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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

Head to our website observer.co.uk 

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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 393: Rishi Sunak’s pitch for PM

Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak are going head-to-head to replace Boris Johnson as prime minister. In the first of two Sensemaker episodes we look at what the former chancellor believes and what he might do if he wins. 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....

Jul 26, 20228 minSeason 1Ep. 393

Ep 392: Zelensky’s purge

Ukraine’s president has removed two top government officials citing many cases of treason in the two powerful organisations they led. What impact have the collaborators had and how serious is the problem? 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...

Jul 25, 20225 minSeason 1Ep. 392

Ep 391: Return of Q

The leader of QAnon, the conspiracy theory that believes the US is run by Satanic baby-eating paedophiles, is back. What does it mean for America? 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 ...

Jul 22, 20228 minSeason 1Ep. 391

Ep 390: Covid's new sub-variants

At the start of July, one in eighteen people in the UK were infected with Covid because of two new Omicron sub-variants. How worried should we be about rising cases? 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 th...

Jul 21, 20226 minSeason 1Ep. 390

Ep 389: The basketball star taken prisoner

Brittney Griner has been detained in Russia on drug charges since February. The US government may have a way of getting her out – by releasing a man nicknamed “The Merchant of Death”. To listen to Visible Women, click here: https://podfollow.com/1627229311 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 ...

Jul 20, 20226 min

Ep 388: The end of cheap chicken

Chicken is the UK’s favourite meat and that’s partly because it’s cheap. Per kilo it costs less than a pint of lager. But it looks unlikely that prices can stay that low. Why is the cost of chicken rising? Book your place for the ThinkIn, "Making sense of cheap chicken, with Jeevan Vasagar" here: https://www.tortoisemedia.com/thinkin/making-sense-of-cheap-chicken-with-jeevan/ Tortoise is a news start-up devoted to slow journalism. We take our time to tell stories that really matter. If you want ...

Jul 19, 20227 minSeason 1Ep. 388

Ep 387: After America's abortion ban

In a Sensemaker special, feminist and best-selling writer Caroline Criado Perez explains how limiting abortion rights harms women. To listen to Visible Women, click here: https://podfollow.com/1627229311 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 ...

Jul 18, 20229 minSeason 1Ep. 387

Ep 386: Musk ditches Twitter deal

Elon Musk has decided not to buy Twitter and now the social media platform is suing him. What is he up to and what can Twitter do about it? Subscribe to Tortoise's weekly Tech States Sensemaker here: https://www.tortoisemedia.com/read/tech-states-sensemaker/ 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, contribut...

Jul 15, 20226 minSeason 1Ep. 386

Ep 385: Londongrad revisited

Boris Johnson has finally admitted to meeting a former KGB officer without officials in a palace in Italy. Why does it matter? Listen to Londongrad here: https://podfollow.com/1625862285 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....

Jul 14, 202210 minSeason 1Ep. 385

Ep 384: Picking the Prime Minister

The Conservative Party has begun choosing its new leader. How will the contest work, and who will pick the next prime minister? Listen to Visible Women with Caroline Criado Perez here: https://podfollow.com/1627229311 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 ev...

Jul 13, 20226 minSeason 1Ep. 384

Ep 383: Britain's fuel protests

High fuel prices are causing pain for motorists. Some have even taken part in “go slow” protests on motorways. Can the cost of petrol and diesel be controlled? 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...

Jul 12, 20226 minSeason 1Ep. 383

Ep 382: Nicola Sturgeon’s referendum

Scotland’s first minister Nicola Sturgeon has proposed a date for a second independence referendum. Why now, and will it happen? 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 digit...

Jul 11, 20227 min

Ep 381: Boris Johnson's legacy

Boris Johnson has quit after losing the confidence of his parliamentary party and squandering an 80 seat majority in less than three years. What did he achieve in that time? To listen to 'The Backstory' click on this link: www.podfollow.com/the-backstory-with-andrew-neil 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 stori...

Jul 08, 20227 minSeason 1Ep. 381

Ep 380: Johnson on the brink

Chris Pincher’s drunken night at a private members club has set off an extraordinary series of events that could lead to Boris Johnson being ousted as prime minister. How did we get here? Listen to the Slow Newscast: https://podfollow.com/the-tortoise-podcast 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, contribu...

Jul 07, 20227 minSeason 1Ep. 380

Ep 379: Women’s football fight for equality

As the Women’s European football championships starts in England, Norwegian superstar Ada Hegerberg will be hoping to light up the tournament after a five-year absence in protest at sporting inequality in her country. To listen to 'Visible Women' just follow this link: www.podfollow.com/1627229311 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jul 05, 20227 minSeason 1Ep. 379

Ep 378: Afghanistan’s slide to disaster

Afghanistan is reeling from its deadliest earthquake in two decades at a time when it is already facing a humanitarian crisis. The Taliban government has appealed for help from the international community. But will it ease the sanctions it imposed when the group swept to power last year? 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 ...

Jul 05, 20226 minSeason 1Ep. 378

Ep 377: Porn king under pressure

The man behind MindGeek, which owns some of the world’s biggest porn sites, has lost his CEO and chief operating officer recently. Staff have also been fired. What is going on at the company? To listen to 'Hunt for the Porn King' follow this link: https://pod.fo/e/ce6cb Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jul 04, 20228 minSeason 1Ep. 377

Ep 376: The star witness

Former White House aide Cassidy Hutchinson gave some remarkable testimony about Donald Trump’s behaviour to the committee investigating the January 6th Capitol riot. But do her revelations make criminal charges against the former president more likely? You can now buy super early bird tickets for KITE 2023. Go to kitefestival.co.uk/tickets before midnight on Sunday the 3rd of July to save 25%. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

Jul 01, 20228 minSeason 1Ep. 376

Ep 375: Check the label

The UK has the highest level of obesity in western Europe. Will better food labels help us break free of junk food? 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 membership...

Jun 30, 20227 minSeason 1Ep. 375

Ep 374: Roe v. Wade overturned

The US Supreme Court has overturned Roe v. Wade, a 50 year old ruling that guaranteed a woman’s right to abortion. Why did it make the decision and what can pro-choice supporters do now? 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....

Jun 29, 20228 minSeason 1Ep. 374

Ep 373: Ending life support: who decides?

A 12-year-old boy was declared legally dead by a judge, who ruled that he should be taken off life support. His mother, Hollie Dance, will fight that decision in the Court of Appeal. 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/...

Jun 28, 20227 minSeason 1Ep. 373

Ep 372: Farewell to tennis' golden generation

For the last two decades, a golden generation has dominated tennis' biggest tournaments. But does this year's Wimbledon mark the end of an era? 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...

Jun 27, 20227 minSeason 1Ep. 372

Ep 371: Glastonbury at 50

Glastonbury Festival is back for its 50th year. It’s grown a lot since the 1970s to become the largest greenfield music and performing arts festival in the world. But apart from its size, how else has it changed and who is it for? 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...

Jun 24, 20226 minSeason 1Ep. 371

Ep 370: World swimming’s trans decision

Swimming’s world governing body, Fina, has decided to bar transgender women from elite female competitions. Could other sports now follow? 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 ye...

Jun 23, 20227 minSeason 1Ep. 370

Ep 369: G'day, ma'am

Australia has just appointed its first assistant minister for the republic. Matt Thistlethwaite’s job is to oversee the transition toward establishing an Australian republic with an Australian head of state. But will he be successful? Listen to Visible Women here: https://podfollow.com/1627229311 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 a...

Jun 22, 20226 minSeason 1Ep. 369

Ep 368: Liz Cheney's battle for truth

The Republican party has turned against Liz Cheney for her part in the January 6th committee investigations. But for her, telling the truth about what happened on that day matters more than anything else. To listen to the Backstory with Andrew Neil got to www.tortoisemedia.com/listen/backstory/ 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 acc...

Jun 21, 20227 min

Ep 367: Rail strikes

There’s going to be serious disruption to Britain’s train network this week as staff walk out in the biggest rail strike for three decades. What's behind the industrial action? 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...

Jun 20, 20227 minSeason 1Ep. 367

Ep 366: I am Lamda

Claims that Google’s AI has become sentient raise questions about the possibility of machine consciousness, and the threat of increasingly sophisticated artificial intelligence. To subscribe to the Tech States Sensemaker follow this link: https://www.tortoisemedia.com/read/tech-states-sensemaker/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jun 17, 20227 minSeason 1Ep. 366

Ep 365: Sentenced to death

Two captured British fighters have been sentenced to death by pro-Russian separatists in Ukraine. Another has been killed in fighting. What responsibilities, if any, does the British government have to them? 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...

Jun 16, 20227 minSeason 1Ep. 365

Ep 364: The Guptas arrested in Dubai

Two brothers from the wealthy Gupta family have been arrested in the United Arab Emirates. They're wanted by South Africa on criminal and money-laundering charges. But will they be extradited? Listen to Visible Women here: https://podfollow.com/1627229311 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 t...

Jun 15, 20227 minSeason 1Ep. 364
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