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
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.
26 snips
Feb 18, 2025 • 25min
How Trump left Ukraine and Europe reeling
Shaun Walker, The Guardian’s central and eastern Europe correspondent, breaks down the recent turmoil in Ukraine and Europe due to U.S. foreign policy shifts. He discusses the implications of Trump's potential return on Kyiv's negotiations and security guarantees. The episode highlights how President Zelensky is navigating these challenges, as well as the rising concerns among European leaders about reliance on U.S. support. Walker also explores the complexities of Ukraine's future territorial negotiations and the broader impact on Western unity.
21 snips
Feb 17, 2025 • 39min
The man with Elon Musk’s chip in his brain
In this engaging discussion, journalist Jenny Kleeman speaks with Noland Arbaugh, the first recipient of a Neuralink brain implant. Noland shares his dramatic journey from paralysis to participating in groundbreaking brain-computer interface trials. They delve into the ethical dilemmas of merging minds with machines, the emotional challenges of dependency, and the quest for independence. The conversation also considers the potential and risks of brain chip technology, highlighting the importance of purpose beyond tech reliance.
Feb 14, 2025 • 26min
Shon Faye on love and dating as a trans woman
Shon Faye, author of "Love in Exile" and agony aunt for Vogue US, shares her transformative views on love and dating as a trans woman. She reflects on the complexities of intimacy and the impact of societal misconceptions. Shon discusses her memoir's unique focus on love experiences, steering away from typical trans narratives. She delves into how childhood shaped her understanding of relationships and the nuanced challenges of navigating romance in a world marked by prejudice. Ultimately, she brings forth the universal themes of connection and loss.
Feb 13, 2025 • 23min
What Trump’s assault on USAid means for the world
Nesrine Malik, a Guardian columnist focusing on global affairs, sheds light on the ramifications of Trump's suspension of USAID. She discusses the humanitarian crisis in regions like Sudan and the dire conditions in Rohingya refugee camps due to lost funding. Malik highlights the critical role of USAID in healthcare and education, emphasizing how a proposed 40% aid cut could jeopardize lives. Additionally, she explores the agency's strategic importance in U.S. foreign policy and the potential power vacuum that could allow adversaries to expand their influence.
12 snips
Feb 12, 2025 • 28min
Why giving up the Chagos Islands could cost Britain £9bn
Eleni Courea, a political correspondent for The Guardian, uncovers the complexities of the UK’s sovereignty deal concerning the Chagos Islands and the division within the Labour party. Olivier Bancoult, a passionate Chagossian campaigner forcibly removed from the islands, shares his hopes for returning home. They discuss the historical injustices of the 1960s, the emotional significance of the deal for exiled Chagossians, and the geopolitical stakes involved, including the shadow of American interests and China's influence in the Indian Ocean.
14 snips
Feb 11, 2025 • 41min
Lucy Letby and the medical experts who believe she is innocent
Felicity Lawrence, an investigative reporter known for her deep coverage of the Lucy Letby case, discusses significant doubts surrounding Letby’s conviction. She highlights medical experts who label the prosecution's theories as implausible, and questions the reliability of evidence, particularly concerning insulin levels. The emotional impact on affected families is also discussed, as they grapple with potential miscarriages of justice. This gripping conversation raises important issues about accountability in the healthcare and legal systems.
20 snips
Feb 10, 2025 • 29min
How Trump made ‘diversity’ a dirty word
Lauren Aratani, a Guardian US reporter specializing in diversity, equity, and inclusion, discusses how Trump's administration influenced the public perception of DEI initiatives. She highlights the backlash to these policies post-George Floyd protests and their controversial links to a tragic aviation incident. Aratani delves into the legal battles surrounding affirmative action in education and the political divide that frames DEI efforts as anti-white sentiment in conservative circles. The conversation also touches on the ongoing struggles for inclusion amidst shifting corporate attitudes.
14 snips
Feb 7, 2025 • 27min
Going bald in an increasingly hairy world
Stuart Heritage, a Guardian feature writer and author of "Bald: How I Slowly Learned Not to Hate Having No Hair," shares his candid journey through hair loss. He explores the emotional landscape of undergoing this natural aging process and the societal pressures attached to it. Heritage discusses the rise of hair transplants and reflects on his experience in Turkey, highlighting the community that forms around such transformations. With humor and sincerity, he critiques societal biases and the often-overlooked struggles faced by bald men.
20 snips
Feb 6, 2025 • 25min
Gaza, trade wars and the chaos of Trump diplomacy
Join Patrick Wintour, The Guardian's diplomatic editor, as he sheds light on the chaos of Trump diplomacy. He discusses Trump's provocative proposal for U.S. control over Gaza, likening it to a real estate opportunity while analyzing global reactions. Wintour dives into the shift from Trump's isolationism to a more aggressive foreign policy, exploring looming trade wars, especially with Canada, and their international repercussions. The conversation highlights the unpredictability of Trump's actions and their implications for traditional diplomacy.
