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
21 snips
Jun 9, 2025 • 12min
Trump deploys the national guard in LA – Today in Focus Extra
Chris Michael, the US breaking news editor for The Guardian, dives into Trump's surprising decision to deploy the National Guard in Los Angeles amidst mounting protests against immigration enforcement. He explores the historical context of military interventions in civil unrest and critiques the implications for civil liberties. Michael also discusses the escalating tensions in the city, highlighting community fears and frustrations, and examines the political clash between Trump and California's governor on immigration issues.
25 snips
Jun 9, 2025 • 29min
Australia’s mushroom murder trial
Justice and courts reporter Nino Bucci delves into the chilling case of Erin Patterson, accused of poisoning her relatives with mushrooms during a family meal. He covers the harrowing trial that has captivated Australia, discussing the tragic events and the intricate web of evidence presented. The courtroom drama intensifies with emotional testimonies and the battle over motive—accidental harm or deliberate malice? Bucci also highlights how this bizarre murder trial taps into the universal fears surrounding family dynamics and trust.
11 snips
Jun 7, 2025 • 27min
Missing in the Amazon: the disappearance – episode 1
Discover the intriguing disappearance of British journalist Dom Phillips and Brazilian Indigenous defender Bruno Pereira in the heart of the Amazon. The investigation unveils the challenges faced in the perilous Javari Valley, illuminating the risks undertaken to protect Indigenous communities. As secrets unfold, the podcast delves into the larger implications surrounding their commitment and the dangers lurking in the lush, yet treacherous, landscape. This gripping tale invites listeners to ponder the fate of these brave defenders.
Jun 6, 2025 • 24min
The Swiss village buried by a glacier collapse
Tess McClure, a Guardian journalist specializing in species loss and environmental issues, brings us firsthand accounts from Blatton, Switzerland, where a glacier collapse has buried a village. She reveals the emotional fallout for the tight-knit community and discusses the chilling link between climate change and such disasters. With insights from experts, Tess explores the future of Blatton amidst uncertainty, highlighting the urgent need to address climate challenges while preserving cultural heritage.
20 snips
Jun 5, 2025 • 29min
Is AI about to steal your job?
Chris Stokel-Walker, a tech journalist and author, dives into the transformative effects of AI on employment. He examines compelling firsthand accounts of workers facing automation's reality. The discussion highlights concerns about job displacement, especially in white-collar roles, while advocating for government responsibilities in supporting displaced workers. Stokel-Walker underscores the need for retraining initiatives and explores the balance between human skills and machine efficiency as we navigate this new landscape. It's a crucial conversation for anyone thinking about the future of work.
33 snips
Jun 4, 2025 • 30min
A trip to Musk city
Oliver Laughland, the Guardian US Southern Bureau Chief, shares insights from Starbase, Texas, the burgeoning hub of SpaceX. He discusses the local community's mixed feelings about SpaceX's growth, balancing job creation against environmental and gentrification concerns. The episode also touches on the ethical implications of Musk's ambitions, reflecting on the community's hopes for space exploration versus pressing socio-economic issues. Laughland explores the potential of SpaceX becoming its own city, revealing the intricate relationship between innovation and ethical leadership.
23 snips
Jun 3, 2025 • 20min
Keir Starmer needs you: Britain readies for war
Richard Norton-Taylor, former Guardian security editor with four decades of experience in defense and security, delves into the UK's strategic defense review. He highlights the pressing need for Britain to modernize its military in response to threats, particularly from Russia. Norton-Taylor critiques the current state of the UK's nuclear deterrent, calling for reassessment against evolving cyber warfare vulnerabilities. He also discusses the recruitment crisis within the armed forces and the implications of increasing defense spending in an ever-changing geopolitical landscape.
8 snips
Jun 2, 2025 • 34min
Making America pregnant again: the pro-natalist movement
Moira Donegan, a Guardian US columnist, dives into the rising pro-natalist movement in America, highlighting the desire for higher birth rates among different groups. She discusses the controversial ideologies surrounding this movement, including the impact of figures like Elon Musk and the troubling connections to eugenics. The podcast also contrasts the limited success of pro-natalist policies with the realities faced by modern parents, examining how economic pressures and societal attitudes shape reproductive choices today.
13 snips
May 30, 2025 • 31min
What happened to body positivity?
Jenny Stevens and Gina Tonic discuss the rise of #SkinnyTok and the popularity of weight-loss drugs. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus
18 snips
May 29, 2025 • 26min
The OpenAI empire
Karen Hao, a seasoned technology journalist with extensive insights into OpenAI, discusses its transformation from an idealistic non-profit to a corporate titan within the AI landscape. She delves into the implications of this shift on data privacy and intellectual property, highlighting tensions between commercialization and original missions. Hao also explores the ethical dilemmas of artificial general intelligence and the hidden labor supporting AI moderation, emphasizing the environmental costs tied to AI expansion. Her reflections reveal the complex dynamics shaping the future of technology.
