The Bunker – News without the nonsense

Brian Merchant, author of *Blood in the Machine*, delves into the relevance of the Luddites, a historical movement against oppressive technology, amid today's AI advancements. He argues the Luddites' fears resonate now as AI threatens jobs and societal structures. Merchant addresses the amorality of tech, explores Ned Ludd's legacy, and emphasizes the need for collective worker resistance to challenge modern exploitation. The discussion connects past protests to ongoing anxieties about automation, urging a fresh perspective on technological progress.

In this engaging discussion, Zoë Grünewald, Westminster editor at The Lead and a frequent contributor, tackles Nigel Farage's alarming claims about crime in Britain. She explores the chasm between political rhetoric and reality, shedding light on how fear is manipulated for electoral gain. The conversation dives into the misuse of statistics, the flawed connection between immigration and crime, and critiques right-wing family narratives. Additionally, they discuss the implications of controversial crime policies and the media's role in shaping public perceptions as elections loom.

In this insightful discussion, Simon Ball, a Professor of International History and Politics at the University of Leeds and author of *Death to Order: A Modern History of Assassination*, delves into the complexities of political assassinations. He explores how pivotal moments like the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand ignited global conflicts. The conversation also highlights the evolution of assassination as a state policy, the unique methods used, and the repercussions such acts have had on society, including increased violence and division.

Fiona McQuarrie, Professor Emerita at the School of Business and music journalist with a love for Fountains of Wayne, dives into the grindset mentality. She critiques the relentless hustle culture glorified by influencers like Gary Vee, revealing its dark side—burnout and spiritual emptiness. Fiona discusses the paradox of modern business heroes, critiques oversimplified business literature, and humorously examines student pressures in pursuing wealth. The conversation also highlights how music, particularly from Fountains of Wayne, reflects the emptiness of corporate life.

The discussion kicks off with the government's controversial plans for digital identity cards and the societal pushback against them. They delve into the Online Safety Act's aim to protect children online, while debating its actual efficacy. The conversation shifts to the UK’s economic struggles, including potential interest rate cuts due to rising unemployment. Finally, juicy royal rumors surface, particularly about Prince Andrew and his contentious ties to Prince Harry, prompting a critique of the gossip culture surrounding them.

Ted Kessler, author of the bestselling Oasis book, shares insider stories about the band's explosive rise from Manchester's obscurity to global fame. He discusses how Oasis brought an electrifying swagger to a grunge-dominated music scene and examines their emotional resonance with fans. Anecdotes about the Gallagher brothers reveal their unpredictable personalities and humorous dynamics in the early '90s. Kessler's reflections on the Britpop era illuminate the dramatic shift in indie music culture and the band's lasting impact.

James Kimmel Jr., a Yale psychiatry lecturer and author of The Science of Revenge, joins to explore the addictive nature of vengeance. He shares his personal journey from near-murder to a career in law focused on justice. The conversation dives into how revenge permeates politics, discussing figures like Trump and Putin as reflections of this primal urge. Kimmel also connects the allure of revenge with pop culture, revealing surprising parallels between The Lion King and John Wick, while urging a shift toward forgiveness for emotional healing.

Donald Trump promised to expose Jeffrey Epstein’s secrets but now he’s backing away, and the conspiracy crowd that once adored him is asking some serious questions. Can Trump survive the fallout from the QAnon movement he helped ignite? And even if he does, what will it mean for the future of his party, beyond his time as president Today in The Bunker, Chris Jones is joined by Mike Rothschild, journalist and author of The Storm Is Upon Us: How QAnon Became a Movement, Cult, and Conspiracy Theory of Everything, to ask whether the Republican Party can survive its toxic entanglement with conspiracy theorists. Buy The Storm Is Upon Us: How QAnon Became a Movement, Cult, and Conspiracy Theory of Everything through our affiliate bookshop and you’ll help fund The Bunker by earning us a small commission for every sale. Bookshop.org’s fees help support independent bookshops too. • We are sponsored by Indeed. Go to https://indeed.com/bunker for £100 sponsored credit.   • www.patreon.com/bunkercast  • Follow us on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/bunkerpod.bsky.social  Written and presented by Chris Jones. Producer: Liam Tait. Audio editors: Tom Taylor. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Stephen Kinsella, a member of Patriotic Millionaires UK, passionately advocates for a wealth tax on the ultra-rich. He argues that taxing the wealthy could substantially reduce income inequality and raise vital funds for public services. Kinsella dispels myths about rich individuals fleeing the UK and highlights data showing their support for fairer taxation. The conversation explores the political feasibility of implementing such a tax and addresses the societal challenges posed by inherited wealth, making a compelling case for reform.

Join William Cohan, acclaimed journalist and author, as he dives into the explosive legal clash between Donald Trump and Rupert Murdoch over a $10 billion lawsuit. Cohan unpacks the intricate power dynamics between Trump and the media, examining how this feud reflects on political resilience and loyalty among Trump’s supporters. The conversation explores the broader implications for media integrity and the potential ripple effects on U.S. politics, revealing the depths of rivalry and strategy in Trump’s world.