Sensemaker

The Observer

The Sensemaker from The Observer - one story every day to make sense of the world.

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1,388 episodes
Updated June 19

Episodes1388

Newest first

Feb 17, 2025 · 9 min
Should a writer’s intimate diary be published after their death?
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 McCallig Producer: Casey Magloire Photography: Joe Mee Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Feb 14, 2025 · 7 min
Why is Labour taking a harder line on immigration?
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 Cesareo Producer: Serena Casareo Host: Tomini Babs Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Feb 13, 2025 · 8 min
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 Williams Producer: Casey Magloire Host: Tomini Babs Episode photography: Joe Mee Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Feb 12, 2025 · 7 min
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 Magloire Executive producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Feb 11, 2025 · 7 min
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 Barume Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Feb 10, 2025 · 6 min
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 Magloire Executive Producer: Matt Russell Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Feb 7, 2025 · 8 min
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 · 8 min
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 Mee The executive producer is Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Feb 5, 2025 · 7 min
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?
Feb 4, 2025 · 7 min
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 Clarke Producer: Patricia Clarke Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore Photography: Joe Mee Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Feb 3, 2025 · 9 min
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 Magloire Host: Claudia Williams Episode photography: Joe Mee Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jan 31, 2025 · 10 min
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 Cheslaw Producer: Katie Gunning Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jan 30, 2025 · 6 min
Trapped by the lifetime ISA: a costly catch for first-time buyers
Many young people saw the Lifetime ISA as their ticket onto the housing ladder. But with soaring property prices and a rigid price cap, thousands are now facing unexpected penalties - some are losing thousands in government withdrawal fees. Writer: Barney Macintyre Producer: Patricia Clarke Executive Producer: Jasper Corbett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jan 29, 2025 · 6 min
Why did Donald Trump pardon a convicted "drug kingpin"?
Donald Trump has pardoned Ross Ulbricht, the creator of the Silk Road, a dark web marketplace that facilitated drug sales using Bitcoin. What does his freedom tell us about the future of cryptocurrency? Writers: Xavier Greenwood Producer: Casey Magloire Photography: Joe Mee Host: Claudia Williams Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jan 28, 2025 · 8 min
Can redefining terrorism stop the lone wolf threat?
In the wake of the Southport murders, the UK Government is reviewing its terrorism strategy and considering adopting a broader definition. But will this stop lone wolf attacks in the future? Writer: Cat Neilan Producer: Ada Barumé Host: Claudia Williams Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jan 27, 2025 · 8 min
Hopes and fears for a new Syria
For the first time since 2000, Syria has ushered in a new year without President Assad as their autocratic head of state. But what's next for the country? Two Syrians share their hopes and fears for the future. Writer: Ada Barumé Producer: Ada Barumé Host: Tomini Babs Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jan 24, 2025 · 7 min
Will Trump succeed in deporting millions?
Before last year’s election Donald Trump vowed to carry out the biggest mass deportations in American history, targeting millions of undocumented immigrants from day one of his presidency. Five days since his inauguration… does it look like he will succeed? Writer: Serena Cesareo Producer: Serena Casareo Host: Tomini Babs Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jan 23, 2025 · 9 min
The Prince, the press, and the payout
Yesterday Prince Harry settled his long-running legal battle with Rupert Murdoch’s newspaper group. It’s being hailed as a victory for the royal, but who has actually won? To find out more about Tortoise: Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and more If 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 22, 2025 · 9 min
Should England’s cricketers boycott Afghanistan?
The England men’s cricket team faces calls to boycott an upcoming match against Afghanistan in protest of the Taliban’s oppressive policies, particularly their human rights abuses against women and girls. But should athletes be forced to take a stand? Writers: Phoebe Davis and Andrew Butler Producer: Casey Magloire Photography: Joe Mee Host: Tomini Babs Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jan 21, 2025 · 9 min
The second age of Trump
Donald Trump’s political comeback is complete. What did his Inauguration Speech tell us about what’s to come in the next four years?