

Sensemaker
The Observer
The Sensemaker from The Observer - one story every day to make sense of the world.Subscribe to The Observer today and get access to: Our podcasts before anyone else A daily edition, curated by our editors 7 days a week Puzzles from the inventors of the cryptic crossword Recipes for every occasionFree tickets to join Observer events in our newsroom or onlineClick here to subscribe today for just £1 for your first month. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 12, 2026 • 13min
Why do MPs want to boycott Elon Musk’s X over sexualised AI images?
Daisy Dixon, a Cardiff University lecturer and author of the upcoming book *Depraved*, discusses her experience as a victim of non-consensual AI-generated sexualized images. Claire McGlynn, a law professor and expert on pornography regulation, provides insights into the UK's legal framework regarding intimate images. They delve into the alarming scale of these AI-generated images, including those depicting minors, and criticize the urgent need for accountability from platforms like X. They also explore the legal gaps surrounding the enforcement of new AI deepfake laws.

Jan 9, 2026 • 9min
The seized oil tankers
Bernard Gray, a contributing editor on national security for The Observer, dives into the recent seizure of a Russian-flagged tanker by the US. He discusses the implications for hemispheric security and the US’s assertion of enforcing an oil blockade. Gray explains the complexities of maritime law regarding ship re-flagging, and highlights how this incident serves as a diplomatic embarrassment for Russia. He connects this action to a revived Monroe Doctrine, suggesting it signals a new era in US-Russia relations.

Jan 8, 2026 • 9min
Why are Brits losing their citizenship?
The podcast delves into the heated debate over citizenship revocations in the UK. It spotlights British-Egyptian activist Alaa Abd El-Fattah, whose potential citizenship stripping has sparked political outrage. Meanwhile, Shamima Begum fights to reclaim her citizenship after joining Islamic State. Experts discuss the vague criteria used for such decisions and the risks they pose to migrants and activists. With cases on the rise since 2010, this discussion highlights the legal and ethical implications of citizenship deprivation.

Jan 7, 2026 • 9min
Which countries in Latin America might Trump target next?
Christopher Sabatini, a senior research fellow at Chatham House and an expert on Latin American politics, dives into Trump's aggressive strategy in the region. He discusses the implications of Trump's focus on Venezuela and how it links to potential targets like Colombia and Cuba. Sabatini warns against the dangerous precedent set by using military raids as policy tools, highlighting the shift towards Monroe Doctrine-style interventionism. Regional reactions are varied, highlighting a fractured response to U.S. actions and their impact on sovereignty.

Jan 6, 2026 • 8min
Are high streets losing the battle against gambling?
For years, local authorities in England have found it difficult to stop the spread of slot machine arcades. But that could be about to change.Host: Ada BaruméWriter & Producer: Amalie SortlandEpisode Photography: Sofia FentonExecutive producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 5, 2026 • 9min
Why did America attack Venezuela?
On Saturday morning, the United States of America bombed Venezuela and captured its President, Nicolás Maduro. What happened and why? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 2, 2026 • 9min
Can you spot the AI video?
Patricia Clarke, a Technology reporter at The Observer, dives into the complexities of AI-generated videos. She discusses the alarming scale of AI content on platforms like TikTok, highlighting billions of views on problematic posts. Patricia also examines how companies are responding, from watermarking to regulating AI media globally, and the challenges of accurately labeling AI creations. The conversation unveils the public's mixed feelings about AI content, alongside industry pushback advocating for human-produced material.

Jan 1, 2026 • 9min
Can ChatGPT replace my therapist? (Revisited)
Can ChatGPT replace my therapist?As people are turning to AI for mental health support and relationship advice, could chatbots replace the role of a trusted friend, or even a therapist?Writer: Ada BarumeProducer: Amalie SortlandHost: Tomini Babs Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 31, 2025 • 6min
The downsides of weight-loss drugs (Revisited)
Weight loss drugs can be transformative for people who have struggled with obesity. But with a spike in hospital admissions experiencing adverse reactions to the drugs, should we be doing more to regulate this growing market? Writer: James TapperProducer: Ada BaruméHost: Tomini Babs Executive producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 30, 2025 • 10min
Is the hunt for the 100ft wave over? (Revisited)
The 100ft wave is a big wave surfing milestone that was supposed to be impossible. Now, a young surfer from California is rumoured to have achieved it, breaking the official world record at the same time. The problem? Nobody can agree how big the wave was. Writer: Claudia Williams, with additional reporting by Ada BaruméProducer: Casey MagloireHost: Claudia WilliamsSecure your privacy with Surfshark! Go to https://surfshark.com/sensemaker for 4 extra months of Surfshark. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


