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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:

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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 453: General Armageddon

Vladimir Putin has appointed a man with a ruthless reputation to command his war in Ukraine. What does Sergei Surovikin tell us about the state of Russia’s invasion? 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...

Oct 19, 20227 minSeason 1Ep. 453

Ep 452: "There hasn't been a coup"

A cabinet minister insisted that "there hasn't been a coup" and that Liz Truss “is not under a desk”. But you wouldn’t have blamed the prime minister if she was after her new chancellor dismantled the mini budget and with it, her political project. 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 j...

Oct 18, 20229 minSeason 1Ep. 452

Ep 451: The robot artist

Ai-Da made history when she became the first robot to give evidence to the House of Lords. The hearing was an important examination of the role of artificial intelligence in the arts. 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...

Oct 17, 20228 minSeason 1Ep. 451

Ep 450: Iran’s protest movement

Anti-government protests have taken place on Iran’s streets, at universities and schools, and oil refineries. Could it become a movement that eventually topples the 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...

Oct 14, 20227 minSeason 1Ep. 450

Ep 449: Mortgage mayhem

Last month’s mini-budget has thrown the property market into crisis. Where does that leave first-time buyers? 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's digital membership for ...

Oct 13, 20227 minSeason 1Ep. 449

Ep 448: A bridge too far

A huge explosion has damaged a bridge linking Russia and Crimea. Why has it triggered such a furious response from the Kremlin? 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 digita...

Oct 12, 20225 minSeason 1Ep. 448

Ep 447: Little fires everywhere

Michael Gove ignited the first rebellion against Liz Truss last week, and fanned the flames of others. Now, as MPs return to Parliament, the prime minister must win back a fractious and conflicted party if she is to retain power. 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 ...

Oct 11, 20228 minSeason 1Ep. 447

Ep 446: Australia's ISIS brides

A secret mission by the Australian government has paved the way for 16 women and 42 children currently held in a Syrian detention camp to be repatriated. Why is the policy shift so significant for the UK? 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...

Oct 10, 20227 minSeason 1Ep. 446

Ep 445: Bye Bye Try Guy

Youtuber Ned Fulmer has fallen from grace after it was revealed that he was having an affair with one of his employees. What does the scandal tell us about the world of internet stars and the stories they tell about themselves? 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 ex...

Oct 07, 20226 minSeason 1Ep. 445

Ep 444: Brazil's next president

After a first round of voting, Brazilians will head back to the polls at the end of the month to choose their next president. Why is this election so important? 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 cod...

Oct 06, 20227 minSeason 1Ep. 444

Ep 443: A mess in chess

The game’s greatest player has accused his opponent of cheating, throwing the world of chess into turmoil. What does it mean for its future? 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 ...

Oct 05, 20226 minSeason 1Ep. 443

Ep 442: Shorting the pound

There have been reports that some hedge-fund bosses made huge profits by betting that the pound would fall. They did it by shorting the market. How does it work? 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 co...

Oct 04, 20226 minSeason 1Ep. 442

Ep 441: The death of Molly Russell

14 year old Molly Russell viewed images of self harm and suicide on social media in the months before she died. A coroner has now concluded that the content was “unsafe” and it contributed to her death. 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 t...

Oct 03, 20226 minSeason 1Ep. 441

Ep 440: Growth gamble

The markets are in turmoil, the International Monetary Fund has openly criticised the government and the Bank of England has been forced to take emergency action. But the government is sticking to its plan, so how could it deliver growth? 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 ...

Sep 30, 20226 minSeason 1Ep. 440

Ep 439: Take frack control

Geology, public opinion and even some of her own MPs are opposed to Liz Truss’s plan to lift the ban on fracking for gas. Will it ever 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 Claudia50 to get...

Sep 29, 20227 minSeason 1Ep. 439

Ep 438: Cornered rat

Vladimir Putin is backed into a corner. His war in Ukraine isn’t going to plan and he’s losing the support of allies. 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's digital members...

Sep 28, 20227 minSeason 1Ep. 438

Ep 437: Maxi budget

Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng set out the government’s economic plans in a so-called mini budget. But his tax cuts and plans for government borrowing are some of the biggest in living memory. 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...

Sep 27, 20226 minSeason 1Ep. 437

Ep 436: Starmer’s big pitch

With a new prime minister to oppose and a general election less than two years away, what’s the Labour leader’s new message to voters? 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...

Sep 26, 20228 minSeason 1Ep. 436

Ep 435: Unrest in Iran

The death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old woman, has sparked anti-government protests across Iran. Could they be a tipping point for the Islamic Republic? 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 Tomini...

Sep 23, 20226 minSeason 1Ep. 435

Ep 434: Mini budget, big money

Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng will set out the government’s economic plans in a mini budget. The focus will be on growing the economy. This is how he will try to do it and who will benefit. 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.c...

Sep 22, 20226 minSeason 1Ep. 434

Ep 433: Italy’s far-right firebrand

Giorgia Meloni is on course to become Italy’s next prime minister. If elected she would be the first woman to hold the position and the country’s first far-right leader since Benito Mussolini. 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 tortoise...

Sep 21, 20227 minSeason 1Ep. 433

Ep 432: Could there be blackouts?

Prices have been frozen but Britain could still experience energy shortages. How likely is it that we'll see blackouts this winter? 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 di...

Sep 20, 20226 minSeason 1Ep. 432

Ep 431: The Queen’s funeral

Ten official days of mourning for Queen Elizabeth II end with a state funeral at Westminster Abbey and a burial at St George’s Chapel in Windsor. This is what to expect. 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 us...

Sep 18, 20226 minSeason 1Ep. 431

Ep 430: William and Harry: divided in grief

Princes William and Harry have stood side-by-side to remember their grandmother, the Queen. Will their public displays of solidarity lead to an improvement in their relationship? 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/frie...

Sep 16, 20226 minSeason 1Ep. 430

Ep 429: The killing of Chris Kaba

A firearms officer has been suspended after Chris Kaba was shot dead whilst driving a car that had been flagged by number plate recognition cameras. He was unarmed. His case will be the first challenge for the new Metropolitan Police Commissioner. 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 jo...

Sep 15, 20225 minSeason 1Ep. 429

Ep 428: Is Ukraine winning?

Since the start of September Ukraine has made sweeping gains in the east of the country. How significant is it? 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 for...

Sep 14, 20226 minSeason 1Ep. 428

Ep 427: Will Charles be a Green King?

Charles championed the environment as Prince of Wales. How will he use his influence as King? 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 for £50. Hosted on Ac...

Sep 13, 20227 minSeason 1Ep. 427

Ep 426: The rule of King Charles

It is thought that Britain's new monarch will favour a slimmed down royal family. What will this look like? 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 for £50...

Sep 12, 20227 minSeason 1Ep. 426

Ep 425: Operation London Bridge

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II died on Thursday afternoon. For 70 years she was a constant figurehead. So what happens now? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 09, 20227 minSeason 1Ep. 425

Ep 424: Tackling period poverty

In August, Jason Grant became the Period Dignity Officer for Tayside. After an outcry over the job being given to a man he resigned and the role was abolished. But that doesn’t mean the issue has gone away. Listen to Visible Women: https://pod.fo/e/13d8b0 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...

Sep 08, 20226 minSeason 1Ep. 424
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