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 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.
Mar 5, 2026 • 9min
Why are maternity services in England in crisis?
An independent inquiry has revealed the scale - of inadequacy in NHS maternity and neonatal services in England – and the devastating emotional and psychological consequences suffered by families. After a series of scandals, what is the state of maternity care in the country?Writer: Serena CesareoProducer: Serena CesareoHost: Casey MagloireExecutive Producer: Jasper Corbett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mar 4, 2026 • 8min
Who’s the man behind looksmaxxing?
The man known as ‘Clavicular’ has become the face of ‘looksmaxxing’. But where did this internet phenomenon come from?Watch Ben Zand’s new documentary ‘Why Men Rent Girlfriends (Darker Than You Think)’ HERE.Writer: Ada BaruméProducer: Amalie Sortland Host: Ada BaruméExecutive Producer: Jasper Corbett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mar 3, 2026 • 9min
What does the bombing of Iran mean for the Middle East?
The US and Israel’s strikes on Iran have triggered a conflict which is rapidly spreading across the Middle East. Writer: Poppy BullardProducer: Poppy BullardHost: Ada BarumeEpisode photography: Sofia FentonExecutive Producer: Matt Russell Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mar 2, 2026 • 9min
What does the killing of a cartel boss mean for Mexico?
The man known as ‘El Mencho’ headed up one of the world’s most powerful cartels. What does his killing by the Mexican military mean for the country? Writer: Ada BaruméProducer: Ada BaruméHost: Casey Magloire Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Feb 27, 2026 • 9min
Why did the BBC broadcast a racial slur at the Baftas?
How the fallout from a racial slur at this year’s Bafta awards might change the public’s perception of Tourette’s syndrome.Writer: Casey Magloire and Amalie SortlandProducer: Amalie Sortland Host: Casey Magloire Episode photography: Sofia FentonExecutive Producer: Jasper Corbett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Feb 26, 2026 • 9min
How a mountaineer's death could change climbing forever
The case of the Austrian climber who was found guilty of manslaughter after his girlfriend froze to death on Austria’s highest mountain, has captivated the world’s media. Writer: Poppy BullardProducer: Poppy BullardHost: Casey MagloireEpisode photography: Sofia FentonExecutive Producer: Matt Russell Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
