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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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Download the Tortoise app – for a listening experience curated by our journalists

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 483: The boy killed by mould

Awaab Ishak was two-years-old when he died because of exposure to mould in his home. How does that happen in modern Britain? Listen to Pig Iron here: https://podfollow.com/pigiron 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/fri...

Nov 30, 20227 minSeason 1Ep. 483

Ep 482: China’s Covid protests

In China, large scale dissent has burst onto the streets for the first time in decades and President Xi Jinping has been directly criticised. Why now? Listen to Pig Iron here: https://podfollow.com/pigiron 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...

Nov 29, 20227 minSeason 1Ep. 482

Ep 481: Big pay for big bosses

The chief executives of the UK’s biggest listed companies have seen their pay soar. On average, they were paid 30% more this year compared to last year. What’s driving the increase? 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...

Nov 28, 20226 minSeason 1Ep. 481

Ep 480: Brexit is back

Reports that “senior government figures” are considering a Swiss-style trade deal with the European Union caused an instant backlash. Why are we talking about Brexit again? 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...

Nov 25, 20226 minSeason 1Ep. 480

Ep 479: Fifa’s boss fights back

A day before the Qatar World Cup began, Gianni Infantino came to the defence of the host nation. After his surprising monologue at a press conference it was clear football and politics would continue to collide under his leadership. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 24, 20227 minSeason 1Ep. 479

Ep 478: Tech giants cut jobs

Amazon, Meta, Twitter and Microsoft have all announced they are cutting staff. What’s happening in the tech 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 Tomini50 to get a year's digital membersh...

Nov 23, 20227 minSeason 1Ep. 478

Ep 477: Life after climate change

The UN climate talks ended without progress on cutting fossil fuels, so what happens next? 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 Acast...

Nov 22, 20227 minSeason 1Ep. 477

Ep 476: A brutal killing in the Russia-Ukraine war

A Russian mercenary group has ruthlessly executed one of its former members who defected to Ukraine – but how did he end up back in Russian hands? 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 ...

Nov 21, 20227 minSeason 1Ep. 476

Ep 475: Hunt's autumn statement

The chancellor has announced a raft of new tax rises and spending cuts designed to keep inflation down as the country enters recession. 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'...

Nov 18, 20228 minSeason 1Ep. 475

Ep 474: Trump is back

The man who tried to stage a coup to stay in power has announced he is running for president again. Donald Trump still has his passionate supporters, but does he have a path back to the White House? 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 to...

Nov 17, 20227 minSeason 1Ep. 474

Ep 473: Campaigners at COP

The changing face of COP’s young climate activists. 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 Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more inform...

Nov 16, 20226 minSeason 1Ep. 473

Ep 472: Crypto implosion

Could the implosion of the crypto exchange FTX trigger a wider meltdown in the world of digital currencies? 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...

Nov 15, 20227 minSeason 1Ep. 472

Ep 471: Reservist NHS army

One man’s idea to create a Territorial Army for the NHS to help it deal with future crises… 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 Acas...

Nov 14, 20226 minSeason 1Ep. 471

Ep 470: Trump’s enemy within

The midterm elections in the United States were supposed to deliver a Republican red wave to sweep away Democrats. But the wave never came – and that has big implications for Donald Trump who is facing a new rival in his own party. 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 joi...

Nov 11, 20227 minSeason 1Ep. 470

Ep 469: Williamson pays the price

Gavin Williamson has been forced to leave the cabinet for the third time since 2019. Why did he have to go and what questions does it raise about the prime minister’s judgement? 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/frien...

Nov 10, 20227 minSeason 1Ep. 469

Ep 468: Albania’s asylum seekers

Home secretary Suella Braverman singled out Albanians when talking about migrants crossing the Channel in small boats. Why might more be coming to 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 to tortoisemedia.com/friend and use the code Tomi...

Nov 09, 20228 minSeason 1Ep. 468

Ep 467: Recharging Britain’s battery plans

Plans to build a factory that makes batteries for electric cars have been thrown into doubt. What does it mean for the UK’s electric vehicle revolution? 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 Claudi...

Nov 08, 20226 minSeason 1Ep. 467

Ep 466: Just Stop Oil

Protestors from the climate activist group have glued themselves to roads, smeared cake on a waxwork of King Charles and thrown tomato soup at a Van Gogh painting. Who are the people risking criminal records in the name of their cause? Tortoise’s climate team will be reporting from Cop27 in Sharm El Sheikh and they’ll also be hosting live events exploring how humanity is facing up to our biggest collective challenge. We'd love you to join us in person or online to have your say. Just visit torto...

Nov 07, 20226 minSeason 1Ep. 466

Ep 465: The return of Suella Braverman

Suella Braverman was sacked as home secretary after breaking the ministerial code. Six days later Rishi Sunak appointed her as home secretary again. Why? 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 Claud...

Nov 04, 20226 minSeason 1Ep. 465

Ep 464: Climate talks: blah blah blah?

A year on from Cop26 in Glasgow, are the UN’s climate talks really saving humanity from a climate catastrophe? Tortoise’s climate editor Jeevan Vasagar will be reporting from Cop27 in Sharm El Sheikh and he’ll also be hosting live events exploring how humanity is facing up to our biggest collective challenge. We'd love you to join us in person or online to have your say. Just visit tortoisemedia.com/accelerating-net-zero for more information and to book a place, you can use the invite code: CLIM...

Nov 03, 20227 minSeason 1Ep. 464

Ep 463: Flexing for Qatar

The foreign secretary suggested LGBTQ football fans should “flex and compromise” when visiting the Qatar World Cup. His comments reveal a truth about relations with strategically important countries that don’t respect human rights. 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 joi...

Nov 02, 20226 minSeason 1Ep. 463

Ep 462: Bird flu flies high

Orders to keep all captive birds and poultry indoors will be extended across the whole of England to try to contain a virulent strain of bird flu that is threatening to wipe out some wild species. 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 tort...

Nov 01, 20226 minSeason 1Ep. 462

Ep 461: Gas price crash

The price of wholesale gas is falling but that doesn’t necessarily mean energy bills will go down. Why? Listen to Tortoise series 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 journalism and join exclusive events. Just go to tortoisemedia.com/friend and ...

Oct 31, 20227 minSeason 1Ep. 461

Ep 460: Hu Jintao’s mysterious exit

The former president of China was publicly hauled out of an important political meeting last week. The Chinese government says he’d fallen ill, but was it actually a power play by Xi Jinping? Listen to Tortoise series 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, contribu...

Oct 28, 20226 minSeason 1Ep. 460

Ep 459: Not-so-disposable vapes

Single-use vapes are increasingly popular with young people. But what about their impact on the environment? Listen to Tortoise's new series 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 journalism and join exclusive events. Just go to tortoisemedia.com/...

Oct 27, 20225 minSeason 1Ep. 459

Ep 458: Policing the police

A new report has exposed how the Metropolitan Police deals with wrongdoing within its ranks. Who is the woman holding a mirror up to the Met and what has she found? Listen to Tortoise's new series "Pig Iron" here: podfollow.com/pigiron 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...

Oct 26, 20226 minSeason 1Ep. 458

Ep 457: Rish-uffle

The second Conservative leadership contest of the year was conducted with almost no discussion of actual policy, so what kind of prime minister might Rishi Sunak be? Listen to Tortoise's new series "Pig Iron" here: podfollow.com/pigiron 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 an...

Oct 25, 20227 minSeason 1Ep. 457

Ep 456: Disappearing crabs

The US snow crab harvest has been cancelled after billions of them went missing from the waters around Alaska. The industry is normally worth $132 million a year. What caused them to vanish? 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...

Oct 24, 20225 minSeason 1Ep. 456

Ep 455: Liz Truss quits

Liz Truss will go down in history as Britain’s shortest serving prime minister. How did we get here and what happens next? 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 me...

Oct 21, 20227 minSeason 1Ep. 455

Ep 454: China’s beatings on British soil

In yet another sign of China’s disrespect for human rights, Hong Kong pro-democracy protestors were dragged into the grounds of the Chinese consulate in Manchester and beaten up. What does it mean for UK-China relations? 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...

Oct 20, 20228 minSeason 1Ep. 454
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