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


    • Aug 8, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekdays NEW EPISODES
    • 28m AVG DURATION
    • 1,641 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

    Inside China's fast-fashion factories as a US trade war looms

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 8, 2025 25:30


    The Guardian's senior China correspondent, Amy Hawkins, visits factories threatened by US tariffs in Guangzhou, south China, as the deadline for a US-China trade agreement approaches with no deal yet in sight. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    Has the digital nomad dream turned sour?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 7, 2025 28:49


    Alex Holder loves her new life in Lisbon but has become increasingly uneasy that people like her might be damaging the cities they love. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    Is this the summer the British left comes back?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 6, 2025 26:10


    Guardian columnist Owen Jones and political correspondent Aletha Adu explore the prospects of the new leftwing party founded by Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    How the Trump administration made a sewage crisis ‘woke'

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 5, 2025 31:01


    How did the Trump administration upend a landmark civil rights victory for environmental justice? Nina Lakhani reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    The Tesla whistleblower and the cost of taking on Elon Musk

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 4, 2025 31:30


    Investigative journalist Sönke Iwersen describes his years-long investigation into Tesla, aided by a whistleblower, exposing serious safety concerns over the company's cars. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    Did lead poisoning help create a generation of serial killers?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 1, 2025 31:36


    Pulitzer prize-winning author Caroline Fraser on the link between air pollution in the US and male violence. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    How will the UK's recognition of Palestine help those starving in Gaza?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 31, 2025 27:50


    Surgeon Nick Maynard describes the unfolding famine he witnessed during his volunteering in Gaza, while our chief Middle East correspondent, Emma Graham-Harrison, analyses whether the UK's proposed recognition of Palestine will alleviate the suffering there at all. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    Can people still protest about Palestine in the UK?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 30, 2025 24:05


    What has been the impact of Palestine Action's proscription as a terrorist organisation? Haroon Siddique reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    Protests against Zelenskyy as drones torment Ukraine

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 29, 2025 26:38


    Luke Harding talks to people in Kyiv protesting against the Ukrainian president's recent changes to the country's anti-corruption bodies, and analyses where the war against Russia is heading next. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    The hunt for the next Dalai Lama

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 28, 2025 26:33


    The Guardian's south Asia correspondent, Hannah Ellis-Petersen, and the Tibet activist Lhadon Tethong discuss the battle between Buddhist monks and the Chinese state over the successor to the Dalai Lama. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    Euros 25: Can the Lionesses bring it home again?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 25, 2025 28:19


    What can the tournament so far tell us about England's chances on Sunday? Faye Carruthers reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    Donald Trump's Epstein problem

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 24, 2025 27:36


    David Smith reports on the US president's troubles over the Jeffrey Epstein case, and how the president risks alienating his own base. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    Will the Epping hotel riots spark another summer of unrest?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 23, 2025 31:32


    A year after Southport, what's driving the turmoil in Essex? Ben Quinn reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    What's holding up a ceasefire in Gaza?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 22, 2025 26:04


    How are controversial plans for a ‘humanitarian city' in Gaza complicating a deal to stop the fighting? Emma Graham-Harrison reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    Has Elon Musk built a Nazi chatbot?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 21, 2025 30:34


    Is the extreme output of X's AI chatbot Grok shifting the political dial? Chris Stokel-Walker reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    Why thousands of Afghans were secretly relocated to the UK

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 18, 2025 33:37


    Dan Sabbagh on the data leak that may have cost hundreds of millions of pounds – and put Afghan lives at risk. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    Why doctors are striking again

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 17, 2025 28:37


    When Labour came to power it moved fast to end the public sector strikes. But now resident doctors are demanding a 29% rise in pay. Will they get it and will it put Labour's plans for the NHS at risk? Denis Campbell reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    How the BBC got into a mess over Gaza

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 16, 2025 31:18


    After mounting criticism over its coverage of the war in Gaza, will the BBC change its approach? Michael Savage reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    The law change that could transform toxic workplaces

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 15, 2025 20:52


    Zelda Perkins was Harvey Weinstein's PA – and has spent the last eight years campaigning against the non-disclosure agreements used to silence abused employees. Now she has won a major victory. Alexandra Topping reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    Syria's treasure hunting fever

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 14, 2025 30:07


    What can be done to stop Syria's unprecedented scramble for antiquities? William Christou reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    Ulaanbaatar: a warning from the coldest capital on Earth

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 11, 2025 24:48


    Tracey McVeigh heads to Mongolia to find out about the country's increasingly brutal winters and dry summers, while Badruun Gardi reflects on how the changes threaten the nomadic way of life. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    Is it time for a wealth tax on the super-rich?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 10, 2025 27:00


    After changes to the welfare reform bill failed to save money, the millionaire Dale Vince thinks it's time for people like him to contribute more to the public finances. Arun Advani explains how a wealth tax could work and if it's time for Labour to introduce one. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    Can we trust nuclear power again?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 9, 2025 26:42


    Dr Tim Gregory argues that nuclear power is safe, relatively cheap and the only realistic route to achieving net zero targets. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    Trump's big beautiful betrayal

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 8, 2025 25:33


    Ed Pilkington explains the president's ‘Big Beautiful Bill' and what it will mean for millions of poorer Americans who voted for him last November. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    A rogue fertility clinic, stolen eggs, and an unlikely friendship

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 7, 2025 32:22


    Jenny Kleeman reports on the IVF clinic in the US that stole women's eggs to get other women pregnant. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    Guilty... and not guilty: understanding the Sean ‘Diddy' Combs verdict

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 4, 2025 29:34


    The rapper faced charges often levied at mafia bosses. Anna Betts explains what the jury heard, and Andrew Lawrence tells Nosheen Iqbal what the verdict means for the music mogul. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    The truth about Iran's nuclear programme

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 3, 2025 31:23


    After 12 days of bombing by Israel and the US last month, opinions vary about the extent of the damage caused to Iran's nuclear facilities. Patrick Wintour and Rouzbeh Parsi explain why and what could happen next. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    A humiliating day for Keir Starmer in parliament

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 2, 2025 33:32


    Helen Pidd talks to Kiran Stacey and a host of Labour MPs on a day of high drama in Westminster, as parliament votes on the government's proposed disability cuts. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    The French town that banned its tap water and the chemicals that could be in yours

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 1, 2025 26:29


    Phoebe Weston heads to Alsace, eastern France, to hear about a ban on drinking water caused by dangerously high levels of ‘forever chemicals'. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    What to watch, read and listen to this summer

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 30, 2025 25:14


    Nosheen Iqbal talks to our culture critics Ben Beaumont-Thomas, Catherine Shoard and David Shariatmadari about the hottest music, film and books this summer. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    “It'll push disabled people into poverty”: Labour's controversial welfare bill

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 27, 2025 23:29


    Guardian columnist Frances Ryan on the reality of being disabled in the UK and the impact of the government's proposed cuts. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    Afraid of Israel, angry at the regime: Iranians on 12 days of war

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 26, 2025 27:43


    The analyst Ellie Geranmayeh and voices from inside Iran talk about their experiences of the last 12 days and what it will mean for the future of the regime. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

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    The protest group the UK government wants to brand terrorists

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 25, 2025 26:50


    The home secretary has announced plans to proscribe Palestine Action under terrorism laws. Haroon Siddique reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    Will the UK stay out of Trump's war in Iran?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 24, 2025 24:43


    Guardian deputy political editor Jessica Elgot on whether the UK government – despite calling for de-escalation for weeks – might be dragged into the conflict in Iran This episode was recorded before Trump's announcement late on Monday that Iran and Israel had agreed to a ceasefire. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    Why Trump bombed Iran

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 22, 2025 24:04


    The US has joined Israel in its attacks on Iranian nuclear sites. Michael Safi hears from reporter Hugo Lowell and world affairs correspondent Andrew Roth on what happens now. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    Israel and Iran: where is the conflict heading? – Today in Focus extra

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 20, 2025 12:08


    The Guardian's senior international correspondent Julian Borger reports from Tel Aviv as the Israel-Iran conflict enters its second week and the world awaits Donald Trump's decision on whether the US will enter the war. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    Film-maker Adam Curtis on why this moment feels so weird

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 20, 2025 27:43


    The award-winning film-maker talks to Michael Safi about the big ideas that have run out of road. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    What Israel's new war means for Gaza

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 19, 2025 29:03


    As the world's attention moves to Iran, what are Israeli forces doing in Gaza? Emma Graham-Harrison reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    The miracle of seat 11A and the tragedy of an Air India crash

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 18, 2025 25:27


    Aviation journalist Jeff Wise on the crash of flight AI171, in which at least 270 people died, and how one passenger in seat 11A managed to survive. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    Israel's war with Iran: what does it want?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 17, 2025 23:54


    It has been five days since Israel attacked Iran and the civilian death toll is rising, but its goal is unclear. Julian Borger reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    Arise, Sir David Beckham

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 16, 2025 25:56


    Zoe Williams goes through the highs and lows of David Beckham's career, and asks why it took so long for him to receive a knighthood. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    ‘A declaration of war': Israel's strike on Iran – Today in Focus Extra

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 13, 2025 13:22


    The Guardian's senior international correspondent Julian Borger reports from Jerusalem the morning after an unprecedented Israeli strike on Iran's nuclear facilities. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

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