Today in Focus
The Guardian
Hosted by Nosheen Iqbal and Helen Pidd, Today in Focus brings you closer to Guardian journalism. Combining storytelling with insightful analysis and personal testimonies, the podcast takes you behind the headlines for a deeper understanding of the news, every weekday. Today in Focus is unmatched in both scope and depth, delivering analysis and storytelling from right across the planet. With a global network of over 900 journalists and five dedicated editions covering news in the US, UK, Australia, Europe, and beyond, the Guardian offers comprehensive reporting across every continent. Most recently we have introduced new correspondents in the Caribbean, South America and Africa.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Aug 26, 2025 • 30min
Missing in the Amazon: the journalist and the president – episode two
Dive into the vibrant world of UK rave culture and explore how a music journalist transitioned to reporting on the dark realities of the Amazon rainforest. Discover the deep friendship forged between two unlikely allies as they confront the dangers of illegal land exploitation. The podcast reveals the urgent struggles of indigenous peoples and the environmental crisis under the political climate of Bolsonaro. Experience the clash of cultures and the relentless pursuit of truth that drives their mission in one of the world's most dangerous places.
8 snips
Aug 25, 2025 • 27min
Missing in the Amazon: the disappearance – episode one
A gripping tale unfolds as the mysterious disappearance of journalist Dom Phillips and Indigenous defender Bruno Pereira is explored. The dense Amazon jungle becomes a backdrop for dangerous illegal activities, shedding light on the risks faced by those protecting Indigenous rights. Search efforts and their implications for local communities reveal a web of tension and urgency. This investigation dives deep into the complexities surrounding safety, journalism, and environmental activism in one of the world's most perilous regions.
16 snips
Aug 22, 2025 • 15min
Noel Clarke loses his libel case against the Guardian – Today in Focus Extra
Paul Lewis, The Guardian's head of investigations and a key journalist in the libel case against Noel Clarke, discusses the landmark victory for investigative journalism. He delves into allegations made by twenty women and the significant ruling that affirmed the integrity of The Guardian's reporting. The conversation highlights the emotional weight of the testimonies shared during the trial and the case's broader implications for media ethics and the Me Too movement. Lewis emphasizes the importance of supporting brave voices and the future of independent journalism.
16 snips
Aug 22, 2025 • 24min
Cringe! Why millennials became so uncool
Emma Lofhagen, a Guardian journalist and member of the Gen Z panel, dives into the generational rivalry between millennials and Gen Z. The discussion reveals why Gen Z finds millennials cringeworthy, with insights into cultural trends and differences in humor and communication styles. They dissect the 'millennial pause' in social media and how millennials' pursuit of perfection contrasts with Gen Z's authenticity. The conversation also touches on work ethics and cultural perceptions, highlighting the evolving dynamics of intergenerational relationships.
Aug 21, 2025 • 30min
Sun, sea and struggle: growing up in England’s coastal towns
Eleanor Adamson, a 22-year-old carer from Morecambe, shares her heartfelt journey growing up in a coastal town marked by economic decline. She reveals the challenges locals face with housing and employment, along with the grip of addiction in the community. Eleanor reflects on her aspirations for the future amid struggles, emphasizing the impact of local initiatives like music programs. Her story highlights the urgent need for political action and investment to revitalize opportunities for young people in coastal towns.
Aug 20, 2025 • 28min
What price will Ukraine have to pay for peace?
Patrick Wintour, Diplomatic Editor for The Guardian, delves into the fraught landscape of Ukraine's peace negotiations. He discusses whether President Zelenskyy may need to concede land for tranquility. Wintour shares poignant stories from citizens in Mariupol and Donetsk, contrasting their lost pasts with current hardships. The complexities of proposed meetings between Zelenskyy and Putin, including Trump's role, highlight ongoing diplomatic tensions. Overall, the episode paints a vivid picture of the difficult choices Ukraine faces on the path to peace.
50 snips
Aug 19, 2025 • 24min
How far-right rhetoric on migration went mainstream
Maya Goodfellow, a writer and academic renowned for her work on immigration issues, discusses the concerning shift of far-right language into mainstream UK politics. She highlights how politicians have used inflammatory rhetoric that fuels anti-immigrant sentiment. Goodfellow critiques the normalization of harmful narratives, especially how misconceptions around asylum seekers are manipulated to stoke fear. She emphasizes the urgent need for compassion and informed discourse to counteract societal paranoia and protect the rights of migrants.
Aug 18, 2025 • 15min
Can Europe’s leaders drag Trump’s Ukraine policy back on track? – Today in Focus Extra podcast
Julian Borger, Senior International Correspondent at The Guardian, discusses European leaders' strategic support for Ukraine's President Zelenskyy during his visit to Washington. He analyzes the complexities of Trump's fluctuating policies on Ukraine and their implications for peace negotiations. The conversation also dives into the evolving U.S. security guarantees, the potential role of European troops, and how flattery could be key in engaging Trump on Ukraine policy. Zelenskyy's coalition-building efforts are highlighted as crucial in navigating these turbulent geopolitical waters.
12 snips
Aug 18, 2025 • 31min
Stephen Miller, Trump’s immigration mastermind
Jean Guerrero, author of 'Hatemonger', delves into the life of Stephen Miller, the architect behind Trump’s immigration policies. She reveals how Miller's affluent upbringing and Jewish heritage shaped his worldview. The podcast explores the dehumanizing impact of immigration raids and the fear-mongering rhetoric used to influence public opinion. Guerrero discusses Miller's pivotal role in controversial policies, from the Muslim travel ban to family separations, showcasing the lasting effects of his hardline approach on immigrant communities.
19 snips
Aug 15, 2025 • 25min
Ghosting, breadcrumbing, one-night stands: are we done with dating apps?
Kitty Drake, a Guardian writer known for her matchmaking in the blind date column and insightful sex life interviews, shares her expertise on the evolving dating landscape. A million people in the UK left dating apps last year, highlighting a shift towards traditional and in-person connections. She discusses the emotional toll of dating fatigue and the manipulative nature of apps that exploit user hopes. The conversation emphasizes the need for authenticity over disposability in modern relationships, paving the way for a return to genuine human connections.
