The Bunker – News without the nonsense
Podmasters
News without the nonsense, every weekday morning. In episodes that fit your commute*, The Bunker cuts through the noise to make sense of what’s really going on in news, current affairs, politics, economics and culture. We bring you smart explainers, interviews, fresh perspectives and under-reported stories to as a refreshing alternative to repetitive Punch and Judy news coverage. It’s the only way to start the day. From the producers of Oh God, What Now?Our regulars include: Gavin Esler • Ros Taylor • Alex von Tunzelmann • Andrew Harrison • Zing Tsjeng • Jacob Jarvis • Emma Kennedy • Rafael Behr • Seth Thévoz.• Sign up to support the podcast and get episodes ad-free and early: patreon.com/bunkercast• Apple users: Get all of our core shows ad-free and early with the Podmasters Originals super-subscription.(* Even if it’s just from the kitchen to the front room. )The Bunker is a Podmasters production.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jan 22, 2026 • 23min
Do junk food advertising bans work?
The government says it’s getting serious about childhood obesity, with a ban on junk food ads before 9pm and online. Today on The Bunker, Zoë Grünewald is joined by Dr Beverley O’Hara lecturer in Public Health Nutrition at Leeds Beckett University to find out whether this is real reform or a rerun of previous failed plans.
www.patreon.com/bunkercast
Written and presented by Zoë Grünewald. Producer: Liam Tait. Audio production: Robin Leeburn. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Artwork by James Parrett. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.
www.podmasters.co.uk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jan 21, 2026 • 28min
Thug of War – What makes Pete Hegseth tick?
Joseph Gedeon, a politics reporter for The Guardian, dives into the chaotic world of Pete Hegseth, a key player in Trump's inner circle. They discuss Hegseth's controversial military experience and how it contrasts with senior leaders' concerns over morale in the Pentagon. Gedeon uncovers Hegseth’s focus on a 'warrior culture,' his elite educational background, and media savvy that resonate with Trump’s base. The conversation also explores why Hegseth remains untouchable despite scandals, highlighting the complex interplay of loyalty and political strategy.
8 snips
Jan 20, 2026 • 33min
How the West lost Russia
James Rodgers, a former BBC and Reuters Moscow correspondent and author of The Return of Russia, dives deep into the complexities of Russia's transformation from a potential ally to a confrontational power. He highlights how Western misconceptions about Russia's 1990s humiliation and failures in policy shaped today's tensions. Rodgers discusses Putin's strategic choices in military conflicts and the implications for global security, emphasizing that reintegration with the West seems increasingly unlikely. A thought-provoking exploration of geopolitics and historical missteps!
Jan 19, 2026 • 37min
Trump’s blackmail: A fool’s ransoms – Start Your Week with Rafael Behr and Jacob Jarvis
Rafael Behr, a Guardian columnist and political commentator, joins Jacob Jarvis to dissect Trump’s recent international maneuvers. They delve into the seriousness of Trump's tariff threats and explore Europe's response options, weighing appeasement against retaliation. The discussion highlights making Trump uncomfortable through economic strategies and critiques his tyrannical tendencies. They also address the hollow nature of Trump's Greenland ambitions and the implications for UK politics, including Keir Starmer's strategic choices.
8 snips
Jan 16, 2026 • 31min
Jenrick vs. Badenoch and Starmer vs. Himself – Weekly Wrap-Up with Seth Thévoz and Jacob Jarvis
Seth Thévoz, a regular panellist known for his sharp political analysis, joins Jacob Jarvis to unpack a whirlwind week in UK politics. They discuss the implications of Robert Jenrick's expulsion from the Tories and whether it strengthens Kemi Badenoch's position. Seth raises concerns about Reform UK's potential as a Tory splinter and critiques Labour's embarrassing policy misjudgments. The duo also tackle the weird dynamics within Labour post-Sue Gray, alongside some surprising winners and losers from the political landscape.
10 snips
Jan 15, 2026 • 35min
Civil War in Britain – Why the Right is hyping it
Phil Tinline, journalist and author of *Ghosts of Iron Mountain*, delves into the alarming rhetoric of civil war currently echoed by right-wing figures in the UK. He explores the economic grievances behind this exaggerated fear and warns against conflating genuine public discontent with apocalyptic scenarios. Tinline discusses how social media amplifies these threats and critiques the notion that civil war talk equates to racial conflict. He reflects on historical moments when the UK was on the brink of true civil unrest, underscoring the complexity of current tensions.
Jan 14, 2026 • 32min
Is Britain becoming more racist?
Rahul Sambaraju, a psychology lecturer researching social norms and prejudice, teams up with Simon Goodman, an associate professor studying language and political shifts, to tackle the question of racism's visibility in Britain. They discuss how societal norms around prejudice are changing, how social media amplifies extreme views, and the impact of political figures on public discourse. The conversation also explores strategies for combating rising hostility, emphasizing grassroots organization and the importance of education in fostering tolerance.
4 snips
Jan 13, 2026 • 34min
Make America Invade Again – What does Trump have in store for 2026?
Dr. Casey Burgat, Legislative Affairs Program Director at George Washington University and author, delves into the chaotic landscape of Trump’s potential second term. He discusses military interventions, such as those in Venezuela, illustrating Trump’s view of presidential power. The conversation touches on the strain on NATO and the unpredictability that could alienate allies. Casey warns about the implications of Trump's rhetoric on democracy and the growing risk of political backlash as he prepares for the 2026 midterms.
Jan 12, 2026 • 32min
Twilight of the Ayatollahs? – Start Your Week with Ros Taylor
Ros Taylor, a broadcaster and author known for her insights on politics, discusses the urgent protests in Iran against its theocratic regime. She examines the challenges to revolution and the potential for U.S. intervention, framing the logistical hurdles and geopolitical implications. Taylor also delves into Trump's foreign policy whims concerning Greenland, Venezuela, and Cuba, highlighting the complexities of support for Ukraine. Additionally, she critiques the UK's limited options in defense funding and political strategies concerning social media regulations.
Jan 9, 2026 • 34min
Trump vs. Venezuela and Greenland: America gonna America! – Weekly Wrap-Up with Alex von Tunzelmann
Alex von Tunzelmann, a historian and broadcaster, joins to discuss Trump's dramatic first week of 2026, including his controversial military plans for Venezuela and fixation on Greenland. The conversation dives into historical patterns of U.S. interventions and the possible pitfalls ahead. They also explore Keir Starmer’s attempts to reset the UK-EU relationship and an alarming proposal in Texas to ban teaching Plato, highlighting the cultural clashes in education today. Alex raises concerns about the implications for academic freedom and critical debate.
