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
Jul 21, 2025 • 8min
What does the Afghan data leak mean for the 18,000 people on the list?
In 2022, a UK Special Forces official accidentally leaked the names of over 18,000 Afghan nationals, British special forces operatives and MI6 agents, putting thousands of lives at risk if the information fell into the wrong hands.Writer: James Tapper Producer: Jonathan LewisHost: Ada Barume Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jul 21, 2025 • 7min
Why are sportswomen facing more abuse than ever?
Women’s sports stars are receiving more abuse than men, but can’t afford to leave social media.The interview with Katie Boulter is from BBC Sports.Writer: Jessica HaydenProducer: Amalie SortlandExecutive producer: Rebecca MoorePhotography: Alex Jones Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jul 18, 2025 • 8min
Why is Trump splitting with MAGA over Epstein?
President Trump has spent his political career promoting conspiracy theories for electoral gain, now he’s trying to shut down one of the most enduring of the lot.Writer: Fred HarterProducer: Jonathan LewisHost: Casey MagloireEpisode photography: Alex JonesExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jul 17, 2025 • 7min
What next for pro-Gaza protests?
Since the government proscribed Palestine Action as a terrorist organisation, dozens of people across the country have been arrested on suspicion of terror offences, for allegedly supporting the group. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jul 16, 2025 • 7min
Why are rape cases collapsing?
Hundreds of victims and witnesses are walking away from rape cases before they reach trial.Writer: Jon Simpson Producer: Ada Barumé Host: Casey Magloire Episode photography: Joe Mee Executive Producer: Jasper Corbett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jul 15, 2025 • 7min
Why did Elon Musk’s Grok praise Hitler?
X’s, formerly Twitter, chatbot Grok has been churning far-right sentiments. Writer: Stephen ArmstrongProducer: Amalie SortlandExecutive producer: Matt Russell Photography: Joe Mee Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jul 14, 2025 • 7min
How do you fight mosquitos with mosquitos?
Scientists in Hawaii are using drones to drop millions of genetically modified mosquitoes across the archipelago, with the hope that it will help protect animals on the brink of extinction.Read Benji Jones' article on why mosquitoes are being dropped from drones in Hawaii HERERead more about the charity - Birds, Not Mosquitoes - HERE Writer: Casey MagloireProducer: Casey MagloireExecutive producer: Rebecca MoorePhotography: Joe Mee Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jul 11, 2025 • 8min
Why did Christian Horner leave Red Bull’s F1 team?
Formula One’s longest serving team principal has been sacked.Writer: Casey MagloireProducer: Casey MagloireExecutive producer: Rebecca Moore Photography: Joe Mee Additional Production: Poppy Bullard and Amalie Sortland Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jul 10, 2025 • 8min
Does Donald Trump support Ukraine?
After unexpectedly pausing military aid to Ukraine last week, the US administration has once again reversed its decision.Writer: Nina KuryataProducer: Ada BaruméExecutive producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jul 9, 2025 • 7min
Could this be the end of police racial profiling in France?
Europe’s top human rights court ruled that French police unfairly targeted a French citizen of African descent during a stop and search.Writer: Serena CesareoProducer: Serena CasareoHost: Casey MagloireExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
