

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 15, 2025 • 7min
Why did Elon Musk’s Grok praise Hitler?
X’s, formerly Twitter, chatbot Grok has been churning far-right sentiments. Writer: Stephen ArmstrongProducer: Amalie SortlandExecutive producer: Matt Russell Photography: Joe Mee Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jul 14, 2025 • 7min
How do you fight mosquitos with mosquitos?
Scientists in Hawaii are using drones to drop millions of genetically modified mosquitoes across the archipelago, with the hope that it will help protect animals on the brink of extinction.Read Benji Jones' article on why mosquitoes are being dropped from drones in Hawaii HERERead more about the charity - Birds, Not Mosquitoes - HERE Writer: Casey MagloireProducer: Casey MagloireExecutive producer: Rebecca MoorePhotography: Joe Mee Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jul 11, 2025 • 8min
Why did Christian Horner leave Red Bull’s F1 team?
Formula One’s longest serving team principal has been sacked.Writer: Casey MagloireProducer: Casey MagloireExecutive producer: Rebecca Moore Photography: Joe Mee Additional Production: Poppy Bullard and Amalie Sortland Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jul 10, 2025 • 8min
Does Donald Trump support Ukraine?
After unexpectedly pausing military aid to Ukraine last week, the US administration has once again reversed its decision.Writer: Nina KuryataProducer: Ada BaruméExecutive producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jul 9, 2025 • 7min
Could this be the end of police racial profiling in France?
Europe’s top human rights court ruled that French police unfairly targeted a French citizen of African descent during a stop and search.Writer: Serena CesareoProducer: Serena CasareoHost: Casey MagloireExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jul 8, 2025 • 7min
Can Labour reduce obesity rates?
The NHS is undergoing a revolution, with health secretary Wes Streeting determined that his new 10-year plan launched last week will shift NHS care from hospitals to neighborhood health centres.Writer: Jon Ungoed-thomasProducer: Matt RussellHost: Ada BarumeEpisode photography: Alex JonesExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jul 7, 2025 • 10min
The real Salt Path
Penniless and homeless, the Winns found fame and fortune with the story of their 630-mile walk to salvation. We can reveal that the truth behind it is very differentWriter: Rebecca Moore with reporting from Chloe Hadjimatheou. Producer: Rebecca MooreHost: Tomini BabsEpisode photography: Joe MeeExecutive Producer: Ceri Thomas Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.


