Sensemaker

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 MagloireHost: Claudia WilliamsEpisode photography: Joe MeeExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What's behind an Israeli military operation and surging settler violence in the West Bank following the Gaza ceasefire?Writer: Lilly CheslawProducer: Katie GunningExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 MacintyreProducer: Patricia ClarkeExecutive Producer: Jasper Corbett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 MagloirePhotography: Joe MeeHost: Claudia Williams Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 NeilanProducer: Ada BaruméHost: Claudia Williams Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 BaruméHost: Tomini BabsExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 CesareoProducer: Serena CasareoHost: Tomini BabsExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 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.

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 ButlerProducer: Casey MagloirePhotography: Joe MeeHost: Tomini Babs Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Donald Trump is sworn in for his second term as President of the United States. What did his Inauguration Address tell us about the direction he is setting for America and the world – from immigration and climate change to the future of Ukraine?Writer: David TaylorProducer: Rebecca MooreHost: Tomini Babs Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This month, the UK government vowed to crack down on explicit AI deepfakes by going after the people who create them. But the story of a popular “nudify” app highlights why tackling the issue is so challenging.Writer: Patricia ClarkeProducer: Patricia ClarkePhotography: Joe MeeExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After 15 months of conflict, could this week’s ceasefire deal mark the beginning of the end of one of the deadliest wars in modern history?Writers: Lilly Cheslaw and Rebecca Moore.Producer: Katie Gunning. Photographer: Joe Mee. Executive producer: Jasper Corbett.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Offshore windfarms are powerful generators of clean energy and are a key part of Labour’s green energy pledge. But these colossal turbines can blind the UK’s defence systems. What does this mean, and what can be done about it?This episode was written by Elaine McCallig Mixed by Casey Magloire.Photography by Jon Jones. Executive producer is Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The ongoing legal battle over TikTok’s future could see the app banned from Sunday. As political and legal pressures mount, TikTok's 170 million American users are left wondering if their beloved platform will survive.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.

Silicon Valley is changing. Big tech executives are looking at  another term under Donald Trump and deciding its time for a shake-up. It’s out with the old and in with the new. Writer: Barney MacintyreProducer: Patricia ClarkePhotography: Jon JonesExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Niantic, the company behind the game that took the world by storm in 2016, is building a massive geospatial AI model that could end up powering robots – all using player data. The company behind the wildly popular augmented reality game has been quietly helping to train a massive AI model by collecting user data to build a detailed 3D map of the world. While this geospatial model could power innovations like Augmented Reality glasses, there are concerns about privacy and potential uses for military applications.Writer and Producer: Patricia ClarkePhotography: Jon JonesExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What are bond yields and why does their rise risk derailing the Labour government’s plans for the UK?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.

South Korea faced a major crisis when President Yoon imposed martial law late last year. Why do his supporters rally behind him with American ‘Stop the Steal’ flags?Writer: Eleanor BiggsMix: Casey MagloirePhotography: Jon JonesHost: Casey MagloireExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Following the closure of the marine zoo they live in, France's last two captive orcas, Wikie and Keijo, face an uncertain future. Could relocating them to a proposed whale retirement home in Canada be their best option?Writer and producer: Claudia WilliamsExecutive producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

At the end of last year fifty one men went on trial in France in connection with the drugging, rape and assault of 72-year-old Gisele Pelicot. After a trial which lasted nearly four months, all were convicted and sentenced, including her ex-husband. What impact will the case have on French laws round consent?Writer: Serena CesareoProducer: Ada BarumeHost: Claudia WilliamsExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Despite Silicon Valley promising Artificial Intelligence would revolutionise our daily lives, the reality has been slower to unfold. Writer: Patricia ClarkeProducer: Rebecca MooreHost: Casey Magloire Executive Producer: Matt Russell Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If 2023 was the year weight-loss injections such as Ozempic or WeGovy took over Hollywood, then 2024 was the year they went global. What does that mean for Novo Nordisk, the Danish company making them? And can it live up to the hype?Writer: Claudia WilliamsProducer: Claudia WilliamsPhotography: Joe MeeExecutive producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The King's first full year on the throne has been marked by his illness. Along with that of his daughter-in-law, Catherine, Princess of Wales. What does this year tell us about the state of the royal family?Writer: Xavier GreenwoodProducer: Xavier GreenwoodPhotography: Lola WilliamsExecutive producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How England cricket’s greatest batter got even better in 2024. Writer: Andrew Butler.Producer: Lola WilliamsPhotography: Lola Williams Executive producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The tradwife movement, led by influencers like Nara Smith, sparked intense online debate throughout 2024, particularly following Donald Trump's presidential election victory. What does it tell us about the year?Writer: Jess SwinburneProducer: Jess SwinburneHost: Casey Magloire Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Belfast rap trio has taken the world by storm. But who are they and how have they managed to capture the zeitgeist?Writer: Elaine McCalligProducer: Casey Magloire Photography: Jon JonesExecutive producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How the fallout from the TV show sparked a nearly two hundred million dollar lawsuit. Thanks for listening to the Sensemaker.This episode was written and mixed by Eleanor Biggs.Photography by Jon Jones. The executive producer is Rebecca Moore. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How a young woman from Gaza who chronicled life in the Strip after October 7th and became one of the most influential women in the world. Writer: Chloe HadjimatheouProducer: Gary MarshallHost: Tomini BabsExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In 2024, Chappell Roan went from relative obscurity to playing to some of the biggest crowds in festival history. What toll did this meteoric rise take on her?Writer: Katie RileyProducer: Katie GunningPhotography: Lola WilliamsHost: Casey MagloireExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Post Office scandal was one of the largest miscarriages of justice in the UK with hundreds of people wrongly prosecuted for theft or false accounting. So why did it take an ITV drama to bring about change? Writer: Sophie FentonProducer: Tomini BabsHost: Tomini BabsExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For the first time ever, the top ten grossing films of the year are all sequels. What does this tell us about the film industry? Has Hollywood run out of new ideas?Writer: Casey MagloireProducer: Casey MagloireHost: Tomini BabsExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The man accused of killing the UnitedHealthcare CEO, Brian Thompson, is alleged to have used an untraceable 3D-printed firearm. What is that and why is it so controversial?Writer: Xavier GreenwoodProducer: Xavier GreenwoodExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Mark McDonald announced he is trying to bring Lucy Letby’s case back to the Court of Appeal. What reasons does he give for believing the circumstances have changed since her initial trial?Writer: Phoebe DavisProducer: Claudia WilliamsExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Saudi Arabia has been awarded the tournament despite widespread concerns about human rights violations and environmental issues. What does this tell us about the changing face of global football?Writer: Andrew ButlerPhotography: Joe MeeHost: Tomini BabsExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A new cryptocurrency linked to the identity of Luigi Mangione, the suspected killer of Brian Thompson, has reached a market value of $76 million.Writer: Barney MacintyreProducer: Matt RussellPhotography: Joe MeeHost: Claudia WilliamsExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

 Billionaire rapper Jay-Z is the first celebrity to be named as a co-defendent in an allegation concerning Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs. Jay-Z vehemently denies the allegation - that he raped a 13 year old girl in 2000 along with Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs. Jay-Z’s legal team has sued the attorney who filed the claim against him. So who is the lawyer bringing multiple lawsuits against Sean Combs and his associates?Writer: Eleanor BiggsPhotography: Jon JonesHost: Claudia WilliamsExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The ousting of Syria’s Bashar al-Assad has revealed the full scale of how he used the prison system to lock up, torture and execute his opponents.  What do we now know about what went on?   Producer: Eleanor BiggsPhotography: Jon JonesHost: Tomini BabsExecutive producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tech billionaire Elon Musk and property tycoon Nick Candy have been named as considering multi-million-pound contributions, which could change the face of British politics forever. Reform could become the best-funded political party in the UK. Writer: Cat Neilan.Producer: Katie Gunning.Photography: Jon Jones. 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.

France’s government has been toppled, making Michel Bernier the shortest serving prime minister in the history of the modern French Republic. What does it mean for France – and the rest of Europe? Writer: Claudia WilliamsProducer: Claudia WilliamsPhotography: Jon JonesExecutive producer: Rebecca MooreTo 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.

For more than half a century, the Assad family ruled Syria with brutality and repression. It took less than two weeks for rebels to bring that rule to an end. What does this mean for Syria and the region? Writer: Xavier GreenwoodProducer: Xavier GreenwoodHost: Claudia WilliamsPhotography: Jon JonesExecutive Producer: Jasper Corbett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

MPs voted in favour of proposals to legalise assisted dying in England and Wales. The bill has many more stages to pass before it becomes law. So what happens next? Writer: Phoebe DavisProducer: Casey MagloireExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The carmaker behind Fiat, Jeep, and Citroën says the closure of its Vauxhall factory in Luton is due to new zero-emission policies. But is that the full story?Writers: Barney MacintyreProducer: Matt RussellHost: Casey MagloireExecutive Producer: Rebecca MooreTo 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.

In just 24 hours President Assad’s forces just “melted away” in Syria’s second biggest city. How did the rebels seize control and what might Assad do in response? Writer: Chloe HadjimatheouProducer: Gary MarshallHost: Tomini BabsExecutive Producer: Rebecca MooreTo 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.

A banana taped to the wall with duct tape sold at a Christie’s auction for $6.2 million to a cryptobillionaire. At the same auction, a Henri Matisse remained unsold. What does this sale tell us about the state of the art market? Writer: Jess SwinburneProducer: Casey MagloireHost: Tomini BabsExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Vladimir Putin has threatened to deploy more Oreshnik missiles against Ukraine. He boasted that they’re equipped with multiple warheads and have destructive power comparable to a nuclear strike.Writer: Nina KuryataProducer: Eleanor BiggsHost: Casey MagloireExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Singer-songwriter Kate Nash has hit the headlines for starting an OnlyFans account to pay for her tour. She says that selling pictures of her butt online is the only way she can make money in an economic landscape that squeezes musicians. Writer: Eleanor BiggsProducer: Casey MagloirePhotography: Joe MeeHost: Tomini BabsExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The House of Lords rarely gets much scrutiny, either by the media or the public. A team of Tortoise journalists has put a spotlight on the UK’s second chamber and asks whether some of its members are working for us or themselves?Writer: Cat NeilanProducer: Katie GunningEpisode photography: Joe MeeExecutive producer: Jasper CorbettTo 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.

Gynaecology waiting lists are at a record high in England and Wales, with over three-quarters of a million people waiting to be treated. How did it get this bad?Writer: Phoebe DavisProducer: Patricia ClarkeEpisode photography: Jon JonesExecutive producer: Rebecca MooreTo 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.

30 million people have signed up to use Replika, “the AI companion who cares”. The chatbot can text you, flirt with you, and promises to love you unconditionally. But what are the risks that come with loving an AI?This story was supported by the Pulitzer Center. Writer and producer: Patricia ClarkeEpisode photography: Jon JonesExecutive producer: Rebecca MooreTo 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.

For nearly two months, the Israeli army has encircled cities in the north of the Gaza Strip. Experts warn Israeli settlements could be established there within the next few weeks. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.