PODCAST · news
Sensemaker
by 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.
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1000
The business of climbing Everest
An Everest guide was discovered close to death after surviving on the mountainside for six day, after he was left by the rest of his climbing party. What can the incident tells us about safety precautions on the world's tallest mountain?Writer: Ada BaruméProducer: Ada BaruméHost: Ada BaruméClips: [email protected], BBC news Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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999
What’s behind the protests against the Kushner-Trump luxury development in Albania?
Protests in Albania against a planned luxury resort development linked to Ivanka Trump and her husband Jared Kushner may be evolving into a broader political movement.Host: Ada BaruméWriter & Producer: Amalie SortlandEpisode Photography: Sofia FentonExecutive producer: Jasper CorbettClip credits: Reuters, David Senra Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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998
Why are football World Cup tickets so expensive?
Despite assurances that the men's football World Cup would sell out, thousands of tickets are still available on resale sites, at hugely inflated prices.Writer: Poppy BullardProducer: Poppy BullardHost: Ada BarumeEpisode photography: Joe MeeExecutive Producer: Matt Russell Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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997
Why is Ghana criminalising LGBTQ+ people?
In recent years, several African countries have rowed back on LGBTQ+ rights, the latest being Ghana.Writer: Ada BaruméProducer: Amalie SortlandHost: Jonathan Lewis Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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996
Why is Gen Z increasingly discontent with AI?
Booing AI at graduation ceremonies in the US is becoming a trend. What’s behind it?Host: Madeleine ParrWriter & Producer: Amalie SortlandEpisode Photography: Sofia FentonExecutive producer: Matt Russell Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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995
The fallout from the Henry Nowak case
The police’s treatment of Henry Nowak, who was handcuffed after he had been stabbed, has prompted riots in Southampton, and allegations of a two-tier policing system. Writer: Poppy BullardProducer: Poppy BullardHost: Madeleine ParrEpisode photography: Sofia FentonExecutive Producer: Matt Russell Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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994
What is Trump’s endgame in Cuba?
As Donald Trump ramps up pressure on Cuba, the island is facing fuel shortages, economic collapse and mass emigration. But will these threats form the US president back fire? Host: Ada BaruméWriter & Producer: Amalie SortlandEpisode Photography: Joe MeeExecutive producer: Matt Russell Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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993
Why can cold water be so dangerous?
More than a dozen people have died trying to cool off during the May heatwave. When does swimming in cold water become fatal?Writer: Ada BaruméProducer: Ada BaruméHost: Ada BaruméEpisode photography: Joe MeeEditor: Jasper Corbett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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992
The Pope’s AI warning
Last week Pope Leo chose to focus on the dangers of artificial intelligence during his first major teaching. Why did he decide to concentrate on AI?Writer: Jonathan LewisProducer: Jonathan LewisHost: Jonathan LewisEpisode photography: Joe MeeExecutive Producer: Matt Russell Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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991
Will an El Niño event cause even hotter summers?
There are reports of a super El Niño on the way. But what would that mean for the UK and the world's weather? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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990
Peter Murrell’s embezzlement scandal
This week Peter Murrell, the estranged husband of former Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, admitted to embezzling £400,000 from the Scottish National Party.Writer: Poppy BullardProducer: Poppy BullardHost: Madeleine ParrEpisode photography: Joe MeeExecutive Producer: Jasper Corbett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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989
Why is the government pushing for price caps?
Last week, reports emerged that the UK Treasury had discussed with supermarkets the idea of capping prices on staple foods like bread, eggs and milk. But supermarkets pushed back.Host: Jonathan LewisWriter & Producer: Amalie Sortland and Poppy BullardEpisode Photography: Joe MeeExecutive producer: Matt Russell Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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988
Will the UK rejoin the EU?
A decade after Britain voted to leave the European Union, Brexit is again part of the political debate.Host: Ada BaruméWriter & Producer: Amalie SortlandEpisode Photography: Joe MeeExecutive producer: Matt Russell Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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987
Is social media damaging London’s tourist trade?
AI videos depicting London rife with gangs, violence, and crime may be driving overseas tourists away from the capital.Writer: April McLennanProducer: Amalie SortlandHost: Andrew ButlerEpisode photography: Lizzie TuckerExecutive Producer: Jasper CorbettClips: BBC Panorama, NBC News, LBC Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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986
Could the Married at First Sight allegations change the TV industry?
What the Married at First Sight allegations could mean for Channel 4 and the future of reality TV. Writer: Ada BarumeProducer: Katie GunningHost: Madeleine Parr Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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985
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 BaruméWriter & Producer: Amalie SortlandEpisode Photography: Joe MeeExecutive producer: Jasper CorbettClip credit: WHO, Associated Press, TeleSUR Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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984
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 McLennanProducer: Madeleine ParrHost: Jonathan LewisEpisode photography: Joe MeeExecutive Producer: Jasper CorbettClips: Project TV, Mint Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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983
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 ParrWriter & Producer: Amalie SortlandEpisode Photography: Sofia FentonExecutive producer: Jasper Corbett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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982
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 BaruméClips: Enhanced Games Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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981
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.
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980
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.
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979
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 ParrWriter & Producer: Amalie SortlandEpisode Photography: Sofia FentonExecutive producer: Jasper Corbett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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978
How much trouble is Keir Starmer in?
After disastrous election results, the Prime Minister is fighting to save his political career.Writer: Poppy BullardProducer: Amalie SortlandHost: Ada BaruméEpisode photography: Sofia FentonExecutive Producer: Jasper Corbett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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977
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 ParrProducer: Amalie Sortland Host: Madeleine ParrClip Credit: BBC Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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976
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 MatilukoHost: Jonathan LewisProducer: Matt RussellClip credits: AfricaWebTV, Reality Street Talk, Sky News, News Central and Newzroom Afrika Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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975
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 MatilukoProducer: Amalie SortlandHost: Madeleine ParrClip Credit: LBC Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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974
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 ParrProducer: Amalie Sortland Host: Madeleine ParrClip Credit: CNBC Television, MIT AeroAstro Centennial Symposium Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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973
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 LewisProducer: Jonathan LewisHost: Jonathan LewisEpisode photography: Joe MeeExecutive Producer: Poppy Bullard Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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972
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 UKWriter: Poppy BullardProducer: Casey MagloireHost: Casey MagloireEpisode photography: Joe MeeExecutive Producer: Jasper Corbett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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971
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 MagloireProducer: Ada BaruméHost: Ada BaruméClip from Lionsgate trailer of ‘Micheal’ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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970
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 LewisProducer: Casey Magloire Host: Casey MagloireEpisode photography: Executive Producer: Katie Gunning Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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969
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 LewisProducer: Casey MagloireHost: Jonathan LewisEpisode photography: Joe MeeExecutive Producer: Katie Gunning Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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968
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.
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967
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 ParrProducer: Madeleine ParrHost: Jonathan LewisClip Credit: CBS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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966
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 NeilanWriter: Poppy BullardProducer: Casey MagloireHost: Casey MagloireEpisode photography: Sofia FentonExecutive Producer: Jasper CorbettClip credit: BBC News, Sky News, Times Radio Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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965
Why is the UK paying to switch off wind energy?
Wind, solar and nuclear now generate the majority of the UK's energy, but in a bid to promote renewables the government has ended up paying some wind farms to stop generating power, why?Writer: Matt RussellProducer: Ada BaruméClips: Md Blackboi Global Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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964
Trump vs the Pope. What does it mean?
A public clash between Donald Trump and the Pope has exposed tensions inside America’s Christian right. Why does this matter? Writer: Jonathan LewisProducer: Casey MagloireHost: Ada BaruméEpisode photography: Michael Whitaker Executive Producer: Jasper CorbettClips: BBC, 9 New Australia, CNN Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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963
Why do Reform councillors keep quitting the party?
Reform councillors are quitting more than any other party. What is behind the trend and how will it impact the local elections?Writer: Madeleine ParrProducer: Amalie Sortland Host: Casey Magloire Clip Credit: BBC Politics Midlands Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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962
Who really revealed Banksy’s identity?
For years, many people have claimed to know the identity of Banksy, the anonymous British street artist. Now a recent report claims to have finally unmasked him. Could this cause his work to lose some of its value? Writer: Seun MatilukoProducer: Seun MatilukoHost: Casey Magloire Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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961
Why are beta blockers so popular?
Data reveals that young women in the UK are increasingly being prescribed beta blockers. What is behind the trend?Read more here - ‘Magic pill’ beta blocker prescriptions for teenage girls rise 90% in a decadeWriter: Casey Magloire Producer: Casey Magloire Host: Ada BarumeEpisode photography: Joe Mee Executive Producer: Jasper Corbett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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960
Why is Israel continuing to attack Lebanon?
As talks between Israel and Lebanon get underway in Washington, the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited Israeli troops in southern Lebanon to say that the fighting will continue.Host: Ada BaruméWriter & producer: Amalie SortlandEpisode Photography: Joe MeeExecutive producer: Jasper Corbett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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959
The downfall of Europe’s great populist
Viktor Orbán built one of Europe’s most entrenched political systems and still lost. What does Hungary’s election result tell us about how populists can be beaten?Writer: Jonathan LewisProducer: Madeleine Parr Host: Casey Magloire Clip Credit: Sky News Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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958
We’re losing the race to save the emperor penguin
The International Union for Conservation of Nature has placed emperor penguins in the endangered species list with some predicting they could be extinct by the end of the century. Can anything be done to halt their decline?Writer: Jonathan LewisProducer: Amalie SortlandHost: Jonathan LewisEpisode photography: Sofia FentonExecutive Producer: Matt RussellClips: CBS News Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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957
US vs. China: the new space race
Tomorrow morning Artemis II will splash down off the coast of San Diego. What’s next for the $90 billion space programme’s plan to put a human back on the moon?Writer: Jonathan LewisProducer: Madeleine Parr Host: Ada BaruméEpisode photography: Joe MeeExecutive Producer: Matt RussellClips: CNN Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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956
Will the US-Iran ceasefire hold?
Barely an hour before President Donald Trump’s Tuesday deadline to obliterate Iran and its infrastructure, the US and Iran agreed to a two-week ceasefire.Host: Jonathan LewisWriter: Amalie SortlandProducer: Jonathan LewisEpisode Photography: Sofia FentonExecutive producer: Jasper CorbettThis episode is sponsored by Babbel. Get up to 60% off your Babbel subscription at babbel.com/sensemaker Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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955
Why are art heists on the rise?
Over the past two years, there have been major thefts from galleries and museums in the Netherlands, France and Italy. So what’s happening?This episode is sponsored by Babbel. Get up to 60% off your Babbel subscription at babbel.com/sensemaker Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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954
Is shared ownership housing really an affordable option?
Why some people in shared home ownership schemes don’t feel they're as affordable as they seem.Writer: Ada BaruméProducer: Matt RussellHost: Ada BaruméThis episode is sponsored by Babbel. Get up to 60% off your Babbel subscription at babbel.com/sensemaker Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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953
Is the Iran War dividing MAGA?
Is the war in Iran impacting MAGA support for Donald Trump, if so, why? Writer: Casey MagloireProducer: Casey Magloire Host: Ada BarumeEpisode photography: Joe Mee Executive Producer: Matt Russell Clip credit: The Economist, NBC news, Forbes Breaking News, CNN and MS NowThis episode is sponsored by Babbel. Get up to 60% off your Babbel subscription at babbel.com/sensemaker Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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952
How is the Iran war affecting our cost of living?
The impact of the war in Iran is being felt around the world. But how is it affecting the UK? Writer: Ada BaruméProducer: Amalie SortlandHost: Casey MagloireExecutive Producer: Jasper CorbettClip from NBC News.This episode is sponsored by Babbel. Get up to 60% off your Babbel subscription at babbel.com/sensemaker Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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951
The economics of K-pop and BTS
The world’s biggest boyband are back from their hiatus and set to go on a 82-date tour, but what impact will their return to the spotlight have on the Korean economy? Writer: Casey Magloire Producer: Amalie Sortland Host: Ada BaruméEpisode photography: Joe MeeExecutive Producer: Jasper CorbettClips from 9 News Australia, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, NBC News, Asia One News, Channel News Asia, 7NEWS Australia, Bloomberg News. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
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.
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