Today in Focus

Follow Today in Focus
Share on
Copy link to clipboard

Hosted by Anushka Asthana, Today in Focus brings you closer to Guardian journalism. Combining personal storytelling with insightful analysis, Today in Focus is The Guardian's daily podcast that takes you behind the headlines for a deeper understanding of the news, every weekday. 

The Guardian


    • Mar 26, 2026 LATEST EPISODE
    • daily NEW EPISODES
    • 28m AVG DURATION
    • 1,892 EPISODES

    4.6 from 634 ratings Listeners of Today in Focus that love the show mention: guardian, royals, iran, violence, favourite, porn, usa, journalism, varied, reporting, trump, presentation, media, white, including, offers, analysis, daily, intelligent, listener.


    Ivy Insights

    The Today in Focus podcast is an exceptional source of in-depth reporting and analysis on a wide range of topics. The podcast stands out for its ability to provide comprehensive coverage and insightful commentary, making it a must-listen for anyone seeking in-depth understanding of current events.

    One of the best aspects of this podcast is its commitment to thorough reporting. The journalists behind Today in Focus go beyond surface-level coverage, delving into the complexities and nuances of each topic. They conduct interviews with experts, visit relevant locations, and provide listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the issues at hand. This level of depth sets Today in Focus apart from other news podcasts.

    Another highlight of this podcast is the variety of topics covered. From international affairs to domestic politics, from social issues to cultural phenomena, Today in Focus tackles a wide range of subjects that are both timely and important. This diversity ensures that there's always something new and interesting to learn from each episode.

    However, one area where the podcast could improve is by including more interviews with parents about their role in their children's lives. While the podcast covers a broad range of topics, it often neglects to explore the experiences and perspectives of parents with young children. Including interviews with parents would provide valuable insights into family dynamics and shed light on the challenges and joys of parenting.

    In conclusion, Today in Focus is an outstanding podcast that offers high-quality reporting, insightful analysis, and diverse subject matter. It stands as one of the best sources for in-depth news coverage and provides listeners with a deep understanding of complex issues. Despite some room for improvement regarding parent interviews, this podcast remains a top choice for those seeking informative and engaging journalism.



    More podcasts from The Guardian

    Search for episodes from Today in Focus with a specific topic:

    Latest episodes from Today in Focus

    Iran says Trump ‘negotiating with himself': what next for war? - The Latest

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 26, 2026 12:38


    Donald Trump insists Iran is still interested in cutting a peace deal despite Tehran rejecting the US plan. Iran has now put forward a five-point counterproposal and says the war will end on its own terms. Lucy Hough speaks to the Guardian's senior international correspondent, Julian Borger – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    Is Cuba Trump's next target?

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 26, 2026 22:43


    The journalists Ruaridh Nicoll and Daniel Montero report from Havana as Cuba suffers from a devastating oil blockade imposed by the US. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    Big tech reckoning: Meta ordered to pay $375m in landmark case - The Latest

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 25, 2026 11:54


    A court in the US has ordered Meta to pay $375m after a jury found that the company, which owns Facebook and Instagram, enabled harm including child sexual exploitation on its platforms. The landmark victory marks the first time the social media corporation has been successfully sued by a US state over child safety issues. Could it set a new precedent for holding big tech to account? Lucy Hough speaks to the investigative reporter Katie McQue – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    The Maga divide over Iran

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 25, 2026 24:06


    Andrew Roth on why the war on Iran is unpopular with the US public and what it means for Maga insiders. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    Antisemitic ambulance attack: what we know so far – The Latest

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 24, 2026 10:24


    An investigation is under way into an arson attack on four ambulances belonging to a Jewish charity in north London. Efforts are being made to verify a claim of responsibility by a group known as Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia (HAYI). Security sources have cautioned against a rush to tie Iran to arson and it has not so far been designated as a terrorist incident. Nosheen Iqbal speaks to chief reporter Daniel Boffey – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    Israel's second front: on the ground in Lebanon

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 24, 2026 25:01


    The conflict in the Middle East is being fought from the air – except in southern Lebanon where Israel and Hezbollah are fighting a bitter ground war. Will Christou reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    Trump chickens out on Iran deadline – The Latest

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 23, 2026 12:10


    Donald Trump has delayed his deadline for Iran to open the strait of Hormuz, saying he is postponing strikes on Iranian power plants for a five-day period. The US president had threatened to ‘obliterate' the regime's power plants, while Tehran said in return it would ‘irreversibly destroy' essential infrastructure across the Middle East, including vital water systems, in the conflict's latest escalation. The war is now in its fourth week, as Trump declares the US and Iran had ‘good and productive conversations', but what could come next? Lucy Hough speaks to the Guardian's diplomatic editor, Patrick Wintour – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    What the Epstein case teaches us about grooming

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 23, 2026 33:51


    Lucia Osborne-Crowley on what we should learn from Jeffrey Epstein's crimes. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    Off Duty: The Crime

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 21, 2026 26:38


    On the evening of 29 December 2011, the police officer Clifton Lewis was moonlighting as a security guard at a Chicago minimart when two men walked in. They shot Lewis several times, then took off with his gun and police star. A week later, officers had their suspects: four men affiliated with a gang called the Spanish Cobras. For hours, under intense police questioning, they all said they didn't do it. That didn't seem to matter. This is episode one of Off Duty, an investigation by the Guardian's Melissa Segura. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    Fuel rations and cash handouts: Iran war energy shock hits Asia – The Latest

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 20, 2026 11:33


    Across south-east Asia, governments are scrambling to find ways to conserve energy and shield the public from soaring costs, as war in the Middle East causes huge disruption in the global oil market. In Thailand, news anchors have been ditching their jackets after orders to reduce air conditioning use, while government workers in the Philippines are operating on a four-day week. Asia relies heavily on imported energy, much of which passes through the strait of Hormuz, and officials have warned further measures could be considered if the energy crisis worsens. Lucy Hough speaks to the Guardian's south-east Asia correspondent, Rebecca Ratcliffe. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    Why Ireland is giving a basic income to artists

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 20, 2026 28:11


    Rory Carroll reports on the Irish government's initiative, as a musician and a writer relay their experiences on the scheme. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    Why gasfield attacks are major escalation in Iran war – The Latest

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 19, 2026 10:42


    Donald Trump is threatening to ‘blow up' a major Iranian energy facility, as attacks on gasfields across the Middle East send gas and oil prices skyrocketing again. The threat comes after Israeli strikes on the South Pars gasfield prompted Iran to retaliate with attacks on energy facilities across the region, including in Qatar. It marks a serious escalation in the war, which could cause long-term disruption to global energy supplies. Lucy Hough speaks to senior international reporter Peter Beaumont – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    Charlotte Nichols MP on her rape trial ordeal

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 19, 2026 44:09


    MP for Warrington North shares her experience as a complainant in a rape trial where the man she accused was acquitted. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    Trump attacks Starmer: can the special relationship survive? – The Latest

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 18, 2026 11:06


    Kemi Badenoch has described Donald Trump's criticism of Keir Starmer as ‘childish' and said it ‘sends the wrong signal to our opponents in Iran or in Russia'. Trump repeated his previous attack on the prime minister on Tuesday, saying: ‘Unfortunately Keir is no Winston Churchill.' Are cracks starting to appear in the US-UK special relationship? Lucy Hough speaks to our senior political correspondent Peter Walker – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    What Nigel Farage will say for money

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 18, 2026 32:09


    The Reform UK leader has a lucrative extra gig sending paid-for Cameo messages. But an analysis of more than 4,000 show they include videos for a neo-Nazi group and a rioter. Henry Dyer reports – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    Key Iran leader ‘killed': what does it mean for the war? - The Latest

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 17, 2026 10:08


    Israel claims it has killed the influential Iranian national security chief Ali Larijani in overnight strikes. If confirmed, Larijani's death would represent a devastating blow to the regime, and the most senior official to die since Ali Khamenei's death. Lucy Hough speaks to deputy head of international news, Devika Bhat – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    Will the strait of Hormuz torpedo Trump's war?

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 17, 2026 26:28


    Events in the narrow waterway are causing chaos around the globe. Jillian Ambrose explains why. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    Could Trump blow up Nato over Iran war? – The Latest

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 16, 2026 10:11


    Donald Trump is pressuring European allies to protect the strait of Hormuz, warning that Nato faces a ‘very bad' future if members fail to offer assistance. The strait of Hormuz is one of the most important shipping routes in the world. A fifth of international oil supplies pass through this waterway, which has been disrupted since the start of the war. Lucy Hough speaks to the Guardian's south Asia correspondent, Hannah Ellis-Petersen – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    ‘El Guapo': The Spanish PM standing up to Trump

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 16, 2026 21:29


    Madrid-based journalist Guy Hedgecoe explains why Pedro Sánchez has been one of the few European leaders to challenge the US president on Iran. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    Oscars 2026: who should win … and who actually will? – The Latest

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 13, 2026 12:02


    After months of red carpets and awards season campaigns, it's all eyes on Hollywood's night of nights - the Academy Awards. It looks like it will be a fight between Ryan Coogler's thriller Sinners and Paul Thomas Anderson's adaptation One Battle After Another for most of the big prizes, with Jessie Buckley's performance in Hamnet the clear favourite for best actress. Lucy Hough speaks to the Guardian's film editor, Catherine Shoard – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    ‘Let's-a go!' The story of Nintendo

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 13, 2026 25:52


    Video games editor Keza MacDonald traces the rise of Nintendo, and explains why its sense of fun matters in a world of big tech. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    Mandelson files: Starmer admits ‘I made a mistake' – The Latest

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 12, 2026 11:23


    Keir Starmer was warned of ‘reputational risk' in making Peter Mandelson ambassador to the US due to his links with the sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, according to newly released files. The first batch of files raises new questions about the prime minister's judgment, as well as the vetting process at the highest level of government. Lucy Hough speaks to the Guardian's head of national news, Archie Bland – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    What teenagers really see on their phones

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 12, 2026 27:16


    Helen Pidd talks to Abbey, 15, and Josh, 16, about their experiences of social media, and a growing divide between boys and girls. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    How much worse could Iran war make the cost of living crisis? – The Latest

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 11, 2026 9:24


    Rising oil prices and market turmoil as a result of the war in the Middle East are fuelling fears the cost of living crisis could get even tougher. Energy bills, mortgage rates and petrol prices could all surge in the fallout from the conflict. So how much could the war tighten the screws on our personal finances? Lucy Hough speaks to the deputy editor of the Guardian's money section, Rupert Jones – watch on YouTube How will war in the Middle East affect your finances?. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    Should we be boycotting ChatGPT?

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 11, 2026 25:44


    Rutger Bregman on why he thinks consumers should cancel their ChatGPT accounts. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    Could Trump really end the war in Iran ‘very soon'? – The Latest

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 10, 2026 11:36


    Donald Trump has held an astonishing press conference in which he said the war in Iran was ‘very complete' and could end ‘very soon', but also claimed that the US had not ‘won enough'. The US president is under growing pressure over the economic toll from the conflict, but his words were met with defiance from Tehran. So is the war any closer to ending and has Trump underestimated the resilience of the Iranian regime? Lucy Hough speaks to the Guardian columnist Nesrine Malik – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    Inside Iran as the bombs fall

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 10, 2026 31:35


    Annie Kelly speaks to ordinary Iranians about the attacks on their country, and peace strategist Sanam Naghari-Anderlini explains her fears for the future. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    iran iranians bombs world news middle east and north africa
    Will Trump make a deal with Iran's new supreme leader? - The Latest

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 9, 2026 11:30


    Mojtaba Khamenei has been chosen to replace his father Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as Iran's supreme leader, while the country continues to be heavily bombarded by US and Israeli forces. There are concerns the move could lead to a further escalation of war in the Middle East, after Donald Trump warned that Khamenei was an ‘unacceptable' choice. Lucy Hough speaks to diplomatic editor Patrick Wintour – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    Who really took one of history's most famous pictures?

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 9, 2026 31:49


    The photo of a Vietnamese girl running away from a napalm strike is one of the most famous in history. But who actually took it? With conflict photographers Gary Knight and David Burnett, and film-maker Bao Nguyen. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    Trump sacks Kristi Noem: what does it mean for ICE? – The Latest

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 6, 2026 10:20


    Donald Trump has fired his controversial US homeland security secretary, Kristi Noem, after weeks of bipartisan complaints about her leadership. As the public face of an aggressive immigration crackdown that prompted lawsuits and nationwide anti-ICE protests, Noem's year-long tenure was plagued by multiple controversies, including accusing two US citizens killed by immigration agents of ‘domestic terrorism'. What exactly led to Noem's firing and what do we know about her replacement? Nosheen Iqbal speaks to the Guardian US live news editor Chris Michael – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    The Jesse Jackson I knew

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 6, 2026 33:47


    As Chicago prepares to bid farewell to Jackson, Today in Focus hears about the groundbreaking civil rights activist from those who knew him. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    Why does Trump want Kurdish fighters to join the war in Iran? – The Latest

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 5, 2026 9:07


    Intense waves of airstrikes have hit dozens of military positions, frontier posts and police stations along northern parts of Iran's border with Iraq in what appears to be preparation by the US and Israel for a new front in their war. Iran has warned ‘separatist groups' in this region against joining the widening conflict and launched strikes against Iraq-based Kurdish groups it described as ‘opposed to the revolution'. Could the involvement of these militant groups increase the risk of a civil war in Iran if the regime collapses? Nosheen Iqbal speaks to deputy head of international news Devika Bhat – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    Starmer, Trump and the shaky ‘special relationship'

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 5, 2026 26:06


    Rafael Behr on why Donald Trump's war on Iran presents a strategic dilemma for Keir Starmer. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    Could the Iran war spark a global economic crisis? – The Latest

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 4, 2026 11:10


    Global oil and gas prices have skyrocketed as war halts energy exports from the Middle East. The strait of Hormuz, a narrow passage of water that facilitates the shipping of about a fifth of the world's oil, has been in effect closed since the regional war began, prompting fears of a global economic crisis. According to reports, traffic has dropped by about 80%, but how long until we feel the effects? Nosheen Iqbal speaks to the Guardian's head of business, John Collingridge – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    What do Netanyahu and Trump really want in Iran?

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 4, 2026 25:34


    Who's calling the shots in the US-Israeli war on Iran? Chief Middle East correspondent Emma Graham-Harrison and international security correspondent Jason Burke report. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    Why is Israel attacking Lebanon? – The Latest

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 3, 2026 9:43


    Israel has deployed soldiers on the ground in southern Lebanon and is carrying out heavy airstrikes in the country as conflict in the Middle East continues to spread. It comes after the Iran-backed Lebanese militant group Hezbollah launched missiles and drones toward Israel in retaliation for the killing of Iran's supreme leader, Ali Khamenei. Nosheen Iqbal speaks to the Beirut-based journalist Will Christou – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    Chaos in the Gulf

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 3, 2026 30:30


    After the US and Israel assassinated Iran's Supreme leader, Tehran has hit back. Missiles have rained down on the Gulf. Will the region retaliate? Julian Borger reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    Iran war escalates: what's Trump's endgame? - The Latest

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 2, 2026 13:13


    The war in the Middle East continues to escalate, with casualties and destruction reported across at least nine countries in under 10 hours. Israeli and US warplanes launched a fresh wave of strikes across Iran, while US allies in the Gulf states are under attack from Iranian missiles and drones. Nosheen Iqbal speaks to the Guardian's head of international news, Jamie Wilson – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    The assassination of Iran's ayatollah – and fears for a wider conflict

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 1, 2026 29:30


    Iran's supreme leader was killed in a military strike on his compound as Israel and the US launched attacks on the country. Patrick Wintour reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    Greens win Gorton and Denton: is this a turning point for UK politics? – The Latest

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 27, 2026 11:34


    The Green Party has pulled off a landmark victory in the Gordon and Denton byelection in a major blow to Keir Starmer. Hannah Spencer, a local plumber, was elected as the party's first MP in northern England, with Labour pushed into third place behind Nigel Farage's Reform UK despite having a 13,000-vote majority. Lucy Hough speaks to the Guardian's north of England correspondent Hannah Al-Othman, who lives in the constituency and was at the count overnight – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    The men trying to do friendship, better – podcast

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 27, 2026 27:27


    Can talking about their problems help men forge closer relationships – or is there another way? Josh Halliday reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    Has Corbyn won the Your Party power battle? - The Latest

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 26, 2026 11:11


    Jeremy Corbyn's allies declared victory after he was voted to be Your Party's parliamentary leader in an election in which his rival Zarah Sultana was also voted on to the party's leadership committee. The party is hoping to turn the page on bitter in-fighting since its launch last year, but will it succeed? Lucy Hough talks to the Guardian columnist Owen Jones - watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    Claim Today in Focus

    In order to claim this podcast we'll send an email to with a verification link. Simply click the link and you will be able to edit tags, request a refresh, and other features to take control of your podcast page!

    Claim Cancel