Sensemaker
The Observer
The Sensemaker from The Observer - one story every day to make sense of the world.Subscribe to The Observer and use the code AUDIO50 to get 50% off your annual subscription:Early access, bonus content and ad-free listening to our podcastsA daily edition, curated by our editors 7 days a weekPuzzles from the inventors of the cryptic crosswordRecipes for every occasionFree tickets to join Observer events in our newsroom or online Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Apr 1, 2026 • 7min
How is the Iran war affecting our cost of living?
The impact of the war in Iran is being felt around the world. But how is it affecting the UK? Writer: Ada BaruméProducer: Amalie SortlandHost: Casey MagloireExecutive Producer: Jasper CorbettClip from NBC News.This episode is sponsored by Babbel. Get up to 60% off your Babbel subscription at babbel.com/sensemaker Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mar 31, 2026 • 9min
The economics of K-pop and BTS
They unpack BTS’s massive global reach and the billions a single tour can funnel into local economies. The conversation looks at the intense K-pop trainee system and how parasocial bonds drive fan spending. They trace state investment in the Korean Wave and how culture became a strategic export. Forecasts compare tour impacts to other major global acts.
Mar 30, 2026 • 9min
Are war crimes happening in the Iran war?
Andrew Cayley, senior barrister and former ICC principal trial lawyer, brings decades of experience in prosecuting war crimes. He explains what legally counts as a war crime. He examines reported strikes, attacks on civilians and energy sites. He outlines why evidence, destroyed scenes and traumatized witnesses make investigations and prosecutions difficult.
Mar 27, 2026 • 9min
Why are Meta and Google liable for social media addiction?
Patricia Clark, a technology reporter at The Observer, breaks down a landmark court ruling holding Meta and Google accountable. She discusses the addiction-by-design claim, dramatic executive testimony, and why the verdict could shift industry practice and spur more legal and regulatory action. Short sentences. Clear stakes.
Mar 26, 2026 • 8min
What’s behind changes to the abortion law in England and Wales?
Phoebe Davis, Reporter for The Observer who investigated prosecutions under the Offences Against the Person Act. She explains why prosecutions have risen and how police investigations work. She shares a personal story of someone prosecuted and describes what the Lords vote would change for women after 24 weeks. She outlines political debate and the continuing investigations until law changes take effect.
Mar 25, 2026 • 8min
Is Cuba Donald Trump’s next target?
William LeoGrande, a longtime scholar of U.S.-Cuba relations and professor of government, breaks down Cuba’s fuel shortages and economic collapse. He discusses tightened U.S. sanctions, the halt of Venezuelan oil shipments, and the migration surge. He also outlines risks from Russian oil deliveries and how economic pressure, not invasion, shapes U.S. aims.
Mar 24, 2026 • 8min
Are AI chatbots encouraging violence?
Two lawsuits allege that artificial intelligence chatbots, like ChatGPT, have encouraged people to commit harm not just to themselves, but to others. Reporter: Patricia ClarkeWriter: Poppy BullardProducer: Poppy BullardHost: Ada BaruméEpisode photography: Joe MeeExecutive Producer: Matt Russell Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mar 23, 2026 • 10min
Why did Scotland reject assisted dying?
Plans to legalise assisted dying in Scotland have been narrowly rejected, just as similar efforts across the UK begin to stall.Host: Casey MagloireWriter & Producer: Amalie SortlandEpisode Photography: Joe MeeExecutive producer: Matt RussellSome clips used in the episode were from the BBC. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mar 20, 2026 • 8min
Why has the Middle East conflict spread to Lebanon?
Oliver Marsden, Middle East correspondent for The Observer, reports from Lebanon with on-the-ground analysis. He describes Hezbollah’s rocket strikes and Israeli responses. Civilians recount displacement, school closures and leaflets urging evacuation. Marsden explores Israel’s ground invasion aims, fears of occupation, shifting local support for Hezbollah, and everyday resilience amid conflict.
Mar 19, 2026 • 8min
The Meningitis outbreak: How serious is it?
Paul Hunter, a medical microbiology professor at UEA, gives expert analysis on the outbreak's unusual dynamics. Eliza Gill, a clinical lecturer in infectious diseases, explains meningitis B transmission, symptoms, and vaccine context. They discuss the rapid cluster in Kent, contact tracing and antibiotic prophylaxis, vaccine gaps among students, and implications for wider spread and pharmacy demand.
