

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

Oct 15, 2025 • 7min
Why are Britain’s clubs closing?
In the past five years, more than 800 late night venues have shut their doors. At this rate there are warnings that there could be no nightclubs left by 2029. If you want to listen to more about the struggles facing UK nightlife, listen to The Observer’s podcast We Have Notes HERE.Writer: Serena CesareoProducer: Serena CesareoHost: Ada BaruméExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 14, 2025 • 7min
What obstacles does the Gaza peace deal face?
The current ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas is phase one of the peace deal: a downing of arms to allow the exchange of prisoners and hostages in a set timeframe. But phase two of the plan remains vague. Writer: Poppy BullardProducer: Poppy BullardHost: Casey MagloreEpisode photography: Sofia FentonExecutive Producer: Matt Russell Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 13, 2025 • 10min
Is AI really stealing graduate jobs?
A wave of new graduates has taken to social media to complain that entry-level roles are disappearing as AI takes over. The Observer’s team analysed the data.Host: Claudia WilliamsWriter & Producer: Amalie SortlandEpisode Photography: Joe MeeExecutive producer: Rebecca MooreTo 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 journalists Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 10, 2025 • 10min
Will the ceasefire hold in Gaza?
After just over two years of devastating war, a ceasefire has finally been announced in Gaza.Host: Ada BaruméWriter & Producer: Amalie Sortland, with reporting by Lilly Cheslaw and Steve BloomfieldEpisode Photography: Joe MeeExecutive producer: Rebecca MooreTo 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 journalists Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 9, 2025 • 9min
Is Donald Trump declining cognitively?
After his speech to a room of US generals last week, some experts are beginning to worry about the 79-year-old.Writer: Ada BaruméProducer: Amalie SortlandHost: Casey MagloireTo 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 journalists Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 8, 2025 • 6min
Why is Tony Blair part of Donald Trump’s plan for Gaza?
Talks are underway in Egypt to try and secure an end to Israel’s war on Gaza. For the first time in two years the sides might agree to end the conflict. Under a US proposal former British PM, Tony Blair, who is a divisive figure in the region, would have a major role overseeing the peace process. Writer: Rachel Sylvester and Poppy BullardProducer: Poppy BullardHost: Ada BaruméEpisode photography: Sophia FentonExecutive Producer: Jasper Corbett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 7, 2025 • 8min
The rise of anti-trans threats in the US
Since Donald Trump’s return to office, trans Americans are facing unprecedented legal and social threats - with some now seeking asylum abroad. But for those living in fear, the options for escape are limited.Writer: Jonathan LewisProducer: Jonathan LewisHost: Ada BaruméEpisode photography: Sofia FentonExecutive Producer: Rebecca MooreTo 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 journalists Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 5, 2025 • 9min
Can legal aid survive a cyber attack?
A cyber attack on the government’s Legal Aid Agency has resulted in vulnerable people’s data stolen and lawyers without pay.Writer: Poppy BullardProducer: Amalie SortlandHost: Tomini BabsEpisode photography: Joe MeeExecutive Producer: Rebecca MooreTo 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 journalists Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 3, 2025 • 8min
What does Europe do about Russian drones?
On Wednesday, European leaders gathered in Copenhagen to confront a growing threat: Russian drone incursions in European airspace. Writer & Producer: Amalie SortlandEpisode Photography: Joe MeeExecutive producer: Rebecca MooreTo 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 journalists Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 2, 2025 • 7min
Why are Jimmy Carr and Jack Whitehall performing in Saudi Arabia?
This week Jimmy Carr and Jack Whitehall join a bill of top comedians performing at the Riyadh Comedy Festival. This is despite human rights abuses in the country.Writer: Rachael HealyProducer: Ada BarumeHost: Casey MagloireEpisode photography: Joe MeeExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


