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
Oct 31, 2025 • 38min
How will Trump fall? – Five ways his reign might end
Reed Galen, founder of The Lincoln Project and pro-democracy advocate, dives deep into the potential fates awaiting Trump's presidency. He discusses how Trump's relentless authoritarianism reshapes the nation and the challenges of media complacency. Galen outlines five scenarios for ending Trump's reign, from midterm roadblocks to health crises, and warns of a possible third-term attempt. He emphasizes the importance of staying engaged to counteract the political fatigue many feel. Stay informed and hopeful amid the turmoil!
7 snips
Oct 30, 2025 • 34min
One battle after another – The extremists who hijacked the 1970s
Jason Burke, an international security correspondent and author of *The Revolutionists*, dives into the explosive world of 1970s extremism. He highlights how figures like Leila Khaled and Carlos the Jackal transformed political violence into global spectacle, leveraging media to amplify their messages. Burke connects the rise of terrorism to the chaos of decolonization and the cultural shifts of the era. He also examines how mass air travel became a battleground, reshaping security responses and influencing modern extremism. A riveting exploration of ideology, glamour, and violence!
Oct 29, 2025 • 35min
How Trump tricked the world into thinking he's a business genius
Russ Buettner, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist from The New York Times, delves into Donald Trump's financial saga, revealing the truth behind the 'small loan' myth that sparked his empire. He discusses how Trump's father, Fred, secretly funneled hundreds of millions through creative bookkeeping. The conversation touches on Trump's strategic bankruptcies, his mafia-like business tactics, and how his tumultuous finances foreshadowed his political behavior. Buettner also highlights the current financial red flags surrounding Trump, including troubling crypto ties.
Oct 28, 2025 • 30min
Putin's plans – How Russia is using Ukraine to prepare for future wars
In this engaging discussion, Dara Massicot, a Senior Fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace specializing in Russian military affairs, reveals how Russia has evolved since its early missteps in Ukraine. She analyzes lessons learned, from operational mistakes to the impressive mobilization that reshaped the war effort. Dara also highlights the dangers of underestimating drone warfare and discusses how recruitment strategies are sustaining Russia’s military despite high casualties. The conversation raises crucial points about the implications for future conflicts.
Oct 27, 2025 • 34min
Hostel Environment – Start Your Week with Ros Taylor
Migration issues heat up with the recapture of a fugitive sex offender and Labour's struggles over asylum hotel costs. Trump’s Asia tour raises eyebrows, while tensions in Venezuela escalate amid US aggression. A looming stock market crash is discussed alongside AI's growing influence and potential fraud. The dynamics of a government shutdown unfold as a new senator faces obstacles. Additionally, Hurricane Melissa poses a catastrophic threat to the Caribbean, adding to the week's tumultuous events.
Oct 24, 2025 • 33min
Trump vs. the people – The history of Americans hating the president
Corey Brettschneider, a political theorist and author, dives deep into the historical dynamics of presidential power and democratic resilience. He highlights how the people have historically fought back against presidential overreach, from Adams' Sedition Act to the struggles during Reconstruction. Brettschneider connects past crises to modern threats, emphasizing citizen pushback as a vital source of democratic strength. He also critiques the unitary executive theory and discusses contemporary examples of resistance, illustrating a continuous cycle of advocacy for constitutional rights.
Oct 23, 2025 • 32min
The A.I. bubble – What happens when it bursts?
Ryan Cummings, an economist and former White House adviser, discusses the potential bursting of the A.I. bubble. He explores the current distorted valuations and compares them to the dot-com era. Cummings warns of a potential economic crash and highlights how A.I. might be masking broader economic weaknesses. He emphasizes the significant energy demands of A.I. infrastructure and calls for careful balancing between enthusiasm and skepticism. Finally, he advocates for adaptive policy responses to ensure a smooth transition in this rapidly changing landscape.
Oct 22, 2025 • 32min
Immortal billionaires – Will the super rich live forever?
Aleks Krotoski, an acclaimed academic and author of 'The Immortalists: The Death of Death and the Race for Eternal Life', dives into Silicon Valley's intriguing quest for immortality. She discusses groundbreaking discoveries in longevity research, including gene tweaks and radical life extension strategies. Krotoski expresses skepticism about mind-uploading and highlights the historical elitism in the pursuit of eternal life. She also critiques the tech-driven perception of humans as machines and explores the political implications of these ambitions.
Oct 21, 2025 • 30min
How America's Christian right is targeting Britain
Jane Bradley, an investigative journalist for The New York Times, reveals how America's Christian right is targeting the UK through the Alliance Defending Freedom. She discusses the ideological motivations behind this influence and the surprising ties to Nigel Farage. The conversation delves into the implications of U.S.-style Christian fundamentalism on British politics, examining issues like abortion and free speech. Bradley warns against complacency and highlights the role of social media in elevating these controversial narratives.
Oct 20, 2025 • 36min
No Kings vs. a Royal mess – Start Your Week with Alex von Tunzelmann
As Americans make it clear how much they don’t want a monarchy with No Kings protests, Brits might be feeling the same as the Andrew scandal rumbles on. Alex von Tunzelmann joins Jacob Jarvis to discuss the latest news from across the world and how it might play out this week.
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Written and presented by Jacob Jarvis with Alex von Tunzelmann. Audio production: Tom Taylor. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
