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


    • May 26, 2026 LATEST EPISODE
    • daily NEW EPISODES
    • 27m AVG DURATION
    • 1,978 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

    US strikes Iran as Trump faces backlash over ‘disastrous' peace deal plan - The Latest

    Play Episode Listen Later May 26, 2026 11:26


    The US has launched fresh strikes on Iran despite suggestions that a peace deal could be within reach. Donald Trump faces growing criticism from Republicans over the proposed plan to end the war, which reportedly contained major concessions from Washington. But could an agreement still be imminent? Lucy Hough speaks to diplomatic editor Patrick Wintour – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    Andy Burnham's (third) bid for the Labour leadership

    Play Episode Listen Later May 26, 2026 29:53


    Josh Halliday on why Manchester mayor Andy Burnham is tipped to be the future Labour leader … if he wins the Makerfield byelection. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    Heatwave hell: are soaring temperatures the new normal? – The Latest

    Play Episode Listen Later May 25, 2026 10:42


    The UK is experiencing record-breaking temperatures in an unprecedented May heatwave, while large parts of Europe are also facing blistering conditions. As the climate crisis makes extreme heat more likely, are we prepared? Lucy Hough speaks to the Guardian reporter Helena Horton – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    The death penalty returns to Israel

    Play Episode Listen Later May 25, 2026 26:48


    Senior Middle East correspondent Emma Graham-Harrison on a pair of laws recently passed by the Israeli parliament to bring back the death penalty – seemingly only for Palestinians. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    Stateside with Kai and Carter: Why the fight over abortion in US isn't finished

    Play Episode Listen Later May 23, 2026 42:35


    The US supreme court has preserved nationwide access to mail-order abortion pills, for now. As Carter Sherman explains, the fight to protect this medication is far from over, as a near-total abortion ban could be on the horizon. Carter speaks with Dr Angel Foster, a co-founder of the Massachusetts Medication Abortion Access Project, who reveals how the legal battle over abortion pills has affected patients across the US – and what could happen next. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    World Cup: England's shock squad and the politics of football – The Latest

    Play Episode Listen Later May 22, 2026 12:07


    A ruthless Thomas Tuchel has left several big names at home for his England squad at this summer's World Cup. There was no space for Harry Maguire, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Cole Palmer or Phil Foden – previous stalwarts in former manager Gareth Southgate's squads. The announcement comes as the club season nears its end, with a historic week for Arsenal winning its first Premier League title in 22 years, sparking an incredible and diverse celebration from fans. Lucy Hough speaks to sportswriter and columnist Jonathan Liew – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    Are we heading for another Ebola crisis?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 22, 2026 23:43


    Kay Lay and Prosper Heri Ngorora report on the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    The far-right Israeli minister taunting detained Gaza activists – The Latest

    Play Episode Listen Later May 21, 2026 12:50


    Israel's far-right national security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, has triggered global outrage after sharing footage of himself taunting bound activists who had been detained as they tried to sail to Gaza with aid. The video has been widely condemned by world leaders, including the Italian prime minister, Giorgia Meloni, and by Israeli politicians, among them the prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu. Lucy Hough speaks to the Guardian's chief Middle East correspondent, Emma Graham-Harrison – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    Competing in the pro-doping Enhanced Games

    Play Episode Listen Later May 21, 2026 24:56


    The Olympian Max McCusker on his decision to sign up for the Las Vegas games where performance-enhancing drugs are encouraged. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    Are Xi and Putin still ‘best friends'? – The Latest

    Play Episode Listen Later May 20, 2026 11:51


    Xi Jinping welcomed Vladimir Putin to Beijing with pomp and pageantry, just days after hosting Donald Trump. But as Russia's war in Ukraine makes Moscow increasingly dependent on China, and western leaders thaw relations with Beijing, what does the power imbalance mean for Xi and Putin's relationship? Lucy Hough speaks to the Guardian's deputy head of international news, Devika Bhat. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    Did Trump really rescue Venezuela?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 20, 2026 28:16


    Tom Phillips on life in the country four months after the US abduction of the former president Nicolás Maduro. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    Musk v Altman: tech bros at war over OpenAI – The Latest

    Play Episode Listen Later May 19, 2026 11:01


    A long and bitter legal battle between tech billionaires Elon Musk and Sam Altman has culminated in victory for the OpenAI boss. Musk has vowed to appeal the verdict. But what did the trial reveal about big tech and the global AI race. Lucy Hough speaks to Guardian US tech and power reporter Nick Robins-Early - watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    Farage's undisclosed £5m gift

    Play Episode Listen Later May 19, 2026 24:16


    Anna Isaac on Nigel Farage's response to the Guardian revelation that he was given an undisclosed £5m gift from a crypto billionaire in 2024. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    Could the UK really rejoin the EU? – The Latest

    Play Episode Listen Later May 18, 2026 11:34


    The Brexit debate has been reignited after Labour leadership contender Wes Streeting called it a ‘catastrophic mistake' and said the UK should rejoin the European Union. His comments put pressure on rival Andy Burnham, who has previously advocated for rejoining the bloc but is fighting a byelection in the leave-voting Makerfield constituency. But how would rejoining work and would the EU even agree to it? Lucy Hough speaks to the Guardian's Europe correspondent, Jon Henley. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    Making jokes as the world collapses

    Play Episode Listen Later May 18, 2026 25:09


    The comedian Munya Chawawa on satire in the age of social media and what Donald Trump has in common with wrestlers. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    Stateside with Kai and Carter: Stacey Abrams on why gutting of the US Voting Rights Act is ‘evil'

    Play Episode Listen Later May 16, 2026 35:26


    The US supreme court demolished the 1965 Voting Rights Act when they ruled in Louisiana v Callais in April that states can't consider race in redistricting. Southern states from Tennessee to Alabama have rushed to erase majority Black districts, sparking chaos for the midterm elections. Kai Wright talks with Stacey Abrams, voting rights activist and former Georgia house minority leader, about the fallout from the decision, and why, even now, she thinks the way forward is still through engaging more voters to participate in democracy: ‘They have fractured communities and said we're going to scatter these seeds. Our job is to grow'. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    Burnham byelection: the small town that could decide next PM – The Latest

    Play Episode Listen Later May 15, 2026 12:24


    Andy Burnham may have a route back to Westminster – and a path to the Labour leadership. But first the Greater Manchester mayor must win a byelection in Makerfield, where Nigel Farage has vowed Reform UK will ‘throw absolutely everything' at the contest. Lucy Hough speaks to the Guardian's north of England correspondent Hannah al-Othman, who has been talking to voters in the constituency. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    Labour, u ok hun?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 15, 2026 24:22


    Guardian columnist Rafael Behr talks through a tumultuous day for Labour and Keir Starmer – following the resignation of health secretary Wes Streeting, and the renewed possibility of a Westminster comeback for Andy Burnham. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    Wes walks, Starmer stays, but has Burnham got the momentum? – The Latest

    Play Episode Listen Later May 14, 2026 11:35


    Wes Streeting has quit his cabinet role as health secretary and called on Keir Starmer to resign as prime minister after days of speculation. But Streeting did not launch his own challenge to trigger a leadership contest, so what could be next for Starmer's government? And has he left the door open for Andy Burnham to return? Lucy Hough speaks to the Guardian's deputy political editor, Jessica Elgot. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    Trump, Hegseth, Musk: Maga lands in Beijing

    Play Episode Listen Later May 14, 2026 25:43


    Senior China correspondent Amy Hawkins talks through the high-stakes meeting in Beijing between presidents Trump and Xi. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    Streeting to fire starting gun in Starmer leadership battle – The Latest

    Play Episode Listen Later May 13, 2026 10:48


    Wes Streeting is expected to launch a leadership challenge against Keir Starmer as soon as Thursday. News of the health secretary's plans came during the king's speech, derailing what was supposed to be another chance for the prime minister to reset the political agenda. Lucy Hough speaks to the Guardian's head of national news, Archie Bland. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    Is Big Brother watching you shop?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 13, 2026 27:32


    From supermarkets to corner shops, live facial recognition could be coming to retailers near you. Jessica Murray on the AI systems increasingly used by the police and stores. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    Labour plotters v stubborn Starmer: will he resign? – The Latest

    Play Episode Listen Later May 12, 2026 11:09


    Tensions are running high in Westminster as Keir Starmer tells his cabinet he is not going anywhere. But with several ministers quitting the government and more than 80 MPs calling for him to go, how much longer has the prime minister got? Lucy Hough speaks to political editor Pippa Crerar. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    Why does everyone hate Keir Starmer?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 12, 2026 26:18


    Aditya Chakrabortty on the Labour leader's predicament – and if he may be the last prime minister of the two-party system. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    Starmer clings on amid Labour deadlock - The Latest

    Play Episode Listen Later May 11, 2026 12:19


    Keir Starmer appears to have staved off an immediate leadership challenge but MPs are still calling for him to set out a timetable for his resignation. So can he cling on or has he run out of road? Lucy Hough speaks to senior political correspondent Peter Walker. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    The mysterious death of the teenager who posed as a Russian billionaire

    Play Episode Listen Later May 11, 2026 32:22


    The journalist Patrick Radden Keefe on trying to unravel the double life and tragic death of 19-year-old Zac Brettler – and what it tells us about London's dark underbelly. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    What next for Labour as Reform wins big in local elections? – The Latest

    Play Episode Listen Later May 8, 2026 14:49


    Keir Starmer has vowed to fight on after Labour suffered heavy losses in local elections, while Nigel Farage's Reform UK made substantial gains and the Green party won its first ever mayoral victory. So is the era of two-party politics over? And can the prime minister survive? Lucy Hough speaks to political correspondent Alexandra Topping. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    The AI jailbreakers

    Play Episode Listen Later May 8, 2026 27:46


    Journalist Jamie Bartlett on the people trying to get AI to say things it shouldn't … for the safety of us all. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    Outrage as oil giants profit billions from Iran war – The Latest

    Play Episode Listen Later May 7, 2026 12:04


    Shell has made $6.9bn in profits since the Iran war began, cashing in on soaring energy prices. The enormous profits have reignited calls for higher taxes on fossil fuel companies to fund support for those hardest hit by rising costs. Lucy Hough speaks to the Guardian's energy correspondent, Jillian Ambrose – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    An Infowars insider on the warped world of Alex Jones

    Play Episode Listen Later May 7, 2026 36:24


    As the satirical online newspaper the Onion waits for court approval to take over the conspiracy website Infowars, Helen Pidd speaks to a former staff member about its sinister rise and dramatic fall. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    Hantavirus hell: deadly virus takes hold of cruise ship – The Latest

    Play Episode Listen Later May 6, 2026 10:42


    Three people have died and several others have been medically evacuated after the outbreak of a deadly hantavirus on a luxury cruise ship. There are still close to 150 passengers onboard MV Hondius, which is travelling towards the Canary Islands where it is set to dock. So how worried should we be about the spread of the virus? Lucy Hough speaks to the Guardian reporter Oliver Holmes – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    Is Europe ready for a future without the US?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 6, 2026 32:09


    Trump has threatened to pull 5,000 troops from Germany – while European leaders worry this is just the start of a US withdrawal from the continent. Deborah Cole reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    Has Trump's ‘Project Freedom' reignited war with Iran? – The Latest

    Play Episode Listen Later May 5, 2026 9:52


    Donald Trump has launched a new operation, which he called ‘Project Freedom', to try to open the strait of Hormuz. Could it spark a re-escalation of the war with Iran and bring an end to the ceasefire? Lucy Hough speaks to the Guardian's senior international correspondent Julian Borger. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    Fake fans, fake buzz? How your favourite band got big

    Play Episode Listen Later May 5, 2026 28:32


    Shaad D'Souza explains how bands such as Geese have faced a backlash since a marketing company revealed its tricks for pushing them into the limelight, and Eamonn Forde discusses what it takes to succeed in the music industry today.. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    Why the Bezos-backed Met Gala is so controversial – The Latest

    Play Episode Listen Later May 4, 2026 10:39


    It's the grandest and glitziest event in the fashion calendar, but this year's Met Gala has sparked backlash thanks to its new honorary chairs, Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez Bezos. The billionaire Amazon founder's involvement has led to boycotts and criticism of the event. Lucy Hough speaks to the Guardian's fashion and lifestyle editor, Morwenna Ferrier – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    The women who took their own lives after domestic abuse

    Play Episode Listen Later May 4, 2026 28:16


    Geraldine McKelvie and Hannah Al-Othman tell the stories of women who died after enduring sustained campaigns of cruelty. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    Why has the world lost sight of the suffering of Palestinians? – The Latest

    Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2026 13:09


    In the six months since a ceasefire was announced in Gaza, more than 800 civilians have been killed and living conditions have remained dire. Meanwhile, Palestinians in the West Bank face a surge in violence from Israeli settlers and soldiers. While the world's attention has turned to the war in Iran, is there any end to the suffering in sight? Annie Kelly speaks to the Guardian's chief Middle East correspondent, Emma Graham-Harrison – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    Will the Greens win over Hackney?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2026 34:19


    Helen Pidd and Peter Walker on the local elections and why the Green party has surged in the polls. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    ‘An epidemic': is antisemitism out of control in the UK? – The Latest

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 30, 2026 14:09


    The stabbing of two Jewish men in Golders Green, north-west London, has become the latest in a series of antisemitic attacks. So is rising antisemitism now a national emergency? And is more security for the Jewish community really the answer? Helen Pidd is joined by columnist Rafael Behr – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    Iran's wartime executions

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 30, 2026 24:24


    Over the last six weeks, the Iranian regime has carried out a spate of executions of political prisoners. The Guardian journalist Daniel Boffey reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    Has King Charles salvaged special relationship with Trump? – The Latest

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 29, 2026 15:20


    It was a historic day for King Charles as he became the first British monarch to address a joint session of Congress in 35 years, before enjoying a lavish dinner at the White House. There were jokes, subtle digs, and the supposedly apolitical monarch even appealed to Donald Trump on Nato and Ukraine – but how did the US president react? Helen Pidd speaks to the Guardian columnist and host of Politics Weekly America, Jonathan Freedland – watch on YouTube Listen to the latest episode of Politics Weekly America: ‘The Trump purge: is the FBI's Kash Patel next?'. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    Siri, where does Apple go next?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 29, 2026 26:38


    Guardian US tech editor Blake Montgomery talks about the future of Apple after the resignation of its longtime CEO Tim Cook. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

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