, his route to the White House appeared to be narrowing. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
US election 2020: what kind of president would Joe Biden be?
November 03, 2020 03:00 - 41 minutes - 58.2 MBIf Joe Biden is elected president this week, it will be the culmination of a career in politics that has seen successes as well as controversies. Journalist and biographer Evan Osnos examines what his past can tell us about the kind of president he could become. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
US election 2020: who are the voters sticking with Trump?
November 02, 2020 03:00 - 30 minutes - 42.4 MBDonald Trump faces a major challenge to repeat the swing states victory he achieved in 2016. The Guardian’s Chris McGreal takes a US election road trip and meets voters who explain why they are standing by the White House incumbent. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
US election 2020: Donald Trump and the rise of white supremacist extremism
October 30, 2020 03:00 - 38 minutes - 54.3 MBWhite supremacist extremism is the most lethal terrorism threat to the United States. It’s a hateful ideology that the Guardian’s Lois Beckett says has infected many parts of American society. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Marcus Rashford, free school meals and Boris Johnson's political own goal
October 29, 2020 03:00 - 27 minutes - 31.7 MBGuardian columnist Gaby Hinsliff looks at why the government has refused to extend the free school meals scheme and how the decision has backfired while Guardian journalist Aamna Mohdin reports from a food bank in Hillingdon. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
The fight to 'EndSars' in Nigeria
October 28, 2020 03:00 - 22 minutes - 26.3 MBThe Guardian’s West Africa correspondent Emmanuel Akinwotu reports from the protests against the special anti-robbery squad (Sars), which have swept Nigeria and gained international support. For years, the police unit has been plagued with allegations of extrajudicial killings and abuse. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
US election 2020: are Democrats taking black voters for granted in Wisconsin?
October 27, 2020 03:00 - 22 minutes - 26.4 MBThe Guardian US reporter Kenya Evelyn grew up in Milwaukee, in the swing state of Wisconsin. She recently returned to see how this year’s pandemic, recession and Black Lives Matter protests are shifting the city’s politics. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
10 years of Instagram: how it has transformed our lives
October 26, 2020 03:00 - 31 minutes - 37.2 MBThis October marks 10 years since the launch of Instagram. Tech journalist Sarah Frier looks at how it went from a tiny startup to a multibillion-dollar business, and the impact the social media company has had on our lives. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
US election 2020: Can the Democrats win back trust in Ohio?
October 23, 2020 02:00 - 29 minutes - 41.4 MBThe race in Ohio has long been a reliable guide to the US election: the state’s winner usually goes on to win the presidency. In 2016, it broke decisively for Trump, but this year there are signs that its voters are turning away from the president. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
US election 2020: can we trust the polls?
October 22, 2020 02:00 - 29 minutes - 41.5 MBThe Guardian US data editor, Mona Chalabi, casts a sceptical eye over the US polling industry that is once again predicting defeat for Donald Trump. Has it learned lessons from 2016?. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Inside Australia’s asylum system – a possible model for the UK
October 21, 2020 02:00 - 31 minutes - 37.2 MBGuardian Australia reporter Ben Doherty looks at the history behind Australia’s asylum seeker policies, including the controversial practice of offshore processing and resettlement. It’s one of the options the British government is allegedly considering to deter asylum seekers from attempting to cross the Channel to the UK. Journalist Behrouz Boochani, who spent seven years in detention in Papua New Guinea, discusses the impact the policy has had. Help support our independent journalism at t...
Inside Australia’s asylum system: a possible model for the UK
October 21, 2020 02:00 - 31 minutes - 37.2 MBGuardian Australia reporter Ben Doherty looks at the history behind Australia’s asylum seeker policies, including the controversial practice of offshore processing and resettlement. It’s one of the options the British government is allegedly considering to deter asylum seekers from attempting to cross the Channel to the UK. Journalist Behrouz Boochani, who spent seven years in detention in Papua New Guinea, discusses the impact the policy has had. Help support our independent journalism at t...
US elections 2020: Joe Biden and Donald Trump's possible paths to power
October 20, 2020 02:00 - 29 minutes - 34.6 MBLauren Gambino, political correspondent for Guardian US, discusses which states Biden will need to win to take the White House, and what Trump will need to do to retain the presidency. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Leaded petrol, acid rain, CFCs: why the green movement can overcome the climate crisis
October 19, 2020 02:00 - 27 minutes - 39.1 MBGuardian environment correspondent Fiona Harvey discusses why the last 50 years of environmental action have shown how civil society can force governments and business to change and why that should give campaigners optimism for the future. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Covid in the UK: a new north-south divide?
October 16, 2020 02:00 - 26 minutes - 37.2 MBStrict new measures have been imposed on cities in the north of England this week in an attempt to control the increasing spread of Covid-19 infections. But the way the new restrictions have been rolled out has angered local leaders and residents alike, says Josh Halliday. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
The story of the Mangrove Nine
October 15, 2020 02:00 - 26 minutes - 30 MBGuardian arts and culture correspondent Lanre Bakare discusses the Mangrove Nine, a group of black activists who found themselves on trial at the Old Bailey in 1971 after protesting against police harassment. Their story became a landmark moment in British history, though many have never heard of it. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
US election 2020: what if Trump refuses to concede?
October 14, 2020 02:00 - 32 minutes - 45.8 MBTrump has repeatedly stated that he may refuse to accept defeat in the coming election. As Lawrence Douglas explains, things could get very messy if the result is close. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
US election 2020: why are so many Americans being denied a vote?
October 13, 2020 02:00 - 29 minutes - 41.3 MBMillions of American voters will be unable to cast their ballot in this year’s presidential election and those affected will be disproportionately first-time voters and from minority groups, reports Sam Levine. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
US election 2020: who is supreme court nominee Amy Coney Barrett?
October 12, 2020 02:00 - 30 minutes - 36 MBToday is the start of the confirmation process for Amy Coney Barrett, a deeply conservative judge who is Donald Trump’s pick for supreme court judge. Guardian US investigative journalist Stephanie Kirchgaessner has been looking at her career and personal life, including membership to the secretive Catholic group People of Praise, and discusses what her appointment would mean for the US. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Understanding the fight over trans rights – part 2
October 09, 2020 02:00 - 48 minutes - 67.9 MBLast month the equalities minister, Liz Truss, announced that some reforms to the Gender Recognition Act would go ahead but one key aspect – allowing trans people to self-identify without a medical diagnosis - would not be adopted. The issue has divided ‘gender critical’ feminists from those who are more trans-inclusive. Is there a route to reconciliation? Listen to part 1. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Understanding the fight over trans rights — part 1
October 08, 2020 02:00 - 38 minutes - 54.2 MBStephen Whittle has been at the heart of trans activism for half a century. He discusses the legal and political progress that has been made over the past few decades while the Guardian’s Scotland correspondent Libby Brooks examines why there was a backlash over the 2015 Gender Recognition Act, which proposed a further expansion of trans rights Listen to part 2. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Does Sweden have the answer to living with Covid-19? – podcast
October 07, 2020 02:00 - 30 minutes - 35.2 MBThe Swedish example is regularly raised by libertarian-minded Conservatives when protesting against government restrictions aimed at quelling the spread of the virus in the UK. But what did the Scandinavian country do differently and could it be applied elsewhere?. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
US election 2020: how Covid-19 reached the White House
October 06, 2020 02:00 - 32 minutes - 45.5 MBDonald Trump spent the weekend in hospital after developing symptoms following a positive test for coronavirus. But with confusing medical briefings and a controversial drive-by stunt, Americans are still trying to get answers as to how Trump became infected as the election approaches. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
The ugly side of the modelling industry
October 05, 2020 02:00 - 25 minutes - 36.3 MBWhen the model Emily Ratajkowski recently wrote an essay detailing the ways she has felt exploited by the modelling industry, readers were shocked. But on social media, many models responded with similar allegations. Former model Leanne Maskell and current model Magdalena Kossewska discuss their experiences, while John Horner, managing director of Models 1 looks at whether the industry needs better regulation. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
US election 2020: an ugly fight in the critical swing state of Florida
October 02, 2020 02:00 - 27 minutes - 38.3 MBOliver Laughland, the Guardian’s US southern bureau chief, discusses his recent road trip around Florida, a key state that Trump only narrowly won in 2016. He found two sides bitterly opposed. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Has Covid-19 turned the clock back on women's equality? – podcast
October 01, 2020 02:00 - 29 minutes - 34.1 MBWomen seem to be bearing the brunt of the economic fallout and taking on a greater share of domestic work and childcare. Guardian columnist Gaby Hinsliff looks at whether the virus has meant a huge step back for women’s rights. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
An inevitable crisis: how Covid-19 hit universities
September 30, 2020 02:00 - 30 minutes - 42.4 MBThe academic year has started at universities across the UK but far from the promised freshers’ experience, new students are finding themselves forced to isolate and attend classes online. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Why has activist Nathan Law been forced to flee Hong Kong?
September 29, 2020 02:00 - 31 minutes - 36.2 MBNathan Law is one of Hong Kong’s most prominent democracy activists, but his years of campaigning have made him a target for the Chinese government. He discusses the toll it has taken and why he has now had to flee to London. Guardian correspondent Emma Graham-Harrison looks at what the future holds for Hong Kong. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Did the NHS 111 Covid helpline fail hundreds of families?
September 28, 2020 02:00 - 27 minutes - 39.9 MBHundreds of people believe the 111 helpline failed their relatives. Now the Guardian’s David Conn reports that they are demanding a full inquiry into the service. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Should men-only private members' clubs still exist?
September 25, 2020 02:00 - 25 minutes - 29.4 MBThe Garrick Club was founded in 1831 – a place where ‘actors and men of refinement and education might meet on equal terms’. Women were not allowed to be members and, almost 200 years on, that is still the case. Emily Bendell on why she is taking legal action against the Garrick and Amy Milne-Smith on the history of London’s clubland. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Is the UK ready for a Covid second wave?
September 24, 2020 02:00 - 32 minutes - 45 MBFrom hospitals to care homes to community testing, the first wave of Covid-19 infections was met with unprecedented national efforts but also with panic, errors and delays. As infections begin to rise again, is the country better prepared? Coronavirus – latest updates See all our coronavirus coverage. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
How the death of Ruth Bader Ginsburg could change America
September 23, 2020 02:00 - 39 minutes - 55.5 MBRuth Bader Ginsburg was a pioneer of women’s rights and a liberal icon of the US supreme court. Her death last week will change the political balance of the court and has rocked the US election campaign with just weeks to go. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
The fight over dyslexia
September 22, 2020 02:00 - 34 minutes - 39.1 MBThe question of who gets diagnosed with dyslexia and who then receives support was one of many that Guardian journalist Sirin Kale found herself examining when she began a year-long investigation into the condition. But what surprised her most was how fiery the conversation around this condition had become, with some asking whether the term dyslexia should even exist. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
The growing influence of the QAnon conspiracy theory – podcast
September 21, 2020 02:00 - 32 minutes - 37.7 MBThe Guardian US tech reporter Julia Carrie Wong discusses the rise of QAnon, a wide-ranging and baseless internet conspiracy theory that has been festering on the fringes of rightwing internet communities for years. In recent months its visibility has exploded amid the social unrest and uncertainty of the coronavirus pandemic. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Former model Amy Dorris accuses Donald Trump of sexual assault
September 18, 2020 02:00 - 37 minutes - 43.4 MBIn an exclusive interview with the Guardian, the former model Amy Dorris talked to Lucy Osborne about allegations that Donald Trump sexually assaulted her at the US Open tennis tournament more than two decades ago, in an alleged incident that left her feeling ‘sick’ and ‘violated’. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Brexit, Covid and u-turns: why Tory backbenchers are getting restless
September 17, 2020 02:00 - 27 minutes - 38.9 MBThe PM has been attempting to quell disquiet on several fronts, says the Guardian’s Jessica Elgot, with backbench Conservative MPs rebelling over the government’s latest Brexit plans, Covid-19 restrictions and a series of damaging U-turns. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
The poisoning of Alexei Navalny
September 16, 2020 02:00 - 29 minutes - 41.1 MBLuke Harding says alleged attack on Russian opposition figure has all the hallmarks of a state-sponsored hit. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Why blaming young people for the Covid-19 spike could backfire
September 15, 2020 02:00 - 21 minutes - 30.5 MBBefore introducing new rules banning private gatherings of more than six people, the health secretary pointed the finger at young people for increasing rates of coronavirus. But could a blame game be counterproductive?. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
How an Austrian ski resort became the centre of Europe’s Covid-19 outbreak
September 14, 2020 02:00 - 22 minutes - 25.8 MBWhen Nigel Mallender headed to Ischgl in March, he was looking forward to a fun-packed break with friends. Just four days later, he and thousands of other tourists were desperately trying to leave after authorities became aware of coronavirus cases. Mallender and the Guardian’s Philip Oltermann discuss the fallout from that week. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Alastair Campbell and family on living with his depression
September 11, 2020 02:00 - 34 minutes - 39.2 MBFormer Labour communications chief Alastair Campbell has always struggled with depression. He, his partner, Fiona Millar, and their daughter, Grace Campbell, discuss the impact it has had on their lives. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
The women fighting sexual abuse in the factories where your jeans are made
September 10, 2020 02:00 - 27 minutes - 38.7 MBAn investigation into working conditions in garment factories in Lesotho revealed widespread sexual abuse of women. Annie Kelly travelled to southern Africa to investigate. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Is democracy in America under threat?
September 09, 2020 02:00 - 33 minutes - 47.1 MBAs the US election draws closer, the Guardian’s Ed Pilkington hears from civil leaders on their fears for the integrity of the process and the future of their democracy. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Rule, Britannia! and the manufacturing of culture wars
September 08, 2020 02:00 - 29 minutes - 33.3 MBWas Rule, Britannia! going to be dropped from the Last Night of the Proms in the wake of the Black Lives Matter movement? Apparently not, and yet Boris Johnson was moved to comment on the story. Guardian columnist Nesrine Malik looks at how culture wars have entered mainstream politics. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
The life and death of Belly Mujinga
September 07, 2020 02:00 - 31 minutes - 36.6 MBGuardian writer Sirin Kale spoke to friends and family of Belly Mujinga about her life and death. Belly, a transport worker and mother to an 11-year-old girl, developed Covid-19 after being allegedly spat on during her shift at London’s Victoria station. Her death made headlines and raised pressing questions about racial injustice. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Will Trump’s law and order gamble pay off?
September 04, 2020 02:00 - 26 minutes - 36 MBThe Guardian’s US Washington DC bureau chief, David Smith, discusses Donald Trump’s law and order gamble on the election, and how it is impacting on Democratic candidate Joe Biden’s campaign. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Coronavirus: is it safe for children to go back to school?
September 03, 2020 02:00 - 21 minutes - 24.3 MBAs millions of children in England and Wales return to class, the Observer’s science editor, Robin McKie, weighs up the potential health impact Coronavirus – latest updates See all our coronavirus coverage. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
What has four years of Donald Trump meant for the climate crisis?
September 02, 2020 02:00 - 28 minutes - 32.5 MBGuardian US environment reporter Emily Holden looks at the Trump administration’s impact on the environment, and the consequences for the climate crisis if he wins another term. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Who are Europe's Dreamers?
September 01, 2020 02:00 - 26 minutes - 30.2 MBAcross Europe, millions of young people live in undocumented limbo, in fear of deportation from the countries they grew up in because of hostile migration policies. Now, inspired by their US counterparts, they are fighting for recognition and residency. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus