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 7, 2025 • 9min
Is Trump serious about taking over Gaza?
Donald Trump has proposed a US takeover of Gaza, suggesting the permanent displacement of its palestinian population. While the plan is unlikely to happen, has he shifted the debate on the region’s future?This episode was written by Claudia Williams with additional reporting by Lilly Cheslaw. It was produced by Matt Russell. The Executive Producer was Rebecca Moore. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Feb 6, 2025 • 8min
Why did dozens of miners die underground in South Africa?
When police sealed off an abandoned gold mine in South Africa to crack down on illegal mining, dozens of men were left trapped underground. This deadly standoff reveals the harsh realities of the country’s illegal mining industry.Thank you for listening to the Sensemaker from Tortoise.This episode was written and mixed by Casey Magloire.Episode photography by Joe MeeThe executive producer is Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Feb 5, 2025 • 7min
Is Rachel Reeves's Heathrow expansion a green aviation gamble?
The UK chancellor Rachel Reeves has backed a third Heathrow runway, saying the airport expansion will meet the government’s climate targets because of ‘green aviation’. But is there such a thing?Reporter: Xavier GreenwoodProducer: Xavier GreenwoodExecutive Producer: Rebecca MoorePhotography: Joe Mee Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Feb 4, 2025 • 8min
How DeepSeek shook Wall Street
A new Chinese AI model sent shockwaves through the US financial markets last week. Will it transform the tech industry forever?Reporter: Patricia ClarkeProducer: Patricia ClarkeExecutive Producer: Rebecca MoorePhotography: Joe Mee Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Feb 3, 2025 • 9min
The woman behind Trump’s global anti-abortion agenda
Valerie Huber, a little-known but influential activist, has spent years shaping policies to restrict access to abortion. Now Donald Trump is back in the White House her influence will be felt globally. Writer: Phoebe Davis Producer: Casey MagloireHost: Claudia WilliamsEpisode photography: Joe MeeExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jan 31, 2025 • 10min
Is the West Bank the new front in the Israel-Palestine conflict?
What's behind an Israeli military operation and surging settler violence in the West Bank following the Gaza ceasefire?Writer: Lilly CheslawProducer: Katie GunningExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jan 30, 2025 • 6min
Trapped by the lifetime ISA: a costly catch for first-time buyers
Many young people saw the Lifetime ISA as their ticket onto the housing ladder. But with soaring property prices and a rigid price cap, thousands are now facing unexpected penalties - some are losing thousands in government withdrawal fees. Writer: Barney MacintyreProducer: Patricia ClarkeExecutive Producer: Jasper Corbett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jan 29, 2025 • 7min
Why did Donald Trump pardon a convicted "drug kingpin"?
Donald Trump has pardoned Ross Ulbricht, the creator of the Silk Road, a dark web marketplace that facilitated drug sales using Bitcoin. What does his freedom tell us about the future of cryptocurrency?Writers: Xavier Greenwood Producer: Casey MagloirePhotography: Joe MeeHost: Claudia Williams Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jan 28, 2025 • 8min
Can redefining terrorism stop the lone wolf threat?
In the wake of the Southport murders, the UK Government is reviewing its terrorism strategy and considering adopting a broader definition. But will this stop lone wolf attacks in the future?Writer: Cat NeilanProducer: Ada BaruméHost: Claudia Williams Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jan 27, 2025 • 8min
Hopes and fears for a new Syria
For the first time since 2000, Syria has ushered in a new year without President Assad as their autocratic head of state. But what's next for the country? Two Syrians share their hopes and fears for the future. Writer: Ada Barumé Producer: Ada BaruméHost: Tomini BabsExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
