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Sensemaker

The Observerobserver.co.uk

The 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 content

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If 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 hello@tortoisemedia.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Episodes

Ep 513: What next for the UK’s space industry?

An historic mission to launch satellites from UK soil into orbit has failed. What does it mean for the country’s space race? Tortoise is a news start-up devoted to slow journalism. We take our time to tell stories that really matter. If you want more slow and considered journalism, you can become a member of Tortoise to get access to more of our stories, contribute to our journalism and join exclusive events. Just go to tortoisemedia.com/friend and use the code Tomini50 to get a year's digital m...

Jan 12, 20237 minSeason 1Ep. 513

Ep 512: Is Prince Harry winning?

Prince Harry has made a series of extraordinary claims about the British royal family. But what is he trying to achieve and is he succeeding? Tortoise is a news start-up devoted to slow journalism. We take our time to tell stories that really matter. If you want more slow and considered journalism, you can become a member of Tortoise to get access to more of our stories, contribute to our journalism and join exclusive events. Just go to tortoisemedia.com/friend and use the code Tomini50 to get a...

Jan 11, 20236 minSeason 1Ep. 512

Ep 511: Riots in Brazil’s Congress

On Sunday, thousands of protesters supporting former president Jair Bolsonaro stormed Brazil's parliamentary buildings. How much is Bolsonaro to blame? Tortoise is a news start-up devoted to slow journalism. We take our time to tell stories that really matter. If you want more slow and considered journalism, you can become a member of Tortoise to get access to more of our stories, contribute to our journalism and join exclusive events. Just go to tortoisemedia.com/friend and use the code Tomini5...

Jan 10, 20237 minSeason 1Ep. 511

Ep: 510 Andrew Tate arrested

Controversial influencer Andrew Tate has been arrested in Romania as part of an investigation into allegations of human trafficking and rape. Is it the end of his online influence? Tortoise is a news start-up devoted to slow journalism. We take our time to tell stories that really matter. If you want more slow and considered journalism, you can become a member of Tortoise to get access to more of our stories, contribute to our journalism and join exclusive events. Just go to tortoisemedia.com/fr...

Jan 09, 20236 minSeason 1Ep. 510

Ep 509: China’s Covid numbers

The World Health Organisation has accused China of underrepresenting the severity of its Covid outbreak and the real number of deaths. What do we know about what's really happening? Tortoise is a news start-up devoted to slow journalism. We take our time to tell stories that really matter. If you want more slow and considered journalism, you can become a member of Tortoise to get access to more of our stories, contribute to our journalism and join exclusive events. Just go to tortoisemedia.com/f...

Jan 06, 20237 minSeason 1Ep. 509

Ep 508: Within striking distance?

Britain is in the middle of yet more train strikes. How close are the unions and the rail companies to a deal? Tortoise is a news start-up devoted to slow journalism. We take our time to tell stories that really matter. If you want more slow and considered journalism, you can become a member of Tortoise to get access to more of our stories, contribute to our journalism and join exclusive events. Just go to tortoisemedia.com/friend and use the code Andrew50 to get a year's digital membership for ...

Jan 05, 20236 minSeason 1Ep. 508

Ep 507: War aims

As the war in Ukraine grinds on, the chance of peace still seems far away. Tortoise is a news start-up devoted to slow journalism. We take our time to tell stories that really matter. If you want more slow and considered journalism, you can become a member of Tortoise to get access to more of our stories, contribute to our journalism and join exclusive events. Just go to tortoisemedia.com/friend and use the code Andrew50 to get a year's digital membership for £50. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/...

Jan 04, 20237 minSeason 1Ep. 507

Ep 506: 2023 predictions

We’re doing something a little different… and a bit risky. We’re going to kick off the new year by predicting what we think might happen in 2023. Tortoise is a news start-up devoted to slow journalism. We take our time to tell stories that really matter. If you want more slow and considered journalism, you can become a member of Tortoise to get access to more of our stories, contribute to our journalism and join exclusive events. Just go to tortoisemedia.com/friend and use the code Claudia50 to ...

Jan 03, 20238 minSeason 1Ep. 506

Ep 505: Sheryl Sandberg leaves Meta

One of the most powerful women in tech left the world’s biggest social media company this year. Alexi Mostrous explains how Sheryl Sandberg’s departure from Meta helps him make sense of 2022. Listen to Hoaxed here: https://podfollow.com/hoaxed Tortoise is a news start-up devoted to slow journalism. We take our time to tell stories that really matter. If you want more slow and considered journalism, you can become a member of Tortoise to get access to more of our stories, contribute to our journa...

Dec 30, 20229 minSeason 1Ep. 505

Ep 504: The ghost of Boris Johnson

Rishi Sunak has spent his first Christmas as prime minister. It’s been a tumultuous year which saw not one but two of his predecessors removed from office. But with some in the Conservative Party still viewing him as a pretender, there’s still a very real prospect of him being visited by the ghost of Boris Johnson. Tortoise is a news start-up devoted to slow journalism. We take our time to tell stories that really matter. If you want more slow and considered journalism, you can become a member o...

Dec 29, 20228 minSeason 1Ep. 504

Ep 503: Courting controversy

In 2022 the United States Supreme Court has reshaped America through a series of controversial decisions on the climate; religious rights; gun laws and – most momentous of all – abortion. Tortoise is a news start-up devoted to slow journalism. We take our time to tell stories that really matter. If you want more slow and considered journalism, you can become a member of Tortoise to get access to more of our stories, contribute to our journalism and join exclusive events. Just go to tortoisemedia...

Dec 28, 20227 minSeason 1Ep. 503

Ep 502: The women who could change Iran

This year the stories of two Iranian women – Mahsa Amini and Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe – can help us understand the challenges facing Iran’s regime. Tortoise is a news start-up devoted to slow journalism. We take our time to tell stories that really matter. If you want more slow and considered journalism, you can become a member of Tortoise to get access to more of our stories, contribute to our journalism and join exclusive events. Just go to tortoisemedia.com/friend and use the code Claudia50 ...

Dec 27, 202210 minSeason 1Ep. 502

Ep 501: Beth Mead's revenge tour

In an historic year for English women’s football, one player stood out – Beth Mead. Her journey to success is a story of dedication and bouncing back from knock-backs. Tortoise is a news start-up devoted to slow journalism. We take our time to tell stories that really matter. If you want more slow and considered journalism, you can become a member of Tortoise to get access to more of our stories, contribute to our journalism and join exclusive events. Just go to tortoisemedia.com/friend and use ...

Dec 26, 20225 minSeason 1Ep. 501

Ep 500: Comedian, president, wartime leader

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has thrust President Volodymyr Zelensky onto the international stage and into the spotlight. He’s been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize and honoured with an Oscar but now he needs a victory. Tortoise is a news start-up devoted to slow journalism. We take our time to tell stories that really matter. If you want more slow and considered journalism, you can become a member of Tortoise to get access to more of our stories, contribute to our journalism and join exclusi...

Dec 23, 20227 minSeason 1Ep. 500

Ep 499: Britain’s housing crusader

This year Kwajo Tweneboa led a searing campaign exposing the squalid living conditions some people are living in, so perhaps it was no surprise when a coroner ruled that a two-year-old boy died from exposure to mould in his home. Tortoise is a news start-up devoted to slow journalism. We take our time to tell stories that really matter. If you want more slow and considered journalism, you can become a member of Tortoise to get access to more of our stories, contribute to our journalism and join ...

Dec 22, 20226 minSeason 1Ep. 499

Ep 498: The warrior with a wooden spoon

Food prices have soared this year and the arguments about the causes have raged. One campaigner cut through to demand change from government and supermarkets. Tortoise is a news start-up devoted to slow journalism. We take our time to tell stories that really matter. If you want more slow and considered journalism, you can become a member of Tortoise to get access to more of our stories, contribute to our journalism and join exclusive events. Just go to tortoisemedia.com/friend and use the code ...

Dec 21, 20227 minSeason 1Ep. 498

Ep 497: Elon Musk’s Twitter takeover

There were legal wranglings, lots of firings and plenty of missteps when one of the world’s richest men bought Twitter. Why did Elon Musk do it and what does it mean for the social network? To listen to the Slow Newscast about Elon Musk's Twitter takeover click on this link - https://pod.fo/e/156d94 Tortoise is a news start-up devoted to slow journalism. We take our time to tell stories that really matter. If you want more slow and considered journalism, you can become a member of Tortoise to ge...

Dec 20, 20227 minSeason 1Ep. 497

Ep 496: A union leader for our times

Mick Lynch’s union, the RMT, was one of the first to go on strike this year. Since then many more have taken industrial action to demand better pay and working conditions as the cost of living rises. Tortoise is a news start-up devoted to slow journalism. We take our time to tell stories that really matter. If you want more slow and considered journalism, you can become a member of Tortoise to get access to more of our stories, contribute to our journalism and join exclusive events. Just go to t...

Dec 19, 20227 minSeason 1Ep. 496

Ep 495: Iran’s public executions

Iran has begun publicly executing people who took part in the nationwide protests following the death of Mahsa Amini. The regime has been damaged by the unrest and mass killings could weaken it further. Listen and subscribe to the News Meeting here - https://podfollow.com/1656374281 Tortoise is a news start-up devoted to slow journalism. We take our time to tell stories that really matter. If you want more slow and considered journalism, you can become a member of Tortoise to get access to more ...

Dec 16, 20227 minSeason 1Ep. 495

Ep 494: Taylor’s Swifties fight back

A group of Taylor Swift fans are suing a ticket company for fraud, price fixing and antitrust violations. It’s not the first time Ticketmaster has been criticised. Tortoise is a news start-up devoted to slow journalism. We take our time to tell stories that really matter. If you want more slow and considered journalism, you can become a member of Tortoise to get access to more of our stories, contribute to our journalism and join exclusive events. Just go to tortoisemedia.com/friend and use the ...

Dec 15, 20226 minSeason 1Ep. 494

Ep 493: Crypto contagion

Sam Bankman-Fried has been arrested. A month after his cryptocurrency exchange FTX collapsed, what has it revealed about the industry? Tortoise is a news start-up devoted to slow journalism. We take our time to tell stories that really matter. If you want more slow and considered journalism, you can become a member of Tortoise to get access to more of our stories, contribute to our journalism and join exclusive events. Just go to tortoisemedia.com/friend and use the code Claudia50 to get a year'...

Dec 14, 20226 minSeason 1Ep. 493

Ep 492: Strike-hit Britain

A fresh wave of rail strikes have begun. Nurses, paramedics, postal workers and many others are also planning industrial action this month. What impact will it all have on the economy and people’s lives? Tortoise is a news start-up devoted to slow journalism. We take our time to tell stories that really matter. If you want more slow and considered journalism, you can become a member of Tortoise to get access to more of our stories, contribute to our journalism and join exclusive events. Just go ...

Dec 13, 20226 minSeason 1Ep. 492

Ep 491: China's Covid gamble

After nearly three years, China has abandoned key parts of its flagship zero-Covid policy. Listen to The Tavistock here: https://podfollow.com/the-tavistock-inside-the-gender-clinic Tortoise is a news start-up devoted to slow journalism. We take our time to tell stories that really matter. If you want more slow and considered journalism, you can become a member of Tortoise to get access to more of our stories, contribute to our journalism and join exclusive events. Just go to tortoisemedia.com/f...

Dec 12, 20227 minSeason 1Ep. 491

Ep 490: The allegations against Crispin Odey

One of Britain’s richest and most powerful men was cleared of sexual assault last year. Four more women have come forward with similar allegations that Crispin Odey sexually assaulted them, with others alleging that he sexually harassed them at his Mayfair hedge fund company. To listen to the full episode of the Slow Newscast, click on this link. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

Dec 09, 20229 minSeason 1Ep. 490

Ep 489: Royal race row

Lady Susan Hussey has caused a race row after asking a Black charity boss where she was “really” from during a reception at Buckingham Palace. Who is Ngozi Fulani and why does this come at such a bad time for the royal family? Listen to The Tavistock here: https://podfollow.com/the-tavistock-inside-the-gender-clinic Tortoise is a news start-up devoted to slow journalism. We take our time to tell stories that really matter. If you want more slow and considered journalism, you can become a member ...

Dec 08, 20226 minSeason 1Ep. 489

Ep 488: Dry World Cup stadiums

With just days to go before kick-off, Qatar banned beer from its World Cup stadiums. What happens to all the beer? Listen to The Tavistock here: https://podfollow.com/the-tavistock-inside-the-gender-clinic Tortoise is a news start-up devoted to slow journalism. We take our time to tell stories that really matter. If you want more slow and considered journalism, you can become a member of Tortoise to get access to more of our stories, contribute to our journalism and join exclusive events. Just g...

Dec 07, 20227 minSeason 1Ep. 488

Ep 487: Slavery reparations

A wealthy Conservative MP whose family made its fortune from the slave trade is facing claims for reparations. The government of Barbados wants him to hand over his plantation on the island. Tortoise is a news start-up devoted to slow journalism. We take our time to tell stories that really matter. If you want more slow and considered journalism, you can become a member of Tortoise to get access to more of our stories, contribute to our journalism and join exclusive events. Just go to tortoiseme...

Dec 06, 20227 minSeason 1Ep. 487

Ep 486: The Alzheimer’s drug

An experimental Alzheimer’s drug called lecanemab has been hailed as an historic breakthrough. But what does it actually mean for people living with the disease? Listen to The Slow Newscast here: https://pod.fo/e/14fe19 Tortoise is a news start-up devoted to slow journalism. We take our time to tell stories that really matter. If you want more slow and considered journalism, you can become a member of Tortoise to get access to more of our stories, contribute to our journalism and join exclusive ...

Dec 05, 20229 minSeason 1Ep. 486

Ep 485: After the final whistle

Iran’s football team has been knocked out of the men’s World Cup, but their refusal to sing the national anthem means they may face repercussions back home. What will happen to them next? Listen to The Tavistock here: https://podfollow.com/the-tavistock-inside-the-gender-clinic Tortoise is a news start-up devoted to slow journalism. We take our time to tell stories that really matter. If you want more slow and considered journalism, you can become a member of Tortoise to get access to more of ou...

Dec 02, 20226 minSeason 1Ep. 485

Ep 484: The return of a Disney hero

Bob Iger has returned as CEO of Disney two years after stepping down. What does his comeback tell us about the challenges for Disney and other streaming services? Listen to The Tavistock here: https://podfollow.com/the-tavistock-inside-the-gender-clinic Tortoise is a news start-up devoted to slow journalism. We take our time to tell stories that really matter. If you want more slow and considered journalism, you can become a member of Tortoise to get access to more of our stories, contribute to ...

Dec 01, 20227 minSeason 1Ep. 484
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