The Sensemaker from The Observer - one story every day to make sense of the world.
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The rebel group, M23 have taken control of a second city in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo. What do they want? And is there anything that can be done to bring peace to a country after three decades of conflict? Writer: Ada Barumé Producer: Ada Barumé Host: Tomini Babs Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
For the second time Vogue has broken with tradition and excluded the First Lady from the front cover. What does this snub tell us about the changing media and political landscape in the US? Writer and producer: Jess Swinburne Host: Claudia Williams Episode Photography: Lola Williams Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Tesla sales are plummeting across Europe. Elon Musk's political antics might have something to do with it. Writer: Patricia Clarke Producer: Patricia Clarke Host: Tomini Babs Episode photography: Lola Williams Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Self-test rape kits are being promoted as a way to empower survivors, but experts warn they could undermine prosecutions. This debate raises a bigger question: how can we balance support for survivors with the need for justice? Writer: Phoebe Davis Producer: Casey Magloire Host: Casey Magloire Episode photography: Lola Williams Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Donald Trump’s new defense secretary has signaled a dramatic shift in US policy on Ukraine, raising alarms across Europe. As fears of appeasement grow and Western alliances are tested, what does this mean for the future of European security? Writer: Cat Neilan Producer: Ada Barumé Host: Tomini Babs Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
After she died three of Joan Didion’s trustees found the writer’s 25-year-old diary and took the decision to publish her entries in full. Writer: Elaine McCallig Producer: Casey Magloire Photography: Joe Mee Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This week the British government released footage of authorities arresting migrants who, it says, are in the UK illegally. With a new security-focused immigration bill currently under debate in Parliament, is Labour taking a page from the White House’s playbook on immigration? Writer: Serena Cesareo Producer: Serena Casareo Host: Tomini Babs Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
In the dead of night, thieves raid a Dutch museum, making off with priceless Romanian artefacts. As the hunt for the stolen treasures continues, what does this art heist tell us about the future of cultural heritage? Writer: Claudia Williams Producer: Casey Magloire Host: Tomini Babs Episode photography: Joe Mee Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Elon Musk isn’t just advising Donald Trump, he’s reshaping the federal government in his image. From mass layoffs to deregulation, his influence is growing – but will it lead to efficiency or upheaval? Episode writer: Xavier Greenwood Producer: Casey Magloire Executive producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
A groundbreaking film with record-breaking nominations, Emilia Perez seemed unstoppable - until one of its lead actors became the center of a media firestorm. Could the backlash cost the film its Oscar dreams? Episode writer: Aleena Augustine Additional reporting: Jess Swinburne and Bex Sander Producer: Ada Barume Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
After Tortoise first reported on the allegations against Neil Gaiman last year, more women have shared their allegations of sexual abuse. Now, one woman has taken her story to the courts and filed a new lawsuit against Gaiman and his estranged wife, Amanda Palmer. Episode writer: Phoebe Davis. Producer: Casey Magloire Executive Producer: Matt Russell Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Donald Trump has proposed a US takeover of Gaza, suggesting the permanent displacement of its palestinian population. While the plan is unlikely to happen, has he shifted the debate on the region’s future? This episode was written by Claudia Williams with additional reporting by Lilly Cheslaw. It was produced by Matt Russell. The Executive Producer was Rebecca Moore. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
When police sealed off an abandoned gold mine in South Africa to crack down on illegal mining, dozens of men were left trapped underground. This deadly standoff reveals the harsh realities of the country’s illegal mining industry. Thank you for listening to the Sensemaker from Tortoise. This episode was written and mixed by Casey Magloire. Episode photography by Joe Mee The executive producer is Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
The UK chancellor Rachel Reeves has backed a third Heathrow runway, saying the airport expansion will meet the government’s climate targets because of ‘green aviation’. But is there such a thing? Reporter: Xavier Greenwood Producer: Xavier Greenwood Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore Photography: Joe Mee Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
A new Chinese AI model sent shockwaves through the US financial markets last week. Will it transform the tech industry forever? Reporter: Patricia Clarke Producer: Patricia Clarke Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore Photography: Joe Mee Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Valerie Huber, a little-known but influential activist, has spent years shaping policies to restrict access to abortion. Now Donald Trump is back in the White House her influence will be felt globally. Writer: Phoebe Davis Producer: Casey Magloire Host: Claudia Williams Episode photography: Joe Mee Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
What's behind an Israeli military operation and surging settler violence in the West Bank following the Gaza ceasefire? Writer: Lilly Cheslaw Producer: Katie Gunning Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Many young people saw the Lifetime ISA as their ticket onto the housing ladder. But with soaring property prices and a rigid price cap, thousands are now facing unexpected penalties - some are losing thousands in government withdrawal fees. Writer: Barney Macintyre Producer: Patricia Clarke Executive Producer: Jasper Corbett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Donald Trump has pardoned Ross Ulbricht, the creator of the Silk Road, a dark web marketplace that facilitated drug sales using Bitcoin. What does his freedom tell us about the future of cryptocurrency? Writers: Xavier Greenwood Producer: Casey Magloire Photography: Joe Mee Host: Claudia Williams Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In the wake of the Southport murders, the UK Government is reviewing its terrorism strategy and considering adopting a broader definition. But will this stop lone wolf attacks in the future? Writer: Cat Neilan Producer: Ada Barumé Host: Claudia Williams Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
For the first time since 2000, Syria has ushered in a new year without President Assad as their autocratic head of state. But what's next for the country? Two Syrians share their hopes and fears for the future. Writer: Ada Barumé Producer: Ada Barumé Host: Tomini Babs Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Before last year’s election Donald Trump vowed to carry out the biggest mass deportations in American history, targeting millions of undocumented immigrants from day one of his presidency. Five days since his inauguration… does it look like he will succeed? Writer: Serena Cesareo Producer: Serena Casareo Host: Tomini Babs Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Yesterday Prince Harry settled his long-running legal battle with Rupert Murdoch’s newspaper group. It’s being hailed as a victory for the royal, but who has actually won? 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...
The England men’s cricket team faces calls to boycott an upcoming match against Afghanistan in protest of the Taliban’s oppressive policies, particularly their human rights abuses against women and girls. But should athletes be forced to take a stand? Writers: Phoebe Davis and Andrew Butler Producer: Casey Magloire Photography: Joe Mee Host: Tomini Babs Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Donald Trump is sworn in for his second term as President of the United States. What did his Inauguration Address tell us about the direction he is setting for America and the world – from immigration and climate change to the future of Ukraine? Writer: David Taylor Producer: Rebecca Moore Host: Tomini Babs Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This month, the UK government vowed to crack down on explicit AI deepfakes by going after the people who create them. But the story of a popular “nudify” app highlights why tackling the issue is so challenging. Writer: Patricia Clarke Producer: Patricia Clarke Photography: Joe Mee Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
After 15 months of conflict, could this week’s ceasefire deal mark the beginning of the end of one of the deadliest wars in modern history? Writers: Lilly Cheslaw and Rebecca Moore. Producer: Katie Gunning. Photographer: Joe Mee. Executive producer: Jasper Corbett. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Offshore windfarms are powerful generators of clean energy and are a key part of Labour’s green energy pledge. But these colossal turbines can blind the UK’s defence systems. What does this mean, and what can be done about it? This episode was written by Elaine McCallig Mixed by Casey Magloire. Photography by Jon Jones. Executive producer is Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
The ongoing legal battle over TikTok’s future could see the app banned from Sunday. As political and legal pressures mount, TikTok's 170 million American users are left wondering if their beloved platform will survive. 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 ...
Silicon Valley is changing. Big tech executives are looking at another term under Donald Trump and deciding its time for a shake-up. It’s out with the old and in with the new. Writer: Barney Macintyre Producer: Patricia Clarke Photography: Jon Jones Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
