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 10, 2026 • 7min
US vs. China: the new space race
Tomorrow morning Artemis II will splash down off the coast of San Diego. What’s next for the $90 billion space programme’s plan to put a human back on the moon?Writer: Jonathan LewisProducer: Madeleine Parr Host: Ada BaruméEpisode photography: Joe MeeExecutive Producer: Matt RussellClips: CNN Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Apr 9, 2026 • 9min
Will the US-Iran ceasefire hold?
Barely an hour before President Donald Trump’s Tuesday deadline to obliterate Iran and its infrastructure, the US and Iran agreed to a two-week ceasefire.Host: Jonathan LewisWriter: Amalie SortlandProducer: Jonathan LewisEpisode Photography: Sofia FentonExecutive producer: Jasper CorbettThis 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.
Apr 8, 2026 • 6min
Why are art heists on the rise?
Over the past two years, there have been major thefts from galleries and museums in the Netherlands, France and Italy. So what’s happening?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.
Apr 7, 2026 • 7min
Is shared ownership housing really an affordable option?
Why some people in shared home ownership schemes don’t feel they're as affordable as they seem.Writer: Ada BaruméProducer: Matt RussellHost: Ada BaruméThis 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.
Apr 2, 2026 • 9min
Is the Iran War dividing MAGA?
Is the war in Iran impacting MAGA support for Donald Trump, if so, why? Writer: Casey MagloireProducer: Casey Magloire Host: Ada BarumeEpisode photography: Joe Mee Executive Producer: Matt Russell Clip credit: The Economist, NBC news, Forbes Breaking News, CNN and MS NowThis 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.
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.
