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
Sep 8, 2025 • 33min
Take me to your deputy leader — Start Your Week with Gavin Esler and Jacob Jarvis
The recent political reshuffle in the Labour Party has left it grappling with identity and leadership challenges. As Keir Starmer navigates a rightward shift, the implications for British democracy and smaller parties come into sharper focus. Meanwhile, the rise of Reform UK and its media representation raises questions about political discourse. The podcast also touches on Donald Trump's controversial tactics and their far-reaching effects, as well as the ongoing Ukrainian conflict and how it strains international relations.
Sep 5, 2025 • 34min
Are the fact-checkers losing? – Inside the fake news crisis with Chris Morris of Full Fact
Chris Morris, Chief Executive of Full Fact, sheds light on the escalating fake news crisis as social media giants shift away from human fact-checkers. He discusses the limitations of the Community Notes system and the growing challenges posed by AI-generated misinformation. Morris emphasizes the need for enhanced media literacy and critical thinking to combat misleading information. The conversation highlights the vulnerability of different age groups to scams and misinformation, underscoring the importance of expert moderation and transparency in tech algorithms.
Sep 4, 2025 • 29min
Just asking questions – How conspiracy theories took hold in Britain
Daniel Jolley, a social psychologist from the University of Nottingham, delves into the growing grip of conspiracy theories in Britain. He discusses how these beliefs transitioned from fringe discussions to mainstream topics, often ignited by public figures. The conversation highlights the psychological allure behind conspiracies, the rise of misinformation during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the importance of critical thinking. Jolley offers practical tips on navigating this complex landscape, balancing skepticism with empathy and open-minded inquiry.
Sep 3, 2025 • 32min
The Future is Slop – Why the Far-Right loves tacky A.I. imagery
Join Jamelle Bouie, a New York Times opinion columnist and host of the Unclear and Present Danger podcast, as he dives into the bizarre world of AI-generated imagery favored by the far-right. He discusses the absurdity of these kitschy visuals, linking them to historical fascist art. Bouie examines their impact on political narratives, nostalgia, and truth, arguing that these exaggerated representations distort reality. He also emphasizes the ethical need for authentic artistry over generative AI in a political landscape characterized by manipulation.
Sep 2, 2025 • 36min
Ukraine war report: The latest from Kyiv with Oz Katerji
Oz Katerji, a journalist based in Ukraine and co-host of the podcast This Is Not A Drill, dives into the ongoing war in Ukraine. He discusses the grim human toll after over 1,280 days of conflict, the stalled peace talks, and the resilience of Kyiv's residents facing constant challenges. Katerji shares insights on the geopolitical dynamics surrounding the war, including the implications of Trump’s recent summit and ongoing international support for Ukraine, painting a vivid picture of life in a nation under siege.
Sep 1, 2025 • 33min
Trump’s Not Dead! – Start Your Week with Alex von Tunzelmann
After a whirlwind of speculation about a key figure's health, the discussion dives into UK's political challenges, including Labour's taxation issues and protests. Global events like the assassination of a Ukrainian politician and a devastating earthquake in Afghanistan are highlighted. The podcast also tackles the Conservative stance on oil extraction and public confidence in political narratives. Finally, it explores the relevance of journalism today with a look at a new satirical spinoff set in a newspaper environment.
9 snips
Aug 29, 2025 • 34min
Inside Hitler’s inner circle – How his underlings served the Nazi tyrant
Joining the conversation is Richard J Evans, a renowned historian and expert on the Third Reich. He explores the chaotic dynamics of Hitler's inner circle, revealing how figures like Göring and Goebbels operated within a framework of loyalty mixed with incompetence. Evans debunks the myth of Nazi efficiency, showcasing the dysfunction and corruption behind the regime. The discussion also draws intriguing parallels to sycophantic behaviors in contemporary politics, emphasizing the need to safeguard democratic values against rising populism.
Aug 28, 2025 • 36min
Bob Villain – What does Robert Jenrick want?
Rob Hutton, a Parliamentary sketch writer and author, dives into the shifting persona of Robert Jenrick within the Conservative Party. Hutton critiques Jenrick's transformation from moderate to far-right, questioning his political motivations and potential alliances. They discuss the ethical implications of his immigration rhetoric and the party's recent struggles with inclusivity and relevance. The conversation also highlights the complex relationship between the Tories and non-white voters, all while navigating the turbulent waters of contemporary UK politics.
Aug 27, 2025 • 31min
Empire of Lies – How Putin rules Russians with conspiracy propaganda
Joining the discussion is Ilya Yablokov, a Lecturer in Digital Journalism and an expert on Russian propaganda. He reveals how conspiracy theories have seeped into mainstream Russian media, becoming tools for the government to justify wars and manipulate public sentiment. Ilya dives into the historical roots of these narratives, linking them to Putin's political strategies and Stalinist origins. The conversation also addresses the challenges posed by state-controlled media and the urgent need for reforms to combat disinformation in Russia.
Aug 26, 2025 • 33min
Flags, Boats and Hotels… Again – Start Your Week with Ros Taylor
The discussion dives into the heated national identity debates in the UK, with flags and protests at the forefront. Experts dissect controversial immigration proposals impacting asylum seekers arriving by boats. Skepticism arises over proposed bans on convicted individuals in public spaces. The political climate heats up with tensions between the Health Secretary and the pharmaceutical industry amid geopolitical unrest. France's prospective labor reforms and rising prices of weight loss drugs reveal deeper societal issues as well.
