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
Apr 25, 2025 • 6min
Why is Gen Z obsessed with running?
Young adults are swapping nightclubs for run clubs. The number of 20-29 year olds registering for the London marathon is up 86 per cent in the past three years.Writer: Andrew ButlerProducer: Serena CesareoHost: Tomini BabsEpisode photography: Alex JonesExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Apr 24, 2025 • 9min
How did Pope Francis tackle child sexual abuse in the church?
For many Catholics Pope Francis will be remembered as a man determined to overthrow tradition, challenge privilege and speak up for those who were not heard. But he became head of the Catholic church at a time when the institution was plagued by widespread accusations of sexual abuse. For the victims of catholic priests, did he deliver justice? Writer: Stephen Armstrong Producer: Matt Russell Host: Tomini Babs Episode photography: Joe Mee Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Apr 23, 2025 • 9min
Harvard University versus Trump
The world’s richest university is mounting the first serious fightback against the Trump administration. Who will blink first? Writer: Stephen Armstrong Producer: Casey Magloire Host: Casey Magloire Episode photography: Alex Jones Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Apr 22, 2025 • 9min
What's Behind the Rise of Thin-Fluencers?
If your ‘for you page’ is suddenly full of dieting tips and before and after pictures, you might be on the receiving end of a resurgence of ‘thin-spiration’ on social media. But what’s behind this comeback? And who is being impacted? Writer: Ada BaruméProducer: Casey MagloirePhotography: Roisin SavageExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Apr 17, 2025 • 8min
What’s behind Birmingham’s bin strikes?
The standoff between Birmingham’s bin workers and the council is entering its fifth week as the latest pay offer was rejected. The Unite union says the dispute could spread to other areas of the country. . Writer: Jess SwinburneProducer: Casey MagloirePhotography: Roisin SavageExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Apr 16, 2025 • 8min
Why did the UK government rush to save the last remaining steel power plant?
MPs were recalled to Westminster early on Saturday and passed an emergency legislation that allowed the UK government to seize control of British Steel, after its Chinese owner appeared to threaten closure. How did we get here? And why has steel-making in the UK become an issue of national security? Writer: Serena CesareoProducer: Casey MagloireHost: Tomini BabsEpisode photography: Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Apr 14, 2025 • 7min
Will Donald Trump save the iPhone?
The President has imposed a 145 per cent tariff on Chinese imports to America but has hinted smartphones could be exempt.Writer: Xavier GreenwoodProducer: Patricia ClarkeHost: Claudia WilliamsExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Apr 14, 2025 • 8min
Why are your allergies worse this year?
This weekend the Met Office declared the south of England experienced what it called a ‘pollen bomb.’ Why is hay fever season starting earlier, lasting longer and the symptoms are becoming more intense? Writer: Jonathan LewisProducer: Jonathan LewisHost: Tomini BabsEpisode photography: Alex JonesExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Apr 11, 2025 • 9min
Why are American politicians defending anti-abortion activists in the UK?
When a 64-year-old woman was fined for holding a sign outside a UK abortion clinic, it sparked international backlash - including from organised, Christian activists in America and the US government. Writer: Phoebe Davis Producer: Serena CesareoHost: Tomini BabsEpisode photography: Alex JonesExecutive Producer: Matt Russell Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Apr 10, 2025 • 8min
Why do climate change sceptics care about a volcano eruption?
Tortoise has identified almost 300 influencers who are spreading misleading content about climate change that ranges from scepticism to misinformation. One of their false claims is that global warming is caused by an underwater volcano that erupted off the coast of TongaTo read more about Tortoise’s Hot Air project click here. Writer: Bex SanderProducer: Casey Magloire Host: Claudia Williams Episode photography: Alex Jones and Pununu Tukuafu, Tonga Geological Services.Executive Producer: Rebecca MooreImage credit: Pununu Tukuafu, Tonga Geological Services Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
