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

May 21 · 8 min
How serious is the new Ebola outbreak?
A deadly Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and neighbouring country Uganda has been declared an international public health emergency by the World Health Organisation. How concerned should we be? Host: Ada Barumé Writer & Producer: Amalie Sortland Episode Photography: Joe Mee Executive producer: Jasper Corbett Clip credit: WHO, Associated Press, TeleSUR Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
May 20 · 6 min
Smart glasses: the new era of covert recordings
Meta sold seven million smart glasses in 2025, triple that of the previous two years combined. As smart glasses become cheaper and more widespread, do they present a threat to our privacy? Writer: Jonathan Lewis and April McLennan Producer: Madeleine Parr Host: Jonathan Lewis Episode photography: Joe Mee Executive Producer: Jasper Corbett Clips: Project TV, Mint Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
May 19 · 8 min
Why is the Strait of Hormuz still closed?
While the US and Iran maintained the fragile ceasefire over the weekend, the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important shipping lanes, remains effectively closed. Host: Madeleine Parr Writer & Producer: Amalie Sortland Episode Photography: Sofia Fenton Executive producer: Jasper Corbett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
May 18 · 6 min
Why are elite athletes doping for the Enhanced Games?
The Enhanced Games kicks off on the 24th May, where competitors will be allowed to use performance enhancing drugs. But what is motivating elite athletes to take part? Writer and producer: Ada Barumé Clips: Enhanced Games Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
May 15 · 7 min
Will jet fuel prices ruin your holiday?
The war in Iran, and its aftermath, threatens to cause widespread disruption to airlines while jet fuel prices could make summer holidays more expensive. What could it mean for summer holidays? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
May 14 · 6 min
How worried should we be about hantavirus?
After an outbreak of hantavirus on a cruise ship led to the deaths of three people, health ministers are working to contain the virus. But how concerned should we be about the global health risk? Producer: Madeleine Parr Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
May 13 · 8 min
How are the police using AI?
Police forces across the UK are rapidly expanding their use of AI. How might AI improve policing? Host: Madeleine Parr Writer & Producer: Amalie Sortland Episode Photography: Sofia Fenton Executive producer: Jasper Corbett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
May 12 · 6 min
How much trouble is Keir Starmer in?
After disastrous election results, the Prime Minister is fighting to save his political career. Writer: Poppy Bullard Producer: Amalie Sortland Host: Ada Barumé Episode photography: Sofia Fenton Executive Producer: Jasper Corbett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
May 11 · 8 min
How could the government tackle antisemitism?
Just under a fortnight ago, two Jewish men were stabbed on the street in Golders Green in North London, the latest in a string of attacks against Jewish people. Writer: Madeleine Parr Producer: Amalie Sortland Host: Madeleine Parr Clip Credit: BBC Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
May 8 · 7 min
Why does South Africa have a xenophobia problem?
Videos of mobs of people attacking immigrants in South Africa have gone viral over the past few months. Where is all of this anger coming from? Writer: Seun Matiluko Host: Jonathan Lewis Producer: Matt Russell Clip credits: AfricaWebTV, Reality Street Talk, Sky News, News Central and Newzroom Afrika Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
May 7 · 6 min
How could thousands of miscarriages be prevented?
A long-standing policy in the UK means many women must have three miscarriages before investigations begin. But that’s now set to change. Writer: Seun Matiluko Producer: Amalie Sortland Host: Madeleine Parr Clip Credit: LBC Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
May 6 · 8 min
Why is Elon Musk suing OpenAI?
Tech giant Elon Musk is suing the company he cofounded, OpenAI, as well as his co founders. The dispute hinges on the company’s not for profit status, but what will it mean for the future of AI? Writer: Madeleine Parr Producer: Amalie Sortland Host: Madeleine Parr Clip Credit: CNBC Television, MIT AeroAstro Centennial Symposium Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
May 5 · 8 min
Are stalking cases soaring in Britain?
New data suggests that stalking offences have increased fiftyfold in England and Wales in the last decade. What explains the rise? Writer: Jonathan Lewis Producer: Jonathan Lewis Host: Jonathan Lewis Episode photography: Joe Mee Executive Producer: Poppy Bullard Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
May 1 · 6 min
Will the government’s plan to stop young people smoking work?
A law will make it illegal for people born after 2008 from buying tobacco in the UK Writer: Poppy Bullard Producer: Casey Magloire Host: Casey Magloire Episode photography: Joe Mee Executive Producer: Jasper Corbett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
April 30 · 8 min
Why is the Michael Jackson biopic such a hit?
In cinemas around the world crowds are gathering to sing, and even dance along to the new Micheal Jackson biopic. Does that mean the controversial ‘King of Pop’ is uncancellable? Writer: Ada Barumé and Casey Magloire Producer: Ada Barumé Host: Ada Barumé Clip from Lionsgate trailer of ‘Micheal’ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
April 29 · 8 min
How a sub-2 hour marathon finally happened
Until Sunday, no one in history had run a sub-2 hour marathon. So how did Sabastian Sawe do it? Writer: Jonathan Lewis Producer: Casey Magloire Host: Casey Magloire Episode photography: Executive Producer: Katie Gunning Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
April 28 · 5 min
Why your hayfever is getting worse
Climate change and pollutants are making your allergies worse. But could the health consequences of warming weather be even more serious in the future? Writer: Jonathan Lewis Producer: Casey Magloire Host: Jonathan Lewis Episode photography: Joe Mee Executive Producer: Katie Gunning Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
April 27 · 9 min
Is Ticketmaster ripping off fans?
A jury in the US has won a case against Ticketmaster, claiming that they have monopolised the ticketing industry. What does this mean for concert goers? Writer, producer and Host: Casey Magloire Executive producer: Jasper Corbett Clip credit: NBC News, BBC News Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
April 24 · 7 min
What does Apple’s new CEO tell us about its future?
Apple CEO, Tim Cook, has announced that his successor will be the company's current head of hardware, John Ternus. But what does his appointment tell us about Apple’s strategy for the future in an industry increasingly invested in AI? Writer: Madeleine Parr Producer: Madeleine Parr Host: Jonathan Lewis Clip Credit: CBS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
April 23 · 8 min
Why is Keir Starmer on the ropes?
Keir Starmer finds himself in hot water once again over the appointment of Peter Mandelson. How much danger is he in? Reporter: Cat Neilan Writer: Poppy Bullard Producer: Casey Magloire Host: Casey Magloire Episode photography: Sofia Fenton Executive Producer: Jasper Corbett Clip credit: BBC News, Sky News, Times Radio Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.