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
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.
Mar 18, 2026 • 7min
Anthropic vs the Pentagon: who decides how AI is used?
Last week, Anthropic entered a legal battle with the US government after refusing to comply with terms related to the military use of its AI. As a result, the company is being cast as the “good guy” in the AI race - but is that reputation deserved?Writer: Jonathan LewisProducer: Jonathan LewisHost: Ada BaruméEpisode photography: Joe MeeExecutive Producer: Matt RussellCredits: Slate, The New York Times, ABC News Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mar 17, 2026 • 7min
Why are Iranian footballers refusing asylum?
On the 9th March, five members of the Iranian national women's football team were granted asylum by the Australian government, but only two of them want to accept the offer. Writer: Poppy BullardReporter: Jessy Parker HumphreysProducer: Poppy Bullard and Matt RussellHost: Casey MagloireEpisode photography: Joe MeeExecutive Producer: Matt Russell Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mar 16, 2026 • 10min
The Mandelson files: How much did Starmer know?
Rachel Sylvester, political editor at The Observer, provides brisk analysis of the Mandelson files and UK decision-making. She outlines what the released documents show about reputational risks and vetting gaps. She examines why Starmer approved the appointment, the political fallout, gendered dynamics in decision-making, and what further documents might reveal.
Mar 13, 2026 • 10min
How to win an Oscar
Miranda Sawyer, broadcaster and awards historian, traces Oscar campaigning from early Hollywood dinners to modern tactics. Leila Lateef, journalist and awards strategist, explains how studios plan budgets, screenings and voter outreach. They explore FYC packages, Q&As, narrative-building and how momentum, gaffes and storytelling shape who gets a statue.
Mar 12, 2026 • 9min
War in the Middle East: How bad is the economic shock?
As conflict continues in the Middle East, oil and gas prices have soared. What could that mean for the UK economy? Writer: Madeleine ParrProducer: Amalie SortlandHost: Ada BaruméEpisode photography: Joe MeeExecutive Producer: Jasper Corbett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mar 11, 2026 • 7min
What went wrong at BrewDog?
BrewDog was once the craft beer industry’s loudest voice. But last week it was sold to a US company, leaving nearly 500 people out of work. Writer: Poppy BullardProducer: Amalie SortlandHost: Ada BaruméEpisode photography: Joe MeeExecutive Producer: Jasper Corbett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mar 10, 2026 • 8min
What does Britain's immigration shake-up mean?
The Home Secretary has announced a radical overhaul of the UK’s asylum and immigration system. What is the government actually proposing?Writer: Serena CesareoProducer: Serena CesareoHost: Casey MagloireExecutive Producer: Jasper Corbett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mar 9, 2026 • 10min
How are Dubai’s influencers reacting to conflict in the Middle East?
The influencer capital of the world has been the target of Iranian missiles as conflict has spread across the Middle East. How has it changed the content they post? Host: Casey MagloireWriter & Producer: Ada BaruméEpisode Photography: Joe MeeExecutive producer: Jasper Corbett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mar 6, 2026 • 10min
Why are there mixed messages about why the US attacked Iran?
Laurel Rapp, Director for the U.S. and North America programme at Chatham House, offers expert analysis on U.S.-Iran relations. She questions claims of an imminent threat and explains why past diplomacy avoided strikes. They examine timing, whether Israeli actions shaped U.S. moves, Iran’s internal weaknesses, and how deliberate vagueness lets policymakers reshape goals.
