Today in Focus

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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


    • Nov 20, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekdays NEW EPISODES
    • 28m AVG DURATION
    • 1,724 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.



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    Latest episodes from Today in Focus

    Will the public sexual assault of the president mark a turning point for women in Mexico?

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 20, 2025 22:49


    What will it take to improve women's safety in Mexico? With Estefanía Vela Barba and Ann Deslandes. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    Is this Labour's hostile environment?

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 19, 2025 24:23


    Shabana Mahmood's new immigration plans have been welcomed by Tommy Robinson. Jessica Elgot explains why. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    Trump's U-turn on the Epstein files

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 18, 2025 24:32


    Jonathan Freedland unpacks Donald Trump's latest U-turn over the Epstein files – the one scandal the president just can't seem to shake. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    Why Labour is going Danish on immigration

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 17, 2025 29:57


    Danish journalist Nilas Heinskou and Syrian refugee Agob Yacoub discuss Denmark's harsh immigration and asylum policies – reportedly the inspiration for changes to be announced by the UK government this week. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    The surprising truth about Reform voters

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 14, 2025 28:10


    The biggest survey of Reform voters to date reveals unexpected views. Aditya Chakrabortty reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    Is Trump going to war with Venezuela?

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 13, 2025 31:34


    Who is pushing Trump to send the US navy to Venezuela? With Andrew Roth and Tom Phillips. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    How China is trying to silence UK academics

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 12, 2025 27:20


    How entangled are China and the UK universities sector? Amy Hawkins reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    Why Trump is threatening to sue the BBC for $1bn

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 11, 2025 31:40


    The broadcaster's director general and head of news resigned on Sunday night. But were they unforgivable mistakes made or were they victims of an internal coup? Michael Savage reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    Cop ahoy! Sailing up the Amazon to the climate summit

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 10, 2025 28:09


    Jonathan Watts sets off on a three-day boat trip down the Amazon – with indigenous leaders, scientists, artists and more – to report on Cop30, the climate summit taking place this year in Brazil. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    One man's story inside the siege of El Fasher, Sudan

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 7, 2025 33:44


    What does the fall of El Fasher mean for the future of Sudan? Kaamil Ahmed reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

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    The ordinary Britons evacuating children from Gaza

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 6, 2025 37:54


    Majd is one of a handful of injured children from Gaza brought to the UK for urgent medical treatment. But why have there been so few? Nosheen Iqbal reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    On the ground in the refugee and asylum capital of Britain

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 5, 2025 30:47


    Helen Pidd heads to Crawley, West Sussex, the place in the UK with the highest number of asylum seekers and supported refugees relative to its population. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    How Zohran Mamdani charmed New York

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 4, 2025 31:18


    Guardian US writer Adam Gabbatt and columnist Mehdi Hasan explore how Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani came from nowhere to the brink of becoming mayor of New York City. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    15 minutes of horror in train mass stabbing – Today in Focus Extra

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 3, 2025 10:31


    Guardian senior reporter Ben Quinn on the shocking knife attack on a train from Doncaster to London. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    The multi-million pound baby powder case

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 3, 2025 22:55


    Esther Addley reports on a class action suit of more than 3,000 cancer survivors and their loved ones against Johnson & Johnson. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    Cotton Capital: Searching for the spirit of Pan-Africanism – bonus episode

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 31, 2025 47:28


    In this bonus episode of the Cotton Capital series, Guardian journalist Chris Osuh explores whether we are living through a Pan-African moment in 2025, 80 years on from Manchester's 1945 Pan-African Congress. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    Living through the horror of Hurricane Melissa

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 31, 2025 33:10


    How will Jamaica recover from its most powerful hurricane on record? Natricia Duncan reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    The chaos of the grooming gangs inquiry

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 30, 2025 30:13


    Geraldine McKelvie reports on a tumultuous couple of weeks for the national grooming gangs inquiry, beset by resignations, provocative political interventions and accusations of a cover-up. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    The comeback of the mountain gorilla

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 29, 2025 29:28


    Patrick Greenfield hikes up the Virunga mountains in east Africa to trace the remarkable comeback of the mountain gorilla. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    Is London ready for driverless taxis?

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 28, 2025 25:10


    Autonomous cabs are a staple in some US cities – but how will they cope with London's streets? Gwyn Topham and Johana Bhuiyan report. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    The great Gen Z revolt

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 27, 2025 28:06


    Today in Focus talks to protesters in Nepal, Madagascar and Morocco – as well as Chatham House fellow Dr Nayana Prakash – about the gen Z movements toppling governments across the world. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    Why is Trump giving billions to Argentina?

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 24, 2025 27:11


    Donald Trump is offering a $20bn currency swap to bail out Argentina's president, Javier Milei. Harriet Barber reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    The heist of the decade

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 23, 2025 29:40


    Some of France's crown jewels have disappeared after an audacious burglary at the Louvre. Angelique Chrisafis reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    AI slop: Is the internet about to get even worse?

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 22, 2025 24:25


    Tech journalist Chris Stokel-Walker analyses the rise and rise of AI-generated video, and what it will mean for the internet and beyond. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    Prince Andrew, Jeffrey Epstein and the scandal that won't go away

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 21, 2025 23:00


    Zoe Williams describes the scandals that have engulfed Andrew, leading to him giving up his titles. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    Boriswave, fighting-age men, cultural Marxism: how the far right is changing how we speak

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 20, 2025 24:08


    Why are the online far right so successful in shaping our political language? With Dr Robert Topinka. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    ‘The sacrifice': was Kai Shannon wrongfully convicted of murder? Part 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 17, 2025 23:35


    Reporter Emily Dugan investigates the case against Kai Shannon, 33, a London man found guilty of the 2009 murder of Wahab Zaaki. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    ‘Sacrifice': Was Kai Shannon wrongfully convicted of murder? – part one

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 16, 2025 31:58


    Reporter Emily Dugan investigates the case against Kai Shannon, now 33 years old, found guilty of the 2009 murder of Wahab Zaaki. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    Inside the mystery of the collapsed Chinese spy trial

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 15, 2025 30:21


    Questions mount over collapse of trial of teacher and parliamentary researcher accused of spying for China. Dan Sabbagh reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    Release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian detainees: how the day unfolded

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 14, 2025 33:40


    As Israel and Palestinian families waited for loved ones to be released, Trump met world leaders to continue ceasefire talks. Will Christou, Dan Boffey and Jason Burke report on an extraordinary day in the Middle East. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    The Palestinian and Israeli kids trying to be friends

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 13, 2025 35:33


    Today in Focus producer Natalie Ktena heads to a peace camp in Cyprus that aims to bring together children from Israel and the West Bank. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    From boom to backlash: has Taylor Swift lost her touch?

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 10, 2025 30:52


    She's a global pop star who appears relatable even as her tours alter a country's economy. Bu her new album has sparked surprisingly fierce criticism. Alexis Petridis and Laura Snapes explain.. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    ‘Thank God we witnessed this': Palestinians on the ceasefire deal - Today in Focus Extra

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 9, 2025 12:04


    From inside Gaza, Ansam Tantesh and Mai Elawawda react to the news of a ceasefire deal between Hamas and Israel and the prospect of finally ending the two-year war. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    What are ultra-processed foods doing to our bodies?

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 9, 2025 26:08


    Numbers of younger people getting bowel and colon cancers are rising. Devi Sridhar explains why their diets could be to blame. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    ‘This is what we've been afraid of': British Jews after the Manchester attack

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 8, 2025 28:21


    Guardian journalist Abigail Radnor and Dave Rich of the Community Security Trust talk through the grief, fear and anger of the British Jewish community after the Heaton Park Synagogue terror attack. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    Can the Trump plan bring peace to Gaza?

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 7, 2025 28:28


    Negotiators have gathered in Egypt to discuss the US president's 20-point plan. Is an end to the war finally in sight?. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    My dad, his ‘incurable' disease, and hope at last

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 6, 2025 29:03


    The Guardian journalist Josh Halliday talks about Huntington's disease, the impact the rare inherited condition has had on his family and the hope there may now be a treatment. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    Is TikTok about to go full Maga?

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 3, 2025 26:05


    Investigative journalist Emily Baker-White on the deal to transfer TikTok's US operations to Trump allies. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    The Manchester synagogue terror attack – Today in Focus Extra

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 2, 2025 8:04


    North of England editor Josh Halliday reports from the scene of the attack on Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue, in which two people were killed and three others seriously injured, in what appears to be the worst antisemitic incident in the UK in living memory. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    The clean energy revolution – a reason to be hopeful

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 2, 2025 28:08


    Why might authoritarians fear the rise of solar energy? With Bill McKibben. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    Starmer takes aim at Farage

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 1, 2025 33:44


    The Labour leader entered conference with the polls against him and Reform UK snapping at his heels. He came out fighting – but was it enough to change his critics' minds? Helen Pidd. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    OnlyFans, AI girlfriends and ‘stepdads': the porn industry in 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 30, 2025 31:19


    What does Europe's biggest porn conference reveal about the future of the porn industry? Amelia Gentleman reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

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