The Bunker – News without the nonsense

The decline of Twitter sparks a discussion on social media's shifting landscape, notably the rise of BlueSky. Elon Musk's bromance with Trump is explored, alongside the political implications of their partnership. The UK-China relations at the G20 summit highlight trade strategies and geopolitical concerns. The podcast delves into Ukraine's complex situation amid global conflicts, touching on Trump’s potential isolationism and its economic repercussions. Insights on the Middle East showcase how Trump's policies affect the Israel-Hamas dynamics, underlining his unpredictable influence.

David Litt, a former speechwriter for Barack Obama and current television writer, joins to explore the intriguing parallels between Tony Soprano and Donald Trump. They dive into how both figures embody egomania, manipulation, and the pursuit of power, highlighting their shared inadequacies and resentments. The discussion expands to racial themes and loyalty dynamics in families, showcasing how 'The Sopranos' offers insights into today’s political landscape. Litt’s keen analysis makes it clear: understanding the show sheds light on the complexities of modern leadership.

Freeports! They were going to be a huge Brexit benefit (they weren’t). Boris Johnson said we couldn’t have them while we were in the EU (he was lying). Labour was going to announce more in the latest Budget and then… didn’t (“cock up in the comms,” it says here). But what are they? Do tax-free zones really benefit deprived areas? Or are they havens for money-laundering and tax avoidance?  Trade expert Dmitry Grozoubinski explains the long history and cloudy future of special economic zones to Andrew Harrison.  • Order Dmitry’s Why Politicians Lie About Trade. You’ll help fund The Bunker by earning us a small commission for every sale. Bookshop.org’s fees also help support independent bookshops. • We are sponsored by Indeed. Go to Indeed.com/bunker for £100 sponsored credit.  www.patreon.com/bunkercastPresented by Group Editor Andrew Harrison. Produced by Liam Tait. Audio production by Robin Leeburn. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Managing Editor Jacob Jarvis. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.www.podmasters.co.uk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Pen Vogler, an expert on food’s political history and author of 'Stuffed', joins to delve into the intriguing intersection of politics and our plates. The discussion uncovers why some men shy away from fruits like strawberries, and how class, tradition, and innovation shape food preferences. Vogler highlights the impact of rationing and advertising on modern eating habits, critiques the inequities in food distribution, and emphasizes the role of responsibility in feeding future generations amidst changing perceptions.

Bernard Hogan-Howe, former Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, engages in a deep dive into the controversial acquittal of the officer involved in the shooting of Chris Kaba. He discusses the implications of this case on armed policing and public trust, raising critical questions about systemic racism within law enforcement. The conversation also explores the challenges police face in high-pressure situations and the potential impact on officer willingness to serve in firearms roles. Hogan-Howe navigates a landscape of accountability, community relations, and the need for reform.

The hosts dive into the implications of Trump's cabinet formation, highlighting concerns over loyalty and political ambitions. They discuss the UK’s precarious balance in trade relations between the EU and Trump's administration. Recent anti-Semitic violence in Amsterdam linked to football fandom is analyzed, revealing troubling intersections with politics. The podcast also touches on the challenges facing the Labour leader amid Brexit negotiations and the fallout from child abuse scandals impacting high-profile religious leaders.

Matthew Costello, Chief Education Officer at the White House Historical Association, shares fascinating insights into what it's really like to move into the White House. He discusses the historical evolution of this iconic residence and the logistical challenges new presidents face during the transition. Costello highlights the roles of the chief usher and the significance of planning for a smooth move, while also reflecting on the unique blend of privilege and confinement experienced by those who live there. It's a captivating look at a rarely discussed aspect of American history.

As Donald Trump prepares for his return to the White House, the world is gearing up for another term full of big promises and unconventional moves. Trump’s plans could shake things up at home and abroad – so what will they mean for the economy in America and beyond?Today in The Bunker, Coco Khan is joined by Dr. Kara Reynolds, professor of economics at American University in Washington, D.C., to discuss his fiscal plans.• We are sponsored by Indeed. Go to Indeed.com/bunker for £100 sponsored credit.  www.patreon.com/bunkercast Written and presented by Coco Khan. Producer: Liam Tait. Audio editors: Robin Leeburn. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Graphics by James Parrett. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Executive Producer: Martin Bojitos. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.Instagram | Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Out early for everyone! Americans face the reality of four more years under Donald Trump. But how did we get here? What went right for Trump and what went so wrong for Kamala Harris? Gavin Esler is joined by political experts Michael Cullinane, U.S. History Professor at Dickinson State University, and Clodagh Harrington, American politics lecturer at the University of Cork, to unpack why Harris lost and explore what these results mean for the future of democracy. • We are sponsored by Indeed. Go to Indeed.com/bunker for £100 sponsored credit.  www.patreon.com/bunkercast Written and presented by Gavin Esler. 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.Instagram | Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Falling circulations, trivial stories, shrinking budgets, squandered trust? It’s worse than that, says US media analyst and academic Jeff Jarvis. A combination of self-seeking billionaire owners and complacent, outdated reporting meant that papers and TV failed to alert Americans to Trump’s real threat: the advent of actual fascism in the USA. He tells Andrew Harrison how the US press “sanewashes” Trump’s demented edicts, how the Republicans hack the news to their advantage, and what needs to happen to save real journalism.  • Order Jeff Jarvis’s The Gutenberg Parenthesis and pre-order The Web We Weave. You’ll help fund The Bunker by earning us a small commission for every sale. Bookshop.org’s fees help support independent bookshops too.• Follow American Friction for the best analysis of the US Presidential Election up to and beyond the vote. • We are sponsored by Indeed. Go to Indeed.com/bunker for £100 sponsored credit.  www.patreon.com/bunkercastPresented by Group Editor Andrew Harrison. Produced by Liam Tait. Audio production by Simon Williams. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Managing Editor Jacob Jarvis. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Productionwww.podmasters.co.uk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices