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 11, 2026 • 9min
Why are so many people trapped by student debt?
Why the rising cost of repaying student debt could become a big problem for the government?Host: Casey MagloireWriter: Amalie SortlandProducer: Jonathan LewisEpisode Photography: Joe MeeExecutive producer: Jasper Corbett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Feb 10, 2026 • 10min
The politics behind Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl performance
On Sunday night, one of the biggest stars in the world took over the Super Bowl Halftime show, but why was it so controversial? Writer: Casey MagloireProducer: Jess Swinburne Host: Ada Barume Episode photography: Joe MeeExecutive Producer: Matt Russell Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Feb 9, 2026 • 10min
Why are the social media giants on trial?
Top social media companies are facing allegations of designing their websites to be addictive. As the first case goes to trial, what is at stake?Host: Ada Barumé Writer & Producer: Madeleine ParrEpisode Photography: Joe MeeExecutive producer: Matt Russell Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Feb 6, 2026 • 7min
Why does the Peter Mandelson scandal threaten to bring down Starmer?
The fallout from Peter Mandelson's friendship with Jeffrey Epstein is putting Prime Minister Keir Starmer under increasing pressure.Host: Ada Barumé Writer & Producer: Matt RussellEpisode Photography: Joe MeeExecutive producer: Jasper Corbett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Feb 5, 2026 • 10min
Why is surrogacy controversial?
There is a growing demand for surrogacy despite debates surrounding the ethics of it.Host: Casey MagloireWriter & Producer: Amalie SortlandEpisode Photography: Joe MeeExecutive producer: Matt Russell Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Feb 4, 2026 • 8min
Will we see driverless cars on the streets of London this year?
Waymo plans to roll out its driverless taxi service in London by the end of this year. But there are still obstacles the company needs to overcome to put autonomous vehicles on the road. Writer: Jonathan LewisProducer: Amalie SortlandHost: Casey MagloireEpisode photography: Joe MeeExecutive Producer: Jasper Corbett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Feb 3, 2026 • 8min
What’s holding up the assisted dying bill?
The assisted dying bill could be thrown out if it is not passed in the House of Lords by the end of this parliamentary session. Why is it taking so long to be voted through?Writer: Ada BaruméProducer: Jonathan LewisHost: Casey Magloire Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Feb 2, 2026 • 5min
Are British pubs dying?
Glenn Hutchinson, a long-serving landlord who has run the Spinner's Pub for 15 years, talks about life on the pub frontline. He describes rising costs squeezing margins. He explains how he and his wife are covering shifts to stay afloat. He reacts to recent business rates changes and warns many pubs could still close.
Jan 30, 2026 • 7min
The battle for the heart of chess
A look at how the pandemic and a hit TV show supercharged online chess and streaming culture. Tensions flare between streaming personalities and the sport’s traditional establishment. Cheating scandals, high-profile disputes, and a community rift amplify debates about reputation and the future of the game.
Jan 29, 2026 • 8min
Is Trump scaling back ICE’s operations in Minnesota?
Charlotte MacDonald Gibson, a Minneapolis-based journalist reporting on ICE and local policing. She walks through video evidence of the Minneapolis shooting and how footage clashed with official accounts. They cover political pressure for an independent probe, leadership recalls and replacements, and whether those moves truly change enforcement on the ground.
