Sensemaker

In recent years, an increasing number of women - including Nicola Packer - have been investigated and put on trial for illegally ending their pregnancy.Writer: Phoebe Davis If you’d like to read more of Phoebe’s interview with Nicola Packer, click here. Producer: Karla PatellaHost: Casey MagloireEpisode photography: Joe MeePhotograph: Sonja HorsmanExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The much-hyped EU-UK summit has resulted in a deal that the Government says will improve “jobs, bills and borders”. But has Labour been too cautious?Writer: Cat NeilanProducer: Karla PatellaHost: Casey MagloireExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The trial of Sean Combs has finished hearing testimony from the prosecution's main witness: the singer and Combs’ ex-partner Cassie Ventura. Contact the National Domestic Abuse Helpline by calling their 24-hour freephone on 0808 2000 247 or visiting https://www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk/  Writer: Stephen Armstrong Producer: Karla Patella Host: Tomini Babs Episode photography: Alex Jones Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why cinema is leaning heavily on the appeal of screening hit television shows.Writer: Vanessa ThorpeProducer: Jonathan LewisHost: Claudia WilliamsEpisode photography: Alex JonesExecutive Producer: Jasper CorbettTo find out more about The Observer:Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free contentHead to our website observer.co.uk Download 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 contact [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A recent survey suggests Gen Z is fuelling a resurgence in church attendance, especially among Catholics. Why? Writer: Jess SwinburneProducer: Ada BaruméPhotography: Joe MeeExecutive Producer: Jasper Corbett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The presidency and personal gain now go hand in hand – and no one has been able to do anything about it.Writer: Patricia ClarkeProducer: Ada BaruméHost: Casey Magloire Photography: Joe MeeExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The last living American hostage has been released from Gaza following direct talks between the US and Hamas. It comes as Israel prepares for a military occupation of the territory, moving the population and taking control of food and aid distribution.Writer: Chloe HadjimatheouProducer: Karla PatellaHost: Claudia WilliamsExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When armed gunmen attacked holiday makers in the Himalayas it reignited a decades-old conflict. Writer and producer: Katie GunningPhotography: Joe MeeExecutive producer: Jasper Corbett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Musicians are worried about big tech companies using their work to train AI models. But a group of musicians has come out fighting with an attempt to defend their art. How does it work? Writer: James TapperProducer: Casey MagloireHost: Tomini BabsEpisode photography: Joe MeeExecutive Producer: Matt Russell Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Donald Trump vowed to tighten borders and deport en masse. Now over 100 days in, his administration races to deliver on sweeping immigration promises. Is he succeeding?Writer: Serena CesareoProducer: Serena CasareoHost: Claudia WilliamsExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This year’s red carpet bonanza celebrated Black tailoring and rejected Trump-era masculinity in a rare moment of defiance.Writer: Stephen Armstrong Producer: Karla Patella Host: Tomini Babs Episode photography: Joe Mee Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The results from last week’s local elections show that Nigel Farage’ party is now the most popular choice for gen X women.Writer: Rachel SylvesterProducer: Ada BaruméHost: Casey MagloireEpisode photography: Joe MeeExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Underfunded councils are turning parks into festival grounds to raise cash but this is transforming the meaning of public space in cities.Writer: Stephen Armstrong Producer: Rebecca Moore Host: Claudia Williams Episode photography: Joe Mee Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Weight loss drugs can be transformative for people who have struggled with obesity. But with a spike in hospital admissions experiencing adverse reactions to the drugs, should we be doing more to regulate this growing market? Writer: James TapperProducer: Ada BaruméHost: Tomini Babs Executive producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tristan Tate is far less well-known than his notorious brother, Andrew. New evidence suggests he holds a central role in their alleged criminality. Writer: Phoebe Davis Producer: Katie GunningHost: Casey MagloireEpisode photography: Joe MeeExecutive Producer: Jasper CorbettThe 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 website observer.co.uk Download 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 contact [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The judges had to decide what the words ‘man’, ‘woman’ and ‘sex’ meant in the Equality Act. They decided that they referred to biological sex. It will have an effect on how trans people access services and single-sex spaces.Writer: Jess SwinburneProducer: Katie GunningPhotography: Joe MeeExecutive Producer: Rebecca MooreThe 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 website observer.co.uk Download 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 contact [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Since December 2024, a run of scientific papers has illustrated AI’s capacity for deception. Deep learning pioneer Yoshua Bengio says the consequences could be existential.Writer: Patricia ClarkeProducer: Ada BaruméHost: Tomini BabsPhotography: Joe MeeExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

North Korean soldiers are fighting and dying in combat in Ukraine. Ukrainian intelligence estimates about 60% of the shells fired by the Russian army were provided by North Korea. What does it say about Vladimir Putin that he had to turn to Kim Jong Un for help?Writer: Matt Russell with additional reporting by Nina Kuryata and Claudia Williams.Producer: Rebecca MooreHost: Tomini BabsPhotography: Joe MeeExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Young adults are swapping nightclubs for run clubs. The number of 20-29 year olds registering for the London marathon is up  86 per cent in the past three years.Writer: Andrew ButlerProducer: Serena CesareoHost: Tomini BabsEpisode photography: Alex JonesExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For many Catholics Pope Francis will be remembered as a man determined to overthrow tradition, challenge privilege and speak up for those who were not heard. But he became head of the Catholic church at a time when the institution was plagued by widespread accusations of sexual abuse. For the victims of catholic priests, did he deliver justice?  Writer: Stephen Armstrong Producer: Matt Russell Host: Tomini Babs Episode photography: Joe Mee Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The world’s richest university is mounting the first serious fightback against the Trump administration. Who will blink first?  Writer: Stephen Armstrong Producer: Casey Magloire Host: Casey Magloire Episode photography: Alex Jones Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If your ‘for you page’ is suddenly full of dieting tips and before and after pictures, you might be on the receiving end of a resurgence of ‘thin-spiration’ on social media. But what’s behind this comeback? And who is being impacted? Writer: Ada BaruméProducer: Casey MagloirePhotography: Roisin SavageExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The standoff between Birmingham’s bin workers and the council is entering its fifth week as the latest pay offer was rejected. The Unite union says the dispute could spread to other areas of the country. . Writer: Jess SwinburneProducer: Casey MagloirePhotography: Roisin SavageExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

MPs were recalled to Westminster early on Saturday and passed an emergency legislation that allowed the UK government to seize control of British Steel, after its Chinese owner appeared to threaten closure. How did we get here? And why has steel-making in the UK become an issue of national security? Writer: Serena CesareoProducer: Casey MagloireHost: Tomini BabsEpisode photography: Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The President has imposed a 145 per cent tariff on Chinese imports to America but has hinted smartphones could be exempt.Writer: Xavier GreenwoodProducer: Patricia ClarkeHost: Claudia WilliamsExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This weekend the Met Office declared the south of England experienced what it called a ‘pollen bomb.’ Why is hay fever season starting earlier, lasting longer and the symptoms are becoming more intense? Writer: Jonathan LewisProducer: Jonathan LewisHost: Tomini BabsEpisode photography: Alex JonesExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When a 64-year-old woman was fined for holding a sign outside a UK abortion clinic, it sparked international backlash - including from organised, Christian activists in America and the US government. Writer: Phoebe Davis Producer: Serena CesareoHost: Tomini BabsEpisode photography: Alex JonesExecutive Producer: Matt Russell Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tortoise has identified almost 300 influencers who are spreading misleading content about climate change that ranges from scepticism to misinformation. One of their false claims is that global warming is caused by an underwater volcano that erupted off the coast of TongaTo read more about Tortoise’s Hot Air project click here. Writer: Bex SanderProducer: Casey Magloire Host: Claudia Williams Episode photography: Alex Jones and Pununu Tukuafu, Tonga Geological Services.Executive Producer: Rebecca MooreImage credit: Pununu Tukuafu, Tonga Geological Services Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Donald Trump's tariffs have caused chaos across international markets, but how does this impact your personal pensions and savings?Writer: Barney MacintyreHost: Tomini BabsProducer: Casey Magloire Executive Producer: Matt Russell Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The United Nations has accused Israel of killing 15 rescue workers in Gaza. How has a video uncovered this weekend discredited the Israeli military’s version of events?Writer: Chloe HadjimatheouProducer: Ada BarumeHost: Claudia WilliamsExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

AI-generated movie trailers are tricking fans into thinking they’re the real deal. How are some studios balancing the free publicity with debates over content created by artificial intelligence? To read more about Jake Kanter’s investigation into AI trailers in Hollywood for Deadline, click here.Writer: Aleena Augustine Producer: Gary MarshallHost: Tomini Babs Episode photography: Roisin Savage Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore To find out more about Tortoise:Download the Tortoise app – for a listening experience curated by our journalistsSubscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free contentBecome a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and moreIf 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 [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

President Trump has ordered the federal government to scrap its diversity, equity and inclusion policies. One man in the White House has been plotting this for years. Writer: Stephen ArmstrongAdditional reporting: Ada BaruméProducer: Patricia Clarke Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Since Israel resumed its military offensive in Gaza, hundreds of children have been killed. Israeli airstrikes have also killed aid workers and a new siege has been blocking all humanitarian and commercial goods entering the Strip.Writer: Serena CesareoProducer: Serena CasareoHost: Casey MagloireExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Myanmar is reeling from the aftershocks of a 7.7 magnitude earthquake and the death toll keeps rising. With a civil war still raging alongside the devastation, how is the violence hampering the recovery effort?Writer: Ada BarumeProducer: Casey MagloireHost: Tomini BabsExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A group of researchers at a remote Antarctic base faces unexpected conflict. With conditions meaning rescue is near impossible, how did things go so wrong?Writer: Gary MarshallProducer: Rebecca MooreHost: Tomini Babs Episode photography: Roisin SavageExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Buy now, pay later platforms like Klarna have become a go-to payment option for millions, offering flexibility in tough economic times. But as debt piles up and regulation looms, is this convenience coming at too high a cost? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stephen Graham’s new four-part series has sparked a national conversation about the crisis facing young men, social media and the manosphere.Writer: Elaine McCalligHost: Tomini BabsEpisode Photography: Roisin SavageExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rachel Reeves has set out her plans for the UK’s economy in her spring statement. What state are the country’s finances in? And was cutting welfare benefits the only way of balancing the books? Writer: Barney Macintyre Producer: Xavier GreenwoodHost: Claudia WilliamsExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The US President’s actions towards South Africa seem driven by more than land laws. Could they be part of a broader narrative about race, power, and fear?Writer: Ada Barumé Producer: Ada BaruméHost: Claudia WilliamsExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Measles is spreading in Texas and shows no signs of slowing down. What does this outbreak tell us about the state of public health in the US and where does it go from here?Writer: Jess SwinburneProducer: Jess SwinburnePhotography: Roisin SavageExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Israel has resumed its military offensive in Gaza, killing hundreds of people following the collapse of the ceasefire deal with Hamas. Already suffering from food and medical shortages, how are Gazans surviving?Why has Israel started bombing Gaza again? Click here to listen to our previous episode: lnk.to/QsqUkGWriter: Chloe Hadjimatheou Host: Tomini BabsExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Israel has resumed heavy airstrikes on Gaza. Why has Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu decided to break the ceasefire deal now? Writer: Lilly CheslawProducer: Serena CesareoHost: Tomini BabsExecutive Producer: Rebecca MooreSecure your privacy with Surfshark! Go to https://surfshark.com/sensemaker for 4 extra months of Surfshark. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The 100ft wave is a big wave surfing milestone that was supposed to be impossible. Now, a young surfer from California is rumoured to have achieved it, breaking the official world record at the same time. The problem? Nobody can agree how big the wave was. Writer: Claudia Williams, with additional reporting by Ada BaruméProducer: Casey MagloireHost: Claudia WilliamsSecure your privacy with Surfshark! Go to https://surfshark.com/sensemaker for 4 extra months of Surfshark. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In Labour’s most controversial move since taking office last summer, the government this week set out plans to reform the UK’s welfare system. But will it actually achieve the joint aims of saving money and getting more people back into work?Writer: Cat NeilanProducer: Casey MagloireHost: Casey Magloire Executive Producer: Rebecca MooreEpisode Photography: Roisín Savage Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

President Trump’s promise to stop the war in Ukraine may be more tricky to pull off than he hoped. Ukraine has agreed to pause the fighting and sit at the negotiating table but so far there’s little sign that the Russian  President is willing to even entertain a ceasefire. Is there any chance Trump can pull off this peace deal?Writer: Chloe HadjimatheouProducer: Ada BaruméHost: Claudia Williams Executive producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Not long ago Manchester United was the biggest name in global football, now the club is having its worst season in thirty years and one of its owners claimed it nearly went bust towards the end of last year.  How did things get so bad and is it recoverable?  Writer: Jasper Corbet Producer: Matt Russell Host: Claudia WilliamsEpisode photography: Roisin Savage Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Syria’s President Ahmed al-Sharaa, will be hoping his new deal with Kurdish forces, which control an oil rich region in the northeast, will send a message that his government represents all Syrians. Will the agreement steer the country away from civil war?Writer: Chloe HadjimatheouProducer: Ada BaruméHost: Tomini BabsExecutive producer: Jasper Corbett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Tate brothers left Romania for the US despite facing serious criminal charges. What does this mean for the women bringing cases against the brothers?Secure your privacy with Surfshark! Go to https://surfshark.com/sensemaker for 4 extra months of Surfshark.Writer: Phoebe Davis Producer: Casey MagloireHost: Tomini BabsEpisode photography: Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

More and more people are obsessed with books about love stories set in fantasy worlds. What's the appeal?Writer: Aleena AugustineProducer: Xavier GreenwoodHost: Tomini BabsEpisode photography: Roisín SavageExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Donald Trump froze most of America’s foreign aid funding and is dismantling the US Agency for International Development. How is this affecting the millions of people who rely on USAID to survive?Writer: Serena CesareoProducer: Serena CesareoHost: Tomini BabsExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.