The Bunker – News without the nonsense

Who will be the big winner at the local elections – and will Farage make it sound like it was Reform UK no matter what happens? Plus, Trump marks 100 days in office – how does this stand up to previous presidents? Gavin Esler joins Jacob Jarvis to talk through the news to look out for for the week ahead.  Subscribe to Crime Scene, the truth about true crime with Bernard Hogan-Howe and Alison Phillips, out on Thursday We are sponsored by Indeed. Go to Indeed.com/bunker for £100 sponsored credit.     www.patreon.com/bunkercast       Written and presented by Jacob Jarvis with Gavin Esler.. Audio production: Tom Taylor. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Political allegories and woke wars, Patrick Troughton’s louche sex life, the madness of Tom Baker, Doctor Who’s strange grip on Britain’s psychic landscape… Fascinating new book Exterminate! Regenerate! The Story of Doctor Who is a bigger-on-the-inside popular history of Who for the general reader. Author John Higgs talks to confirmed Who addict Andrew Harrison live onstage at the Rock’n’Roll Book Club https://rocknrollbookclub.co.uk/ in London’s cosmic Walthamstow. • Buy Exterminate! Regenerate! The Story of Doctor Who through our affiliate bookshop and you’ll help fund The Bunker by earning us a small commission for every sale. Bookshop.org’s fees help support independent bookshops too.Picture courtesy Joel Morris. • Support us on Patreon for early episodes and more • We are sponsored by Indeed. Go to Indeed.com/bunker to get your £100 sponsored credit.  Written and presented by Group Editor Andrew Harrison. Live audio: Jim Dobson. Audio edit by Sara Farolfi. 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

Fara Dabhoiwala, a Princeton history professor and author specializing in freedom of expression, dives deep into the evolving landscape of free speech. They discuss the historical origins and shifting definitions shaped by figures like John Stuart Mill. The conversation highlights the challenges posed by social media and misinformation, encouraging a more nuanced understanding of free speech's role today. Dabhoiwala also critiques how authoritarian regimes manipulate free speech concepts, demanding greater accountability from digital platforms.

In this engaging discussion, David A. Graham, a Staff Writer at The Atlantic and author of 'The Project', delves into the controversial Project 2025. He reveals how its blueprint has permeated Trump’s policies post-presidency, reshaping American governance and culture. Topics include the transformative impact on the federal workforce, the clash over immigration policies, and the ideologies driving modern family structures. Graham also highlights the geopolitical shifts linked to Project 2025 and discusses potential risks that could reshape the political landscape.

Political commentator Steve Richards joins to dissect Morgan McSweeney's pivotal role as Chief of Staff for Keir Starmer. Known for his Machiavellian tactics, McSweeney is shaping Labour's shift to the center, a strategy that could redefine its future. The conversation reveals his balanced approach to party factions, while navigating challenges tied to voter dynamics and the 'blue Labour' concept. Richards highlights the delicate power dynamics between McSweeney and Starmer, shedding light on their influence on Labour's trajectory and internal conflicts.

Rachel Reeves heads to Washington with key insights on US-UK trade dynamics. The discussion shifts to the global implications of Pope Francis's passing, including potential successors and their impact. Tensions rise around Trump's upcoming visit and local elections, hinting at political unrest. The podcast also tackles polling controversies and military talks with New Zealand regarding Ukraine. Lastly, it examines how political scandals affect public perception amid inflation and highlights significant infrastructure projects.

Emma Casey, author of 'The Return of the Housewife,' dives into the world of 'cleanfluencers' and the modern-day implications of domestic ideals. She discusses how social media shapes our perceptions of housework and contrasts joyful cleaning portrayals with feelings of inadequacy. Casey explores the psychological impacts of cleanfluencing, gender imbalances in domestic labor, and the revival of traditional housewife roles. With wit and insight, she prompts a reevaluation of these dynamics and their effects on women's empowerment today.

What if your neighbour was a Russian spy? In 2010, the FBI arrested ten deep-cover agents living quiet suburban lives across North America, their true identities hidden even from their own children. Today on The Bunker, Alex von Tunzelmann is joined by Shaun Walker, author of The Illegals, to take a closer look at one of the most shocking espionage operations in modern history and what it reveals about Putin’s spy games.• We are sponsored by Indeed. Go to https://Indeed.com/bunker for £100 sponsored credit.Buy The Illegals: Russia's Most Audacious Spies and the Plot to Infiltrate the West through our affiliate bookshop and you’ll help fund The Bunker by earning us a small commission for every sale. https://bookshop.org/’s fees help support independent bookshops too.www.patreon.com/bunkercast Written and presented by Alex von Tunzelmann. Producer: Liam Tait. Audio editor: Tom Taylor. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Cindy Yu, a journalist and China commentator, dives into the intense U.S.-China trade rivalry sparked by Trump’s tariffs. She discusses how these policies affect American consumers and the global market, challenging the idea that only China bears the cost. The conversation touches on shifting perspectives between cooperation and competition, and China’s strategies to strengthen ties with Southeast Asia while navigating ongoing tensions. Insights on the implications for American manufacturing sentiments add depth to this complex trade landscape.

Joining the conversation is Bob Goodson, a Silicon Valley veteran and co-author of 'Like: The Button That Changed The World'. He explores the surprising origins and evolution of the Like button, detailing how it's transformed our social interactions into a dopamine-driven addiction. Goodson discusses the ethical implications of social media, the rapid pace of technological innovation, and the future of mind-monitoring tech. With his rich insights, he paints a picture of how this simple button shapes our behaviors and society today.