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
Feb 27, 2025 • 8min
Trump’s purge of the military
In a massive shake-up of the US armed forces, the Trump administration has fired the country’s most senior military officer, the admiral leading the navy and several other senior figures. Why? And what does that mean for the world’s most powerful military?Writer: Jasper CorbettProducer: Xavier Greenwood Host: Casey MagloireExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Feb 26, 2025 • 8min
Is the rise of Germany’s far-right a wake-up call for Europe?
Germany’s far-right party, Alternative für Deutschland, secured second place in the weekend’s election, doubling its previous vote share. With concerns that the long-standing “firewall” against the AfD is weakening, can incoming Chancellor Friedrich Merz navigate domestic and global challenges to stop its rise?Writer: Cat NeilanProducer: Casey Magloire Host: Claudia WilliamsExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Feb 25, 2025 • 9min
Is Trump trading peace for Ukraine’s minerals?
Ukraine’s rare earth minerals have become a bargaining chip in high-stakes negotiations with the US. As President Trump pushes for access to half of Ukraine’s deposits, we explore what’s at stake—and why Kyiv is under pressure to strike a deal.Writer and producer: Katie GunningArt work: Joe MeeExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Feb 24, 2025 • 9min
How are M23 rebels and mineral smuggling driving violence in the DRC?
The rebel group, M23 have taken control of a second city in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo. What do they want? And is there anything that can be done to bring peace to a country after three decades of conflict? Writer: Ada BaruméProducer: Ada BaruméHost: Tomini BabsExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Feb 21, 2025 • 7min
Melania Trump v Anna Wintour: Who Really Holds the Power?
For the second time Vogue has broken with tradition and excluded the First Lady from the front cover. What does this snub tell us about the changing media and political landscape in the US? Writer and producer: Jess SwinburneHost: Claudia WilliamsEpisode Photography: Lola Williams Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Feb 20, 2025 • 9min
Are Elon Musk’s politics hurting Tesla?
Tesla sales are plummeting across Europe. Elon Musk's political antics might have something to do with it. Writer: Patricia ClarkeProducer: Patricia ClarkeHost: Tomini BabsEpisode photography: Lola Williams Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Feb 19, 2025 • 8min
Why are at-home rape kits being offered to university students?
Self-test rape kits are being promoted as a way to empower survivors, but experts warn they could undermine prosecutions. This debate raises a bigger question: how can we balance support for survivors with the need for justice?Writer: Phoebe Davis Producer: Casey MagloireHost: Casey MagloireEpisode photography: Lola WilliamsExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Feb 18, 2025 • 7min
Is America changing course on Ukraine?
Donald Trump’s new defense secretary has signaled a dramatic shift in US policy on Ukraine, raising alarms across Europe. As fears of appeasement grow and Western alliances are tested, what does this mean for the future of European security?Writer: Cat NeilanProducer: Ada BaruméHost: Tomini BabsExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Feb 17, 2025 • 9min
Should a writer’s intimate diary be published after their death?
After she died three of Joan Didion’s trustees found the writer’s 25-year-old diary and took the decision to publish her entries in full.Writer: Elaine McCalligProducer: Casey MagloirePhotography: Joe MeeExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Feb 14, 2025 • 7min
Why is Labour taking a harder line on immigration?
This week the British government released footage of authorities arresting migrants who, it says, are in the UK illegally. With a new security-focused immigration bill currently under debate in Parliament, is Labour taking a page from the White House’s playbook on immigration?Writer: Serena CesareoProducer: Serena CasareoHost: Tomini BabsExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
