The Bunker – News without the nonsense

Our pop culture roundup. This week, time twists in new Apple TV+ thriller Shining Girls with Elizabeth Moss. How hip hop producer J Dilla turned music itself inside out. New cosmic explorations from electronic explorers Röyksopp. And much more. Breakout star of British science fiction Adrian Tchaikovsky is our special guest. Hear all the music on our rolling playlists.Spotify: https://bit.ly/CultBunkTidal: https://tidal.com/browse/playlist/1aea7525-7891-4a88-8474-a08c45ea064bStart reading Adrian Tchaikovsky with Dogs Of War.Buy Dan Charnas’s Dilla Time. Watch Röyksopp’s ‘Profound Mysteries’ films here.  “This is science fiction music.” – Adrian Tchaikovsky on Röyksopp “I have no idea where it's going to go, and I absolutely love it.” – Andrew Harrison on Shining Girls “German hip-hop music videos are having a renaissance of really bizarre, innovative visuals.” – Adrian Tchaikovsky Presented and produced by Andrew Harrison and Jelena Sofronijevic with Elina Ganatra. Audio production by Alex Rees. Theme music: ‘Bunker Theme (Juntos Mix)’ by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. The Culture Bunker is a Podmasters production.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Atrocities in Ukraine have sparked calls to prosecute Vladimir Putin for war crimes. Could that happen? Dr. Maria Varaki, lecturer in international law at King’s College London, talks to Alex Andreou about what constitutes a war crime, and the complex system of international courts that could bring the Russian president to justice. “Civilians have immunity from targeting, but in Ukraine they have been targeted.” “Crimes against humanity can be committed both in peacetime and wartime. This is a major difference with war crimes.” “What’s going on in Mariupol where civilians are trapped, this is an indication that some war crimes might have been committed.” “The Ukrainians were extremely active in collecting evidence from the very first moment.” “This war, like every war, is a victim of disinformation and misinformation.” "We have to be realistic, but I would expected arrest warrants to be issued.” https://www.patreon.com/bunkercastWritten and presented by Alex Andreou. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis Producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Emmanuel Macron may have defeated Marine Le Pen – but that doesn’t mean France’s far right is finished. Where is the nation headed now? Emile Chabal, author of France, dials in from the country’s south to talk to Ros Taylor about why some Brits are so fascinated by the French President, what’s next for his defeated rivals, and what became of the gilet jaunes protests.  “I struggle to imagine a far right in France that isn't attached to the name Le Pen.”  “The gilets jaunes movement has evaporated.”  “The French are very demanding when it comes to their politicians.”  “It's better to think of Mélenchon as a unity left figure, despite himself.”  https://www.patreon.com/bunkercastWritten and presented by Ros Taylor. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis Producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Audio production by Jade Bailey. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Productionhttps://www.amazon.co.uk/France-Polity-Histories-Emile-Chabal/dp/1509530029  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What’s worse about the Mail’s attack on Angela Rayner? The sexism or the clumsy vindictiveness? Plus, Macron squeaks the French presidential election. Should we think twice before ordering Deliveroo? And exactly what sort of country is Britain becoming?Political journalist Moya Lothian-McLean – who’s written for Gal Dem, the New York Times, the BBC, The Guardian and VICE – is our special guest for the week.  “If Basic Instinct is your sexytime reference, I mean, come on. I’m getting a strong Alan Partridge vibe from this story.” – Ayesha Hazarika “We’re in the age of cut and paste politics. They can’t even write their own excuses any more.” – Gavin Esler “We depend on the good chaps theory… but we haven't got good chaps in government.” – Gavin Esler https://www.patreon.com/bunkercastWritten and presented by Alex Andreou with Ayesha Hazarika and Gavin Esler. Producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Assistant producer Elina Ganatra. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. Lead producer: Jacob Jarvis. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. The Bunker is a Podmasters production.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In France Emmanuel Macron has won again. What challenges will he face in his second term? And what does the result mean for Britain and the rest of Europe? Meanwhile, the UK continues to shirk responsibility over Ukrainian refugees, and the Mail reaches new lows with a disgraceful article about Angela Rayner. Ros Taylor is joined by Arthur Snell to look at the week ahead. “This is a story about the success of a liberal, internationalist politician in arguably the most important country in Europe.” “Macron’s big challenge for his second term is to look after those left-behind voters.” Find resources to help the Ukrainian people here: https://ukrainewar.carrd.co/ www.patreon.com/bunkercast Presented by Ros Taylor with Arthur Snell. Producers: Jacob Archbold, Jelena Sofronijevic and Alex Rees. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production: Jade Bailey. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brexit came as a shocking nadir in British politics for many people – but looking back, was it really a surprise? In his latest book, All In It Together: England in the Early 21st Century, historian Alwyn Turner weaves politics and popular culture from the Millennium through to the EU referendum. He talks to Nick Cohen about the UK’s long hangover after Cool Britannia, why UKIP wielded such influence, and the impact of the internet and social media. “Often at the beginning of a century there is a sense of confusion and people feel they need a new version of faith.” “The internet started to create its own identity, social media changed everything.” “Nigel Farage had a bigger impact than any politician elected to Westminster during this period.” “Devolution was brought in to buy-off the Scottish nationalists, but it went wrong and has changed the country forever.” “England is not a Labour country and it never has been.” https://www.patreon.com/bunkercastWritten and presented by Nick Cohen. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Audio production by Jade Bailey. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Pop culture polemic with guests folk-pop-chanson visionary Kathryn Williams and journo Jude Rogers, whose new book The Sound Of Being Human shows how music hardwires our brains. Will Russian Doll Season 2 match its timewarping predecessor? Steve Coogan’s Chivalry sails close to the #MeToo wind. Smart female-powered pop from Let’s Eat Grandma… and a lot more Hear all the music on our rolling playlists.Spotify: https://bit.ly/CultBunkTidal: https://tidal.com/browse/playlist/1aea7525-7891-4a88-8474-a08c45ea064bJude’s book The Sound Of Being Human: https://uk.bookshop.org/books/the-sound-of-being-human-how-music-shapes-our-lives/9781474622929 “I thought I was the first teenager to write songs, read Oscar Wilde and listen to The Smiths in cemeteries” – Kathryn Williams “Elbow patches at literary events are my niche porn.” – Kathryn Williams “Chaise Longue is the Culture Bunker’s unofficial anthem.” – Sian Pattenden “I didn’t hate Chivalry, but it made me feel quite… tired. It got me an hour closer to death.” – Kathryn Williams Presented by Siân Pattenden and Alex Andreou. Producer Jelena Sofronijevic with Elina Ganatra. Audio production by Alex Rees. Theme music: ‘Bunker Theme (Juntos Mix)’ by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. The Culture Bunker is a Podmasters production.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How do we tackle new international threats from terrorism to forced migration as people flee climate change? Does diplomacy still work? How has big tech changed the game for global security? Former British ambassador, Oxford University Principal, and The Naked Diplomat author Tom Fletcher talks to Arthur Snell about his new book, Ten Survival Skills for a World in Flux… and why old school “maps and chaps” won’t cut it any longer. “The diplomatic system has been orphaned by Trump, and vandalised by Putin.” “We should stop analysing Putin as some master strategist. He’s just willing to out-kill us.”  “COVID has forced young people to make fewer, but deeper, relationships on campus.” https://www.patreon.com/bunkercastWritten and presented by Arthur Snell. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Audio production by Alex Rees and Martin Bojtos. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Productionhttps://harpercollins.co.uk/products/ten-survival-skills-for-a-world-in-flux-tom-fletcher?variant=39456637714510  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Priti Patel cements her position as honorary Minister for Outrage while Johnson apologises, but doesn’t, once again. We pick apart the Rwanda asylum scheme and assess the PM’s outrageous display in the Commons. And as the cost of living crisis bites, which streaming services will be first to go? Comedy writer Jason Hazeley is our guest this week.  “If everyone had behaved like Downing Street behaved, you’d be looking at another 50,000 people dead.” – Alex Andreou “As more penalty notices pile up, Johnson just starts to look like the Archbishop of Bullshit.” – Jason Hazeley  “All of these contortions are to do with the UK trying to evade its responsibilities under international law.” – Alex Andreou “This looks like it will cost an enormous amount of money, and not work.” – Alex Andreou “Number 10 made me feel like a mug and I’m not the only one.” – Ahir Shah “We’re in an abusive relationship with our Government.” – Jason Hazeley “All of these contortions are to do with the UK trying to evade its responsibilities under international law.” – Alex Andreou “We are going to have elections very soon where I think Boris is going to get a massive electoral kicking.” – Ahir Shah https://www.patreon.com/bunkercastAlex Andreou’s review recommendation.Presented by Ros Taylor with Alex Andreou and Ahir Shah. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold, Jelena Sofronijevic and Alex Rees, with research by Elina Ganatra. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. The Bunker is a Podmasters Production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The PM faces a partygate reckoning amid the Rwanda refugee plan backlash. What more Government chaos is due this week? Boris Johnson will be in the Commons for the first time since his fine was confirmed, while Priti Patel is yet again courting controversy. Naomi Smith and Andrew Harrison unpack the latest and tee up the days ahead.  “It’s one thing to have attended a party. It’s another to have destroyed evidence about it.”  “Priti Patel is probably pretty close to being reshuffled.” "Sending refugees to Rwanda is not a value for money policy."  www.patreon.com/bunkercast Bridgen article: https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/dishonest-mp-bridgen-lied-about-conduct-in-family-dispute-hplmlxmmxPresented by Andrew Harrison with Naomi Smith. Producers: Jacob Archbold, Jelena Sofronijevic and Alex Rees. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production: Jade Bailey. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices