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
Nov 14, 2025 • 34min
NEW Weekly Wrap-Up – Starmer vs. Streeting and Trump vs. Epstein – with Rafael Behr
Rafael Behr, a Guardian columnist and political analyst, joins Jacob Jarvis to dissect the week’s most pressing stories. They explore the chaotic Labour briefing war, assessing Starmer and Streeting's reputations. Rafael shares insights on the troubling revelations from the Epstein files, particularly regarding Trump’s vulnerabilities. They also discuss the potential repercussions of Trump’s billion-dollar lawsuit threat against the BBC and the looming risks in AI investments. A lively breakdown of current events, packed with sharp commentary!
Nov 13, 2025 • 30min
Can we solve the incel crisis?
Katherine Denkinson, a mental health professional and author of "Incel: The Weaponization of Misogyny," dives deep into the complex world of incels. She traces the evolution of incel communities and debunks misconceptions linking them solely to figures like Andrew Tate. Katherine highlights the intersections of race, class, and digital isolation, advocating for community support to prevent radicalization. She also emphasizes the importance of youth services and progressive masculinity workshops in fostering healthier masculine identities.
Nov 12, 2025 • 32min
Trump vs. Xi Jinping – Who's more powerful?
Elizabeth Economy, a senior fellow at Stanford's Hoover Institution and former Senior Advisor for China in the U.S. Department of Commerce, dives into the tense interplay between Trump and Xi Jinping. She discusses how Trump’s retreat from global leadership has set the stage for Xi's ambitions to elevate China’s global role. Economy highlights China's economic disparities and the risks of their technological infrastructures, while assessing the implications of the U.S.-China trade war and the significance of Taiwan in Xi’s strategy.
Nov 11, 2025 • 34min
Will A.I. really kill us all?
Nate Soares, President of the Machine Intelligence Research Institute and co-author of *If Anyone Builds It, Everyone Dies*, dives deep into the existential risks posed by advanced AI. He argues that AI could become a world-scale danger due to emergent behaviors that mimic goals, not malice. Soares also critiques the reliability of traditional safeguards and raises concerns about industry acceleration driving recklessness. He warns that a single reckless actor could trigger catastrophic outcomes, urging a reconsideration of how we develop and regulate AI.
Nov 10, 2025 • 30min
Coup at the BBC – Start Your Week with Ros Taylor
The podcast dives into the shocking resignations of the BBC’s Director General and head of news sparked by a controversial Trump speech, raising questions about media independence. It critiques the political motives behind media coverage and discusses potential reforms to the licence fee. Rachel Reeves' budget plans could shift wealth dynamics, favoring younger generations. The complexities of the junior doctors’ strike draw attention, alongside the dire state of climate action as COP30 looms. And, in a quirky twist, the mystery of a Somerset Dracula adds some light-hearted intrigue!
Nov 7, 2025 • 33min
NEW Weekly Wrap-Up – From New York to Westminster with Alex von Tunzelmann
In this installment, historian and broadcaster Alex von Tunzelmann dives deep into the thrilling political landscape, analyzing Zohran Mamdani's surprising win in New York and the implications for the Democratic Party. They explore 'vibe coding' as a cultural phenomenon and commend the heroism of train conductor Samir Zitouni. The conversation also touches on the complexities of Dick Cheney's legacy and Trump’s latest antics in the White House, adding a humorous yet critical lens to current events.
Nov 6, 2025 • 34min
Iron Curtain Call – How The Spy Who Came In From The Cold still tells the ugly truth about espionage
David Eldridge, a talented playwright and screenwriter, discusses his stage adaptation of John le Carré's groundbreaking novel, The Spy Who Came In From The Cold. He dives into the dark realities of espionage in the story, contrasting it with the glamorized world of spies like James Bond. Eldridge explores relevant themes of Cold War tensions, emotional stakes in espionage, and the class dynamics within British intelligence. He also elaborates on the expanded role of George Smiley for modern audiences, offering fresh insights into le Carré's enduring relevance.
Nov 5, 2025 • 36min
One year of Trump 2.0 – Does scandal mean anything anymore?
Emma Kennedy chats with Casey Burgat, director at the Graduate School of Political Management and author of *We Hold These Truths*, about the shifting landscape of US politics a year after Trump’s latest rise to power. They discuss Trump's Teflon-like ability to dodge scandals and how his brand of populism may persist beyond his presidency. Casey highlights the concerning growth of Christian nationalism, the impact of ICE raids, and the erosion of institutional safeguards. Together, they probe the implications for democracy and what lies ahead for American governance.
Nov 4, 2025 • 38min
Could it happen here? The threat of a British version of MAGA
Prof. Roger Griffin, Emeritus Professor in Modern History at Oxford Brookes University and a leading expert on fascism, dives into the potential rise of a British version of MAGA. He discusses the nuances between American populism and the British far-right, explaining that threats to liberal democracy can emerge without being strictly fascist. Griffin emphasizes the importance of defending democratic values and warns against complacency, urging ordinary citizens to mobilize against rising authoritarianism and engage in democratic processes to resist intolerance.
Nov 3, 2025 • 31min
Knife attack fallout, Andrew scandal and Trump’s wars — Start Your Week with Gavin Esler
A recent train stabbing has sparked urgent discussions about media responsibility and the impact of online speculation. The fallout from the Andrew scandal raises questions about the monarchy's future. Trump is criticized for reckless foreign actions while the New York mayoral race sees Zahra Mamdani rising as a fresh progressive voice. Meanwhile, brutal conflicts in Sudan highlight underreported humanitarian crises, and the ongoing situation in Ukraine brings concerns of nuclear threats. A diverse mix of current events ensures a thought-provoking listen.
