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The Bunker
The Bunker
Podmasters

Your daily Need To Know on news and politics. Every morning The Bunker cuts through the noise to make sense of what’s... more

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Episodes

Bunker USA: Kamala Harris is in. Who will be her running mate?

With Kamala Harris set to replace Joe Biden in the 2024 race, focus has turned to who will be her... more

26 Jul 2024 · 26 minutes
Boiling point! How heat will shape the future

As our climate continues to heat up, wildfires, flooding and drought are becoming the new normal. But beyond weather events,... more

25 Jul 2024 · 35 minutes
Sudan in flames: Why the world's forgotten war should worry you

As vicious conflicts rage across the world, the civil war in Sudan has received limited attention. To explain the far-reaching... more

24 Jul 2024 · 28 minutes
How Starmer can clean up the Tories' mess – Polly Toynbee tells Ros Taylor

Keir Starmer has one hell of a challenge fixing everything the Tories broke in their 14 years in charge. Where... more

23 Jul 2024 · 25 minutes
I Know It’s Joe-ver — Start Your Week with Alex Andreou and Jacob Jarvis

It’s the morning after Joe Biden’s shock withdrawal from the U.S. Presidential race. Why now – and who will replace... more

22 Jul 2024 · 35 minutes
Amazon at 30: Can the Bezos empire grow forever?

Amazon turns 30 this month – and it’s unrecognisable from the online bookstore it once was. But can it continue... more

19 Jul 2024 · 29 minutes
From Pharaohs to Presidents: The history of political assassinations

Political leaders have been targeted by assassins for thousands of years – Donald Trump being the latest example, after the... more

18 Jul 2024 · 30 minutes
Turnout for what – How can we get more people to vote?

Labour’s landslide has brought in a new wave of political optimism to the UK. But a  near record poll attendance... more

17 Jul 2024 · 26 minutes
Keir and far: Labour's key foreign policy issues

Keir Starmer has plenty to get on with at home – but amid global turmoil, Labour’s foreign policy is increasingly... more

16 Jul 2024 · 30 minutes
Has the Trump shooting changed everything? — Start Your Week with Hannah Fearn

After the Trump shooting we ask what it means for America and the election. Could the failed assassination win the... more

15 Jul 2024 · 30 minutes
Will Biden quit? – Democrat insider Sidney Blumenthal talks to Gavin Esler

Joe Biden is the US’ oldest ever President – and it’s showing. From his catastrophic performance during the recent debate... more

12 Jul 2024 · 21 minutes
Are Our International Laws Working?

In an increasingly unstable international climate, we need our internal laws more than ever – but they don’t seem to... more

11 Jul 2024 · 31 minutes
Why four countries will shape the US Presidential Election – and Britain is one of them

We think of the US as a universe unto itself, uninterested in the outside world. But according to geopolitics analyst... more

10 Jul 2024 · 28 minutes
What’s next for the Tories? – Tim Bale tells Ros Taylor

The Conservatives are out of power for the first time in 14 years. So what does the future of the... more

09 Jul 2024 · 25 minutes
France’s close shave — Start Your Week with Ros Taylor and Gavin Esler

France’s shock election result: what does it mean and what comes next? Plus, week one of the new Labour government:... more

08 Jul 2024 · 23 minutes
Bunker USA: Debunking America’s toxic migration debate

Immigration is a divisive issue in America, much as it is here in the UK. How did the debate become... more

05 Jul 2024 · 33 minutes
Election '24: Weirdest moments from votes of the past

General elections are pretty unusual events – and they can bring out the weirdest in both politicians and voters. But... more

04 Jul 2024 · 25 minutes
Election ’24: How will the press handle Keir Starmer?

Newspapers aren’t as powerful as they were, but they still behave as if they are – and they remain overwhelmingly biased... more

03 Jul 2024 · 26 minutes
Election '24: Why isn't anybody honest about tax?

Tax consistently ranks as one of the most important issues to voters. So why can’t anybody in politics talk about... more

02 Jul 2024 · 33 minutes
It ain’t over till it’s over — Start Your Week with Ros Taylor and Alex Andreou

In just three days, Brits will head to the polling stations to vote in the General Election. What do the... more

01 Jul 2024 · 34 minutes
Project Keir: Has Starmer changed Labour forever?

If Starmer wins, just how will his Labour government be different from those of the past? And is the party’s... more

28 Jun 2024 · 30 minutes
Ads Nauseam: Which political parties are targeting you online?

Sunak’s cringe moments have received laser focus throughout the campaign. But what about messaging he’s putting out online? Who are... more

27 Jun 2024 · 33 minutes
The housing crisis: Can Labour fix the Tories' mess? – with Kwajo Tweneboa

From the rising cost of mortgages to a lack of social housing, the housing crisis is one of the most... more

26 Jun 2024 · 22 minutes
From King Cnut to the Ed Stone: A history of political stunts

There have been plenty of memorable election stunts lately – with Ed Davey stealing the show so far in this... more

25 Jun 2024 · 27 minutes
Bet peeves – Start Your Week with Alex Andreou and Jacob Jarvis

The betting scandal just keeps getting worse for Sunak – will it dominate the week, or will another gaffe knock... more

24 Jun 2024 · 29 minutes
The Face of God – How the Challenger space shuttle disaster changed America

On 28 Jan 1986 the space shuttle Challenger exploded shortly after take-off, watched by a worldwide TV audience of millions.... more

23 Jun 2024 · 30 minutes
"I'm a surgeon in Gaza" – Prof Nick Maynard's eyewitness account

Professor Nick Maynard says the scenes he has witnessed in Gaza are the worst he’s seen in his 36 years... more

21 Jun 2024 · 30 minutes
America vs. China: The new Cold War is coming

Relations between Western nations and China are worsening. The US fears China’s growing global influence, but how far will it... more

20 Jun 2024 · 28 minutes
How China uses jails to fight the West – with former prisoner Peter Humphrey

China’s often controversial imprisonments of foreigners has horrified the Western world. But is Beijing doing this as part of its... more

19 Jun 2024 · 29 minutes
Election '24: Should Sunak stop obsessing over the grey vote?

Britain’s older generations have historically played a key role in elections. But how pivotal is the ‘grey vote’ ahead of... more

18 Jun 2024 · 25 minutes
Total Wipeout? – Start Your Week with Ros Taylor and Jacob Jarvis

As the Tories bang on about tax, despite it not shifting the polls at all, is the prospect of total... more

17 Jun 2024 · 27 minutes
How the Kremlin's spy networks shaped Russia’s history

The Kremlin’s spy networks are well documented – but what’s less known is how they shaped Russian history. In centering... more

16 Jun 2024 · 31 minutes
The Big Risks for Labour Part 2 – NHS collapses, Prisons boil over, Universities go bust

What’s in the list of potential crises that could derail Labour’s first year, drawn up by Keir Starmer’s chief of... more

14 Jun 2024 · 29 minutes
The Big Risks for Labour Part 1 – Thames Water goes bust, councils collapse, public pay crisis

A new Labour government could be thrown into chaos by any one of six potential crises, each identified in a... more

13 Jun 2024 · 28 minutes
Inside Macron’s election gamble

Is Macron’s snap election an act of desperation or a brilliant bluff? With young upstarts nipping at his heels, unprecedented... more

12 Jun 2024 · 21 minutes
Election '24: Who's going to win big in Scotland?

With the SNP in turmoil and the Conservatives deeply unpopular, Scotland’s seats are potentially key to a Labour victory. Is... more

11 Jun 2024 · 25 minutes
Prepare to Meet Your Macron – Start Your Week with Alex Andreou and Andrew Harrison

Emmanuel Macron's surprise snap election has shocked politicos. Why did he call it? Alex Andreou and Andrew Harrison discuss the... more

10 Jun 2024 · 30 minutes
Fox, Trump and QAnon — Why America can blame ’em on the ’90s

The ’90s was a hugely consequential decade for the United States – for good and for bad. On the down... more

07 Jun 2024 · 30 minutes
European elections: How the far-right is surging ahead of the vote

The European Elections are fast approaching – and the rise of the far-right is sparking concern. With some 373 million... more

06 Jun 2024 · 33 minutes
What can Biden learn from Trump's showmanship?

Trump’s dominance of his political space is unprecedented, with the GOP in thrall to him despite all of his faults.... more

05 Jun 2024 · 27 minutes
Election '24: How will Sunak and Starmer spend their campaign cash?

Election campaigns are expensive to run, from travelling across the UK, to leaflets to adverts. So how are Sunak and... more

04 Jun 2024 · 27 minutes
The first Sunak-Starmer Face-off – Start Your Week with Ros Taylor

As Labour try to brand themselves as the party of defence and the Tories go ever-more anti-woke, it’s the first... more

03 Jun 2024 · 25 minutes
Should we treat AI as if it’s human?

As AI becomes more intelligent, should we cease treating chatbots like robots and more like humans? Should they be held... more

31 May 2024 · 27 minutes
Election ’24: Does Sunak’s economy gamble make any sense?

Sunak banked on an improving economy when he went for an early general election. But does it matter if people... more

30 May 2024 · 22 minutes
What is England? – Setting seven national myths straight

What is England? Well, that depends on the myths and stories you listen to. Are these tales more fiction than... more

29 May 2024 · 26 minutes
Armed Farces – Start Your Week with Alex Andreou and Jacob Jarvis

Sunak’s election campaign is going as you’d expect – he’s managed to annoy everyone and make himself look like an... more

28 May 2024 · 34 minutes
“The most shambolic campaign launch in history” – Steve Richards on Election ’24

Rishi Sunak’s hapless, rain-sodden election announcement left the country agog. Is this how he means to go on? Why did... more

24 May 2024 · 26 minutes
India votes – Why the biggest election in history matters to you

The upcoming Indian election will be the biggest in history, with one fifth of the world’s population voting. How consequential... more

23 May 2024 · 23 minutes
Extreme Economics – What monetarism meant for Britain, with ex-Thatcher’s advisor Tim Lankester

Say “monetarism” to anyone who was around in the early 80s and watch the chill run down their spine. Margaret... more

22 May 2024 · 28 minutes
Why is everyone suddenly an expert? (Even when they’re not)

Conspiracy theorists and disinformation around issues such as the Coid-19 pandemic have created an army of non-expert experts around the... more

21 May 2024 · 27 minutes
Iranian helicopter crash, infected blood scandal – Start Your Week with Alex Andreou

Will the death of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash destabilise Iran, worsen its conflict with Israel, reignite... more

20 May 2024 · 31 minutes
The quality of Mersey – Why The Boys From The Blackstuff still matters

The most searing drama of the 1980s, Alan Bleasdale’s Boys From The Blackstuff turned Thatcher’s unemployment crisis into unmissable TV.... more

19 May 2024 · 23 minutes
The Kremlin court – how Putin’s inner circle keeps him in power

Vladimir Putin has surrounded himself with loyalists who have kept him in power for 20 years. Earlier this week, Russian... more

17 May 2024 · 26 minutes
Why Britain's spy problem is getting worse – with ex-MI6 boss Nigel Inkster

Britain has a spy problem, with a significant surge in threats from China, Russia and Iran in recent months. What... more

16 May 2024 · 27 minutes
Will bird flu be the next big pandemic? – Alex Andreou asks Prof. Devi Sridhar

You might have seen a flurry of alarming headlines and articles about bird flu in recent weeks. Some reports are... more

15 May 2024 · 24 minutes
Britain abroad – Why do we have such a bad reputation?

Brits have a bad reputation abroad – but what about Britain as a whole? To discuss how other countries look... more

14 May 2024 · 30 minutes
Rishi Sunak, Prophet of Doom – Start Your Week with Ros Taylor and Andrew Harrison

In your round-up of the week ahead… Rishi Sunak warns that the UK is about to face its most dangerous years... more

13 May 2024 · 24 minutes
Does America basically rule Britain?

Britain and America’s link is often called the “special relationship”. But is it that special anymore – or is it... more

10 May 2024 · 24 minutes
Does politics need a bit more swearing?

Swearing is a part of life. But is there a place for it in politics? Would Parliament function better if... more

09 May 2024 · 27 minutes
Iron Lad – How Thatcherite is Starmer really?

Starmer’s referencing of Thatcher has enraged the left – but is it anything beyond symbolic politicking? And is he really... more

08 May 2024 · 29 minutes
Foregone delusion – Start Your Week with Alex Andreou and Jacob Jarvis

Rishi Sunak is trying to spin his local election trouncing as best as he can – what bluster should we... more

07 May 2024 · 33 minutes
The fandom menace – How politics is shaped by obsessives

Is “fandom” one of the drives behind our dysfunctional politics? That’s the thesis of Dr Phoenix Andrews new book I... more

06 May 2024 · 26 minutes
Extra: A taster of American Friction

The brand new podcast from the makers of The Bunker. Bewildered by the US Presidential Election? Don’t worry, American Friction... more

03 May 2024 · 9 minutes
“I watched Fox News for a week… here’s what I found out.”

Fox News is regularly criticised for being sensationalist, full of conspiracies and obsessed with Trump. But, what’s it like if... more

03 May 2024 · 26 minutes
Why Donald Trump is truly a cult leader

Trump’s followers are often described as cult-like. But how much does the former president actually act like a cult leader?... more

02 May 2024 · 28 minutes
Having a laugh? Why satire won't die – with impressionist Jan Ravens

Satire has been pronounced dead more times than disco. As the political world has lurched into chaos, satirists have struggled... more

01 May 2024 · 28 minutes
How borders shaped world history – with Jonn Elledge

We live in a world of borders – and often take them for granted. But they’ve shaped the world in... more

30 Apr 2024 · 28 minutes
A local election, for local people – Start Your Week with Ros Taylor and Jacob Jarvis

It’s the local elections this week – just how bad does it look for Rishi Sunak? As general election rumours... more

29 Apr 2024 · 25 minutes
From SBF to Elizabeth Holmes – Why do frauds thrive in Silicon Valley?

Silicon Valley presents itself as a haven for tech start-ups wanting to change the world for the better. But, beneath... more

26 Apr 2024 · 26 minutes
How did the Tories become the chaos party?

The Conservative Party was once a unified force, able to steadily maintain power. But today’s Tories are in constant turmoil.... more

25 Apr 2024 · 31 minutes
Here's how America's next civil war could happen

The prospect of a new Civil War in the United States is increasingly discussed as political turmoil rips through America.... more

24 Apr 2024 · 26 minutes
Red, white and boo – Can Labour reclaim the flag?

The Union Jack represents many things for many people, linked to historical pride – but also shame. And, unfortunately, it’s... more

23 Apr 2024 · 30 minutes
Menzies Behaving Badly – Start Your Week with Ros Taylor and Alex Andreou

Sunak has lost another MP after Mark Menzies announced he’s leaving the Tories and won’t stand at the next election.... more

22 Apr 2024 · 29 minutes
Inside Biden's plan to stop Trump stealing the election

We know what happened the last time Donald Trump lost – and Joe Biden wants to make sure he’s prepared... more

19 Apr 2024 · 26 minutes
Putin Vision – How does Russia see the rest of the world?

Vladimir Putin has a tight grip on information in Russia. How does he shape how his nation sees the rest... more

18 Apr 2024 · 27 minutes
Capital gains: How Paris is getting it right

Paris is like Marmite – you either love it or you hate it. But it’s changing. Physically, through massive expansions... more

17 Apr 2024 · 23 minutes
Public enemies: Britain’s greatest political rivalries

Political drama can be tedious but we can all enjoy watching a bitter rivalry unfold. What have been the greatest... more

16 Apr 2024 · 31 minutes
The world at war? – Start Your Week with Alex Andreou and Hannah Fearn

All eyes remain on the Middle East after Iran’s drone attacks on Israel. How will Netanyahu respond? And how are... more

15 Apr 2024 · 28 minutes
Can Jesus help Donald Trump win in 2024?

Donald Trump needs evangelical Christian voters to back him to stand a chance in November. But can his religious rhetoric... more

12 Apr 2024 · 25 minutes
Can we really grow the economy forever? – with Daniel Susskind

Every party promises a growing economy as a solution for everything – but can economic expansion carry on forever? On a... more

11 Apr 2024 · 28 minutes
Hitler – Why are we still obsessed with him?

Adolf Hitler still comes up in conversations startlingly regularly – particularly online. Why? Sir Richard J. Evans, regius professor emeritus... more

10 Apr 2024 · 27 minutes
“I watched GB News so you don’t have to” – Gavin Esler on his TV nightmare

Could you watch GB News for a whole month? Gavin Esler did, in the name of research. What he experienced... more

09 Apr 2024 · 28 minutes
Ukraine in crisis, Gaza ceasefire bid, William Wragg honeytrap – Start Your Week with Ros Taylor

As the Israel/Gaza war reaches stalemate, are hopes of a ceasefire just wishful thinking? Are “peace talks” in Ukraine just... more

08 Apr 2024 · 25 minutes
How scared should the West be of TikTok?

Even if you aren’t on Tiktok, you’ll know one of its billion plus monthly users. But how many of them... more

05 Apr 2024 · 27 minutes
Myths of the Miners' Strike

Britain’s Miners’ Strike conjures up strong emotions to this day – despite 40 years having passed since the confrontation. But... more

04 Apr 2024 · 24 minutes
Britain's corrupt police – The inside story

Britain’s police forces seem constantly embroiled in scandal. Where does this stem from and where is most of the corruption?... more

03 Apr 2024 · 30 minutes
For whom the bell polls – Start Your Week with Alex Andreou

The Tories face electoral obliteration, according to the polls – can Sunak do anything about it? We reflect on the... more

02 Apr 2024 · 29 minutes
Are we living through an infertility epidemic?

Collapsing birthrates have inspired dramas from The Handmaid’s Tale to Children of Men, but it isn’t just science fiction any... more

29 Mar 2024 · 25 minutes
‘Beyond terrifying’ – What a nuclear war would really be like

Putin’s threats have made nuclear conflict plausible for the first time since the Cold War – but few really understand the... more

28 Mar 2024 · 33 minutes
Is the Moon the world's next flashpoint? – with A.C. Grayling and Alex Andreou

The Moon is packed with precious resources – silicon for microchips, manganese for batteries, and titanium for missiles. As private... more

27 Mar 2024 · 31 minutes
How the mega-rich pay to change the truth – with Cuckooland author Tom Burgis

We think our media is mostly truthful, honest and fearless, but investigative journalism is increasingly stymied by legal threats and the... more

26 Mar 2024 · 31 minutes
Hack Job – Start Your Week with Alex Andreou

Britain is blaming Beijing for a major cyber attack on voter data – how will this impact relations with China?... more

25 Mar 2024 · 32 minutes
Who'd want to be Trump's running mate?

With Trump set to be the GOP’s presidential candidate, who will he pick to be his running mate? There’s a... more

22 Mar 2024 · 26 minutes
Is Britain prepared to fight a war?

Is Britain moving into a “pre-war world”, as Defence Secretary Grant Shapps warned in January? Could we fight a land... more

21 Mar 2024 · 24 minutes
From Stalin to Kate – The weird history of faked photos

Kate Middleton conspiracy theories have run rampant since that doctored photo emerged. But, altered photos of public figures are nothing new. Today in... more

20 Mar 2024 · 23 minutes
The Conspiracy Trap – How even MPs fall into it

More and more high-profile figures are falling for conspiracy theories. And here in the UK, British MPs are seemingly becoming... more

19 Mar 2024 · 32 minutes
Penny for your thoughts? – Start Your Week with Ros Taylor and Gavin Esler

This week, could a backbench rebellion see Penny Mordaunt replace Rishi Sunak before the general election? As online conspiracies run... more

18 Mar 2024 · 23 minutes
Ranked: The best and worst US Presidents of all time

The history of US presidents is mixed, let’s say. Some achieved incredible things, whilst others have 91 pending criminal charges... more

15 Mar 2024 · 25 minutes
Why is the internet getting so sh*t? – with Ryan Broderick

The internet is getting worse. Google isn’t as helpful as it used to be, all of the best content is... more

14 Mar 2024 · 26 minutes
What’s Labour’s answer to the leasehold nightmare? – with Barry Gardiner MP

Problems with leaseholds have ruined lives across the UK. Labour has vowed to end the system, but how? And are... more

13 Mar 2024 · 28 minutes
Diving headfirst into 'Conspiracyland' with the BBC's Marianna Spring

The world of online conspiracy theorists is daunting and bewildering. The BBC’s Marianna Spring knows that better than most. In... more

12 Mar 2024 · 29 minutes
No Money for Old Men — Start Your Week with Alex Andreou and Jacob Jarvis

Hunt’s budget hasn’t shifted the dial for the Tories like they wanted – what will they try next? Plus, we’ve... more

11 Mar 2024 · 29 minutes
The politics of Dune – Fremen of the Land

Warning: major spoilers from the beginning. In a special weekend bonus, we look at the political resonances of Denis Villeneuve’s $200m-grossing... more

09 Mar 2024 · 35 minutes
Does Joe Biden need to rethink his stance on Israel?

The relationship between the United States and Israel is hugely significant – but it’s under serious strain. Is President Joe... more

08 Mar 2024 · 29 minutes
Is this Britain’s worst-ever chaos era? – with Steve Richards

British politics is a shambles, from the economy to the cost of living to the NHS and public standards. But... more

07 Mar 2024 · 33 minutes
Will the public ever trust MPs again? – Ros Taylor asks the IFG's Tim Durrant

Scandal after scandal has eroded public trust in Westminster politics in recent years. Fresh research from the Institute For Government... more

06 Mar 2024 · 23 minutes
Is our broken NHS really being privatised? – Alex Andreou asks the HSJ's Alastair McLellan

With the NHS in constant crisis, we constantly hear it’s at risk of being privatised. How close to the truth... more

05 Mar 2024 · 29 minutes
Budget Smugglers — Start Your Week with Alex Andreou and Ros Taylor

Jeremy Hunt has promised “sensible tax cuts” in his Budget – but will they be enough to satisfy backbenchers? Across the... more

04 Mar 2024 · 32 minutes
Lettuce from America – Liz Truss tries to conquer the United States

Liz Truss is looking to spread her particular brand of chaos to the United States after trashing her reputation in... more

01 Mar 2024 · 25 minutes
Who is the real Keir Starmer? – Ros Taylor asks Tom Baldwin

Most people know who Keir Starmer is – but don’t know much about his character. Who is the Labour leader... more

29 Feb 2024 · 27 minutes
‘I was Putin’s speech writer. I don’t recognise him anymore’

Abbas Gallyamov wrote scripts for Vladimir Putin for 3 years from 2008. He describes Vladimir Putin in that time as... more

28 Feb 2024 · 28 minutes
Has Alexei Navalny's death doomed Russia's future? – Chris Jones asks Dr. Jan Dollbaum

The death of Alexei Navalny sent shockwaves across the world. Has Russia’s hope of a brighter future, beyond the reign... more

27 Feb 2024 · 29 minutes
Whip-off merchants – Start Your Week with Alex Andreou and Jacob Jarvis

Lee Anderson has lost the whip – will any other horrid MPs follow this week? And there’s the by-election in... more

26 Feb 2024 · 26 minutes
Russia-Ukraine two years in: The defining war of the 21st Century

Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began two years ago. Hundreds of thousands have died and more will follow. What is... more

23 Feb 2024 · 28 minutes
When will America be ready for a gay president?

America’s presidents have generally been straight, white, old men. Barack Obama bucked that trend, but the United States is yet... more

22 Feb 2024 · 28 minutes
The post-logic election year – Does anybody vote rationally?

It’s a massive election year, with billions voting worldwide. But will those casting votes do so logically? Has voter psychology... more

21 Feb 2024 · 23 minutes
Has China’s power peaked? – Alex Andreou asks Michael Beckley

After decades of unprecedented economic growth China’s rise seems to be slowing down. Has the nation’s power reached its peak?... more

20 Feb 2024 · 30 minutes
What next for Russia? — Start Your Week with Ros Taylor and Gavin Esler

The killing of Putin’s high profile rival, Alexei Navalny, has sparked outrage. Will this convince the UK and US to... more

19 Feb 2024 · 22 minutes
What Joe Biden needs to do to win in 2024 – Gavin Esler asks Molly Jong-Fast

Biden’s economic and immigration policies are under relentless fire from Trump and Republicans, and his approval ratings are dire – but... more

16 Feb 2024 · 22 minutes
Why self-help isn’t helping – with Alex Andreou and Vincent Deary

The global ‘self-help’ market is worth over £30 billion. And yet, it seems no amount of books, apps or podcasts... more

15 Feb 2024 · 35 minutes
Why are so many MPs obsessed with sex? With Kate Lister

It's often said that politics is showbiz for ugly people. So why has parliament produced so many sex scandals? Today... more

14 Feb 2024 · 32 minutes
Bonus: What Tucker Carlson's Putin interview really means – Ian Garner explains

Former Fox News anchor Tucker Carlson’s two-hour sit down with Vladimir Putin has grabbed headlines worldwide. But can we really... more

13 Feb 2024 · 27 minutes
Is Benjamin Netanyahu losing control?

Benjamin Netanyahu’s power is faltering. From losing international support, to the charges of fraud and bribery that he’s facing –... more

13 Feb 2024 · 23 minutes
By and by-elections — Start Your Week with Alex Andreou and Jacob Jarvis

This week: By-elections will prove yet another test for Sunak – but things aren’t smooth sailing for Labour either. Plus,... more

12 Feb 2024 · 31 minutes
Why are Americans dying so young? – Gavin Esler asks Dr Steven Woolf

The US life expectancy is at its lowest point in more than two decades – and behind that of some... more

09 Feb 2024 · 23 minutes
Why we should be grateful for chaos – Brian Klaas explains

We like to imagine society is structured by rationality and reason. But, really, isn’t everything a matter of chance? Ros... more

08 Feb 2024 · 25 minutes
The knife crime 'epidemic': What's really going on?

Britain’s knife crime crisis is regularly called a “pandemic” in the media. But just how serious is the problem?  Who... more

07 Feb 2024 · 27 minutes
Why Putin's rigged Russian election still matters

Russia’s presidential election doesn’t take place until March – yet we already know the result. Vladimir Putin will beat the... more

06 Feb 2024 · 23 minutes
Holy Scrap — Start Your Week with Ros Taylor and Alex Andreou

This week: Rwanda rows continue as James Cleverly drags the Church of England into the migration dispute. Plus – Could... more

05 Feb 2024 · 25 minutes
The increasingly weird world of Tucker Carlson

Tucker Carlson’s getting weirder. Hard to believe it, we know. From promoting shamed conspiracy theorist Alex Jones’ return to interviewing... more

02 Feb 2024 · 29 minutes
Can pranks change the world? – with chaos agent Oobah Butler

British politics can be laughable. But can poking fun at it actually spark change? Marie Le Conte speaks to professional... more

01 Feb 2024 · 25 minutes
Britain’s hero, India’s war criminal: Churchill’s maddening legacy – with Ahir Shah

Sir Winston Churchill’s legacy is often discussed – but is usually more complex than conversations suggest. Some call him one... more

31 Jan 2024 · 32 minutes
Why can’t politicians quit while they’re ahead like Klopp did?

Jürgen Klopp impressed the football world with his honest reasons for quitting as Liverpool manager. But how come so few... more

30 Jan 2024 · 29 minutes
Friends without benefits — Start Your Week with Alex Andreou and Jacob Jarvis

It’s a bad Brexit news week as new regulations are put in place. Plus, Sunak’s woes continue – but Hunt’s... more

29 Jan 2024 · 29 minutes
100% Faithful? What The Traitors can teach us about politics

Hit reality TV show The Traitors reveals how great some people are at lying – and how bad others are... more

26 Jan 2024 · 32 minutes
Beyond Biden and Trump: What really matters to US voters? – with NPR's Susan Davis

The US election is being fought on many fronts, but what does the American public really care about most? Is... more

25 Jan 2024 · 36 minutes
What really matters most to British voters? – New Statesman data journalist Ben Walker explains

What do people care most about at the moment – and how will this affect their votes in the upcoming... more

24 Jan 2024 · 26 minutes
Mr. Bates vs. The Post Office rocked the Government. How do dramas like this make it to TV?

Few TV dramas have had such an instant seismic effect as ITV’s miniseries on the Horizon scandal, Mr Bates vs... more

23 Jan 2024 · 31 minutes
DeSantis Destroyed – Start Your Week with Gavin Esler

“Ron DeSanctimonious” is out of the Presidential running meaning a two-way race between Trump and Nikki Haley in this week’s... more

22 Jan 2024 · 26 minutes
Bunker USA: From true believers to chaos addicts – The 5 types of Trump voters

Donald Trump once said he could shoot someone on 5th Avenue and his supporters wouldn’t care. Not only does polling... more

19 Jan 2024 · 31 minutes
Why everyone is wrong about migration – Hein de Haas joins Ros Taylor

Migration is one of the most divisive issues in the UK – socially, politically, and economically. But a lot of... more

18 Jan 2024 · 25 minutes
Inside Russia’s plot to put Trump back in the White House – with Gavin Esler and Joseph Webster

The 2024 US Presidential election will likely see Biden and Trump back on the ballot. And, if previous elections are... more

17 Jan 2024 · 21 minutes
The Kids are Alt-right – What’s radicalising a new generation of extremists?

Young people, particularly young men, are increasingly becoming radicalised toward the far-right. Often chronically online and extremely vulnerable to manipulation,... more

16 Jan 2024 · 23 minutes
Rebel strikes — Start Your Week with Alex Andreou and Ros Taylor

PM Rishi Sunak faces the commons today to explain military action against Houthi Rebels. Plus – the Rwanda bill is... more

15 Jan 2024 · 33 minutes
Iran, the Houthis and war in the Red Sea explained – Special edition with This Is Not A Drill

A special crossover episode with This Is Not A Drill, our geopolitics podcast. Why are UK and US navies defending... more

12 Jan 2024 · 27 minutes
Are politicians trying to brainwash you? – Alex Andreou and Daniel Pick on the new era of thought control

Brainwashing has been utilised as a political tool for centuries. How exactly is it weaponised today? Daniel Pick, author of... more

11 Jan 2024 · 31 minutes
The digital hacks Sunak and Starmer will use to fight the election – with Ros Taylor and Kate Dommett

Internet culture has changed a lot since the last general election – so the way politicians use it will have... more

10 Jan 2024 · 27 minutes
Farage and Reform UK: Should the Tories really be worried? – Michael Crick explains

Once known as the Brexit Party, Reform UK wants to mortally wound the Tories in the General Election. Do its... more

09 Jan 2024 · 32 minutes
Fuel to the binfire — Start Your Week with Alex Andreou and Ros Taylor

Rishi Sunak faces more backbench backlash as Parliament returns. Plus – will an emergency summit give closure to the 700... more

08 Jan 2024 · 29 minutes
Trump vs. Biden: Is America set for its most chaotic year yet? – with Gavin Esler and Sarah Isgur

There’s pretty much only one certainty in US politics in 2024: chaos. Trump faces a reckoning with the law, but... more

05 Jan 2024 · 26 minutes
The Economy: Five things you need to know in 2024 – with Giles Wilkes and Andrew Harrison

Britain’s damaged economy will dominate this election year but it’s a sprawling topic. We’ve broken it down into five key... more

04 Jan 2024 · 38 minutes
How AI will change the world forever in 2024 – for better or worse. With Dr. Kate Devlin and Kyle Taylor

AI took the world by storm in 2023 – and has the potential to fundamentally change it in 2024. But... more

03 Jan 2024 · 26 minutes
2024 Vision — Start Your Year with Alex Andreou and Jacob Jarvis

New year, same old Sunak. Alex Andreou joins Jacob Jarvis to discuss the latest misjudgements from the PM and the... more

02 Jan 2024 · 34 minutes
Chaos theories: Why are we never prepared for disasters? – Ros Taylor asks Jeff Schlegelmilch

From pandemics to natural disasters, terror attacks to global warming, it seems the world is becoming more disastrous by the... more

28 Dec 2023 · 20 minutes
From Charlie Chaplin to Fleabag: How outrage shaped political comedy – with Seth Thévoz and David Stubbs

We’ve come a long way as society but has progress hindered our ability to have a laugh? Seth Thévoz is... more

27 Dec 2023 · 28 minutes
Bunker Gold: Ding Dong Merrily on High– How to win Christmas arguments

On today’s Bunker Gold, a Christmas throwback from 2022…  What do veganism, Donald Trump and Brussels sprouts have in common? They’re... more

24 Dec 2023 · 25 minutes
Led by little donkeys: Why Christmas is more political than you thought

Our political debate stops at Christmas — but this hasn’t always been the case. It was only in the Victorian... more

22 Dec 2023 · 25 minutes
Revealed! The 20 weirdest moments of 2023

On our latest panel edition: It’s been a weird year in the world of politics. From accusations of bunny murder,... more

21 Dec 2023 · 45 minutes
Will the Israel-Hamas war revive terrorism in the UK?

Terrorist activity is surging across Europe since the beginning of the Israel-Hamas war on October 7, and UK police are... more

20 Dec 2023 · 31 minutes
Covid Inquiry latest — 5 key moments from Sunak, Johnson and Gove with Prof. Christina Pagel and Alex Andreou

The Covid Inquiry continues to throw out news lines with Rishi Sunak, Boris Johnson, Michael Gove appearing since our last... more

19 Dec 2023 · 39 minutes
Mone Alone — Start Your Week with Alex Andreou and Jacob Jarvis

Michelle Mone has admitted to lying to the media over her links to a PPE firm. What fallout will happen... more

18 Dec 2023 · 35 minutes
Bunker USA: How rural rage fuels Trump’s power

Donald Trump’s hold over rural voters is priceless to the Republican party. But how did this real life caricature of... more

15 Dec 2023 · 33 minutes
DisInfo-Wars: Why defeating online lies is a battle we have to win

The internet has become a theatre of war, with lies and disinformation being radically weaponised. The UN has responded with... more

14 Dec 2023 · 25 minutes
Will Russia run out of money before Putin can win in Ukraine?

We know the human cost of Russia’s war in Ukraine – with estimated fatalities reaching half a million. But what... more

13 Dec 2023 · 28 minutes
Meeting the men behind Britain’s violent extremist groups – Dr. Elizabeth Pearson tells Marie Le Conte about her experiences

Most extreme movements seem to have one thing in common: angry men. Do misogyny and radicalisation go hand-in-hand? Extreme Britain:... more

12 Dec 2023 · 21 minutes
Sunak’s nightmare gets worse – Start Your Week with Ros Taylor and Alex Andreou

It’s Rishi Sunak’s nightmare week as he faces the COVID Inquiry and his own restive MPs over Rwanda. How will... more

11 Dec 2023 · 24 minutes
Bunker USA: How Trump became a messiah for America’s “least understood” Christians — with Tim Alberta.

Donald Trump commands extreme support from evangelicals in America – despite seemingly lacking Christian values. How has this support developed... more

08 Dec 2023 · 31 minutes
How junk food giants are trying to take over the world – Alex Andreou asks Eduardo J. Gómez

Despite governments pushing to make people healthier, the junk food industry continues to thrive. How do the corporations in charge... more

07 Dec 2023 · 26 minutes
Elon Musk could really bankrupt Twitter. Here's how – with Ryan Broderick.

Elon Musk’s calamitous time at Twitter, or X as he wants to call it, has wrecked the platform. But could... more

06 Dec 2023 · 26 minutes
Different Class: A proles' guide to the elite private schools that churn out our leaders – with Andrew Harrison and Robert Verkaik

Private schools have been responsible for educating a broad spread of political leaders. What’s going on in this weird world... more

05 Dec 2023 · 27 minutes
Boris Johnson’s question time — Start Your Week with Alex Andreou and Ros Taylor

All eyes will be on Boris Johnson as he faces the Covid Inquiry this week. What bombshells? Plus – Keir... more

04 Dec 2023 · 34 minutes
How Brexiteers and Trump weaponised shame to corrupt our politics – Alex Andreou speaks to David Keen

We’ve all felt shame. But it’s more than an emotion – it’s also a political weapon. All manners of politicians,... more

03 Dec 2023 · 30 minutes
Bunker USA: The 5 key Donald Trump dramas you need to focus on

Donald Trump is never out of trouble. And it’s hard to keep up with his latest wrongdoing. Jacob Jarvis is... more

02 Dec 2023 · 30 minutes
‘Gun fights and mass graves’ – Inside South Africa’s deadly illegal gold mines

Gun battles, mass graves, and explosions – that’s not a description of a battlefield, but of an illegal gold mine... more

01 Dec 2023 · 31 minutes
The AI world is in chaos. Is Sam Altman its hero or villain? – Dr. Kate Devlin explains

We’ve all heard of ChatGPT. But what is the recent drama surrounding the lesser-known parent company OpenAI and its fired-then-reinstated... more

30 Nov 2023 · 23 minutes
Desperate Tradwives: How far-right women weaponise social media – with Marie Le Conte and Eviane Leidig

The far-right is often associated with angry white men — but their female counterparts might be even more dangerous.  Dr Eviane... more

29 Nov 2023 · 25 minutes
Mini-budget explained: Was there anything good in Hunt’s autumn statement?

What should we actually pay attention to in Jeremy Hunt’s Autumn Statement, away from the points he wants to spin?... more

28 Nov 2023 · 32 minutes
Return of the cracks — Start Your Week with Ros Taylor and Hannah Fearn

The small period of post reshuffle harmony is over and Sunak’s party is back to doing what it does best:... more

27 Nov 2023 · 23 minutes
Power Elite: How Marvel movies explain 21st Century politics — with Andrew Harrison and Gavin Edwards

Tell us what you think of The Bunker in our Listener Survey – five respondents will get the Bunker... more

26 Nov 2023 · 32 minutes
Bunker USA: How JFK's assassination sparked a new era of super-conspiracies

Tell us what you think of The Bunker in our Listener Survey – five respondents will get the Bunker mug... more

25 Nov 2023 · 30 minutes
The Bunker
Desperate Tradwives: How far-right women weaponise social media – with Marie Le Conte and Eviane Leidig
The Bunker
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The far-right is often associated with angry white men — but their female counterparts might be even more dangerous.  Dr Eviane Leidig, a... more