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
Nov 21, 2025 • 30min
Trump panics over Epstein files – Weekly Wrap-Up with Jonn Elledge and Andrew Harrison
Trump makes a surprising U-turn, now demanding the release of Epstein files he once tried to suppress. The hosts explore how these documents might be redacted to protect certain elites. They also dissect Labour’s hardline asylum proposals and the political fallout from local election losses in Denmark. The fragile state of internet infrastructure gets a shoutout after a massive Cloudflare outage. Lastly, Trump's recent 'quiet, piggy' comment raises eyebrows and questions about his political standing.
Nov 20, 2025 • 21min
Can China save the world?
Barbara Finamore, a Senior Fellow at the Oxford Institute for Energy Studies and author of 'Will China Save the Planet?', discusses China's surprising shift from a climate villain to a clean-energy powerhouse. She highlights the country's advancements in solar, wind, and electric vehicles, as well as the dual impact of its domestic electrification and global technology exports. While coal remains a challenge, she argues that China's self-interest in decarbonization aligns with global climate goals, emphasizing the need for faster coal reduction and international collaboration.
Nov 19, 2025 • 34min
Line of Duty – How comics journalist Joe Sacco brings untold stories to life
Joe Sacco, a pioneering comics journalist known for his groundbreaking works like Palestine, dives into the untold stories of conflict in Uttar Pradesh, India. He shares his unique approach to field reporting, blending art and narrative to capture human complexity. Sacco discusses the emotional toll of comics journalism and the role of women as symbols in communal strife. He also debates the impact of AI on creativity, illustrating how his work humanizes often-overlooked narratives, and reflects on his responsibilities as a storyteller.
Nov 18, 2025 • 29min
Brave new world – Is 2026 our last chance?
Tom Standage, Deputy Editor of The Economist and historian, dives into the forecasts for 2026. He discusses the impending challenges rich countries face from economic excess and the looming AI bubble burst. The blurred lines of hybrid warfare raise concerns, as does Europe's struggle with defense and political stability. Meanwhile, China's rise through strategic trade deals is reshaping global power dynamics. Standage also touches on the climate outlook, emphasizing the peak of emissions and potential clean-tech solutions. A thought-provoking analysis!
Nov 17, 2025 • 34min
Gov will tear us apart – Start Your Week with Rafael Behr and Jacob Jarvis
Rafael Behr, a sharp political columnist, joins Jacob Jarvis to dissect the chaotic landscape of UK politics. They delve into the controversial asylum proposals and the risks of a hardline migration approach. Behr scrutinizes Keir Starmer's leadership vulnerabilities amidst budget confusion and mixed messaging. The duo also touches on Trump's shifting stances, particularly regarding the Epstein files, and explores the chilling dynamics of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict as winter looms. Plus, an eye-opening critique of Amazon's advertising mirrors today's loneliness.
Nov 14, 2025 • 34min
NEW Weekly Wrap-Up – Starmer vs. Streeting and Trump vs. Epstein – with Rafael Behr
Rafael Behr, a Guardian columnist and political analyst, joins Jacob Jarvis to dissect the week’s most pressing stories. They explore the chaotic Labour briefing war, assessing Starmer and Streeting's reputations. Rafael shares insights on the troubling revelations from the Epstein files, particularly regarding Trump’s vulnerabilities. They also discuss the potential repercussions of Trump’s billion-dollar lawsuit threat against the BBC and the looming risks in AI investments. A lively breakdown of current events, packed with sharp commentary!
Nov 13, 2025 • 30min
Can we solve the incel crisis?
Katherine Denkinson, a mental health professional and author of "Incel: The Weaponization of Misogyny," dives deep into the complex world of incels. She traces the evolution of incel communities and debunks misconceptions linking them solely to figures like Andrew Tate. Katherine highlights the intersections of race, class, and digital isolation, advocating for community support to prevent radicalization. She also emphasizes the importance of youth services and progressive masculinity workshops in fostering healthier masculine identities.
Nov 12, 2025 • 32min
Trump vs. Xi Jinping – Who's more powerful?
Elizabeth Economy, a senior fellow at Stanford's Hoover Institution and former Senior Advisor for China in the U.S. Department of Commerce, dives into the tense interplay between Trump and Xi Jinping. She discusses how Trump’s retreat from global leadership has set the stage for Xi's ambitions to elevate China’s global role. Economy highlights China's economic disparities and the risks of their technological infrastructures, while assessing the implications of the U.S.-China trade war and the significance of Taiwan in Xi’s strategy.
Nov 11, 2025 • 34min
Will A.I. really kill us all?
Nate Soares, President of the Machine Intelligence Research Institute and co-author of *If Anyone Builds It, Everyone Dies*, dives deep into the existential risks posed by advanced AI. He argues that AI could become a world-scale danger due to emergent behaviors that mimic goals, not malice. Soares also critiques the reliability of traditional safeguards and raises concerns about industry acceleration driving recklessness. He warns that a single reckless actor could trigger catastrophic outcomes, urging a reconsideration of how we develop and regulate AI.
Nov 10, 2025 • 30min
Coup at the BBC – Start Your Week with Ros Taylor
The podcast dives into the shocking resignations of the BBC’s Director General and head of news sparked by a controversial Trump speech, raising questions about media independence. It critiques the political motives behind media coverage and discusses potential reforms to the licence fee. Rachel Reeves' budget plans could shift wealth dynamics, favoring younger generations. The complexities of the junior doctors’ strike draw attention, alongside the dire state of climate action as COP30 looms. And, in a quirky twist, the mystery of a Somerset Dracula adds some light-hearted intrigue!
