Vanessa Thorpe
Arts and media editor at The Observer who contributes reporting and commentary, here focusing on the US semiquincentennial and related political context.
Best podcasts with Vanessa Thorpe
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8 snips
Jan 8, 2026 • 31min
Why did the US seize a Russian-flagged oil tanker?
Vanessa Thorpe, Arts and Media Editor at The Observer, reflects on the US's upcoming 250th anniversary and its implications for UK-US relations. James Tapper, a geopolitical analyst, discusses the dramatic US seizure of a Russian oil tanker and the shadow fleet's role in circumventing sanctions. Jacob Silverman, journalist and host, dives into Trump's controversial ties with crypto, suggesting that potential corruption could be more significant than Watergate. The trio debates which story deserves the top headline, merging politics, strategy, and ethics.
Nov 6, 2025 • 35min
Can Zohran Mamdani take on President Trump?
Join Andrew Butler, Deputy Sports Editor at The Observer, as he dissects Zohran Mamdani's groundbreaking New York mayoral win and its implications for the Democratic Party. Vanessa Thorpe explores the potential crises facing Arts Council England and how funding changes could reshape cultural landscapes. Jon Ungoed-Thomas reveals alarming trends in wrongful prisoner releases, detailing the procedural failures and rising crisis in the justice system. Each guest tackles urgent issues that intertwine politics, culture, and societal accountability.
