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
Jun 16, 2025 • 8min
Why are physician associates attracting so much controversy?
With findings of a government review on the role of physician associates expected any day now, what is the role, and why are some doctors so concerned about safety?Writer: Rachael HealyProducer: Poppy BullardHost: Claudia WilliamsEpisode photography: Alex JonesExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jun 13, 2025 • 8min
Has Rachel Reeves ended austerity?
Chancellor Rachel Reeves this week set out the government’s spending plans for the next three years, committing billions of pounds to some departments, while significantly cutting others. She told MPs they were her “choices” - but are they the right ones?Writer: Cat Neilan, The Observer’s Whitehall Editor Producer: Poppy Bullard Host: Tomini Babs Episode photography: Joe Mee Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jun 12, 2025 • 6min
What’s behind Trump’s show of force in LA?
After small-scale protests over immigration raids erupt in Los Angeles, President Trump deployed the National Guard and later, the Marines. Writer: Stephen Armstrong Producer: Casey Magloire Host: Casey Magloire Episode photography: Joe Mee Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jun 11, 2025 • 7min
Why Musk’s aid cuts will outlast his time in government
Elon Musk may have left the Trump administration and fallen out with the president. But amidst all the noise over the breakup of their bromance, Musk’s plan to claw back billions in foreign aid is quietly making its way through Congress. Writer: Serena CesareoProducer: Serena CasareoHost: Claudia WilliamsExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jun 10, 2025 • 7min
Is burning waste the answer to the UK’s energy needs?
The government is planning on building a new generation of incinerators to generate electricity - including one on England’s renowned Jurassic coast. Writer: Jon Ungoed-thomasProducer: Karla PatellaHost: Casey MagloireEpisode photography: Joe MeeExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jun 9, 2025 • 8min
What's really going on with England's Lionesses?
England’s women’s football team heads into the Euros without three key stars. Writer: Jessy Parker HumphreysProducer: Casey MagloireHost: Tomini BabsEpisode photography: Joe MeeExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jun 6, 2025 • 7min
How to hack Mount Everest
A group of climbers has sparked debate over cheating in mountaineering after scaling Everest and returning to London in just 5 days - with the help of xenon gas.Writer: Jess SwinburneProducer: Serena CesareoHost: Casey MagloirePhotography: Alex JonesExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jun 5, 2025 • 6min
Bottom trawling: fishing’s dirty secret
David Attenborough’s new documentary Ocean has put bottom trawling in the crosshairs of environmental activists. Clips in this episode are from David Attenborough’s new documentary film, Ocean. Writer: James TapperProducer: Jonathan LewisHost: Tomini BabsEpisode photography: Joe MeeExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jun 4, 2025 • 7min
Is Britain ready to shift to a war footing?
After years of peacetime under-investment in defence, the UK government is vowing to shake things up. It says civilians can no longer ignore the rising risks.Writer: Cat NeilanProducer: Jonathan LewisHost: Tomini BabsExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jun 3, 2025 • 6min
Is this the end of disposable vapes?
As rates of vaping continue to rise across the UK, a health and environmental crisis is unfolding. Will the banning of single-use vapes in the UK turn the tides on their environmental cost?Writer: Jess SwinburneProducer: Karla PatellaPhotography: Alex JonesExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
