Today in Focus
The Guardian
Today in Focus brings you closer to the Guardian's journalism. Our award-winning morning edition hosted by Helen Pidd, Nosheen Iqbal and Annie Kelly combines on-the-ground reporting, insightful analysis and personal testimony from the people at the heart of the stories that matter, to give you a deeper understanding of the world we live in. And to make sense of a rapidly-changing news cycle, our new evening edition 'The Latest' hosted by Lucy Hough, brings you up to speed on the big news story of the day in just 10 minutes. Available on YouTube and all podcast platforms.
Episodes
Mentioned books
50 snips
Aug 11, 2025 • 34min
How the University of Edinburgh helped create scientific racism
Will the University of Edinburgh confront its dark past? Severin Carrell reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
13 snips
Aug 8, 2025 • 26min
Inside China’s fast-fashion factories as a US trade war looms
Amy Hawkins, The Guardian’s senior China correspondent in Beijing, sheds light on the impact of the US-China trade war on fast fashion factories in Guangzhou. She reveals the harsh living conditions and stress faced by workers caught in the turmoil. The discussion uncovers the resilience of these individuals amidst rising tariffs and consumer pressures. Hawkins also examines how the trade war influences labor exploitation, environmental concerns, and the broader economic challenges China faces as it navigates this uncertain landscape.
97 snips
Aug 7, 2025 • 29min
Has the digital nomad dream turned sour?
Alex Holder, a freelance journalist and author, shares her thoughts on living in Lisbon since 2019, where she opened an English language bookshop. She’s torn between her love for the city and the potential harm caused by digital nomads. Joining her is Lauren Razavi, executive director of Plumio and former digital nomad who has lived in 60 countries. They discuss the cultural tensions and economic impacts of the nomadic lifestyle, the evolving demographics of digital nomadism, and the need for better integration with local communities.
42 snips
Aug 6, 2025 • 26min
Is this the summer the British left comes back?
Owen Jones, a Guardian columnist known for his sharp political insights, joins Aletha Adu, a political correspondent who covers the Labour Party, to discuss the resurgence of the British left. They dive into the formation of a new left-wing party founded by Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana, sparked by discontent with Labour's current leadership. The duo critically examines Keir Starmer's performance and the growing desire for meaningful political change, as well as the challenges of revitalizing the Labour left amidst a fragmented political landscape.
26 snips
Aug 5, 2025 • 31min
How the Trump administration made a sewage crisis ‘woke’
Nina Lakhani, a senior reporter for Guardian US focused on environmental justice, delves into the sewage crisis in Lowndes County, Alabama. She reveals how the Trump administration's policies eroded crucial environmental protections and civil rights victories. Lakhani discusses the severe sanitation issues that plague predominantly low-income black families, emphasizing the public health risks they face. The podcast also highlights community advocacy efforts and the impact of federal funding cuts on their struggle for basic sanitation.
45 snips
Aug 4, 2025 • 32min
The Tesla whistleblower and the cost of taking on Elon Musk
Sönke Iwersen, an investigative journalist at Handelsblatt, dives deep into his extensive probe into Tesla, aided by a courageous whistleblower. He reveals shocking safety concerns linked to Tesla’s cars, including alarming claims about the autopilot system. Iwersen discusses the unique corporate culture shaped by Elon Musk's whims, where loyalty is paramount. He reflects on the severe toll of whistleblowing, highlighting the courage needed to expose corporate malpractices while shining light on the ethical responsibilities of journalism in safeguarding public safety.
16 snips
Aug 1, 2025 • 32min
Did lead poisoning help create a generation of serial killers?
Caroline Fraser, a Pulitzer Prize-winning author known for her book 'Murderland', explores the shocking link between lead poisoning and the rise of serial killers in America. She delves into the chilling cases of the 1970s, particularly Ted Bundy’s infamous crimes. Fraser discusses how environmental factors, like lead exposure, may have fueled male violence and aggression during this tumultuous era. The conversation also highlights the corporate negligence behind pollution and its deadly legacy, underscoring the urgent need for public health awareness.
12 snips
Jul 31, 2025 • 28min
How will the UK’s recognition of Palestine help those starving in Gaza?
Nick Maynard, a consultant surgeon and volunteer for medical aid, shares haunting stories from Gaza's hospitals, revealing the harrowing malnutrition and hunger faced by many. Emma Graham-Harrison, chief Middle East correspondent for The Guardian, analyzes the implications of the UK's recognition of Palestine amid the crisis. The discussion raises questions about effective humanitarian intervention, the challenges of aid distribution, and the urgent need for action to alleviate suffering in the region.
21 snips
Jul 30, 2025 • 24min
Can people still protest about Palestine in the UK?
Haroon Siddique, The Guardian's legal affairs correspondent, and Audrey White, a 74-year-old activist from Liverpool, delve into the complexities surrounding Palestine Action's proscription as a terrorist organization. They discuss the impact of this classification on freedom of speech and the challenges activists face, including increased police surveillance and the psychological toll of arrests. Audrey shares her decades-long commitment to activism, emphasizing the critical need for collective action in the face of rising restrictions on protests and civil liberties.
13 snips
Jul 29, 2025 • 27min
Protests against Zelenskyy as drones torment Ukraine
Luke Harding, a Senior foreign correspondent for The Guardian, dives into the chaos of Kyiv where protests erupt against President Zelenskyy's anti-corruption reforms. He sheds light on the struggles of ordinary Ukrainians coping with drone attacks while demanding accountability. Harding discusses the shifting political dynamics, revealing growing disillusionment with U.S. support and the implications for Zelensky's leadership amidst the strife. The geopolitical landscape is complex, as Ukraine juggles challenges from autocratic regimes while yearning for democracy.
