

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

Jan 17, 2025 • 9min
A prospect of peace between Israel and Hamas
After 15 months of conflict, could this week’s ceasefire deal mark the beginning of the end of one of the deadliest wars in modern history?Writers: Lilly Cheslaw and Rebecca Moore.Producer: Katie Gunning. Photographer: Joe Mee. Executive producer: Jasper Corbett. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 16, 2025 • 6min
How windfarms unwittingly cause chaos to the UK’s air defences
Offshore windfarms are powerful generators of clean energy and are a key part of Labour’s green energy pledge. But these colossal turbines can blind the UK’s defence systems. What does this mean, and what can be done about it?This episode was written by Elaine McCallig Mixed by Casey Magloire.Photography by Jon Jones. Executive producer is Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 15, 2025 • 8min
TikTok’s fate: the countdown to a US ban
The ongoing legal battle over TikTok’s future could see the app banned from Sunday. As political and legal pressures mount, TikTok's 170 million American users are left wondering if their beloved platform will survive.To find out more about Tortoise:Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalistsSubscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free contentBecome a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and moreIf 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.

Jan 14, 2025 • 8min
Mark Zuckerberg bows to Donald Trump
Silicon Valley is changing. Big tech executives are looking at another term under Donald Trump and deciding its time for a shake-up. It’s out with the old and in with the new. Writer: Barney MacintyreProducer: Patricia ClarkePhotography: Jon JonesExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 13, 2025 • 8min
How Pokémon Go Powers AI
Niantic, the company behind the game that took the world by storm in 2016, is building a massive geospatial AI model that could end up powering robots – all using player data. The company behind the wildly popular augmented reality game has been quietly helping to train a massive AI model by collecting user data to build a detailed 3D map of the world. While this geospatial model could power innovations like Augmented Reality glasses, there are concerns about privacy and potential uses for military applications.Writer and Producer: Patricia ClarkePhotography: Jon JonesExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 10, 2025 • 6min
Why rising borrowing costs spell trouble for Rachel Reeves
What are bond yields and why does their rise risk derailing the Labour government’s plans for the UK?To find out more about Tortoise:Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalistsSubscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free contentBecome a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and moreIf 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.

Jan 9, 2025 • 8min
The MAGA Effect on South Korea’s Democracy
South Korea faced a major crisis when President Yoon imposed martial law late last year. Why do his supporters rally behind him with American ‘Stop the Steal’ flags?Writer: Eleanor BiggsMix: Casey MagloirePhotography: Jon JonesHost: Casey MagloireExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 8, 2025 • 7min
How do you free a killer whale?
Following the closure of the marine zoo they live in, France's last two captive orcas, Wikie and Keijo, face an uncertain future. Could relocating them to a proposed whale retirement home in Canada be their best option?Writer and producer: Claudia WilliamsExecutive producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 7, 2025 • 7min
Gisèle Pelicot – a historic rape trial
At the end of last year fifty one men went on trial in France in connection with the drugging, rape and assault of 72-year-old Gisele Pelicot. After a trial which lasted nearly four months, all were convicted and sentenced, including her ex-husband. What impact will the case have on French laws round consent?Writer: Serena CesareoProducer: Ada BarumeHost: Claudia WilliamsExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 6, 2025 • 8min
Will 2025 be the breakthrough year for AI adoption?
Despite Silicon Valley promising Artificial Intelligence would revolutionise our daily lives, the reality has been slower to unfold. Writer: Patricia ClarkeProducer: Rebecca MooreHost: Casey Magloire Executive Producer: Matt Russell Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


