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 podcasts A daily edition, curated by our editors 7 days a week Puzzles from the inventors of the cryptic crossword Recipes for every occasion Free tickets to join Observer events in our newsroom or online Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
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Why did a Russian warship fire at a British yacht?
A Russian military vessel fired warning shots near a British couple as they sailed across the English channel. Why did it happen and does it matter? Host and writer: Madeleine Parr Producer: Katie Gunning Episode photography: Joe Mee Executive Producer: Jasper Corbett Hosted on Acast. See...
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Will the UK’s social media ban work?
On Monday the Prime Minister announced that the government will be banning social media for all under 16s in the UK. But what does that really mean? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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What’s in the US-Iran deal and will it work?
On Sunday evening, a framework deal between the US and Iran was signed to end the four-month war. Will the deal last? Host: Madeleine Parr Writer & Producer: Amalie Sortland and Poppy Bullard Episode Photography: Joe Mee Executive producer: Jasper Corbett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy…
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How social media is fuelling far-right riots
The UK has seen far-right riots in the wake of two attacks in recent weeks - in Southampton and Belfast. Writer: Poppy Bullard Producer: Poppy Bullard Host: Ada Barume Episode photography: Joe Mee Executive Producer: Jasper Corbett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Who’s behind the Nigel Farage crypto scam?
Last week, X users were flooded with images of Reform UK leader Nigel Farage fighting Andrew Bailey, the Governor of the Bank of England. The images were fake, but what were they trying to achieve? Host: Andrew Butler Writer & Producer: Amalie Sortland Reporter: Patricia Clarke Episode…
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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 Barumé Producer: Ada Barumé Host: Ada Barumé...
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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 Barumé Writer & Producer: Amalie Sortland Episode Photography: Sofia Fenton Executive producer: Jasper Corbett Clip...
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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 Bullard Producer: Poppy Bullard Host: Ada Barume Episode photography: Joe Mee Executive Producer: Matt Russell Hosted on Acast.…
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Why is Ghana criminalising LGBTQ+ people?
In recent years, several African countries have rowed back on LGBTQ+ rights, the latest being Ghana. Writer: Ada Barumé Producer: Amalie Sortland Host: Jonathan Lewis Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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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 Parr Writer & Producer: Amalie Sortland Episode Photography: Sofia Fenton Executive producer: Matt Russell Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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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 Bullard Producer: Poppy Bullard Host: Madeleine Parr Episode photography: Sofia Fenton Executive Producer: Matt...
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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 Barumé Writer & Producer: Amalie Sortland Episode Photography: Joe Mee Executive producer: Matt Russell Hosted…
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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 Barumé Producer: Ada Barumé Host: Ada Barumé Episode photography: Joe Mee Editor: Jasper Corbett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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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 Lewis Producer: Jonathan Lewis Host: Jonathan Lewis Episode photography: Joe Mee Executive Producer: Matt Russell Hosted on Acast....
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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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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 Bullard Producer: Poppy Bullard Host: Madeleine Parr Episode photography: Joe Mee Executive Producer: Jasper Corbett...
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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 Lewis Writer & Producer: Amalie Sortland and Poppy Bullard Episode Photography: Joe Mee Executive...
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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 Barumé Writer & Producer: Amalie Sortland Episode Photography: Joe Mee Executive producer: Matt Russell Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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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 McLennan Producer: Amalie Sortland Host: Andrew Butler Episode photography: Lizzie Tucker Executive Producer: Jasper Corbett Clips: BBC Panorama, NBC News, LBC...
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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 Barume Producer: Katie Gunning Host: Madeleine Parr Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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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...
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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:...
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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...
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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.
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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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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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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.
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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.
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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...
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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...
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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.
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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…
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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...
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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.
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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’...
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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.
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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…
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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 Russell Producer: Ada Barumé Clips: Md Blackboi Global Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for...
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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 Lewis Producer: Casey Magloire Host: Ada Barumé Episode photography: Michael Whitaker Executive Producer: Jasper Corbett Clips: BBC, 9 New Australia, CNN...
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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 Parr Producer: Amalie Sortland Host: Casey Magloire Clip Credit: BBC Politics Midlands Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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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 Matiluko Producer: Seun Matiluko Host: Casey Magloire Hosted on…
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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 decade Writer: Casey Magloire Producer: Casey Magloire Host: Ada Barume Episode photography:...
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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 Barumé Writer & producer: Amalie Sortland Episode Photography: Joe Mee Executive producer:...
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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 Lewis Producer: Madeleine Parr Host: Casey Magloire Clip Credit: Sky News Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for...
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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 Lewis Producer: Amalie Sortland Host: Jonathan Lewis...
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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 Lewis Producer: Madeleine Parr Host: Ada Barumé Episode photography: Joe Mee Executive Producer: Matt Russell Clips…
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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 Lewis Writer: Amalie Sortland Producer: Jonathan Lewis Episode Photography: Sofia Fenton Executive producer: Jasper Corbett…
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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 podcasts
A daily edition, curated by our editors 7 days a week
Puzzles from the inventors of the cryptic crossword
Recipes for every occasion
Free tickets to join Observer events in our newsroom or online
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
HOSTED BY
The Observer
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Sensemaker have?
Sensemaker currently has 1000 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Sensemaker about?
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 podcasts A daily edition, curated by our editors 7 days a week...
How often does Sensemaker release new episodes?
Sensemaker releases new episodes frequently with a large back catalog of 1000 episodes. Check the episode list for recent publication dates.
Where can I listen to Sensemaker?
You can listen to Sensemaker on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Sensemaker?
Sensemaker is created and hosted by The Observer.
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