

Sensemaker
The Observer
The Sensemaker from The Observer - one story every day to make sense of the world.To find out more about The Observer:Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free contentHead to our website observer.co.uk Download the Tortoise app – for a listening experience curated by our journalistsIf you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact hello@tortoisemedia.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 10, 2025 • 10min
Will the ceasefire hold in Gaza?
After just over two years of devastating war, a ceasefire has finally been announced in Gaza.Host: Ada BaruméWriter & Producer: Amalie Sortland, with reporting by Lilly Cheslaw and Steve BloomfieldEpisode Photography: Joe MeeExecutive producer: Rebecca MooreTo find out more about The Observer:Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free contentHead to our website observer.co.uk Download the Tortoise app – for a listening experience curated by our journalists Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 9, 2025 • 9min
Is Donald Trump declining cognitively?
After his speech to a room of US generals last week, some experts are beginning to worry about the 79-year-old.Writer: Ada BaruméProducer: Amalie SortlandHost: Casey MagloireTo find out more about The Observer:Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free contentHead to our website observer.co.uk Download the Tortoise app – for a listening experience curated by our journalists Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 8, 2025 • 6min
Why is Tony Blair part of Donald Trump’s plan for Gaza?
Talks are underway in Egypt to try and secure an end to Israel’s war on Gaza. For the first time in two years the sides might agree to end the conflict. Under a US proposal former British PM, Tony Blair, who is a divisive figure in the region, would have a major role overseeing the peace process. Writer: Rachel Sylvester and Poppy BullardProducer: Poppy BullardHost: Ada BaruméEpisode photography: Sophia FentonExecutive Producer: Jasper Corbett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 7, 2025 • 8min
The rise of anti-trans threats in the US
Since Donald Trump’s return to office, trans Americans are facing unprecedented legal and social threats - with some now seeking asylum abroad. But for those living in fear, the options for escape are limited.Writer: Jonathan LewisProducer: Jonathan LewisHost: Ada BaruméEpisode photography: Sofia FentonExecutive Producer: Rebecca MooreTo find out more about The Observer:Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free contentHead to our website observer.co.uk Download the Tortoise app – for a listening experience curated by our journalists Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 5, 2025 • 9min
Can legal aid survive a cyber attack?
A cyber attack on the government’s Legal Aid Agency has resulted in vulnerable people’s data stolen and lawyers without pay.Writer: Poppy BullardProducer: Amalie SortlandHost: Tomini BabsEpisode photography: Joe MeeExecutive Producer: Rebecca MooreTo find out more about The Observer:Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free contentHead to our website observer.co.uk Download the Tortoise app – for a listening experience curated by our journalists Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 3, 2025 • 8min
What does Europe do about Russian drones?
On Wednesday, European leaders gathered in Copenhagen to confront a growing threat: Russian drone incursions in European airspace. Writer & Producer: Amalie SortlandEpisode Photography: Joe MeeExecutive producer: Rebecca MooreTo find out more about The Observer:Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free contentHead to our website observer.co.uk Download the Tortoise app – for a listening experience curated by our journalists Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 2, 2025 • 7min
Why are Jimmy Carr and Jack Whitehall performing in Saudi Arabia?
This week Jimmy Carr and Jack Whitehall join a bill of top comedians performing at the Riyadh Comedy Festival. This is despite human rights abuses in the country.Writer: Rachael HealyProducer: Ada BarumeHost: Casey MagloireEpisode photography: Joe MeeExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 1, 2025 • 10min
A breakthrough in treating Huntington’s disease
New hope for sufferers of Huntington’s disease after the discovery of a treatment which could radically slow the disease. Writer: James TapperProducer: Poppy BullardHost: Ada BarumeEpisode photography: Sophia FentonExecutive Producer: Jasper Corbett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 30, 2025 • 8min
Andy Burnham or Jeremy Corbyn: Where next for the British left?
It’s easy to write off the launch of Your Party as a side-show, away from the centre of politics in Westminster. But, according to Zarah Sultana, 750,000 people have registered interest in the party. Writer: Poppy BullardProducer: Amalie SortlandHost: Casey MagloireEpisode photography: Joe MeeExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore To find out more about The Observer:Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free contentHead to our website observer.co.uk Download the Tortoise app – for a listening experience curated by our journalists Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 29, 2025 • 11min
What’s really behind Trump’s war on painkillers?
An investigation from The Observer has found there’s a financial link between RFK Jr. and supplement companies that market alternatives to Tylenol.Host: Tomini BabsWriter & Producer: Amalie Sortland, with reporting by Alexi MostrousEpisode Photography: Sophia FentonExecutive producer: Rebecca MooreTo find out more about The Observer:Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free contentHead to our website observer.co.uk Download the Tortoise app – for a listening experience curated by our journalists Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.