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
10 snips
Aug 14, 2025 • 27min
What is Putin hoping to win in Alaska?
Dr. Ian Garner, an assistant professor at the Pilecki Institute and author focused on Russia's youth, joins the discussion on the high-stakes meeting between Putin and Trump in Alaska. They delve into the complexities of international diplomacy, emphasizing how genuine peace requires all parties’ involvement. The conversation highlights Russia's strategic interests, the influence of propaganda, and the risks Ukraine faces amid these negotiations. Garner’s insights into the shifting power dynamics and media portrayals bring a fascinating perspective on the looming geopolitical tensions.
Aug 13, 2025 • 31min
Old Man Shouts at Cloud – Could Trump turn off Europe’s internet?
Kieron O’Hara, a computer scientist and philosopher known for co-authoring *Four Internets*, discusses the precarious relationship between Europe's reliance on American cloud services and political maneuvering. He delves into a hypothetical scenario where a former U.S. president might turn off digital access to Europe. The conversation explores the dominance of tech giants like Google and Amazon, the implications for data sovereignty, and the urgent need for Europe to develop its own tech capabilities to avoid digital ransom.
Aug 12, 2025 • 29min
King of Cruelty – How Trump wins by humiliating his enemies
Toby Buckle, host of the Political Philosophy Podcast, dives into the brutal tactics of Donald Trump and the art of humiliation in politics. He explains how Trump not only defeats opponents but aims to degrade them, using public insults and crowd manipulation. The discussion reveals the deep-rooted connection between humiliation and power dynamics, exploring its psychological impacts and historical context. Buckle highlights the normalization of cruelty in the MAGA movement and questions the potential spread of such tactics in UK politics.
8 snips
Aug 11, 2025 • 43min
The summit of all fears – Start Your Week with Rafael Behr and Jacob Jarvis
Rafael Behr, a Guardian columnist and author, teams up with Jacob Jarvis to dissect heated political landscapes. They scrutinize the upcoming meeting between Trump and Putin, questioning if it will yield any results, especially with Ukraine's Zelensky absent. The duo also unpacks the complexities of conspiracy narratives and geopolitics, particularly in Gaza. They reflect on Israeli leadership challenges amid ongoing conflicts and raise concerns about political privilege impacting housing policy decisions. A thought-provoking discourse on accountability in today's volatile politics!
9 snips
Aug 8, 2025 • 35min
Were the Luddites right? – Why A.I. is making it seem that way
Brian Merchant, author of *Blood in the Machine*, delves into the relevance of the Luddites, a historical movement against oppressive technology, amid today's AI advancements. He argues the Luddites' fears resonate now as AI threatens jobs and societal structures. Merchant addresses the amorality of tech, explores Ned Ludd's legacy, and emphasizes the need for collective worker resistance to challenge modern exploitation. The discussion connects past protests to ongoing anxieties about automation, urging a fresh perspective on technological progress.
Aug 7, 2025 • 38min
Will Farage's crime fear campaign decide the next election?
In this engaging discussion, Zoë Grünewald, Westminster editor at The Lead and a frequent contributor, tackles Nigel Farage's alarming claims about crime in Britain. She explores the chasm between political rhetoric and reality, shedding light on how fear is manipulated for electoral gain. The conversation dives into the misuse of statistics, the flawed connection between immigration and crime, and critiques right-wing family narratives. Additionally, they discuss the implications of controversial crime policies and the media's role in shaping public perceptions as elections loom.
Aug 6, 2025 • 31min
From Caesar to JFK – How assassinations have shaped the world
In this insightful discussion, Simon Ball, a Professor of International History and Politics at the University of Leeds and author of *Death to Order: A Modern History of Assassination*, delves into the complexities of political assassinations. He explores how pivotal moments like the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand ignited global conflicts. The conversation also highlights the evolution of assassination as a state policy, the unique methods used, and the repercussions such acts have had on society, including increased violence and division.
Aug 5, 2025 • 31min
Grindset influencers and CEO cosplay – Is business bullshit harming the real economy?
Fiona McQuarrie, Professor Emerita at the School of Business and music journalist with a love for Fountains of Wayne, dives into the grindset mentality. She critiques the relentless hustle culture glorified by influencers like Gary Vee, revealing its dark side—burnout and spiritual emptiness. Fiona discusses the paradox of modern business heroes, critiques oversimplified business literature, and humorously examines student pressures in pursuing wealth. The conversation also highlights how music, particularly from Fountains of Wayne, reflects the emptiness of corporate life.
Aug 4, 2025 • 22min
Play your I.D. cards right — Start Your Week with Gavin Esler and Ros Taylor
The discussion kicks off with the government's controversial plans for digital identity cards and the societal pushback against them. They delve into the Online Safety Act's aim to protect children online, while debating its actual efficacy. The conversation shifts to the UK’s economic struggles, including potential interest rate cuts due to rising unemployment. Finally, juicy royal rumors surface, particularly about Prince Andrew and his contentious ties to Prince Harry, prompting a critique of the gossip culture surrounding them.
6 snips
Aug 3, 2025 • 22min
Talk ’90s To Me teaser – How Oasis blew up with Miranda Sawyer and Ted Kessler
Ted Kessler, author of the bestselling Oasis book, shares insider stories about the band's explosive rise from Manchester's obscurity to global fame. He discusses how Oasis brought an electrifying swagger to a grunge-dominated music scene and examines their emotional resonance with fans. Anecdotes about the Gallagher brothers reveal their unpredictable personalities and humorous dynamics in the early '90s. Kessler's reflections on the Britpop era illuminate the dramatic shift in indie music culture and the band's lasting impact.
