

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

Jul 4, 2025 • 9min
What happened in the Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs trial?
The 8-week trial has concluded and the former media mogul has been found guilty of two federal charges and is now facing time in prison. Writer and producer: Casey MagloireWith reporting from Stephen Armstrong. Executive producer: Rebecca Moore Photography: Joe Mee Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jul 3, 2025 • 8min
Why did so many Labour MPs oppose the welfare reform bill?
This week the government passed its planned welfare reforms in the House of Commons, despite a sizable backbench rebellion.Writer: Poppy BullardProducer: Poppy BullardHost: Tomini BabsEpisode photography: Alex JonesExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jul 2, 2025 • 7min
How did Budapest Pride become a once in a generation protest?
Around 200,000 people attended Budapest pride, defying Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s ban on the event. Why did Pride become the focus of anti-government protests?Writer: Phoebe Davis Host: Casey Magloire Photography: Alex JonesProducer: Casey Magloire Executive Producer: Jasper Corbett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jul 1, 2025 • 7min
Could AI mean the end for influencers?
Last week, a six-hour livestream hosted by an AI-generated influencer drew 13 million views and generated $7.5 million in sales for Baidu- a Chinese tech company. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jun 30, 2025 • 8min
The man behind Tattle Life unmasked
The founder of the gossip website is now known. Is this a victory for those targeted by the site? Writer: Rachael HealyProducer: Ada BaruméHost: Tomini BabsEpisode photography: Joe MeeExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jun 27, 2025 • 8min
Why is Jeff Bezos' wedding sparking protests in Venice?
Amazon’s billionaire founder is taking over the city for his wedding to Lauren Sanchez. Writer: Stephen Armstrong Producer: Casey Magloire Host: Tomini Babs Episode photography: Joe Mee Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jun 26, 2025 • 7min
Will the victims of grooming gangs ever get justice?
The UK government has launched a new inquiry and national criminal investigation into the sexual exploitation of children by grooming gangs.Writer: Jon Ungoed-thomas Producer: Poppy Bullard Host: Casey Magloire Episode photography: Joe Mee Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jun 25, 2025 • 7min
Will France’s new powers stop small boat crossings?
The French authorities will soon have new powers to intercept small boats carrying asylum seekers across the English Channel, even if they are already at sea. Writer: Serena CesareoProducer: Serena CasareoHost: Tomini BabsExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jun 24, 2025 • 8min
Can one woman’s legal victory change the future of fossil fuels?
After years of courtroom battles, campaigner Sarah Finch won a landmark Supreme Court case that could reshape how the UK approves oil, gas and coal projects.Writer: David Taylor Producers: Poppy Bullard Host: Tomini Babs Episode photography: Joe Mee Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jun 23, 2025 • 10min
What could happen next after the US bombed Iran?
Donald Trump ordered the strikes on three nuclear sites in Iran early Sunday morning. He said the US entered the war to stop the threat from “the world’s number one state sponsor of terror”. Writer: Stephen Armstrong Producer: Rebecca Moore Host: Casey Magloire Episode photography: Alex Jones Executive Producer: Jasper Corbett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.