

The Bugle
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

20 snips
Aug 1, 2025 • 50min
Golf, Gaza and skinny men on drugs
Nato Green, a politically savvy comedian from the East Coast, and Sara Barron, an observational humorist now based in London, dive into a whirlwind of topics. They explore the absurdity of Donald Trump's golf escapades amidst multiple indictments, and the mounting human cost of the situation in Gaza. The duo also tackles the growing trend of men using Ozempic, questioning if it's for self-improvement or social media validation. With sharp wit, they infuse humor into serious discussions, leaving listeners both entertained and thoughtful.

17 snips
Jul 23, 2025 • 33min
Slipping on ICE
Ria Lina, a comedian, actress, and scientist, joins the discussion with Andy Zaltzman and Jena Friedman. They hilariously dissect Trump’s ICE antics, combining sharp wit with insights on immigration policies and climate change. Ria cleverly links historical tyrants with current absurdities, while also addressing how youth political engagement is evolving. The trio dives into the quirks of proposed fines for public swearing and contrasts UK and US legislative approaches. Expect laughter infused with a dash of scientific clarity!

12 snips
Jul 18, 2025 • 43min
Intellectual Cats WILL Run The World
Join Indian comedian and writer Anuvab Pal for a rollercoaster of humor as he dives into the absurdities of global headlines. He joins Alice Fraser and Andy Zaltzman to tackle everything from the quirks of emoji communication to France considering ditching public holidays to save money. They explore the hilarity of Trump's surreal sports moments and the strange blend of politics and sports. Expect witty takes on history, pet psychology, and the emotional angst of cricket—all served with a side of laughter!

5 snips
Jul 11, 2025 • 45min
Palestine Inaction
Nish Kumar, a sharp-witted comedian known for his socio-political commentary, joins fellow comic Ian Smith to discuss activism and absurdity. They dive into the controversial Palestine Action movement and question whether such protests make a difference. The duo humorously explores the surreal nomination of Donald Trump for a Nobel Prize, alongside a celebration of the most selfless cricketer, highlighting the rare moments when the spirit of sport shines through. Their comedic take on serious topics keeps the conversation both enlightening and entertaining.

9 snips
Jul 2, 2025 • 43min
BREAKING NEWS: The Future Never Runs Out Of Money
In this entertaining discussion, comedians Josh Gondelman and Josie Long dive into the outrageousness of wealth, discussing everything from endlessly rich pets to the nuances of American politics wrapped in humor. They explore the absurdities of sports commentary and the recent upset in New York City's primaries. With sharp wit, they tackle complex ideas about financial policies, socialism, and the challenges of navigating today’s political landscape, all while keeping the banter lively and engaging.

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.