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:

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 783: Kemi and the evil plotters

With Tory MPs casting around for solutions to their anticipated election defeat, cabinet minister Kemi Badenoch’s name keeps coming up as a potential leader. Just a few days ago she was denying any involvement in a plot to oust Rishi Sunak, it emerged she was in a WhatsApp group called the Evil Plotters. So what is the business secretary planning? To find out more about Tortoise: Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Pod...

Feb 06, 20246 minSeason 1Ep. 783

Ep 782: A weightloss journey that ended in tragedy

A young woman died on the flight home after having weight loss surgery in Turkey. She’s one of at least 25 British people to die in similar circumstances since 2019. What’s going on? 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 ad-free 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 dir...

Feb 05, 20248 minSeason 1Ep. 782

Ep 781: The Taylor Swift deepfake scandal

When sexually explicit AI-generated images of Taylor Swift went viral on social media her loyal fans tried to drown them out with other content about the pop star, but it didn’t stop the fakes spreading like wildfire. 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 ad-free content Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and more If y...

Feb 02, 20247 minSeason 1Ep. 781

Ep 780: The Austrian extremist stirring up controversy in Germany

There have been mass protests against Germany’s far-right AfD party after senior figures attended a meeting where Martin Sellner allegedly presented a proposal for mass deportations. 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/...

Feb 01, 20248 minSeason 1Ep. 780

Ep 779: Be the best: Britain’s shortage of soldiers

Why the head of the British Army raised the prospect of conscription and what he was trying to say about the state of our military. 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

Jan 31, 20248 minSeason 1Ep. 779

Ep 778: A new test for Alzheimer's

A recent study found measuring levels of protein through blood tests could help diagnose Alzheimer's disease early. What could that mean for how we treat the disease? 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 ad-free 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 st...

Jan 30, 20245 minSeason 1Ep. 778

Ep 777: How Trump saw off his rivals

After his victory in New Hampshire last week, it looks almost certain that Donald Trump will win the race to become the Republican party’s presidential candidate. How did he secure such a convincing lead? 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 ad-free content Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and more If you want to ge...

Jan 29, 20248 minSeason 1Ep. 777

Ep 776: Britain’s measles outbreak

The UK has declared a national incident in response to one of the worst measles outbreaks since the 1990s. Why are cases rising? 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 ad-free 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...

Jan 26, 20248 minSeason 1Ep. 776

Ep 775: Why UK universities face testing times

The University of York has lowered the bar for some international students. What does it tell us about the state of higher education in the UK? 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...

Jan 25, 20248 minSeason 1Ep. 775

Ep 774: Fujitsu and the Post Office scandal

The Japanese technology giant has apologised for its role in one of Britain’s most widespread miscarriages of justice. How much damage could it do to the company? 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 ...

Jan 24, 20246 minSeason 1Ep. 774

Ep 773: Hizb’ut-Tahrir banned in the UK

After almost 20 years of trying the British government has finally succeeded in banning the Islamist group Hizb’ut-Tahrir. But will the ban stick and is it really enforceable? 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 di...

Jan 23, 20247 minSeason 1Ep. 773

Ep 772: Ecuador's state of war

It used to be one of the most peaceful countries in Latin America. Now its president says it’s in a “state of war” against drug gangs. How did Ecuador descend into violence? Listen to episode of The News Meeting to hear more about what's happening in Ecuador: pod.fo/e/212c58 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...

Jan 22, 20247 minSeason 1Ep. 772

Ep 771: Iceland feels the heat

Molten lava from a fissure in the ground flowed into an Icelandic town on Sunday, setting several houses on fire. Is the country facing a new period of volcanic activity? 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 ad-free 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 ...

Jan 19, 20246 minSeason 1Ep. 771

Ep 770: The Bethany Cox abortion case

A 22 year-old woman from Stockton-on-Tees was found not guilty of having an illegal at-home abortion. She is one of six similar cases this year. Why is this happening? 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 ad-free 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 s...

Jan 18, 20248 minSeason 1Ep. 770

Ep 769: Who is France’s new prime minister?

Gabriel Attal is the country’s youngest and first openly gay head of government. What does his appointment tell us about France? 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 ad-free 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...

Jan 17, 20246 minSeason 1Ep. 769

Ep 768: Bill Ackman and the battle for the future of Harvard

The billionaire investor led a successful campaign against the president of Harvard following her guarded response to accusations of antisemitism on campus. What does he plan to do next? 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 ad-free 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...

Jan 16, 20247 minSeason 1Ep. 768

Ep 767: Journalists killed covering Israel-Hamas war

According to estimates by the Committee to Protect Journalists, at least 79 have been killed since the start of the war between Israel and Hamas. 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 ad-free 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 ...

Jan 15, 20247 minSeason 1Ep. 767

Ep 766: The British Library cyber attack

The British Library suffered a devastating ransomware attack in late October. Its recovery will cost millions of pounds. What went wrong? The British Library did not immediately respond to a request for comment, but after this episode was published it asked Tortoise to clarify the claim that "the British Library themselves are saying that they are going to have to dedicate 40 per cent of their reserves". In a statement, the British Library said: "The final costs of recovering from the recent cyb...

Jan 12, 20248 minSeason 1Ep. 766

Ep 765: Boeing's tailspin

Once more questions are being asked about Boeing’s safety record after a major mid-air incident on board one of its jets. Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free 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 hear about contact hello@to...

Jan 11, 20247 minSeason 1Ep. 765

Ep 764: Challenging Trump’s presidential run

Could the US courts block Donald Trump from running over his involvement in the January 66th uprising? 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 ad-free 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 hear about co...

Jan 10, 20246 minSeason 1Ep. 764

Ep 763: An assassination in Beirut

A senior leader of Hamas was killed in Beirut last week. What might Saleh al-Arouri’s death mean for the Middle East? 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 ad-free 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...

Jan 09, 20246 minSeason 1Ep. 763

Ep 762: General Calamity

With a year under his belt as prime minister, Rishi Sunak has less than 12 months to go before he has to call a general election. What sort of campaign can we expect? 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 ad-free 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 st...

Jan 08, 20246 minSeason 1Ep. 762

Ep 761: Artemis II: sending humans back to the moon

This year, NASA's Artemis II is due to carry a four-person crew to orbit the moon. If all goes to plan it’ll make history, but what's the mission’s ultimate aim? 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 ad-free 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, ...

Jan 05, 20248 minSeason 1Ep. 761

Ep 760: Disney’s Mickey Mouse problem

2023 wasn’t Disney’s dream 100th anniversary year and far worse problems could be on the horizon. Not only does it have a weak slate for 2024, but the copyright on a version of Mickey Mouse expires. 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 ad-free content Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and more If you want to get in t...

Jan 04, 20246 minSeason 1Ep. 760

Ep 759: The Kamala Harris question

US Vice President Kamala Harris looks like she’ll be Joe Biden’s running mate again. But after three years in office, do voters think she’s the right choice? 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 ad-free 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 t...

Jan 03, 20249 minSeason 1Ep. 759

Ep 758: Jude Bellingham: England’s golden boy

The young midfielder has had a record-breaking start to his career at Real Madrid. Could he help the England men’s team end their long wait for a major trophy? 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 ad-free 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...

Jan 02, 20246 minSeason 1Ep. 758

Ep 757: How Dan Wootton became the story

In 2023 the outspoken king of celebrity gossip put GB News in a tight spot. What does its response tell us about the UK’s new media landscape? 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 ad-free 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 abo...

Dec 29, 20239 minSeason 1Ep. 757

Ep 756: Sam Altman: who is the OpenAI boss?

The firing – and immediate rehiring – of OpenAI’s CEO rocked Silicon Valley this year. But what does Sam Altman’s story tell us about the fears around artificial intelligence? 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 ad-free 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 a...

Dec 28, 20239 minSeason 1Ep. 756

Ep 755: The Taylor Swift Era

This year there was one artist who smashed records. But what does Taylor Swift’s monumental success say about the future of the music industry? 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 ad-free 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 ab...

Dec 27, 20236 minSeason 1Ep. 755

Ep 754: Sports Illustrated and its AI-generated authors

Sports Illustrated magazine has been accused of attributing online cont ent to fake, AI-generated authors. The articles have now been taken down. What does it tell us about transparency in the era of artificial intelligence? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 22, 20236 minSeason 1Ep. 754
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