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
Mar 14, 2025 • 31min
A spy ring – and a love triangle
Dan Sabbagh, The Guardian’s defence and security editor, and Roman Dobrychotov, editor-in-chief of The Insider, dive into the shocking unraveling of a Russian spy ring in Europe. They discuss bizarre espionage tactics revealed during a police raid, spotlighting the personal relationships intertwined with these covert operations. The conversation also touches on the brutal realities faced by dissenting journalists in exile and the psychological toll of such encounters. Expect an engaging tale of intrigue and resilience against a backdrop of geopolitical tensions.
Mar 13, 2025 • 26min
Is Nigel Farage losing his grip on Reform UK?
The Reform MP Rupert Lowe has been suspended from the party. What’s behind his feud with its leader? Eleni Courea reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Mar 12, 2025 • 29min
Can Canada’s ‘rockstar banker’ PM take on Trump and win?
The former governor of the Bank of England has a new role – saving his country from becoming America’s 51st state. Leyland Cecco reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
9 snips
Mar 11, 2025 • 27min
Can Europe defend itself alone?
Jon Henley, the Guardian's Europe correspondent, discusses the EU's ambitious new defense initiatives in light of escalating threats from Russia. He delves into transformative shifts in European defense policy and financial commitments among EU nations. The conversation reveals the challenges of balancing national sovereignty with collective security, especially amid changing geopolitical dynamics. Henley also highlights the dilemmas faced by nationalist parties in supporting Ukraine and the future of European defense cooperation in a waning US influence.
Mar 10, 2025 • 30min
Finding a cannabis farm in your house
Sirin Kale, a Guardian feature writer, uncovers the dark realities of illegal cannabis farms and the criminal networks behind them. Kinta Jackson shares her personal story of how her father's home was turned into a cannabis farm by a rogue letting agency. They delve into shocking tales of hidden damage, exploitation, and the lack of local law enforcement response. The discussion highlights the sophistication of rental scams and the broader implications of this hidden crisis, revealing a disturbing intersection of crime and community.
6 snips
Mar 9, 2025 • 35min
Revisited: the spy cops scandal (part 2)
Rob Evans, an investigative journalist from The Guardian, teams up with Frank Bennett, who shares a heartrending story about his brother’s identity being hijacked by an undercover cop. They delve into the harrowing reality of police using the identities of deceased children. Frank discusses the deep emotional scars left on his family and the shocking deception they endured. They also explore the inquiry’s frustrations and ethical dilemmas surrounding undercover operations, shedding light on the urgent need for accountability in policing.
10 snips
Mar 8, 2025 • 46min
Revisited: The spy cops scandal (part 1)
Paul Lewis, Guardian's investigative editor, and Rob Evans, investigative reporter, unravel the shocking spy cops scandal that led to undercover officers infiltrating political groups under false identities. They share chilling accounts, including Jessica's revelation that her partner was secretly an undercover cop. The duo explores the ethical ramifications of these undercover operations, the emotional toll on both officers and their targets, and the lasting impact of such betrayals on trust and relationships within activist communities.
Mar 7, 2025 • 37min
Inside the Islamic State prisons the west is trying to forget
A journalist uncovers the grim realities inside Islamic State prisons in northeastern Syria. Interviews with former fighters reveal a growing fear of prison breaks amid shifting US policies. The precarious situation in Hasakah exposes the ideological threats still brewing. Personal stories highlight the trauma faced by detainees, including a captured surgeon's harrowing journey. Additionally, the struggles of a young man left behind illustrate the desperate need for rehabilitation in a war-torn environment.
7 snips
Mar 6, 2025 • 37min
Exposed: listening in on a $35m phone scam
Simon Goodley, a Guardian business reporter, delves into the sinister world of a $35 million phone scam. He shares shocking insights from leaked calls that reveal manipulative tactics used by scammers, particularly around cryptocurrency. Personal stories from victims highlight the emotional turmoil and desperation they faced, showcasing how charming conversations can lead to devastating financial deceit. The discussion emphasizes the urgent need for awareness and better legal responses to combat the widespread impact of these fraud schemes.
22 snips
Mar 5, 2025 • 27min
How far will Trump’s embrace of Russia go?
Andrew Roth, The Guardian's global affairs correspondent, shares insights on the implications of the U.S. halting military aid to Ukraine and its impact on European security. He discusses Trump's controversial stance that blurs the lines between peacemaker and warmonger, highlighting how personal dynamics shape foreign policy. Roth also delves into shifting NATO relations and critiques the transformation of American foreign policy under Trump—moving away from traditional support for democracy and human rights, with Europe's security landscape at stake.
