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
Mar 6, 2026 • 33min
Stuck In The Middle East With You – Weekly Wrap-Up with Jonn Elledge
John Elledge, bestselling author and commentator known for A History of the World in 47 Borders, joins to unpack a turbulent week. They cover US strikes on Iran and the risks to energy supplies. They debate shifting White House messaging, Labour’s tougher immigration plans, BrewDog’s collapse and political theatre around Trump and the Clintons. Lighter culture stories round things off.
Mar 5, 2026 • 27min
Elon Musk's A.I. gamble – Could it destroy him?
Henry Tricks, US technology editor at The Economist, breaks down Elon Musk’s latest gambit. He explains the plan to merge SpaceX with xAI and proposes satellite data centres in orbit. He assesses the risks to Musk’s empire, explores technical and regulatory hurdles, and contrasts Musk’s management style and rivalries with possible paths to profit.
5 snips
Mar 4, 2026 • 30min
Reform’s “British ICE” — Why it would never work
Sunder Katwala, director of British Future and author of How to Be a Patriot, offers expert commentary on immigration politics and deportation policy. He unpacks the rhetoric of a proposed UK ICE and why copying the US model is politically risky. Short conversations consider enforcement tactics, who might be targeted, and how competing parties and voters might respond.
Mar 3, 2026 • 35min
Will Trump turn America’s 250th birthday into a MAGA-fest?
Mike Bedenbaugh, South Carolina political commentator, historic preservationist and Navy veteran, reflects on patriotism and the semi-quincentennial. He discusses concerns about partisan, commercialized celebrations. They talk about weaponized patriotism, media spectacle and how civic renewal might be reclaimed through local action and constitutional changes.
11 snips
Mar 2, 2026 • 34min
Trump, Iran and a world on the brink – Start Your Week with Rafael Behr
Rafael Behr, Guardian columnist and political commentator, unpacks US strikes on Iran and the risky timing behind them. He explores succession chaos in Iran, humanitarian and Gulf-region fallout, and how Russia and China are positioning themselves. He also covers UK political consequences, including Labour’s electoral tensions and tactical dilemmas.
Feb 26, 2026 • 29min
The absolute State of the Union – Weekly Wrap-Up with Rafael Behr and Jacob Jarvis
Rafael Behr, Guardian leader writer known for sharp political analysis, joins to dissect Trump’s record-length State of the Union and its performative authoritarian theatrics. They also unpack hacked robot vacuums and wider AI security risks. Discussion touches on looming SEND reforms in the UK and a quiet but worrying update from North Korea.
7 snips
Feb 26, 2026 • 37min
Hot Take Time Machine – February’s weirdest opinion columns with Miranda Sawyer and Jonn Elledge
John Elledge, New Statesman columnist known for sharp political and cultural takes, and Miranda Sawyer, broadcaster and cultural commentator, dissect February’s strangest opinion pieces. They spar over press reactions to Prince Andrew, argue about high society blind spots, debate defence of child work, laugh at sex-column realities and pick apart media outrage and classy petty grievances.
Feb 25, 2026 • 30min
Obama says aliens are real. What more does he know?
Andy McGrillen, author and podcaster who catalogs UFO/UAP cases, discusses how Obama's remark stirred the internet. They unpack terminology like UFO, UAP and non-human intelligence. Conversations cover Congressional briefings, credible witnesses, classic cases and how culture shapes reporting. The talk contrasts cautious scientific inquiry with conspiracy-driven thinking.
Feb 24, 2026 • 21min
China's military crisis – Is Beijing's army on the brink of collapse?
Daria Impiombato, senior analyst at the Mercator Institute for China Studies who specializes in Chinese politics and the PLA, unpacks the sudden removals of top military leaders. She discusses princeling networks and official anti-corruption language. She examines implications for Xi's control, military modernisation goals, risks to innovation from centralised power, and what to watch next.
Feb 23, 2026 • 25min
I shot the tariffs – Start Your Week with Gavin Esler and Jacob Jarvis
Gavin Esler, veteran broadcaster and political commentator, joins to survey looming political tests. He flags constitutional strains in the US and UK. They unpack the Gorton and Denton by-election and the risks of Reform-style politics. Discussion also covers Trump’s tariff clash, royal inquiries, and Europe’s security outlook.
