

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

May 29, 2025 • 6min
Could the government’s immigration reforms lead to an exodus of international nurses?
New research from the Royal College of Nursing suggests many overseas nurses are thinking about leaving the UK. Could the government’s tough new immigration reforms accelerate that?Writer: Rachael HealyProducer: Casey MagloireHost: Claudia Williams Episode photography: Joe Mee Executive Producer: Jasper Corbett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 28, 2025 • 6min
Who’s polluting the River Wye?
Why the River Wye is at the centre of one of the biggest environmental claims ever filed in the high court.Writer: Jon Ungoed -ThomasProducer: Karla PatellaHost: Casey MagloirePhotography: Alex Jones Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 27, 2025 • 8min
Inside the world of Superbikes
Two deaths a fortnight ago haven’t dimmed the high-octane appeal of motorsport. So when tragedy hits a high-risk sport like this, what keeps riders coming back?Writer: Rory SmithProducer: Casey MagloireHost: Tomini BabsEpisode photography: Joe MeeExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 23, 2025 • 8min
Is Britain ready to choose prison reform over punishment?
The government has commissioned radical new reforms to reduce the prison population by 10,000 people.Writer: Rachel SylvesterHost: Tomini BabsEpisode photography: Joe Mee Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 22, 2025 • 8min
Could this be the end of abortion prosecutions?
In recent years, an increasing number of women - including Nicola Packer - have been investigated and put on trial for illegally ending their pregnancy.Writer: Phoebe Davis If you’d like to read more of Phoebe’s interview with Nicola Packer, click here. Producer: Karla PatellaHost: Casey MagloireEpisode photography: Joe MeePhotograph: Sonja HorsmanExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 21, 2025 • 6min
Has Keir Starmer pulled off a Brexit reset with the EU?
The much-hyped EU-UK summit has resulted in a deal that the Government says will improve “jobs, bills and borders”. But has Labour been too cautious?Writer: Cat NeilanProducer: Karla PatellaHost: Casey MagloireExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 20, 2025 • 9min
What did Cassie Ventura’s testimony reveal about Sean “Diddy” Combs?
The trial of Sean Combs has finished hearing testimony from the prosecution's main witness: the singer and Combs’ ex-partner Cassie Ventura. Contact the National Domestic Abuse Helpline by calling their 24-hour freephone on 0808 2000 247 or visiting https://www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk/ Writer: Stephen Armstrong Producer: Karla Patella Host: Tomini Babs Episode photography: Alex Jones Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 19, 2025 • 7min
The boxset boom on the silver screen
Why cinema is leaning heavily on the appeal of screening hit television shows.Writer: Vanessa ThorpeProducer: Jonathan LewisHost: Claudia WilliamsEpisode photography: Alex JonesExecutive Producer: Jasper CorbettTo 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.

May 16, 2025 • 6min
Why is Gen Z going to church?
A recent survey suggests Gen Z is fuelling a resurgence in church attendance, especially among Catholics. Why? Writer: Jess SwinburneProducer: Ada BaruméPhotography: Joe MeeExecutive Producer: Jasper Corbett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 15, 2025 • 7min
How has President Trump ushered in a new age of corruption?
The presidency and personal gain now go hand in hand – and no one has been able to do anything about it.Writer: Patricia ClarkeProducer: Ada BaruméHost: Casey Magloire Photography: Joe MeeExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.