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
10 snips
Apr 21, 2025 • 29min
The authors taking on Mark Zuckerberg
In this thought-provoking discussion, guests Ella Creamer, a Books reporter at The Guardian, AJ West, a best-selling historical fiction author, and Kate Moss, acclaimed author and founder of the Women's Prize for Fiction, delve into the ethical storm surrounding Meta's use of copyrighted materials for AI training. They reveal the emotional and financial toll on authors, share insights from protests against copyright violations, and explore the urgent need for stronger protections in the publishing industry. The conversation raises critical questions about creativity and accountability in the digital age.
15 snips
Apr 18, 2025 • 29min
Is the gym gen Z’s pub?
Isabel Brooks, a freelance writer for The Guardian and a member of Gen Z, discusses how her generation views gyms as new social hubs, replacing traditional pubs. Alongside Nia Kinshe, a regional project lead at a human rights organization, they explore the blend of fitness and social connection. They delve into personal stories of how gym culture fosters relationships while navigating challenges of social isolation. Both highlight Gen Z's pride in fitness, viewing criticism as a motivation for growth, amidst shifting cultural dynamics.
51 snips
Apr 17, 2025 • 31min
Trump’s trade war: the view from China
Amy Hawkins, The Guardian's senior China correspondent, dives deep into the escalating U.S.-China trade war. She reveals the complex impact of tariffs on local businesses, particularly in Yiwu, highlighting traders' fears and adapting strategies. Hawkins reflects on her observations from returning to China post-pandemic, noting a shift in market dynamics. She discusses China's transition from low-value manufacturing to high-tech industries and the growing consumer nationalism amid changing global trade relationships.
14 snips
Apr 16, 2025 • 26min
Trump’s deportation ‘mistake’: the man trapped in a prison in El Salvador
Maanvi Singh, a dedicated reporter for Guardian US, shines a light on the harrowing case of Kilmar Ábrego García, a victim of a wrongful deportation mistake. The podcast delves into the dire circumstances surrounding García's detention in a notorious Salvadoran prison. Singh discusses the emotional fallout of immigration policies, the legal battles faced by families, and the controversial designation of García as a gang member. The conversation opens a broader dialogue on the inhumane effects of swift deportation policies on vulnerable communities.
9 snips
Apr 15, 2025 • 23min
The scramble to save British Steel
Jasper Jolly, a financial correspondent at The Guardian, dives into the British Steel crisis and its far-reaching implications. He discusses the emergency measures to rescue the Scunthorpe plant and the tension surrounding public demonstrations. The importance of this plant for local and national economies is highlighted, alongside the challenges posed by cheap imports and foreign ownership. Jolly also explores the precarious balance between national security and foreign investment as the UK navigates its steel industry's future amidst sustainability goals.
7 snips
Apr 14, 2025 • 35min
Ta-Nehisi Coates on why stories matter in the age of Trump
Ta-Nehisi Coates, an award-winning writer and journalist known for his insights on race and politics, discusses the crucial role of storytelling in America. He critiques how US liberals misunderstand cultural narratives, contrasting them with right-wing messaging. Coates highlights the failures of the Democratic Party in resonating with voters and examines the complex narratives surrounding the Israel-Palestine conflict. He urges young writers to maintain integrity in a polarized climate, emphasizing the importance of authentic storytelling.
Apr 11, 2025 • 30min
How phone footage exposed a massacre of Gaza paramedics
Bethan McKernan, The Guardian's Jerusalem correspondent, sheds light on a tragic attack resulting in the deaths of 15 Palestinian paramedics in Gaza. She discusses the chilling smartphone footage that captured the chaos and challenges faced by medical workers on the ground. The conversation dives deep into the implications of these killings as potential war crimes, spotlighting human rights concerns and the culture of impunity in conflict zones. McKernan emphasizes the vital role of evidence in seeking justice amidst immense human suffering.
16 snips
Apr 10, 2025 • 27min
Rats, rubbish and rising taxes: why Birmingham stinks right now
In this discussion, Jessica Murray, The Guardian's social affairs correspondent, dives into Birmingham's current chaos. She reveals how a strike by bin collectors has led to a rat infestation, exposing deep disparities between neighborhoods. Struggles of the workers, compounded by rising living costs, paint a grim picture of their financial instability. The financial crisis facing the Birmingham City Council is also highlighted, revealing the troubling effects of past mismanagement. Murray's insights shed light on the urgent need for change in the city's waste management and public services.
8 snips
Apr 9, 2025 • 24min
Will Trump’s tariffs tip the world into recession?
Richard Partington, senior economics correspondent at The Guardian, dives into the chaos ignited by Trump's tariffs. He discusses the turmoil faced by global markets and Wall Street's significant losses. Despite the mayhem, Partington explores the fragile hope for recovery and how investment behaviors are shifting under uncertainty. The escalating trade war with China raises critical questions about job reshoring and the broader economic implications. He also highlights how globalization is evolving, with China's emerging role prompting new challenges for Western economies.
8 snips
Apr 8, 2025 • 33min
Is it safe to visit the US?
Jasmine Mooney, a Canadian entrepreneur, shares her harrowing experience of being detained by ICE for two weeks due to a visa misunderstanding. Adam Gabbatt, a writer for Guardian US, discusses the increasing risks and scrutiny travelers from allied countries face when visiting the US. They explore the mental toll of detention and the emotional impact of current immigration policies, including the unsettling possibility of renewed travel bans. Their conversations highlight the urgent need for reforms in a system that often dehumanizes those seeking entry.
