

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

Aug 5, 2025 • 7min
What’s happening to Palestine Action supporters?
Palestine Action was proscribed on 5 July, putting the direct action group in the same legal category as groups such as al-Qaida and Islamic State. Since then, around 200 people have been arrested for supporting the group.To read Jon’s interview with Deborah Hinton click HERE.Writer: Jon Ungoed-ThomasProducer: Poppy BullardHost: Tomini BabsEpisode photography: Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aug 4, 2025 • 9min
Compensated for an exorcism
Matthew Drapper was subjected to an exorcism to rid him of the “demonic possession” of homosexuality. Writer: Phoebe Davis Host: Tomini Babs Photography: Sofia FentonProducer: Casey MagloireExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aug 1, 2025 • 9min
Are credit card companies the biggest force in online content moderation?
Hundreds of thousands of games have disappeared from platforms in a crackdown, raising questions about who should be making decisions about content moderation.Host: Tomini BabsWriter: Bex SanderProducer: Casey MagloireExecutive Producer: Rebecca MooreEpisodic Artwork by Darling Demon Eclipse Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jul 31, 2025 • 8min
What are we losing when we turn forests into farmland?
According to the world’s biggest bird survey, clearing rainforest to make way for cattle farms is even more harmful to biodiversity than we thought.Writer: James TapperProducer: Poppy BullardHost: Ada BaruméEpisode photography: Joe MeeExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jul 30, 2025 • 7min
How much aid is getting through to Gaza?
Israel has initiated daily pauses in its military operations - to allow more aid to get into Gaza. But how much aid is getting through and will it be enough for the Palestinians who rely on it?Writer: Poppy BullardProducer: Poppy BullardHost: Casey MagloireEpisode photography: Sofia FentonExecutive Producer: Jasper Corbett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jul 29, 2025 • 8min
Can ChatGPT replace my therapist?
As people are turning to AI for mental health support and relationship advice, could chatbots replace the role of a trusted friend, or even a therapist?Writer: Ada BarumeProducer: Amalie SortlandHost: Tomini Babs Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jul 28, 2025 • 7min
How did the Lionesses do it again?
The England women’s football team won the Euros for a second time, after they defeated Spain 3-1 on penalties in the final, having drawn 1-1 after extra time, two years after they lost to the same opponent in the World Cup final.Writer: Jessy Parker HumphreysProducer: Poppy BullardHost: Tomini BabsEpisode photography: Sofia Fenton Executive Producer: Matt Russell Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jul 25, 2025 • 6min
Can a new drug help us to live longer?
The pharmaceutical industry is pursuing what some consider to be the holy grail: developing and licensing the first drug that slows the body's natural aging process.Writer: Jon Ungoed-ThomasProducer: Casey Magloire Host: Tomini Babs Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jul 24, 2025 • 7min
Can Donald Trump deport more than a million undocumented migrants?
The Trump administration is setting the stage for what might become the largest deportation of illegal immigrants in US history. Can it succeed? Writer: Stephen ArmstrongProducer: 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 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.

Jul 23, 2025 • 8min
How did Volodomyr Zelensky’s choice of clothing spark a $200 million bet and an online rebellion?
How Ukraine’s president, Volodomyr Zelensky, sparked a $200 million dollar crypto bet and an online rebellion through his choice of clothing. Writer: Bex SanderProducer: Katie GunningHost: Ada BarumeEditor: Jasper Corbett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


