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PODCAST

Sensemaker

The Sensemaker from The Observer - one story every day to make sense of the world.To find out more about The Observer:Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free contentHead to our websiteobserver.co.ukDownload the Tortoise app – for a listening experience curated by our journalistsIf you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contacthello@tortoisemedia.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for

news news commentary

All Episodes

8:44

How Nasa is tracking the “city-killer” asteroid

Sensemaker ·

2025/03/03

The risk of a large asteroid hitting Earth in 2032 has dropped to nearly zero – but it could still hit the moon. Nasa’s Acting Planetary Defense Officer explains how her team is assessing the risk.Reporter: Patricia ClarkeProducer: Patricia ClarkeHost: Claudia WilliamsExecutive Producer: Rebecca MoorePhotography: Joe Mee Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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8:10

Is Anora the most radical film at this year’s Oscars?

Sensemaker ·

2025/02/28

This year’s Oscars are more political than ever, with Anora being the critics’ favorite for Best Picture. But could its portrayal of sex work signal a real shift in Hollywood’s attitude, or is it just another fleeting moment?Writer: Stephen ArmstrongProducer: Ada BaruméHost: Tomini BabsEpisode photography: Joe MeeExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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8:19

Trump’s purge of the military

Sensemaker ·

2025/02/27

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 GreenwoodHost: Casey MagloireExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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7:51

Is the rise of Germany’s far-right a wake-up call for...

Sensemaker ·

2025/02/26

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 MagloireHost: Claudia WilliamsExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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8:38

Is Trump trading peace for Ukraine’s minerals?

Sensemaker ·

2025/02/25

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.

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8:32

How are M23 rebels and mineral smuggling driving...

Sensemaker ·

2025/02/24

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.

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6:42

Melania Trump v Anna Wintour: Who Really Holds the...

Sensemaker ·

2025/02/21

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 WilliamsExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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9:03

Are Elon Musk’s politics hurting Tesla?

Sensemaker ·

2025/02/20

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.

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7:56

Why are at-home rape kits being offered to university...

Sensemaker ·

2025/02/19

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 DavisProducer: Casey MagloireHost: Casey MagloireEpisode photography: Lola WilliamsExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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7:05

Is America changing course on Ukraine?

Sensemaker ·

2025/02/18

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.

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9:03

Should a writer’s intimate diary be published after...

Sensemaker ·

2025/02/17

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.

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7:00

Why is Labour taking a harder line on immigration?

Sensemaker ·

2025/02/14

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.

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8:57

Who stole ancient treasures from the Drents Museum?

Sensemaker ·

2025/02/13

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 BabsEpisode photography: Joe MeeExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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7:41

Who is really in charge of America: Elon Musk or...

Sensemaker ·

2025/02/12

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 GreenwoodProducer: Casey MagloireExecutive producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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7:27

Emilia Perez: from Oscar darling to controversy magnet

Sensemaker ·

2025/02/11

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.

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6:06

Master: Lawsuit filed against Neil Gaiman and Amanda...

Sensemaker ·

2025/02/10

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.

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8:53

Is Trump serious about taking over Gaza?

Sensemaker ·

2025/02/07

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.

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8:15

Why did dozens of miners die underground in South...

Sensemaker ·

2025/02/06

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.

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7:22

Is Rachel Reeves's Heathrow expansion a green...

Sensemaker ·

2025/02/05

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.

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7:45

How DeepSeek shook Wall Street

Sensemaker ·

2025/02/04

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.

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1,238 results

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