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 13, 2025 • 9min
Who stole ancient treasures from the Drents Museum?
In the dead of night, thieves raid a Dutch museum, making off with priceless Romanian artefacts. As the hunt for the stolen treasures continues, what does this art heist tell us about the future of cultural heritage?Writer: Claudia WilliamsProducer: Casey MagloireHost: Tomini Babs Episode photography: Joe MeeExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Feb 12, 2025 • 8min
Who is really in charge of America: Elon Musk or Donald Trump?
Elon Musk isn’t just advising Donald Trump, he’s reshaping the federal government in his image. From mass layoffs to deregulation, his influence is growing – but will it lead to efficiency or upheaval?Episode writer: Xavier Greenwood Producer: Casey MagloireExecutive producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Feb 11, 2025 • 7min
Emilia Perez: from Oscar darling to controversy magnet
A groundbreaking film with record-breaking nominations, Emilia Perez seemed unstoppable - until one of its lead actors became the center of a media firestorm. Could the backlash cost the film its Oscar dreams?Episode writer: Aleena Augustine Additional reporting: Jess Swinburne and Bex Sander Producer: Ada BarumeExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Feb 10, 2025 • 6min
Master: Lawsuit filed against Neil Gaiman and Amanda Palmer
After Tortoise first reported on the allegations against Neil Gaiman last year, more women have shared their allegations of sexual abuse. Now, one woman has taken her story to the courts and filed a new lawsuit against Gaiman and his estranged wife, Amanda Palmer. Episode writer: Phoebe Davis. Producer: Casey MagloireExecutive Producer: Matt Russell Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Feb 7, 2025 • 9min
Is Trump serious about taking over Gaza?
Donald Trump has proposed a US takeover of Gaza, suggesting the permanent displacement of its palestinian population. While the plan is unlikely to happen, has he shifted the debate on the region’s future?This episode was written by Claudia Williams with additional reporting by Lilly Cheslaw. It was produced by Matt Russell. The Executive Producer was Rebecca Moore. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Feb 6, 2025 • 8min
Why did dozens of miners die underground in South Africa?
When police sealed off an abandoned gold mine in South Africa to crack down on illegal mining, dozens of men were left trapped underground. This deadly standoff reveals the harsh realities of the country’s illegal mining industry.Thank you for listening to the Sensemaker from Tortoise.This episode was written and mixed by Casey Magloire.Episode photography by Joe MeeThe executive producer is Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Feb 5, 2025 • 7min
Is Rachel Reeves's Heathrow expansion a green aviation gamble?
The UK chancellor Rachel Reeves has backed a third Heathrow runway, saying the airport expansion will meet the government’s climate targets because of ‘green aviation’. But is there such a thing?Reporter: Xavier GreenwoodProducer: Xavier GreenwoodExecutive Producer: Rebecca MoorePhotography: Joe Mee Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Feb 4, 2025 • 8min
How DeepSeek shook Wall Street
A new Chinese AI model sent shockwaves through the US financial markets last week. Will it transform the tech industry forever?Reporter: Patricia ClarkeProducer: Patricia ClarkeExecutive Producer: Rebecca MoorePhotography: Joe Mee Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Feb 3, 2025 • 9min
The woman behind Trump’s global anti-abortion agenda
Valerie Huber, a little-known but influential activist, has spent years shaping policies to restrict access to abortion. Now Donald Trump is back in the White House her influence will be felt globally. Writer: Phoebe Davis Producer: Casey MagloireHost: Claudia WilliamsEpisode photography: Joe MeeExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jan 31, 2025 • 10min
Is the West Bank the new front in the Israel-Palestine conflict?
What's behind an Israeli military operation and surging settler violence in the West Bank following the Gaza ceasefire?Writer: Lilly CheslawProducer: Katie GunningExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
