
The Bugle
It's the trans-global satiricast that leaves no hot potato unbuttered. Andy Zaltzman breaks down the news with comedians from across the world including Alice Fraser, Hari Kondabolu, Chris Addison, John Oliver, Nish Kumar, Tiff Stevenson and Helen Zaltzman. Go to TheBuglePodcast.com to become a premium subscriber and get exclusive shows.Follow us on YouTube. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Latest episodes

Jun 24, 2025 • 36min
Too Much News - Bonus Edition
Tiff Stevenson, an English stand-up comedian and writer, joins a lively discussion filled with humor and insight. They tackle the candidacy of an Iranian-born refugee for Archbishop of Canterbury while balancing the serious with the silly. The absurdity of betting on life events gets a comedic twist, alongside the quirks and chaos surrounding matcha tea culture. Jeff Bezos's lavish wedding plans in Venice are satirically critiqued, and the hosts explore how tech misreads our festival fun. It's an entertaining mix of current events and absurdity!

21 snips
Jun 17, 2025 • 46min
Iran bans puppies, and other stories from the Middle East
Tom Ballard, an Australian comedian renowned for his satirical insights, and Tiff Stevenson, a sharp-witted English stand-up comedian, dive into the ludicrous world of global politics. They tackle the absurdity of Iran banning dog walking amidst rising tensions with Israel. The duo humorously juxtaposes serious geopolitical issues with the joy pets bring, even proposing that Labradors could lead the world better! They also critique the U.S. military’s extravagant spending while veterans struggle, all wrapped in their signature playful banter.

Jun 10, 2025 • 51min
Musk Mess Masked by Massive Madman
🎧 Support The Bugle! Get bonus shows, exclusive videos, and a smug sense of global awareness at thebuglepodcast.comThis week, Andy Zaltzman is joined by Alice Fraser and Neil Delamere for a global sweep of chaos, climate, and confused birds.🇺🇸 In the United States, Elon Musk continues to make noise, and riots bring yet another wave of existential dread. Democracy? Still TBD.🌆 Sinking cities are on the rise (and by “on the rise” we mean going underwater). Is climate change trying to take real estate off the market?🐧 In the Antarctic nationalist row nobody asked for, penguins have waddled straight into a geopolitical spat. Are they fascist birds, or just lost? We investigate.💬 It's time to 'Ask Andy' - send your questions now.📺 Watch our fantasy comedy series Realms Unknown now fully visualised on YouTubeProduced by Chris Skinner and Laura Turner. Climate-proofed by penguins. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

16 snips
Jun 3, 2025 • 48min
The Honey Badger Bugle
Felicity Ward, an Australian comedian known for her sharp wit, and James Nokise, a New Zealand comic with a knack for political commentary, join the discussion. They dive into the audacious world of honey badgers, exploring their chaotic reputation and quirky mythology. The conversation shifts to New Zealand's political climate, highlighting coalition dramas with a comedic touch. Plus, they dissect the tumultuous split between Elon Musk and Donald Trump. With humor at the forefront, this lively dialogue offers sharp insights into politics and animal antics.

28 snips
May 28, 2025 • 51min
A Mostly F***ING BLEAK-Free Bugle!
Helen Zaltzman, a talented podcaster known for her wit and charm, joins comedian Josh Gondelman to bring humor to current events. They tackle the absurdity of U.S.-Canada trade tensions impacting jigsaw puzzle lovers and poke fun at royal visits while critiquing modern governance. The duo shares witty insights on Trump's controversial dining events and the chaos of cryptocurrency. They also explore the strange intersection of masculinity and environmental issues through the lens of plastic straws, all while finding joy in the wonders of technology.

14 snips
May 20, 2025 • 46min
Donald Loves Big Guns
Comedian Hari Kondabolu joins the crew for a hilarious dive into the absurdities of modern politics, riffing on Trump's bizarre praise for muscle-bound diplomats. They tackle quirky measurement units and hilariously critique the struggles of wealthy South Africans navigating privilege. The podcast also takes a whimsical turn with anecdotes about runaway kangaroos, reflecting on how comedy often springs from personal challenges. Insights into job satisfaction and the resilience taught by sports failures add depth to the laughter.

26 snips
May 13, 2025 • 55min
MAGA Pope: Make America Guilty Again
Nish Kumar, a sharp-witted comedian and former host of The Mash Report, and Tom Ballard, an Australian comedian known for his incisive political commentary, join forces for a lively discussion. They dive into the absurdities of India-Pakistan cricket rivalries, poking fun at the geopolitical implications with humor. The conversation also touches on the whimsical idea of an Australian Pope, critiques the post-Brexit UK-India trade deal, and offers satirical takes on a potential US papacy. Expect wit, laughter, and a cocktail of international satire!

30 snips
May 7, 2025 • 49min
25 years of Stalin Cosplay
Alice Fraser, an Australian comedian and writer, and David O’Doherty, an Irish comedian and musician, share their sharp wit on global democracy and societal absurdities. They delve into the bizarre intersections of politics and humor, discussing Australia’s viral controversies, the UK’s far-right gains, and the latest snake news featuring a man who confronts snakes in a rather unusual way. Their commentary on environmental challenges and playful insights into gender identity and creativity make for a light-hearted yet thought-provoking conversation.

20 snips
Apr 30, 2025 • 49min
Carney Trumps MAGA, and we explain Pete Hegseth
Joining the discussion are Hari Kondabolu, a sharp-witted comedian known for tackling social issues, and Anuvab Pal, a comedic force from India. They delve into the absurdity of Trump's election mishaps in Canada and speculate humorously about the bizarre phone habits of Pete Hegseth. The conversation also hilariously traces the history of the Bayeux Tapestry, pondering its legitimacy as an early meme. Expect plenty of laughs as they navigate through global politics, comic proposals for future popes, and cultural quirks!

15 snips
Apr 23, 2025 • 38min
The Pope, The Wrestler and The Terrorist
Support The Bugle, we only exist because you make it happen: http://thebuglepodcast.com/donate. Our first Elite Tier Buglers will be co-producing episodes in the next month!This week we look back at the arrival of Pope Francis, and the end of Osama Bin Laden - as revealed by John Cena. Includes a clip from Realms Unknown, which is in your pod feed now!A new Bugle is in your feed next week.This episode was produced by Chris Skinner and Laura Turner.Presented by Andy Zaltzman, with John Oliver, Alice Fraser and James Colley. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.