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
Oct 1, 2023 • 29min
Bunker Gold: Talking Trash with Count Binface
Count Binface, resistance against Tories and advocate for electoral reform, joins the podcast to discuss standing against Theresa May and Boris Johnson, junking First Past the Post for PR, and reusing the best policies from across the galaxy.
Oct 1, 2023 • 56min
Bunker Panel: Are centrists real? Should politicians still fear the papers? And more...
A panel of experts discuss the concept and relevance of centrism in politics and why politicians fear newspapers despite declining readership. They also delve into the evolution and vague definition of centrism, as well as the power and influence of newspapers in shaping politics and public opinion. Additionally, they explore politicians' musical tastes and the role of music in projecting a political image.
Sep 30, 2023 • 28min
Bunker USA: Mission Impeachable – Inside the GOP’s latest attack on Biden
A discussion with Professor Jason Opal on the history and evolution of impeachment in American politics, highlighting its shift from an unthinkable act to a common political weapon. They explore the impact of Nixon's pardon, the lack of patterns in impeachment cases, and the current impeachment calls against President Biden. The chapter also touches on the influence of Barbados on US and UK history.
Sep 29, 2023 • 25min
Bunker Global: The secret schools giving hope to Afghanistan’s women
Pashtana Durrani, founder of LEARN Afghan, talks about secret schools that educate girls in Afghanistan, defying the Taliban. They discuss the consequences of limited education for women, lack of recognition for the crisis, impact of sanctions, and hopes for a better future.
Sep 28, 2023 • 23min
Factory Reset – How AI is driving the new industrial revolution
Dr. Jostein Hauge, author of The Future of the Factory: How Megatrends are Changing Industrialization, joins Dr. Kate Devlin to discuss the pros and cons of AI in global manufacturing, the link between economic growth and ecological breakdown, and the need for alternatives to international organizations and trade agreements.
Sep 27, 2023 • 26min
Return to centre: David Gauke wages war on Tory populism
Former Justice Secretary David Gauke discusses the need to reverse Tory populism in his book 'The Case for the Centre Right'. He highlights the dangers of pursuing further populism, questions the facilitation of Boris Johnson by the conservative party, and explores the challenges in finding a space as a centrist centre right party.
Sep 26, 2023 • 28min
Between the lines: How cocaine use soared despite the war on drugs
Genevieve Kotarska, Research fellow at the Royal United Services Institute, discusses the rise of cocaine use despite the war on drugs. She explores the role of international paramilitary groups in the drug trade and questions the effectiveness of government policies. Kotarska debates the moral responsibility of cocaine users and suggests that legalisation may not be a simple solution. She also highlights the complex relationship between drug trade and violence, emphasizing the need for alternative approaches to drug control.
Sep 25, 2023 • 22min
HS2 little, too late — Start Your Week with Ros Taylor and Hannah Fearn
The podcast discusses Rishi Sunak's plan to abandon HS2, causing anger within the Conservative Party. The chapter also covers the controversy surrounding Met police officers turning in their firearms. Additionally, the hosts talk about the struggle of the Lib Dems on their Brexit stance and uncertainty surrounding Larry's well-being.
Sep 24, 2023 • 31min
Animal Farm 2.0: The George Orwell sequel you didn’t know you needed
The podcast explores the sequel and reimagining of George Orwell's 'Animal Farm', discussing political commentary and the experience of watching UK politics from Paris. It explores the allegorical nature of politicians and the emotional blindness of the left. The chapter delves into the character of Buttercup and the decay of truth. It also discusses language manipulation, gaslighting, and post-truth in Animal Farm, highlighting the violence done to language and the potential for positive change through individual responsibility.
Sep 23, 2023 • 28min
Bunker USA: Swing both ways - The states that will decide the 2024 election
Kyle Kondik, author of 'The Bellwether: Why Ohio Picks the president', discusses the changing landscape of bellwether states in the upcoming 2024 election. Both Trump and Biden will need to win over voters with unfavorable views, who will likely decide the next election. It is important for both candidates to tell a story that defines their battle ground. The podcast sheds light on the dynamics of US elections and the profile of middle voters, emphasizing the importance of socially conservative and economically liberal/moderate voters that were drawn to Trump.
