Sensemaker

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 Clarke

Producer: Patricia Clarke

Host: Claudia Williams

Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore

Photography: 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 Armstrong

Producer: Ada Barumé

Host: Tomini Babs

Episode photography: Joe Mee

Executive 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 Corbett

Producer: Xavier Greenwood 

Host: Casey Magloire

Executive 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 Neilan

Producer: Casey Magloire 

Host: Claudia Williams

Executive 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 Gunning

Art work: Joe Mee

Executive 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 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.