

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

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.

22 snips
Apr 14, 2025 • 38min
Dr Evil Set To Impose Million Percent Tariffs!
This week, Josie Long, a Glasgow comedian known for her observational humor, and Nato Green, a politically charged satirist from San Francisco, dive into the absurdities of million percent tariffs. They discuss the chaos of economic policies that turn essentials into luxuries and critique the consequences for working-class families. The conversation also highlights an amusing protest featuring a man in a rat costume, scrutinizing political engagement through humor. Expect laughter as they blend personal tales with sharp social commentary!

59 snips
Apr 6, 2025 • 44min
Liberation Day: Weird, at best
Join a humorous journey through the quirks of absurd kitchen gadgets and a celebrity chef's sustainable restaurant dreams. Delve into the chaos of dubious economic tariffs and the oddities of modern political narratives. Watch as the hosts hilariously critique combat norms, propose peace through arm wrestling, and celebrate a 3-year-old archaeological prodigy. Enjoy witty banter on the bizarre intersections of sport and war, along with updates on upcoming comedic ventures that promise to entertain!

31 snips
Mar 30, 2025 • 30min
April Fools!
Get ready for a hilarious ride through memorable moments in satire! The hosts tackle the absurdity of pop culture colliding with politics, using Justin Bieber's unexpected cameo as a comedic lens on Middle Eastern tensions. They explore the craziness of predicting life expectancy based on lifestyle while critiquing societal obsession with material gain. Lockdown laughs abound with a humorous guide to survival during isolation, all while poking fun at the surreal leadership seen during the pandemic. It's a wild blend of nostalgia and wit!

21 snips
Mar 23, 2025 • 40min
H A P P Oh God Why!?
Neil Delamere, a Dublin-based comedian known for his sharp wit, and London’s Ria Lina, bring laughter to serious topics. They explore why Finland is dubbed the happiest country and question the validity of happiness rankings. Delamere and Lina dissect the UK's welfare cuts, highlighting absurdities in modern politics with humor. They tackle controversial figures like Molly Malone and satire the bizarre political love triangle involving Trump, Putin, and Zelenskyy—all while keeping the conversation light and entertaining.