Sensemaker - podcast cover

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:

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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

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Episodes

Ep 843: No-fault evictions: how the Renters Reform Bill was watered down

Five years ago the government said it would reform the private rental market, but charities that once backed the Renters Reform Bill have now turned against it. To find out more about Tortoise: - Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists - Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and exclusive content - Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and more If you want to get in touch with us directly about a ...

May 02, 20247 minSeason 1Ep. 843

Ep 842: Humza Yousaf’s unforced error

Scotland’s First Minister Humza Yousaf has resigned after just over a year, throwing the country - and its minority SNP government - into turmoil. What does this mean for the party which has governed Scotland for nearly two decades? To find out more about Tortoise: - Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists - Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and exclusive content - Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio ...

May 01, 202410 minSeason 1Ep. 842

Ep 841: Hersh Goldberg-Polin and the other hostages still in Gaza

In recent days Hamas has released videos of several hostages being held in Gaza. In each case it was the first time their families had seen them alive since they were taken during the October 7th attack. Why might Hamas be releasing the videos now? To find out more about Tortoise: - Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists - Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and exclusive content - Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise'...

Apr 30, 20246 minSeason 1Ep. 841

Ep 840: Trump’s first week in court

What happened when Donald Trump’s old friend took to the stand at the former president’s criminal trial in New York. To find out more about Tortoise: - Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists - Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and exclusive content - Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and more If you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you...

Apr 29, 20247 minSeason 1Ep. 840

Ep 839: Grindr sued

The world's biggest dating app for the LGBT community is accused of sharing personal information such as people's HIV status with third parties. To find out more about Tortoise: - Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists - Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and exclusive content - Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and more If you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell u...

Apr 26, 20248 minSeason 1Ep. 839

Ep 838: Rwanda policy: What difference will it make?

Rishi Sunak has finally passed his Rwanda bill after the House of Lords dropped its opposition. But two-thirds of voters think the country is on the wrong track, so is it a distraction from the bigger issues Britain faces and will it actually stop the boats? To find out more about Tortoise: - Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists - Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and exclusive content - Become a member and get access to all of...

Apr 25, 20247 minSeason 1Ep. 838

Ep 837: Britain’s mouldy homes

Yeremiah Bizimana has been living in a hotel for almost nine months because his council house has problems caused by damp and mould. To find out more about Tortoise: - Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists - Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and exclusive content - Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and more If you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about...

Apr 24, 20247 minSeason 1Ep. 837

Ep 836: Why the internet is arguing about flooding in Dubai

A storm that brought record rainfall and flooding to parts of the United Arab Emirates led to a wave of speculation online about the dangers of ‘geo-engineering’. But what exactly is ‘cloud seeding’ and is it really to blame for the recent extreme weather? To find out more about Tortoise: - Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists - Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and exclusive content - Become a member and get access to all of T...

Apr 23, 20249 minSeason 1Ep. 836

Ep 835: Vinicius Jr: the Real Madrid star’s fight against racism

During an emotional news conference the Real Madrid footballer Vinicius Junior broke down in tears as he described the racist abuse he faces whilst playing in Spain. But what is being done about it? To find out more about Tortoise: - Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists - Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and exclusive content - Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and more If you want to ...

Apr 22, 20247 minSeason 1Ep. 835

Ep 834: The Swiss women who went to court over climate change and won

A group of Swiss women who are all over the age of 64 took their government to court over climate change and won. How did they do it? To find out more about Tortoise: - Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists - Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and exclusive content - Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and more If you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more abou...

Apr 19, 20249 minSeason 1Ep. 834

Ep 833: The Hull funeral home investigation

Families have been left with some difficult unanswered questions after Legacy Independent Funeral Directors was raided by police. What’s alleged to have happened? To find out more about Tortoise: - Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists - Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and exclusive content - Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and more If you want to get in touch with us directly about ...

Apr 18, 20246 minSeason 1Ep. 833

Ep 832: Angela Rayner’s high stakes pledge

A slowburn story has presented a moment of peril for Labour’s deputy leader, and perhaps Keir Starmer too. To find out more about Tortoise: - Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists - Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and exclusive content - Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and more If you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to h...

Apr 17, 20248 minSeason 1Ep. 832

Ep 831: Iran attacks Israel: what happens next?

The Middle East is on the brink after Iran launched a huge drone and missile strike on Israel, the first time it has ever attacked the country directly. To understand more about how Israel’s prime minister thinks in moments like this you can listen to ‘The State of Netanyahu’ – a three part series from Tortoise’s Slow Newscast. Just search for ‘The State of Netanyahu’ wherever you get your podcasts or click this link: https://lnk.to/StateOfNetanyahu To find out more about Tortoise: - Download th...

Apr 16, 20246 minSeason 1Ep. 831

Ep 830: A health warning from an esports star

Why Jaden Ashman, known online as Wolfiez, decided to speak out about the impact being a pro-gamer had on his health and what it could mean for the next generation of esports stars. To find out more about Tortoise: - Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists - Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and exclusive content - Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and more If you want to get in touch with...

Apr 15, 20247 minSeason 1Ep. 830

Ep 829: Mr Bates at the Post Office inquiry

Former subpostmaster and campaigner Alan Bates has finally had his day in front of the Post Office inquiry that’s looking into the Horizon IT scandal. What did he say and what questions will this latest phase try to answer? To find out more about Tortoise: - Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists - Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and exclusive content - Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings...

Apr 12, 20247 minSeason 1Ep. 829

Ep 828: Instability AI

StabilityAI was once one of the world’s most-hyped startups. But now, former employees say it’s in a “death spiral”. What does the company’s apparent downfall tell us about the current state of AI? To find out more about Tortoise: - Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists - Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and exclusive content - Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and more If you want to g...

Apr 11, 20249 minSeason 1Ep. 828

Ep 827: Why Republicans are blocking aid for Ukraine

For months, Republican lawmakers like Marjorie Taylor Greene have blocked a $60bn aid package for Ukraine. Why do they oppose it and what does it mean for Ukraine? To find out more about Tortoise: - Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists - Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and exclusive content - Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and more If you want to get in touch with us directly about...

Apr 10, 20246 minSeason 1Ep. 827

Ep 826: Westminster’s honeytrap sext scandal

A Conservative MP is under growing pressure after giving his colleagues’ personal phone numbers to a stranger who targeted him in a spear-phishing attack. To find out more about Tortoise: - Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists - Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and exclusive content - Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and more If you want to get in touch with us directly about a story,...

Apr 09, 20247 minSeason 1Ep. 826

Ep 825: Threat to life: the Iranian journalist stabbed in London

An Iranian journalist working for a TV news channel which is critical of Tehran has been stabbed. What does this attack tell us about the lengths Iran will go to to silence its critics? To find out more about Tortoise: - Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists - Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and exclusive content - Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and more If you want to get in touch ...

Apr 08, 20248 minSeason 1Ep. 825

Ep 824: The aid workers killed in Gaza

There’s been international condemnation after seven aid workers were killed in an Israeli air strike in Gaza. But will it change anything? To find out more about Tortoise: - Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists - Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and exclusive content - Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and more If you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more...

Apr 05, 20249 minSeason 1Ep. 824

Ep 823: Bollywood gets political

As India’s election approaches, some Bollywood films are promoting the politics of the country’s prime minister. What does it tell us about Narendra Modi’s influence and his brand of Hindu nationalism? To find out more about Tortoise: - Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists - Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and exclusive content - Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and more If you want ...

Apr 04, 20249 minSeason 1Ep. 823

Ep 822: The truth about Trump’s Truth Social

Why you can now buy shares in Donald Trump’s social media platform – and what it means for the former president as he faces a series of legal and financial challenges ahead of November’s election. To find out more about Tortoise: - Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists - Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and exclusive content - Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and more If you want to ge...

Apr 03, 20249 minSeason 1Ep. 822

Ep 821: Boeing, Boeing, gone

A safety crisis at Boeing has led to sweeping management changes. What went wrong – and will these changes be enough? To find out more about Tortoise: - Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists - Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and exclusive content - Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and more If you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories yo...

Apr 02, 20247 minSeason 1Ep. 821

Ep 820: When extreme sports turn deadly

Base jumping deaths are rising. When big companies sponsor athletes to jump off cliffs, who's responsible when things go wrong? To find out more about Tortoise: - Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists - Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and exclusive content - Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and more If you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the ...

Mar 28, 20249 min

Ep 819: Who was behind the Moscow terror attack?

More than 130 people were killed in a shooting at a concert hall on the outskirts of Moscow last Friday. What do we know about the people behind it? To find out more about Tortoise: - Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists - Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and exclusive content - Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and more If you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or te...

Mar 27, 20248 minSeason 1Ep. 819

Ep 818: Israel and the UN’s Gaza relief agency

Disputes between UNWRA and Israel are stopping aid from reaching millions of people in the Gaza strip. What does the aid agency do and why does it matter? To find out more about Tortoise: - Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists - Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and exclusive content - Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and more If you want to get in touch with us directly about a story,...

Mar 26, 20247 minSeason 1Ep. 818

Ep 817: Bitcoin is back

The cryptocurrency surged to a new record value against the dollar. What caused it and how far could it fall? To find out more about Tortoise: - Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists - Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and exclusive content - Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and more If you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want t...

Mar 25, 20247 minSeason 1Ep. 817

Ep 816: Frank Hester: The race row and the rise of the mega donor

The Conservative donor was someone very few people had heard of until an investigation revealed his racist comments towards MP Diane Abbott. What role will mega donors play in the run-up to the UK’s general election? To find out more about Tortoise: - Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists - Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and exclusive content - Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and mo...

Mar 22, 20246 minSeason 1Ep. 816

Ep 815: Indefinite jail terms: ‘a stain on our justice system’

What the death of one man tells us about the continued impact of indefinite prison sentences that were abolished more than a decade ago. To find out more about Tortoise: - Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists - Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and exclusive content - Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and more If you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more a...

Mar 21, 20247 minSeason 1Ep. 815

Ep 814: Elon Musk takes on OpenAI

Elon Musk is suing the creators of ChatGPT, accusing OpenAI of straying from its original mission to build AI that will benefit humanity. What is his lawsuit actually about? To find out more about Tortoise: - Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists - Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and exclusive content - Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and more If you want to get in touch with us dire...

Mar 20, 20249 minSeason 1Ep. 814
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