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 5, 2025 • 25min
Why has Trump made the Panama canal a top priority?
Andrew Roth, Global Affairs Correspondent for The Guardian, dives deep into Donald Trump's unusual focus on the Panama Canal. He discusses the canal's historical significance and its geopolitical tension between the U.S. and China. Roth reveals how Trump's ambitions were sparked by the Miss Universe pageant in Panama and highlights conflicts over hotel management with local authorities. The conversation also touches on the long-term impacts of U.S. military actions in Panama and the complexities of national identity surrounding the canal's management.
Feb 4, 2025 • 29min
‘A city of ghosts’: two Gaza residents return home
Widyan Shat, an aid worker and single mother, shares her bittersweet return to her war-torn home in Gaza. She discusses the emotional and physical challenges of facing destruction and loss while longing for normalcy. Amir Hassanin, a 22-year-old law student from Rafah, reflects on the profound impact of the conflict on his life and family. Both guests express a mix of hope and fear, highlighting the resilience of Gaza’s youth in dreaming of a better future despite ongoing struggles.
11 snips
Feb 3, 2025 • 28min
Alice Weidel: the far-right banker Elon Musk wants as German chancellor
Join Kate Connolly, The Guardian's Berlin correspondent, as she explores the meteoric rise of Alice Weidel, the far-right candidate who could shake up German politics. They delve into Weidel's controversial branding and her party's evolution from Euroscepticism to radical anti-immigration stances. The conversation reveals how societal grievances bolster the AFD's popularity and examines the shifting political landscape ahead of the federal elections. Protests, coalition dynamics, and the impact of Weidel's ambitions are all on the table.
30 snips
Jan 31, 2025 • 23min
How DeepSeek stunned the AI industry
Robert Booth, The Guardian's UK technology editor, unpacks the upheaval caused by DeepSeek, a groundbreaking AI chatbot from China. He highlights its astounding cost-effectiveness and rapid rise, surpassing costlier competitors like ChatGPT. The discussion dives into privacy concerns linked to user data being stored in China, revealing a clash between innovation and geopolitical tensions. Booth also explores how DeepSeek's efficiency disrupts established giants like NVIDIA, reshaping the landscape of the AI industry.
21 snips
Jan 30, 2025 • 31min
A journey to Greenland: Trump’s 51st state?
Miranda Bryant, The Guardian's Nordic correspondent, dives into the tumultuous relationship between Greenland, the U.S., and Denmark. She explores the local reactions to Trump’s infamous interest in buying the island, capturing the unique and often humorous perspective of Greenlanders. The conversation touches on the geopolitical significance of Greenland, as well as the ambitions for autonomy among its people. Bryant also highlights Denmark's strategic shifts and the rising tensions in this complex narrative of international intrigue.
36 snips
Jan 29, 2025 • 23min
Rachel Reeves’ plans for the UK: all growth, no green?
The discussion kicks off with the UK's strategic push for global investment at the World Economic Forum, framed in a luxurious setting. It then navigates the delicate balance a new political leader faces between economic growth and environmental responsibilities. The conversation dives into critiques over neglecting climate issues amid aggressive growth plans and debates around Heathrow's third runway. Finally, it scrutinizes policies prioritizing short-term gains in housing and aviation, questioning their sustainability and the ongoing tension with workers' rights.
Jan 28, 2025 • 37min
The Omagh bombing inquiry: one father’s 26-year fight for the truth
Michael Gallagher, a dedicated campaigner whose son Aidan was killed in the Omagh bombing, shares his heart-wrenching journey for justice alongside Shane Harrison, a seasoned reporter on Northern Ireland's troubles. They discuss the tragic chaos of the 1998 car bomb, the deep personal loss for families like Michael's, and the tireless legal battles for an inquiry. Emphasizing the need for truth, they reflect on the lingering pain and hope for accountability, showcasing the strength of community amid heartbreak.
Jan 27, 2025 • 37min
Revisited: Life after Auschwitz
Susan Pollock and Ivor Perl, both survivors of the Auschwitz concentration camp, share their gripping accounts of childhood trauma during the Holocaust. They reflect on their harrowing journeys to the camp and the resilience required to rebuild their lives afterward. The conversation delves into navigating inherited trauma, the complexities of forgiveness, and the challenges of discussing painful memories within families. As they commemorate the 80th anniversary of liberation, they emphasize the importance of education and remembrance to combat anti-Semitism.
18 snips
Jan 27, 2025 • 31min
Digital demons: the radical new treatment helping people with psychosis
Join Guardian journalist Jenny Kleeman as she delves into groundbreaking avatar therapy for psychosis. She shares how patients create digital avatars of their hallucinated voices, leading to transformative therapeutic interactions. Listen as she recounts a personal journey battling psychosis, highlighting emotional struggles and societal stigma. The discussion also touches on the innovative treatment's potential to alleviate distress and improve self-esteem, offering hope and insight into the future of mental health care.
23 snips
Jan 24, 2025 • 30min
Southport attacks: the failures that allowed Axel Rudakubana to kill
In this engaging discussion, Josh Halliday, The Guardian's North of England editor, reveals the harrowing story of three young girls murdered by Axel Rudakubana in Southport. He explores the systemic failures that allowed this tragedy to unfold, including the evolution of his alarming behavior into violence. The conversation also highlights chaotic courtroom scenes, emotional survivor testimonies, and the community's struggle with misinformation. Lastly, Halliday sheds light on future changes in terrorism laws and the importance of combating public distrust post-tragedy.
