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
15 snips
Jul 3, 2025 • 31min
The truth about Iran’s nuclear programme
In this discussion, guests Rouzbeh Parsi, an expert historian on Iran’s nuclear program, and Patrick Wintour, The Guardian's diplomatic editor with extensive field experience in Iran, delve into the current state of Iran's nuclear ambitions amidst military actions by Israel and the US. They analyze the effects of recent bombings on Iran's facilities and the ongoing geopolitical tensions. The conversation explores intelligence assessments, historical motivations behind Iran's nuclear pursuit, and the broader implications for international relations moving forward.
12 snips
Jul 2, 2025 • 34min
A humiliating day for Keir Starmer in parliament
Kiran Stacey, a political correspondent for The Guardian, joins the discussion on a tumultuous day in Westminster. They explore Labour MPs' fierce opposition to proposed disability cuts, revealing the deep emotional stakes involved. Internal conflicts within Labour arise as some MPs rebel against party lines in defense of the vulnerable. Stacey also analyzes the government's missteps regarding welfare reforms and how personal experiences shape political stances. Tune in for insights into the implications of these debates on Keir Starmer's leadership.
Jul 1, 2025 • 26min
The French town that banned its tap water and the chemicals that could be in yours
Phoebe Weston, an environment reporter at The Guardian, delves into the alarming case in Alsace, France, where residents face a ban on drinking water due to toxic 'forever chemicals'. She uncovers the emotional toll on the 60,000 affected in Saint-Louis, rallying for accountability as grassroots activism grows. The discussion expands to the global PFAS contamination crisis, spotlighting health risks, legal challenges with airport-induced pollution, and the overall lack of safety regulations, emphasizing a pressing need for action on water quality.
31 snips
Jun 30, 2025 • 25min
What to watch, read and listen to this summer
In this engaging discussion, David Shariatmadari, The Guardian's deputy head of books and literary critic, shares his top summer reads, focusing on diverse themes from workplace culture to crime. Catherine Shoard, The Guardian's film editor, dives into the summer movie lineup, including nostalgic reboots of 90s classics and intriguing literary adaptations. With insights on emerging music trends and the cinematic landscape, this conversation is a treasure trove for anyone looking to curate the perfect summer entertainment playlist.
8 snips
Jun 27, 2025 • 23min
Labour’s controversial welfare bill
Frances Ryan, a Guardian columnist and author of 'Who Wants Normal? The Disabled Girl's Guide to Life,' discusses the harsh realities of living with a disability in the UK. She critiques Labour's proposed welfare bill, warning it could push disabled people into poverty. The conversation highlights the rising prevalence of disability among women and the personal struggles they face daily. Ryan emphasizes the importance of representation in mainstream culture while calling for systemic change to improve the lives of disabled individuals beyond just visibility.
6 snips
Jun 26, 2025 • 28min
Afraid of Israel, angry at the regime: Iranians on 12 days of war
Ellie Geranmayeh, a Senior Policy Fellow at the European Council of Foreign Relations and a specialist in Iranian politics, discusses the profound psychological impact of the Iran-Israel conflict on Iranians. She shares firsthand accounts of fear and anger among Tehran's civilians during military strikes. Geranmayeh examines the evolving sentiments towards the nuclear program amid chaos and critiques the government's response, revealing deep disillusionment and a struggle for unity and accountability amongst the populace.
8 snips
Jun 25, 2025 • 27min
The protest group the UK government wants to brand terrorists
Haroon Siddique, The Guardian's legal affairs correspondent, dives deep into the controversial classification of the protest group Palestine Action as terrorists by the UK government. They discuss Palestine Action’s disruptive tactics aimed at halting Israel's arms supply, raising poignant questions about civil liberties. Siddique shares insights on the implications of labeling activists as terrorists and the potential chilling effect on protests, alongside the political fallout and historical parallels to figures like Nelson Mandela.
24 snips
Jun 24, 2025 • 25min
Trump keeps Starmer out of the loop on Iran
Jessica Elgot, deputy political editor at the Guardian, delves into the UK's precarious position regarding potential military action in Iran. She discusses the shifting dynamics of US-UK relations following Trump's military decisions and Keir Starmer's diplomatic hopes. Elgot highlights the Labour Party's historical reluctance to intervene militarily, post-Iraq, and the challenges of responding to national security threats while managing public opinion. The conversation underscores the delicate balance the UK must navigate amidst escalating tensions and international pressures.
61 snips
Jun 22, 2025 • 24min
Why Trump bombed Iran
Hugo Lowell, a reporter for Guardian US known for tracking Trump’s inner circle, and Andrew Roth, a global affairs correspondent in D.C., dive into U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites. They discuss the strategic implications of these actions and the mixed responses from military leaders. The conversation explores potential Iranian retaliation and its effects on global markets. They also tackle Trump's evolving foreign policy, contrasting isolationism with aggressive intervention strategies that could reshape international relations.
15 snips
Jun 20, 2025 • 12min
Israel and Iran: where is the conflict heading? – Today in Focus extra
Julian Borger, The Guardian’s senior international correspondent in Tel Aviv, delves into the escalating Israel-Iran conflict. He discusses Israel's enhanced air strikes and the shift towards potential regime change in Iran. The complexities of US involvement are examined, particularly in light of Donald Trump's decision-making. Borger also highlights the sensitive issue of uranium enrichment negotiations and the mixed Iranian public sentiment amidst foreign military threats, revealing surprising support for their regime.
