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
Feb 6, 2026 • 38min
Mandelson gone, Starmer or McSweeney next? – Weekly Wrap-up with Zoë Grünewald and Jacob Jarvis
A rundown of a political scandal sparked by fresh Epstein-related emails and the fallout for top Labour figures. Debate over leadership credibility, internal party discipline and possible successors. Coverage of court system strain and long delays affecting victims. A look at Spain's under-16 social media ban and practical enforcement challenges. Plus a new decade-long cancer plan targeting improved survival rates.
Feb 5, 2026 • 30min
Masters of Metal – What are Rare Earth Metals and why does Trump want them so badly?
Ronan Murphy, editor at Argus Non-Ferrous Markets and commodities journalist, breaks down rare earth metals in plain terms. He explains their role in tech and defence. He assesses Greenland’s deposits, legal and environmental limits, and why uranium rules complicate mining. He also covers China’s dominance, processing bottlenecks, recycling challenges, and how policy and finance shape global supply.
4 snips
Feb 4, 2026 • 34min
Cash is king – How dirty money took over the world
Oliver Bullough, journalist and author who exposes global corruption, offers a crisp tour of how laundering evolved into a massive industry. He maps clever tricks, the limits of compliance, and the role of enablers. He also examines crypto, trade and luxury markets as highways for dirty money. The conversation highlights why some places became laundering hubs and what it takes to fight back.
Feb 3, 2026 • 32min
Hot Take Time Machine – The month's weirdest columns with Miranda Sawyer and Jonn Elledge
John Elledge, columnist and author known for sharp political and cultural takes, and Miranda Sawyer, veteran journalist and broadcaster with a knack for cultural commentary, sift through the month’s oddest columns. They lampoon Telegraph reverse‑ferrets on Trump, roast Beckham family hot takes, probe influencers monetising family life, and unpack pieces on AI, social trust and The Traitors.
Feb 2, 2026 • 31min
Epstein and Andrew: When will this end? — Start Your Week with Rafael Behr and Jacob Jarvis
Rafael Behr, a columnist and political commentator, analyzes the fallout from fresh Epstein-related revelations and their impact on high-profile figures. He discusses the new images, how reputations and institutions are damaged, and why elites were drawn into Epstein’s orbit. He also covers political resignations and the wider implications for party leaders and diplomacy.
Jan 30, 2026 • 38min
Will Trump's ICE terror spark a civil war? – Weekly Wrap-Up with Alex von Tunzelmann and Jacob Jarvis
Alex von Tunzelmann, historian and author who adds historical perspective to current politics. They discuss ICE crackdowns in Minnesota and recent killings sparking protests. Historical comparisons to past federal-state conflicts and Civil War-era tensions. Risks of federal vs state confrontation and whether nationwide strike or escalation is possible.
Jan 29, 2026 • 30min
Trump vs. Europe – The battle over Greenland explained
Dr Christine Nissen, Chief Analyst at Think Europa and ECFR researcher, explains Europe's firm pushback over US pressure on Greenland. Short takes on Arctic security, strategic motives like minerals and climate-driven access, NATO and defence arrangements, and Greenlanders' self-determination. The conversation also covers European military signaling and shifting global power dynamics.
Jan 28, 2026 • 24min
“Wine Moms” and “AWFULs” – MAGA’s new slurs on women with Molly Jong-Fast
Molly Jong-Fast, author and political podcaster known for sharp commentary, digs into MAGA’s new slurs for women. She traces how terms like AWFUL and wine mom spread online and through politicians. Conversation covers who uses these smears, why white women protesting threaten MAGA, and whether the labels could be reclaimed.
Jan 27, 2026 • 33min
Donroe vs. Monroe – How Trump’s outlook compares to America’s past
Jonn Elledge, geographer and author of A History of the World in 47 Borders, explains the Monroe Doctrine and its 19th-century context. He compares historic hemispheric control, Manifest Destiny and US expansion with modern moves like the Greenland row. Short, sharp takes on how past doctrines echo in today’s transactional and unpredictable foreign-policy style.
Jan 26, 2026 • 25min
Crash and Burnham – Start Your Week with Gavin Esler and Ros Taylor
A lively rundown of UK political drama after Andy Burnham was blocked from running and the likely fallout in Labour. Debate over whether Burnham would lead differently from Keir Starmer. Discussion of centrists trying to regroup. Plans to reshape policing and calls to ban phones in schools. A UK-North Sea wind power deal and the geopolitics of a Starmer trip to China. Plus US unrest, ICE shooting coverage, and film and weather chatter.
