Sensemaker

Angela Benabides, a journalist specializing in high-altitude mountaineering, shares her insights on a controversial ascent of Everest. A group of climbers claims to have reached the summit in just five days using xenon gas, igniting debates about cheating in the sport. Angela explains the importance of acclimatization and warns about the unknown risks of xenon therapy. The conversation also touches on the ethical implications for Sherpas and the growing commercialisation of Himalayan expeditions, highlighting the evolving nature of climbing.

A recent survey reveals a remarkable rise in Gen Z church attendance, particularly among Catholics, climbing from 4% to 16%. The election of a new pope sparked viral conversations online. Georgia Clark shares her journey into church leadership through confirmation classes, highlighting how the church offers solace from online pressures. Influencers like Father Mike Schmitz have also played a role in attracting young Catholics. The discussion delves into whether the new pope can maintain this momentum and continue to resonate with the youth.

Join industry experts Chris Laverty and Iona Bain as they dive into the growing phenomenon of buy now, pay later (BNPL) services like Klarna. They explore how these platforms gained traction during the pandemic, particularly among millennials and Gen Z, thanks to their ease of use and lack of credit checks. However, the duo raises concerns about hidden debts, late fees, and the upcoming regulation requiring tougher affordability checks. Can this convenience really be sustainable, or is it leading consumers into deeper financial waters?

Bumble received more than 20,000 legal threats alleging that the app discriminated against men by not allowing them to make the first move.Writer: Casey MagloireProducer: Casey MagloireHost: Casey MagloireEpisode photography: Sofia FentonExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Now into her 52nd day of refusing to eat, the jailed Palestine Action protester Qesser Zuhrah is in mortal dangerReporter: John SimpsonWriter: Poppy BullardProducer: Poppy BullardHost: Ada BarumeEpisode photography: Joe MeeExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

China has started construction of what will become the world’s largest hydropower dam in Tibetan territory. Writer: Jonathan LewisProducer: Poppy BullardHost: Andrew ButlerEpisode photography: Joe MeeExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Resident doctors make up about half of all NHS doctors so NHS leaders are anxious about how the service will cope.Host: Casey MagloireWriter & Producer: Amalie SortlandEpisode Photography: Joe MeeExecutive producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Tuesday the government passed a bill which it’s calling the biggest overhaul of workers’ rights in decades.Writer: Poppy Bullard with additional reporting from Ada Barume Producer: Poppy BullardHost: Ada BarumeEpisode photography: Joe MeeExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Yesterday the US military carried out strikes against three boats in the Pacific, which it claims were engaged in drug trafficking.Host: Casey MagloireWriter & Producer: Amalie SortlandEpisode Photography: Michael WhitakerExecutive producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Details emerge about a tragic shooting during Chanukah celebrations at Bondi Beach, leaving at least 15 dead. Eyewitness accounts capture the chaos as two assailants opened fire. The discussion highlights harrowing stories of heroism, including that of a rabbi and an injured child. Rising antisemitism in Australia is examined, linking a surge in anti-Jewish incidents to recent conflicts in the Middle East. The podcast raises critical questions about prior police knowledge and the role of authorities in preventing such violence.