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


    • Jun 26, 2026 LATEST EPISODE
    • daily NEW EPISODES
    • 27m AVG DURATION
    • 2,024 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

    A British woman was strangled in the UK – why did the US military try her case?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 26, 2026 37:20


    When the academic Sarah Steele was assaulted in England, she had no idea her case would end up in front of a US military court. Harry Davies explains why military judges and juries are ruling on crimes committed in the UK. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    Desperate search for survivors after deadly earthquakes hit Venezuela – The Latest

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 25, 2026 11:05


    Rescue efforts are under way in Venezuela after two powerful earthquakes caused buildings to collapse and killed at least 164 people, and there are fears the death toll could rise significantly. A state of emergency has been declared by the country's interim leader, Delcy Rodríguez, who said 971 people have been injured and more casualties are expected. Lucy Hough speaks to Latin America correspondent Tom Phillips – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    The dawn of the designer baby

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 25, 2026 32:10


    Jenny Kleeman investigates ‘Biotech Barbie' Cathy Tie, the controversial entrepreneur hoping to revolutionise human reproduction by letting parents edit their embryos. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    Hundreds of mothers and babies died or harmed at ‘toxic' hospital trust – The Latest

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 24, 2026 12:09


    A shocking report into the biggest ever maternity care scandal in the NHS has revealed more than 500 mothers and babies died or were harmed as a result of inadequate care in Nottingham. The review, led by the senior midwife Donna Ockenden, found there had been a dismissive attitude to women's concerns, failures in maternity care, staff shortages, a toxic culture and racism at Nottingham University hospitals NHS trust. Lucy Hough speaks to the Guardian's UK health and inequalities correspondent Tobi Thomas – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    Britain, Brexit, Burnham: how was it for EU?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 24, 2026 26:46


    A decade after Brexit, the UK simply can't shake the legacy of the referendum. But with shifting public opinion and the rise of Andy Burnham, could Britain be plotting a path back to the EU?. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    Deadly heatwave grips Europe with record high temperatures - The Latest

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 23, 2026 11:33


    Europe is dealing with a debilitating heatwave, with schools closed, trains cancelled and France holding an emergency meeting after heat-related deaths. António Guterres, the UN secretary general, is urging the world to act on fossil fuels as the continent braces for record-breaking heat. Lucy Hough speaks to Europe environment correspondent Ajit Niranjan – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    Where did it all go wrong for Starmer?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 23, 2026 25:11


    The UK has lost its sixth prime minister in a decade. How did Keir Starmer go from landslide victory to resigning in two years?. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    Starmer resigns as UK prime minister - The Latest

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 22, 2026 14:28


    Keir Starmer has announced he is standing down as prime minister after days of intense pressure from Labour MPs, including cabinet ministers, following Andy Burnham's byelection victory in Makerfield. Wes Streeting has ruled himself out of the running, so will it be a coronation for the ‘king of the north' or could another candidate emerge? Lucy Hough speaks to senior political correspondent Peter Walker – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    The complicated truth about adoption reunions

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 22, 2026 35:19


    Guardian news editor David Batty spent years longing to meet his birth mother. But his reunion with the woman who had been forced to give him up was far from the fairytale he had imagined. He explains why the legacy of forced adoption continues to cast such a long shadow. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    Think like a billionaire: part 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 20, 2026 22:35


    Glamorous, rich and well-connected, Julie Meyer was a darling of the dotcom boom. But people who worked with the entrepreneur complain about unpaid wages, debts to suppliers and missing money. Journalist Olivia Lee and the Guardian's investigation team unravel her story. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    Has Burnham's win in Makerfield sealed Starmer's fate? - The Latest

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 19, 2026 14:41


    Andy Burnham's resounding win in the Makerfield byelection has set the stage for a leadership battle with Keir Starmer. The outgoing mayor of Greater Manchester received more votes than Reform and Restore combined, and the nature of the victory has prompted speculation he could replace Starmer as prime minister within weeks, if not days. Annie Kelly speaks to political correspondent Alexandra Topping UK politics – live updates Andy Burnham wins by huge majority. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    Think like a billionaire part one

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 19, 2026 28:48


    Glamorous, rich and well-connected, Julie Meyer was a darling of the dotcom boom. But people who worked with the entrepreneur complain about unpaid wages, debts to suppliers and missing money. Journalist Olivia Lee and the Guardian's investigations team unravel the complicated story. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    Trump's Iran deal: the art of the fail? – The Latest

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 18, 2026 12:41


    Donald Trump is claiming his Iran peace plan is a victory for Washington, despite the 14-point agreement revealing significant concessions to Tehran. Under the deal, Iran will reopen the strait of Hormuz in exchange for sanctions relief and the release of frozen assets, while talks will continue over the fate of Iran's nuclear programme. Nosheen Iqbal speaks to the Guardian's diplomatic editor, Patrick Wintour – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    Culture wars: the fight to save Ukraine's art

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 18, 2026 28:23


    The Guardian's chief culture writer, Charlotte Higgins, on the citizens risking their lives to salvage Ukraine's cultural heritage. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    Russia warship fires warning shot at British couple – The Latest

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 17, 2026 10:49


    Keir Starmer has called the firing of warning shots by a Russian warship at a British yacht sailing across the Channel on Tuesday ‘deeply concerning and reckless'. Russia's defence ministry said the yacht was on a ‘dangerous course' and several attempts were made to contact it – a claim disputed by the retired couple onboard the 40ft yacht. Nosheen Iqbal speaks to the Guardian's defence and security editor, Dan Sabbagh – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    Will a ban keep the UK's kids off social media?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 17, 2026 32:13


    Governments around the world want to keep under-16s off YouTube, TikTok and Instagram. Australia has introduced a ban and now the UK is doing the same. Stephen Byrne and Chris Stokel-Walker report. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    The scramble to convince Trump to back Ukraine – The Latest

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 16, 2026 11:52


    Donald Trump has urged Russia to ‘make a deal' with Ukraine as the leaders of G7 countries meet on Tuesday and try to put the conflict back at the top of the agenda. European leaders are hoping to capture Trump's attention for long enough to speak to him about Ukraine, with the US president's focus more on the US-Israeli war against Iran. Nosheen Iqbal speaks to the Guardian's Europe correspondent, Jon Henley – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    How the murder of my sister, Jo Cox, changed Britain

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 16, 2026 29:08


    It's a decade since the MP for Batley and Spen was killed by a far right extremist. Her sister, Kim Leadbetter, who took over her parliamentary seat, explains what lessons are still to be learnt. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    Will US-Iran peace deal hold? – The Latest

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 15, 2026 11:27


    The US and Iran have reached a tentative deal to end the conflict in the Middle East, but competing claims from Donald Trump and Tehran have left the details shrouded in uncertainty. Questions remain over the reopening of the strait of Hormuz, Israel's withdrawal from Lebanon, and the future of Iran's nuclear programme. Nosheen Iqbal speaks to the Guardian's senior international correspondent Julian Borger. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    In Makerfield for the byelection that could change everything

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 15, 2026 29:57


    Helen Pidd goes to Makerfield where the Labour candidate and would-be prime minister Andy Burnham faces Reform UK in a crucial byelection. With reporting from Josh Halliday. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    Should you boycott the World Cup? – The Latest

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 12, 2026 12:53


    The football's only just kicked off, but this World Cup has already seen its fair share of controversy. With a Somali referee barred from entering the US, Fifa president Gianni Infantino cosying up to Donald Trump and accusations of price gouging and cash grabbing, fans have been left with mixed emotions about the tournament. Annie Kelly speaks to the sportswriter and columnist Jonathan Liew. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    On the ground in the Belfast riots

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 12, 2026 27:06


    The Guardian reporter Hannah Al-Othman on the anti-immigrant rioting in Northern Ireland and the residents afraid for their lives. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    Defence secretary quits with ‘blistering' swipe at Starmer - The Latest

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 11, 2026 11:58


    John Healey has resigned as defence secretary over the government's military spending plans, in another significant blow for Keir Starmer. In a scathing letter to the prime minister, Healey said the long-awaited defence investment plan “falls well short of what is required for defence” and that he would have had to take decisions that “could make Britain less safe”. Nosheen Iqbal speaks to the Guardian's policy editor, Kiran Stacey Healey quits in row with Starmer over military spending. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    Mehdi Hasan on Donald Trump's big, beautiful birthday

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 11, 2026 28:05


    As the US prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary and Trump turns 80, what state is the country in? And its president?. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    The view from Belfast after a night of violent protests - The Latest

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 10, 2026 12:34


    Violence erupted in Northern Ireland last night in response to a stabbing attack in Belfast that was captured in a graphic video. Crowds, including masked men, burned vehicles and houses, hours after Elon Musk, Tommy Robinson and other agitators encouraged people to take to the streets. Nosheen Iqbal speaks to Ireland correspondent Rory Carroll – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    ‘Grandpa in a bunker': is Putin losing control?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 10, 2026 27:22


    Russian affairs reporter Pjotr Sauer on Vladimir Putin's increasing isolation – and seeming paranoia – as ordinary Russians become more restive over the toll of the war in Ukraine and a struggling economy at home. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    Can Badenoch's culture war win back Reform supporters? – The Latest

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 9, 2026 10:10


    Kemi Badenoch has vowed to reform the Equality Act in what is viewed as an attempt to win back support from Reform voters. The Conservative leader, who also served as equalities minister from 2020 to 2022, wants to scrap the public sector equality duty – a legal requirement that forces public institutions to actively consider how their decisions affect equality. Nosheen Iqbal speaks to community affairs correspondent Aamna Mohdin – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    The criminal cartels cashing in on the World Cup

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 9, 2026 24:01


    Football fans are celebrating the tournament coming to Guadalajara. But with a brutal crime syndicate holding sway there, what are the risks for fans – and the government?. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    Israel and Iran trade strikes: what does this mean for peace deal? – The Latest

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 8, 2026 9:49


    Israel and Iran have exchanged direct strikes for the first time since a ceasefire was reached in April, raising fears of a return to a full-scale regional war. The Israeli strikes are in apparent defiance of Donald Trump, who told Israel's prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, not to retaliate against Iran, in order to avoid derailing peace talks. Nosheen Iqbal speaks to the Guardian's senior international correspondent Julian Borger – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    The jailing of Germany's most wanted woman

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 8, 2026 33:03


    Dancer, dog owner, bank robber. Germany's most wanted woman, Daniela Klette, has been sentenced to 13 years in prison after decades on the run. Deborah Cole and Jason Burke report. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    Outrage in Albania over Kushner-Trump $1.6bn luxury resort – The Latest

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 5, 2026 11:17


    Thousands have protested in the streets of the Albanian capital, Tirana, this week against a planned luxury resort backed by Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner. Groundwork has begun on the $1.6bn complex in an area long seen as one of the Mediterranean's most environmentally sensitive, containing 200 species of birds including flamingos and Dalmatian pelicans. After builders began erecting a concrete-based, barbed wire-topped fence around the site, alarm turned to public outrage at the environmental damage and lack of political transparency around the deal. Lucy Hough speaks to US live news editor Chris Michael – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    How the myth of ‘two-tier policing' took hold

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 5, 2026 27:32


    The far-right conspiracy theory is heard everywhere from pubs to parliament and riots to talk radio. Hugh Muir and Joe Mulhall explain why. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    Is the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire over before it began? - The Latest

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 4, 2026 8:48


    Israel and Lebanon have agreed to implement a ceasefire to end hostilities as the US attempts to overcome one of the largest barriers to reaching a broader deal to end the war with Iran. But the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire is dependent on a complete halt of fire from Hezbollah, and the evacuation of all its fighters from southern Lebanon. Lucy Hough speaks to Beirut-based reporter William Christou – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    Cenk Uygur and Hasan Piker: the US commentators banned from the UK

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 4, 2026 24:37


    The leftwing American commentator Cenk Uygur talks about the ban on him and his nephew, Hasan Piker, entering the UK this week. With reporting from Kiran Stacey. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    How the murder of Henry Nowak is being exploited by the far right – The Latest

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2026 12:10


    There has been violent disorder on the streets of Southampton sparked by the murder of student Henry Nowak. Politicians and community leaders have called for calm amid fears that Nowak's death will be used to whip up racial resentment against minority ethnic Britons. Lucy Hough speaks to community affairs correspondent Aamna Mohdin – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    Nicola Sturgeon's ex and his £400,000 shopping spree

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2026 30:59


    Fast cars, luxury watches – and, of course, that motorhome: the list of what former SNP chief executive Peter Murrell bought with embezzled funds is dizzying. Severin Carrell reports.. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    What's missing from ‘embarrassing' Mandelson files? – The Latest

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 2, 2026 11:05


    The second tranche of documents related to the appointment of Peter Mandelson as US ambassador have been released. The documents, running at more than 1,000 pages, were supposed to reveal what ministers knew about Mandelson's links to Epstein and the security process to approve his appointment, but instead have revealed government infighting and early doubts about Keir Starmer's premiership. 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

    The party dragging Nigel Farage further to the right

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 2, 2026 27:36


    Daniel Trilling on the far-right party threatening Reform's chances in the Makerfield byelection. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    ‘Sit back and relax': Trump insists Iran deal close despite strikes – The Latest

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 1, 2026 10:40


    As Israel threatens to bomb Beirut and the US and Iran trade missile strikes, Donald Trump insists it will ‘all work out well in the end' and urges his critics to ‘sit back and relax'. So are we any closer to a deal? Lucy Hough speaks to diplomatic editor Patrick Wintour – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    ‘A husband expects a yes': wife schools and the Christian nationalist movement

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 1, 2026 26:20


    Alaina Demopoulos reports on the Christian influencers telling women to submit to their husbands. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    Could Nato be dragged into war with Russia? – The Latest

    Play Episode Listen Later May 29, 2026 9:50


    Nato has vowed to ‘defend every inch' of its territory after a Russian drone hit an apartment building in Romania. The strike prompted swift condemnation and threats of repercussion from European leaders. So is there a risk the war could expand beyond Ukraine? Lucy Hough speaks to senior international correspondent Peter Beaumont – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

    Why are our homes and cities all so hot?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 29, 2026 24:23


    In the week when the hottest May days were recorded, environment editor Fiona Harvey examines a new Climate Change Committee report on how the UK can better withstand extreme heat. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

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