Sensemaker

Donald Trump’s explosive press conference with Volodymyr Zelensky didn’t just strain US-Ukraine relations, it upended the established post-WWII world order.Writer: Phoebe Davis Additional reporting: Cecily AtkinsonProducer: Ada Barumé Host: Tomini BabsEpisode photography: Roisín SavageExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

More than 1,000 musicians have released a silent album in protest against new UK government proposals to change copyright law. Will the silence be too deafening for the government to ignore?Writer: Jess SwinburneProducer: Katie GunningExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The risk of a large asteroid hitting Earth in 2032 has dropped to nearly zero – but it could still hit the moon. Nasa’s Acting Planetary Defense Officer explains how her team is assessing the risk.Reporter: Patricia ClarkeProducer: Patricia ClarkeHost: Claudia WilliamsExecutive Producer: Rebecca MoorePhotography: Joe Mee Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

 This year’s Oscars are more political than ever, with Anora being the critics’ favorite for Best Picture. But could its portrayal of sex work signal a real shift in Hollywood’s attitude, or is it just another fleeting moment?Writer: Stephen ArmstrongProducer: Ada BaruméHost: Tomini BabsEpisode photography: Joe MeeExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In a massive shake-up of the US armed forces, the Trump administration has fired the country’s most senior military officer, the admiral leading the navy and several other senior figures. Why? And what does that mean for the world’s most powerful military?Writer: Jasper CorbettProducer: Xavier Greenwood Host: Casey MagloireExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Germany’s far-right party, Alternative für Deutschland, secured second place in the weekend’s election, doubling its previous vote share. With concerns that the long-standing “firewall” against the AfD is weakening, can incoming Chancellor Friedrich Merz navigate domestic and global challenges to stop its rise?Writer: Cat NeilanProducer: Casey Magloire Host: Claudia WilliamsExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ukraine’s rare earth minerals have become a bargaining chip in high-stakes negotiations with the US. As President Trump pushes for access to half of Ukraine’s deposits, we explore what’s at stake—and why Kyiv is under pressure to strike a deal.Writer and producer: Katie GunningArt work: Joe MeeExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 BaruméProducer: Ada BaruméHost: Tomini BabsExecutive 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 SwinburneHost: Claudia WilliamsEpisode 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 ClarkeProducer: Patricia ClarkeHost: Tomini BabsEpisode 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 MagloireHost: Casey MagloireEpisode photography: Lola WilliamsExecutive 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 NeilanProducer: Ada BaruméHost: Tomini BabsExecutive 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 McCalligProducer: Casey MagloirePhotography: Joe MeeExecutive 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 CesareoProducer: Serena CasareoHost: Tomini BabsExecutive 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 WilliamsProducer: Casey MagloireHost: Tomini Babs Episode photography: Joe MeeExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.