Guardian journalists stationed across the globe have shared the powerful moments and distinctive sounds from 2025 that will stay with them forever. The revelations form the core of a special edition of the newspaper's flagship daily podcast, Today in Focus, presented by Helen Pidd.
A Tapestry of Global Experiences
The episode transports listeners to a series of vivid and often contrasting locations. The soundscape of the year ranges from the palpable rush of freedom in a Damascus cafe in a post-Assad Syria, to the solemn proceedings of a rape trial in France. It journeys to the depths of a valley in the Amazon, where the controversial work of missionaries with uncontacted peoples unfolds, and to the banks of a sacred river in India during the Kumbh Mela. Closer to the US, the podcast also visits the confines of a detention centre in Florida, colloquially known as 'Alligator Alcatraz', capturing its first few weeks of operation.
The Voices Behind the Stories
The compelling narratives are brought to life by the paper's international correspondents. The episode features contributions from Michael Safi, John Reid, Andrei Netto, Hannah Ellis-Petersen, Oliver Laughland and Angelique Chrisafis. Each journalist provides a first-hand, intimate account of the events that left an indelible mark, offering listeners a raw and personal perspective on major global developments.
More Than Just a News Report
This reflective episode moves beyond conventional reporting to focus on the sensory and emotional imprint of news-making events. By highlighting specific places and sounds of 2025, the podcast creates a unique auditory archive of the year. It underscores the role of journalists not just as observers, but as individuals deeply affected by the stories they cover, from the upheavals in the Middle East and north Africa to complex issues of immigration with ICE (US Immigration and Customs Enforcement) and cultural traditions in India.
The special broadcast serves as a poignant reminder of the human stories behind the headlines, inviting the audience to pause and consider the defining moments that shape our world.
