

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

Sep 3, 2025 • 11min
The black market for weight loss drugs
More than 1.5 million people in the UK now use weight-loss injections like Mounjaro. But as official prices rise by as much as 140%, illegal trade is growing too.Writer: James Tapper and Jessica HaydenProducer: Amalie SortlandHost: Tomini BabsEpisode photography: Alex JonesExecutive 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 journalistsIf you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact hello@tortoisemedia.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 2, 2025 • 9min
How did Taskmaster conquer the world?
Comedy game show Taskmaster is about to air its 20th UK series and has spawned versions all over the world. We discover its secrets.Writer: Rachael HealyProducer: Amalie SortlandHost: Casey MagloireEpisode 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 journalistsIf you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact hello@tortoisemedia.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 1, 2025 • 6min
Is the AI bubble about to burst?
Computer chip company Nvidia’s revenue is soaring to record highs, but an MIT report found 95% of companies investing in generative AI haven’t made money from it.Writer: Poppy BullardProducer: Poppy BullardHost: Claudia WilliamsEpisode photography: Joe MeeExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aug 29, 2025 • 7min
Why is tanning back in style?
A new wave of influencers are urging their followers to go outside in the hottest part of the day, skip SPF and even lie on towels that attract sunlight.Writer: Ada BaruméProducer: Ada BaruméHost: Andrew ButlerEpisode photography: Joe MeeExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aug 28, 2025 • 8min
How to reconstruct a face
3D printing technology is used to re-construct the faces of injured Ukrainian soldiers and civilians.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 journalistsIf you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact hello@tortoisemedia.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aug 27, 2025 • 9min
Who is football whisperer, Indy Kaila?
What does one transfer window influencers tell us about the growing power of digital natives and our relationship with the truth? Writer: Rory SmithProducer: Casey MagloireHost: Claudia WilliamsEpisode photography: Joe MeeExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aug 26, 2025 • 8min
Have the protestors outside The Bell Hotel won?
A High Court injunction, granted to Epping Forest District Council, will mean the end of asylum seekers being housed in a local hotel. Writer & Producer: Amalie Sortland with additional reporting from Xavier GreenwoodEpisode 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 journalistsIf you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact hello@tortoisemedia.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aug 22, 2025 • 8min
What happens to women forced to return to Afghanistan?
Millions of Afghans who fled decades ago are now being returned from neighbouring Pakistan and Iran as part of one of the largest deportations in recent history.Writer: Serena CesareoProducer: Serena CesareoHost: Tomini BabsExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aug 21, 2025 • 10min
What is Putin’s price for peace?
One region in western Ukraine has become a key sticking point in President Trump’s attempts to bring the war to an end.Writer: Casey MagloireProducer: Casey MagloireHost: Tomini BabsEpisode photography: Joe MeeExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aug 20, 2025 • 8min
Why are ADHD cases on the rise?
ADHD prescriptions have risen 18% year on year in England since the end of the Covid-19 pandemic. Writer: Jonathan LewisProducer: Amalie SortlandHost: Casey MagloireEpisode 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 journalistsIf you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact hello@tortoisemedia.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


