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
Feb 21, 2025 • 7min
Melania Trump v Anna Wintour: Who Really Holds the Power?
For the second time Vogue has broken with tradition and excluded the First Lady from the front cover. What does this snub tell us about the changing media and political landscape in the US? Writer and producer: Jess SwinburneHost: Claudia WilliamsEpisode Photography: Lola Williams Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Feb 20, 2025 • 9min
Are Elon Musk’s politics hurting Tesla?
Tesla sales are plummeting across Europe. Elon Musk's political antics might have something to do with it. Writer: Patricia ClarkeProducer: Patricia ClarkeHost: Tomini BabsEpisode photography: Lola Williams Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Feb 19, 2025 • 8min
Why are at-home rape kits being offered to university students?
Self-test rape kits are being promoted as a way to empower survivors, but experts warn they could undermine prosecutions. This debate raises a bigger question: how can we balance support for survivors with the need for justice?Writer: Phoebe Davis Producer: Casey MagloireHost: Casey MagloireEpisode photography: Lola WilliamsExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Feb 18, 2025 • 7min
Is America changing course on Ukraine?
Donald Trump’s new defense secretary has signaled a dramatic shift in US policy on Ukraine, raising alarms across Europe. As fears of appeasement grow and Western alliances are tested, what does this mean for the future of European security?Writer: Cat NeilanProducer: Ada BaruméHost: Tomini BabsExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Feb 17, 2025 • 9min
Should a writer’s intimate diary be published after their death?
After she died three of Joan Didion’s trustees found the writer’s 25-year-old diary and took the decision to publish her entries in full.Writer: Elaine McCalligProducer: Casey MagloirePhotography: Joe MeeExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Feb 14, 2025 • 7min
Why is Labour taking a harder line on immigration?
This week the British government released footage of authorities arresting migrants who, it says, are in the UK illegally. With a new security-focused immigration bill currently under debate in Parliament, is Labour taking a page from the White House’s playbook on immigration?Writer: Serena CesareoProducer: Serena CasareoHost: Tomini BabsExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Feb 13, 2025 • 9min
Who stole ancient treasures from the Drents Museum?
In the dead of night, thieves raid a Dutch museum, making off with priceless Romanian artefacts. As the hunt for the stolen treasures continues, what does this art heist tell us about the future of cultural heritage?Writer: Claudia WilliamsProducer: Casey MagloireHost: Tomini Babs Episode photography: Joe MeeExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Feb 12, 2025 • 8min
Who is really in charge of America: Elon Musk or Donald Trump?
Elon Musk isn’t just advising Donald Trump, he’s reshaping the federal government in his image. From mass layoffs to deregulation, his influence is growing – but will it lead to efficiency or upheaval?Episode writer: Xavier Greenwood Producer: Casey MagloireExecutive producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Feb 11, 2025 • 7min
Emilia Perez: from Oscar darling to controversy magnet
A groundbreaking film with record-breaking nominations, Emilia Perez seemed unstoppable - until one of its lead actors became the center of a media firestorm. Could the backlash cost the film its Oscar dreams?Episode writer: Aleena Augustine Additional reporting: Jess Swinburne and Bex Sander Producer: Ada BarumeExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Feb 10, 2025 • 6min
Master: Lawsuit filed against Neil Gaiman and Amanda Palmer
After Tortoise first reported on the allegations against Neil Gaiman last year, more women have shared their allegations of sexual abuse. Now, one woman has taken her story to the courts and filed a new lawsuit against Gaiman and his estranged wife, Amanda Palmer. Episode writer: Phoebe Davis. Producer: Casey MagloireExecutive Producer: Matt Russell Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
