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
Dec 12, 2025 • 33min
Starmer vs human rights, Trump vs The World – Weekly wrap-up with Alex von Tunzelmann and Natasha Devon
Join broadcaster and author Natasha Devon as she discusses Keir Starmer's approach to the UK’s migration crisis, arguing for clearer messaging around human rights. The conversation shifts to Trump's criticisms of Europe, exploring implications for NATO. Natasha also critiques a proposed social media ban for under-18s in Australia, noting potential workarounds teens might use. The duo highlights under-reported stories involving the Reform Party, making this wrap-up both insightful and engaging.
Dec 11, 2025 • 31min
The original Trump? How Charles Fox invented personality politics
Dr. Callum Smith, a historian from Aberystwyth University, dives into the life of Charles James Fox, the 18th-century aristocrat who reshaped politics with his charisma and theatrics. Smith highlights how Fox's extravagant image and approach to faction-building laid the groundwork for modern political celebrity. The discussion unfolds around Fox's progressive values, controversial scandals, and the role of satire in shaping public perception. Ultimately, they explore the lessons Fox's legacy offers for contemporary figures like Trump, and whether personality politics will endure.
Dec 10, 2025 • 34min
“The most serious crisis Farage has faced” – Michael Crick on the racism allegations
Michael Crick, a veteran political journalist, delves into the recent allegations against Nigel Farage regarding racist and antisemitic bullying during his school days. Crick argues that Farage's angry denials are doing more damage than the allegations themselves. He discusses the impact of 29 witness accounts on Farage's credibility and questions whether past actions should define one’s adult character. The conversation also touches on the potential political fallout for Farage and how his past may haunt his current public persona.
Dec 9, 2025 • 26min
The relationship recession – Why are so many people going it alone?
Jonathan Rosenthal, international editor at The Economist, dives into the rise of singlehood and the phenomenon of the 'relationship recession.' He explores how economic pressures, demographic shifts, and dating apps are reshaping social connections. The conversation highlights the effects on fertility rates and housing demands, as well as the potential downsides of AI companions and the pandemic's impact on dating skills. Rosenthal also discusses political polarization as a barrier to relationships, questioning if we can improve modern dating dynamics.
Dec 8, 2025 • 34min
The Plot to Trumpify the World – Start Your Week with Ros Taylor
A shocking new US strategy hints at Trump's desire to support far-right groups across Europe and promulgate conspiracy theories as policy. Meanwhile, nearly £11 billion has been lost to COVID fraud, causing major political fallout. The hosts also scrutinize Tommy Robinson's attempt to mix Christmas carols with controversy, and the implications of a massive donation to a political party linked to lobbying interests. They explore Keir Starmer's new Substack addressing child poverty and discuss the effects of Netflix's potential merger with Warner Bros.
Dec 5, 2025 • 40min
Putin plays Trump again! — Weekly wrap-up with Rafael Behr and Jacob Jarvis
Rafael Behr, a political commentator and Guardian columnist, joins Jacob Jarvis to dissect this week's key events. They explore the stalled US-Russia peace talks, delving into Putin’s tactics and Trump's unqualified negotiating team. Behr raises concerns about Trump's recent behavior, pondering its implications for GOP stability. The duo also discusses the political fallout from a recent OBR budget leak and the unexpected delay of English mayoral elections. Plus, a bizarre scandal involving South Africans recruited as mercenaries for Ukraine makes an appearance!
Dec 4, 2025 • 29min
What is The OBR anyway? – Understanding Britain’s under fire fiscal watchdog
In this discussion, economist Giles Wilkes, who has advised high-profile UK politicians, delves into the recent fallout surrounding the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR). He explains its creation and importance, emphasizing how it serves as a guardian of fiscal integrity in the UK. Wilkes highlights the OBR's role in scrutinizing government costings and ensuring long-term economic sustainability, especially under political pressures. The conversation also tackles the implications of recent leaks and the broader institutional versus populist tensions affecting fiscal policies.
16 snips
Dec 3, 2025 • 36min
Anti-Christ Superstar — What’s the deal with Peter Thiel?
James Ball, an investigative journalist and expert on Peter Thiel, dives into the complexities of this hyper-libertarian tech mogul. They discuss Thiel's alarming anti-democratic views and his bizarre convergence with religious themes, including a warning about an Antichrist linked to AI. Ball also critiques Thiel's mixed investment record, particularly regarding NVIDIA, and unpacks the implications of Thiel's Tolkien-inspired narratives for his political mindset. These insights reveal the eccentric and troubling nature of Thiel's influence on today's society.
Dec 2, 2025 • 31min
Middle Rage – Inside the radicalisation of Britain’s 40-somethings
Dr. Sara Wilford, an Associate Professor specializing in radicalisation, joins to discuss a startling trend: middle-aged individuals increasingly falling prey to online extremism. She explains why this demographic has been overlooked, highlighting life shocks that make them vulnerable. Sara contrasts their digital confidence with actual skills and argues for a nuanced understanding of the over-50s. She also addresses how anger and power can amplify extremist views, especially among influential middle-aged men, and outlines effective community-based interventions.
Dec 1, 2025 • 27min
War, Tax, Rage-Bait and the Christmas Number One – Start Your Week with Gavin Esler and Ros Taylor
Ros and Gavin kick off December by unpacking the criticisms aimed at Rachel Reeves regarding the Budget. They debate whether Labour’s financial choices are justifiable and delve into proposed jury trial reforms amid a growing court backlog. Internationally, Trump’s military rhetoric on Venezuela raises eyebrows, while the situation in Ukraine complicates peace talks. Meanwhile, the cultural landscape shifts with seasonal discussions on this year’s Christmas Number One and the rise of 'rage bait' as a trending topic.
