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 25, 2026 • 7min
Why is youth unemployment in the UK rising?
Youth unemployment in the UK is now higher than the European Union average for the first time since records began. Why are young people finding it so hard to get a job? Writer and producer: Jonathan LewisHost: Ada BaruméEpisode photography: Joe MeeExecutive Producer: Jasper CorbettThis episode is sponsored by Babbel. Get up to 60% off your Babbel subscription at babbel.com/sensemaker Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Feb 24, 2026 • 10min
Russia’s war with Ukraine: four years on
Today, four years after Russia launched its full scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the war shows no sign of ending.Host: Casey MagloireWriter: Amalie SortlandProducer: Poppy BullardEpisode Photography: Joe MeeExecutive producer: Matt Russell Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Feb 23, 2026 • 6min
Is the one-in-one-out asylum policy with France working?
The UK one-in-one-out deal with France to deter migrants from crossing the Channel on small boats entered into force last year. Since then, the deal has faced a number of legal challenges. Has the scheme been a success?Writer: Serena CesareoProducer: Serena CesareoHost: Casey MagloireExecutive Producer: Jasper Corbett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Feb 20, 2026 • 8min
What does Andrew’s arrest mean for the royal family?
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly known as prince Andrew, has become the first member of the royal family since Charles I. Host: Ada BaruméWriter & Producer: Amalie Sortland and Ada BaruméEpisode Photography: Joe MeeExecutive producer: Jasper Corbett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Feb 19, 2026 • 9min
Is Canada doing enough to stop gun violence?
After the deadly mass shooting at a school in British Columbia last week, gun control in Canada is under scrutiny.Host: Ada BaruméWriter: Amalie SortlandProducer: Jess SwinburneEpisode Photography: Joe MeeExecutive producer: Poppy Bullard Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Feb 18, 2026 • 7min
The drug 500 times as strong as heroin
According to a King’s College London report published last week the UK has been underreporting nitazene-related deaths by up to a third. Why has the UK become a hotspot for the extremely potent opioid?Writer: Jonathan LewisProducer: Jonathan LewisHost: Ada BaruméEpisode photography: Joe MeeExecutive Producer: Matt Russell Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Feb 17, 2026 • 6min
Why won’t it stop raining?
Some areas of the UK have faced their wettest winters on record. Writer: Poppy BullardProducer: Poppy BullardHost: Ada Barumé Episode photography: Sofia FentonExecutive Producer: Matt Russell Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Feb 16, 2026 • 9min
China’s new wave of crackdowns on pro-democracy activists
The recent sentencing of activist Jimmy Lai and the conviction of the father of activist Anna Kwok in the same week marks a new phase in China’s crackdown on activists. How far is Beijing prepared to go to silence dissent?Writer: Jess SwinburneProducer: Jess SwinburnePhotography: Sofia FentonExecutive Producer: Matt Russell Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Feb 13, 2026 • 9min
Can the royals distance themselves from Andrew?
The recent release of Epstein files has sparked a fresh crisis over former Prince Andrew’s links to Jeffrey Epstein.Host: Casey MagloireWriter & Producer: Amalie SortlandEpisode Photography: Sofia FentonExecutive producer: Matt Russell Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Feb 12, 2026 • 8min
The UK’s million pound illegal waste problem
Last week an illegal waste dump was found on the outskirts of Liverpool. It’s believed to be one of the biggest of its kind ever found in the UK. But who is behind it?Writer: Jonathan LewisProducer: Amalie SortlandHost: Ada BaruméEpisode photography: Sofia Fenton Executive Producer: Matt Russell Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
