Today in Focus

Nicole Garrison, a New Jersey mother, shares her harrowing experience with the Free Birth Society, a community advocating for radical birth practices. She describes being drawn to their empowering message but later confronting the dire consequences of ignoring medical care. As she recounts her prolonged labor and eventual near-fatal hemorrhage, the discussion highlights the dangers of unchecked belief systems and the emotional weight of motherhood. Listeners are left questioning the balance between empowerment and safety in childbirth.

Lucy Osborne, a Guardian special correspondent and investigative reporter, discusses her year-long investigation into the Free Birth Society and its alarming consequences. She reveals how the group promotes dangerous birthing practices through social media, often targeting women with past medical trauma. Osborne highlights the shocking statistic of 48 linked cases, including 18 potentially avoidable deaths. The conversation delves into the organization’s monetization strategies and the emotional challenges faced while interviewing affected families.

In this discussion, Lamorna Ash, an author and journalist focusing on contemporary religion among young people, delves into the surprising rise of youth converting to Christianity. She highlights demographic shifts, including increased attendance among young Black and minority groups. Lamorna connects financial anxiety and loneliness to spiritual searches, while also examining the troubling intersection of far-right movements and Christian imagery. She emphasizes the need for churches to resist nationalist agendas and advocates for interfaith engagement to combat extremist interpretations.

Devika Bhat, deputy editor of international news at the Guardian, dives into the recent seizure of a Venezuelan oil tanker by US forces. She discusses the escalating US military actions against Nicolás Maduro’s government and the implications of this tactic, framed under anti-drug operations. Devika also examines Trump’s controversial plans for the stolen oil and the broader risks of military conflict. With regional tensions rising, she highlights the Caribbean's alertness to the US military's growing presence.

Joseph Jeddian, a Breaking News reporter for The Guardian, dives deep into the controversies surrounding Pete Hegseth, who once served as Trump's secretary of war. They discuss Hegseth's Midwestern roots, military service, and striking tattoos that reflect his political persona. Joseph highlights the shocking Signal group chat leak revealing classified Yemen strike plans, raising serious concerns about troop safety. With ongoing investigations and political fallout, the conversation captures the turbulence of Pentagon culture and Hegseth's contentious rise.

Pippa Crerar, Political Editor at the Guardian and host of Politics Weekly UK, dives into the controversial proposal from Labour leader Keir Starmer for reforming human rights laws. She discusses how these reforms may potentially abandon vulnerable populations and demonize refugees. Pippa highlights which European Convention on Human Rights articles are targeted, critiques from human rights advocates, and the political risks of aligning the UK with hardline governments like Hungary and Italy.

Josh Taylor, a technology reporter for Guardian Australia, delves into Australia’s groundbreaking social media ban for under-16s. He reveals the legislation's requirements, including age-verification methods and exemptions. Teenage voices, including Ezra Scholl, share perspectives on how social media fosters creativity and community, while also expressing concerns about the ban's implications. Tune in to explore the potential global influence of this controversial law and its impact on vulnerable youth.

In this discussion, Callum Jones, the Deputy Business Editor at The Guardian, dives into the intense bidding war for Warner Bros Discovery. He reveals Netflix's hefty $80 billion offer and discusses Paramount's competing $108 billion bid backed by high-profile investors, including Jared Kushner. The potential influence of Donald Trump on the sale adds a surprising twist, with implications for creators and newsrooms explored. Callum also outlines the landscape of resistance from Hollywood, raising questions about the future of media consolidation.

In this engaging discussion, Michael Steinberger, an author and former wine critic, alongside tech reporter Johana Bouyan from The Guardian, delve into the controversial world of Palantir. They explore Alex Karp's unique upbringing and how it shaped his leadership style. The duo dives into Palantir's surveillance software, its long-term ties with ICE, and ethical dilemmas surrounding military contracts. With insights on data privacy and the implications of centralizing sensitive information, they ponder the true intentions behind Karp's vision of 'saving the West'.

Jon Henley, The Guardian's Europe correspondent, shares insights on Trump's shifting stance towards Europe and Ukraine amidst Zelenskyy's London meetings. He discusses the new US national security strategy, which sparks fears of a closer US-Russia alliance and supports far-right parties in Europe. The podcast dives into the EU's dilemma over funding Ukraine, suggesting frozen Russian assets as a potential solution, while highlighting Belgium's legal concerns. The conversation raises crucial questions about whether Europe will assert its independence against Washington's influence.