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 4, 2025 • 25min
Trump v Zelenskyy: the view from Ukraine
What do Ukrainians make of the two presidents’ fractious meeting – and would they support a Trump-led peace deal? Luke Harding reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
Mar 3, 2025 • 32min
The doctors detained in Gaza: ‘He was dragged from the operating theatre’
Surgeon Khaled Al-Sir, who endured detention and torture in Gaza, shares his harrowing experiences dealing with violent conflict while providing care. Annie Kelly, an editor at the Guardian focusing on rights issues, discusses the grim realities that healthcare workers face, including targeted attacks and a collapsing medical system. Their conversation highlights the emotional toll of war, legal protections for doctors, and the dire consequences for patients in a system on the brink. It’s a powerful examination of resilience amidst chaos.
Feb 28, 2025 • 44min
Joy, hope and murder in free Syria
Syria is experiencing a mix of hope and fear with a new leader at the helm. The Ghassoun family's journey reveals the emotional scars left by years of civil war. Personal accounts of imprisonment highlight the trauma and search for lost loved ones. Navigating cultural and political checkpoints reflects the complexities of daily life under new governance. Amidst ongoing challenges, a vibrant civil society is emerging, showcasing citizens' aspirations for a better future while contending with threats of violence.
8 snips
Feb 27, 2025 • 23min
Can Spain make immigration a vote-winner?
How much is immigration responsible for Spain’s economic growth? Ashifa Kassam reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
8 snips
Feb 26, 2025 • 31min
Undercover in the House of Lords
Henry Dyer, an investigative reporter at The Guardian, dives into a scandal involving a Labour peer's cash-for-access offers to ministers. He reveals ethical issues surrounding sponsorship deals that raise questions about transparency and privilege in politics. The discussion also touches on the influence of familial connections in housing policy and the potential misuse of power. Dyer calls for reform in the House of Lords, emphasizing the need for cultural change within the political landscape.
12 snips
Feb 25, 2025 • 25min
Can the ‘special relationship’ survive Donald Trump?
In this engaging discussion, Patrick Wintour, The Guardian's diplomatic editor, brings decades of experience to the table. He dives deep into Keir Starmer's pivotal meeting with Donald Trump, questioning its potential influence on US-UK relations. The conversation explores the chaotic nature of Trump's presidency and its impact on international alliances, particularly in light of the ongoing Ukraine situation. Wintour also illuminates the shifting dynamics in Europe as populism rises, emphasizing the fragility of long-standing diplomatic ties.
Feb 24, 2025 • 22min
The murder and legacy of the world’s first openly gay imam
Jamie Fullerton, a journalist for The Guardian, shares the impactful story of Imam Muhsin Hendricks, the world's first openly gay imam. He discusses how Imam Muhsin transformed the lives of queer Muslims, serving as a beacon of hope amid adversity. The podcast highlights the struggles LGBTQ+ individuals face in traditional religious spaces and the creation of inclusive communities. Fullerton also delves into the imam's personal journey, his advocacy for acceptance, and the lasting legacy he left for future generations of LGBTQ+ Muslims.
9 snips
Feb 21, 2025 • 33min
A German election road trip with the far right on the up
A road trip through Germany reveals the unsettling rise of the far-right AFD party ahead of the federal elections. Voters share their fears about economic insecurity and immigration as political tensions grow. With communities like Wolfsburg grappling with job losses and disillusionment, support for extremist views is on the rise. Personal stories highlight the impact of violence and the struggle for safety, illustrating a nation in turmoil as it navigates its future in a divided Europe.
10 snips
Feb 20, 2025 • 32min
Has Hezbollah really been defeated?
Hassan Harfouche, a Lebanese journalist, takes listeners through the intricacies of life in Beirut amidst ongoing conflict. He shares poignant personal stories highlighting resilience in the face of devastation. The discussion reveals deep societal divisions and the emotional toll of war. Harfouche and Michael Safi explore the implications of the port blast and growing political tensions, shedding light on the hope for change that persists in a fragile landscape. Their insights offer a stark yet hopeful perspective on Lebanon's future.
8 snips
Feb 19, 2025 • 23min
Will British troops be sent to Ukraine?
Dan Sabbagh, The Guardian’s defence and security editor, delves into the complex dynamics of potential British troop deployment to Ukraine. He discusses Keir Starmer's willingness to send troops and the UK's military preparedness. The conversation highlights recruitment challenges and defense spending limitations amid rising tensions with Russia. Sabbagh also addresses the geopolitical context, including the importance of US security guarantees and the intricate balance European nations must maintain in light of ongoing peace negotiations.
