Today in Focus
The Guardian
Hosted by Helen Pidd, Nosheen Iqbal and Annie Kelly, 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
7 snips
Oct 10, 2025 • 32min
From boom to backlash: has Taylor Swift lost her touch?
Laura Snapes, Deputy Music Editor at The Guardian, and Alexis Petridis, Chief Pop and Rock Critic, dive into the backlash surrounding Taylor Swift's latest album. They unpack the mixed critical reactions and explore controversial marketing tactics, like multiple vinyl variants criticized for exploiting superfans. The duo also critiques the album's musical quality, noting its derivative sounds. Finally, they discuss Swift's evolution as an industry powerhouse and speculate on her creative future, hinting at potential themes of marriage and motherhood.
16 snips
Oct 9, 2025 • 12min
‘Thank God we witnessed this’: Palestinians on the ceasefire deal - Today in Focus Extra
Guests Ansam and Mai share their emotional reactions to the newly announced ceasefire between Hamas and Israel. They express a mix of sadness, relief, and cautious hope for the future. The discussion highlights the pressing need for humanitarian aid and the urgent situation of displaced families in Gaza. Ansam recounts her family's struggles over two years of conflict, emphasizing the lasting impact on their lives. Both guests share their aspirations for education and a genuine end to the violence, revealing the resilience and determination of the Palestinian people.
21 snips
Oct 9, 2025 • 26min
What are ultra-processed foods doing to our bodies?
Devi Sridhar, a Professor of Global Public Health at the University of Edinburgh, delves into the alarming rise of bowel cancer in younger individuals, linking it to ultra-processed foods. She defines what these foods are and how they infiltrate our diets. Devi highlights the substantial percentage of calories from UPFs and discusses their health impacts, including obesity and cancer risks. She also addresses regulatory challenges and the food industry's response, making a case for government intervention and better labeling to protect public health.
14 snips
Oct 8, 2025 • 28min
‘This is what we’ve been afraid of’: British Jews after the Manchester attack
Abigail Radnor, Guardian lifestyle editor from South Manchester, shares her personal grief and shock over the Heaton Park synagogue attack, detailing its impact on local families. Dave Rich, Director of Policy at the Community Security Trust, highlights the rising trend of antisemitism and the emotional toll of security measures within the Jewish community. They discuss anger towards authorities, the challenges of balancing protests on Gaza with community safety, and the urgent need for solutions that enable Jews to live without fear.
10 snips
Oct 7, 2025 • 28min
Can the Trump plan bring peace to Gaza?
Patrick Winter, The Guardian's diplomatic editor, dives into the complexities of Trump's 20-point peace plan for Gaza. He outlines the significant discussions in Egypt, including a potential hostage-for-prisoner exchange and contentious issues surrounding disarmament and governance. Winter highlights the exclusion of Palestinians from negotiations and the vital role of regional players like Qatar and Egypt. He raises concerns about the fragility of guarantees amid ongoing violence while emphasizing the critical need for diplomatic momentum and the political implications for leaders involved.
15 snips
Oct 6, 2025 • 29min
My dad, his ‘incurable’ disease, and hope at last
Josh Halliday, a Guardian journalist, shares his family's experience with Huntington's disease, shedding light on the emotional toll it has taken. He recounts the journey of learning about his father's diagnosis and the challenges it presented to their family, including caregiving struggles. Discussing genetic testing, Josh reveals how becoming a father influenced his decision to get tested, ultimately leading to the relief of receiving a negative result. They also explore groundbreaking gene therapy that shows promising results in slowing disease progression.
40 snips
Oct 3, 2025 • 26min
Is TikTok about to go full Maga?
Emily Baker-White, an investigative journalist and senior writer at Forbes specializing in tech policy, dives into the controversial deal to transfer TikTok’s US operations to Trump allies. She discusses TikTok's powerful algorithm and how it shapes user engagement, along with national security concerns stemming from its ties to China. Emily also explores political maneuvers for regulation and the implications of new ownership on content direction, revealing a complex landscape where media and politics intersect.
12 snips
Oct 2, 2025 • 8min
The Manchester synagogue terror attack – Today in Focus Extra
A harrowing account unfolds from the heart of Manchester, where a recent attack on a synagogue has left two dead and several injured. Reporters delve into the chaotic scenes following the car and knife assault, highlighting the rapid police response and the chilling presence of a suspected explosive device. The community's grief is palpable, with worshippers shaken during Yom Kippur services. As details about the suspect remain scarce, the broader implications of rising antisemitism in local neighborhoods take center stage.
33 snips
Oct 2, 2025 • 28min
Here comes the sun! The solar energy revolution
In this insightful discussion, Bill McKibben, a renowned environmentalist and author focused on climate change, shares his optimism about the clean energy revolution. He highlights surprising advances in solar, wind, and battery technologies. McKibben emphasizes the urgent need for accelerated adoption to combat rising emissions. He discusses how decentralized solar power can challenge authoritarian regimes and geopolitical dynamics. With innovative storage solutions and growing accessibility, he conveys a cautiously hopeful message about the future of renewable energy.
10 snips
Oct 1, 2025 • 34min
Starmer takes aim at Farage
Peter Walker, Senior Political Correspondent for The Guardian, analyzes Keir Starmer's recent conference speech amidst his low approval ratings and pressure from Reform UK. They discuss Starmer's positioning against Nigel Farage and his commitment to community values. Walker highlights the speech's focus on national renewal but notes the lack of concrete policies. He reflects on broader concerns about immigration rhetoric and the stability of Starmer's leadership moving forward, emphasizing the uncertain political landscape ahead.
