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
May 27, 2025 • 8min
Inside the world of Superbikes
Two deaths a fortnight ago haven’t dimmed the high-octane appeal of motorsport. So when tragedy hits a high-risk sport like this, what keeps riders coming back?Writer: Rory SmithProducer: Casey MagloireHost: Tomini BabsEpisode photography: Joe MeeExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
May 23, 2025 • 8min
Is Britain ready to choose prison reform over punishment?
The government has commissioned radical new reforms to reduce the prison population by 10,000 people.Writer: Rachel SylvesterHost: Tomini BabsEpisode photography: Joe Mee Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
May 22, 2025 • 8min
Could this be the end of abortion prosecutions?
In recent years, an increasing number of women - including Nicola Packer - have been investigated and put on trial for illegally ending their pregnancy.Writer: Phoebe Davis If you’d like to read more of Phoebe’s interview with Nicola Packer, click here. Producer: Karla PatellaHost: Casey MagloireEpisode photography: Joe MeePhotograph: Sonja HorsmanExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
May 21, 2025 • 6min
Has Keir Starmer pulled off a Brexit reset with the EU?
The much-hyped EU-UK summit has resulted in a deal that the Government says will improve “jobs, bills and borders”. But has Labour been too cautious?Writer: Cat NeilanProducer: Karla PatellaHost: Casey MagloireExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
May 20, 2025 • 9min
What did Cassie Ventura’s testimony reveal about Sean “Diddy” Combs?
The trial of Sean Combs has finished hearing testimony from the prosecution's main witness: the singer and Combs’ ex-partner Cassie Ventura. Contact the National Domestic Abuse Helpline by calling their 24-hour freephone on 0808 2000 247 or visiting https://www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk/ Writer: Stephen Armstrong Producer: Karla Patella Host: Tomini Babs Episode photography: Alex Jones Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
May 19, 2025 • 7min
The boxset boom on the silver screen
Why cinema is leaning heavily on the appeal of screening hit television shows.Writer: Vanessa ThorpeProducer: Jonathan LewisHost: Claudia WilliamsEpisode photography: Alex JonesExecutive Producer: Jasper CorbettTo 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.
May 16, 2025 • 6min
Why is Gen Z going to church?
A recent survey suggests Gen Z is fuelling a resurgence in church attendance, especially among Catholics. Why? Writer: Jess SwinburneProducer: Ada BaruméPhotography: Joe MeeExecutive Producer: Jasper Corbett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
May 15, 2025 • 7min
How has President Trump ushered in a new age of corruption?
The presidency and personal gain now go hand in hand – and no one has been able to do anything about it.Writer: Patricia ClarkeProducer: Ada BaruméHost: Casey Magloire Photography: Joe MeeExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
May 14, 2025 • 8min
Israel’s new offensive in Gaza
The last living American hostage has been released from Gaza following direct talks between the US and Hamas. It comes as Israel prepares for a military occupation of the territory, moving the population and taking control of food and aid distribution.Writer: Chloe HadjimatheouProducer: Karla PatellaHost: Claudia WilliamsExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
May 13, 2025 • 9min
What pushed India and Pakistan to the brink of war?
When armed gunmen attacked holiday makers in the Himalayas it reignited a decades-old conflict. Writer and producer: Katie GunningPhotography: Joe MeeExecutive producer: Jasper Corbett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
