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 31, 2024 • 33min
Jimmy Carter – When a good man went to Washington
Join journalist and filmmaker Jonathan Alter, author of "His Very Best: Jimmy Carter, A Life," as he reflects on the complex legacy of Jimmy Carter following his passing at 100. Explore Carter’s controversial presidency marked by the Iran hostage crisis and economic turmoil, yet characterized by groundbreaking achievements in human rights and environmental policy. Alter contrasts Carter's idealism with today's political landscape and discusses his impactful post-presidency, highlighting how his humanitarian efforts reshaped his legacy.
Dec 30, 2024 • 55min
US Politics in 2024 – Weird bits, worst bits and what we learned – American Friction bonus edition
Dive into a whirlwind review of US politics as the nation gears up for the 2024 elections! The hosts dissect key moments, from Trump’s lasting impact to surprising endorsements and the rising influence of tech magnates like Elon Musk. With sharp humor, they reflect on Biden's challenges and the Democratic Party's missteps. Expect discussions on improving subscriber engagement and amplifying underrepresented voices, all while looking ahead with hope and insightful plans for a more inclusive political future.
Dec 29, 2024 • 40min
Paper Cuts Review of 2024 Part One – Bonus Edition
Join Jack Guinness, an author and podcaster known for Queerphoria, and Jason Hazeley, a comedy writer famous for the Centrist Dad Handbook, as they review the wildest moments of 2024. They revisit the memorable meltdown over Princess Kate and dissect the Tories' bizarre stunts before the election. Jason hilariously critiques Netflix's Baby Reindeer, reminding listeners it’s not a festive classic. Their humorous take on outrageous headlines and political proposals makes this discussion both entertaining and thought-provoking!
Dec 28, 2024 • 39min
Why are we drawn to evil? – Bonus edition from Why? with Emma Kennedy
In this engaging conversation, Dr. Sohom Das, a forensic psychiatrist and author of "In Two Minds," dives into our unsettling fascination with evil. He discusses the psychological motivations behind our obsession with true crime, exploring societal impacts and the glamorization of malevolence. The chat touches on gender disparities in crime, the complexities of evil behavior, and how social media might desensitize our empathy. Prepare to rethink your relationship with narratives of horror and the darker sides of human nature!
Dec 27, 2024 • 46min
Kleptocracy Now – How the global corruption machine is seizing power – This Is Not A Drill BONUS
Sarah Chayes, a seasoned corruption analyst and author of "Everybody Knows: Corruption in America," teams up with Tom Burgis, a Guardian investigations correspondent known for "Kleptopia." They dive into the international web of corruption and its chilling effects on democracy. The duo discusses how kleptocracies thrive through global networks, enabling widespread abuses of power. They emphasize the urgent need for accountability and highlight the role individuals can play in resisting corruption, fostering a culture of integrity.
Dec 23, 2024 • 37min
Soaked Sunak, Brat summer, the Hot Hitman and more – The 20 weirdest moments of 2024 – Part Two
This week, Miranda Sawyer, a presenter known for her sharp commentary on current events, and Jonn Elledge, a versatile podcast contributor, dive into the most surreal moments of 2024. They hilariously recount Rishi Sunak's rain-soaked campaign launch and discuss the absurd trajectory of political figures like Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Emmanuel Macron. The duo explores the delightful chaos of dark humor in politics, the public's baffling reactions, and how memes have trivialized serious issues, capturing the bizarre intersection of culture and politics.
10 snips
Dec 20, 2024 • 38min
Trump shooting, Oasis frenzy, Huak Tuah and more – The 20 weirdest moments of 2024 – Part One
Miranda Sawyer, a seasoned journalist and year analyst from Paper Cuts, joins Jonn Elledge, a contributor to various podcasts, to reflect on the wildest moments of 2024. They dive into the chaos of Oasis's ticket sales and the implications of their reunion. Outrage over England's Euros kit sparks fervent debates about cultural identity. The duo also examines the bizarre media frenzy around Donald Trump's controversies, shedding light on class identity and the absurdities of viral fame. Their witty insights make 2024’s chaos entertainingly relatable.
4 snips
Dec 19, 2024 • 19min
Eat, drink, and be merry: The history of Christmas Dinner
Join Thomas Ntinas, host of The Delicious Legacy, as he dives into the fascinating history of Christmas dinner. From Tudor feasts to modern holiday favorites, he unveils how dishes like turkey and mince pies evolved over centuries. Discover the quirky influence of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert on seasonal meals, and hear how Puritanism briefly dampened festive spirits. With anecdotes and historical insights, Ntinas explores the delicious resilience of Christmas traditions and their intriguing variations across cultures.
Dec 18, 2024 • 35min
Nakatomi one more time – Why DIE HARD is the most political Christmas movie
Join economist John Phelan from American Experiment as he dives into the political intricacies of 'Die Hard.' He argues that the film critiques capitalism and highlights blue-collar versus corporate values amidst 1980s America. John and host Andrew Harrison explore whether the movie is a critique of yuppie culture or a reflection of anti-foreign sentiment. Their lively discussion reveals how a holiday classic can echo today's socio-political landscape, making it not just a Christmas movie but a complex political commentary.
Dec 17, 2024 • 33min
US healthcare – So hated, it could drive you to murder?
Jessica Glenser, a health reporter for The Guardian US, navigates the complexities of the US healthcare system alongside host Alex von Tunzelmann. They discuss the shocking murder of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson and the surprising public adoration for the accused. The conversation dives into the frustrations surrounding medical debt and the emotional toll of high healthcare costs. Glenser contrasts these challenges with more streamlined systems abroad, addressing the urgent need for reform in a deeply flawed landscape.
