The Bunker

Episode 1,500 – Neil Kinnock on Starmer’s battles, Labour vs Reform, and hope for the future Feb 21, 2025

Is it really five years and 1,500 editions since we launched The Bunker? It is! For this special episode, Labour legend and former leader Neil Kinnock joins us to talk about the story Labour should be telling… what his battles against Thatcherism can teach Starmer about fighting the rising right wing… the dangers of a radicalised Conservative Party… and how to hit Reform UK where it hurts. With Andrew Harrison and Alex von Tunzelmann.

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Written and presented by Andrew Harrison. Audio production by Tom Taylor. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Managing Editor Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Germany's far-right problem: Are the AfD Nazis? Feb 20, 2025

Germany’s far-right have been thrown into the international spotlight after US Vice President JD Vance met with Alice Weidel. But what does the AfD actually stand for? Alex von Tunzelmann is joined by Annette Dittert, senior correspondent for ARD German TV, to look at Germany’s far-right problem and to find out if the AfD is really a successor to the Nazi Party.

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Written and presented by Alex von Tunzelmann. Producer: Liam Tait. Audio editors: Simon Williams. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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How the US aid freeze harms the entire world Feb 19, 2025

US aid accounts for more than 40 percent of aid spending across the globe – or at least it did until Trump cut it off. Today in The Bunker, Jacob Jarvis speaks with Michael Sheldrick, co-founder of Global Citizen, to discuss the impact of these cuts and what other nations can do to fill the gap.

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Written and presented by Jacob Jarvis. Producer: Liam Tait. Audio editors: Tom Taylor. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Is Putin taking Donald Trump for a ride? Feb 18, 2025

Donald Trump acts as though he’s a master Putin-whisperer – but is he simply just being played by the Russian leader? Ian Garner, a historian focused on Russian propaganda and culture, and the author of Z Generation: Into the Heart of Russia's Fascist Youth, joins Chris Jones to discuss the relationship between these two world leaders, their latest discussions and what we can read from their latest moves.

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Written and presented by Chris Jones. Audio production: Robin Leeburn. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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The traitor dictator — Start Your Week with Gavin Esler and Jacob Jarvis Feb 17, 2025

Donald Trump appears to be selling out Ukraine in talks with Putin, meanwhile his authoritarian power grab in the US continues. What can we expect from negotiations in the coming days? And how will Europe react? Gavin Esler and Jacob Jarvis discuss the latest news and how it will impact the rest of the world in Start Your Week.

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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.

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Susie Wiles: What makes Trump's most powerful adviser tick? Feb 14, 2025

For the first time, a woman will serve as White House Chief of Staff – but who is Susie Wiles? As Trump’s closest confidante, is Susie Wiles the most powerful woman in the world?

Today in The Bunker, Jacob Jarvis speaks with Michael Kruse, senior staff writer at POLITICO, to explore Wiles’ history, her influence over Trump, and whether she can keep Elon Musk under control.

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Written and presented by Jacob Jarvis. Producer: Liam Tait. Audio editors: Simon Williams. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Should politicians read more science fiction? – with SF author Adrian Tchaikovsky Feb 13, 2025

In a world where politicians and oligarchs make wild plans, we often hear the cry “They’re reading too much science fiction.” But instead, should our leaders read MORE about alternate futures and the unforeseen consequences of technology? Clarke Award-winning author Adrian Tchaikovsky – of Children of Time and Dogs of War fame – tells Andrew Harrison why science fiction’s job is more complex than just predicting the future… how it can explain egotists like Musk… and the science fiction he thinks Starmer should read.

• Adrian Tchaikovsky’s new book Shroud is available for pre-order.

Adrian’s choices for Keir Starmer:

• After Atlas by Emma Newman

• The Windup Girl by Paolo Bacigalupi

• Ministry For The Future by Kim Stanley Robinson

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Written and presented by Andrew Harrison. Audio production by Robin Leeburn. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Managing Editor Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Project 2025: How closely is Trump sticking to this right-wing manifesto? Feb 12, 2025

Trump denied links to Project 2025, the right-wing manifesto for a conservative president, throughout his campaign. But despite this, many of his actions in office so far have looked familiar to those who read the document. To discuss how closely he’s following it, Gavin Esler speaks to Andy Kroll from ProPublica, who’s been diving into the connections and their implications.

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Written and presented by Gavin Esler. Producer: Liam Tait. Audio editors: Simon Williams. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Starmer slumps, Reform rallies: Should we take the polls seriously yet? Feb 11, 2025

A shock new poll has put Reform ahead of Labour for the first time – could this be just a short-term protest, or could this be the start of a shake-up of Britain’s status quo? Today in The Bunker, Alex von Tunzelmann is joined by Ben Walker, senior data journalist at The New Statesman and founder of Britain Elects to discuss the numbers and ask if it’s time to start worrying about them.

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Written and presented by Alex von Tunzelmann. Producer: Liam Tait. Audio editors: Tom Taylor. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Steel crazy after all these years – Start Your Week with Ros Taylor and Jacob Jarvis Feb 10, 2025

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Eat yourself richer: Could better food fix our economy? Feb 07, 2025

From school canteens to prison kitchens, the quality of the meals served in public institutions is often alarmingly poor. But rather than accepting this, could fixing the issue boost Britain in ways we might not realise?

In today’s episode, Coco Khan speaks with Kevin Morgan, Professor of Governance and Development at Cardiff University and author of Serving the Public, to explore how better institutional food can boost public health, support local businesses, and perhaps even lead to the economic growth politicians desire.

Buy Serving the Public: The Good Food Revolution in Schools, Hospitals and Prisons. 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.

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Written and presented by Coco Khan. Producer: Liam Tait. Audio editors: Tom Taylor. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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From Gates to Musk: Can good billionaires exist? Feb 06, 2025

Billionaires are often praised as disruptive innovators, philanthropists, or brilliant problem solvers – but they’re also a clear sign of growing inequality. So, are they ever truly a force for good?

Today in The Bunker, Zing Tsjeng is joined by Carl Rhodes, Dean of the UTS Business School at the University of Technology Sydney and author of Stinking Rich, to answer the question: is there such a thing as a good billionaire?

Buy Stinking Rich: The Four Myths of the Good Billionaire 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.

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Written and presented by Zing Tsjeng. Producer: Liam Tait. Audio editors: Simon Williams. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Has US media surrendered to Trump already? Feb 05, 2025

Trump’s first term might have been a political nightmare, but at least it was a golden age for truth-telling journalism. But this time, news outlets from the Washington Post to CNN have bent the knee to MAGA with indecent, craven haste – while papers like the New York Times have retreated, terrified, into euphemism. What do the news oligarchs think they’ll get from Trump? And will there be anything left of a free media when he is done with them? “Our incumbent media are failing us terribly,” US media analyst Jeff Jarvistells Gavin Esler, “and we are in the middle of a coup… It’s business interests über alles.”

• “Liberal America is enraged by the liberal press and is turning away from it.”

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Written and presented by Gavin Esler. Audio production by Tom Taylor. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Managing Editor Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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DeepSeek – How China’s A.I. surprise stunned Silicon Valley Feb 04, 2025

China’s gamechanging A.I. “DeepSeek” came out of nowhere to grab headlines and in turn rock financial markets. The release of the free app triggered a sharp reaction, wiping out a trillion dollars in value from major U.S. based A.I. firms. – and raising questions over America’s dominance in the realm of artificial intelligence. Is this a sign of an industry in flux, or the beginning of a major shift? Alex von Tunzelmann is joined by tech journalist Karen Hao to examine the implications of DeepSeek’s rise.

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Written and presented by Alex von Tunzelmann. Producer: Liam Tait. Audio editors: Robin Leeburn. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Trade war of the worlds — Start Your Week with Gavin Esler and Ros Taylor Feb 03, 2025

Trump’s trade war has begun as he seeks to bully the world with tariffs. What’s going on and what effects will we see in the coming days? And how will his whims wreak havoc on global relations? And looking closer to home, Brexit’s back on the menu. Starmer is off to meet EU leaders, what should we look out for? Gavin Esler and Ros Taylor discuss this and more as they lay out the week ahead.

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Written and presented by Ros Taylor 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.

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Have we hit peak politics podcast? – Panel edition Jan 31, 2025

The Bunker panel is back! This week, we dive into the wild world of podcasting. Anyone with a mic and a Wi-Fi connection can broadcast their thoughts to the masses – but should they?

This month, the panel debates the pros and cons of the ever-expanding political podcast landscape. Are bro-casts speeding us toward cultural collapse? What are our biggest podcasting icks? And should there be legal restrictions on men aged 30-45 from purchasing microphones?

Join host Jacob Jarvis with an all-star lineup of guests: Podmasters head honcho Andrew Harrison; audio reviewer at The Observer, Miranda Sawyer, and founder of London Centric and former media editor at The Guardian, Jim Waterson.

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Written and presented by Jacob Jarvis. Producer: Liam Tait. Audio editor: Robin Leeburn. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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How not to be totally wrong about American politics Jan 30, 2025

Donald Trump is often labeled a threat to democracy – but could political myths perpetuated by ordinary Americans be just as much of an issue? Millions of voters confidently cling to political myths as if they were hard truths, unaware that they’re propping up the fake news they claim to hate. In this episode of The Bunker, Chris Jones speaks with Dr. Casey Burgat, host of Mastering the Room and author of We Hold These Truths: How to Spot the Myths That Are Holding America Back, to examine the heart of misinformation, its far-reaching effects on democracy, and the fundamental misconceptions shaping America.

Buy We Hold These Truths: How to Spot the Myths That Are Holding America Back 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.

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Written and presented by Chris Jones. Producer: Liam Tait. Audio editors: Simon Williams. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Should I feel bad for listening to cancelled artists? Jan 29, 2025

The number of artists being “cancelled” seems to be growing every day. But is it ok to continue to enjoy the art they made even if they’re awful people? Today on The Bunker, Rafael Behr sits down with philosophy professor Mary Beth Willard, author ofWhy It's OK to Enjoy the Work of Immoral Artists, to explore whether we can truly separate the art from the artist, uncover the real power of cancelling an artist, and ask: how do these choices shape the future of art and accountability?

• Buy Why It’s OK To Enjoy Immoral Artists 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.

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Written and presented by Rafael Behr. Producer: Liam Tait. Audio editors: Tom Taylor and Simon Williams. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Trump's tariffs explained: How to understand his looming trade wars Jan 28, 2025

Trump is constantly talking about tariffs and has started to use the threat of them as part of his geopolitical bullying campaign. What impact would these measures have across the world? Why is he so set on them? Ros Taylor asks Dmitry Grozoubinski, author of Why Politicians Lie About Trade... and What You Need to Know About It, to discuss everything you need to know about tariffs and Trump’s trade wars.

Buy Why Politicians Lie About Trade... and What You Need to Know About It 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.

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Written and presented by Ros Taylor. Audio production: Tom Taylor. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Don call us, we’ll call you — Start Your Week with Alex von Tunzelmann and Jacob Jarvis Jan 27, 2025

Trump and Starmer had a chinwag over the phone at the weekend – what did we learn and how can the PM navigate this relationship? And what will unfold in the aftermath of Trump’s manic first week? Plus, we look at clashes at home as the government targets Farage, as well as the latest world news, with updates from Gaza and Ukraine. Author and historian Alex von Tunzelmann joins Jacob Jarvis to talk through the week ahead and recent news you might have missed.

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Written and presented by Jacob Jarvis with Alex von Tunzelmann. Audio production by Tom Taylor. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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How dark psychology created Hitler’s Germany – and why it could happen again Jan 24, 2025

Why did otherwise civilised Germans welcome Hitler’s message of hatred and racial supremacy so fervently? Laurence Rees wrote and produced the acclaimed BBC series The Nazis: A Warning From History as well as documentaries on Auschwitz, Stalin, the Russian Front and the Holocaust. He talks to Andrew Harrison about his new bookThe Nazi Mind, where he examines the psychological mechanisms that drew Germany into the horrors of the Second World War – and how those same deep compulsions are revitalising the far-right today.

• Buy The Nazi Mind 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.

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Presented by Group Editor Andrew Harrison. Audio production by Tom Taylor. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Managing Editor Jacob Jarvis. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Are Iran and Russia losing their grip on the Middle East? Jan 23, 2025

The past 12 months have seen stunning reverses for both Russia and for Iran’s ‘Axis of Resistance’ in the Middle East. Rebels humiliated Putin in Syria and Israel devastated Iranian proxies such has Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon – albeit it at appalling human cost. Is the region finally turning a corner? Does the ceasefire really mean Israel has “won”? Could the Iranian regime fall? RUSI fellow Jason Pack of the Disorder podcast explains connects the threads of a crucial period for the region.

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Written and presented by Group Editor Andrew Harrison. Audio production by Tom Taylor. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Managing Editor Jacob Jarvis. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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'How I took on Alex Jones' – Fighting the world's biggest conspiracy theorist Jan 22, 2025

On December 14, 2012, Robbie Parker's world was shattered. His daughter, Emilie, was among the victims of the tragic Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. As if the grief of losing a child wasn’t enough, Robbie and other parents were forced to confront an unthinkable challenge: a wave of harassment and lies spawned by conspiracy theorists.

In this episode, Robbie Parker, author of A Father's Fight, joins Gavin Esler to discuss his legal battle with conspiracy theorist talking head Alex Jones and the struggle to protect his daughter’s memory amidst a sea of disinformation.

Buy A Father's Fight: Taking on Alex Jones and Reclaiming the Truth About Sandy Hook 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.

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Written and presented by Gavin Esler. Producer: Liam Tait. Audio editors: Tom Taylor. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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From 'femcels' to 'tradwives' – How the far right radicalises women online Jan 21, 2025

The online radicalisation of men and ‘incels’ by the far right is well documented – but what about the women they target? What role do forums for mums and Instagram food vlogs play in luring women into movements that seek to undermine their freedoms?

Today in The Bunker, Lois Shearing, author of Pink-Pilled: Women and the Far Right, joins Zoë Grünewald to explore how these groups operate and what can be done to stop them.

Buy Pink-Pilled: Women and the Far Rightthrough 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.

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Written and presented by Zoë Grünewald. Producer: Liam Tait. Audio editor: Robin Leeburn Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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The Return of Trump — Start Your Week with Gavin Esler and Jacob Jarvis Jan 20, 2025

Donald Trump will officially become the president of the United States today – what will he say as he lays out his plans for America? And how will he shake things up on the global stage? Gavin Esler talks Jacob Jarvis through what we should we should expect from the beginning of Trump’s second presidency.

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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.

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Starmer is banking on AI. But has he thought of the jobs it might steal? Jan 18, 2025

Keir Starmer wants Britain to “mainline artificial intelligence into its veins” and says A.I. will transform the our lives for the better. But as job automation races ahead, is anyone listening to the voices of working people? Has Labour been captured by the A.I. lobby? Mary Towers leads the TUC’s work on A.I. She tells Andrew Harrison what we need to do to make this Fourth Industrial Revolution work for everyone – not just Big Tech and corporate cost-cutters.

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Written and presented by Group Editor Andrew Harrison. Audio production by Tom Taylor. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Managing Editor Jacob Jarvis. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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The Israel/Hamas Ceasefire – Can it hold? – from This Is Not A Drill with Gavin Esler Jan 17, 2025

A special crosspost from our geopolitics podcast This Is Not A Drill.

After 15 months of horror, a ceasefire and hostage release deal triggers rejoicing in Israel and Palestine. But the deal is ambiguous and built around only a gradual release of Palestinian prisoners and Israeli hostages, with no agreement to end the war yet. While Trump rushes to claim credit, some fear the deal is so loose it might collapse. Could this conflict reignite?

Gavin Esler talks to Middle East expert Dr H.A. Hellyer of RUSI, the Royal United Services Institute for Defence and Security, about Israel and Gaza’s fragile moment of hope.

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Written and presented by Gavin Esler. Audio production by Robin Leeburn. Original theme music by Paul Hartnoll – https://www.orbitalofficial.com. Executive Producer Martin Bojtos. Group Editor Andrew Harrison. This Is Not A Drill is a Podmasters production

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Facebook vs. The Facts: Has Mark Zuckerberg declared war on the truth? Jan 16, 2025

Mark Zuckerberg has announced he’s ditching fact checking on Facebook and across Meta platforms. This is starting in the US, but how far will it go? And how much worse will it make the content on his social media channels? Chris Jones speaks to tech journalist and LBC correspondent Will Guyatt to find out why the Facebook boss is making these changes, beyond just cosying up to Trump, and what their impact will be.

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Written and presented by Chris Jones. Audio production: Tom Taylor. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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How will Trump try to end the war in Ukraine? – Gavin Esler asks Mark Galeotti Jan 15, 2025

What will Trump’s entry to the White House mean for the war between Russia and Ukraine? The incoming US insists he can get a ceasefire and end the conflict – but how feasible is this? Gavin Esler, of our sibling podcast This is Not a Drill, speaks to Russia expert Mark Galeotti, host of the In Moscow’s Shadows podcast.

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Written and presented by Gavin Esler. Audio production: Robin Leeburn. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Reform UK think 2025 is their year. How can we stop them? Jan 14, 2025

Reform UK are on a roll. The Tories are dancing to their tune, some polls are putting them on par with Labour and the wilder hard-right papers are hyping Farage as a potential PM. But how real is Reform’s “surge”? Are their voters really up for far-right populism, or are they more likely angry, disaffected, sometimes even left-leaning people who’ve lost faith in politics? Campaigning veteran Paul Mason of The New European and The Guardian’s Rafael Behr ask the big question of 2025: how do we stop Reform dragging Britain to the far-right?

• “Reform know how to play populist politics. They are a very well-funded autocratic party and they know what they’re doing.” – Paul Mason

• “Every time you say ‘open borders’ you convert a Reform voter to a fascist.” – Paul Mason

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Written and presented by Rafael Behr. Audio production by Tom Taylor. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Managing Editor Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Bonds away! – Start Your Week with Ros Taylor and Jacob Jarvis Jan 13, 2025

Rachel Reeves faces questions over Britain’s economic state this week – the right-wing press is howling, but just how bad is the situation really? And, Musk continues to meddle – we look at his moves here at home and further afield. Plus, it’s the final week where Trump isn’t president! We discuss who’ll be wanting to cosy up to him in the coming days. Ros Taylor talks Jacob Jarvis through all that and more.

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Written and presented by Jacob Jarvis with Ros Taylor. Audio production: Tom Taylor. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Why Putin might not be so worried about Russia's economy Jan 10, 2025

As Russia’s invasion of Ukraine continues, questions have been raised as to how long Putin can financially sustain the assault. How much longer can Russia’s economy sustain the staggering costs of war?

Today in The Bunker, Dr. Richard Connolly, author of The Russian Economy: A Very Short Introduction, joins Chris Jones to find out if Putin’s war machine is running out of cash?

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Written and presented by Chris Jones. Producer: Liam Tait. Audio editors: Tom Taylor. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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What will Trump do first? – 2025 US politics preview Jan 09, 2025

With Donald Trump returning to the White House, the political battles of his first term and a few fresh ones are returning to the fore in US politics. But what will he prioritise once in office?

In this episode of The Bunker, Jacob Jarvis is joined by his American Friction co-host, Nikki McCann Ramirez of Rolling Stone, to look at the key figures and forces shaping US politics in 2025. With the growing influence of Elon Musk, a political mandate and experience in the office, what does this next phase of Trumpism mean for American politics?

• We are sponsored by Indeed. Go to Indeed.com/bunker for £100 sponsored credit.

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Written and presented by Jacob Jarvis. Producer: Liam Tait. Audio editors: Simon Williams. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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What should be Starmer's new year's resolutions? – with Steve Richards Jan 08, 2025

The new year brings fresh challenges for Starmer’s government and continued pressure to deliver on Labour’s campaign promises. After years of political turbulence, can Labour deliver meaningful change? Join Alex von Tunzelmann and Steve Richards, host of Rock & Roll Politics, as they take stock of the government’s priorities for the new year and ask what resolutions Starmer should make for 2025.

• We are sponsored by Indeed. Go to Indeed.com/bunker for £100 sponsored credit.

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Written and presented by Alex von Tunzelmann. Producer: Liam Tait. Audio editors: Simon Williams. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Will Musk finally drive MPs off Twitter? Jan 07, 2025

Will Musk’s latest meltdown see politicians and institutions finally abandon Twitter? And if so, where will they go? Or will the right-wing stay, as the left and centrists shift to BlueSky? Zoë Crowther, reporter at PoliticsHome, joins Ros Taylor to discuss how MPs will engage with social media in 2025.

We are sponsored by Indeed. Go toIndeed.com/bunker for £100 sponsored credit.

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Written and presented by Ros Taylor. Audio production: Simon Williams. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Elon Degenerates — Start Your Week with Gavin Esler and Jacob Jarvis Jan 06, 2025

Elon Musk’s latest rant-a-thon has dominated the headlines – what should we make of it and what impact will it have? Plus, there’s NHS reforms to be announced in news Keir Starmer wants people to focus on – and Gavin Esler gives Jacob Jarvis the latest updates from further afield, addressing conflicts and flashpoints across the globe.

We are sponsored by Indeed. Go toIndeed.com/bunker for £100 sponsored credit.

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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.

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The ten most influential people of the 21st Century… so far – Part Two: The Final Five Jan 03, 2025

Is the Great Man* theory of history back? As our world seems increasingly shaped by individual oligarchs, populists and single-issue celebrities, we complete our list of the most influential people of the century so far. Who will make the cut? Our Bunker regulars – BBC veteran Gavin Esler, historian and author Alex Von Tunzelmann and Guardian columnist Rafael Behr – name the Final Five of our Century Shapers.

Part One already available.

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Presented by Gavin Esler. Audio production by Simon Williams and Robin Leeburn. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Managing Editor Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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The ten most influential people of the 21st Century… so far – Part One Jan 02, 2025

Incredibly, we’re already nearly a quarter of the way through the 21st Century. Who are the big figures who’ve shaped and transformed, or more often, terrorised and devastated, our political and physical worlds? And how did 20th century dreams of a stable consensus tomorrow fall apart? A panel of Bunker regulars – BBC veteran Gavin Esler, historian and author Alex Von Tunzelmann and Guardian columnist Rafael Behr – assemble to choose the first five of our Century Shapers.

Part Two out tomorrow or available now on Patreon.

• We are sponsored by Indeed. Go to Indeed.com/bunker for £100 sponsored credit.

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Presented by Gavin Esler. Audio production by Simon Williams and Robin Leeburn. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Managing Editor Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Jimmy Carter – When a good man went to Washington Dec 31, 2024

Jimmy Carter, who has died aged 100, suffered derision in his one-term presidency, becoming a scapegoat for recession, the Iran hostage crisis and America’s diminution in the world. But his reputation as a humanitarian only grew after he left office. What is the true meaning of Jimmy Carter’s life? Andrew Harrison talks to writer and filmmaker Jonathan Alter – author of His Very Best: Jimmy Carter, A Life – about the 39th President and his legacy.

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Presented by Group Editor Andrew Harrison. Audio production by Robin Leeburn. Researched by Eliza Davis Beard. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Managing Editor Jacob Jarvis. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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US Politics in 2024 – Weird bits, worst bits and what we learned – American Friction bonus edition Dec 30, 2024

Fighting the holiday podcast drought, we bring you another taster of a Podmasters show you might have missed – our US politics weekly American Friction. And this time it’s their review of 2024. No Jarv on this edition, but Chris and Nikki unpack the key moments and lessons from a year when Trump’s election as President may well have changed American democracy forever.

Get the sharpest take on American politics every Friday when you follow American Friction on your favourite app.

Written and presented by Chris Jones and Nikki McCann Ramírez. Audio editor: Simon Williams. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Executive producer: Martin Bojtos. Artwork by James Parrett. Music: Orange Factory Music. AMERICAN FRICTION is a Podmasters Production. www.podmasters.co.uk

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Paper Cuts Review of 2024 Part One – Bonus Edition Dec 29, 2024

Continuing our intra-festive selection of Podmasters shows you might have missed… have you tried Paper Cuts, the podcast that reads the papers so you don’t have to? Cos you really should.

As a taster, join Miranda Sawyer plus host of Queerphoria Jack Guinness and comedy writer and actual Grinch Jason Hazeley for Part One of the Paper Cuts Review of 2024. Remember when everyone had a meltdown over Princess Kate? Jack reminisces about the whole saga that engulfed the nation. Miranda tries to recall all the weird stunts the Tories pulled before the election. Plus – Here’s a reminder that Baby Reindeer isn’t a Christmas classic for the whole family, as Jason examines the reaction to Netflix’s mega-hit.

• Paper Cuts is out every Monday and Friday. Hear the rest of their review of 2024 and follow on your favourite podcast app.

Illustrations by Modern Toss https://moderntoss.com

Written and presented by Miranda Sawyer. Audio production: Jade Bailey. Production. Liam Tait. Design: James Parrett. Music: Simon Williams. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Exec Producer: Martin Bojtos. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. PAPER CUTS is a Podmasters Production

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Why are we drawn to evil? – Bonus edition from Why? with Emma Kennedy Dec 28, 2024

Climbing the walls in the holiday podcast drought? We’re tiding you over with some episodes you might have missed from the giant Podmasters universe. Today, a fascinating edition of our science and psychology podcast, Why? with Emma Kennedy.

On this episode… The allure of evil. Lots of us are obsessed with true crime documentaries and podcasts and can’t get enough gruesome details of horrific murder, torture and kidnapping. It’s all pretty horrible – so why are we drawn to it? Does ‘evil’ really exist? And if so, what does it look like?

Writer, journalist and broadcaster Emma Kennedy talks to forensic psychiatrist Dr Sohom Das and the UK’s top expert on serial killers, criminologist Professor David Wilson to uncover why we are so obsessed with evil.

• Blow your mind with the current season of Why? on your favourite podcast app.

• Buy Dr Das’ book In Two Minds: Shocking true stories of murder, justice and recovery from a forensic psychiatrist and Professor Wilson’s My Life with Murderers: Behind Bars with the World’s Most Violent Men through our affiliate bookshop and you’ll help fund our pods by earning us a small commission for every sale. Bookshop.org’s fees help support independent bookshops too.

WHY? is presented by Emma Kennedy. Produced by Eliza Davis Beard. Audio production and theme music by Jade Bailey. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. Artwork by James Parrett. Additional music is from Artlist.io. WHY? is a Podmasters Production.

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Kleptocracy Now – How the global corruption machine is seizing power – This Is Not A Drill BONUS Dec 27, 2024

Desperate for a fresh pod over the holidays? We’re tiding you over the Christmas-New Year gap with some shows you might have missed from the wider Podmasters universe. Today, enjoy this edition of our geopolitics weekly This Is Not A Drill.

On this edition… Corruption, bribery and cronyism aren’t just criminal matters. International alliances of corrupt states and their enablers are undermining democracies and international law, creating a world without rules where everything and anyone can be bought. From Putin’s gangster state to COVID corruption and favouritism in the UK, the West’s response has been feeble.

How big is Kleptocracy's threat to global stability? Regular TINAD presenter Emma Beals explores an existential danger with anti-corruption writer Sarah Chayes – author of Everybody Knows: Corruption in America – and Guardian investigations correspondent and author of Cuckooland: Where the Rich Own the Truth Tom Burgis.

<I>NB This edition recorded before Trump’s victory in the US election.</I>

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Written and presented by Emma Beals. Audio production by Robin Leeburn. Original theme music by Paul Hartnoll – https://www.orbitalofficial.com. Executive Producer Martin Bojtos. Group Editor Andrew Harrison. This Is Not A Drill is a Podmasters production

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Soaked Sunak, Brat summer, the Hot Hitman and more – The 20 weirdest moments of 2024 – Part Two Dec 23, 2024

Completing our countdown of the events of 2024 that we can barely believe happened. From Rishi Sunak dooming his own election campaign by launching it in a downpour to Robert F Kennedy Jr’s shenanigans with a dead bear (blame the brainworms) to America deciding that its new folk hero is an actual murderer, we examine the moments that made 2024 incomprehensible. Miranda Sawyer and Jonn Elledge of Paper Cuts join Andrew Harrison to complete an ignominious countdown. (Part One available now)

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Presented by Group Editor Andrew Harrison. Audio production by Tom Taylor. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Managing Editor Jacob Jarvis. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Trump shooting, Oasis frenzy, Huak Tuah and more – The 20 weirdest moments of 2024 – Part One Dec 20, 2024

It’s that time of year when we look back over the last twelve months and ask… did that really happen? From Oasis giving the nation a brutal lesson in demand economics to the near-assassination of Donald Trump to the baffling rise of “Huak Tuah Girl”, 2024 has been a year of signs, wonders and bewilderment. In the first of a two-part Bunker special Miranda Sawyer and Jonn Elledge of Paper Cuts join Andrew Harrison to choose the first ten of the twenty most bizarre moments of the year – and work out what they mean.

Part Two is out on Monday 23 December, or sign up to Patreon to hear it right now – and support independent podcasting too.

• We are sponsored by Indeed. Go to Indeed.com/bunker for £100 sponsored credit.

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Presented by Group Editor Andrew Harrison. Audio production by Tom Taylor. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Managing Editor Jacob Jarvis. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Eat, drink, and be merry: The history of Christmas Dinner Dec 19, 2024

• Get 20% off annual Patreon support for The Bunker in our Black Friday sale. The perfect gift to ask for!

From enormous Tudor banquets to Fortnum & Mason’s luxury hampers, Christmas food has always been about showing off. But how did we leap from turducken and spiced pies to our roast potatoes and a turkey that barely fits in the oven?

Join Alex von Tunzelmann and Thomas Ntinas, host of The Delicious Legacy podcast, as they unravel how centuries of festive indulgence, and a brief detour through Cromwell’s joyless Puritanism, shaped the Christmas dinner we know today.

• We are sponsored by Indeed. Go to Indeed.com/bunker for £100 sponsored credit.

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Written and presented by Alex von Tunzelmann. Producer: Liam Tait. Audio editors: Robin Leeburn. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Nakatomi one more time – Why DIE HARD is the most political Christmas movie Dec 18, 2024

• Our Cyber Monday sale is just about still on! Get 20% off annual Patreon support for The Bunker.

Yes, Die Hard IS a Christmas movie… but what about its politics? Is the Bruce Willis blockbuster a howl of anger from Reagan’s rustbelt, an attack on ’80s yuppie finance bros, an America First broadside against Japanese corporate raiders, or a diatribe against capitalism that Bernie Sanders would be proud of? And who’s the real villain? Conservative economist John Phelan joins wet liberal centrist Andrew Harrison to debate the politics that play out in Nakatomi Tower. Welcome to the podcast, pal!

Read John’s excellent analysis Die Hard here.

• Support us on Patreon for early episodes and more.

• We are sponsored by Indeed. Go to Indeed.com/bunker for £100 sponsored credit.

Presented by Group Editor Andrew Harrison. Audio production by Jade Bailey. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Managing Editor Jacob Jarvis. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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US healthcare – So hated, it could drive you to murder? Dec 17, 2024

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Last week, a high-profile murder in broad daylight shocked the world, but it’s the reaction that has everyone talking. Why is the victim, United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson, met with scorn while the accused, Luigi Mangione, is hailed as a cult hero across the internet? Join Alex von Tunzelmann and Jessica Glenza, health reporter for The Guardian US, as they delve into the complexities of US healthcare, uncovering the confusion and fury behind the headlines and memes.

• We are sponsored by Indeed. Go to Indeed.com/bunker for £100 sponsored credit.

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Written and presented by Alex von Tunzelmann. Producer: Liam Tait. Audio editors: Tom Taylor. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Spy in the House of Windsor – Start Your Week with Ros Taylor and Gavin Esler Dec 16, 2024

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The Chinese spy scandal lifts the lid on Prince Andrew’s murky world. What do the Chinese think the Prince can give him? Has the affair sealed Andrew’s fate as a Royal? And will we find out the identity of the mysterious “H6”? Plus: Why is Starmer cosying up to Italy’s far-right leader Giorgia Meloni? The US healthcare debate grows bitterer still after the arrest of Luigi Mangione. And are YOU ready for the Christmas Guinness Drought? Ros Taylor and Gavin Esler set out the major stories of the week ahead.

• This episode is sponsored by Proton Pass, to find out more visit https://proton.me/pass/thebunker

• We are sponsored by Indeed. Go to Indeed.com/bunker for £100 sponsored credit.

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Written and presented by Ros Taylor. Audio production by Tom Taylor. Music: Kenny Dickinson. Art: Jim Parrett. Managing Editor Jacob Jarvis. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Who’s the daddy now? How Centrist Dad took over Dec 13, 2024

• Our Black Friday sale is still on! Get 20% off annual Patreon support for The Bunker.

Beige against the machine – Mocked by left and right in the 2010s, Centrist Dad had the last laugh. Now he bestrides our politics like gilet-clad colossus – he’s even Prime Minister. But what makes him tick? How is he adjusting to power? What is Centrist Mum like? Authors of The Centrist Dad Handbook, friend of the pod Jason Hazeley and pal Nico Tatarowicz, talk to Andrew Harrison about the man at the centre of it all.

• Support us on Patreon for early episodes and more - www.patreon.com/bunkercast

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Presented by Group Editor Andrew Harrison. Audio production by Simon Williams and Robin Leeburn. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Managing Editor Jacob Jarvis. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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UFO hearings: Alien news from America you probably missed! Dec 12, 2024

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It’s been a busy time in the USA – so you’d be forgiven for having missed the latest UFO hearings. To help you catch up, Jacob Jarvis spoke to Tom Phillips, co-author of Conspiracy: A History of B*llocks Theories, and How Not to Fall For Them, to discuss what was said and if any of it actually hinted at Alien life…

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Written and presented by Jacob Jarvis. Audio production: Simon Williams. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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“It’s Syria’s future now” – This Is Not A Drill crossover edition Dec 11, 2024

• A special crossover with The Bunker’s geopolitics partner podcast This Is Not A Drill.

Assad’s stunning fall ends a tyrannical 53-year rule in Syria, leaving monstrous crimes against human rights exposed, rocking both Iran and Russia on their heels, and handing the country’s future back to its people. Where next for Syria? Will the rebel fighters coalesce into a working government and avoid the factionalism which would jeopardise the Syrian people’s hopes? And what does it mean for an international community which had turned its back on the Syrian war?

This Is Not A Drill regular Emma Beals explores an awe-inspiring week in the Middle East with Syria expert and open-source investigator Suhail al-Ghazi.

• No longer on Twitter? Follow TINAD and Emma Beals on BlueSky.

• Support This Is Not Drill on Patreon to continue by backing us on Patreon. You’ll get early, ad-free editions, merchandise and more.

Written and presented by Emma Beals. Audio production by Robin Leeburn. Original theme music by Paul Hartnoll – https://www.orbitalofficial.com. Executive Producer Martin Bojtos. Group Editor Andrew Harrison. This Is Not A Drill is a Podmasters production

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French politics is in chaos. What will happen next? Dec 10, 2024

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French politics is in turmoil at the moment with President Macron facing pressure over who he names as the nation’s next Prime Minister. Can the different factions in France be brought together? And can Macron fend off his enemies – or might someone else be better suited? Sophie Pedder, Paris bureau chief of The Economist, joins Ros Taylor to discuss the chaos and what might come of it.

We are sponsored by Indeed. Go to Indeed.com/bunker for £100 sponsored credit.

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Written and presented by Ros Taylor. Audio production: Tom Taylor. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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The Road to Damascus – Start Your Week with Ros Taylor and Jacob Jarvis Dec 09, 2024

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The fall of the Assad regime in Syria is dominating headlines – what does it mean for the future of the country and the region more broadly? Ros Taylor discusses with Jacob Jarvis. Plus, they discuss domestic news including the fallout of Starmer’s reset and a war on NIMBYs. And – France, what’s going on and can Macron weather the political storm?

We are sponsored by Indeed. Go to Indeed.com/bunker for £100 sponsored credit.

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Written and presented by Jacob Jarvis with Ros Taylor. Audio production: Tom Taylor. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Has the Bank of Mum and Dad broken Britain? Dec 06, 2024

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If you’re under 45 the only way you’ll buy a home is with help from the Bank of Mum and Dad. What is the increasing power of family wealth doing to Britain? Far from intergenerational inequality, is inTRAgenerational inequality creating a Britain of haves and never-will-haves? Are we entering a Jane Austen world where money marries money? And is it all the Boomers’ fault?

Eliza Filby, author of Inheritocracy: It’s Time to Talk About the Bank of Mum and Dad, joins regulars Hannah Fearn and Andrew Harrison to talk about Britain’s new Parent Trap.

• Buy Inheritocracy through our affiliate bookshop and you’ll help fund OGWN by earning us a small commission for every sale. Bookshop.org’s fees help support independent bookshops too.

• We are sponsored by Indeed. Go to Indeed.com/bunker for £100 sponsored credit.

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Written and presented by Andrew Harrison with Hannah Fearn. Audio production: Tom Taylor. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Can anything stop Musk bankrolling Farage into power? Dec 05, 2024

• Get 20% off annual Patreon support for The Bunker in our Black Friday sale. The perfect gift to ask for!

How much impact would Musk giving $100 million to Farage and Reform UK have on British politics? And how would such a move be legal – and could it be blocked in any way? Ros Taylor is joined by Peter Geoghegan, author of the Democracy for Sale substack, to discuss how this sort of funding is regulated – and how analogue rules struggle to keep up in a digital world.

• “It’s both the money and the might of Musk behind Farage, we’ve never seen a tech oligarch involved in British politics like this.”

• “We have very few rules on what you’d call third party campaigning. You can really run and do whatever you want.”

• “There are no caps when it comes to donations to a political party – you can give them your house, you can give them everything if you like.”

Read Peter’s recent piece on his Democracy for Sale Substack.

We are sponsored by Indeed. Go to Indeed.com/bunker for £100 sponsored credit.

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Written and presented by Ros Taylor. Audio production: Tom Taylor. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Could Kamala Harris run for President again? – with The Guardian’s David Smith Dec 04, 2024

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Kamala Harris faced an uphill battle in her bid for the White House ending in a shock defeat which has left her party reeling. But, she’s suggested she wants to stay in the fight, and early polling hints that she could muster support to run in 2028. Would that be wise for her or the Democratic Party? Today on The Bunker, Jacob Jarvis is joined by David Smith, Washington DC bureau chief for The Guardian, to dissect the fallout from this historic loss and what Harris might do moving forward. Together, they explore what the campaign's failure reveals about the Democratic Party’s strategy – and whether Harris could run again in 2028.

• We are sponsored by Indeed. Go to Indeed.com/bunker for £100 sponsored credit.

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Written and presented by Jacob Jarvis. Producer: Liam Tait. Audio editors: Tom Taylor. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Labour’s messaging is a mess. Here’s how to fix it. Dec 03, 2024

• Get 20% off annual Patreon support for The Bunker in our Black Friday sale. The perfect gift to ask for!

From inheritance tax to winter fuel to the early mini-scandal over ministerial freebies, it seems Labour just can’t take control of the news agenda. Is it down to a lack of killer journalistic instinct, Starmer’s own personality, or something deeper? Patrick Diamond was policy and strategy adviser to New Labour, and he’s now Professor of Public Policy at Queen Mary University London. He tells Andrew Harrison how Blair and Campbell took the media by the scruff of the neck… and what Labour can to do “roll the pitch” so the next four years aren’t as defensive as the last four months.

(This episode recorded before the forced resignation of Transport Minister Louise Haigh)

• We are sponsored by Indeed. Go to Indeed.com/bunker for £100 sponsored credit.

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Presented by Group Editor Andrew Harrison. Produced by Liam Tait. Audio production by Jade Bailey Music by Kenny Dickinson. Managing Editor Jacob Jarvis. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Don’t call it a comeback! – Start Your Week with Gavin Esler and Jacob Jarvis Dec 02, 2024

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Keir Starmer definitely isn’t doing a relaunch or a reset no matter what the papers say. But, he is doing something that looks a bit like one, so Gavin Esler and Jacob Jarvis unpack what the Labour leader is up to. And, Trump’s making everyone go see him at Mar a Lago, what can we make of his initial interactions on the world stage? Plus, the latest from Russia and conflict in the Middle East.

• This episode is sponsored by Proton Pass, to find out more visit https://proton.me/pass/thebunker

• We are sponsored by Indeed. Go toIndeed.com/bunker for £100 sponsored credit.

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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.

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Shop horror: Are Britain’s high streets dying? Nov 29, 2024

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Britain's high streets are shadows of their former selves. Over the last decade, 40,000 shops have closed. But in the past high streets were more than places to shop – they were the heart of communities, hubs for activism, and even spots for a bit of drama to unfold. Today on The Bunker, Alex von Tunzelmann sits down with Annie Gray, author of The Bookshop, The Draper, The Candlestick Maker: A History of the High Street, to delve into the rich past of these spaces – and why we shouldn’t rush to mourn them just yet.

• We are sponsored by Indeed. Go to Indeed.com/bunker for £100 sponsored credit.

Support us on Patreon.

Buy The Bookshop, The Draper, The Candlestick Maker: A History of the High Street 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.

Written and presented by Alex von Tunzelmann. Producer: Liam Tait. Audio editors: Tom Taylor. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Inside the assisted dying debate with ITV’s Paul Brand – plus, Could Jeremy Clarkson rally a new opposition? — Panel edition Nov 28, 2024

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Back by popular demand: The Bunker panel edition where we talk about multiple topics with regulars and guests. This time: The Telegraph thinks Jeremy Clarkson could lead a new populist party. Stranger things have happened… haven’t they? The intense debate on assisted dying reaches its climax. And the big future news stories we should watch out for. ITV News’s UK Editor Paul Brand and Paper Cuts/Pod Save The UK regular Coco Khan talk all it over with Andrew Harrison. The Bunker Panel will return at the end of every month.

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Presented by Group Editor Andrew Harrison. Produced by Liam Tait. Audio production by Tom Taylor. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Managing Editor Jacob Jarvis. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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How the 'manosphere' helped Trump win over young men Nov 27, 2024

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Young men turned out in huge numbers for Trump, thanks in part to his ability to tap into the “manosphere”. So what is this online phenomenon? And how has it shaped political views the world over? And what will it mean going forward? Zing Tsjeng speaks to the authors of Clown World: Four Years Inside Andrew Tate's Manosphere, Jamie Tahsin and Matt Shea to discuss that and more.

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Written and presented by Zing Tsjeng. Audio production: Robin Leeburn. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Red Pills and Chills – Is The Matrix the most dangerous movie of modern times? Nov 26, 2024

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It’s known for leather trenchcoats, shades and cool fight sequences in “bullet time”. But The Matrix’s concept of “taking the Red Pill” – rejecting consensus reality and all who believe in it – has spread to become a malignant force in politics, providing a rationale for conspiracy theorists, misogynists, antisemites and fascists. How did a sci-fi blockbuster do so much damage?

Derek Robertson, who writes on the politics/pop culture intersection for Politico, talks to Andrew Harrison about the Redpilling of American politics, how creators the Wachowskis feel about their vision being commandeered, The Matrix as a transgender allegory … and how deep the right-wing rabbit hole goes.

• We are sponsored by Indeed. Go to Indeed.com/bunker for £100 sponsored credit.

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Presented by Group Editor Andrew Harrison. Produced by Liam Tait. Audio production by Tom Taylor. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Managing Editor Jacob Jarvis. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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The assisted dying vote explained — Start Your Week with Ros Taylor and Hannah Fearn Nov 25, 2024

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MPs will debate assisted dying ahead of a significant vote on the matter this week – who is arguing for and against? What questions are there over the bill? Ros Taylor is joined by Hannah Fearn to discuss the split in the Cabinet over this legislation and more broadly. Plus, the latest from an apparent benefits “crackdown”, news from COP29 and more to look out for in the coming days.

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Written and presented by Ros Taylor with Hannah Fearn. Audio production: Tom Taylor. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Can Congress hold Trump to account at all? – A deep dive from American Friction Nov 23, 2024

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Donald Trump has secured a “trifecta” as he heads to the White House, while the House and Senate are due to be controlled by Republicans. So, can the checks and balances of the US system work at all? Can he circumvent everything – or will anyone push back? Dr. Casey Burgat, director of the Legislative Affairs program at George Washington University’s Graduate School of Political Management, joined Jacob Jarvis and Chris Jones on our sibling podcast American Friction to give them an idiot’s guide to Congress.

Want to learn more about US politics? Head here for more from American Friction.

Find out more about Casey’s upcoming book here.

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Written and presented by Jacob Jarvis and Chris Jones. Audio production: Simon Williams. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Israel-Hamas: How might Trump end the war? Nov 22, 2024

Donald Trump seems like a hardline ally of Benjamin Netanyahu and the Israeli right. But could his unpredictable nature and need to make big news end the nightmare in Gaza on terms that don’t suit Netanyahu’s hard-right coalition? The Economist’s Israel correspondent Anshel Pfeffer talks to Andrew Harrison about the true nature of the war, its wider effects, and the ending that Trump might impose upon the region.

• This edition recorded before the ICC issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu, Israeli defence minister Yoav Gallant and Hamas leader Mohammed Deif.

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Presented by Group Editor Andrew Harrison. Produced by Liam Tait. Audio production by Robin Leeburn. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Managing Editor Jacob Jarvis. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Why Elon Musk’s ‘DOGE’ plan is doomed to fail Nov 21, 2024

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Elon Musk is the new head of DOGE – the Department of Government Efficiency – alongside Vivek Ramaswamy, because two people doing one job is very efficient. But despite its fancy name, which bolsters its status immensely, is this idea actually anything new? And will this pitch to run the US government like a business work this time out? Zing Tsjeng speaks to Andrew Rudalevige, professor of government at Bowdoin College, about the Tesla boss’s big ideas and whether they will work whatsoever.

• “There are a couple of different aims. One is to give Musk something to do and keep him out of trouble – without having to give him a real job in government.”

• “I think he wants a bigger state in the things he can control and a smaller state on things that don’t affect him. Everyone thinks government spending that isn’t on them is wasteful.”

• “You have things that are done in government because private companies will not do them.”

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Written and presented by Zing Tsjeng. Audio production: Tom Taylor. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Emission control: Does carbon capture really work? Nov 20, 2024

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Carbon capture is a highly controversial technology – but that hasn’t stopped governments ploughing huge sums of money into it. How does it work – and how effective is it? Does it do little more than let major polluters carry on as normal, by saying this will offset their emissions? And, even if it isn’t a cure, can we hit Net Zero targets without it? Ros Taylor is joined by Steve Smith, executive director of Oxford Net Zero, to discuss.

• We are sponsored by Indeed. Go to Indeed.com/bunker for £100 sponsored credit.

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Written and presented by Ros Taylor. Producer: Liam Tait. Audio editors: Tom Taylor. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Can London become the AI capital of the world? Nov 19, 2024

Keir Starmer has vowed to make London the AI capital of the world. But is that truly possible? Silicon Valley continues to dominate the rapidly growing industry and with Trump promising to repeal Biden's AI regulations, the UK could struggle to keep up. In today’s episode of The Bunker, Dr. Kate Devlin speaks with Sana Khareghani, former Chair of the UK’s Office for AI, to explore whether London will rise as the next global AI hub – or if it is destined to fall behind in the race.

• We are sponsored by Indeed. Go to Indeed.com/bunker for £100 sponsored credit.

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Written and presented by Kate Devlin. Producer: Liam Tait. Audio editors: Tom Taylor. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Shout out to my X – Start Your Week with Gavin Esler and Jacob Jarvis Nov 18, 2024

As people flee X, or Twitter for the rest of us, what is Musk up to – and how’s his bromance (sorry) with Trump going? Then in world news – what will be happening at the G20, and how is the incoming US president already warping discussions? Gavin Esler joins Jacob Jarvis to talk through the stories to watch out for this week.

We’re on BlueSky! – follow us here.

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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.

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MAGA Bing! How The Sopranos explains Donald Trump Nov 15, 2024

Donald Trump feels like a TV character – and if you’re a Sopranos fan, you might have noticed a similarity with Tony Soprano. Both are imposing egomaniacs, desperate to control their families, get more power and indulge themselves along the way. Jacob Jarvis is joined by former Obama speechwriter and fellow Sopranos superfan David Litt to discuss the comparisons and what the HBO show can teach us about the world of MAGA.

Read David’s piece: The Sopranos Is the Perfect Show to Help Us Understand the Trump Era.

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This episode is sponsored by Proton Pass, to find out more visit http://proton.me/pass/thebunker

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Written and presented by Jacob Jarvis. Produced by Liam Tait. Audio production by Simon Williams. Managing Editor Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor Andrew Harrison. Art by James Parrett. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Freeports: saviours of trade or political smoke and mirrors? – with Dmitry Grozoubinski Nov 14, 2024

Freeports! They were going to be a huge Brexit benefit (they weren’t). Boris Johnson said we couldn’t have them while we were in the EU (he was lying). Labour was going to announce more in the latest Budget and then… didn’t (“cock up in the comms,” it says here). But what are they? Do tax-free zones really benefit deprived areas? Or are they havens for money-laundering and tax avoidance?

Trade expert Dmitry Grozoubinski explains the long history and cloudy future of special economic zones to Andrew Harrison.

• Order Dmitry’s Why Politicians Lie About Trade. You’ll help fund The Bunker by earning us a small commission for every sale. Bookshop.org’s fees also help support independent bookshops.

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Presented by Group Editor Andrew Harrison. Produced by Liam Tait. Audio production by Robin Leeburn. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Managing Editor Jacob Jarvis. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Why don't men eat fruit? – The strange politics of food Nov 13, 2024

How did the food we eat get so political? Are men really refusing to eat strawberries because they’re too ‘girly’? From avocados to artisan coffee – our taste in food can reveal more than we might realise. Today on The Bunker, Emma Kennedy sits down with Pen Vogler, author of Stuffed: A Political History of What We Eat and Why It Matters, to explore how class, innovation, and tradition have linked politics to the food we eat.

Don’t miss the latest season of Why? with Emma Kennedy. Out now, wherever you get your podcasts.

Buy Stuffed: A Political History of What We Eat and Why It Matters [link -

https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13277/9780691230337] 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.

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Written and presented by Emma Kennedy. Producer: Liam Tait and Chris Jones. Audio editors: Tom Taylor. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Will the Chris Kaba verdict change armed policing? – Ex-Commissioner Bernard Hogan-Howe on a crisis in the Met Nov 12, 2024

When a jury cleared a firearms officer of murdering Black Londoner Chris Kaba, it triggered protests and intense scrutiny of the Met. Should charges ever have been brought? Was the killing a product of racist policing? Did Kaba’s gangland connections – concealed during the trial – change the picture of the case? And will officers stop volunteering for firearms duty if they could face prosecution? Bernard Hogan-Howe, former Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, talks to Andrew Harrison about a moment of maximum controversy for policing in London and the whole UK.

We are sponsored by Indeed. Go to Indeed.com/bunker for £100 sponsored credit.

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Presented by Group Editor Andrew Harrison. Produced by Liam Tait. Audio production by Tom Taylor. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Managing Editor Jacob Jarvis. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Revengers Assemble – Start Your Week with Ros Taylor and Andrew Harrison Nov 11, 2024

Donald Trump starts building his cabinet, only sycophants need apply and score-settling is on the agenda. Will Britain need to choose between the EU and Trump’s Orange Empire in the trade wars that are coming? Plus, antisemitic football violence in Amsterdam, the slow-motion collapse of Germany’s government, and Manchester United’s new manager is the latest victim of the end of Freedom of Movement. A shellshocked Ros Taylor sets out the week ahead with Andrew Harrison.

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Written and presented by Andrew Harrison. Audio production by Tom Taylor. Music: Kenny Dickinson. Managing Editor Jacob Jarvis. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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What’s it like to move into the White House? Nov 10, 2024

Recorded before we knew the election result would come so quickly – we wondered: what is it actually like to move into the White House?

Moving is always a nightmare. In January, a new president – we now know will be Trump – will head into the White House – what will the big move be like? Alex von Tunzelmann speaks to Matthew Costello, chief education officer at the White House Historical Association and director of the David M. Rubenstein National Center for White House History, about the history of the White House, what the new first family might find – and what moving day will look like.

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Written and presented by Alex von Tunzelmann. Audio production by Jade Bailey. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Art by James Parrett. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Boom or bust? What Trump means for the world economy Nov 08, 2024

As Donald Trump prepares for his return to the White House, the world is gearing up for another term full of big promises and unconventional moves. Trump’s plans could shake things up at home and abroad – so what will they mean for the economy in America and beyond?

Today in The Bunker, Coco Khan is joined by Dr. Kara Reynolds, professor of economics at American University in Washington, D.C., to discuss his fiscal plans.

• We are sponsored by Indeed. Go to Indeed.com/bunker for £100 sponsored credit.

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Written and presented by Coco Khan. Producer: Liam Tait. Audio editors: Robin Leeburn. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Graphics by James Parrett. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Executive Producer: Martin Bojitos. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Trump won. So, what went wrong for Harris? Nov 06, 2024

Out early for everyone! Americans face the reality of four more years under Donald Trump. But how did we get here? What went right for Trump and what went so wrong for Kamala Harris? Gavin Esler is joined by political experts Michael Cullinane, U.S. History Professor at Dickinson State University, and Clodagh Harrington, American politics lecturer at the University of Cork, to unpack why Harris lost and explore what these results mean for the future of democracy.

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Written and presented by Gavin Esler. Producer: Liam Tait. Audio editors: Tom Taylor. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Election ’24: The US media failed. Here’s why Nov 06, 2024

Falling circulations, trivial stories, shrinking budgets, squandered trust? It’s worse than that, says US media analyst and academic Jeff Jarvis. A combination of self-seeking billionaire owners and complacent, outdated reporting meant that papers and TV failed to alert Americans to Trump’s real threat: the advent of actual fascism in the USA.

He tells Andrew Harrison how the US press “sanewashes” Trump’s demented edicts, how the Republicans hack the news to their advantage, and what needs to happen to save real journalism.

• Order Jeff Jarvis’s The Gutenberg Parenthesis and pre-order The Web We Weave. You’ll help fund The Bunker by earning us a small commission for every sale. Bookshop.org’s fees help support independent bookshops too.

• Follow American Friction for the best analysis of the US Presidential Election up to and beyond the vote.

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Presented by Group Editor Andrew Harrison. Produced by Liam Tait. Audio production by Simon Williams. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Managing Editor Jacob Jarvis. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Charm offensive: How does charisma shape global politics? Nov 05, 2024

From Obama’s effortless cool aura to Zelenskyy’s stoic defiance, charm and charisma have shown themselves to be game-changers in politics. Often dismissed as superficial, these qualities can shift public opinion, steer policy, and even swing elections. Today on The Bunker, Zing Tsjeng speaks with Julia Sonnevend, author of Charm: How Magnetic Personalities Shape Global Politics, to explore the power of charm global politics.

Buy Charm: How Magnetic Personalities Shape Global Politics 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.

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Written and presented by Zing Tsjeng. Producer: Liam Tait. Audio producer: Jade Bailey. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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America on a knife edge – Start Your Week with American Friction’s Nikki McCann Ramírez Nov 04, 2024

There’s only one story this week: the US Presidential Election, with Harris and Trump neck-and-neck and democracy itself at stake. Special guest Nikki McCann Ramírez of our partner pod American Friction sets out what will decide the final confrontation in the key swing states – how Trump is already preparing the ground for another big lie about a stolen election – and why the fight for America’s future is a battle of the sexes.

• Follow American Friction for the best analysis of the US Presidential Election up to and beyond the vote.

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Presented by Group Editor Andrew Harrison. Produced by Liam Tait. Audio production by Tom Taylor. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Managing Editor Jacob Jarvis. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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The Big Budget Breakdown: What it really means – with Ros Taylor and the IFG's Giles Wilkes Nov 01, 2024

Rachel Reeves’ first budget has caused quite the stir. But what aspects were really surprising – and important? What was risky? And what issues didn’t it address? Ros Taylor discusses all this and more with Giles Wilkes, senior fellow at the Institute for Government.

• “It was very much an old Labour budget.”

• “It was the first honest attempt at saying, ‘If you want this, it’s got to be paid for,’ since Gordon Brown.”

• “They missed any opportunity to make the tax system less bonkers.”

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Written and presented by Ros Taylor. Audio production by Simon Williams. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Art by James Parrett. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Halloween special – Why are we still obsessed with the paranormal? Oct 31, 2024

As science answers more and more questions, you’d imagine our obsession with the paranormal would diminish. Yet we’re still obsessed with the apparently “unexplained”. Andrew Harrison speaks to Chris French, author of The Science of Weird Shit: Why Our Minds Conjure the Paranormal, to discuss why we want to believe – or trick ourselves into believing – in the supernatural, even if it terrifies us.

Buy The Science of Weird Shit: Why Our Minds Conjure the Paranormal 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.

We are sponsored by Indeed. Go to Indeed.com/bunker for £100 sponsored credit.

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Written and presented by Andrew Harrison. Produced by Liam Tait. Audio production by Simon Williams. Managing Editor Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor Andrew Harrison. Art by James Parrett. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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What will the US election result mean for Ukraine? Oct 30, 2024

With a new president due to be elected in America, what impact would each candidate have on the war in Ukraine? Rafael Behr speaks to Simon Shuster, reporter for Time and author of The Showman: Inside the Invasion That Shook the World and Made a Leader of Volodymyr Zelensky, about what the outcome in the US might mean – and to discuss the state of the conflict more broadly, as well as how Ukraine’s leader is continuing to handle the war.

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Written and presented by Rafael Behr. Audio production: Jade Bailey. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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What we learnt from Putin’s latest global power play Oct 29, 2024

Last week’s BRICS Summit was Vladimir Putin latest ploy to strengthen an anti-western alliance. But despite the united front, behind the scenes, cracks are forming in Russia's alliances. Today on The Bunker, Chris Jones is joined by Dr. Ian Garner to explore what this mega-summit means for Russia, Ukraine and the rest of the world.

We are sponsored by Indeed. Go to Indeed.com/bunker for £100 sponsored credit.

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Written and presented by Chris Jones. Producer: Liam Tait. Audio editors: Robin Leeburn. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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The Moments of Truth – Start Your Week with Ros Taylor and Andrew Harrison Oct 28, 2024

It’s a week of big decisions: Labour’s first budget, the Tories choose their leader, and the last desperate week of campaigning in the Presidential Election. Can Rachel Reeves reset the new government’s course? What will shift the dial in Harris vs Trump? And how about that Runcorn MP allegedly thumping someone in the street? Ros Taylor sets out the week ahead with Andrew Harrison.

We are sponsored by Indeed. Go to Indeed.com/bunker for £100 sponsored credit.

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Written and presented by Andrew Harrison. Audio production by Tom Taylor. Music: Kenny Dickinson. Managing Editor Jacob Jarvis. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Will Musk's robot fantasy be a dream or a Terminator nightmare? Oct 27, 2024

The future is here—or is it? Last week, Tesla’s “We, Robot” event introduced us to Optimus, Elon Musk’s AI-powered humanoid helpers. These futuristic machines grabbed the spotlight but also raised urgent questions about the true cost of our fascination with automation. Today on The Bunker, Chris Jones is joined by Dr. Julie Carpenter, author of the upcoming book The Naked Android, to discuss whether humans and robots can coexist.

• We are sponsored by Indeed. Go to Indeed.com/bunker for £100 sponsored credit.

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Written and presented by Chris Jones. Producer: Liam Tait. Audio editors: Robin Leeburn. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Harris vs. Trump – Why are the polls so tight? Oct 25, 2024

The race between Trump and Harris is so tight that nobody wants to call it. But from afar, it can be hard to understand how the polls are possibly so tight. What’s made them so close, can anything change them, and are any of them helpful in understanding the election race? Jacob Jarvis asks Andrew Rudalevige, professor of government at Bowdoin College, why it’s all so close.

We are sponsored by Indeed. Go to Indeed.com/bunker for £100 sponsored credit.

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Written and presented by Jacob Jarvis. Audio production: Simon Williams. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Taster – ‘Why do people join cults?’ – from the new series of Why? with Emma Kennedy Oct 24, 2024

A bonus excerpt from the new series of our science and psychology podcast, Why?

In Episode One: Most of us think we’re too smart, stable and strong-willed to join a cult – but clearly somebody’s joining them. So why do people willingly give up their free will and independence to join secretive communities with charismatic leaders – and how do they get out? Emma Kennedy talks to world-leading cult deprogrammer Rick Alan Ross and NXIVM cult survivor Sarah Edmondson to discover the strange allure of the cult mindset.

Go here to hear the complete episode.

Why? with Emma Kennedy is the podcast for curious minds, from the makers of The Bunker. Every Thursday, Emma delves into the science and psychology of why we are the way we are. She talks leading experts and some of science’s brightest minds to answer the big questions you never knew how to ask.

Follow on your favourite podcast app so you never miss an episode.

WHY? is presented by Emma Kennedy. Produced by Eliza Davis Beard. Audio production and theme music by Jade Bailey. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Artwork by James Parrett. Additional music is from Artlist.io. WHY? is a Podmasters Production.

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Election Eyewitness – Inside the Tory downfall and Labour landslide with Anushka Asthana of ITV News Oct 24, 2024

General Election 2024: Was Starmer lucky, ruthless or both? Was there any way back for the Tories after that disastrous rain-sodden launch? And was the vote a real watershed moment – or just an interval before we return to the business of national decline? ITV News’s Deputy Political Editor Anushka Asthana talks to Andrew Harrison about Taken As Red: How Labour Won Big and the Tories Crashed the Party, her frankly unputdownable account of people and power inside the hot zone of the major parties’ campaigns.

Buy Taken As Red 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.

• We are sponsored by Indeed. Go to Indeed.com/bunker for £100 sponsored credit.

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Presented by Group Editor Andrew Harrison. Produced by Chris Jones. Audio production by Robin Leeburn. Art by James Parrett. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Managing Editor Jacob Jarvis. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Trump’s criminal conspiracy case: Investigating the Georgia charges Oct 23, 2024

Georgia is a key battleground in the US election – and was central to Trump’s push against the 2020 result. Trump has been charged over allegations of leading a criminal racketeering enterprise, in a conspiracy to overturn the 2020 outcome. With the case pending, Gavin Esler speaks with Marian Mohamed, director of Trump: The Criminal Conspiracy Case, which airs at 9pm on Wednesday, October 23 – and will be available online after – to discuss Trump’s audacious actions in the state and what emerged while digging into this story.

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Want more US politics from Podmasters? Listen to American Frictionhere.

Written and presented by Gavin Esler. Audio production: Simon Williams. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Undercover with the Far-Right – How C4 film-makers infiltrated the extremist underground Oct 22, 2024

What is it like to wear a hidden camera among neo-fascist extremists? Or at a rally for far-right groups from across Europe, some with a reputation for extreme violence? In a chilling new C4 documentary Undercover: Exposing the Far Right, reporters from Hope Not Hate pose as far-right recruits to discover how they talk privately, how they network, and how they’re laundering discredited “race science” for a gullible new audience.

Reporter Harry Shukman and director Havana Marking talk to Andrew Harrison about a documentary so powerful it was pulled from the London Film Festival at the last minute due to safety concerns.

Watch Undercover: Exposing the Far Right now on the Channel 4 app now or visit undercover.film to discover more.

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Presented by Group Editor Andrew Harrison. Produced by Chris Jones. Audio production by Jade Bailey. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Managing Editor Jacob Jarvis. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Revenue, I’m miserable now – Start Your Week with Gavin Esler and Jacob Jarvis Oct 21, 2024

It’s the last full week before the Budget and of course the press is losing its cool over a raft of leaks. What will be in it, who’s annoyed in Government – is any of it worth paying attention to? Plus, Charles and Starmer attend the Commonwealth summit, the latest from the US election, and the state of conflicts across the world. Gavin Esler talks Jacob Jarvis through the week ahead.

We are sponsored by Indeed. Go to Indeed.com/bunker for £100 sponsored credit.

Want more US politics? Listen to American Friction here.

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Written and presented by Jacob Jarvis with Gavin Esler. Audio production: Simon Williams. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Mordor Mystery – Why does the far-right love The Lord Of The Rings? Oct 18, 2024

JD Vance says The Lord Of The Rings shaped his politics. Italy’s Georgia Meloni used to dress as a hobbit and go to right-wing Tolkien meet-ups. Far-right oligarch Peter Thiel named his company after a magic stone from Middle Earth. Why are right-wingers so fascinated by Tolkien? And is their fake, fascist-adjacent vision of a mystic rural paradise dangerous? New York Times columnist and self-declared Tolkien nerd David French explains all to Andrew Harrison.

Read David French’s column The Lord Of The Rings Is Not The Far Right’s Playground.

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Presented by Group Editor Andrew Harrison. Produced by Eliza Davis Beard. Audio production by Tom Taylor. Art by James Parrett. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Managing Editor Jacob Jarvis. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Work from groan – Why bosses should stop obsessing over returning to the office Oct 17, 2024

As pressure to return to the office continues to grow, could we be witnessing the end of flexible working? Despite promises from the government to explore working from home and four-day weeks, bosses seem adamant to return to the status quo. In today’s episode of The Bunker, Hannah Fearn sits down with Professor Cary Cooper to unpack why workplaces are urging employees back into the office.

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Written and presented by Hannah Fearn. Producer: Liam Tait. Audio editors: Tom Taylor. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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The coming storms? — How hurricane conspiracy theories went mainstream Oct 16, 2024

Whenever there’s a crisis in America, conspiracy theories follow. The response to Hurricane Helene has highlighted the growing mainstream acceptance of these bizarre tales. From Marjorie Taylor Greene’s wild claims about weather controlling technology to militias disguised as disaster relief. In this episode, we unravel the web of misinformation and dive into the growing trend of mainstream conspiracy theories. Today in the Bunker, Gavin Esler sits down with Mike Rothschild, author of Jewish Space Lasers, to explore the growing belief in these extreme views.

Buy Jewish Space Lasers: The Rothschilds and 200 Years of Conspiracy Theories 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.

• We are sponsored by Indeed. Go to Indeed.com/bunker for £100 sponsored credit.

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Written and presented by Gavin Esler. Producer: Liam Tait. Audio editors: Robin Leeburn. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Is Badenoch-Jenrick the greatest gift Labour could ask for? – with Steve Richards Oct 15, 2024

The Conservative leadership race has taken an unexpected turn, with Kemi Badenoch and Robert Jenrick emerging as the final two candidates. On The Bunker, Rock & Roll Politics host Steve Richards sits down with Andrew Harrison to discuss how we ended up here. What are the key differences between the two, and should either be a cause for concern for Keir Starmer?

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Written and presented by Andrew Harrison. Producer: Liam Tait. Audio editor: Robin Leeburn. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Taking care of business – Start Your Week with Ros Taylor and Jacob Jarvis Oct 14, 2024

After Starmer’s 100 days milestone, focus is turning to a major investment summit this week. Will he manage to keep business on side by vowing to cut red tape, without causing too much unrest in his party ranks? Plus, we look at escalation in the Middle East and the race to the White House as it draws ever closer. Ros Taylor joins Jacob Jarvis to talk through the stories to look out for in the week ahead.

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Musk’s Twitter two years on: How Elon handed X to the far-right

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Written and presented by Jacob Jarvis with Ros Taylor. Audio production: Tom Taylor. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Elon Musk’s Twitter two years on: How X was handed to the far-right Oct 11, 2024

Two years after Elon Musk's $44 billion Twitter takeover, the platform has become a hotbed for alt-right content. Having lost a fifth of its user base and a mass exodus of advertisers, what happened to Musk’s dream of turning the platform into an ‘everything app’? Today, Jacob Jarvis sits down with tech reporter Ryan Broderick, author of the Garbage Daynewsletter, to try and understand Musk’s impact on the social media landscape.

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Written and presented by Jacob Jarvis. 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

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Electric cars – Why do right-wingers hate them? Oct 10, 2024

All new cars sold in Britain will be electric by 2030 if we stick to Government plans. But instead of cheering for decarbonisation, our right-wing press pumps out a steady series of angry hit pieces against electric vehicles. What’s really going on? Is demand for electric cars really plummeting? Is the technology really falling short? And what have the right wing got against electric cars anyway? Automotive journalist and electric car specialist John Voelcker talks us through a culture war on the highway.

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Presented by Group Editor Andrew Harrison. Audio production by Tom Taylor. Art by James Parrett. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Managing Editor Jacob Jarvis. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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From American Psycho to Donald Trump: How yuppies shaped US politics Oct 09, 2024

Yuppies, successful and affluent young urban professionals, were a notable demographic in 1980s America. Newsweek declared 1984 the year of the yuppie, and these types of characters were immortalised in fiction through American Psycho. But, what were the real world Patrick Batemans actually like – and how did they shape the politics of the America we see today? And how do they tie in with Trump. Jacob Jarvis discussed this with Tom McGrath, author of Triumph of the Yuppies: America, the eighties, and the creation of an unequal nation.

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Written and presented by Jacob Jarvis. Audio production by Tom Taylor. Managing Editor Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor Andrew Harrison. Art by James Parrett. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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China’s broken economy is a global problem. Can Xi Jinping fix it? Oct 08, 2024

China’s economy has been described as “unsustainable” after a model of massive growth in recent decades begins to fail. How does it currently work, how might it change – and is Xi Jinping capable of leading – or even simply acknowledging – the shift it requires? With critical economists being jailed or literally disappearing in China, Ian Williams, the author of Vampire State: The Rise and Fall of the Chinese Economy, joins Gavin Esler to discuss the shifting economic landscape in China, its impacts and what might fix it.

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Written and presented by Gavin Esler. Audio production by Tom Taylor. Managing Editor Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor Andrew Harrison. Art by James Parrett. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Gray matter – Start Your Week with Gavin Esler and Ros Taylor Oct 07, 2024

The news to look out for this week: Why did Sue Gray have to go and what will her departure mean for Starmer and his government? And the Tory leadership contest rolls on… should we care? Plus, is there any end in sight to conflict in the Middle East, one year on from October 7th? Ros Taylor and Gavin Esler discuss the stories to pay attention to in the week ahead.

• “Running a political campaign is not the same as running a government.”

• “The Tory leadership contest is performative politics at its worst… the membership do not represent the 68 million of us.”

• “The situation in Gaza is one of the greatest human catastrophes of our time.”

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Written and presented by Ros Taylor 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.

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The dirty history of political freebies – with Seth Thévoz Oct 04, 2024

Starmer and his Cabinet caught hell for accepting donations of clothes, accommodation, tickets to see Taylor Swift and Arsenal, and more. But as historian Seth Thévoz explains, this is peanuts compared to the largesse afforded to past political generations. Listen up for jaw-dropping tales of free holidays, yachts and stately homes… how Churchill barely owned the clothes he stood up in and fought the Second World War while catastrophically overdrawn at the bank… and where Boris Johnson fits into the Great Nose-in-Trough League of British politics.

• Get tickets for Levitation, the annual festival of electronic music and ideas presented by friends of the pod Castles In Space, at Bedford Esquires on Sat 5 Oct. And here’s a taster playlist of who’s on.

• We are sponsored by Indeed. Go to Indeed.com/bunker for £100 sponsored credit.

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Presented by Group Editor Andrew Harrison. Audio production by Tom Taylor. Art by James Parrett. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Managing Editor Jacob Jarvis. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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How Putin’s war ended the Russian business boom Oct 03, 2024

After the fall of the Soviet Union, a new Russia emerged – one that was open for business. Over the next 30 years, huge international companies took advantage of this new global Russia and found immense success. But Putin’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine changed everything. Charles Hecker has been a journalist and geopolitical risk consultant involved with Russia for around 40 years. In his new book – Zero Sum: The Arc of International Business in Russia, he highlights the choice international businesses had to make, stay in Russia and face huge reputational backlash or leave and risk financial loss. He Joins Chris Jones in The Bunker.

Buy Zero Sum: The Arc of International Business in Russiathrough 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.

We are sponsored by Indeed. Go to Indeed.com/bunker for £100 sponsored credit.

• Get tickets for Levitation, the annual festival of electronic music and ideas presented by friends of the pod Castles In Space, at Bedford Esquires on Sat 5 Oct. And here’s a taster playlist of who’s on.

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Written and presented by Chris Jones. Producer: Eliza Davis Beard. Audio production: Tom Taylor. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Why is America hooked on the death penalty? Oct 02, 2024

The death penalty is a fixture of the American penal system – with 27 states still implementing it. Since it was reinstated in 1976, there have been 1,600 prisoners and counting executed as a punishment. Robin Maher, executive director of the Death Penalty Information Center, joins Gavin Esler to discuss the use of capital punishment in the United States. What is the history of this penalty – and what is its future?

We are sponsored by Indeed. Go to Indeed.com/bunker for £100 sponsored credit.

• Get tickets for Levitation, the annual festival of electronic music and ideas presented by friends of the pod Castles In Space, at Bedford Esquires on Sat 5 Oct. And here’s a taster playlist of who’s on.

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Written and presented by Gavin Esler. Audio production by Tom Taylor. Managing Editor Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor Andrew Harrison. Art by James Parrett. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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The PR dark arts explained: 'I got dictators and oligarchs the news stories they wanted' Oct 01, 2024

Who ensures that dictators and oligarchs get good press? Who feeds the media fake stories that serve the ends of the powerful? Phil Elwood was a PR operator who worked for authoritarian regimes, manipulating the media to support his controversial clients. In his book All The Worst Humans he opens the lid on the dark arts of PR and news management, from “kneecapping” the US bid for the 2022 World Cup to getting positive press for Libya during the release of the Lockerbie bomber. “I carry a lot of regret for my career,” he tells Jacob Jarvis. But why did he stop?

Buy All The Worst Humans: How I Made News for Dictators, Tycoons and Politicians from 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.

We are sponsored by Indeed. Go to indeed.com/bunker for £100 sponsored credit.

• Get tickets for Levitation, the annual festival of electronic music and ideas presented by friends of the pod Castles In Space, at Bedford Esquires on Sat 5 Oct. And here’s a taster playlist of who’s on.

• The Pension Confident Podcast from PensionBee aims to improve listeners’ understanding of personal finance – whether that’s helping you to navigate the cost of living crisis, exploring the impact of your relationship status on your finances or discussing how to teach kids about money. Listen to the latest episode here https://link.chtbl.com/FSF2Yu6y

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Presented by Managing Editor Jacob Jarvis. Audio production by Tom Taylor. Art by James Parrett. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Managing Editor Jacob Jarvis. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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From Here to Maternity – Start Your Week with Ros Taylor and Jacob Jarvis Sep 30, 2024

Tory conference is upon us and the leadership candidates are trying to outdo each other with audacious comments and weird merchandise. What should we look out for as they gather in Birmingham? Plus, Labour donation outrage continues – will the media keep going with this story? And is Starmer able to get a grip of it? Plus, we look ahead to the VP debate in the USA and discuss the escalation in the Middle East. Ros Taylor joins Jacob Jarvis to discuss the week ahead.

Listen to Jam Tomorrow here.

We are sponsored by Indeed. Go to Indeed.com/bunker for £100 sponsored credit.

• Get tickets for Levitation, the annual festival of electronic music and ideas presented by friends of the pod Castles In Space, at Bedford Esquires on Sat 5 Oct. And here’s a taster playlist of who’s on.

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Written and presented by Jacob Jarvis with Ros Taylor. Audio production by Tom Taylor. Managing Editor Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor Andrew Harrison. Art by James Parrett. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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American Friction teaser: The NYT's chief White House correspondent on Biden, Trump and Harris Sep 28, 2024

What’s the feeling been like in the White House since Biden dropped out of the race? And how is Harris juggling both distancing herself from Biden and running on his record? In a teaser for our sibling podcast American Friction, The Bunker’s very own Jacob Jarvis and Rolling Stone’s Nikki McCann Ramirez, speak to the New York Times’ chief White House correspondent Peter Baker to discuss the feeling around the race, where it’s headed and much more.

Want to know more about the race for the White House? On American Friction, you’ll find out everything you need to know, in plain English. Listen here.

• Get tickets for Levitation, the annual festival of electronic music and ideas presented by friends of the pod Castles In Space, at Bedford Esquires on Sat 5 Oct. And here’s a taster playlist of who’s on: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4EBQbDcgPFEf9Bx5AJvvrX?si=a572a2d92dd24231

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Written and presented by Jacob Jarvis and Nikki McCann Ramírez. Audio editor: Simon Williams. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Executive producer: Martin Bojtos. Artwork by James Parrett. AMERICAN FRICTION and the Bunker are Podmasters productions. www.podmasters.co.uk

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What would a post-Trump Republican Party look like? Sep 27, 2024

If Donald Trump wins in November, the Republican Party will remain his plaything. But what if he loses? Can the party regain its bearings and return to a pre-Trump era of relative sanity – or is it too far gone, and its supporters too radicalised? To find out, Dorian Lynskey talks to McKay Coppins,staff writer at The Atlantic and author of two books about the GOP.

Click here to read McKay Coppins’ Atlantic article.

We are sponsored by Indeed. Go to Indeed.com/bunker for £100 sponsored credit.

• Get tickets for Levitation, the annual festival of electronic music and ideas presented by friends of the pod Castles In Space, at Bedford Esquires on Sat 5 Oct. And here’s a taster playlist of who’s on.

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Written and presented by Dorian Lynskey. Produced by Eliza Davis Beard. Audio production by Tom Taylor. Managing Editor Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor Andrew Harrison. Art by James Parrett. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Make Trains Great Again: Can Labour bring our railways back from the brink? Sep 26, 2024

The problems with our rail network are clear to anybody who’s been on a train lately. It’s a colossal challenge for Labour – so how will they handle the issues? And could our rail systems ever rival those of Japan, Switzerland and Germany? To find out, Ros Taylor talks to rail engineer and writer Gareth Dennis, whose upcoming book How the Railways Will Fix the Future: Rediscovering the Essential Brilliance of the Iron Road offers a deep dive into the British rail system.

We are sponsored by Indeed. Go to Indeed.com/bunker for £100 sponsored credit.

• Get tickets for Levitation, the annual festival of electronic music and ideas presented by friends of the pod Castles In Space, at Bedford Esquires on Sat 5 Oct. And here’s a taster playlist of who’s on: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4EBQbDcgPFEf9Bx5AJvvrX?si=a572a2d92dd24231

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Written and presented by Ros Taylor. Produced by Eliza Davis Beard. Audio production by Simon Williams and Tom Taylor. Managing Editor Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor Andrew Harrison. Art by James Parrett. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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How did grifters like Trump take over the GOP? Sep 25, 2024

Donald Trump and his allies are clearly motivated by money just as much as politics. How did these chancers go from exploiting a movement, to basically taking complete control of it? Joe Conason, author of The Longest Con: How Grifters, Swindlers, and Frauds Hijacked American Conservatism, joins Jacob Jarvis to discuss.

Buy The Longest Con: How Grifters, Swindlers, and Frauds Hijacked American Conservatism 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.

• Get tickets for Levitation, the annual festival of electronic music and ideas presented by friends of the pod Castles In Space, at Bedford Esquires on Sat 5 Oct. And here’s a taster playlist of who’s on: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4EBQbDcgPFEf9Bx5AJvvrX?si=a572a2d92dd24231

We are sponsored by Indeed. Go to Indeed.com/bunker for £100 sponsored credit.

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Written and presented by Jacob Jarvis. Audio production by Tom Taylor. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Art by James Parrett. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Can we solve the small boat crisis? – immigration barrister Colin Yeo and Ros Taylor discuss Sep 24, 2024

The small boat crisis isn’t going away. Keir Starmer says he wants to solve the problem by stopping the gangs who organise the crossings – but will that work, and what do we do with the thousands of migrants who’ve already made it here? To find out, Ros Taylor talks to immigration barrister and author of the Free Movement blog, Colin Yeo.

We are sponsored by Indeed. Go to Indeed.com/bunker for £100 sponsored credit.

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Written and presented by Ros Taylor. Produced by Eliza Davis Beard. Audio production by Tom Taylor. Managing Editor Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor Andrew Harrison. Art by James Parrett. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Labour Conference Special! – Start Your Week with Steve Richards Sep 23, 2024

It’s Keir Starmer’s first Labour Party Conference as Prime Minister – what’s the vibe like and what should we be looking out for? Steve Richards, host of Rock & Roll Politics, knows party conferences better than anyone in the business and joins us on site in Liverpool for a very special Start Your Week, looking ahead at what to expect from the Labour gathering.

We are sponsored by Indeed. Go to Indeed.com/bunker for £100 sponsored credit.

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Written and presented by Jacob Jarvis. Producer: Chris Jones. Audio editor: Tom Taylor. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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NHS crisis report: The key points you need to know Sep 20, 2024

The Lord Darzi review on the state of the NHS painted a dire picture of our healthcare system. And while that comes as little surprise, what new information does the report offer – and can it be used for positive change? Alastair McLellan has spent the last two decades writing about the NHS and shares his reflections on the Darzi Report with Ros Taylor.

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Written and presented by Ros Taylor. Produced by Eliza Davis Beard. Audio production by Tom Taylor. Managing Editor Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor Andrew Harrison. Art by James Parrett. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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“Tough old bird with an iPhone” – Carol Vorderman on Twitter wars and fixing Britain Sep 19, 2024

Carol Vorderman has made a remarkable journey from Countdown maths guru to one of the most popular and forthright political commentators in the country… and a lot of people in the Torysphere really hate her for it. She tells Andrew Harrison what it’s like to be in the right wing’s sights – how British media and politics keep outsiders in their place – and about her new book Now What? How To Fix Broken Britain where she sets out a few ways to make British politics healthier… or at least less horrible.

Buy Now What? How to fix broken Britain 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.

We are sponsored by Indeed. Go to Indeed.com/bunker for £100 sponsored credit.

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Written and presented by Podmasters Group Editor Andrew Harrison. Produced by Eliza Davis Beard. Audio production by Tom Taylor. Managing Editor Jacob Jarvis. Art by James Parrett. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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The truth about Britain’s relationship with Germany – Ros Taylor speaks with expert Wolfgang Munchau Sep 18, 2024

The relationship between the UK and Germany survived Brexit better than many expected – but are we as close to Germany as we could be? Berlin was the first capital Keir Starmer visited as Prime Minister, and there was even a photo of the Reichstag in the Labour manifesto. But what’s the truth about the UK-German relationship, and why do so many of us know so little about Germany? To find out, Ros Taylor speaks toNew Statesman columnist and Eurointelligence director Wolfgang Munchau.

We are sponsored by Indeed. Go to Indeed.com/bunker for £100 sponsored credit.

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Written and presented by Ros Taylor. Produced by Eliza Davis Beard. Audio production by Tom Taylor. Managing Editor Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor Andrew Harrison. Art by James Parrett. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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What would a Gaza ceasefire actually look like? – Gavin Esler asks Daniel Levy Sep 17, 2024

A ceasefire in the Hamas-Israel conflict still feels painfully far off. If one were to be secured – what would it even look like? As we approach the one-year anniversary of Hamas’ October 7 attack on Israel, Gavin Esler talks to former advisor to Israeli governments Daniel Levy, who provides insights based on years of experience in peace negotiations in the region.

We are sponsored by Indeed. Go to Indeed.com/bunker for £100 sponsored credit.

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Written and presented by Gavin Esler. Produced by Eliza Davis Beard. Audio production by Tom Taylor. Managing Editor Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor Andrew Harrison. Art by James Parrett. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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What Trump assassination bid means – Start Your Week with Zöe Grünewald and Andrew Harrison Sep 16, 2024

Yesterday’s unprecedented second assassination attempt on Donald Trump will take over the election agenda this week but will it change the course of the campaign? Back in the UK, Labour’s upcoming party conference next week means it’s their last chance to roll the pitch. What are we expecting? And how will Starmer’s meeting with Italian far-right PM Giorgia Meloni go down with the Labour left? Plus the Tory leadership Final Four and UK missiles to Ukraine. The week ahead with Andrew Harrison and Zoe Grunewald.

We are sponsored by Indeed. Go toIndeed.com/bunker for £100 sponsored credit.

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Presented by Andrew Harrison. Produced by Eliza Davis Beard. Audio production by Tom Taylor. Art by James Parrett. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Managing Editor Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Grenfell Inquiry: The crucial details and lessons – with Pete Apps and Hannah Fearn Sep 13, 2024

The final report into the Grenfell Tower fire was released last week. It unequivocally states that the tragedy was the result of systemic failures across central and local government, in the construction and design industries and among local social housing managers – and that the 72 deaths were avoidable. What are the key points, lessons, and the details you need to know? Hannah Fearn is joined by housing journalist Peter Apps, author of Show Me the Bodies: How we let Grenfell happen to discuss.

Buy Show Me the Bodies: How we let Grenfell happenthrough 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.

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Written and presented by Hannah Fearne. Produced by Eliza Davis Beard. Audio production by Simon Williams. Managing Editor Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor Andrew Harrison. Art by James Parrett. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Does the US care about the ‘special relationship’? – The FT’s Gideon Rachman and Gavin Esler discuss Sep 12, 2024

While America may be Britain’s most important ally, we are just one of many special relationships the US maintains worldwide. How has the nature of our relationship changed over the decades? And how might it differ under a Harris or Trump presidency? In the fourth episode of our Foreign Affairs mini-series, Gavin Esler discusses the past and future of UK-US relations with Financial Times chief foreign affairs columnist Gideon Rachman.

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Written and presented by Gavin Esler. Produced by Eliza Davis Beard. Audio production by Tom Taylor. Managing Editor Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor Andrew Harrison. Art by James Parrett. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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How Harris embarrassed Trump in the TV debate – American Friction teaser Sep 11, 2024

After Harris and Trump’s election debate clash, do you want to know what actually mattered from their showdown? In a teaser for our sibling podcast American Friction, The Bunker’s very own Jacob Jarvis and Chris Jones are joined by Rolling Stone’s Nikki McCann Ramirez, to discuss the highs, lows and the facts and lies from the event.

Want to know more about the race for the White House? On American Friction, you’ll find out everything you need to know, in plain English. Listen here.

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Written and presented by Chris Jones, Jacob Jarvis and Nikki McCann Ramírez. Audio editor: Simon Williams. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Executive producer: Martin Bojtos. Artwork by James Parrett. Music: Orange Factory Music. AMERICAN FRICTION is a Podmasters Production. www.podmasters.co.uk

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Understanding Xi Jinping: How China’s supreme leader rose to power Sep 11, 2024

We hear a lot about the personalities of infamous figures like Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un – but relatively little about one of the most powerful people in the world: Xi Jinping. Who is Xi, how did he get to where he is today, and what does he want? To find out, Ros Taylor talks to Michael Sheridan, whose new book The Red Emperor: Xi Jinping and His New China charts the leader’s incredible rise to power.

Buy The Red Emperor: Xi Jinping and His New China 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.

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Written and presented by Ros Taylor. Produced by Eliza Davis Beard. Audio production by Tom Taylor. Managing Editor Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor Andrew Harrison. Art by James Parrett. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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US Presidential debates: The weird history from Kennedy-Nixon to Trump-Harris Sep 10, 2024

US presidential debates are part spectacle, part showdown, and sometimes total sh*tshow. What is it about American politics that lends itself to these televised debates, and how have they evolved over time? Ahead of the Harris-Trump debate, Seth Alexander Thévoz spoke to Alan Schroeder, emeritus professor in the School of Journalism at Northeastern University and author of Presidential Debates: Risky Business on the Campaign Trail, about the weird history of US presidential debates.

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Written and presented by Seth Alexander Thévoz. Produced by Eliza Davis Beard. Audio production by Tom Taylor. Managing Editor Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor Andrew Harrison. Art by James Parrett. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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In sickness and in health – Start Your Week with Ros Taylor and Hannah Fearn Sep 09, 2024

In a busy week ahead of conference recess, look out for a major report on the state of the NHS and a contentious vote on winter fuel payments. Plus, there’ll be action on no-fault evictions, new developments in the COVID inquiry and the start of early prison releases. How is Labour navigating these challenges? Plus, Keir Starmer meets with Joe Biden – and in more U.S. politics news, Kamala Harris and Donald Trump hold their first debate this week. Find out what news to look out for in the week ahead with Ros Taylor and Hannah Fearn.

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Presented by Ros Taylor. Produced by Eliza Davis Beard. Audio production by Tom Taylor. Art by James Parrett. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Managing Editor Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Understanding the strange death of Hollywood Sep 06, 2024

Something is going terribly wrong with Hollywood. The movie industry is shrinking, its revenue is down and its employees are being forced out. Fewer major studios are making fewer movies. But why? What is leading this mass creative exodus, and can the engine of America’s movie industry be saved? Pop culture historian Daniel Bessner answers this in his exhaustive Harper's Bazaar piece entitled ‘The Life and Death of Hollywood’, which he discusses with Andrew Harrison in The Bunker.

The Life and Death of Hollywood, Harper’s Bazaar, by Daniel Bessner: https://harpers.org/archive/2024/05/the-life-and-death-of-hollywood-daniel-bessner/

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Written and presented by Podmasters Group Editor Andrew Harrison. Produced by Eliza Davis Beard. Audio production by Tom Taylor. Managing Editor Jacob Jarvis. Art by James Parrett. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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A.I. is burning the planet – What you need to know Sep 05, 2024

Scare stories about Artificial Intelligence are everywhere – but its colossal environmental impact is startlingly underreported. How exactly does the use of A.I. contribute to the climate crisis, is there anything being done to counteract it, and why is this issue largely unknown? To find out, Kate Devlin talks to

Jesse Dodge, senior research scientist at the Allen Institute for AI.

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Written and presented by Kate Devlin. Produced by Eliza Davis Beard. Audio production by Tom Taylor. Managing Editor Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor Andrew Harrison. Art by James Parrett. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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'Trump's destruction of the GOP haunts me' – former Republican adviser speaks Sep 04, 2024

The US Republican Party used to be known as the party of law and order. Now it’s headed by a convicted felon, Donald Trump. Peter Wehner, has served in three Republican administrations and was speechwriter for George W. Bush during his presidency. He now writes for The Atlantic and The New York Times and says what has happened to his party “haunts” him. He joins Chris Jones in The Bunker to explain why.

Peter Wehner’s essay for The New York Times: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/07/29/opinion/trump-vance-republican-party.html

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Written and presented by Chris Jones. Producer: Eliza Davis Beard. Audio production: Jade Bailey. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Is Starmer bringing the Big State back in Britain? Sep 03, 2024

Keir Starmer has promised change – but what form will it take? And could it mean the return to the concept of the so-called ‘Big State’? Will Labour’s proposed plans for increased public ownership and workers’ rights be the transformation Britain so desperately needs – or could an interventionist approach do more harm than good? To find out, Gavin Esler talks to New Statesman senior politics editor George Eaton.

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Written and presented by Gavin Esler. Produced by Eliza Davis Beard. Audio production by Tom Taylor. Managing Editor Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor Andrew Harrison. Art by James Parrett. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Commons People — Start Your Week with Gavin Esler and Ros Taylor Sep 02, 2024

Summer is coming to a close, kids are returning to school, Parliament is back and there’s no shortage of problems facing Keir Starmer. What will the Commons be focused on? And how quickly can Starmer clean up the Tories’ mess? In Germany, the far-right AfD triumphed in state elections on Sunday. How worried should we be? And in the Middle-East, why are we no closer to seeing a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas? The week ahead with Ros Taylor and Gavin Esler.

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Presented by Ros Taylor. Produced by Eliza Davis Beard. Audio production by Tom Taylor. Art by James Parrett. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Managing Editor Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Is A.I. coming for your job? Sep 01, 2024

We used to think that machines would only take over manual work. Now A.I. looks capable of anything. Will work become a luxury for a select few? Are there some jobs that can never be automated? Alex Andreou talks to Allison Pugh – author of The Last Human Job – about tech’s growing power and why our humanity depends on the connections that work fosters.

Buy The Last Human Job: The Work of Connecting in a Disconnected Worldthrough 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.

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Written and presented by Alex Andreou. Produced by Eliza Davis Beard. Audio production by Tom Taylor. Managing Editor Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor Andrew Harrison. Art by James Parrett. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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How the QAnon conspiracy theory wrecked families and ruined lives Aug 30, 2024

With its paranoid fantasies of Donald Trump at war with a secret, Satanic US government, the QAnon conspiracy wrought terrible damage on American politics. But spreading the word of Q exacts damage on believers too. Journalist Jesselyn Cook explored the broken lives and shattered relationships of Q believers for her new book The Quiet Damage: QAnon and the Destruction of the American Family. Shetells Andrew Harrison what makes someone fall into the mirror world of QAnon – and whether they can be rescued.

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Written and presented by Podmasters Group Editor Andrew Harrison. Produced by Eliza Davis Beard. Audio production by Tom Taylor. Managing Editor Jacob Jarvis. Art by James Parrett. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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How the Tories fell: Inside Sunak’s disastrous gamble Aug 29, 2024

How did the Conservatives turn 14 years of unprecedented political power into near-extinction at the ballot box? Where did it all go so wrong? How will their era go down in history? And what made Rishi Sunak take his catastrophic electoral gamble in 2024? Steve Richards of the Rock & Roll Politics podcast talks to Ben Riley-Smith, whose new book Blue Murder: The Rise and Fall of the Conservative Government 2010-2024 charts the dramatic rise and fall of the Tories.

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Written and presented by Steve Richards. Produced by Eliza Davis Beard. Audio production by Tom Taylor. Managing Editor Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor Andrew Harrison. Art by James Parrett. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Putin and Starmer: Will the Russia-UK relationship ever be repaired? Aug 28, 2024

The UK and Russia have long had a strained relationship – and ties have only been worsened since Putin’s invasion of Ukraine. Is there any future possibility for a return to a 1990s state of civility between the two nations – or has Putin’s reign marked a permanent end to such a connection? In the third episode of our ‘Foreign Affairs’ mini-series on Britain’s foreign relationships, Rafael Behr speaks to RUSI Senior Associate Fellow Andrew Monaghan to better understand tensions between the UK and Russia.

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Written and presented by Rafael Behr. Produced by Eliza Davis Beard. Audio production by Tom Taylor. Managing Editor Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor Andrew Harrison. Art by James Parrett. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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The 10 Year Plan — Start Your Week with Gavin Esler Aug 27, 2024

Keir Starmer is due to snap us back to reality after the Bank Holiday with a stark speech on the decade needed to clean up the Tories’ mess. What’s he going to say – and why now? In US news, Trump has basically dumped JD Vance for RFK Jr. – but will this improve his chances against Harris and Walz? Plus, clashes between Hezbollah and Israel signal an escalation in the Middle East. How concerned should we be? And, looking to Ukraine, how is the Ukrainian incursion on Russia progressing? Jacob Jarvis and Gavin Esler discuss the key stories to watch for the week ahead.

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Presented by Podmasters managing editor Jacob Jarvis. Produced by Eliza Davis Beard. Audio production by Tom Taylor. Art by James Parrett. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Managing Editor Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Bunker USA: What will Kamala Harris's foreign policy look like? Aug 23, 2024

Kamala Harris is closer than ever to being the president of the United States. Focus has been on America this week at the DNC, but what would a Harris presidency mean for the rest of the world? What foreign policy issues does she care about -- and how would she handle wars springing up around the globe? To find out, Ros Taylor is joined by Chatham House director Bronwen Maddox in The Bunker.

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Written and presented by Ros Taylor. Produced by Eliza Davis Beard. Audio production by Tom Taylor. Managing Editor Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor Andrew Harrison. Art by James Parrett. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Crude Awakening: Why oil still shapes everything Aug 22, 2024

Oil, and the industry around it, has a huge influence on our world. From our social existence and food systems to urban spaces, military power and financial architecture. But how did oil and capitalism become so intertwined? And in what ways does oil control our entire social structure, beyond providing a source of energy or transport fuel? Alex Andreou is joined by University of Exeter professor and author of Crude Capitalism: Oil, Corporate Power, and the Making of the World Market Adam Hanieh to discuss how our oil-dependency defines our lives.

Buy Crude Capitalism: Oil, Corporate Power, and the Making of the World Market 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.

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Written and presented by Alex Andreou. Produced by Eliza Davis Beard. Audio production by Tom Taylor. Managing Editor Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor Andrew Harrison. Art by James Parrett. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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How Russian TV is covering the war, with BBC monitoring expert Francis Scarr Aug 21, 2024

Russian state media is notoriously corrupt and rife with propaganda. So how are Russian citizens being fed information about the Russia-Ukraine war? Does any truth exist within Russian television – or is it all one big narrative crafted by Putin? To find out, Chris Jones talks to BBC Monitoring journalist Francis Scarr.

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Written and presented by Chris Jones. Produced by Eliza Davis Beard. Audio production by Tom Taylor. Managing Editor Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor Andrew Harrison. Art by James Parrett. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Bunker USA: Why does the DNC matter? Aug 20, 2024

There’s nothing like American political conventions here in the UK. When Kamala Harris accepts her party’s nomination at this week’s Democratic National Convention, it’ll be more of a spectacle and a celebration than a mere political moment. Why do these gaudy, over-the-top events matter? And in this strange and tense Presidential Election, following the Trump assassination attempt and Biden’s withdrawal, will the DNC offer up its own set of surprises? Gavin Esler talks to political historian Seth Thévoz about the theatrical coronation known as the DNC.

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Written and presented by Gavin Esler. Produced by Eliza Davis Beard. Audio production by Tom Taylor. Managing Editor Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor Andrew Harrison. Art by James Parrett. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Run DNC – Start Your Week with Hannah Fearn Aug 19, 2024

Kamala Harris will accept the Presidential nomination at this week’s Democratic National Convention in Chicago – but will Gaza protests draw more attention than this celebrity- and former-president packed ‘political Glastonbury’? Ukraine’s counter-invasion of Russia presses on – is the end of the war drawing closer? At home, the new government tackles hate: from plans for misogyny to be treated as extremism to the continued sentencing of rioters. Plus, more rail strikes announced, and do we need to be worried about MPox? The week ahead with Andrew Harrison and Hannah Fearn.

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Presented by Podmasters Group Editor Andrew Harrison. Produced by Eliza Davis Beard. Audio production by Tom Taylor. Art by James Parrett. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Managing Editor Jacob Jarvis. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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What the Project 2025 video leak told us – American Friction teaser Aug 17, 2024

A trove of Project 2025 videos have been leaked, giving unique insight into what Trump appointees might want to do if he wins the election. In this teaser for American Friction, Jacob Jarvis discusses leaked Project 2025 training videos, with ProPublica reporter Andy Kroll, one of the journalists who obtained and analysed them. Go here for the full episode.

Want to know more about the race for the White House? On American Friction, The Bunker’s very own Jacob Jarvis and Chris Jones are joined by Rolling Stone’s Nikki McCann Ramirez, to discuss the latest developments in American politics. Listen here.

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Written and presented by Jacob Jarvis. Audio production by Jade Bailey. Managing Editor Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor Andrew Harrison. Art by James Parrett. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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NATO is 75. Will it be around in ten years? Aug 16, 2024

This year marks NATO’s 75th anniversary – having survived the Cold War, 9/11 and most recently, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Is NATO’s role is changing, can it hold on to its members – and will it be recognisable in ten years? Will it even exist? Peter Apps, author of Deterring Armageddon: a biography of NATO, joins Ros Taylor in The Bunker to discuss its uncertain future.

Buy Deterring Armageddon: a biography of NATO 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.

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Written and presented by Ros Taylor. Produced by Eliza Davis Beard. Audio production by Tom Taylor. Managing Editor Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor Andrew Harrison. Art by James Parrett. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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From Brat Summer to the White House: Can memes win elections? Aug 15, 2024

Online politics is drowning in memes – repurposed movie stills, videos and viral catchphrases are everywhere. From the UK General Election to the American Presidential race, memes are increasingly central to political campaigns. But can they actually sway votes? Senior Research Fellow at Complutense University Madrid Paolo Gerbaudo joins Jacob Jarvis in The Bunker to discuss the intrinsic political power of memes.

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Written and presented by Podmasters Managing Editor Jacob Jarvis. Produced by Eliza Davis Beard. Audio production by Tom Taylor. Group Editor Andrew Harrison. Art by James Parrett. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Why can't we get along with China? Aug 14, 2024

The second in our ‘Foreign Affairs’ mini-series on Britain’s battered foreign relationships. Today: China is growing in industrial and military power while post-Brexit Britain is increasingly adrift. Will StarmQer have to accommodate to whatever Beijing wants – or can Britain assert itself against the new superpower? Gavin Esler speaks to KCL Professor and former Beijing embassy official Kerry Brown – whose new book looks at China-UK relations all the way back to 1600 – to explain the current climate between the two powers.

Buy The Great Reversal: Britain, China and the 400-Year Contest for Power 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.

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Written and presented by Gavin Esler. Produced by Eliza Davis Beard. Audio production by Tom Taylor. Managing Editor Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor Andrew Harrison. Art by James Parrett. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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How can we beat the Far-Right? Paul Mason explains Aug 13, 2024

Far-right riots and racist violence have traumatised Britain – but how powerful are the extremists? Where are they drawing their power from? And how can ordinary people stop them? Paul Mason is a journalist is the author of How To Stop Fascism. He tells Andrew Harrison what makes modern far-right politics different and dangerous – the compromises we’ll need to defeat it – and why we need “militant democracy” to protect our freedoms.

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Presented by Andrew Harrison. Audio production by Tom Taylor. Art by James Parrett. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Managing Editor Jacob Jarvis. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Bang to riots – Start Your Week with Gavin Esler and Jacob Jarvis Aug 12, 2024

The fallout from rioting continues to dominate the news – how will the Government handle this? Gavin Esler joins Jacob Jarvis to discuss challenges for Starmer now and into the future. Plus, they discuss clashes with Elon Musk, relations with China, Trump’s most recent grim behaviour and the latest from the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. There’s all that and more in your primer for the week ahead.

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Presented by Jacob Jarvis. Produced by Eliza Davis Beard. Audio production by Tom Taylor. Art by James Parrett. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Managing Editor Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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What the First World War can teach us about 2024 Aug 11, 2024

In 1914, war engulfed Europe in a conflict that killed millions and change the course of the twentieth century. Now, 110 years later, the geopolitical climate feels uncomfortably familiar to the period preceding the First World War. Are we moving ever closer to another global conflict – and might it be avoided by taking lessons from the origins of the Great War? To find out, Luke Turner talks to David Stevenson, professor of international history at the London School of Economics.

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Written and presented by Luke Turner. Produced by Eliza Davis Beard. Audio production by Jade Bailey. Group Editor Andrew Harrison. Managing Editor Jacob Jarvis. Art by James Parrett. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Working class Keir-o? Why Labour is putting class back in politics Aug 09, 2024

For decades class has been a dirty word in British politics. Now Keir Starmer heads the most working class, least privately-educated cabinet in modern history, and is putting class concerns like workers’ rights reform at the centre of its politics. Will Labour’s programme work? How true has the party been to its working class origins? And does it win when it is? Political historian Anthony Broxton of Tides of History takes Andrew Harrison into Labour’s tangled history with the class issue.

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Written and presented by Podmasters Group Editor Andrew Harrison. Produced by Eliza Davis Beard. Audio production by Tom Taylor. Managing Editor Jacob Jarvis. Art by James Parrett. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Bunker USA: Has Joe Biden been a good president? Aug 08, 2024

Joe Biden won’t have a second term as president after he heeded calls to leave the 2024 race. So as it comes towards an end, how will his time in office be remembered? Leslie Vinjamuri director of the US and the Americas programme at Chatham House, talks to Dorian Lynskey about Biden’s legacy.

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Written and presented by Dorian Lynskey. Produced by Eliza Davis Beard. Audio production by Tom Taylor and Simon Williams. Managing Editor Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor Andrew Harrison. Art by James Parrett. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Why do people riot? The psychology of civil disturbance Aug 07, 2024

The country is facing its worst wave of far-right violence in the modern age –but is it just mindless thuggery or are deeper forces at work? Can the psychology of rioting help us defeat this wave of violence?Professor of social psychology Clifford Stott unpacks the dynamics of the riots, how they’ve spread, and what they really mean to Andrew Harrison.

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Written and presented by Podmasters Group Editor Andrew Harrison. Produced by Eliza Davis Beard. Audio production by Jade Bailey. Managing Editor Jacob Jarvis. Art by James Parrett. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Foreign Affairs 🇫🇷 Starmer’s French Correction, with Lord Peter Ricketts Aug 06, 2024

An occasional series on how Britain is fixing its battered foreign relationships. Today: After the combative Tory years, Keir Starmer is trying to reset the Anglo-French connection. What do we want from France and what does Paris want from us? Britain’s former Ambassador to France Lord Peter Ricketts talks to Ros Taylor about whether Starmer and Macron are natural allies, the damage caused by Brexit, and what France’s “deep unease” with itself means for Britain.

• “I would not have relished being Ambassador to France and having my friends ask ‘Poor Britain, what are you doing?’”

• “By about 2020-21, things were at rock bottom… When Liz Truss was asked ‘France, friend of foe?’ and she replied that the jury was still out.”

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Written and presented by Ros Taylor. Produced by Eliza Davis Beard. Audio production by Tom Taylor. Managing Editor Jacob Jarvis. Art by James Parrett. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Starmer reads the Riot Act – Start Your Week with Alex Andreou and Andrew Harrison Aug 05, 2024

After the worst civil disorder in a decade, will severe instant sentencing deter rioters like it did in 2011? Is the violence evidence of the far right’s weakness, not its strength? And is this really a test of the Starmer Government’s strength? Plus Kamala Harris’s choices of running mate, the chances of an Israel/Hezbollah war, and more Alex Andreou sets out the week ahead with Andrew Harrison.

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Written and presented by Andrew Harrison. Audio production by Tom Taylor. Assistant producer: Eliza Davis Beard. Music: Kenny Dickinson. Managing Editor Jacob Jarvis. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Why Britain needs to be ready for war by 2027 – with The Economist's Shashank Joshi Aug 02, 2024

Britain’s new army chief recently said Britain must be ready for war in three years. Where are the biggest threats coming from, what are our current weaknesses, and how can we best prepare? To find out, Gavin Esler speaks to the Economist’s defence editor Shashank Joshi.

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Written and presented by Gavin Esler. Produced by Eliza Davis Beard. Audio production by Tom Taylor. Managing Editor Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor Andrew Harrison. Art by James Parrett. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Bunker USA – JD Vance: The truth about Trump's running mate Aug 01, 2024

Donald Trump recently announced Ohio Senator JD Vance as his running mate. Who exactly is Vance – and why is he the subject of so much controversy? POLITICO national political correspondent and author of Trump in Exile Meridith McGraw tells Dorian Lynskey of her own recent experience on the campaign trail with the Senator.

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Written and presented by Dorian Lynskey. Produced by Eliza Davis Beard. Audio production by Tom Taylor. Managing Editor Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor Andrew Harrison. Art by James Parrett. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Bans, boycotts and billions: The politics of the Olympics Jul 31, 2024

The Olympics are in full-swing – but news of medals and victory are often overshadowed by controversies linked to contestants and politics. We’ve seen this already this year – but has the Olympics always been so political? Emma Kennedy sits down with David Goldblatt, author of The Games: A Global History of the Olympics.

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Written and presented by Emma Kennedy. Produced by Eliza Davis Beard. Audio production by Tom Taylor. Managing Editor Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor Andrew Harrison. Art by James Parrett. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Behind bars: How Labour can solve the prison crisis Jul 30, 2024

From overcrowding to underfunding, British prisons are in crisis. So how can Labour remedy 14 years of the Tories’ neglect of criminal justice system? Former director of public prosecutions Lord Ken Macdonald sits down with Ros Taylor to discuss how we might solve the prison conundrum.

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Written and presented by Ros Taylor. Produced by Eliza Davis Beard. Audio production by Tom Taylor. Managing Editor Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor Andrew Harrison. Art by James Parrett. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Broke Britain – Start Your Week with Ros Taylor and Jacob Jarvis Jul 29, 2024

Rachel Reeves is set to unveil a £20bn black hole in public finances – what will Labour do about this? In more bleak news, GPs are set to strike over unfair working conditions – what would this mean for patients? And, a public sector pay deal is expected, what will it look like? Plus, who are the top contenders in the Tory leadership race? In world news, we discuss the latest in the U.S. Presidential race, and concerning escalations between Israel and Hezbollah. Jacob Jarvis and Ros Taylor discuss what you need to know for the week ahead.

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Presented by Jacob Jarvis with Ros Taylor. Produced by Eliza Davis Beard. Audio production by Tom Taylor. Art by James Parrett. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Managing Editor Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Bunker USA: Kamala Harris is in. Who will be her running mate? Jul 26, 2024

With Kamala Harris set to replace Joe Biden in the 2024 race, focus has turned to who will be her running mate. Jacob Jarvis gets the rundown on the top contenders from Katie Gaddini, visiting scholar at Stanford University, an associate professor of sociology at the Social Research Institute, University College London.

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Written and presented by Jacob Jarvis. Produced by Eliza Davis Beard. Audio production by Tom Taylor. Managing Editor Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor Andrew Harrison. Art by James Parrett. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Boiling point! How heat will shape the future Jul 25, 2024

As our climate continues to heat up, wildfires, flooding and drought are becoming the new normal. But beyond weather events, how is extreme heat affecting our politics, economy, and society at large – and have we already reached a boiling point? Alex Andreou asks Jeff Goodell, Senior Fellow at the Atlantic Council and author of The Heat Will Kill You First.

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Written and presented by Alex Andreou. Produced by Eliza Davis Beard. Audio production by Tom Taylor. Managing Editor Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor Andrew Harrison. Art by James Parrett. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Sudan in flames: Why the world's forgotten war should worry you Jul 24, 2024

As vicious conflicts rage across the world, the civil war in Sudan has received limited attention. To explain the far-reaching impacts of the conflict, the humanitarian crisis unfolding, and why we should start paying attention, Gavin Esler speaks to Alan Boswell, Crisis Group’s director for the horn of Africa, in today’s Bunker.

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Written and presented by Gavin Esler. Produced by Eliza Davis Beard. Audio production by Tom Taylor. Managing Editor Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor Andrew Harrison. Art by James Parrett. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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How Starmer can clean up the Tories' mess – Polly Toynbee tells Ros Taylor Jul 23, 2024

Keir Starmer has one hell of a challenge fixing everything the Tories broke in their 14 years in charge. Where to begin? Guardian journalist Polly Toynbee sits down with Ros Taylor in The Bunker to discuss Starmer’s uphill battle ahead.

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Written and presented by Ros Taylor. Produced by Eliza Davis Beard. Audio production by Tom Taylor. Managing Editor Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor Andrew Harrison. Art by James Parrett. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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I Know It’s Joe-ver — Start Your Week with Alex Andreou and Jacob Jarvis Jul 22, 2024

It’s the morning after Joe Biden’s shock withdrawal from the U.S. Presidential race. Why now – and who will replace him? Closer to home, we’ve got Keir Starmer’s first PMQs to look forward to. What should we expect? And what does the strike on Yemen mean for the Middle East – and how will international governments respond?

Want to hear more about the situation in the US? Listen to American Friction, from the makers of the Bunker. Here’s a link to their bonus episode discussing Biden’s withdrawal: https://listen.podmasters.uk/AF2407bidenquits?at=1001l39LM

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Presented by Jacob Jarvis with Alex Andreou. Produced by Eliza Davis Beard. Audio production by Tom Taylor. Art by James Parrett. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Managing Editor Jacob Jarvis. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Amazon at 30: Can the Bezos empire grow forever? Jul 19, 2024

Amazon turns 30 this month – and it’s unrecognisable from the online bookstore it once was. But can it continue to grow forever – or might recent legal cases mark the end of Bezos’ global market domination? Kate Devlin speaks to The Wall Street Journal’s Dana Mattioli, author of The Everything War, to find out.

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Written and presented by Kate Devlin. Produced by Eliza Davis Beard. Audio production by Tom Taylor. Managing Editor Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor Andrew Harrison. Art by James Parrett. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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The history of political assassinations – from Pharaohs to US Presidents Jul 18, 2024

Political leaders have been targeted by assassins for thousands of years – Donald Trump being the latest example, after the attempt on his life in Pennsylvania. Historically, what impact have these actions had on societies the world over? What similarities are there between these acts and the people who carry them out? Jacob Jarvis is joined by Arie Perliger, professor in security studies atUniversity of Massachusetts Lowell and author of American Zealots: Inside Right-Wing Domestic Terrorism, to discuss the history of political killings – and how we can prevent them.

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Turnout for what – How can we get more people to vote? Jul 17, 2024

Labour’s landslide has brought in a new wave of political optimism to the UK. But a near record poll attendance has been a cause for concern in the weeks following the election. Hannah Fearn is joined by Professor of behavioural science at Kingston University Gaëlle Vallée Tourangeau to find out why people just aren’t turning out to vote and what can be done to engage with the electorate.

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Written and presented by Hannah Fearn. Producer: Liam Tait. Audio editor: Jade Bailey. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Keir and far: Labour's key foreign policy issues Jul 16, 2024

Keir Starmer has plenty to get on with at home – but amid global turmoil, Labour’s foreign policy is increasingly important too. In response to multiple wars, regional conflicts, an increasingly far-right Europe and a turbulent U.S. Presidential race, how might Starmer interact with the rest of the world? Zoë Grünewald asks Dr Victoria Honeyman, associate professor of British politics at the University of Leeds. Please note, this episode was recorded on the 8th of July before the NATO summit.

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Written and presented by Zoe Grunewald. Produced by Eliza Davis Beard. Audio production by Tom Taylor. Managing Editor Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor Andrew Harrison. Art by James Parrett. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Has the Trump shooting changed everything? — Start Your Week with Hannah Fearn Jul 15, 2024

After the Trump shooting we ask what it means for America and the election. Could the failed assassination win the race for the former president? Meanwhile, the new Labour Government is in full swing. From the new Growth Agenda to the launch of Great British Energy what can we expect from Starmer this week? Recorded in the aftermath of England’s defeat, best not to say too much about that, Andrew Harrison and Hannah Fearn look out for the news stories which will shape the week ahead.

Want to hear more about the situation in the US? Listen to American Friction, from the makers of The Bunker. Here’s a link to their bonus episode discussing the shooting: https://listen.podmasters.uk/AF240716TrumpShooting?at=1001l39LM

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Will Biden quit? – Democrat insider Sidney Blumenthal talks to Gavin Esler Jul 12, 2024

Joe Biden is the US’ oldest ever President – and it’s showing. From his catastrophic performance during the recent debate against Donald Trump, to celebrity calls for him to step down, the question on everyone’s lips is: Will he quit? Gavin Esler asks Democratic insider Sidney Blumenthal in today’s Bunker.

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Written and presented by Gavin Esler. Produced by Eliza Davis Beard. Audio production by Simon Williams. Managing Editor Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor Andrew Harrison. Art by James Parrett. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Are Our International Laws Working? Jul 11, 2024

In an increasingly unstable international climate, we need our internal laws more than ever – but they don’t seem to be working. Which states are ignoring them, what are the consequences, and who will enforce them? Alex Andreou asks Professor Kevin Heller, the ICC Prosecutor’s special advisor on war crimes, in today’s Bunker.

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Written and presented by Alex Andreou. Produced by Eliza Davis Beard. Audio production by Tom Taylor. Managing Editor Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor Andrew Harrison. Art by James Parrett. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Why four countries will shape the US Presidential Election – and Britain is one of them Jul 10, 2024

We think of the US as a universe unto itself, uninterested in the outside world. But according to geopolitics analyst and host of the Disorder podcast Jason Pack, few things influence American elections as much as three diaspora countries – Ireland, Italy and Israel – and “peer nation” the UK. Their role as political test labs for new ideas means that Keir Starmer’s victory could be good news for Democrats. But how do these “mystical relationships” work?

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What’s next for the Tories? – Tim Bale tells Ros Taylor Jul 09, 2024

The Conservatives are out of power for the first time in 14 years. So what does the future of the party look like, and should we expect a serious Tory-transformation if they have hopes of regaining control in the future? Ros Taylor asks Queen Mary University professor of politics and The Conservative Party After Brexit author Tim Bale, in The Bunker.

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Presented by Ros Taylor. Produced by Eliza Davis Beard. Audio production by Robin Leeburn and Tom Taylor. Art by James Parrett. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Managing Editor Jacob Jarvis. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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France’s close shave — Start Your Week with Ros Taylor and Gavin Esler Jul 08, 2024

France’s shock election result: what does it mean and what comes next? Plus, week one of the new Labour government: Starmer heads the NATO summit and tours the Nations, Streeting aims to solve the junior doctor’s strike, and Lammy aims to reset relations with the EU. And all eyes are on Joe Biden amid calls for him to step down as presidential nominee. The week ahead with Ros Taylor and Gavin Esler.

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Presented by Ros Taylor. Produced by Eliza Davis Beard. Audio production by Tom Taylor. Art by James Parrett. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Managing Editor Jacob Jarvis. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Bunker USA: Debunking America’s toxic migration debate Jul 05, 2024

Immigration is a divisive issue in America, much as it is here in the UK. How did the debate become so toxic – and is there a way to fix it and remove the heat from the arguments? Jonathan Blitzer, author of Everyone Who Is Gone Is Here: The United States, Central America, and the Making of a Crisisjoins Jacob Jarvis to discuss the situation, how politicians have failed – and how the public could change the way it thinks about the issue.

Buy Everyone Who Is Gone Is Here: The United States, Central America, and the Making of a Crisis 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.

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Written and presented by Jacob Jarvis. Produced by Liam Tait. Audio production by Tom Taylor. Managing Editor Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor Andrew Harrison. Art by James Parrett. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Election '24: Weirdest moments from votes of the past Jul 04, 2024

General elections are pretty unusual events – and they can bring out the weirdest in both politicians and voters. But what are the strangest moments from votes of the past? Ros Taylor asks King’s College London Professor of Politics and Contemporary History Andrew Blick in today’s Bunker.

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Written and presented by Ros Taylor. Produced by Eliza Davis Beard. Audio production by Tom Taylor. Managing Editor Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor Andrew Harrison. Art by James Parrett. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Election ’24: How will the press handle Keir Starmer? Jul 03, 2024

Newspapers aren’t as powerful as they were, but they still behave as if they are – and they remain overwhelmingly biased towards a Tory Party that could well be dying. How will they handle a new Labour government? Are the days of press power over? And where does the new power lie? Gavin Esler asks Goldsmiths Senior Journalism Lecturer Terry Kirby in The Bunker.

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We are streaming LIVE on election night! Come and join your favourite panellists from Oh God, What Now?, The Bunker and Paper Cuts on YouTube from 10pm on Thursday 4th July as we react to the results live – you won't want to miss it. Visit https://www.youtube.com/@ohgodwhatnow and subscribe now.

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Written and presented by Gavin Esler. Produced by Eliza Davis Beard. Audio production by Tom Taylor. Managing Editor Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor Andrew Harrison. Art by James Parrett. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Election '24: Why isn't anybody honest about tax? Jul 02, 2024

Tax consistently ranks as one of the most important issues to voters. So why can’t anybody in politics talk about it honestly? Alex Andreou asks Paul Johnson, director of the Institute for Fiscal Studies, in today’s Bunker.

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Written and presented by Alex Andreou. Produced by Eliza Davis Beard. Audio production by Simon Williams. Managing Editor Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor Andrew Harrison. Art by James Parrett. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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It ain’t over till it’s over — Start Your Week with Ros Taylor and Alex Andreou Jul 01, 2024

In just three days, Brits will head to the polling stations to vote in the General Election. What do the polls show, and is there any chance of a Harry Kane-esque last minute Sunak win – or is it all over already? In other election news, France went to the polls yesterday, intensifying concerns about the country’s move to the far-right. Further afield, Biden has made a rallying comeback after a disastrous debate against Trump last week. But might he still step down? Plus, England miraculously salvage their spot in the Euros quarter finals, Glastonbury winds down, and Balmoral opens its doors to the public for the first time. The week ahead with Alex Andreou and Ros Taylor.

We are streaming LIVE on election night! Come and join your favourite panellists from Oh God, What Now?, The Bunker and Paper Cuts on YouTube from 10pm on Thursday 4th July as we react to the results live - you won't want to miss it. Visit https://www.youtube.com/@ohgodwhatnow and subscribe now.

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Presented by Alex Andreou. Produced by Eliza Davis Beard. Audio production by Tom Taylor. Art by James Parrett. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Managing Editor Jacob Jarvis. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Project Keir: Has Starmer changed Labour forever? Jun 28, 2024

If Starmer wins, just how will his Labour government be different from those of the past? And is the party’s new identity inextricable from Starmer himself? Andrew Harrison asks Labour Party historian Anthony Broxton, who runs the ‘Tides of History’ project.

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Written and presented by Podmasters Group Editor Andrew Harrison. Produced by Eliza Davis Beard. Audio production by Tom Taylor. Managing Editor Jacob Jarvis. Art by James Parrett. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Ads Nauseam: Which political parties are targeting you online? Jun 27, 2024

Sunak’s cringe moments have received laser focus throughout the campaign. But what about messaging he’s putting out online? Who are parties targeting, where, and with what information? Jacob Jarvis asks Who Targets Me founder Sam Jeffers about the good, the bad and the ugly in online political ads throughout this campaign cycle.

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Written and presented by Podmasters Managing Editor Jacob Jarvis. Produced by Eliza Davis Beard. Audio production by Tom Taylor. Group Editor Andrew Harrison. Art by James Parrett. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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The housing crisis: Can Labour fix the Tories' mess? – with Kwajo Tweneboa Jun 26, 2024

From the rising cost of mortgages to a lack of social housing, the housing crisis is one of the most pressing issues in this election. Hannah Fearn is joined by one of the UK’s most high-profile housing campaigners, Kwajo Tweneboa,whose book Our Country in Crisis: Britain's Housing Emergency and How We Rebuild is due out in July, to look at the sorry state of housing in the UK.

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Written and presented by Hannah Fearn. 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.

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From King Cnut to the Ed Stone: A history of political stunts Jun 25, 2024

There have been plenty of memorable election stunts lately – with Ed Davey stealing the show so far in this campaign. But how far back does the history of these sorts of actions go? And do they work? Andrew Harrison is joined by Seth Thévoz to look at the history of political stunts and their impact on the polls.

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Written and presented by Andrew Harrison. 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.

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Bet peeves – Start Your Week with Alex Andreou and Jacob Jarvis Jun 24, 2024

The betting scandal just keeps getting worse for Sunak – will it dominate the week, or will another gaffe knock it off the front pages? Alex Andreou joins Jacob Jarvis to discuss the week ahead in the election campaign, plus the latest from the French election, conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, and the looming Biden vs. Trump debate.

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Written and presented by Jacob Jarvis with Alex Andreou. Audio editor: Robin Leeburn. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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The Face of God – How the Challenger space shuttle disaster changed America Jun 23, 2024

On 28 Jan 1986 the space shuttle Challenger exploded shortly after take-off, watched by a worldwide TV audience of millions. Seven crew members died and images of the tragedy etched themselves on the American mind. Now a new book Challenger: A True Story of Heroism and Disaster on the Edge of Space reveals the corner-cutting and corporate culture that made Challenger an accident waiting to happen. Author Adam Higginbotham talks to Andrew Harrison.

Buy Challenger 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.

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Presented by Andrew Harrison. Audio production by Tom Taylor. Art by James Parrett. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Managing Editor Jacob Jarvis. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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"I'm a surgeon in Gaza" – Prof Nick Maynard's eyewitness account Jun 21, 2024

Professor Nick Maynard says the scenes he has witnessed in Gaza are the worst he’s seen in his 36 years as a surgeon. He joins Alex Andreou in The Bunker to recount his most recent trip to the West Bank.

• “We’re not politicians, we’re not lawmakers, we’re humanitarians – we’re just describing the appalling things that we have seen.”

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Written and presented by Alex Andreou. Produced by Eliza Davis Beard. Audio production by Simon Williams. Managing Editor Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor Andrew Harrison. Art by James Parrett. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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America vs. China: The new Cold War is coming Jun 20, 2024

Relations between Western nations and China are worsening. The US fears China’s growing global influence, but how far will it go to halt Xi Jinping’s ambitions? Sir Robin Niblett is a distinguished fellow at the international affairs think tank Chatham House and author of The New Cold War: How the Contest Between the US and China Will Shape Our Century. He joins Gavin Esler in The Bunker.

Buy The New Cold War: How the Contest Between the US and China Will Shape Our Century 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.

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Written and presented by Gavin Esler. Producer: Chris Jones. Audio production: Robin Leeburn. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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How China uses jails to fight the West – with former prisoner Peter Humphrey Jun 19, 2024

China’s often controversial imprisonments of foreigners has horrified the Western world. But is Beijing doing this as part of its war with the West? Alex Andreou asks Harvard University research affiliate Peter Humphrey, who spent two years in the Chinese prison system, and now campaigns for the release of others.

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Written and presented by Alex Andreou. Produced by Eliza Davis Beard. Audio production by Jade Bailey. Managing Editor Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor Andrew Harrison. Art by James Parrett. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Election '24: Should Sunak stop obsessing over the grey vote? Jun 18, 2024

Britain’s older generations have historically played a key role in elections. But how pivotal is the ‘grey vote’ ahead of July 4, and who is likely to win it? Gavin Esler talks to the New Statesman’s senior data journalist and Britain Elects co-founder Ben Walker about who this demographic actually describes and what they want.

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Written and presented by Gavin Esler. Produced by Eliza Davis Beard. Audio production by Tom Taylor. Managing Editor Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor AndrewHarrison. Art by James Parrett. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Total Wipeout? – Start Your Week with Ros Taylor and Jacob Jarvis Jun 17, 2024

As the Tories bang on about tax, despite it not shifting the polls at all, is the prospect of total obliteration for the Conservative Party growing? And what policy areas and set pieces should we look out for this week? Ros Taylor joins Jacob Jarvis to discuss the campaign trail latest, and look at news from France, Ukraine and the USA.

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Written and presented by Jacob Jarvis with Ros Taylor. Audio editor: Robin Leeburn. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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How the Kremlin's spy networks shaped Russia’s history Jun 16, 2024

The Kremlin’s spy networks are well documented – but what’s less known is how they shaped Russian history. In centering the rise and fall of Communism in Russia’s history, are we missing a crucial historical axis – the intelligence services which have long kept an eye on citizens across Russia and further afield. Yuri Felshtinsky, author of From Red Terror To Terrorist State: Russia’s Intelligence Services and Their Fight For World Domination from Felix Dzerzhinsky to Vladimir Putin, joins Alex Andreou in The Bunker to discuss whether the West fails to tell the full story of modern Russia.

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Written and presented by Alex Andreou. Producer: Liam Tait. Assistant Producer: Adam Wright. Audio editor: Jade Bailey. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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The Big Risks for Labour Part 2 – NHS collapses, Prisons boil over, Universities go bust Jun 14, 2024

What’s in the list of potential crises that could derail Labour’s first year, drawn up by Keir Starmer’s chief of staff Sue Gray and nicknamed “Sue’s shit list”? Today Ros Taylor tells Andrew Harrison what happens to Labour if the prisons crisis boils over, the NHS hits a funding shortfall, or universities start going bust.

If you missed Part 1 yesterday, listen now to hear Jonn Elledge explain the consequences of the possible £15bn bankruptcy of Thames Water, the looming collapse of one or more local authorities, and public pay running out of control.

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Presented by Andrew Harrison. Audio production by Jade Bailey. Art by James Parrett. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Managing Editor Jacob Jarvis. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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The Big Risks for Labour Part 1 – Thames Water goes bust, councils collapse, public pay crisis Jun 13, 2024

A new Labour government could be thrown into chaos by any one of six potential crises, each identified in a dossier of dire warnings prepared by Keir Starmer’s chief of staff Sue Gray. What’s in this critical document, which was quickly nicknamed “Sue’s shit list”? Today journalist Jonn Elledge takes Andrew Harrison through three of them: the possible £15bn bankruptcy of Thames Water, the looming collapse of one or more local authorities, and public pay running out of control.

In Part 2 tomorrow, Ros Taylor explains what happens to Labour if the prisons crisis boils over, the NHS hits a funding shortfall, or universities start going bust.

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Presented by Andrew Harrison. Audio production by Jade Bailey. Art by James Parrett. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Managing Editor Jacob Jarvis. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Inside Macron’s election gamble Jun 12, 2024

Is Macron’s snap election an act of desperation or a brilliant bluff? With young upstarts nipping at his heels, unprecedented alliances forming and his legacy hanging by a thread, Ros Taylor is joined by The Economist’s Paris bureau chief Sophie Pedder to get an insight into Macron’s election gamble.

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Election '24: Who's going to win big in Scotland? Jun 11, 2024

With the SNP in turmoil and the Conservatives deeply unpopular, Scotland’s seats are potentially key to a Labour victory. Is Starmer’s party set to sweep up across the country? Gavin Esler talks to Glasgow Caledonian University Professor of Social Change Gerry Hassan, about Scotland’s role in the upcoming election.

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Written and presented by Gavin Esler. Produced by Eliza Davis Beard. Audio production by Robin Leeburn. Managing Editor Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor Andrew Harrison. Art by James Parrett. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Prepare to Meet Your Macron – Start Your Week with Alex Andreou and Andrew Harrison Jun 10, 2024

Emmanuel Macron's surprise snap election has shocked politicos. Why did he call it? Alex Andreou and Andrew Harrison discuss the landscape in France and the wider changes in Europe. Plus, where’s Sunak? We discuss the press dodging PM’s latest from the campaign trail. And manifestos are due this week – what should we expect?

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Written and presented by Andrew Harrison with Alex Andreou. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Fox, Trump and QAnon — Why America can blame ’em on the ’90s Jun 07, 2024

The ’90s was a hugely consequential decade for the United States – for good and for bad. On the down side, we saw the rise of angry white men and the world’s worst TV channel. If only they’d stayed in the past. Jacob Jarvis speaks to Terry H. Anderson, author of Why the Nineties Matter, to discuss what made this ten year period so significant.

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Written and presented by Jacob Jarvis. Produced by Chris Jones. Audio production by Jade Bailey. Managing Editor Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor Andrew Harrison. Art by James Parrett. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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European elections: How the far-right is surging ahead of the vote Jun 06, 2024

The European Elections are fast approaching – and the rise of the far-right is sparking concern. With some 373 million Europeans eligible to vote, this is a pivotal moment for democracy as a whole. Rafael Behr talks to political scientist Simon Hix, the Stein Rokkan chair in comparative politics at the European University Institute in Florence, about what this means for Europe – and the rest of the world.

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Written and presented by Rafael Behr. Produced by Eliza Davis Beard. Audio production by Robin Leeburn. Managing Editor Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor Andrew Harrison. Art by James Parrett. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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What can Biden learn from Trump's showmanship? Jun 05, 2024

Trump’s dominance of his political space is unprecedented, with the GOP in thrall to him despite all of his faults. There’s not much advice Biden should take from him, not morally or ethically at least, but could he benefit from copying his style somewhat? Chris Jones speaks to Berkeley professor of political science, Steven M. Fish, about his new book Comeback: RoutingTrumpism, Reclaiming the Nation, and Restoring Democracy’s Edge.

You can buy a copy of Professor Fish’s book by following the link: https://www.rivertownsbooks.com/book-page/comeback

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Written and presented by Chris Jones. Audio editor: Jade Bailey. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Election '24: How will Sunak and Starmer spend their campaign cash? Jun 04, 2024

Election campaigns are expensive to run, from travelling across the UK, to leaflets to adverts. So how are Sunak and Starmer going to spend their money? University of Sussex Senior Politics Lecturer Sam Power sits down with Ros Taylor to discuss how Sunak and Starmer are spending their campaign cash – and whether they’ll focus on traditional actions or pump it all into TikToks.

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Written and presented by Ros Taylor. Produced by Eliza Davis Beard. Audio production by Jade Bailey. Managing Editor Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor Andrew Harrison. Art by James Parrett. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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The first Sunak-Starmer Face-off – Start Your Week with Ros Taylor Jun 03, 2024

As Labour try to brand themselves as the party of defence and the Tories go ever-more anti-woke, it’s the first head debate between Starmer and Sunak on ITV tomorrow – what can we expect? Plus, South Africa’s ANC has lost power after 30 years and now enters coalition talks. Big gains for far right parties are expected in the European Elections across 27 countries this week. And the US expects Israel to accept Joe Biden’s three-part ceasefire proposal, a huge development in the Israel-Palestine conflict. The week ahead with Ros Taylor and Andrew Harrison.

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Presented by Andrew Harrison. Produced by Eliza Davis Beard. Audio production by Jade Bailey. Art by James Parrett. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Managing Editor Jacob Jarvis. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Should we treat AI as if it’s human? May 31, 2024

As AI becomes more intelligent, should we cease treating chatbots like robots and more like humans? Should they be held accountable to similar standards and laws? Amid the exponential growth of humanoid machines and interfaces, Chris Jones speaks to Professor Sir Nigel Shadbolt, co-author of As If Human: Ethics and Artificial Intelligence and professorial research fellow in computer science at the University of Oxford.

Buy As If Human: Ethics and Artificial Intelligence 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.

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Written and presented by Chris Jones. Audio editor: Jade Bailey. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Election ’24: Does Sunak’s economy gamble make any sense? May 30, 2024

Sunak banked on an improving economy when he went for an early general election. But does it matter if people aren’t feeling the changes? Do the Government’s claims that the UK is the fastest growing country in Europe stand up? And are the Tories now marked as the party of high inflation? Former Theresa May advisor Giles Wilkes talks to Andrew Harrison about the Tories’ high-stakes bet.

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Presented by Andrew Harrison. Audio production by Jade Bailey. Art by James Parrett. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Managing Editor Jacob Jarvis. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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What is England? – Setting seven national myths straight May 29, 2024

What is England? Well, that depends on the myths and stories you listen to. Are these tales more fiction than fact? In their new book England: Seven Myths That Changed A Country – and How to Set Them Straight authors Tom Baldwin and Marc Stears seek the reality of England’s national story. They join Ros Taylor in The Bunker.

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Written and presented by Ros Taylor. Assistant Producer: Adam Wright. Audio editor: Robin Leeburn. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Armed Farces – Start Your Week with Alex Andreou and Jacob Jarvis May 28, 2024

Sunak’s election campaign is going as you’d expect – he’s managed to annoy everyone and make himself look like an idiot at the same time. After the national service announcement, can we expect anything but red meat for Express readers in the coming days? And, on the other hand – what real stuff will Starmer be discussing? Plus we look at the latest in Europe ahead of the EU elections.

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Written and presented by Jacob Jarvis with Alex Andreou. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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“The most shambolic campaign launch in history” – Steve Richards on Election ’24 May 24, 2024

Rishi Sunak’s hapless, rain-sodden election announcement left the country agog. Is this how he means to go on? Why did he choose now? Can he really handle six weeks of punishing campaigning? Hasn’t anyone in No.1 got an umbrella? Seasoned political journalist Steve Richards of the Rock N Roll Politics podcast forecasts stormy electoral weather with Andrew Harrison.

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Written and presented by Podmasters Group Editor Andrew Harrison. Producer: Eliza Davis Beard. Audio producer: Jade Bailey. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson and artwork by James Parrett. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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India votes – Why the biggest election in history matters to you May 23, 2024

The upcoming Indian election will be the biggest in history, with one fifth of the world’s population voting. How consequential will it be – for the nation and the rest of the world too? Gavin Esler speaks to Rohan Venkat, consulting editor at the University of Pennsylvania’s Centre for the Advanced Study of India and editorial consultant at India’s Centre for Policy Research.

• “India is an unusual democratic experiment. What happens in this election is important for democracy all across the South.” – Rohan Venkat

• “This is one fifth of the population that we’re talking about. Whatever happens for India matters for all of humanity.” – Rohan Venkat

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Written and presented by Gavin Esler. Producer: Eliza Davis Beard. Audio editor: Robin Williams. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Music by Kenny Dickinson and artwork by James Parrett. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Extreme Economics – What monetarism meant for Britain, with ex-Thatcher’s advisor Tim Lankester May 22, 2024

Say “monetarism” to anyone who was around in the early 80s and watch the chill run down their spine. Margaret Thatcher tried to conquer inflation by using a fringe economic credo of slashing the money supply. The result was a collapsed economy and unemployment on a colossal scale. What was monetarism? Did it work, even in its own terms? And where are its echoes today?

Tim Lankester – then the PM’s private secretary for economic affairs, now author of Inside Thatcher’s Monetarism Experiment – takes Andrew Harrison back to an age of scorched earth economics.

• “She set out to get inflation down, but it didn’t work out well at all. There was a massive deflation of the economy and unemployment almost doubled.” – Sir Tim Lankester

• “Manufacturing suffered enormously. Output went down by almost 20%. These were pretty bad years for the economy.”– Sir Tim Lankester

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Written and presented by Andrew Harrison. Audio production by Simon Williams. Produced by Eliza Davis-Beard. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Art by Jim Perrett. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. The Bunker is a Podmasters production

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Why is everyone suddenly an expert? (Even when they’re not) May 21, 2024

Conspiracy theorists and disinformation around issues such as the Coid-19 pandemic have created an army of non-expert experts around the world. With the advancement of AI and social media dominating people’s lives, properly researched information from trusted sources is needed now more than ever. But has society already gone too far? Tom Nichols is a writer for The Atlantic and the author of “The Death of Expertise: The Campaign against Established Knowledge and Why it Matters”, and joins Ros Taylor in The Bunker.

Buy The Death of Expertise: The Campaign against Established Knowledge and Why it Matters 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.

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Written and presented by Ros Taylor. Producer: Chris Jones. Audio production: Robin Leeburn. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Iranian helicopter crash, infected blood scandal – Start Your Week with Alex Andreou May 20, 2024

Will the death of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash destabilise Iran, worsen its conflict with Israel, reignite the ‘Woman, Life, Freedom’ protests – or all three? Plus the infected blood scandal turns out even worse than anyone thought. Cabinet Secretary Simon Case faces the COVID inquiry. And are the Tories deliberately driving British universities into crisis? The week ahead with Alex Andreou and Andrew Harrison.

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Presented by Andrew Harrison. Audio production by Jade Bailey. Art by James Parrett. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Managing Editor Jacob Jarvis. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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The quality of Mersey – Why The Boys From The Blackstuff still matters May 19, 2024

The most searing drama of the 1980s, Alan Bleasdale’s Boys From The Blackstuffturned Thatcher’s unemployment crisis into unmissable TV. Unemployed builder “Yosser” Hughes’s desperate plea “gizza job” became a catchphrase. Now the story comes to London in an acclaimed stage adaptation by James ‘Dear England’ Graham. Barry Sloane, cast as Yosser, talks to Andrew Harrison about why the Blackstuff still matters, the legacy of original Yosser actor Bernard Hill… and the power of dark humour.

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Presented by Andrew Harrison. Audio production by Simon Williams. Art by James Parrett. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Managing Editor Jacob Jarvis. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production www.podmasters.co.uk

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The Kremlin court – how Putin’s inner circle keeps him in power May 17, 2024

Vladimir Putin has surrounded himself with loyalists who have kept him in power for 20 years. Earlier this week, Russian defence minister and close ally of Putin, Sergei Shoigu, was removed from his post. But the author of The New Politics of Russia, Andrew Monaghan, says Shoigu’s removal was less of a sacking, as Western media suggests, and more of a promotion. He joins Chris Jones to discuss how Putin’s inner circle operates.

Buy The New Politics of Russia 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.

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Written and presented by Chris Jones. Producer: Eliza Davis Beard and Chris Jones. Audio production: Jade Bailey. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Why Britain's spy problem is getting worse – with ex-MI6 boss Nigel Inkster May 16, 2024

Britain has a spy problem, with a significant surge in threats from China, Russia and Iran in recent months. What kind of covert operations are they running? Gavin Esler sits down with former MI6 director of operations and intelligence and director of transnational threats and political risk at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, Nigel Inkster, to find out just how concerned we should be.

• “We’re seeing a significant upsurge in espionage and other forms of covert activity directed at western countries.” – Nigel Inkster

• “At the end of the day, there is always going to be a role for the human source, for secret agents, because you need to know what is going on in the minds of key decision makers… you can’t interrogate a tape recorder or a satellite.”– Nigel Inkster

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Written and presented by Gavin Esler. Producer: Eliza Davis Beard. Audio editor: Jade Bailey. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Music by Kenny Dickinson and artwork by James Parrett. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Will bird flu be the next big pandemic? – Alex Andreou asks Prof. Devi Sridhar May 15, 2024

You might have seen a flurry of alarming headlines and articles about bird flu in recent weeks. Some reports are comparing it to COVID-19, and positioning it as the next potential worldwide pandemic. How concerned should we be? Alex Andreou asks Devi Sridhar, Professor and Personal Chair in Global Public Health at the University of Edinburgh.

• “Previously, you’d have to be in very close proximity with an infected bird. That is changing. For the first time, we have now confirmed cow to human transmission – that is a signal that something is different here.” – Devi Sridhar

• “It’s like a lottery. There are millions of viruses circulating among animals.” – Devi Sridhar

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Written and presented by Alex Andreou. Producer: Eliza Davis Beard. Audio editor: Robin Leeburn. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Music by Kenny Dickinson and artwork by James Parrett. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Britain abroad – Why do we have such a bad reputation? May 14, 2024

Brits have a bad reputation abroad – but what about Britain as a whole? To discuss how other countries look at Britain, Rafael Behr speaks to FT journalist Michael Peel, author of What Everyone Knows About Britain (*Except the British).

• “Looking at Britain from overseas made Brexit easier to see coming.” – Michael Peel

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Written and presented by Rafael Behr. Producer: Eliza Davis Beard. Audio editor: Simon Williams. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Music by Kenny Dickinson and artwork by James Parrett. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.Instagram | Twitter

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Rishi Sunak, Prophet of Doom – Start Your Week with Ros Taylor and Andrew Harrison May 13, 2024

In your round-up of the week ahead… Rishi Sunak warns that the UK is about to face its most dangerous years ever. The Israeli assaulton the Gazan city of Rafah is imminent. And, what does Russia’s new incursion into Ukraine north of Kharkiv mean? Plus, the Trump trial continues with testimonies scheduled from his former personal lawyer, Michael Cohen. And why were EU flags banned from the Eurovision finale?

• “Rishi Sunak says the challenges of the next few years are so enormous and so scary that only Conservative innovation and Sunak’s own bold ideas can help us face it.” – Ros Taylor

• “Sunak is undoubtedly trying to distract attention from the state that the country is in. If you look at what’s going on in Russia, the NHS will look less depressing.” – Ros Taylor

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Written and presented by Andrew Harrison with Ros Taylor. Producer: Eliza Davis Beard. Audio production: Jade Bailey. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Does America basically rule Britain? May 10, 2024

Britain and America’s link is often called the “special relationship”. But is it that special anymore – or is it actually pretty one-sided? Angus Hanton is a businessman and entrepreneur and the author of Vassal State: How America Runs Britain. He argues that the relationship has changed for the worse – and that Britain has become the 51st state of the United States at great cost to its economy. He joins Gavin Esler in The Bunker to discuss.

Buy Vassal State: How America Runs Britain 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.

• “We’re being taken over at scale and the government doesn’t care.” – Angus Hanton

• “I think this has contributed to our impoverishment and higher tax rates.” – Angus Hanton

If you want more US politics – listen to our new podcast American Friction, out every Friday in the run up to November’s election. Available here, or wherever you get your podcasts.

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Written and presented by Gavin Esler. Producer: Chris Jones. Audio production: Jade Bailey. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Does politics need a bit more swearing? May 09, 2024

Swearing is a part of life. But is there a place for it in politics? Would Parliament function better if politicians were allowed to use a bit more profanity? Alex Andreou discusses this with Philip Seargeant, senior lecturer in applied linguistics at The Open University and author of The Art of Political Storytelling.

• “Swearing always has a purpose.” – Philip Seargeant

• “The idea that language can be particularly harmful has come more from the younger generation.”– Philip Seargeant

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Written and presented by Alex Andreou. Producer: Eliza Davis Beard. Audio editor: Simon Williams. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Music by Kenny Dickinson and artwork by James Parrett. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Iron Lad – How Thatcherite is Starmer really? May 08, 2024

Starmer’s referencing of Thatcher has enraged the left – but is it anything beyond symbolic politicking? And is he really Thatcherite at all? Andrew Harrison speaks to Robert Saunders, a reader in modern British history at Queen Mary University of London, about the legacy of Thatcher and how it ties in with modern Labour policy.

• “It’s worth remembering that Margaret Thatcher herself borrowed ideas from the left.” – Robert Saunders

• “I think Thatcher would be quite alarmed by what she would see in a Reeves-Starmer manifesto.” – Robert Saunders

• “Truss and Sunak were giving two different memories of Margaret Thatcher in the last Tory leadership contest… it was like two branches of the same religion.” – Robert Saunders

• “Margaret Thatcher has become a myth. And the nature of myths means every generation can give different tales about them.” – Robert Saunders

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Written and presented by Andrew Harrison. Audio editor: Jade Bailey. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Music by Kenny Dickinson and artwork by James Parrett. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Foregone delusion – Start Your Week with Alex Andreou and Jacob Jarvis May 07, 2024

Rishi Sunak is trying to spin his local election trouncing as best as he can – what bluster should we ignore this week? Plus, the latest from Gaza as Israel strikes Rafah. And, the Trump trial rolls on – while Xi visits Europe for the first time in five years. Alex Andreou talks Jacob Jarvis through the week ahead.

• “There’s a sort of electoral ruthlessness to the Labour Party at the moment.” – Alex Andreou

• “Sunak should call an election, he won’t, but he should.” – Alex Andreou

• “If Sunak should do something then that usually suggests he won’t do it.” – Jacob Jarvis

• “This is a critical moment for Netenyahu.” – Alex Andreou

• “There is a weird mix of entitlement and scattergun strategy going on from Trump in his court case.” – Jacob Jarvis

Want to hear more about the American election? Then listen to our new podcast, hosted by Jacob Jarvis, ‘American Friction’ – out every Friday in the run up to November’s vote.

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Written and Presented by Jacob Jarvis with Alex Andreou. Audio production: Jade Bailey. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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The fandom menace – How politics is shaped by obsessives May 06, 2024

Is “fandom” one of the drives behind our dysfunctional politics? That’s the thesis of Dr Phoenix Andrews new book I Heart Politics – who writes about how people power is behind a series of quake moments in recent political history. He joins Andrew Harrison to discuss whether the phenomenon and power of fandom is overlooked in contemporary politics, and how the fandoms of politicians like Trump, Farage and Thatcher affect the cultural zeitgeist.

• “The world feels mad, but finding people with a common passion is uplifting.” – Dr Phoenix Andrews

• “Political fandom is basically Eurovision with consequences.” – Dr Phoenix Andrews

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Buy Phoenix Andrew’s book I Heart Politics: How People Power Took Over the World 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.

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Written and Presented by Andrew Harrison. Producer: Adam Wright and Liam Tait. Audio Production: Robin Leeburn. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Music: Kenny Dickinson. Artwork: James Parrett. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Extra: A taster of American Friction May 03, 2024

The brand new podcast from the makers of The Bunker. Bewildered by the US Presidential Election? Don’t worry, American Friction has got you. Every Friday Chris Jones, Jacob Jarvis and Nikki McCann Ramírez of Rolling Stone join expert special guests to count down to America’s most rancorous election in generations.

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Written and presented by Chris Jones, Jacob Jarvis and Nikki McCann Ramírez. Audio editor: Simon Williams. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Executive producer: Martin Bojtos. Artwork by James Parrett. Music: Orange Factory Music. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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“I watched Fox News for a week… here’s what I found out.” May 03, 2024

Fox News is regularly criticised for being sensationalist, full of conspiracies and obsessed with Trump. But, what’s it like if you really watch it for hours on end? Jacob Jarvis did just that and he talked to Dan Cassino, a political scientist at Fairleigh Dickinson University and author of: Fox News and American Politics: How One Channel Shapes American Politics and Society, about what he saw. What is the channel, which has been America’s most watched cable news station for twenty years, really all about?

• “What’s happened over the years to Fox News is it’s turned into something akin to a celebrity gossip magazine.” – Dan Cassino

• “If you come to the US Fox News is on wherever you are and that’s how it’s meant to be consumed… with about 30% of your brain.” – Dan Cassino

• “We’re still living in the world that Fox News Created.” – Dan Cassino

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Written and presented by Jacob Jarvis. Producer: Chris Jones. Audio production: Robin Leeburn. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Artwork by Jim Parrett. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Why Donald Trump is truly a cult leader May 02, 2024

Trump’s followers are often described as cult-like. But how much does the former president actually act like a cult leader? Does he employ the same coercive control tactics utilised by infamous infamous figureheads of the past – like Jim Jones and Sun Myung Moon? The Cult of Trump author and leading mind control expert Steven Hassan tells Rafael Behr how perceiving Trump as a cult leader might let us better understand the current political climate.

• “People don’t care that Trump has ninety-one criminal charges against him, that he has over 40,000 documented lies. They refuse to believe he lost the election. Their minds have been hacked.” – Steven Hassan

• “There are a lot of different cults in the cult of trump.” – Steven Hassan

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Written and presented by Rafael Behr. Producer: Eliza Davis Beard. Audio editor: Robin Leeburn. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Music by Kenny Dickinson and artwork by James Parrett. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Having a laugh? Why satire won't die – with impressionist Jan Ravens May 01, 2024

Satire has been pronounced dead more times than disco. As the political world has lurched into chaos, satirists have struggled to match the absurdity of the figures they mock. But what happens if politics gets boring? Andrew Harrison is joined by Jan Ravens to find out how satire can survive beyond the next general election.

• “Liz Truss’s tragic flaw is that she hasn't grown up. She is still a little girl expecting approval.” – Jan Ravens

• “Satire can't bring down the government, but it can attach an idea to people that they can never shake off.” – Andrew Harrison

• “I'm very happy to do without my Liz Truss impression if it means we can do without her in any position of power whatsoever.” – Jan Ravens

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Written and presented by Andrew Harrison. Producer: Liam Tait. Audio editor: Jade Bailey. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Artwork by Jim Parrett. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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How borders shaped world history – with Jonn Elledge Apr 30, 2024

We live in a world of borders – and often take them for granted. But they’ve shaped the world in myriad ways over the centuries. Our politicians go to extreme lengths to secure them and in some cases build giant walls to protect them. So what can we learn from examining their history?

Andrew Harrison is joined by Jonn Elledge,author of A History of the World in 47 Borders: The Stories Behind the Lines on Our Maps,as we talk about the weird and wonderful history of the lines on our maps.

• “Open borders aren’t inherently progressive, Genghis Khan was in favour of them!” – Jonn Elledge

• “When you look back through history, You have empires, you have cities but there aren’t many borders.” – Jonn Elledge

• “Borders in Europe only really started settling down in the 17th and 18th centuries.” – Jonn Elledge

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Buy Jonn Elledge’s book A History of the World in 47 Borders: The Stories Behind the Lines on Our Maps 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.

Written and presented by Andrew Harrison. Producer: Liam Tait. Audio editor: Jade Bailey. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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A local election, for local people – Start Your Week with Ros Taylor and Jacob Jarvis Apr 29, 2024

It’s the local elections this week – just how bad does it look for Rishi Sunak? As general election rumours swirl, he’s going to be crossing everything in the coming days… And there was the no confidence vote in Scotland lined up – but it’s been reported Humza Yousaf will quit before it happens. Plus, Trump’s trial continues – will he contain his rage as it rolls on? Then finally we turn to Gaza and look at the latest in terms of ceasefire talks. All that and more in Start Your Week, with Ros Taylor and Jacob Jarvis.

• “Sunak wants to give the impression that the Rwanda deportations will happen and that no legal issues will get in the way” – Ros Taylor

• “Calling an election for July might actually be advantageous for Sunak.” – Ros Taylor

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Written and Presented by Jacob Jarvis with Ros Taylor. Audio production: Jade Bailey. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production. ENDS

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From SBF to Elizabeth Holmes – Why do frauds thrive in Silicon Valley? Apr 26, 2024

Silicon Valley presents itself as a haven for tech start-ups wanting to change the world for the better. But, beneath the facade, it has a serious fraud problem. Why do tricksters thrive among the geniuses? Sam Bankman-Fried, founder of the FTX crypto exchange is the latest high-profile example – but he’s far from being the first tech start-up founder to wind up in jail. Erin Griffith is a reporter for the New York Times specialising in tech and finance – and joins Chris Jones in The Bunker to discuss this dark phenomenon.

• “When there’s a lot of free money going around, that’s going to attract a lot of people to exploit that.” – Erin Griffith

• “The venture capital investors who are backing these companies are sophisticated… but there’s also an element of FOMO because there are only so many startups that might be the next Facebook.” – Erin Griffith

• “I’m not sure anything is changing apart from some of these charges for fraud that are now being prosecuted in criminal court.” – Erin Griffith

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Written, presented and produced by Chris Jones. Audio production: Jade Bailey. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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How did the Tories become the chaos party? Apr 25, 2024

The Conservative Party was once a unified force, able to steadily maintain power. But today’s Tories are in constant turmoil. How did they become the party of chaos? Since Brexit there’s been a revolving door of leaders, the rise of tribalism within the party and a series of humiliating byelection losses. Alex Andreou is joined by professor of politics at Queen Mary UniversityTim Bale to try and understand this shift in conservative politics.

• “Everything that top Tories say needs to be considered as part of their future leadership contest.” – Tim Bale

• “Without Brexit, we wouldn't have seen the turmoil that we've seen over the last decade.” – Tim Bale

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Written and presented by Alex Andreou. Producer: Liam Tait. Audio editor: Jade Bailey. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Here's how America's next civil war could happen Apr 24, 2024

The prospect of a new Civil War in the United States is increasingly discussed as political turmoil rips through America. How could such a conflict actually break out? Rob Hutton is joined by The Next Civil War: Dispatches from the American Future author Stephen Marche to discuss the terrifying new film Civil War – and how the reality could be even worse.

• “Civil wars when they come are the very worst things that can happen to a country. In England, the civil war demonstrated a level of brutality that is now unthinkable to us.” – Stephen Marche

• “It’s so dangerous right now, not because the people are inherently violent, but because for those people to get power, they need hatred to get them there.” – Stephen Marche

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Written and presented by Rob Hutton. Producer: Eliza Davis Beard. Audio editor: Jade Bailey. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Music by Kenny Dickinson and artwork by James Parrett. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Red, white and boo – Can Labour reclaim the flag? Apr 23, 2024

The Union Jack represents many things for many people, linked to historical pride – but also shame. And, unfortunately, it’s become somewhat synonymous with the political Right. So what is Labour’s relationship with the flag? Andrew Harrison asks The People's Flag and the Union Jack: An Alternative History of Britain and the Labour Party co-author Gerry Hassan if Labour can reclaim Britishness.

• “I don’t think anyone in the UK can be completely objective about the Union Jack. Flags are things we have emotional connections with. The Union Jack’s meaning has evolved over centuries.” – Gerry Hassan

• “Lots of people say we have to either identify and feel pride in it, or loathe it – but it’s important we allow for a polarity of meanings.” – Gerry Hassan

• “In our current age of culture wars, symbols really matter. And symbols like national flags are highly contested.” – Gerry Hassan

• “Flags are part of who we are as human beings.” – Gerry Hassan

Buy The People's Flag and the Union Jack: An Alternative History of Britain and the Labour Partythrough 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.

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Written and presented by Podmasters Group Editor Andrew Harrison. Producer: Eliza Davis Beard. Audio editor: Jade Bailey. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson and artwork by James Parrett. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Menzies Behaving Badly – Start Your Week with Ros Taylor and Alex Andreou Apr 22, 2024

Sunak has lost another MP after Mark Menzies announced he’s leaving the Tories and won’t stand at the next election. What issues does this raise for the PM? Meanwhile, the Tory leader is set to head to Poland to discuss the Ukraine war with Donald Tusk. What will they talk about? Plus, will Israel go ahead with further strikes on Rafah? And can Donald Trump manage to stay awake during his hush money trial this week? Alex Andreou joins Ros Taylor to discuss the week ahead.

• “They were happy to comment on an ongoing investigation last week, life comes at you fast.” – Alex Andreou

• “The lack of any kind of compromise is part of the reason why the Lords have dug their heels in. The government has made absolutely no moves to meet them even 2% of the way, they’ve just flatly turned everything down.” – Alex Andreou

• “The legislative process shouldn’t be one of trying to ram things through a House that dislikes them.” – Alex Andreou

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Written and presented by Ros Taylor with Alex Andreou. Producer: Eliza Davis Beard. Audio production: Jade Bailey. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Inside Biden's plan to stop Trump stealing the election Apr 19, 2024

We know what happened the last time Donald Trump lost – and Joe Biden wants to make sure he’s prepared for more shenanigans this time out. If Trump doesn’t win “he is willing to cheat and steal it,'' writes today’s guest Adam Rawnsley, reporter for Rolling Stone magazine. He joins Jacob Jarvis in The Bunker to discuss how President Biden is preparing for an electoral tussle with the GOP.

• “The one message we keep seeing from the polls is that no one is excited for this race.” – Adam Rawnsley

• “We have a uniquely dim system … the electoral college.” – Adam Rawnsley

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Written and presented by Jacob Jarvis. Producer: Chris Jones. Audio production: Simon Williams. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Putin Vision – How does Russia see the rest of the world? Apr 18, 2024

Vladimir Putin has a tight grip on information in Russia. How does he shape how his nation sees the rest of the world? And how does he actually perceive other countries? Chris Jones asks Dr. Ivan Grigoriev, lecturer in Russian politics at the King’s Russia Institute.

• “Propaganda in Russia is like a steamroller that keeps rolling over and over the population.” - Dr. Ivan Grigoriev

• “Russia’s election went just how we thought it would: It was an 87% landslide election for Vladimir Putin. And the primary goal of this election was to show that if Putin wants 87%, he will get 87%.” - Dr. Ivan Grigoriev

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Written and presented by Chris Jones. Producer: Eliza Davis Beard. Audio production: Jade Bailey. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Capital gains: How Paris is getting it right Apr 17, 2024

Paris is like Marmite – you either love it or you hate it. But it’s changing. Physically, through massive expansions in social housing and transport and a €40bn shot of investment, but also politically and psychologically. People are even smiling in the streets these days. Ros Taylor talks to Simon Kuper, Financial Times columnist and author of Impossible City: Paris in the Twenty-First Century, about how the French capital is transforming in the lead up to this year’s Olympics.

• “One thing that globalisation does is it removes these weird localities – and in Paris, that locality was rudeness.” – Simon Kuper

• “Paris is trying to become London with the bad bits left out.” - Simon Kuper

Buy Impossible City: Paris in the Twenty-First Century 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.

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Written and presented by Ros Taylor. Producer: Eliza Davis Beard. Audio editor: Simon Williams. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Music by Kenny Dickinson and artwork by James Parrett. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.Instagram | Twitter

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Public enemies: Britain’s greatest political rivalries Apr 16, 2024

Political drama can be tedious but we can all enjoy watching a bitter rivalry unfold. What have been the greatest personal beefs in British politics? Before Starmer and Sunak there was Thatcher and Heath, Blair and Brown, Cameron and Johnson. Seth Thévoz talks Andrew Harrison through some of the ultimate Westminster head-to-heads.

• “When the personal overrides the principle, that’s when it becomes a problem. It’s a weak spot if you’re trying to bring down a person and not forward a cause.”

• “There are tales of Brown yelling at Blair, ‘You ruined my life!’”

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Written and presented by Andrew Harrison. Audio production: Jade Bailey. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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The world at war? – Start Your Week with Alex Andreou and Hannah Fearn Apr 15, 2024

All eyes remain on the Middle East after Iran’s drone attacks on Israel. How will Netanyahu respond? And how are Britain and the US going to react? In the UK, Parliament returns – what is on the agenda? Plus, we look at other flashpoints across the globe – and round-up the rest of the domestic news. Alex Andreou and Hannah Fearn talk through the week ahead.

• “Perhaps it is a poor choice of timing for Iran, but it feels like a febrile time for the entire region.” – Hannah Fearn

• “It feels like both sides are looking for a forever war.” – Alex Andreou

• “The attack crystallised the partnership between Israel, the US and the UK.” – Hannah Fearn

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Written and presented by Alex Andreou. Audio production: Jade Bailey. Producer: Liam Tait. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Can Jesus help Donald Trump win in 2024? Apr 12, 2024

Donald Trump needs evangelical Christian voters to back him to stand a chance in November. But can his religious rhetoric and doubling down on his supposed love of all things Jesus really help him win? Philip Bump is a national columnist for The Washington Post and says that “Trump’s appeal to Christians is more limited than he suggests”. He joins Jacob Jarvis in The Bunker to discuss whether Trump’s Christian pandering will help him.

• “There’s definitely a subset that believes that the hand of God came down and anointed Donald Trump.” – Philip Bump

• “I don’t know if there’s anyone Trump could pick as his running mate to lose his support from evangelical Christians.” – Philip Bump

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Written and presented by Jacob Jarvis. Producer: Chris Jones. Audio production: Simon Williams. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Can we really grow the economy forever? – with Daniel Susskind Apr 11, 2024

Every party promises a growing economy as a solution for everything – but can economic expansion carry on forever? On a planet with finite resources, can growth really be infinite? Ros Taylor talks to Daniel Susskind, economic professor and author of Growth: A History and a Reckoning, about the mystery of economic growth, what “degrowthers” want, and how to balance the pros and cons of an ever-expanding economy.

• “Economic growth feels like it’s a permanent fixture, and yet for most of history there was no growth at all. Modern economic growth only really began about 200-250 years ago.” – Daniel Susskind

• “One of the great mysteries in economics is that we actually know surprisingly little about the process of economic growth.” – Daniel Susskind

• “One thing degrowthers get wrong is this idea that we cannot have infinite growth on a finite planet. I think we CAN have effectively infinite growth.” – Daniel Susskind

Buy Growth: A History and a Reckoning 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.

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Written and presented by Ros Taylor. Producer: Eliza Davis Beard. Audio editor: Robin Leeburn. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Music by Kenny Dickinson and artwork by James Parrett. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Hitler – Why are we still obsessed with him? Apr 10, 2024

Adolf Hitler still comes up in conversations startlingly regularly – particularly online. Why? Sir Richard J. Evans, regius professor emeritus of history at the University of Cambridge and the author of The Hitler Conspiracies: The Third Reich and the Paranoid Imagination, as well as countless other titles, tells Jacob Jarvis why we’re still so obsessed with one of the most evil people to ever live.

• “Our perspectives change - you can now look at Hitler through the eyes and experience of Donald Trump, whose relationship to the truth and hostility to democracy make us look at Hitler afresh.” - Richard J. Evans

• “Seeing the worst that humanity can do, we can use that as a signpost to the more trivial decisions between good and bad.” - Richard J. Evans

Buy The Hitler Conspiracies: The Third Reich and the Paranoid Imagination[https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13277/9780141991498] 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.

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Written and presented by Podmasters managing editor Jacob Jarvis. Producer: Eliza Davis Beard. Audio editor: Robin Leeburn. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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“I watched GB News so you don’t have to” – Gavin Esler on his TV nightmare Apr 09, 2024

Could you watch GB News for a whole month? Gavin Esler did, in the name of research. What he experienced was a nightmare mix of confected anger, wild conspiracy and resentment designed to make its viewers feel like victims. GB News might be a joke but its growing social media presence is spreading and detoxifying the hard right views of some very powerful people. Gavin tells Andrew Harrison why we need to start taking Britain’s most absurd TV channel much more seriously.

• “I am a recovering GB News watcher. I have to say, it was an ordeal - it was awful.” - Gavin Esler

• “Some of the appeal is that ‘we give voice to people who aren’t heard’… But it is an attempt to normalise things that are fundamentally linked to the far right.” - Gavin Esler

• “GB News plays into our social divisions, it plays into culture wars, it plays into people who wish to create problems and not solve them. - Gavin Esler

Read Gavin’s highly entertaining story GB Spews – What I learned watching Britain’s most ghastly television news channel in Prospect magazine.

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Written and presented by Podmasters Group Editor Andrew Harrison. Producer: Eliza Davis Beard. Audio editor: Simon Williams. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson and artwork by James Parrett. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production. Instagram | Twitter

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Ukraine in crisis, Gaza ceasefire bid, William Wragg honeytrap – Start Your Week with Ros Taylor Apr 08, 2024

As the Israel/Gaza war reaches stalemate, are hopes of a ceasefire just wishful thinking? Are “peace talks” in Ukraine just a euphemism for giving Putin what he wants? Plus Thames Water circles the plughole, the William Wragg WhatsApp fallout, and a total eclipse of everyone’s sanity. Ros Taylor sets out the week ahead with Andrew Harrison.

• “I think we’re seeing a slow creep towards giving up some Ukrainian territory to Russia”

• “The more Putin can pick-off Ukrainian support, particularly in Eastern Europe, the less likely Ukraine will be able to fight”

• “The William Wragg honeytrap scandal could just be someone being mischievous, but it could well be something much more serious”

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Written and presented by Andrew Harrison. Audio production by Jade Bailey. Assistant producer: Eliza Davis Beard. Music: Kenny Dickinson. Managing Editor Jacob Jarvis. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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How scared should the West be of TikTok? Apr 05, 2024

Even if you aren’t on Tiktok, you’ll know one of its billion plus monthly users. But how many of them know how their data is being collected, by whom, and why? The US is now proposing to ban the Chinese-owned social media platform over its links to the Chinese Communist Party. Chris Jones asks leading tech journalist Will Guyatt whether this is all just a form of political warfare against China – or if we really should worry about TikTok.

• “The idea that TikTok is in whole owned by the Chinese Communist Party isn’t true. It’s a complex system of ownership spread across the world, including the U.S. and the Cayman Islands.”

• “There are rabid inconsistencies. Joe Biden is saying he’ll support the act to ban TikTok, and using it as a part of his campaign.”

• “Is this about fears over information gathering or is this purely geopolitical? Or a bigger feeling that we shouldn’t do anything to benefit China?”

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Written and presented by Chris Jones. Producer: Eliza Davis Beard. Audio editor: Jade Bailey. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Music by Kenny Dickinson and artwork by James Parrett. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production. Instagram | Twitter

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Myths of the Miners' Strike Apr 04, 2024

Britain’s Miners’ Strike conjures up strong emotions to this day – despite 40 years having passed since the confrontation. But what are the common misconceptions of this period of history? And how are its effects still being felt today? Andrew Harrison asks Robert Gildea, emeritus professor of modern history at the University of Oxford, about the enduring legacy of the Miners’ Strike.

• “The slogan was ‘close a pit, kill a community’ – and there was indeed devastation across mining communities in the decade after the strikes.” – Robert Gildea

• "There was a kind of ‘alternative welfare state’ that was set up largely by the miners’ wives who sustained striking miners and their families. Women came into their own.” – Robert Gildea

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Listen to the latest episode of Jam Tomorrow on the coal industry:

https://listen.podmasters.uk/JT2404coal

Written and presented by Andrew Harrison. Producer: Eliza Davis Beard. Audio editor: Jade Bailey. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Music by Kenny Dickinson and artwork by James Parrett. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Britain's corrupt police – The inside story Apr 03, 2024

Britain’s police forces seem constantly embroiled in scandal. Where does this stem from and where is most of the corruption? Former police officer and undercover drugs operative Neil Woods, author of Good Cop, Bad War, talks to Alex Andreou about the extent of police corruption in Britain and the pressing need for drug reform to reduce the problem.

• “If the public understood the extent of corruption caused by drug policy, we would have a referendum... Drug laws in this country are not ethically sound.” – Neil Woods

• “Because criminals control the over £10 billion a year drug market, which is completely unregulated, the vastness of that wealth is what gives organised crime its power to corrupt.” – Neil Woods

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Written and presented by Alex Andreou. Producer: Eliza Davis Beard. Audio editor: Simon Williams. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Music by Kenny Dickinson and artwork by James Parrett. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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For whom the bell polls – Start Your Week with Alex Andreou Apr 02, 2024

The Tories face electoral obliteration, according to the polls – can Sunak do anything about it? We reflect on the latest damning survey and the current fallouts swirling around the PM. Plus we discuss conflict in the Middle East, and the latest strikes on Gaza and Syria. And finally we look at the latest from the war in Ukraine, then the election results in Turkey. Alex Andreou joins Jacob Jarvis to discuss the week ahead.

• “This is a really high-stakes local election – if the Tories do as poorly as some of the polls predict, it might be time-up for Rishi Sunak” – Alex Andreou

• “Most Tory voters are now either sanguine about a Labour government, or actively want one.” – Alex Andreou

• “Putin’s words often have the opposite effect to what they intended.” – Alex Andreou

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Written and Presented by Jacob Jarvis. Audio production: Jade Bailey. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Are we living through an infertility epidemic? Mar 29, 2024

Collapsing birthrates have inspired dramas from The Handmaid’s Tale to Children of Men, but it isn’t just science fiction any more. We might not realise it, but we’re living through an epidemic of infertility – and it’s getting worse. How did we get here? What does it mean when humans have fewer babies? And how do we turn it around?

Jude Rogers finds out from world-leading environmental and reproductive epidemiologist Dr Shanna Swan, author of the cheerily-entitled Count Down: How Our Modern World Is Threatening Sperm Counts, Altering Male and Female Reproductive Development and Imperilling the Future of the Human Race.

• “This is too fast to be merely evolution... This is a worldwide challenge, if not a catastrophe.” – Dr Shanna Swan

• “Chemicals that affect hormones are influencing the decline in birth rates. We’re the guinea pigs… People need to exert pressure on governments to bring in legislation to stop that.” – Dr Shanna Swan

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Written and presented by Jude Rogers. Producer: Eliza Davis Beard. Audio editor: Jade Bailey. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Music by Kenny Dickinson and artwork by James Parrett. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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‘Beyond terrifying’ – What a nuclear war would really be like Mar 28, 2024

Putin’s threats have made nuclear conflict plausible for the first time since the Cold War – but few really understand the enormity of what it would mean. New book Nuclear War: A Scenario describes such a war step-by-step, from a surprise first strike from North Korea to the destruction of Washington D.C, miles-wide firestorms, the immolation of hundreds of millions of people, and the final extinction of civilisation – all within two hours and 40 minutes.

Pulitzer-nominated author Annie Jacobsen conducted dozens of new interview with military and civilian experts. She talks Andrew Harrison through her timeline of a realistic Apocalypse.

• “What unfolds is a series of missteps with extraordinary consequences.” – Annie Jacobson

• “This is without doubt the most terrifying book I’ve ever read.” – Andrew Harrison

• “We have a launch on warning policy. If we believe a ballistic missile is going to hit the U.S., the President will launch a nuclear weapon immediately. But they are woefully unprepared and uneducated about it.” – Annie Jacobson

Buy Nuclear War: A Scenario 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.

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Written and presented by Andrew Harrison. Producer: Eliza Davis Beard. Audio editor: Simon Williams. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Music by Kenny Dickinson and artwork by James Parrett. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Is the Moon the world's next flashpoint? – with A.C. Grayling and Alex Andreou   Mar 27, 2024

The Moon is packed with precious resources – silicon for microchips, manganese for batteries, and titanium for missiles. As private companies, Japan, China, Russia, India and others rush to claim our lunar neighbour, will they look after humanity’s interests or their own? And what happens when these big, belligerent actors collide? A.C. Grayling, writer, broadcaster and philosophy professor, has just published Who Owns the Moon? In Defence of Humanity’s Common Interests in Space. He talks to Alex Andreou about exploration, exploitation and trouble on the next frontier.

Buy Who Owns the Moon? 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.

• “Nobody owns the Moon, which means everybody does. And if we all own it, we should all have a say in it. But in reality, very few people are having a say in it.” – A.C. Grayling

• “The U.N. treaty, in declaring the Moon a no-man’s land, has provided us with nothing that would restrain any activity there. The treaty is not fit for purpose. We need a better one.” – A.C. Grayling

• “Right now is the last time in history that you’d want to try and get everyone to sign an international treaty for the moon.” – A.C. Grayling

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Written and presented by Alex Andreou. Producer: Eliza Davis Beard. Audio editor: Simon Williams. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Music by Kenny Dickinson and artwork by James Parrett. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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How the mega-rich pay to change the truth – with Cuckooland author Tom Burgis Mar 26, 2024

We think our media is mostly truthful, honest and fearless, but investigative journalism is increasingly stymied by legal threats and the infamous SLAPP (“Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation”) from the powerful. In Cuckooland: Where The Rich Own The Truth, Guardian investigations correspondent Tom Burgis follows a trail of money and influence from Uzbekistan, Nepal and Putin’s Russia to the heart of the Conservative Party – and an extraordinary encounter with Tory donor Mohamed Amersi. If money, power and limitless legal resources mean the rich can redefine the truth, as Burgis claims, what can we do about it?

Buy Cuckooland 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.

• “People think journalists can report things honestly, but what you don’t see is that … a lot of journalists self-censor, choose not to write about people who are litigious.” - Tom Burgis

• “This is the reality of journalism these days. We’re always carrying a lawyer around in our heads. - Tom Burgis

• “The story of our time, from Putin to Trump and all points in between, is how these kleptocrats seize and maintain power through corruption.” - Tom Burgis

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Written and presented by Andrew Harrison. Producer: Eliza Davis Beard and Chris Jones. Audio editor: Simon Williams. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Hack Job – Start Your Week with Alex Andreou Mar 25, 2024

Britain is blaming Beijing for a major cyber attack on voter data – how will this impact relations with China? And how awkward could things get for David Cameron? Plus, Rishi Sunak isn’t doing well as Prime Minister – but are the Tories giving up on plans to replace him? And we discuss the fallout from the recent Moscow terror attack, as well as the latest calls for a ceasefire in Gaza. Alex Andreou joins Jacob Jarvis to talk through the news to look out for this week.

• “I can’t imagine how [David Cameron] must be feeling, it was only in 2015 he was trumpeting a golden era with China.” – Alex Andreou

• “Whatever way you cut it – the Conservatives will lose hundreds of seats” – Alex Andreou

• “There’s been a parade of people saying ’leave Kate alone!’, and those people have made living from not leaving her alone” – Alex Andreou

• “You can’t punish civilians for the sins of their leader” – Alex Andreou

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Written and Presented by Jacob Jarvis. Audio production: Jade Bailey. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production. ENDS

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Who'd want to be Trump's running mate? Mar 22, 2024

With Trump set to be the GOP’s presidential candidate, who will he pick to be his running mate? There’s a whole host of Republicans lining up to take on the role – despite Trump’s backlog of legal battles and the questionable ways he treats those around him. But who has a chance – and who’s been completely ruled out already? Jacob Jarvis is joined in the Bunker by Politico’s senior political columnist and politics bureau chief Jonathan Martin, before taking a deep dive on some of the candidates with Bunker USA producer Chris Jones.

• “There are plenty of thirsty Republicans, as the kids would say, who are eager to take the risk.” – Jonathan Martin

• “I think the criteria is someone he can totally control… and in short someone who is not Mike Pence.” – Jonathan Martin

• “Ambition is a powerful drug and that’s obvious when it comes to US politics.” – Jonathan Martin

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Written and presented by Jacob Jarvis. Producer: Chris Jones. Audio production: Jade Bailey. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Is Britain prepared to fight a war? Mar 21, 2024

Is Britain moving into a “pre-war world”, as Defence Secretary Grant Shapps warned in January? Could we fight a land war or other conflict with Russia if we had to? Are we prepared militarily, economically and psychologically? And what would we have to do to make ourselves secure? RUSI European Security Research Fellow Edward R. Arnold tells Ros Taylor some uncomfortable home truths about NATO, our European allies, and our ability to defend ourselves.

• “Our forces are quite underprepared. Two years ago it was assessed the British army has enough artillery to fight for a week – the German army for only two days.” – Edward R. Arnold

• “War between NATO and Russia would look very different from the war with Russia and Ukraine. Offensive operations are far more complicated than defensive operations.” – Edward R. Arnold

• “The risk of Britain going to war with Russia as a part of NATO is certainly there, either deliberately or accidentally with Russia by the end of the decade.” - Edward R. Arnold

Written and presented by Ros Taylor. Producer: Eliza Davis Beard. Audio editor: Robin Leeburn. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.  

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From Stalin to Kate – The weird history of faked photos Mar 20, 2024

Kate Middleton conspiracy theories have run rampant since that doctored photo emerged. But, altered photos of public figures are nothing new. Today in The Bunker, Seth Thévoz speaks to Joshua Habgood-Coote, research fellow at Leeds University, about the power of manipulated images throughout history.

• “Image manipulation techniques go back to the earliest days of photography.” – Joshua Habgood-Coote

• “Photos are supposed to capture reality – but that has never been the case.” – Joshua Habgood-Coote

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Written and presented by Seth Thévoz. Producer: Liam Tait. Audio editor: Robin Leeburn. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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The Conspiracy Trap – How even MPs fall into it Mar 19, 2024

More and more high-profile figures are falling for conspiracy theories. And here in the UK, British MPs are seemingly becoming increasingly susceptible to engaging with them. Why now? Andrew Harrison asks Tom Phillips, co-author with friend of the pod Jonn Elledge of Conspiracy: A History of Boll*cks Theories, and How Not to Fall for Them.

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Written and presented by Andrew Harrison. Producer: Eliza Davis Beard. Audio editor: Jade Bailey. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Penny for your thoughts? – Start Your Week with Ros Taylor and Gavin Esler Mar 18, 2024

This week,could a backbench rebellion see Penny Mordaunt replace Rishi Sunak before the general election? As online conspiracies run rampant, how has the Royal Family fumbled the Kate Middleton situation? In international news, we look at Putin’s ‘landslide victory’ and what his win means for war with Ukraine. Finally we have the latest on the Israel/Hamas conflict as Netenyahu comes under fire from high profile US democrats.

Gavin Esler talks Ros Taylor through the biggest news stories to look out for this week.

• "Changing leaders again isn’t going to change much in the eyes of the British public." – Gavin Esler

• “It’s almost like the Conservative Party is braindead, but the rigour mortis hasn’t kicked in yet.”– Gavin Esler

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Written and presented by Ros Taylor with Gavin Esler. Producer: Liam Tait. Audio editor: Jade Bailey. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Ranked: The best and worst US Presidents of all time Mar 15, 2024

The history of US presidents is mixed, let’s say. Some achieved incredible things, whilst others have 91 pending criminal charges against them across multiple states. The 2024 Presidential Greatness Project Expert Survey pits them all against each other to find out the best and worst of all time. Professor Justin Vaughn is an associate professor of political science at Coastal Carolina University and co-authored the survey. He joins Gavin Esler in The Bunker to discuss the results.

Find the results of the 2024 Presidential Greatness Project Expert Survey here

• “The ability to face a crisis is important to whether a president can be considered great.” – Prof. Justin Vaughn

• “Biden comes in very well, but I expect there to be lots of fluctuation over the coming years.” – Prof. Justin Vaughn

• “Our greatest president Abraham Lincoln averaged a score of 93.9… Donald Trump scores 10.9.” – Prof. Justin Vaughn

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Written and presented by Gavin Esler. Producer: Chris Jones. Audio production: Simon Williams. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Why is the internet getting so sh*t? – with Ryan Broderick Mar 14, 2024

The internet is getting worse. Google isn’t as helpful as it used to be, all of the best content is behind a paywall and the less said about X the better. But why is the internet getting so sh*t – and why do we simply accept it? Today in The Bunker, Jacob Jarvis speaks to tech reporter and writer of the Garbage Day substack Ryan Broderick about the sorry state of the internet in 2024.

• “The only way to get ourselves out of this enshittification trap is to rethink what we expect from the internet.” – Ryan Broderick

• “There's an urge to create something new online, but so far Crypto, the Metaverse and AI aren’t clicking with the masses.” – Ryan Broderick

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Written and presented by Jacob Jarvis. Producer: Liam Tait. Audio editor: Robin Leeburn. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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What’s Labour’s answer to the leasehold nightmare? – with Barry Gardiner MP Mar 13, 2024

Problems with leaseholds have ruined lives across the UK. Labour has vowed to end the system, but how? And are its plans realistic? Labour MP Barry Gardiner has been campaigning against leasehold for decades and recently fronted a documentary exploring its major issues. He joins Hannah Fearn in The Bunker to discuss what his party plans to do about it?

Barry Gardiner’s documentary

• “We have instances where people are paying £33k in ground rent a year… on top of their mortgage, it’s absolutely wicked!” – Barry Gardiner

• “I know people who have committed suicide… you see the way the stress gets to people.” – Barry Gardiner

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Written and presented by Hannah Fearn. Producer: Chris Jones. Audio production: Simon Williams. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Diving headfirst into 'Conspiracyland' with the BBC's Marianna Spring Mar 12, 2024

The world of online conspiracy theorists is daunting and bewildering. The BBC’s Marianna Spring knows that better than most. In today’s Bunker, Ros Taylor sits down with the disinformation and social media correspondent to discuss her new book Among the Trolls: My Journey Through Conspiracyland.

• “The internet normalises aggression and abuse and that is reflected in the real world too.” – Marianna Spring

• “In the absence of religion or local communities, people turn to the internet for that sense of meaning and purpose.” – Marianna Spring

Buy Marianna Spring’s book Among the Trolls: My Journey Through Conspiracyland 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.

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Written and presented by Ros Taylor. Producer: Liam Tait. Audio editor: Jade Bailey. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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No Money for Old Men — Start Your Week with Alex Andreou and Jacob Jarvis Mar 11, 2024

Hunt’s budget hasn’t shifted the dial for the Tories like they wanted – what will they try next? Plus, we’ve got curious tales of Boris Johnson’s trip to Venezuela and of a doctored Royal family photo… Plus, the latest from Biden vs. Trump and an update on the situation in Gaza. Alex Andreou talks Jacob Jarvis through the news to look out for this week.

• “We know the Tories are headed for defeat, and because Sunak is too afraid to call an election, we are forced to watch them mess up again and again.” – Alex Andreou

• “The moment Biden said ‘we’re in campaign mode’, Trump was on the back-foot.” – Alex Andreou “

• It’s not clear if Trump is asking for money to fund his campaign, or his legal bills.” – Alex Andreou

• “The negotiations about a ceasefire seem to be stalling.” – Alex Andreou

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Written and presented by Jacob Jarvis with Alex Andreou. Audio editor: Jade Bailey. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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The politics of Dune – Fremen of the Land Mar 09, 2024

Warning: major spoilers from the beginning. In a special weekend bonus, we look at the political resonances of Denis Villeneuve’s $200m-grossing space-and-sand opera Dune. What does Frank Herbert’s saga of desert rebellion, imperialism and mystic feminist conspiracy tell us about our world? Can jihadis be heroes? Why do fascists love Dune? Is Muad’Dib a hero or a monster? And is it science fiction’s job to explain our reality to us?

Novelist and Professor of Nineteenth Century Literature Adam Roberts joins fellow Dune-head Andrew Harrison to spice up your life. This edition should only be played AFTER you’ve seen Dune Part Two.

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Presented by Andrew Harrison. Original music and audio production by Simon Williams. Art by James Parrett. Managing Editor Jacob Jarvis. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Does Joe Biden need to rethink his stance on Israel? Mar 08, 2024

The relationship between the United States and Israel is hugely significant – but it’s under serious strain. Is President Joe Biden going to be pushed to rethink some long-held positions regarding this connection? Stephen Walt, professor of international relations at Harvard University and author of The Hell of Good Intentions: America's Foreign Policy Elite and the Decline of U.S. Primacy, tells Gavin Esler how Biden might end up revising his stance.

• “The U.S. is absolutely vital to Israel. They have provided billions of dollars in aid, as well as diplomatic protection.” – Professor Stephen Walt

• “What makes it a ‘special relationship’ is that the U.S. provides all of this support pretty much unconditionally, no matter what Israel does... but this is a strategic liability for the U.S. now.” – Professor Stephen Walt

• “What Israel is currently doing in Gaza is completely inconsistent with American values... this war makes Biden look either clueless or heartless.” – Professor Stephen Walt

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Written and Presented by Gavin Esler. Produced by: Eliza Davis Beard. Audio production: Simon Williams. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Is this Britain’s worst-ever chaos era? – with Steve Richards Mar 07, 2024

British politics is a shambles, from the economy to the cost of living to the NHS and public standards. But is this age of disorder worse than the endgames of past governments? Steve Richards, former BBC political correspondent and host of the Rock & Roll Politics podcast, tells Andrew Harrison how this dying government ranks among key moments of fin de siècle political acrimony from recent decades. From epic scandals to strikes, corruption and shameful resignations, are we really living through the worst days ever?

• “The divisions within the Tory party are much more visible… Sunak has completely failed to contain them.” – Steve Richards

• “We think of politics as showbiz for ugly people but politics is also football for people who can’t play sport.” – Andrew Harrison

We’re now on TikTok as well as Instagram and Twitter. Follow us to keep up with news about our latest episodes and more: www.tiktok.com/@bunkerpod

Get Rock & Roll Politics with Steve Richards every Tuesday.

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Written and presented by Andrew Harrison. Audio editor: Jade Bailey. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Will the public ever trust MPs again? – Ros Taylor asks the IFG's Tim Durrant Mar 06, 2024

Scandal after scandal has eroded public trust in Westminster politics in recent years. Fresh research from the Institute For Government suggests that 65 percent of the public doesn’t think the current government behaves to high ethical standards. What does that mean for the next Government? And can MPs ever win back public trust? Or is it lost forever? Tim Durrant is programme director for the IFG and joins Ros Taylor to discuss this research and these issues.

IFG’s research: https://www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/rebuilding-trust-public-life

• “It’s not straightforward – but I think the need for change is widely recognised.” – Tim Durrant

• “If you have a PM who’s very clear that they expect their colleagues to behave in a certain way, and if they don’t there will be sanctions, that will shift the dial a bit.” – Tim Durrant

• “Starmer has set himself a high bar and Labour recognises that.” – Tim Durrant

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Written and presented by Ros Taylor. Producer: Chris Jones. Audio production: Simon Williams. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Is our broken NHS really being privatised? – Alex Andreou asks the HSJ's Alastair McLellan Mar 05, 2024

With the NHS in constant crisis, we constantly hear it’s at risk of being privatised. How close to the truth is that?To find out, Alex Andreou speaks to Health Service Journal editor Alastair McLellan. They discuss the state of the health service, what reforms are happening, and what change is needed.

• “Everywhere you look, the NHS is really struggling. It’s not that care now is worse than it was in 1970 - it’s that care now compared to what it could be is the greatest gap we’ve seen since the formation of the NHS.” – Alastair McLellan

• "It’s hard to find a Tory voter working for the NHS.” – Alastair McLellan

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Written and presented by Alex Andreou. Producer: Eliza Davis Beard. Audio editor: Jade Bailey. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Music by Kenny Dickinson and artwork by James Parrett. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Budget Smugglers — Start Your Week with Alex Andreou and Ros Taylor Mar 04, 2024

Jeremy Hunt has promised “sensible tax cuts” in his Budget – but will they be enough to satisfy backbenchers? Across the pond – will Super Tuesday solidify Trump as the Republican Presidential nominee? And what will Biden say in his State of the Union address? And finally, we have the latest on the Israel/Hamas conflict, as Israel lists its conditions for a ceasefire.

• “Jeremy Hunt needs to give his backbenchers just enough to keep them quiet.”– Ros Taylor

• "There is an argument for rebalancing the Tax burden in favour of younger people." – Ros Taylor

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Written and presented by Alex Andreou with Ros Taylor. Producer: Liam Tait. Audio editor: Robin Leeburn. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Lettuce from America – Liz Truss tries to conquer the United States Mar 01, 2024

Liz Truss is looking to spread her particular brand of chaos to the United States after trashing her reputation in the UK. She popped up at the latest CPAC, to give a speech to a crowd of baffled right-wingers who simply didn’t know who she was. What is CPAC, who is Truss hanging out with and what is she trying to achieve? Ben Jacobs is an American political journalist and joins Jacob Jarvis in The Bunker to answer those questions.

• “CPAC is a Trump show...this is full Trump fandom” – Ben Jacobs

• “The folks who knew who Truss was were sceptical.” – Ben Jacobs.

• “For hundreds of years people have been coming to the US to start afresh – she’s just following in their footsteps.” – Ben Jacobs

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Written and presented by Jacob Jarvis. Producer: Chris Jones. Audio production: Robin Leeburn. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Who is the real Keir Starmer? – Ros Taylor asks Tom Baldwin Feb 29, 2024

Most people know who Keir Starmer is – but don’t know much about his character. Who is the Labour leader really? Tom Baldwin is a journalist, political adviser and author of the newly published Keir Starmer: The Biography. He’s spent time figuring out who the man who’s likely to become the next Prime Minister really is – and joins Ros Taylor in The Bunker to discuss what he’s learned.

Buy Keir Starmer: The Biography 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.

• “He’s complicated like Britain is… and I think the media have largely got him wrong.” – Tom Baldwin

• “A lot of politicians like to pretend they like football to make them look normal… Starmer uses football as an anchor to pull him back to normalcy.” – Tom Baldwin

• “In politics everyone wants to place you on an ideological spectrum and he doesn’t like that.” – Tom Baldwin

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Written and presented by Ros Taylor. Producer: Chris Jones. Audio production: Jade Bailey. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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‘I was Putin’s speech writer. I don’t recognise him anymore’ Feb 28, 2024

Abbas Gallyamov wrote scripts for Vladimir Putin for 3 years from 2008. He describes Vladimir Putin in that time as ‘logical’ and ‘in control of his emotions’. Now, after Russia’s full scale invasion of Ukraine he says Putin is ‘erratic’ and unrecognisable. His opposition to Putin has reportedly landed him on the Kremlin’s wanted list. He joins Chris Jones from exile away from his motherland, to discuss how Putin has changed, his popularity and the upcoming March election.

•”Back then he was totally different, he was absolutely logical and in full control of his emotions.” – Abbas Gallyamov.

•”These polls are about the number of brave people that dare, in the current situation, to say they don’t trust Putin.” – Abbas Gallyamov.

•”Who on Earth in Russia would answer ‘do you or do you not trust Putin?’ - it’s like opening the gates to hell.” – Abbas Gallyamov.

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Written, presented and produced by Chris Jones. Audio production: Robin Leeburn. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Has Alexei Navalny's death doomed Russia's future? – Chris Jones asks Dr. Jan Dollbaum Feb 27, 2024

The death of Alexei Navalny sent shockwaves across the world. Has Russia’s hope of a brighter future, beyond the reign of Putin, died alongside him? And will we ever know the full truth around his demise – or why it has happened now? To answer these questions and more, Dr. Jan Dollbaum, head of research group ‘Mobilisation and Representation in post-Soviet Eastern Europe’ at LMU Munich and co-author of Navalny: Putin’s Nemesis, Russia’s Future? speaks to Chris Jones in The Bunker.

BuyNavalny: Putin's Nemesis, Russia's Future? 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.

• “The emotions that the Kremlin wants to create are hopelessness and despair. When people are angry with something, that anger can make them overcome their fear. But hopelessness keeps people individualised, and stops collective action.” – Dr. Jan Dollbaum

• “Naming any sanctions against Russia as ’Navalny Sanctions’ sends the message that Navalny is an agent of the West, and Russian propaganda would rejoice in using that opportunity to make that clear to its population.” – Dr. Jan Dollbaum

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Written and Presented by Chris Jones. Produced by: Eliza Davis Beard. Audio production: Simon Williams. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Whip-off merchants – Start Your Week with Alex Andreou and Jacob Jarvis Feb 26, 2024

Lee Anderson has lost the whip – will any other horrid MPs follow this week? And there’s the by-election in Rochdale coming up, which will likely mean more bad news for Sunak. Plus, we discuss the latest from the US presidential race, conflict in the Middle East and concerns over Putin’s actions. Alex Andreou joins Jacob Jarvis to tee up the stories to look out for in the coming days,

• “A dog whistle is only meant to be heard by people really tuned in, this is turning into a foghorn.” – Alex Andreou

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Written and presented by Jacob Jarvis. Audio editor: Robin Leeburn. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Russia-Ukraine two years in: The defining war of the 21st Century Feb 23, 2024

Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began two years ago. Hundreds of thousands have died and more will follow. What is the state of the conflict right now? How has Russia altered global stability, and is Western support for Ukraine wavering? Gavin Esler is joined by Michael Kimmage formerly of the US State Department, now a professor of history at the Catholic University of America and author of Collisions - The Origins of the War in Ukraine and the New Global Instability.

Buy Collisions - The Origins of the War in Ukraine and the New Global Instabilitythrough 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.

• “Putin overestimated the capability of the Russian military.” – Michael Kimmage.

• “I think NATO, while interesting and important, is a bit of a red herring.” – Michael Kimmage

• “There's really no structure or set of powers that can iron this out.” – Michael Kimmage.

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Written and presented by Gavin Esler. Producer: Chris Jones. Audio production: Robin Leeburn. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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When will America be ready for a gay president? – Alex Andreou asks Michael Bronski Feb 22, 2024

America’s presidents have generally been straight, white, old men. Barack Obama bucked that trend, but the United States is yet to have a woman or a queer person in the White House. In today’s Bunker, Alex Andreou asks Harvard professor, award-winning activist and author of the influential A Queer History of the United States Michael Bronski if the US is, or when it might be, ready for an LGBTQ+ president.

• “While Pete Buttigieg may break glass ceilings, there may also be backlash against that, in the same way that there was a decade long backlash from the Republicans against Obama getting elected with the ultimate punishment being Trump.” - Michael Bronski

• “We’re at a point in American popular culture where Ru Paul’s Drag Race is one of the most popular tv shows, and we have multiple movies about trans and non-binary people. So Americans can accept this as a part of popular culture, and simultaneously there’s a political backlash." - Michael Bronski

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Written and Presented by Alex Andreou. Produced by: Eliza Davis Beard. Audio production: Jade Bailey. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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The post-logic election year – Does anybody vote rationally? Feb 21, 2024

It’s a massive election year, with billions voting worldwide. But will those casting votes do so logically? Has voter psychology changed in recent years? And what can be learned from it? To find out, Jacob Jarvis talks to Dr Sandra Obradovic, associate researcher at the Electoral Psychology Observatory to find out.

• “Some see voting as something that upholds democracy and connects you with society at large. It is not an individual activity, it’s one that makes you a citizen.” – Dr Sandra Obradovic

• “We’re moving away from this ‘rational actor’ assumption and acknowledging that reasoning and emotions interlink in the context of politics.” – Dr Sandra Obradovic

• “We’re much more distrusting of politicians and political institutions, even within our own camps.” – Dr Sandra Obradovic

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Written and presented by Podmasters managing editor Jacob Jarvis. Producer: Eliza Davis Beard. Audio production: Robin Leeburn. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Has China’s power peaked? – Alex Andreou asks Michael Beckley Feb 20, 2024

After decades of unprecedented economic growth China’s rise seems to be slowing down. Has the nation’s power reached its peak? What would this mean for the country, and for the rest of the world? Alex Andreou asks Michael Beckley, associate professor of political science at Tufts University and author of Unrivaled: Why America Will Remain the World’s Sole Superpower, in The Bunker.

• “The U.S. has the power to shape the international system in ways that China can’t match.” – Michael Beckley

• “The failure of China’s zero COVID policy is emblematic of a bigger issue” – Michael Beckley

• “China is at risk of a deflation debt cycle. It’s a fundamentally broken economic model.” – Michael Beckley

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Written and presented by Alex Andreou. Producer: Eliza Davis Beard. Audio production: Simon Williams. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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What next for Russia? — Start Your Week with Ros Taylor and Gavin Esler Feb 19, 2024

The killing of Putin’s high profile rival, Alexei Navalny, has sparked outrage. Will this convince the UK and US to step up their support for Ukraine? Rishi Sunak faces the fallout of his most recent by-election losses – how is he clinging on? Across the pond – Liz Truss will be making an appearance at CPAC, as if Americans didn’t have enough to deal with already. Finally we have the latest on the Israel/Hamas conflict as Netenyahu prepares a ground offensive in Rafah.

• "We have politicians in this country like Nigel Farage who say that they admire Vladimir Putin. Why?" – Gavin Esler

• “What kind of person would pay money to listen to Liz Truss?”– Gavin Esler

• "Appointing David Cameron as Foreign Secretary has been one of the best things that Rishi Sunak has done."– Gavin Esler

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Written and presented by Ros Taylor with Gavin Esler. Producer: Liam Tait. Audio editor: Jade Bailey. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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What Joe Biden needs to do to win in 2024 – Gavin Esler asks Molly Jong-Fast Feb 16, 2024

Biden’s economic and immigration policies are under relentless fire from Trump and Republicans, and his approval ratings are dire – but when you look at the facts, is he really doing so badly? And what does he need to do to convince the American public to re-elect him? Gavin Esler finds out from Molly Jong-Fast, special correspondent for Vanity Fair and host of the Fast Politics podcast.

Listen to Fast Politics podcast: https://fastpoliticspod.com/

• “As much as there’s so much talk about Biden's age, Biden got the last nomination BECAUSE he was old.” – Molly Jong-Fast

• “American political life is so demented and deranged.” – Molly Jong-Fast

• “Why are we talking about immigration? Because the economy has gotten much better … the Republicans have shifted the narrative.” – Molly Jong-Fast

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Written and presented by Gavin Esler. Producer: Chris Jones. Audio production: . Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Why self-help isn’t helping – with Alex Andreou and Vincent Deary Feb 15, 2024

The global ‘self-help’ market is worth over £30 billion. And yet, it seems no amount of books, apps or podcasts can fix us: we’re all still as burnt out and broken as ever. In today’s edition, Alex Andreou sits down with psychologist and fatigue specialist, Prof Vincent Deary, to talk about his latest book How We Break: Navigating the Wear and Tear of Livingandfind out why ‘self help’ isn’t really helping at all.

• “No two people break in the same way.” – Vincent Deary

• “People are being broken not by themselves but by the world and environments around them.” – Vincent Deary

Buy Vincent Deary’s book How We Break: Navigating the Wear and Tear of Livingthrough 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.

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Written and presented by Alex Andreou. Producer: Liam Tait. Production Assistant: Adam Wright. Audio editor: Jade Bailey. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Why are so many MPs obsessed with sex? With Kate Lister Feb 14, 2024

It's often said that politics is showbiz for ugly people. So why has parliament produced so many sex scandals? Today in this special Valentine’s Day edition of The Bunker, Andrew Harrison sits down with sex historian and host of Betwixt the Sheets, Kate Lister to rifle through Westminster’s dirty laundry and find out why so many politicians are entangled in sex scandals.

• “When you’re a politician, opportunities for sex come around more often.” – Kate Lister

• “It's such a strange life. You have to be exemplary in everything you do. Is it any wonder that every once in a while they do something stupid?” – Kate Lister

• “I think we are becoming more tolerant of affairs. Is it any of our business?” – Kate Lister

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Written and presented by Andrew Harrison. Producer: Liam Tait. Audio editor: Jade Bailey. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Bonus: What Tucker Carlson's Putin interview really means – Ian Garner explains Feb 13, 2024

Former Fox News anchor Tucker Carlson’s two-hour sit down with Vladimir Putin has grabbed headlines worldwide. But can we really learn anything from it? Jacob Jarvis talks to Ian Garner, a historian of Russian culture and the author of Z Generation: Into the Heart of Russia’s Fascist Youth, to discuss how to interpret the interview – and what the Russian leader really should have been asked.

• “Putin’s character was on display – he does tend to be very patronising. He’ll openly mock people for asking what he deems to be stupid questions.” – Ian Garner

• “When Putin is talking about the past he’s not talking about a literal interpretation of events in the way we would expect. It is all about myth.” – Ian Garner

Buy Z Generation: Into the Heart of Russia’s Fascist Youth [LINK: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13277/9781787389281] 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.

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Written and presented by Podmasters managing editor Jacob Jarvis. Produced by: Eliza Davis Beard. Audio production: Robin Leeburn. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Is Benjamin Netanyahu losing control? Feb 13, 2024

Benjamin Netanyahu’s power is faltering. From losing international support, to the charges of fraud and bribery that he’s facing – pressure is mounting on the Israeli leader. So how much power does he have left and could this rift with President Biden be the final nail in the coffin? Chris Jones is joined by Politico’s senior foreign affairs correspondent Nahal Toosi, who recently wrote: The US Is Dealing With an Israeli Leader Who’s Losing Control.

Nahal Toosi’s Politico column: https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2024/01/08/netanyahu-israeli-leader-losing-control-00134146

• “Just being prime minister is not enough to protect him from having to stand trial.” – Nahal Toosi

• “Netanyahu is using the ICJ ruling to support his position, creating an ‘us versus them’ narrative.” – Nahal Toosi

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Written and presented by Chris Jones. Producer: Eliza Davis and Chris Jones. Beard. Audio production: Robin Leeburn. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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By and by-elections — Start Your Week with Alex Andreou and Jacob Jarvis Feb 12, 2024

This week: By-elections will prove yet another test for Sunak – but things aren’t smooth sailing for Labour either. Plus, updates as Israel strikes Rafah – what will this mean for the conflict? And, Trump latest as he delivers controversial comments on Russia. Alex Andreou joins Jacob Jarvis to tee up the week ahead.

• “The level of defeat in these by-elections matters” – Alex Andreou

• “Michael Gove defending you feels like one of the four horsemen of the Tory apocalypse” – Alex Andreou

•“There is a balance to be struck between being cautious and being unambitious” – Alex Andreou

• “There must be an international intervention now – it is enough.” – Alex Andreou

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Written and presented by Jacob Jarvis with Alex Andreou. Audio editor: Jade Bailey. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Why are Americans dying so young? – Gavin Esler asks Dr Steven Woolf Feb 09, 2024

The US life expectancy is at its lowest point in more than two decades – and behind that of some so-called ‘developing nations’? Why is this the case – and is anything being done about it? To answer these questions, Gavin Esler speaks to Dr Steven Woolf, lead author of the Journal of the American Medical Association’s report on health outcomes in the United States.

• “It would be easy to blame this on a single cause such as the obesity epidemic, the opioid epidemic, guns: these are all big problems for the United States, but neither one by itself fully explains the systemic pattern of poorly performing against other high income countries.” – Dr Steven Woolf

• “Studies have shown that even the so-called ‘advantaged’ populations of the U.S. die earlier than rich people in the UK. Across multiple categories of advantage – such as having health insurance, being a non-smoker, being white – all of these populations have been doing worse than in other countries.” – Dr Steven Woolf

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Written and Presented by Gavin Esler. Produced by: Eliza Davis Beard. Audio production: Jade Bailey. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Why we should be grateful for chaos – Brian Klaas explains Feb 08, 2024

We like to imagine society is structured by rationality and reason. But, really, isn’t everything a matter of chance? Ros Taylor talks to Brian Klaas, associate professor of global politics at UCL, about his new book Fluke: Chance, chaos and why everything we do matters, in The Bunker and to discuss how randomness shapes our lives.

Buy Fluke by Brian Klaas 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.

• “Unforeseen events have shaped everything economically and politically in our lives. The illusion of control causes us to be hubristic in how we navigate uncertainty, and that’s a very big problem social science needs to grapple with.” – Brian Klaas

• “Very often people on the political left are worried about the idea of determinism because they say ‘this lets injustice off the hook’. The flip side of that is you believe that everyone dictates their own future – which is what the political right often says." – Brian Klaas

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Written and Presented by Ros Taylor. Produced by: Eliza Davis Beard. Audio production: Robin Leeburn. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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The knife crime 'epidemic': What's really going on? Feb 07, 2024

Britain’s knife crime crisis is regularly called a “pandemic” in the media. But just how serious is the problem? Who suffers from it most? And does any political party have the right idea of how to combat it? To answer these questions, Andrew Harrison speaks to Dr James Alexander ofLondon Metropolitan University’s criminology department.

• “Knife crime is reported as a black issue, which is a problem with the media. It is more widespread than that, it is about poverty, it is about these people not receiving the support they need, regardless of their ethnicity.” – Dr James Alexander

• "People are growing up in areas where knife crime is just a fact of life. They are desensitised to the idea of carrying a knife.” – Dr James Alexander

• “The criminals they are often targeting are 14, 15, 16 year olds – they are children who need support to get back into education, and support for mental health issues." – Dr James Alexander

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Written and Presented by Andrew Harrison. Produced by: Eliza Davis Beard. Audio production: Simon Williams. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Why Putin's rigged Russian election still matters Feb 06, 2024

Russia’s presidential election doesn’t take place until March – yet we already know the result. Vladimir Putin will beat the other 3 ‘candidates’ with ease to retake his place as president. But does that mean the vote doesn’t matter at all? Or could we still learn something from the result? Chris Jones talks to András Tóth-Czifra, fellow in the Eurasia program at the Foreign Policy Research Institute and author of Controlling the Narrative: A Roadmap to Russia’s 2024 Presidential Election, in The Bunker.

• “These elections are not taking place in a democracy – so it would be foolish to analyse them as if they were.” – András Tóth-Czifra

• 'For the Kremlin this is a vital test of the officialdom – the political machinery that the federal government relies on to control the country.’ András Tóth-Czifra

András’ research: https://www.fpri.org/article/2023/12/controlling-the-narrative-a-roadmap-to-russias-2024-presidential-election/

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Written and Presented by Chris Jones. Produced by: Eliza Davis Beard and Chris Jones. Audio production: Jade Bailey. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Holy Scrap — Start Your Week with Ros Taylor and Alex Andreou Feb 05, 2024

This week: Rwanda rows continue as James Cleverly drags the Church of England into the migration dispute. Plus – Could Liz Truss make a return to frontline politics with the launch of her Popular Conservatism project? And in the Middle East, the RAF and the US air force continue their offensive against Houthi Rebel targets. Is the military campaign making a difference?

• "Dragging the Church of England into the culture war seems risky.” – Ros Taylor

• “The Home Secretary’s feud with the church is really all about the Rwanda Bill.” – Alex Andreou

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Written and presented by Alex Andreou with Ros Taylor. Producer: Liam Tait. Audio editor: Jade Bailey. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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The increasingly weird world of Tucker Carlson Feb 02, 2024

Tucker Carlson’s getting weirder. Hard to believe it, we know. From promoting shamed conspiracy theorist Alex Jones’ return to interviewing indictment riddled Donald Trump last year, he’s not shying away from controversy. What is Carlson’s end game and how much power does he have, not just through media ventures but in US politics too? Nikki McCann Ramirez is a politics reporter for Rolling Stone magazine and has watched more Carlson content than most could bear. She joins Jacob Jarvis in The Bunker.

• “He’s always been a bit of a weirdo.” – Nikki McCann Ramirez

•” “That interview with Alex Jones was awful to watch.” – Nikki McCann Ramirez

• “It’s entirely Tucker centric at this point...his audience takes his word as gospel.” – Nikki McCann Ramirez

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Written and Presented by Managing Editor Jacob Jarvis. Produced by: Chris Jones. Audio production: Alex Rees. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Can pranks change the world? – with chaos agent Oobah Butler Feb 01, 2024

British politics can be laughable. But can poking fun at it actually spark change? Marie Le Conte speaks to professional prankster Oobah Butler, whose viral videos have amassed tens of millions of views online and caused real-world action in their aftermath.

• “There’s something really lame about a prank. It’s quite a disarming thing to use. If it’s not punching upwards, it can’t be funny fundamentally. It’s fun to mess with institutions that ‘deserve it’ in a way that is beneath them – you’re dragging them down with you.” – Oobah Butler

• "I don’t think I can call myself an activist. I’m down here in the mud.” – Oobah Butler

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Written and Presented by Marie Le Conte. Produced by: Eliza Davis Beard. Audio production: Jade Bailey. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Britain’s hero, India’s war criminal: Churchill’s maddening legacy – with Ahir Shah Jan 31, 2024

Sir Winston Churchill’s legacy is often discussed – but is usually more complex than conversations suggest. Some call him one of the greatest Britons of all time – in India, however, he is regarded as one of thekey villains of imperial rule. Ahir Shah is joined by historian Walter Reid, fellow of the Royal Historical Society and author of Fighting Retreat: Churchill and India, to discuss how Churchill is remembered.

• “Churchill was racist because he constantly belittled India. ” – Walter Reid

• “He believed India’s role in the Empire had to be protected at all costs.” – Walter Reid

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Written and presented by Ahir Shah. Producer: Eliza Davis Beard and Liam Tait. Audio production: Jade Bailey. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Why can’t politicians quit while they’re ahead like Klopp did? Jan 30, 2024

Jürgen Klopp impressed the football world with his honest reasons for quitting as Liverpool manager. But how come so few politicians know how to quit when they’re ahead? Andrew Harrison talks to Oh God What Now regular Seth Thévoz about the history of political exits – and the times when leaders from Harold Wilson to Thatcher, Major and Blair just couldn’t let go.

•“Even politicians who’ve said ‘I am definitely standing down’ find all sorts of creative reasons to hang on to power just a little bit longer.” - Seth Thévoz

•“It’s actually quite sad speaking to retired politicians, especially if they’ve been turfed out of the office. One minute being at the center of power, making decisions, and the next minute nobody wants to interview them, nobody wants to quote them or ask their opinion on anything." - Seth Thévoz

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Friends without benefits — Start Your Week with Alex Andreou and Jacob Jarvis Jan 29, 2024

It’s a bad Brexit news week as new regulations are put in place. Plus, Sunak’s woes continue – but Hunt’s going to try and help him out. And we discuss the latest from conflicts and elections across the globe, including Trump being made to look like a loser.

• “The government is once again farming out its problems caused by Brexit to companies.” – Alex Andreou

• “The last thing Sunak needs is to be seen as being helped by Labour because his own back benches are too fractious” – Alex Andreou

• “If Trump has to start selling stuff that could make him look like a loser, which is fatal to his image.” – Alex Andreou

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Written and presented by Jacob Jarvis with Alex Andreou. Audio editor: Jade Bailey. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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100% Faithful? What The Traitors can teach us about politics Jan 26, 2024

Hit reality TV show The Traitors reveals how great some people are at lying – and how bad others are at detecting it. What lessons can we take from Claudia Winkleman’s backstabbing parlour game about the world of politics? Today in The Bunker, Ahir Shah speaks with The Guardian’s Zoe Williams to find out which of our politicians would flourish or flounder under the pressure.

Stay tuned until after the credits for Ahir’s slightly spoilery final thoughts leading into the final two episodes.

• “The very act of honesty has become a badge of shame in modern politics.” – Zoe Williams

• “I paused the episode and said to my wife: ‘I think I finally understand how Boris Johnson happened’.” – Ahir Shah

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Written and Presented by Ahir Shah. Producer: Liam Tait and Chris Jones. Audio production: Jade Bayley. Production Assistant: Adam Wright. Art by James Parrett. Music by Kenny Dickinson.Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Beyond Biden and Trump: What really matters to US voters? – with NPR's Susan Davis Jan 25, 2024

The US election is being fought on many fronts, but what does the American public really care about most? Is it the economy, is it immigration, or is it simply the name of the person who sits in the Oval Office? Susan Davis is a political correspondent for NPR and host of the NPR Political Podcast. She joins Alex Andreou in The Bunker to discuss how the likely candidates will campaign on the most important issues.

• “There’s a sense of nostalgia for Trump… people think ‘my life was better under Trump’.” – Susan Davis

• “Anger is the greatest character in American politics.” – Susan Davis

• “Immigration has been an unsolvable problem in US politics basically since the Reagan era.” – Susan Davis

Listen to NPR’s Political Podcast: https://www.npr.org/podcasts/510310/npr-politics-podcast

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Written and Presented by Alex Andreou. Produced by: Chris Jones. Audio production: Robin Leeburn. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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What really matters most to British voters? – New Statesman data journalist Ben Walker explains Jan 24, 2024

What do people care most about at the moment – and how will this affect their votes in the upcoming general election? From immigration to the NHS, the economy to defence, there’s plenty for voters to think about. Ros Taylor speaks to Ben Walker, senior data journalist at the New Statesman and co-founder of Britain Elects.

•“The priority amongst all Britons is not immigration, not the NHS, but still for solutions on the cost of living.” – Ben Walker

•“The reality of politics is that feelings matter more than facts - if you’re feeling like your income is being squeezed, if you feel like your community is turning to dust, you’ll vote with that in mind.” – Ben Walker

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Written and Presented by Ros Taylor. Produced by: Chris Jones and Eliza Davis Beard. Audio production: Jade Bailey. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Mr. Bates vs. The Post Office rocked the Government. How do dramas like this make it to TV? Jan 23, 2024

Few TV dramas have had such an instant seismic effect as ITV’s miniseries on the Horizon scandal, Mr Bates vs The Post Office. How do searing stories of miscarriages of justice make it to screen in a ruthless television environment? And what makes them so effective at concentrating public outrage and forcing change? Simon Heath, CEO and Creative Director of World Productions, was Executive Producer of Line of Duty and the acclaimed Hillsborough drama Anne. He tells Andrew Harrison what makes true-life drama work – and how it does the job that World In Action used to do.

• “To be able to launch a drama while a public inquiry is still ongoing is just fantastic because you’re able to point the audience immediately toward a live political issue, and the two things feed on each other.” - Simon Heath

• “Some stories do lend themselves more readily to dramatisation, and there was something about the Post Office Scandal that you could essentially distil it down to the little people versus this out of control, faceless bureaucracy that was crushing them.” - Simon Heath

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Written and Presented by Andrew Harrison. Produced by: Eliza Davis Beard. Audio production: Jade Bailey. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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DeSantis Destroyed – Start Your Week with Gavin Esler Jan 22, 2024

“Ron DeSanctimonious” is out of the Presidential running meaning a two-way race between Trump and Nikki Haley in this week’s New Hampshire Primary. Houthi attacks on shipping in the Red Sea start to filter through to the economy. The Lords get ready to savage the Rwanda Plan. And NASA opens up a can of asteroid dust – what could possibly go wrong? Gavin Esler sets out the week ahead for Andrew Harrison.

Presented by Andrew Harrison. Audio production by Jade Bailey. Art by James Parrett. Lead producer Jacob Jarvis. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Bunker USA: From true believers to chaos addicts – The 5 types of Trump voters Jan 19, 2024

Donald Trump once said he could shoot someone on 5th Avenue and his supporters wouldn’t care. Not only does polling suggest that could be true – but since he was criminally indicted (not for shooting anyone) his loyalists have stuck by him. Thomas Gift is the founding director of UCL’s centre on US politics and he joins Jacob Jarvis in The Bunker to discuss what he believes are the five types of Trump voters.

• “Trump supporters have been likened to a cult … and I don’t think that’s far off.” – Thomas Gift

•“Whenever I think about the need for drama Republicans I think about the chaos caucus… they want to blow up the system.” – Thomas Gift

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Written and presented by Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Producer: Chris Jones. Audio production: Simon Williams. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Why everyone is wrong about migration – Hein de Haas joins Ros Taylor Jan 18, 2024

Migration is one of the most divisive issues in the UK – socially, politically, and economically. But a lot of the information we consume is propaganda, and many of the assumptions made are wrong. Hein de Haas, author of How Migration Really Works, offers Ros Taylor insights which could lead to effective migration policy.

• “The overall contribution of recent migration has been positive rather than negative.” – Hein de Haas

• “There is actually no difference between Left and Right wing governments in terms of the immigration policies they implement.” – Hein de Haas

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Written and Presented by Ros Taylor. Produced by: Eliza Davis Beard. Audio production: Simon Williams. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Inside Russia’s plot to put Trump back in the White House – with Gavin Esler and Joseph Webster Jan 17, 2024

The 2024 US Presidential election will likely see Biden and Trump back on the ballot. And, if previous elections are anything to go by, Russia will play a key role in manipulating things in Trump’s favour. Joseph Webster, senior fellow at the Atlantic Council and editor of the China-Russia report, joins Gavin Esler in The Bunker, to discuss what Russia seeks to gain out of a Trump presidency, and how they might just get it.

• “Gasoline prices are a major determinant in U.S. elections. Anything that Russia can do to lower or increase prices will have a big impact.” – Joseph Webster

• “Disinformation campaign efforts by the Russian state and by figures associated with the Russian state will almost certainly persist into 2024.” – Joseph Webster

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Written and Presented by Gavin Esler. Produced by: Eliza Davis Beard. Audio production: Alex Rees. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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The Kids are Alt-right – What’s radicalising a new generation of extremists? Jan 16, 2024

Young people, particularly young men, are increasingly becoming radicalised toward the far-right. Often chronically online and extremely vulnerable to manipulation, just how big of a risk do they pose? And what can be done about it? Alex Andreou joins Cynthia Miller-Idriss, founding director of the Polarisation and Extremism Research and Innovation Lab (PERIL) at the American University in Washington, DC, in The Bunker.

• “The far-right is really a spectrum for supremacist ideologies; which include white, christian, western, or misogynist supremacies, but also anti-government and anti-democratic supremacies.” – Cynthia Miller-Idriss

• “The real shift we are seeing now compared to previous generations is that, where you used to have to be taken by the arm and invited by an individual to join a group, now all of that propaganda comes right to you online.” – Cynthia Miller-Idriss

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Presented by Alex Andreou. Producer: Eliza Davis Beard. Audio production: Alex Rees. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Rebel strikes — Start Your Week with Alex Andreou and Ros Taylor Jan 15, 2024

PM Rishi Sunak faces the commons today to explain military action against Houthi Rebels. Plus – the Rwanda bill is back. Will the Conservatives be satisfied with the latest draft? Across the pond – The Republican Party caucuses in Iowa. Is a Trump victory inevitable? And finally President Biden has congratulated Lai Ching-te following his victory in the Taiwan election, how will Beijing respond?

• "You simply cannot notify your enemies that you’re about to take military action." – Alex Andreou

• “We are vastly underestimating the threat of Russia.”– Alex Andreou

• “Democratic nations are always at a disadvantage when it comes to war.” – Alex Andreou

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Written and presented by Alex Andreou with Ros Taylor. Producer: Liam Tait. Audio editor: Jade Bailey. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Iran, the Houthis and war in the Red Sea explained – Special edition with This Is Not A Drill Jan 12, 2024

A special crossover episode with This Is Not A Drill, our geopolitics podcast. Why are UK and US navies defending Western shipping against missile attacks and hijacks from rebels in the poorest country in the Middle East? The battle between the Yemeni government and the Houthi militia threatens to spill over into a wider regional conflict – and Iran is fanning the flames. What happens next?

Gavin Esler talks to Helen Lackner, author of Yemen In Crisis, to find out who the Houthi are, what they want, what their rebellion means for the West… and whether the war could spread.

Follow This Is Not A Drill on your favourite podcast provider for weekly interviews and reports on the world’s flashpoints.

Written and presented by Gavin Esler. Art by James Parrett. Bunker music by Kenny Dickinson. TINAD music by Paul Hartnoll – https://www.orbitalofficial.com. Group Editor Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER and THIS IS NOT A DRILL are Podmasters Productions

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Are politicians trying to brainwash you? – Alex Andreou and Daniel Pick on the new era of thought control Jan 11, 2024

Brainwashing has been utilised as a political tool for centuries. How exactly is it weaponised today? Daniel Pick, author of Brainwashed: A New History of Thought Control, discusses the history and contemporary manifestations of thought control with Alex Andreou, in The Bunker.

• “Brainwashing seeks both to decimate and damage the mind – and to infiltrate ideas and to organise ideologies in a systematic way.” – Daniel Pick

• “Behavioural units exist within governments, including Downing Street, to advise on the best way to nudge people in a benign way. Such units were utilised, for example, during the Covid pandemic.” – Daniel Pick

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Presented by Alex Andreou. Producer: Eliza Davis Beard. Audio production: Simon Williams. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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The digital hacks Sunak and Starmer will use to fight the election – with Ros Taylor and Kate Dommett Jan 10, 2024

Internet culture has changed a lot since the last general election – so the way politicians use it will have to evolve too. Facebook may no longer be the king of social media, but have Sunak and Starmer mastered Tiktok, Instagram or YouTube? Today in The Bunker, Ros Taylor speaks with professor of digital politics at Sheffield University, Kate Dommett, about the tricks politicians will be using to win your votes.

• "Political parties are trying to reach out to younger voters and they aren’t using Facebook anymore.” – Kate Dommett

• “A code of conduct on digital campaigning among major parties isn’t going to stop campaign groups using underhand tactics online." – Kate Dommett

• “No politician in the UK has successfully mastered TikTok yet." – Kate Dommett

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Written and Presented by Ros Taylor. Producer: Liam Tait. Art by James Parrett. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Simon Williams. Group Editor Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Farage and Reform UK: Should the Tories really be worried? – Michael Crick explains Jan 09, 2024

Once known as the Brexit Party, Reform UK wants to mortally wound the Tories in the General Election. Do its recent poll spikes show real support for Richard Tice’s vociferously anti-migration, anti-woke party? Should the Tories really worry – and should Labour? And could those fanciful stories about Nigel Farage joining the Tories and taking over as leader really come true? Legendary journalist and broadcaster Michael Crick explains it all to Andrew Harrison.

Buy One Party After Another: The Disruptive Life of Nigel Farage 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.

• “I think there’s a 20% chance Farage will be Conservative leader someday.” – Michael Crick

• “If he wanted to get rid of Richard Tice, he could. He’s a ruthless figure is Farage.” – Michael Crick

• “You can’t just say that all of the votes Reform get would have gone to the Conservatives.” – Michael Crick

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Written and presented by Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Producer: Chris Jones. Audio production: Alex Rees. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Fuel to the binfire — Start Your Week with Alex Andreou and Ros Taylor Jan 08, 2024

Rishi Sunak faces more backbench backlash as Parliament returns. Plus – will an emergency summit give closure to the 700 victims of the Post Office scandal? Finally in a year of vital elections, how will the Taiwan election shape global politics?

• “Sunak should not be pandering to the party faithful. That’s not governing.” – Ros Taylor

• “We’re looking at three byelections in just eight days. It doesn’t look good for the Conservatives.” – Alex Andreou

• “Why has it taken an ITV drama to get the Post Office scandal noticed?” – Ros Taylor

Support us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Alex Andreou with Ros Taylor. Producer: Liam Tait. Audio editor: Jade Bailey. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Trump vs. Biden: Is America set for its most chaotic year yet? – with Gavin Esler and Sarah Isgur Jan 05, 2024

There’s pretty much only one certainty in US politics in 2024: chaos. Trump faces a reckoning with the law, but is still very much in the running for the presidency. Meanwhile scrutiny against Biden ramps up. How will these controversies play out? Joining Gavin Esler in The Bunker to discuss all of this is senior editor at The Dispatch and host of the Advisory Opinions podcast, Sarah Isgur.

• “Asteroids hit every day, but yes, it’s going to be Biden vs Trump.” – Sarah Isgur

• “I have no idea whether Trump can pardon himself and neither does anyone else.” – Sarah Isgur

• “We have not had a truly viable 3rd party candidate arguably ever.” – Sarah Isgur

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Presented by Gavin Esler. Producer: Chris Jones. Audio production: Robin Leeburn Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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The Economy: Five things you need to know in 2024 – with Giles Wilkes and Andrew Harrison Jan 04, 2024

Britain’s damaged economy will dominate this election year but it’s a sprawling topic. We’ve broken it down into five key issues to keep an eye on in 2024 – from the endless battle over tax cuts to the still-dire cost of living crisis, from the mortgage timebomb to the unforeseen consequences of AI. Former advisor to Vince Cable and now senior fellow at the Institute for Government Giles Wilkes lays out the issues for Andrew Harrison.

• “Tax cuts don’t win elections.” — Giles Wilkes

• “Debt is not evil in itself. Debt is the ability to borrow from the future and if we hadn’t invented it, we’d be much poorer.” – Giles Wilkes

• “The past couple of years have probably been as bad for the cost of living as we've had since the period of rationing.” – Giles Wilkes

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Presented by Andrew Harrison. Producer: Eliza Davis Beard. Audio production: Simon Williams. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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How AI will change the world forever in 2024 – for better or worse. With Dr. Kate Devlin and Kyle Taylor Jan 03, 2024

AI took the world by storm in 2023 – and has the potential to fundamentally change it in 2024. But will it be for better or worse? That all depends on who utilises it. Dr. Kate Devlin is joined in The Bunker by Kyle Taylor, author of the The Little Black Book of Artificial Intelligence: How Big Tech is Making Humanity Redundant to discuss.

• “Everything in the AI space is being designed in a for-profit lens.” – Kyle Taylor

• “Now it’s the white collar jobs that can be replaced easily.” – Dr. Kate Devlin

• “Half the world is going to the polls – and now because of AI you have no idea what is real online anymore.” – Kyle Taylor

Buy The Little Black Book of Artificial Intelligence: How Big Tech is Making Humanity Redundant 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.

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Written and presented by Dr. Kate Devlin. Producer: Chris Jones. Audio production: Robin Leeburn. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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2024 Vision — Start Your Year with Alex Andreou and Jacob Jarvis Jan 02, 2024

New year, same old Sunak. Alex Andreou joins Jacob Jarvis to discuss the latest misjudgements from the PM and the immediate political news to look out for, before diving into a forecast for 2024. From elections across the globe, to conflicts worldwide and AI – we discuss the key themes you need to look out for over the next 12 months.

• “Sunak has no time to do or promise anything meaningful.”

• “The economy is stagnant and I see nothing in Sunak’s plans that will stimulate it.”

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Written and presented by Jacob Jarvis with Alex Andreou. Audio editor: Jade Bailey. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Chaos theories: Why are we never prepared for disasters? – Ros Taylor asks Jeff Schlegelmilch Dec 28, 2023

From pandemics to natural disasters, terror attacks to global warming, it seems the world is becoming more disastrous by the minute – and government responses consistently fall short. Why aren’t we ever prepared?

Ros Taylor speaks to Jeff Schlegelmilch, director of Columbia University’s National Center for Disaster Preparedness Director and co-author of Catastrophic Incentives: Why Our Approaches to Disasters Keep Falling Short.

• “The disasters we think about are the photogenic ones… but the ones I worry about are the slower creeping disasters, like drought and extreme heat.” — Jeff Schlegelmilch

•“Intelligence predicted 9/11, it was just missed” – Jeff Schlegelmilch

• “In developing environments, charities are essentially providing government services and subsidising failed states.” – Jeff Schlegelmilch

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Written and presented by Ros Taylor. Producer: Eliza Davis Beard. Audio production: Robin Leeburn. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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From Charlie Chaplin to Fleabag: How outrage shaped political comedy – with Seth Thévoz and David Stubbs Dec 27, 2023

We’ve come a long way as society but has progress hindered our ability to have a laugh? Seth Thévoz is joined by David Stubbs, the author of Different Times to discuss the evolution of British comedy from silent movies to the raunchy sitcoms of today.

"Monty Python looks a bit dodgy these days.” – David Stubbs
"The real revolution in comedy was the Young Ones. It was punk.” – David Stubbs
"Tommy Cooper is the king of woke Comedy. He’s hilarious and without sin.” – David Stubbs
“Thatcher was crucified weekly in comedy shows but ultimately she had the last laugh came the elections.” – David Stubbs

Buy Different Times: A History of British Comedy 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.

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Written and presented by Seth Thévoz. Producer: Liam Tait. Audio editor: Alex Reed. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Bunker Gold: Ding Dong Merrily on High– How to win Christmas arguments Dec 24, 2023

On today’s Bunker Gold, a Christmas throwback from 2022…

What do veganism, Donald Trump and Brussels sprouts have in common? They’re all points of contention at Christmas time. But how do you deal with the terrible opinions of family and friends? Marie Le Conte is joined by Christmas elves Tom Peck and Seth Thévoz to discuss navigating conversations with Brexit-y uncles and Corbynista cousins.

• “Everyone talks to me about politics, and it's so boring.” –Tom Peck

• “My dad is France’s last remaining Emmanuel Macron fan.” – Marie Le Conte

• “Communists to the left of me, Nazis to the right, here I am – the only liberal – stuck in the middle with you.” – Seth Thévoz

Presented by Marie Le Conte with Tom Peck and Seth Thévoz. Producers: Jet Gerbertson and Alex Rees. Assistant Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production: Robin Leburn. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Led by little donkeys: Why Christmas is more political than you thought Dec 22, 2023

Our political debate stops at Christmas — but this hasn’t always been the case. It was only in the Victorian era that Christmas was reinvented as a time for family and domesticity, with no room for politics. Should politics return to Christmas? Has it been there all along? University of St Andrews Senior Lecturer in Theology Rev Dr Stephen Holmes speaks to Alex Andreou about the politics of Christmas.

• “Christmas is heavily focused around the narrative of the birth of Jesus, a narrative which is inescapably political.” - Rev Dr Stephen Holmes

• “We think of Christmas as a time when you want to gather the family, shut the door, put your slippers on and relax together. You really don't want to be faced with the realities of injustice and pain in the world." - Rev Dr Stephen Holmes

• “It's very, very hard to separate the idea of charity and altruism, from some sort of political judgement about how the world is and how it should be.” - Rev Dr Stephen Holmes

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Written and Presented by Alex Andreou. Produced by: Eliza Davis Beard. Audio production: Simon Williams. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Revealed! The 20 weirdest moments of 2023 Dec 21, 2023

On our latest panel edition: It’s been a weird year in the world of politics. From accusations of bunny murder, to saucy broadway interruptions and hemp bar shenanigans. Do you remember the crazy political stories that defined the last 12 months?

Jacob Jarvis and an all-star lineup of Podmasters regulars,Marie Le Conte, Jonn Elledge and Andrew Harrison go through the 20 weirdest stories from the year in the last edition of The Bunker Panel for 2023.

“The one thing you cannot be cruel to in this country is animals, especially guide dogs.” – Marie Le Conte
“Most people want politics to just f*ck off.” – Jonn Elledge

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Written and presented by Jacob Jarvis with Andrew Harrison, Marie Le Conte and Jonn Elledge. Produced by Liam Tait. Audio Production: Jade Bailey. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Will the Israel-Hamas war revive terrorism in the UK? Dec 20, 2023

Terrorist activity is surging across Europe since the beginning of the Israel-Hamas war on October 7, and UK police are warning MPs that London is currently facing the “biggest convergence of threats we have seen for a very long time”. Could we be facing a new phase in intensified political terror? Peter Neumann, Professor of Security Studies at King's College London and author of The New World Disorder: How the West is Destroying Itself, explains the current state of play to Alex Andreou.

• “Terror threats are multiplying to such an extent that the counterterrorism resources in this country might not be able to cope.” – Professor Peter Neumann

• “We are seeing a meeting of generations – people who have been reactivated by October 7, and people for whom October 7 is their first radicalisation event – their 9/11.” - Professor Peter Neumann

• “These people do not feel that they are the aggressors. They feel that they are defending their people by committing acts of terrorism.” - Professor Peter Neumann

Buy Peter’s new book, The New World Disorder: How the West is Destroying Itself, 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.

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Written and Presented by Alex Andreou. Produced by: Eliza Davis Beard. Audio production: Simon Williams. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Covid Inquiry latest — 5 key moments from Sunak, Johnson and Gove with Prof. Christina Pagel and Alex Andreou Dec 19, 2023

The Covid Inquiry continues to throw out news lines with Rishi Sunak, Boris Johnson, Michael Gove appearing since our last round-up. If you’ve found it too hard to keep track, we’re here to catch you up. Alex Andreou is joined once again by Prof. Christina Pagel to explain some key moments.

• “The attitude of ‘I know better’ is quite damaging to Sunak.” – Christina Pagel

• “It’s not just that we’ve been led by donkeys. We’ve been led by donkeys who don’t give a shit.” – Christina Pagel

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Presented by Alex Andreou. Producer: Chris Jones. Audio production: Jade Bailey. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Mone Alone — Start Your Week with Alex Andreou and Jacob Jarvis Dec 18, 2023

Michelle Mone has admitted to lying to the media over her links to a PPE firm. What fallout will happen next? Plus – Rishi Sunak continues to pander to backbenchers over immigration, what does the PM have to gain by embracing the right? Plus, calls mount for a prolonged pause in the Israel/Hamas conflict, will Netenyahu be strong-armed into another ceasefire? And finally we have the latest on reports of financial difficulties for Ukraine.

“Michelle Mone didn’t just lie to the media, she tried to bury the story with the full force of her legal team.” – Alex Andreou
“Far right and centre right politics are bleeding together in a significant way across Europe.” – Alex Andreou
"Sunak gets tougher on something new every other week but it never shifts the public opinion on him." – Alex Andreou

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Written and presented by Jacob Jarvis with Alex Andreou. Producer: Liam Tait. Audio editor: Jade Bailey. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Bunker USA: How rural rage fuels Trump’s power Dec 15, 2023

Donald Trump’s hold over rural voters is priceless to the Republican party. But how did this real life caricature of a wealthy businessman win them over? And has the divide between rural and urban voters ever been so big in America? Nicholas Jacobs is the co-author of The Rural Voter: The Politics of Place and the Disuniting of America and joins Dorian Lynskey in The Bunker.

“No republican candidate has done as well in rural America than Trump.”

“The most distinctive feature of the rural voter is that they are distinct.”

“Most rural people feel like the impressions of them are not realistic.”

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Written and Presented by Dorian Lynskey. Produced by: Chris Jones and Eliza Davis Beard. Audio production: Alex Rees. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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DisInfo-Wars: Why defeating online lies is a battle we have to win Dec 14, 2023

The internet has become a theatre of war, with lies and disinformation being radically weaponised. The UN has responded with a framework on how to fight such threats – But does it hold any real potential to win the battle for truth? Carl Miller co-founded the Centre for the Analysis of Social Media at Demos and joins Marie Le Conte in The Bunker.

“There’s no single stakeholder that can possibly make decisions unilaterally about what the internet should be like.” – Carl Miller.
“one of the most helpful things is to start talking about standards about how we make the actual mechanics of the platform less gameable.” – Carl Miller.

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Written and Presented by Marie Le Conte. Produced by: Eliza Davis Beard and Liam Tait. Audio production: Alex Rees. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Will Russia run out of money before Putin can win in Ukraine? Dec 13, 2023

We know the human cost of Russia’s war in Ukraine – with estimated fatalities reaching half a million. But what is the financial cost? Can Russia afford to continue this conflict – and for how long? Oxford Analytica senior Russia analyst and Eastern Advisory Group director Dr Richard Connelly speaks to Chris Jones in The Bunker.

• “Before the war, the Russian economy had been through a decade of stagnation… it was not in great shape.” – Dr Richard Connelly

• “A lot of Western sanctions have been designed to restrict the inflow of oil and gas revenues… But the Russian government has been resilient.” – Dr Richard Connelly

• “If you look at the Budget, it’s a record amount of expenditure. They’ve never spent this much… What they’re saying politically, is that they are going up a gear with the war.” – Dr Richard Connelly

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Written and presented by Chris Jones. Producer: Eliza Davis Beard. Audio production: Jade Bailey. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Artwork by James Parrett. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Meeting the men behind Britain’s violent extremist groups – Dr. Elizabeth Pearson tells Marie Le Conte about her experiences Dec 12, 2023

Most extreme movements seem to have one thing in common: angry men. Do misogyny and radicalisation go hand-in-hand? Extreme Britain: Gender, Masculinity and Radicalisation author Dr Elizabeth Pearson discusses the mobilisation of masculinity with Marie Le Conte, drawing upon personal experiences with British extremist group leaders such as Anjem Choudary and Tommy Robinson.

• “Men realise particular aspects of masculinity that get themselves esteem within their extremist groups.” - Dr Elizabeth Pearson

• “The far right has traditionally not had women in publicly visible roles… the cultural norms of the radical right are not conducive to women’s participation.” – Dr Elizabeth Pearson

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Written and presented by Marie Le Conte. Producer: Eliza Davis Beard. Audio production: Jade Bailey. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Artwork by James Parrett. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Sunak’s nightmare gets worse – Start Your Week with Ros Taylor and Alex Andreou Dec 11, 2023

It’s Rishi Sunak’s nightmare week as he faces the COVID Inquiry and his own restive MPs over Rwanda. How will the testy PM deal with a real grilling? And it will only take 28 Tory rebels to sink the Rwanda legislation. How will he handle that? Plus, Farage paints coming last in I’m A Celebrity as a win, the cruelty of the family income rules on migration, and flawed leasehold legislation. Ros Taylor and Alex Andreou set out the week ahead.

• “Eat Out To Help Out is the most glaring example of the Government not following the science when claiming it did… They didn’t even ASK the science.”

• “Sunak is good at prep but he gets tetchy and petulant when he’s questioned.”

• “Labour doesn’t want to fight an election in migration. The Tory press want to move the debate there, and Labour is not taking the bait.”

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Written and presented by Ros Taylor. Audio production by Robin Leeburn. Assistant producer: Eliza Davis Beard. Music: Kenny Dickinson. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Bunker USA: How Trump became a messiah for America’s “least understood” Christians — with Tim Alberta. Dec 08, 2023

Donald Trump commands extreme support from evangelicals in America – despite seemingly lacking Christian values. How has this support developed and endured?Dr Seth Thévoz is joined by Tim Alberta, journalist and author of the book The Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory: American Evangelicals in an Age of Extremism, to discuss.

“There is a caricature of the evangelical, flag waving Trump republican which isn’t always accurate.” – Tim Alberta
“Evangelicals view Trump as the ultimate brawler. He can fight for them in ways that are not beholden to Christian virtues and heritage. It is a great irony.” – Tim Alberta

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Written and Presented by Seth Thévoz. Assistant Producer: Adam Wright. Audio Production: Simon Williams. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Music: Kenny Dickinson. Artwork: James Parrett. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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How junk food giants are trying to take over the world – Alex Andreou asks Eduardo J. Gómez Dec 07, 2023

Despite governments pushing to make people healthier, the junk food industry continues to thrive. How do the corporations in charge continue to thrive – and hold power the world over? Alex Andreou is joined in The Bunker by Eduardo J. Gómez, author of Junk Food Politics: How Beverage and Fast Food Industries Are Reshaping Emerging Economies, to find out.

• “Junk food is an image of wealth which is very appealing to the upper-middle income class; having access to something that is popular in the global West is seen as a social status symbol.” - Eduardo J. Gómez

• “These multinational corporations fear declining markets and sales in a lot of Western industrialised nations where more people are knowledgeable about how unhealthy these food products are.” – Eduardo J. Gómez

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Written and presented by Alex Andreou. Producer: Eliza Davis Beard. Audio production: Simon Williams. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Artwork by James Parrett. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Elon Musk could really bankrupt Twitter. Here's how – with Ryan Broderick. Dec 06, 2023

Elon Musk’s calamitous time at Twitter, or X as he wants to call it, has wrecked the platform. But could he go as far as tanking the company entirely? Today in The Bunker, Chris Jones speaks with Ryan Broderick, tech journalist and writer of the Garbage Day substack, to find out if we could see the end of the site – and what impact its demise would have upon the Tesla chief’s other business ventures.

• "On X, you can see family friendly adverts beside some of the most hateful content you can imagine.” – Ryan Broderick

• “Purely right wing social media platforms just don’t work." – Ryan Broderick

• “Elon Musk has never found a rake he didn’t want to step on." – Ryan Broderick

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Written and Presented by Chris Jones. Producer: Liam Tait. Art by James Parrett. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Robin Leeburn. Group Editor Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Different Class: A proles' guide to the elite private schools that churn out our leaders – with Andrew Harrison and Robert Verkaik Dec 05, 2023

Private schools have been responsible for educating a broad spread of political leaders. What’s going on in this weird world of elite education? To make sense of public schools and their staggering influence within the UK government and beyond, Andrew Harrison talks to Robert Verkaik, author of Posh Boys: How English Public Schools Ruin Britain, in The Bunker.

• “It’s bizarre when you think that one school can be as influential in the running of the government as Eton has.” – Robert Verkaik

• “These schools' sole purpose is to advance the life chances of children who are already incredibly privileged… which ultimately undermines our democracy.” – Robert Verkaik

Buy Posh Boys: How English Public Schools Ruin Britainthrough 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.

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Written and presented by Andrew Harrison. Producer: Eliza Davis Beard. Audio production: Alex Rees. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Artwork by James Parrett. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Boris Johnson’s question time — Start Your Week with Alex Andreou and Ros Taylor Dec 04, 2023

All eyes will be on Boris Johnson as he faces the Covid Inquiry this week. What bombshells? Plus – Keir Starmer has made headlines over the weekend for his praise of Margaret Thatcher? What’s the Labour leader up to? We have the latest on the Government’s failing Rwanda plan – can Rishi Sunak ever escape the doomed policy? Finally we have the latest on the Israel Hamas conflict, are Israel’s allies losing patience with Netanyahu?

“Nothing Johnson says this week will change the public perception of Boris Johnson.” – Ros Taylor
“Going to war with a neighbouring country may not be the smartest thing to do during a pandemic.” – Alex Andreou
"Johnson does have a history of dismissing female-led inquiries.” – Ros Taylor

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Written and presented by Alex Andreou with Ros Taylor. Producer: Liam Tait. Audio editor: Jade Bailey. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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How Brexiteers and Trump weaponised shame to corrupt our politics – Alex Andreou speaks to David Keen Dec 03, 2023

We’ve all felt shame. But it’s more than an emotion – it’s also a political weapon. All manners of politicians, including recent figures like Trump and various Brexiteers, have utilised the feeling to pursue their ends. David Keen, the author of Shame: The Politics and Power of an Emotion, speaks to Alex Andreou to discuss the strength of shame and how it’s been used throughout history.

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Written and presented by Alex Andreou. Producer: Liam Tait. Audio production: Simon Williams. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Bunker USA: The 5 key Donald Trump dramas you need to focus on Dec 02, 2023

Donald Trump is never out of trouble. And it’s hard to keep up with his latest wrongdoing. Jacob Jarvis is joined by Andrew Rudalevige, Thomas Brackett Reed Professor of Government at Bowdoin College and a visiting professor at LSE, to go over the five key areas of drama you need to understand in the run up to 2024.

• “If Trump were convicted of all 90 of his current felonies, he'd’ be looking at something like 700 years in prison.”

• “Any private citizen not named Donald J. Trump would inevitably get convicted for espionage and obstruction of justice in the classified documents case”

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Written and presented by Jacob Jarvis. Producer: Eliza Davis Beard. Audio production: Simon Williams. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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‘Gun fights and mass graves’ – Inside South Africa’s deadly illegal gold mines Dec 01, 2023

Gun battles, mass graves, and explosions – that’s not a description of a battlefield, but of an illegal gold mine in South Africa. Gold mining propped up the nation’s economy for over a century, and still today countries like the UK trade millions for its gold. But a huge price crash in the late 90s put tens of thousands of miners out of a job. Since then, a literal criminal underworld has risen, operated by illegal miners named the Zama-Zamas, who risk their lives everyday in abandoned mine shafts that could collapse any minute.

Kimon de Greef is a journalist who has investigated all this for The New Yorker. He joins Dipo Faloyin in the Bunker to explain what drives the Zama-Zamas and where their gold goes.

• “Up until the end of apartheid, Gold was the bedrock of South Africa’s economy.” – Kimon de Greef.

• “It’s like something out of the most dystopian science fiction, down there, but it’s real.” – Kimon de Greef.

• “Gold really explains a lot of South Africa’s social history.” – Kimon de Greef.

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Presented by Dipo Faloyin. Written and Produced by: Chris Jones. Audio production: Alex Rees. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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The AI world is in chaos. Is Sam Altman its hero or villain? – Dr. Kate Devlin explains Nov 30, 2023

We’ve all heard of ChatGPT. But what is the recent drama surrounding the lesser-known parent company OpenAI and its fired-then-reinstated CEO Sam Altman? Chris Jones gets the 411 on the controversy with The Bunker’s resident AI expert Dr Kate Devlin.

•“We should be talking about the repercussions of our technology, and about how a small handful of people in a small part of America have huge amounts of global control.” – Dr Kate Devlin

• “My fear is that they are going to be more focused on developing the technology rather than the ethicality of AI and its consequences for humanity.” – Dr Kate Devlin

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Written and presented by Chris Jones. Producer: Eliza Davis Beard and Liam Tait. Audio production: Simon Williams. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Artwork by James Parrett. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Desperate Tradwives: How far-right women weaponise social media – with Marie Le Conte and Eviane Leidig Nov 29, 2023

The far-right is often associated with angry white men — but their female counterparts might be even more dangerous.

Dr Eviane Leidig, a postdoctoral fellow at Tilburg University and author of The Women of the Far Right: Social Media Influencers and Online Radicalization. She joins Marie Le Conte in The Bunker, to discuss how these women weaponise social media to disseminate extremist ideologies.

Dr Eviane Leidig’s book: The Women of the Far Right: Social Media Influencers and Online Radicalization

“These women are normalising and legitimising extreme ideas to mainstream audiences; they are not on fringe platforms, they are very much out in the open.” – Eviane Leidig
“There is a moment in which all these women describe feeling deeply unhappy and depressed with their lives — they attribute this to feminism, and prescribe traditionalism as the antidote.” – Eviane Leidig

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Written and presented by Marie Le Conte. Producer: Eliza Davis Beard. Audio production: Jade Bailey. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Mini-budget explained: Was there anything good in Hunt’s autumn statement? Nov 28, 2023

What should we actually pay attention to in Jeremy Hunt’s Autumn Statement, away from the points he wants to spin? To make sense of the mini-budget, Alex Andreou is joined in The Bunker by Jo Michell, professor of economics at the University of the West of England, to take a closer look at the chancellor’s proposals.

• "We shouldn’t treat taxes as a burden, but a responsibility.” –Jo Michell

• “Longer term forecasts are completely unpredictable." – Jo Michell

• “The government is against investment itself, just green investment." – Jo Michell

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Written and presented by Alex Andreou. Producer: Liam Tait. Audio editor: Jade Bailey. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Return of the cracks — Start Your Week with Ros Taylor and Hannah Fearn Nov 27, 2023

The small period of post reshuffle harmony is over and Sunak’s party is back to doing what it does best: infighting. Could new Home Sec James Cleverly enrage backbenchers by moving away from the Rwanda plan? And Matt Hancock is back in the spotlight as he faces the Covid Inquiry. What can we expect from his testimony?

Plus, the latest on the Israeli/Hamas ceasefire. Could it be extended? And finally, King Charles is heading to Dubai for COP28. Will the environmentalist monarch speak his mind or toe his government’s line?

Ros Taylor is joined in The Bunker by Hannah Fearn to get you prepped for the week ahead.

“Migration is 3 times higher than before Brexit, and that’s nothing to do with small boats.” – Hannah Fearn
Reform UK is holding the door wide open for a Farage comeback." – Ros Taylor
"There’s no evidence that migration is a do or die issue for Conservative voters.” – Hannah Fearn

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Written and presented by Ros Taylor and Hannah Fearn. Producer: Liam Tait. Audio editor: Jade Bailey. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Power Elite: How Marvel movies explain 21st Century politics — with Andrew Harrison and Gavin Edwards Nov 26, 2023

Tell us what you think of The Bunker in our Listener Survey – five respondents will get the Bunker mug or t-shirt of their choice.

The Marvel Cinematic Universe may be teetering in 2023 — but for two decades it’s been the dominant force in Hollywood. Andrew Harrison is joined by Gavin Edwards, co-author of MCU: The Reign of Marvel Studios,to discuss how its characters and storylines help to explain the chaos and drama of 21st Century politics. From Thanos’ economic failings to Captain America’s patriotism – enjoy a politics and comic book super-geek-out crossover.

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Written and presented by Andrew Harrison. Audio production: Alex Rees. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Bunker USA: How JFK's assassination sparked a new era of super-conspiracies Nov 25, 2023

Tell us what you think of The Bunker in our Listener Survey – five respondents will get the Bunker mug or t-shirt of their choice.

President John F. Kennedy’s assassination remains a favourite topic for conspiracy theorists. How did the momentous event spark a new era in conspiratorial thinking? And what makes it persist 60 years on. Jacob Jarvis is joined by Tom Phillips, co-author of Conspiracy: A history of bollocks theories and how not to fall for themto discuss.

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Written and presented by Jacob Jarvis. Producer: Eliza Davis Beard. Audio production: Jade Bailey. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Artwork by James Parrett. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Xi’s not all that: Is China’s Belt and Road Project faltering? – Alex Andreou asks George Magnus Nov 24, 2023

Tell us what you think of The Bunker in our Listener Survey – five respondents will get the Bunker mug or t-shirt of their choice.

It’s been ten years since China launched its colossal Belt and Road initiative, intended to usher in a new era of trade and economic growth. Has it achieved what it set out to? Or is progress starting to ebb? Alex Andreou is joined by George Magnus, an associate at the China Centre at Oxford University and author of Red Flags: Why Xi's China Is In Jeopardy, in The Bunker.

• “People thought that the Belt and Road was a very planned and thought out centralised project from Beijing - it’s really nothing of the sort.” - George Magnus

• “China sees the Belt and Road as fertile ground to get countries to align with its own governance priorities.” - George Magnus

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Written and presented by Alex Andreou. Producer: Eliza Davis Beard and Liam Tait. Audio production: Robin Leeburn. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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The politics of Doctor Who explained: From Nazi Daleks to lefty Time Lords and beyond Nov 23, 2023

Doctor Who: bold individualist, woke mouthpiece for wet BBC liberalism, interfering Galactic colonialist, sidekick to the Military Industrial Complex… or all and none of the above? For the show’s 60th birthday we discuss the politics of Who. Were the Daleks always Nazis? What’s the most politically dodgy story? Why do the Doctor’s politics keeping changing? And what can we expect from Ncuti Gatwa, the first black actor* to play the Doctor in an ongoing role?

Our panel of dyed-in-the-scarf Time Lord experts: author and Who spin-off writer Jenny Colgan, the New Statesman and Paper Cuts regular Jonn Elledge, and Seth Thévoz of Oh God What Now?

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Written and presented by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers Eliza Davis Beard, Chris Jones and Liam Tait. Art by James Parrett. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Jade Bailey. Group Editor Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

* Yes we know about Jo Martin. She was great, wasn’t she?

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Here we go again: Do political comebacks ever work out? – with Steve Richards Nov 22, 2023

Tell us what you think of The Bunker in our Listener Survey – five respondents will get the Bunker mug or t-shirt of their choice.

David Cameron’s recent comeback baffled everyone – but just how strange is it? And how does it compare to the other PM’s actions after leaving Number 10? Rock and Roll Politics host Steve Richards and Seth Thevoz discuss the history of political comebacks – and whether these moves ever work out.

“To come back to the heart of politics so suddenly and unexpectedly, since retiring under the most humiliating of circumstances, is one of the many extraordinary elements to this saga.” – Steve Richards
“Prime Ministers are restless and angry with their successors.” – Steve Richards

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Written and presented by Seth Thévoz. Producer: Eliza Davis Beard and Chris Jones. Audio production: Jade Bailey. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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The Covid Inquiry so far: 7 key moments with Prof. Christina Pagel and Alex Andreou Nov 21, 2023

The Covid-19 inquiry is nowhere near halfway through, but already we’ve learned a lot. But there’s been so much to learn about how our government worked (or didn’t) during the pandemic that it’s been a little hard to comprehend. So before we hear the likes of Patrick Valance give evidence Alex Andreou sat down in the Bunker with Prof. Christina Pagel, Professor of Operational Research at UCL, to explain 7 key moments that we’ve seen so far and why they’re so important to notice.

“How can we change the way that we do politics so we have serious people in charge?…I feel like we’ve not had that in years?” – Prof. Christina Pagel.
“We’re really good at collecting stuff – we’re really bad at acting on it.” – Prof. Christina Pagel.
“I find it incredible there were no safety precautions in number 10, and I find it incredible how little attention it’s had.” – Alex Andreou.
“If you talk to people on that frontline they were absolutely overwhelmed… and they’re still recovering.” – Prof. Christina Pagel.

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Presented by Alex Andreou. Produced by: Chris Jones. Audio production: Jade Bailey. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Careful With That Tax, Jeremy – Start Your Week with Alex Andreou Nov 20, 2023

It’s Autumn Statement week and the Tory press are baying for tax cuts. Will they get their wish? Plus a possible hostage deal in Gaza, Argentina’s new president looks like a Vegas Wolverine and talks like Trump, Musk finds a new way to screw up TwitteX… and Doctor Who is back! Alex Andreou sets out the week ahead with Andrew Harrison.

Tell us what you think of The Bunker in our Listener Survey – five respondents will get the Bunker mug or t-shirt of their choice.

“Inflation is down which just means prices are going up less fast… when people come to do their Christmas food shop, they will notice.”
“Twitter is going about as well as a SpaceX launch”
“Our print media is out of control. They are partisan to the point of being fact-free and it cannot continue.”

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Written and presented by Group Editor Andrew Harrison. Audio production by Jade Bailey. Assistant producer: Eliza Davis Beard. Music: Kenny Dickinson. Managing Editor Jacob Jarvis. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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BUNKER GOLD: Street Life – Why Britain’s homeless need their stories told Nov 19, 2023

Tell us what you think of The Bunker in our Listener Survey – five respondents will get the Bunker mug or t-shirt of their choice.

On this week's Bunker Gold, let us take you back to September 2020…

There’s an unseen epidemic of people dying while homeless, and journalist Maeve McClenaghan tells their stories in No Fixed Abode: Life and Death Among the UK's Forgotten Homeless. She tells Dorian Lynskey what she learned, how there was more to the 2010s explosion in rough sleeping than just austerity… and a radical solution to homelessness: give people places to live.

• “From attending the funerals of homeless people I discovered how loved these people were”

• “Dehumanisation drives the violence which homeless people experience”

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Presented by Dorian Lynskey. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producer Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Young Fellas: How Gen Z gangsters are changing the mafia – with Rafael Behr and Anna Sergi Nov 19, 2023

Tell us what you think of The Bunker in our Listener Survey – five respondents will get the Bunker mug or t-shirt of their choice.

When we think of the mafia, we think of Tony Soprano and Don Corleone – men with gelled hair, tailored suits, cigars and machine guns. But today’s mobsters are increasingly young and social-media savvy. University of Essex criminology professor and author ofChasing the Mafia. 'Ndrangheta, Memories and Journeys Anna Sergi joins Rafael Behr in The Bunker to discuss the changing landscape of the Italian mafia.

• “They are constantly jeopardising secrecy. They are showing the criminal network." – Anna Sergi

• “Violence seems cool for the younger generations of the mafia. Showing the cult of violence on TikTok or Instagram gets attention. ” – Anna Sergi

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Written and presented by Rafael Behr. Producer: Eliza Davis Beard. Audio production: Jade Bailey. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Bunker USA: Living on a prayer – How false prophets are launching cults across America Nov 18, 2023

Tell us what you think of The Bunker in our Listener Survey – five respondents will get the Bunker mug or t-shirt of their choice.

As religious fanatics surge to megachurches across the United States, how do those in charge garner such cult-like devotion? Inspiring total obedience from their followers, some have even made supporters abandon families to support their religious pursuits. How do these groups form, and what about the U.S culture makes them thrive?

Adam Morris, author of American Messiahs: False Prophets Of A Damned Nation, joins Dr Seth Thévoz in the Bunker.

American Messiahs Book Link

• “Messiah’s offer members salvation from the here and now, they see the established religions as offering no comfort.” – Adam Morris

• “These types of figures are uniquely amenable to the U.S, due to the societal structure, migrant population etc.” – Adam Morris

• “Obedience to the leader is important, but also an obedience to the movement is necessary in these quasi-communist communes.” – Adam Morris

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Written and presented by Seth Thévoz. Produced by: Adam Wright. Audio Editor: Simon Williams. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Judge dread: How Rishi Sunak will fight for his Rwanda vision – with Ros Taylor and Joelle Grogan Nov 17, 2023

Tell us what you think of The Bunker in our Listener Survey – five respondents will get the Bunker mug or t-shirt of their choice.

The Supreme Court has shot down the government’s plan to send asylum seekers to Rwanda. But Rishi Sunak is determined to see his policy through, even if it means defying the European Court of Human Rights. So what next for the controversial plan? Ros Taylor is joined in The Bunker by legal academic and head of the research at UK in a Changing Europe, Joelle Grogan to look at the fallout of the court decision.

• “The supreme court found that Rwanda was unsafe for the policy, not that it was unlawful.” – Joelle Grogan

• "The law cannot claim something is safe when it is not factually safe.” – Joelle Grogan

• “A majority of Rwanda alternatives are also facing their own migration crisis.” – Joelle Grogan

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Written and presented by Ros Taylor. Producer: Liam Tait. Audio editor: Simon Williams. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Elon Mess: Is Politics wrecking Musk’s life? – Marie Le Conte asks Max Chafkin Nov 16, 2023

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Things are bad for Elon Musk. From the slow motion car crash at Twitter to his mission to eradicate the woke mind virus. Where did it all go wrong for the Tesla CEO and how has his politics warped his view of the world? Marie Le Conte is joined in The Bunker by tech journalist for Bloomberg and co-host of Elon Inc. Max Chafkin to discuss the divisive politics of the world’s richest man.

“Elon Musk is a weird mix of Taylor Swift and Warren Buffet” – Max Chafkin
“The Twitter acquisition has been disastrous, not just from a financial standpoint but a personal disaster too.” – Max Chafkin
“If you had to come up with his formula for success, over-promising is a huge part of it.” – Max Chafkin

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Written and presented by Marie Le Conte. Producer: Liam Tait and Eliza Davis Beard. Audio editor: Robin Leeburn. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Crisis management: How financial meltdowns shaped the modern-day Labour Party Nov 15, 2023

Tell us what you think of The Bunker in our Listener Survey – five respondents will get the Bunker mug or t-shirt of their choice.

Disasters shape the course of politics – and financial crises have heavily impacted Labour’s policies over time. A century ago, the Labour party had almost no economic experts within its ranks. Since then it has battled crises like the great depression of the 30s and more recently the economic crash of 2007. How has this changed the party? Dr. Christopher Kirkland is a lecturer in politics at York St. John University and the author of Labour’s Economic Ideology Since 1900 Developed Through Crises. He joins Alex Andreou in The Bunker.

• “Back to 1929-31…the Labour party only had one recognisable expert in terms of finance.” – Dr. Christopher Kirkland

• “What Attlee did and the Labour Party did is they offered something optimistic.” – Dr. Christopher Kirkland

• “Blair wanted to present something different - hence the term ‘New Labour’.” – Dr. Christopher Kirkland

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Written and presented by Alex Andreou. Producer: Chris Jones. Audio production: Alex Rees. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Brothers grim: Inside the Barclays’ weird world Nov 14, 2023

Tell us what you think of The Bunker in ourListener Survey – five respondents will get the Bunker mug or t-shirt of their choice.

The Barclay brothers were one of the most influential pairings in political life in recent decades. Born into a normal family, the duo became powerful, broadsheet newspaper owning billionaires. Despite that, very little is actually known about them. Professor Jane Martinson is the Marjorie Deane Professor of Financial Journalism at City University of London and author of You May Never See Us Again: The Barclay Dynasty: A Story of Survival, Secrecy and Succession. She joins Andrew Harrison in The Bunker.

Buy You May Never See Us Again here and help the podcast through our affiliate link.

• “Although they owned loads of newspapers, no one really knew anything about them.” – Jane Martinson

• “They should have been one of Britain's greatest success stories… but it has not ended that way.” – Jane Martinson

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Written and presented by Group Editor Andrew Harrison. Producer: Chris Jones. Audio production: Alex Rees. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Braver-gone at last! Start Your Week — Emergency edition Nov 13, 2023

It’s finally happened – Suella Braverman has been fired. In a speedy extra recording, Ros Taylor gives Jacob Jarvis her thoughts on the latest news. Then in our usual programming Ros and Alex Andreou discuss the other stories to look out for this week. There is the latest on the Israel-Hamas conflict – the US has told Israel to stop targeting hospitals but will Netanyahu heed the warning? And Joe Biden will be meeting with Xi Jingping for the first time in over a year. Can the two leaders restore the fractured relationship between the superpowers?

“Nobody on Sunak’s side wanted Braverman to resign on her own terms.” – Ros Taylor
"There's a huge difference between a few bad apples in a huge protest and a group that shows up purely to cause trouble.” – Alex Andreou

Tell us what you think of The Bunker in our Listener Survey – five respondents will get the Bunker mug or t-shirt of their choice.

Why? - the brand new podcast taking you to the edge of knowledge. Available on all good podcast players or visit whypodcast.co.uk

Support us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Alex Andreou with Jacob Jarvis and Ros Taylor. Producer: Liam Tait. Audio editor: Jade Bailey. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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BUNKER GOLD - How filthy is Britain's air? Nov 12, 2023

This week's Bunker Gold arrives out of the smog, from 2022...

Dirty air filing homes across the UK is leading to an increase in asthma and lower life expectancy. But just how filthy is it? And are we doing anything meaningful about it? Ros Taylor talks to David Green, senior research fellow in the aerosol science team at Imperial College London.

“Scientists have found particles from polluted air in unborn babies.”

“Some of the highest levels of pollution are experienced in cars.”

“Government anti-pollution measures benefit the public purse in the long term because we spend less on things like childhood development.”

“Outside of London, industrial hubs contribute a huge level of air pollution – Port Talbot’s factories make it the most polluted place in the UK.”

🚨 Help us make The Bunker better! 🧑🏼‍💻 Answer our new LISTENER SURVEY 📋 And you could win a Bunker mug or t-shirt 👕:

https://www.patreon.com/posts/help-us-make-our-92573016

Written and presented by Ros Taylor. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold, Jelena Sofronijevic and Alex Rees. Assistant Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Audio production by Jade Bailey. Music: Kenny Dickinson. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Bunker Panel: Love on the political spectrum – Could you date them if you hate them? Nov 12, 2023

On our latest panel edition: The COVID inquiry exposed an undeniably toxic culture of pseudo machismo underpinning Downing Street – how did it come to this? Plus, we discuss the politicisation of online dating, and whether our political leanings are the new measure of “hot or not”.

Joining Podmasters’ own Batman and Robin Andrew Harrison and Jacob Jarvis are Oh God, What Now? regular Marie Le Conte and Why? presenter Dr. Anna Machin for a double date in The Bunker.

“If you can get to the top of the food chain by being revolting, great! Just be sure you trust the people around you.” – Dr. Anna Machin
“I've ended up dating a card carrying Tory. Not just a voter.” – Marie Le Conte

Why? – the brand new podcast taking you to the edge of knowledge. Available on all good podcast players – visit whypodcast.co.uk to find it

Tell us what you think of The Bunker in our Listener Survey https://www.patreon.com/posts/help-us-make-our-92573016 – five respondents will get the Bunker mug or t-shirt of their choice.

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Presented by Jacob Jarvis with Andrew Harrison, Marie Le Conte and Anna Machin. Producers: Eliza Davis Beard and Liam Tait. Audio production: Simon Williams. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters production.

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Bunker USA: Red, white and screwed – Was American politics doomed from the start? Nov 11, 2023

American politics is in chaos – but in many respects the US was born that way. Throughout the late 1700s the federalist party constantly fought with the anti-federalists over their opposing desires for the future. But is partisan politics really a problem? Or is it a necessity for a democratic system to function? Seth Thevoz is joined by bestselling historian and Pulitzer Prize finalist H.W. Brands – whose new book: Founding Partisans: Hamilton, Madison, Jefferson, Adams and the Brawling Birth of American Politics explores exactly that.

“Partisanship seems to be inevitable in a democratic system of competitive politics.” – H.W. Brands
“There are lots of people on the conservative right who think the current government is out of control.” – H.W. Brands
“If partisanship ever disappears, that's going to be a system of something much worse.” – H.W. Brands.

Tell us what you think of The Bunker in our Listener Survey: https://www.patreon.com/posts/help-us-make-our-92573016 – five respondents will get the Bunker mug or t-shirt of their choice.

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Written and presented by Seth Thevoz. Producer: Chris Jones. Audio production: Jade Bailey. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Putin's Puppets: Who are the mercenaries replacing Russia's Wagner Group? Nov 10, 2023

Russia’s use of private military companies (PMCs) is no secret, despite Vladimir Putin’s best efforts. Wagner is the most infamous but after Yevgeny Prighozin’s downfall, another has taken its place – Redut PMC. Where does its loyalties lie? How powerful is it? And who’s in charge? Dr Marina Miron is a post-doctoral researcher at the War Studies Department at King's College London. She joins Laura Makin-Isherwood in The Bunker.

“Now that Wagner is out of the picture, it seems like Redut is taking its place.” – Dr. Marina Miron
“I don’t think there is a lot of resistance to PMCs in Russia, especially in the public sphere.” – Dr. Marina Miron
“Redut started recruiting from prisons, only when Wagner finished.” – Dr. Marina Miron

Listen to our brand new science podcast WHY? – taking you on adventures to the edge of knowledge – at whypodcast.co.uk

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Written and presented by Laura Makin-Isherwood. Producers: Chris Jones and Eliza David Beard. Audio production: Jade Bailey. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Kicking and streaming: Can Spotify survive? Nov 09, 2023

Spotify dominates the music industry – but artists struggle to profit from the platform. What if that power balance shifts? Although the streaming platform is on track to reach one billion users by 2027. Can the streamer perfect the mix of corporate profits, customer satisfaction and pay musicians more than a fraction of a penny per play?

Andrew Harrison is joined in The Bunker by music business and tech journalist Dr. Eamonn Forde to discuss Spotify's uncertain future.

“Spotify was created to compete with illegal music services like Napster.” – Dr. Eamonn Forde
“Apple was slow to streaming, Steve Jobs always felt that it was a ridiculous idea to ‘rent’ music” – Dr. Eamonn Forde
“The CD market had a phenomenal growth curve that was completely unsustainable.” – Dr. Eamonn Forde

Support us on Patreon:

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Written and presented by Andrew Harrison. Producer: Liam Tait. Audio editor: Jade Bailey. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Social dynamics: The BBC's Ros Atkins on the evolution of news and the battle for clarity Nov 08, 2023

The BBC’s Ros Atkins regularly goes viral for his news explainers. In our latest episode, he joins Ros Taylor to discuss the art of communication in a changing media environment. Whether you’re talking about a complex political issue, or an email to your boss, it’s vital to be able to communicate effectively and clearly. Where do we begin, are there systems to use in constructing our explanations and what makes an explanation effective? Atkins reveals all in his new book The Art of Explanation.

"Two things I ask when building a video: what's essential and what’s interesting?” – Ros Atkins
"You just can’t do quality analysis without proper understanding of the whole story.” – Ros Atkins

Art of Explanation by Ros Atkins:

https://geni.us/TAOEBOOK

Written and presented by Ros Taylor. Audio production: Alex Rees. Production: Liam Tait and Adam Wright. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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How to solve Israel/Gaza – with Middle East analyst Jason Pack Nov 07, 2023

The Israel-Hamas War is the latest horrific episode in what seems like an intractable political-religious conflict. But could there be a political way out of these generational hatreds? Middle East Analyst and member of the NATO Defence College Foundation Jason Pack believes there IS a solution – and it could come from the most unexpected source. He explains a possible post-war future for Gaza to Andrew Harrison.

Why?, the brand new podcast taking you to the edge of knowledge. Available on all good podcast players. Visit whypodcast.co.uk to find it

Listen to Jason Pack on the Disorder podcast: https://linktr.ee/disorderpod

Read more on this topic in The Road to Middle East Peace Runs Through Doha – Jason Pack on foreignpolicy.com

• “Netanyahu has committed himself to eradicating Hamas, but Hamas is an ideology, more than a group.” – Jason Pack

• “Hamas created Netanyahu as much as he was created by Hamas.” – Jason Pack

• “The key to long term peace is a coalition of Arab States… The Qataris are the lynchpin.” – Jason Pack

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Presented by Group Editor Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers Eliza Davis Beard, Chris Jones and Liam Tait. Art by James Parrett. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Robin Leeburn. Group Editor Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Laws and disorder — Start your week with Alex Andreou and Jacob Jarvis Nov 06, 2023

With the final King’s Speech before the election due, is there any point to Sunak’s plans anymore? What can we expect from the government’s agenda – and can any of its goals even be achieved? Plus the latest on the Israel-Hamas conflict – will growing calls for a ceasefire or pause be heeded? Finally, Trump is expected to testify in one of his many court cases, what should we expect?

Jacob Jarvis is joined in The Bunker by Alex Andreou to get you prepped for the week ahead.

‘“The Conservatives are a party that has given up on governing.” – Alex Andreou
“We know we’ve run out of spaces in prisons, so harsher sentences are pointless.” – Alex Andreou
“The environmentalist King Charles reading out a regressive fossil fuel policy will be fascinating to watch.” – Alex Andreou

Support us on Patreon:

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Why? - the brand new podcast taking you to the edge of knowledge. Available on all good podcast players - visit whypodcast.co.uk to find it

Written and presented by Jacob Jarvis and Alex Andreou. Producer: Liam Tait. Audio editor: Jade Bailey. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Bunker Gold: The cult of Guy Fawkes Nov 05, 2023

On this Bonfire night special Bunker Gold, let us take you back to November 2020…

Was Guy Fawkes really “the last honest man to enter Parliament”, as we keep hearing on Twitter? Or a fore-runner of today’s religiously radicalised terrorists? Why is a villain of the Gunpowder Plot acclaimed as a hero by some in 2020? Nick Holland, author of The Real Guy Fawkes, tells Jude Rogers why Guy Fawkes persists as a symbol… and what we misunderstand about a man who almost murdered thousands in a 17th century atrocity.

“Guy Fawkes is a complicated figure – so both political sides can claim him.”
“It’s estimated he’d gathered enough gunpowder to destroy Parliament 25 times over.”

Presented by Jude Rogers. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producer Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Suit you, Sir!: Should we care how politicians dress? – Marie Le Conte asks Derek Guy Nov 05, 2023

From Obama’s tan suit to the Emperor’s new clothes – we’ve always been fascinated by politicians’ wardrobes. But should we care at all what they wear? Marie Le Conte is joined by fashion writer and political commentator, Derek Guy aka "The Menswear Guy" on Twitter to find out.

"I don’t like the respectability politics of clothing. Your character isn’t determined by how you dress.” – Derek Guy
"I would agree. I’m a bit of a snob.” – Derek Guy
“You don’t know if somebody earnestly loves something or if they’re being paid by a brand." – Derek Guy

Support us on Patreon:

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Written and presented by Marie Le Conte. Producer: Liam Tait. Audio editor: Jade Bailey. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Bunker USA: Make America hate again - How extremists turned patriotism into violence Nov 04, 2023

The notion of American patriotism has become increasingly controversial — and linked to violence. With no clear-cut definition of patriotism, the notion has been co-opted by far-right extremist groups such as the Proud Boys and Oathkeepers. Sam Jackson is the author of Oath Keepers: Patriotism and the Edge of Violence in a Right-Wing Anti Government Group, he joins Chris Jones in The Bunker to discuss how the concept has been warped.

Book link: http://cup.columbia.edu/book/oath-keepers/9780231193450

“Patriotism is used as a political weapon”.
“There’s no clear and thick analytical definition of patriotism - it’s more a form of strategic communication or persuasion”.
“I don’t see any reason that we should be confident that another January 6th insurrection couldn’t happen again”.

Support us on Patreon:

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Written and presented by Chris Jones. Producer: Eliza Davis Beard. Audio producer: Jade Bailey. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Stuck in the Middle East with You: What does Iran want? Nov 03, 2023

Questions over Iran’s involvement in the Israel-Hamas conflict have run rampant since the terrorist attacks of October. How would the nation benefit from chaos in the Middle East and what would it take for Iran to join the war? Today in The Bunker, Alex Andreou sits down with Dr Sanam Vakil, director of the Middle East and North Africa Programme at Chatham House, to ask: what does Iran want?

“Iran is not a natural partner with Hamas, they have significant religious differences.” – Dr Sanam Vakil
“There is a concern that escalation can come not because of choice but because of mistakes." – Dr Sanam Vakil
“Iran is exploiting deep divisions between the global north and south over this war.” – Dr Sanam Vakil

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Alex Andreou. Producers: Liam Tait and Eliza Davis Beard. Audio editor: Simon Williams. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Digital watch: How tech giants exploit archaic laws to dominate the world Nov 02, 2023

Are tech giants out of control? Our media landscape is dominated by tech titans with unlimited resources and little to no oversight. Does anyone have a plan to deal with this lack of regulation? Ros Taylor sits down with, senior research fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School and author of Techlash, Tom Wheeler to discuss his vision of digital governance.

“Certain men of wealth can do as they please." – Tom Wheeler
“We need a new federal agency that is created to deal with the realities of modern tech.” – Tom Wheeler
“The internet is the largest ungoverned space in the world.” – Tom Wheeler

https://www.brookings.edu/books/techlash/

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Ros Taylor. Producer: Liam Tait. Audio editor: Simon Williams. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Locked Out: Is there any way to solve our prison crisis? – Ros Taylor talks to Danny Shaw Nov 01, 2023

Prisons across England and Wales are at breaking point. If the system does not change, experts say the number of people living in squalor in overcrowded facilities will only increase. What are the government’s plans to change the system? And can it be fixed? Danny Shaw is a crime, justice and policing commentator and ex-BBC Home Affairs Correspondent. He joins Ros Taylor in The Bunker.

“What’s really bad is that the entire criminal justice system feels broken.” – Danny Shaw

“I think both Labour and the Conservatives have had an arms race to be tough on criminal justice.” – Danny Shaw

“There isn’t just a shortage of capacity, there just aren’t enough prison officers.” – Danny Shaw

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Ros Taylor. Producer: Chris Jones. Audio production:Alex Rees. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Pardon my French: Could Marine Le Pen become the next president of France? Oct 31, 2023

The far-right could seize power in the next French presidential election. Marine Le Pen has been flying the flag for the anti-immigration Nation Rally Party ever since her father Jean-Marie Le Pen stepped down in 2011. Despite multiple failed attempts at election, her popularity has been increasing in the polls - and it looks like 2027 could be her year. So what’s behind her success and what would France under Le Pen’s presidency look like? Paul Smith is an Associate Professor in French History and Politics at Nottingham University, he joins Chris Jones in The Bunker.

“Le Pen wants to be a disruptive Trump-like figure for the EU.” – Paul Smith
“Le Pen doesn’t care about a Frexit. Brexit has taught everyone in Europe that they shouldn’t leave the EU.” – Paul Smith

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Chris Jones. Producer: Liam Tait. Audio production: Alex Rees. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Information Blackout — Start Your Week with Gavin Esler and Ros Taylor Oct 30, 2023

After a weekend of communication blackouts, circumstances grow more dire for Palestinians. With little hope of a ceasefire, how will the Israel Hamas conflict develop this week? Meanwhile, the UK is hosting a summit on the danger of A.I. but is it too little too late? Plus the latest on the US presidential race — and Dominic Cummings faces a grilling from the Covid Inquiry.

Ros Taylor is joined in The Bunker by Gavin Esler to get you prepped for the week ahead.

“This war has already been going on for years.” – Gavin Esler
“We can’t spot shallow fakes, nevermind deep fakes.” – Gavin Esler

Support us on Patreon:

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Written and presented by Ros Taylor and Gavin Esler. Producer: Liam Tait. Audio editor: Jade Bailey. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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BUNKER GOLD – Lisa Nandy on the change Britain needs Oct 29, 2023

On this week's Bunker Gold, a classic interview from 2022...

Lisa Nandy talks to Dorian Lynskey about the people and places left behind in modern Britain – and how to empower them. The shadow secretary of state for communities and local government discusses the communities that give her hope, the missteps of recent Governments and what shifts she’d like to see – as outlined in her new book All In: How We Build a Country That Works.

“Everywhere you go there is this feeling that everything is falling apart.”

“People know that this country could be better… they’re very angry that for a long time they’ve been saying things haven’t been working.”

“People need hope. There’s got to be hope on the horizon.”

“Change is inevitable. People won’t put up with the system anymore.”

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Presented by Dorian Lynskey. Producers: Jet Gerbertson and Alex Rees . Assistant producer Kasia Tomasiewicz. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Robin Leeburn. Lead producer: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. The Bunker is a Podmasters production.

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Back in Black: The Politics of Goth with John Robb Oct 29, 2023

Despite all odds, Goths have continued to thrive and evolve from Siouxsie and the Banshees to Wednesday Adams. But what political and social conditions created the Goth movement? And how has the extravagant subculture survived all this time? Frontman of The Membranes and author of The Art of Darkness, John Robb, joins Alex Andreou in our extra spooky early Halloween edition of The Bunker.

“You can't create a culture darker than the way the people in power run it already.” – John Robb
“Goths read books. The punk period in the late 70s nobody read books!” – John Robb
“Goth was influenced by a lot of black music: disco, dub, funk is all there in goth rock.” – John Robb

BOOK LINK

https://manchesteruniversitypress.co.uk/9781526173201/

Support us on Patreon:

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Written and presented by Alex Andreou. Producer: Liam Tait. Audio editor: Jade Bailey. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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BUNKER USA: Is a United States-China confrontation inevitable? Oct 28, 2023

Chinese President Xi Jinping says the future destiny of mankind relies on how well the US and China get along. But with growing tensions rising around Taiwan and military exercises becoming more frequent in the Indo-Pacific, is war just on the horizon? Oriana Skylar Mastro is a Center Fellow of the Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies, Stanford University And the author of “Upstart: How China Became a Great Power.” She joins Chris Jones in The Bunker.

https://global.oup.com/academic/product/upstart-9780197695067?cc=us&lang=en&

“Beijing is unhappy with the status quo and America wants things to stay exactly the same now, forever.” – Oriana Skylar Mastro.
“Beijing likes to do dangerous things, to rock the boat.” – Oriana Skylar Mastro
“I think the military power the US needs to avoid war is so awesome that we might not be able to achieve it.” – Oriana Skylar Mastro.

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Written, presented and produced by Chris Jones. Audio production: Jade Bailey. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Attack the Bloc: Can the EU survive in a fearsome future? Oct 27, 2023

Since its conception in 1993, the European Union has faced multiple political attacks and crises. But it has prevailed through it all… so far. With a convergence to right-wing populism happening around the world, can its fight to uphold democracy continue? Dermot Hodson is the author of Circle of Stars: A History of the EU and the People Who Made It and a Professor of Political Economy and Digital Technologies at Loughborough University London. He joins Alex Andreou in The Bunker to discuss how the EU endures, and of course, Brexit.

“As soon as the Maastricht Treaty was signed, it was clear something was different.” – Dermot Hodson.
“With every crisis we’re told it’s about to collapse.” – Dermot Hodson.
“If we look at Donald Tusk’s elections it’s a minor miracle… because by many standards that was not a free and fair election.” – Dermot Hodson

Support us on Patreon:

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Written and presented by Alex Andreou. Producer: Chris Jones. Audio production: Alex Rees and Jade Bailey. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Modern Lawfare: How Oligarchs use courts to silence their enemies Oct 26, 2023

Russian Oligarchs routinely use a process in English courts to silence their critics. It’s called Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation or SLAPPs for short. David Hooper is a veteran lawyer and author of Buying Silence How oligarchs, corporations and plutocrats use the law to gag their critics. He’s no stranger to this expensive process and says it makes it too easy for billionaires to launder their reputation. He joins Ros Taylor in The Bunker.

https://www.bitebackpublishing.com/books/buying-silence

“The courts seem to take the view that it’s not their fault they’re oligarchs.” – David Hooper.
“The whole court process is pretty scandalous, it needs resetting.” – David Hooper.
“Once the roubles were put on the table, people were perfectly happy to act for Prigozhin.” – David Hooper.

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Written and presented by Ros Taylor. Producer: Chris Jones. Audio production: Robin Leeburn. Assistant Producer: Adam Wright. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Jeff Off: Are Bezos and Amazon unstoppable? – Ros Taylor finds out Oct 25, 2023

Amazon is so dominant that the US government wants to break it up. Jeff Bezos’s empire has been described as an e-commerce monopoly – that harms consumers, sellers and the retail landscape. Senior lecturer at Lancaster University, Dr. Renaud Foucart, joins Ros Taylor in The Bunker to find out how a US court decision could impact online shopping around the world.

“You cannot open a small business and compete with Amazon. You would need billions to even consider it.” – Dr. Renaud Foucart
“There is an agreement across the US political spectrum that they need to deal with big tech monopolies.” – Dr. Renaud Foucart
“Arguably, Amazon is the thing that saved the unique traditional bookshop.” – Dr. Renaud Foucart

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Written and presented by Ros Taylor. Producer: Liam Tait. Audio editor: Robin Leeburn. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Semi-detached? Will Labour’s housing policy stand up? – with Hannah Fearn and Harry Scoffin Oct 24, 2023

The UK’s housing crisis will be a pivotal issue at the next election. Labour Party politicians have laid out their plans to solve it – but can they be trusted to deliver? And what makes their policies different to the current government? Harry Scoffin is a prominent campaigner on housing and the co-founder of Commonhold Now. He joins Hannah Fearn in the Bunker.

“Housebuilders are not necessarily going to get us to the promised land and if they do – it’ll come at a price.” – Harry Scoffin
“If Labour gets into power and they want to do something with the greenbelt they need to act on it straight away.” – Harry Scoffin

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Written and presented by Hannah Fearn. Producer: Chris Jones. Audio production: Simon Williams. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Wake-up calls — Start Your Week with Alex Andreou and Jacob Jarvis Oct 23, 2023

Rishi Sunak has had prank calls and wake-up calls in recent days. How will he try to turn things around in the coming days? And just how badly are the Tories reacting to the by-election results? It’s a year into the PM’s tenure, could it be much worse? Plus, we look at the latest from Israel and Gaza, and concerns of wider conflict in the Middle East.

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Written and presented by Jacob Jarvis with Alex Andreou. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production: Jade Bailey. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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BUNKER GOLD - British Fail: How To Fix Our Broken Rail System Oct 22, 2023

In this week’s Bunker Gold, let us take you back to August 2022…

With workers on strike and services cancelled, why are Britain’s railways such a mess? And how can they be fixed? Tom Haines-Doran, research fellow at Leeds University and author of Derailed: How to Fix Britain’s Broken Railways, joins Ros Taylor to discuss the problems with the UK’s train system, and what needs to happen for our railways to get back on track.

• “Once a new Prime Minister is in place we could see a lot more strike action take place.”

• “The Government has deliberately shifted the cost of running the railways onto passengers.”

• “It’s extraordinary the Government would put up prices 13% after a year of turmoil on the railways.”

• “Railway workers really do have some power.”

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Ros Taylor. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Assistant producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Audio production by Robin Leeburn. Music: Kenny Dickinson. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production. Additional sound effects from www.zapsplat.com and AlienXXX via Freesound.org

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Shock horror: How fear has shaped the course of history – Alex Andreou speaks to Robert Peckham Oct 22, 2023

From the Romans to 9/11, fear has been used to influence our political landscape. But, what makes fear so potent and how does it continue to shape the world? Alex Andreou speaks to Robert Peckham, author of Fear: An Alternative History of the World, to find out if we can ever move beyond horror politics.

“Fear has been weaponized throughout history since records began.” – Robert Peckham
“Fear can be used motivationally and can quickly turn into stigmatising politics.” – Robert Peckham
“Liberalism became fearful. Instead of espousing a positive future, it turned defensive.” – Robert Peckham

BOOK LINK

https://profilebooks.com/work/fear/

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Written and presented by Alex Andreou. Producer: Liam Tait. Audio editor: Jade Bailey. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Bunker USA: Biden doubles down for Israel - Julie Norman on what that means Oct 21, 2023

President Joe Biden’s visit to Israel was a clear indication of US support for Netanyahu's war with Hamas – but he also signalled a need for caution in the region. With the possibility of a second Trump presidency on the horizon, is the US’s hands-on approach to the Middle East sustainable? Associate professor of politics and international relations at UCL, Dr. Julie Norman, joins Chris Jones in The Bunker to look at Biden’s visit and the future of conflict in the middle east.

“The Israel Palestine is the epicentre for regional conflicts in the Middle East.” – Dr. Julie Norman
“As a statesman, Trump is seen as unpredictable and that’s difficult in times of crisis.” – Dr. Julie Norman
“This conflict has reaffirmed the need for stable global leadership.” – Dr. Julie Norman

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Written and presented by Chris Jones. Producer: Liam Tait. Audio editor: Simon Williams. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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From Russia with lies – How Moscow rewrote the rules of propaganda Oct 20, 2023

Russian propaganda has evolved since the invasion of Ukraine. Dr. Ian Garner, historian and author of Z Generation: Into the heart of Russia's fascist youth, joins Andrew Harrison in The Bunker to discuss Putin’s propaganda, how it has changed and why it works so well.

“They are the pioneers of multiplatform large scale disinformation.” – Ian Garner
“That metaphor of ‘firehose of falsehoods’ doesn’t quite explain the scale of what Russia is doing.” – Ian Garner

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Written and presented by Andrew Harrison. Producers: Alex Rees and Liam Tait. Production Assistant: Adam Wright. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Cashing in: How dark money distorts our democracy – with Peter Geoghegan Oct 19, 2023

Money talks – and that’s particularly true in politics. Will we ever know where the cash that influences our politicians comes from? Seth Thévoz speaks to Peter Geoghegan, writer of the popular substack Democracy for Sale, about the shadowy organisations and flows of cash that influence our political institutions in The Bunker.

“The Tufton Street crowd is very influenced by what’s happening in the states.” – Peter Geoghegan
“Labour promises to crack down on dark money have been watered down time and again.” – Peter Geoghegan

Check out Peter's Substack here:

https://democracyforsale.substack.com

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Written and presented by Seth Thévoz. Producer: Liam Tait. Audio editor: Jade Bailey. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Self reservations: The problem with identity politics – Ros Taylor talks to Yascha Mounk Oct 18, 2023

How important is your identity to your political beliefs? Yascha Mounk, the author of The Identity Trap argues that over the past decades, a healthy appreciation for the culture has transformed into an obsession. He joins Ros Taylor in the Bunker to explain why he thinks we need to move beyond individuality for the collective good.

“I don’t think woke is a useful term.” - Yascha Mounk
“There's a set of new ideas that are largely untested, but have taken on tremendous power very quickly,” - Yascha Mounk
“There have been some very prominent stories of people paying high and unfair prices for speaking their mind.” - Yascha Mounk

BOOK LINK

https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/456408/the-identity-trap-by-mounk-yascha/9780241638293

Support us on Patreon:

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Ros Taylor. Producer: Liam Tait. Assistant Producer: Adam Wright Audio editor: Simon Williams. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Help yourselves: What can we learn from Cameron’s ‘big society’ failure? Oct 17, 2023

David Cameron pushed his “big society” plan during his time as prime minister – but it didn’t work very well. Was it always doomed to fail? Seth Thevoz speaks to Peter John, head of the School of Politics and Economics at King’s College London, about the history and legacy of this policy position – as well as the lessons we can learn from it.

“The big society didn’t seem to stack up with wider policy changes.”
“The critics were out really from the start.”
“It proved to be embarrassing, and became a target of satire. It was easily targeted and ridiculed.”

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Written and presented by Seth Thévoz. Audio editor: Alex Rees. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Gaza invasion looms — Start Your Week with Gavin Esler and Ros Taylor Oct 16, 2023

An Israeli ground invasion of Gaza appears imminent – what will this look like? Half a million Palestinians have already evacuated southern Gaza but their routes of escape remain unclear. How has the British government responded to the escalating conflict? Plus, what do the results of Poland’s election mean for the war in Ukraine? And finally, the Conservatives face a fight over Narine Dorries’s old seat in this week’s byelection. Can they hold on to it?

Ros Taylor is joined in The Bunker by Gavin Esler to get you prepped for the week ahead.

“There’s hardly a cigarette paper between David Lammy and James Cleverley’s response to Israel.” – Ros Taylor
“The attacks on the BBC are nothing more than the politics of distraction.” – Gavin Esler
“Britain has cut its military back to levels not seen since 1715. We’re basically the mouse that roared.“ – Gavin Esler

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Written and presented by Ros Taylor and Gavin Esler. Producer: Liam Tait. Audio editor: Jade Bailey. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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BUNKER GOLD: No kidding – Why we can’t afford to have children Oct 15, 2023

In this week’s Bunker Gold, let us take you back to December 2022…

Is the cost of having children making parenthood feel impossible? With childcare through the roof, insecure housing and the cost of living crisis starting to bite, it’s an anxious time for parents. Joeli Brearley, founder of Pregnant Then Screwed, joins Ros Taylor to highlight how the poor provision for parents harms us all.

“Ironically I was sacked from a children's charity for wanting a baby.”
“Every ten minutes a woman is pushed out of their job.”
“We have created a system where dads aren’t allowed to be more active in the family.”
“Children aren’t a lifestyle choice, we are literally reproducing the labour market.”

Support us on Patreon:

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Presented by Ros Taylor. Producers: Jet Gerbertson and Alex Rees. Assistant Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production: Robin Leeburn. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Toe the Wine: The political history of Booze Oct 15, 2023

How has drinking shaped the history of the UK? From temperance to licensing Britain’s relationship with hooch has defined our public debates. Senior lecturer in public health from the University of Stirling, Dr. James Nicholls joins Seth Thévoz in The Bunker to discuss our complex history with the hard stuff.

“Social climbing happens in places where people drink.” – Dr. James Nicholls
"Throughout our history women's drinking has always been condemned." – Dr. James Nicholls
“The mortal panic over Gin in the 18th century was entirely justified.” – Dr. James Nicholls

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Written and presented by Seth Thévoz. Producers: Alex Rees and Liam Tait. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Bunker USA: What Matt Gaetz and the chaos caucus want Oct 14, 2023

On the very far-right of the GOP is a small but very disruptive group called the House Freedom Caucus. What does it stand for and how much power does it actually wield?Matt Gaetz, Marjorie Taylor Greene and Jim Jordan are all high profile members – what do they want? Thomas Gift is founding director of the Centre on US Politics at University College London. He joins Andrew Harrison in The Bunker.

“They don’t have a real coherent set of ideas.”
“Many of these individuals just like being on camera.”
“There are elements of the far-right that have gone far beyond Trumpism.”

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Written and presented by Group Editor Andrew Harrison. Producer: Chris Jones. Audio production: Simon Williams. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson.. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Bunker Global: Unpacking Germany’s shocking right-wing surge – with FT’s Guy Chazan Oct 13, 2023

Germany’s far-right is on the rise. Alternative for Germany outperformed all expectations in this week's state elections, increasing their share of the vote across the country. To understand the AfD’s spike in popularity, Ros Taylor speaks to FT's chief Germany correspondent Guy Chazan.

“AfD was considered a regional party. This election changed that perception.” – Guy Chazan
“It might already be too late to create a party that is a real rival to the AfD” – Guy Chazan
“They oppose almost everything that the current government is doing.” – Guy Chazan

Support us on Patreon:

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Ros Taylor. Producer: Liam Tait. Audio editor: Robin Leeburn. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Cash and grab: Are central banks to blame for all our financial mess? – Alex Andreou finds out Oct 12, 2023

Have central banks ever recovered from the global financial crisis? Alex Andreou sits down with Uuriintuya Batsaikhan, economist for Positive Money Europe, to find out if banks really are to blame for all of our financial woes.

“Financial forecasting has become a wish for central banks rather than a goal.” – Uuriintuya Batsaikhan
“High interest rates are a threat to green transition.” – Uuriintuya Batsaikhan
“An independant bank that sets monetary policy for 20 countries is an unprecedented experiment.” – Uuriintuya Batsaikhan

Support us on Patreon:

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Written and presented by Alex Andreou. Producer: Liam Tait. Audio editor: Simon Williams. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Bunker Bonus: Stella Creasy MP on the Labour Conference and Starmer's speech – live in Liverpool Oct 11, 2023

Straight after Keir Starmer’s keynote speech, Stella Creasy MP joined Jacob Jarvis to give her take on the Labour conference and what the leader of the opposition had to say. She gave her thoughts on policies, outlined her discussions at conference – with a key focus on Europe – and explained how she thinks voters can be persuaded to back Labour.

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Written and presented by Jacob Jarvis. Produced by Chris Jones. Audio production: Robin Leeburn. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Hot Spots: Matt Chorley and Rafael Behr on the places that shaped our politics Oct 11, 2023

Politics happens all around us, not just in London. Britain’s political map is far more varied than the city of Westminster. Rafael Behr joins Matt Chorley, author ofPlanes, Trains and Toilet Doors, on a whistle stop tour of the car parks, village halls and seaside towns that shaped our political landscape.

"Nothing in politics is new. Everything has been done before and probably better.” – Matt Chorley
“I like to take the piss out of politicians. It's a good way of hooking people into what's going on.”– Matt Chorley

https://mattchorley.com/50-places-1

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Written and presented by Rafael Behr. Producer: Liam Tait. Audio editor: Simon Williams. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Bunker Bonus: Barry Gardiner MP lays out Labour priorities at conference – from Liverpool! Oct 10, 2023

Barry Gardiner MP sits down with Jacob Jarvis to talk through Labour’s priorities, the shift in vibe at this year’s conference and the Tory shambles… Recorded in the Heathrow Lounge at Liverpool’s ACC on Monday morning, we put our fingers on the pulse of what is happening at the annual party gathering.

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Written and presented by Jacob Jarvis. Produced by Chris Jones. Audio production: Robin Leeburn. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Artwork by James Parrett. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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The UN faces destruction. Can we save it? – with Ros Taylor and Richard Gowan Oct 10, 2023

The United Nations was founded to help maintain international peace and security. The Security Council in particular is supposed to uphold those pledges. But its power and influence is dwindling. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, a looming war over Taiwan and unrest in Africa is some proof of that. So what can it do to regain the power it has lost, and is there still a place in the world for the UN? Richard Gowan is the UN Director of Crisis Group in New York. He sits down in The Bunker with Ros Taylor.

“I don’t think it's fair to say the UN as a whole has failed Ukrainians, but the Security Council certainly has.” – Richard Gowan
“Taiwan is the potential crisis that could blow up the Security Council that no one ever talks of.” – Richard Gowan
“The general assembly is a great big circus.” – Richard Gowan

Written and presented by Ros Taylor. Producer: Chris Jones. Audio production: Robin Leeburn. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Music by Kenny Dickinson.. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Terror in Israel – Start Your Week with Alex Andreou and Jacob Jarvis Oct 09, 2023

Following a weekend of brutal attacks on Israel, the prospect of a ground invasion of Gaza looms. We take a look at Hamas’s actions, how Netanyahu will respond, and the international reaction to the violence. Plus, we preview the Labour Conference as Starmer and his team present their views for the future of the country. How will Starmer’s speech stand up to Sunak’s?

Jacob Jarvis is joined in The Bunker by Alex Andreou to get you prepped for the week ahead.

“It will be tricky for Netenyahu to balance the calls for revenge with international pressure to be measured.” – Alex Andreou
“It’s impossible to predict how this situation will play out.” – Jacob Jarvis
“Starmers speech will not be a barrage of promises, it will be about his values.” – Alex Andreou
“Bring back boring politics.” – Jacob Jarvis

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Written and presented by Jacob Jarvis and Alex Andreou. Producer: Liam Tait. Audio editor: Jade Bailey. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Bunker Gold: First contact – We’ll meet aliens soon, then what? Oct 08, 2023

In this week’s Bunker Gold we revisit an out of this world episode from May 2022…

As scientists seek extraterrestrial life, what would we do if we actually found it? How would we manage first contact, and could we even communicate with aliens? Franck Marchis, a senior planetary astronomer from the SETI Institute, unpacks the prospect with Andrew Harrison – and the idea aliens might already know we’re here, but we’re too boring for them to care.

“The most important question is intelligent life.”
“This discovery will not be a big surprise for a lot of humans on this planet.”
“If we find a civilisation slightly more advanced to us, maybe 100 years, they may be much more intelligent in terms of technology.”
“We may not see them because perhaps their technology is invisible to us.”

Support us on Patreon:

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Andrew Harrison. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Assistant Producer: Elina Ganatra. Audio production by Jade Bailey. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Deep Stately Homes: How country houses shape political decisions – with Professor Kate Retford Oct 08, 2023

From PM’s holidaying at Chequers to the salacious escapades of Downton Abbey, country houses hold a special place in the public imagination. While these very big houses in the country are often considered to be relics of the past, their influence looms over modern politics.

Dr. Kasia Tomasiewicz speaks to Professor Kate Retford, head of school of historic studies at Birbeck University, to find out how these country homes guide our political climate.

“The relationship between the country house and politics goes back for centuries.”
“I'm not sure how many people would really like to live in one of these places.”
"We can use these properties to tell some of the stories from history that they may not know."

Support us on Patreon:

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Kasia Tomasiewicz . Producer: Liam Tait. Audio editor: Jade Bailey. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Bunker USA: How country music soundtracks America's politics – with Dorian Lynskey and Jonathan Bernstein Oct 07, 2023

Country music and political statements often go hand in hand. And many artists find success by charging their songs with political messages – Jason Aldean’s controversial single ‘Try That in a Small Town’ being a recent example. Jonathan Bernstein is a senior research editor at Rolling Stone and joins Dorian Lynskey in The Bunker to discuss the complicated relationship between country music and politics.

“It’s never a good sign when an artist is accused of releasing a pro-lynching song.” – Jon Bernstein
“I think Oliver Anthony was thrown into a whirlwind of craziness.” – Jon Bernstein
“The history of it is very complex … but certainly country music is tied to Southern Whiteness in this country.” – Jon Bernstein

Written and presented by Dorian Lynskey. Producer: Chris Jones. Audio production: Robin Leeburn. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Bunker Global: The spies that want to overthrow Kim Jong Un – Seth Thévoz speaks to Bradley Hope Oct 06, 2023

In this week’s Bunker Global, Seth Thévoz is joined by Bradley Hope, the author of The Rebel and The Kingdom, to discuss the totalitarian state of North Korea and the unlikely rebels leading the charge against Kim Jong Un.

“North Korea can publicly strike and kill people in the most bone chilling way.”
“We should be grateful that people take risks to show us the truth. Some just go too far.”
"Pyongyang feels like an alien world compared to London or New York."

BOOK LINK: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/690147/the-rebel-and-the-kingdom-by-bradley-hope/

Support us on Patreon:

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Seth Thévoz. Producer: Liam Tait. Audio editor: Jade Bailey. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Are the Republicans about to abandon Ukraine? – Dr. Julie Norman explains. Oct 05, 2023

Funding for Ukraine has become a point of contention among the GOP. The Freedom Caucus, led by Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz, has pushed against money to help the nation’s war effort – and this was excluded in a recent budget bill, in order to facilitate a deal. How did the Republican caucus get here, and how far are they willing to go?

Andrew Harrison is joined by associate professor of politics and international relations at UCL, Dr. Julie Norman, to explain the complicated situation unfolding in the US.

“This won’t make or break things for Ukraine in the coming weeks” – Julie Norman
“It’s hard to read into what Trump would do with foreign aid if he gets back into power." – Julie Norman
“There are many Republicans who are not only supporting Ukraine, but think Biden should be doing more” – Julie Norman

Support us on Patreon:

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This week's sponsor is the Disorder Podcast - listen here: https://linktr.ee/disorderpod

Written and presented by Andrew Harrison. Producers: Liam Tait and Jade Bailey. Production assistant: Adam Wright. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Brit and miss: Steve Richards on why stubborn leaders botched the UK's foreign policy Oct 04, 2023

The UK is no stranger to getting political decisions wrong – especially in foreign policy. Broadcaster and author Steve Richards, of Rock & Roll Politics,writes in his new book Turning Points that the decisions made by post-war leaders are often bewildering but also intensely complicated. He joins Gavin Esler in The Bunker for a very honest discussion on why that is.

“It seems to me with Britain – it reaches turning points and fails to turn.” – Steve Richards
“Eden went mad almost over Suez… the attacks he got were far more intense than Blair over Iraq.” – Steve Richards
“The UK is in as much of a mess now as it was post-Suez… it’s deeply depressing.” – Steve Richards

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Written and presented by Gavin Esler. Producer: Chris Jones. Audio production: Robin Leeburn. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Bad blood: Inside the medical scandal haunting Britain – with Caroline Wheeler and Ros Taylor Oct 03, 2023

The infected blood scandal of the 1970s and 80s saw almost 5,000 people in the UK contract HIV or hepatitis C due to contaminated NHS blood products. Over 2,800 have died and tens of thousands of lives have been affected, yet no organisation or individual has ever been held to account. Ros Taylor is joined by Caroline Wheeler, the political editor of the Sunday Times and author of the new book Death in the Blood: The inside story of the NHS infected blood scandal.

Death in the Blood: https://www.hachette.com.au/caroline-wheeler/death-in-the-blood-the-most-shocking-scandal-in-nhs-history-from-the-journalist-who-has-followed-the-story-for-over-two-decades

“This all happened at a time when HIV was poorly understood, there was no effective treatment. It was extremely taboo.” – Ros Taylor
“At the very moment this family needed all the support and all the care they deserved, they only received ridicule and mockery.” – Caroline Wheeler
“It wasn’t until the late 80s until the general public were educated about how AIDS was spread.” – Caroline Wheeler
“People are still dying, at the rate of one every four days. Two of the ten characters in this book died as it was being written.” – Caroline Wheeler

Support us on Patreon:

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Written and presented by Ros Taylor. Producer: Liam Tait. Assistant Producer: Adam Wright. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production: Jade Bailey. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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The Fast and the Spurious — Start Your Week with Alex Andreou and Jacob Jarvis Oct 02, 2023

Rishi Sunak is having a grim time up north as the Tories gather in Manchester for their annual conference. As the PM attempts to put crowd pleasing policies forward (and not mention HS2), the race to replace him has already started.

In world news, we look at the U.S. after it narrowly avoided a government shutdown, the latest on Ukraine — and finally, a slow burning financial crisis in China.

Jacob Jarvis is joined in The Bunker by Alex Andreou to get you prepped for the week ahead.

“Sunak was chancellor for two years before he was PM, he only looked at HS2 now?” – Alex Andreou
“Labour basically have to look a bit less shi*t than the Tories to win conference season.” – Jacob Jarvis

Support us on Patreon:

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Written and presented by Jacob Jarvis and Alex Andreou. Producer: Liam Tait. Audio editor: Jade Bailey. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Bunker Gold: Talking Trash with Count Binface Oct 01, 2023

This week on the Bunker Gold: Let us take you back to the crazy days of 2022, when Liz Truss was Prime Minister and Boris Johnson was still an MP…

How would an alien fix Britain? We hear from Count Binface, who resisted the urge to vapourise Alex Andreou despite some tough questions. The Count discusses standing against Tories like Theresa May (as Lord Buckethead) and Boris Johnson, why he’d junk First Past the Post for PR, plus his book, WHAT ON EARTH?.

“I was passing Earth and it seemed to be the most deranged planet of the lot.” – Count Binface
“The Brits play the game, and occasionally write down things.” – Count Binface
“You don't have to be a human being to stand for election.” – Count Binface
“As a Recyclon, I hope to reuse the best policies from across the galaxy.” – Count Binface

Support us on Patreon:

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Alex Andreou. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold, Jelena Sofronijevic and Alex Rees. Assistant producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Audio production by Jade Bailey. Music: Kenny Dickinson. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. Artwork: James Parrett. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

Book link:

https://geni.us/whatonearth

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Bunker Panel: Are centrists real? Should politicians still fear the papers? And more... Oct 01, 2023

On our latest panel edition: What does centrism in politics even mean? And why is the government still so worried about newspapers? Then finally, why do politicians have such weird taste in music?

We’ve assembled a supergroup of Podmasters all stars, Rock & Roll Politics hall of famer Steve Richards, the chanteuse of Paper Cuts, Miranda Sawyer and Podmasters virtuoso Jacob Jarvis join frontman Andrew Harrison in the latest edition of The Bunker Panel.

“Centrism is deeply subjective, that’s the danger of it.“ – Steve Richards
“The most common response when they ask for people’s political ideology is: I don’t know.” – Jacob Jarvis
“When politicians try to control the media they get it wrong. They need journalists to get the message out for them.” – Miranda Sawyer

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Andrew Harrison. Produced by Alex Rees and Liam Tait. Production Assistant: Adam Wright. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Bunker USA: Mission Impeachable – Inside the GOP’s latest attack on Biden Sep 30, 2023

House Speaker Kevin McCarthy is leading calls to impeach President Joe Biden. Irrespective of whether that’s realistic or not (spoiler alert: it isn’t) what does it really mean to impeach a president? Professor of history and classical studies at McGill University, Jason Opal, takes us back to the origins of impeachment to understand how it’s become a common tactic of American political warfare. He joins Seth Thévoz in The Bunker.

“Since the 80s impeachment has gone from nearly unthinkable to a fairly conventional form of political warfare.” – Prof. Jason Opal
“When it became obvious Nixon was abusing his power in office, a lot of Republican support dissolved overnight.” – Prof. Jason Opal
“If you look at impeachments overall, I don’t think you would see a real pattern.” – Prof. Jason Opal

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Seth Thévoz. Producer: Chris Jones. Audio production: Simon Williams. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Bunker Global: The secret schools giving hope to Afghanistan’s women Sep 29, 2023

In Afghanistan, women and girls have been banned from schools and universities – but underground networks have sprung up to maintain their education. This week on Bunker Global, Chris Jones is joined by Pashtana Durrani, educator and founder of LEARN Afghan and winner of a 2023 Global Citizen Award, to discuss the schools that defy Taliban rule and educate girls across the country.

"Our future was stolen. Our present is stolen. We are the victims of a political agenda.”
"Despite everything, I’m a hopeless optimist when it comes to Afghanistan.“

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

This week's sponsor is the Disorder Podcast - listen here: https://linktr.ee/disorderpod

Written and presented by Chris Jones. Producer: Liam Tait. Audio editor: Simon Williams. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Factory Reset – How AI is driving the new industrial revolution Sep 28, 2023

AI is disrupting systems across the world – and is beginning to completely change global manufacturing. What are the pros and cons of this new era of technological advancement? Industrialisation led to a period of growth never before seen but could the next industrial revolution do more harm than good?

Dr. Kate Devlin is joined by Dr. Jostein Hauge, author of The Future of the Factory: How Megatrends are Changing Industrialization to discuss global trends and the future of industry.

"Corporations don't plan to get to the top of the podium, they strategise as to how they can stay on top of the podium.”
"There is an obvious link between ecological breakdown and our economic growth.”
"Development, productivity and growth have become synonymous with industrialisation.”

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

BOOK LINK

https://www.josteinhauge.com/book

Written and presented by Kate Devlin. Producer: Liam Tait. Audio editor: Simon Williams. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Return to centre: David Gauke wages war on Tory populism Sep 27, 2023

For a few years now the Tory party has been drifting further and further right and it’s not gone well… at all. David Gauke is the former Justice Secretary under Theresa May and has edited a book titled The Case for the Centre Right which highlights the desperate need to reverse the direction of his party back to the centre. But is there a real case for the centre right anymore? Marie Le Conte sits down with him in The Bunker to listen to his argument.

The case for the centre right: https://www.wiley.com/en-us/The+Case+for+the+Centre+Right-p-9781509560837

“Arguably this is a case that should’ve been made much earlier.” – David Gauke
“Now I think is the time to say let’s not go further down the line of pursuing populism.” – David Gauke.
“I think when you look at it Boris Johnson should not have been facilitated by the Conservative Party… they knew what they were getting.” – David Gauke

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Marie Le Conte. Producer: Chris Jones. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production: Robin Leeburn. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Between the lines: How cocaine use soared despite the war on drugs Sep 26, 2023

The war on drugs has been going on for decades, yet the use of cocaine has continued to rise – especially in the UK. Why is that? Who are the international paramilitary groups playing a role in keeping supplies going? And is the problem being tackled by our government correctly? Genevieve Kotarska is a research fellow in the Organised Crime and Policing Team at the Royal United Services Institute. She joins Ros Taylor in The Bunker.

“I don’t think legalisation is the magic solution it’s sometimes suggested to be.” – Genevieve Kotarska
“The problem is that politics likes simple answers, and in the case of cocaine there just isn’t one.” – Genevieve Kotarska
“I don’t think someone wanting a good time on a Saturday night is going to listen to Rishi Sunak? I doubt it.” – Genevieve Kotarska

Support us on Patreon:

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Ros Taylor. Producer: Chris Jones. Assistant Producer: Adam Wright. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production: Jade Bailey. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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HS2 little, too late — Start Your Week with Ros Taylor and Hannah Fearn Sep 25, 2023

Rishi Sunak is set to ditch HS2 plans – how will he handle enraging a huge chunk of the country and a load of fellow Tories? This comes amid a raft of Government uncertainty over policies – with pensions and inheritance tax debates rolling on. Plus, there is more Met police controversy with a number of officers turning in their firearms. Ros Taylor and Hannah Fearn discuss the news you need to look out for in the week ahead.

“It’s obvious to me when you’ve made such a commitment, you don’t back away when things get tough.” – Hannah Fearn
“There’s definitely anger within the Conservative Party as well.” – Hannah Fearn
“On the world stage this makes us look really stupid.” – Hannah Fearn

Support us on Patreon:

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Ros Taylor and Hannah Fearn. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production: Jade Bailey. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Animal Farm 2.0: The George Orwell sequel you didn’t know you needed Sep 24, 2023

Animal Farm is one of the 20th century’s most iconic books. So why make a sequel? Dorian Lynskey is joined by Adam Biles, literary director at Shakespeare and Company and author of the new book Beast of England, to explore how Manor Farm provides the perfect imaginary landscape for assessing our fraught and fractured politics.

“Watching UK politics from afar gave the impression of a frog slowly being boiled.”
“My feeling became: a plague on all of your houses.”
“When you romanticise a group of people you flatten their experiences.”

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Book link: https://www.galleybeggar.co.uk/paperback-shop/beasts-of-england

Written and presented by Dorian Lynskey. Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production: Robin Leeburn and Jade Bailey. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Bunker USA: Swing both ways - The states that will decide the 2024 election Sep 23, 2023

Bellwether and swing states are often the battlegrounds upon which the US presidential race is won. Historically, Ohio has been one of the most important - but that is changing. So which states matter the most for the upcoming 2024 election? And how will Trump or Biden (or anyone else) win them over? Kyle Kondik is the Author of ‘The Bellwether: Why Ohio Picks the president”. He joins Alex Andreou in The Bunker.

“We’re seeing a shift in the key states in the electoral college, partially due to Trump.” - Kyle Kondik.
“Both Trump and Biden have over 50% unfavorability, these voters tend to skew to the right but were not a fan of what happened on January 6th. These voters are likely to decide the next election” - Kyle Kondik.
“Both Biden and Trump’s ability to tell a story defines the ground they are battling over” - Alex Andreou.

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Book Link:

https://www.ohioswallow.com/book/The+Bellwether

Written and presented by Alex Andreou. Producer: Chris Jones. Assistant Producer: Adam Wright Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production: Robin Leeburn . Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Bunker Global: Did India plot a murder in Canada? Europe's next flashpoint and Africa's dying democracy Sep 22, 2023

Canada’s PM Justin Trudeau has claimed agents of the government of India orchestrated an assassination on Canadian soil. The killing of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar has led to a terse back and forth between the two nations. Plus, we take a look at the latest chapter in the Azerbaijan and Armenia conflict. And, why are so many former French colonies revolting across Africa?

Chris Jones is joined by Dipo Faloyin, senior editor at Vice and author of ‘Africa is not a country’ and Laurence Broers, associate fellow at Chatham House’s Russia and Eurasia Programme,to get you up to speed on the biggest stories from around the world.

"Canada wouldn’t make an allegation like this if they didn’t have solid proof.” — Dipo Faloyin
"The Ukraine conflict has provided Azerbaijan with perfect cover for these military operations.” — Laurence Broers
"Macron and the French government ignored the warning signs of civil unrest in their former colonies.” — Dipo Faloyin

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This week's sponsor is the Disorder Podcast - listen here: https://linktr.ee/disorderpod

Written and presented by Chris Jones with Dipo Faloyin. Producer: Liam Tait. Audio editor: Simon Williams. Production assistant: Adam Wright. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Creep Fakes: Can I stop AI doing anything it wants with my face? Sep 21, 2023

By now most of us have had hands-on experience with an AI interface. Beyond the sleek exterior of ChatGTP there is a world of AI that threatens the privacy of each and every one of us. Kate Devlin is joined in The Bunker by tech journalist and co-founder of 404 Media, Samantha Cole, to find out if AI can produce anything, what is protecting our likeness from being exploited in disturbing, and even explicit, ways?

"People can use AI to make any fantasy image a reality."
“If you're a normal person, it's really hard to protect your likeness from AI image generation.”
“ A lot of them are deep fakes but a lot of it's really bizarre and strange.”

Support us on Patreon:

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Kate Devlin. Producer: Liam Tait. Audio editor: Jade Bailey. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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China crisis: Is Xi Jinping’s mega-army useless? Sep 20, 2023

With two million active soldiers, China has the largest military in the world. But does it know what it’s doing? Even with some of the most advanced military tech in the world their ability to use it is unclear. Laura Makin-Isherwood speaks to Timothy Heath, senior international defence researcher at the RAND Corporation, to find out if Xi’s army is something we should be worried about – or if they have all the gear and no idea.

"Xi’s army has no experience operating large combat forces on another continent."
“As the Chinese developed their economic ties, they are also sharing their preferred political values.”
“The Chinese military conscripts a quarter of their force because they cannot attract enough volunteers.”

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Laura Makin-Isherwood. Producer: Liam Tait. Audio editor: Jade Bailey. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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World disservice: Who wins if the BBC loses its global power? Sep 19, 2023

The BBC World Service is under attack. The global broadcaster reaches an audience of over 500 million listeners across the globe. But budget cuts and the exit of some territories have left the BBC service a shell of its former self.

Alex Andreou is joined in The Bunker by Simon Potter, professor of modern history at Bristol University and author of This is the BBC: Entertaining the Nation, Speaking for Britain, 1922-2022, to find out who benefits from the downfall of the BBC World Service?

“I think it’s inescapable to argue that the BBC has always faced hostility throughout its existence” – Simon Potter
“Despite the budget cuts the BBC still has the largest audience the across the world it’s ever had” – Simon Potter
“An independent global BBC is a much more powerful tool than a directly state controlled broadcaster.” – Simon Potter

Support us on Patreon:

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Alex Andreou. Assistant producer: Adam Wright. Audio producer: Jade Bailey. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Brand on the run — Start Your Week with Gavin Esler and Andrew Harrison Sep 18, 2023

Accusations of sexual assault and rape against Russell Brand will dominate the news this week. Will this open a new front in #MeToo and lead to lasting change? Plus, after Starmer makes claims about how to manage illegal migration – what are the latest proposals?

We also have an update on ongoing Conservative psychodramas including Liz Truss’s failed premiership, Tom Tugenhadt’s plea to appeal to the young, and the parliamentary debut from new Energy & Net Zero Minister Claire Coutinho. Andrew Harrison is joined by Gavin Esler to give you the stories to look out for in the week ahead.

“The list of names of Brand’s supporters sounds like the dinner party from hell.” – Gavin Esler
“It’s obvious that the world is on the move, and migration will be the story of our lifetime.” – Gavin Esler
“With Truss now selling her speeches, should we listen to the lettuce?” – Andrew Harrison

Support us on Patreon:

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Gavin Esler and Andrew Harrison. Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production: Jade Bailey. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Cruel world: How did we become so mean? Sep 17, 2023

Brits seem to be more mean-spirited than ever. This is clear on social media, but also in attitudes towards poorer sections of society. How did we become so mean, and what can we do about it? Hannah Fearn is joined by professor of human geography Danny Dorling, author of new book Shattered Nation: Inequality and the Geography of A Failing State, to find out how social issues change attitudes towards those who need the most help in society – and how we can fight to be kinder.

“The UK is one of the most unequal countries in Europe.”
“People spend money on private schools because they are scared.”
“Those who are really comfortable don’t think people should be helped out.”

Book Link:

https://www.versobooks.com/en-gb/products/3118-shattered-nation

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Hannah Fearn. Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz with Liam Tait. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production: Simon Williams. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Bunker USA: From 9/11 hero to Trump lapdog – How Rudy Giuliani trashed himself and America Sep 16, 2023

Rudy Giuliani was once credited for lowering crime in New York and a swift response to 9/11. So how has he fallen so sharply from grace? Jacob Jarvis is joined by Andrew Kirtzman, author of Giuliani: The Rise and Tragic Fall of America's Mayor to find out how since becoming an integral part of the Donald Trump leadership, Rudy Giuliani is a figure beset with scandals.

“Rudy Giuliani was a different person in the past, an authoritarian but largely effective and smart.”
“The Rudy Giuliani of today is sloppy, forgetful and lost in a fog.”
“Rudy Giuliani attended 200 funerals – and then cynically cashed in on his fame.”
“Trump brought Rudy Giuliani back to life.”
“Whatever good Rudy Giuliani did as Mayor has been eviscerated by the 2020 election.”

Not for Patreon

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Book link:

https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Giuliani/Andrew-Kirtzman/9781982153298

Written and presented by Jacob Jarvis. Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production: Jade Bailey. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Bunker Global: Kim and Putin's horror double act, North African disasters and Britain's latest trade blow Sep 15, 2023

This week on Bunker Global: After Vladimir Putin meets with Kim Jong Un – should we be worried? Plus, a series of catastrophes hit North Africa, including the earthquake in Morocco and devastating flooding in Libya. And finally, Britain is frozen out of an EU-world trade agreement.

Laura Makin-Isherwood, formerly London bureau chief of Feature Story News, and Abdulkader Assad, senior political editor for The Libya Observer, join Chris Jones this week. Listen in for your need-to-know on news and politics from across the world.

“Kim Jong Un is pushing a ballistic agenda.” – Laura Makin-Isherwood
“The two governments in Libya have made international aid slower, there are no open communication channels.” – Abdulkader Assad
“The G20 agreed on a religious paragraph, condemning acts of hatred against religion, which is a global first.” – Laura Makin-Isherwood

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Chris Jones with Laura Makin-Isherwood. Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Production assistant: Adam Wright. Audio editor: Simon Williams. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Machine minds: How outsourcing thought to tech could be humanity's downfall Sep 14, 2023

We’ve built machines to help us make decisions in all sectors of our lives – especially in government. But we don’t understand exactly what they’re capable of and how they may evolve. David Runciman is author of The Handover: How We Gave Control of Our Lives to Corporations, States and AIs. He joins Ros Taylor in The Bunker to discuss “the machinery of states” and whether AI could learn to outgrow humanity.

“We’re still unsure whether these machines are going to be good for us, or kill us all.” – David Runciman
“What happens if we lose control of these things?” – David Runciman
“We’ve turned these machines into vast, bureaucratic engines … taking in almost every aspect of our lives.” – David Runciman
“AI has been completely transformative, for better and for worse.” – David Runciman

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Ros Taylor. Producer: Chris Jones. Audio production: Simon Williams. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Naomi Klein on conspiracy theorists, her doppelgänger, and the malign power of influencers Sep 13, 2023

Being mistaken for Naomi Wolf was once a joke for acclaimed author Naomi Klein. But following the global pandemic, her doppelgänger embraced conspiracy theories and was welcomed into alt-right spheres. In an effort to understand the woman she was often mistaken for — Naomi Klein journeyed down the rabbit hole into a world of misinformation, emotional manipulation and a mirror world not quite like our own.

Jude Rogers speaks to Naomi Klein, the author of No Logo, The Shock Doctrine and her latest book Doppelganger: A Trip into the Mirror World in The Bunker.

“Social media is like reading the graffiti about you on the bathroom wall. And I've read a lot of that graffiti confusing me with Naomi Wolf.”
“The corporate world has produced a playing field so rigged against consumers that mistrust and paranoia have flourished.”
"My friends ask: why am I listening to Steve Bannon? And I say because he's listening to us."

BOOK LINK

https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/453962/doppelganger-by-klein-naomi/9780241621301

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Jude Rogers. Producer: Liam Tait and Kasia Tomasiewicz. Audio editor: Robin Leeburn. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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The kids aren’t alright: How pandemic policies are still failing young people Sep 12, 2023

Covid-19 caused chaos for a lot of us. For children and young people it completely disrupted their personal growth, in education and social settings too. Dr. Lauren Andres is a professor of planning and urban transformation at UCL. She’s studying the impact that pandemic policies put in place by governments around the world have had on young people.

She joins Ros Taylor in The Bunker to discuss whether we’re dealing with a lost generation.

PANEX-Youth is a two-year project, led by Prof. Andres: https://panexyouth.com/home-2/resources/

“The word we keep coming back to is trauma.” – Dr. Lauren Andres.
“We need to recognise that they suffered, they were ignored, they were not the priority.” – Dr. Lauren Andres.
“A lot of the play and socialisation and play moved online, and this raises a lot of issues.” – Dr. Lauren Andres.
“We need to remember that pubs were opened before playgrounds… we need to think about what our priorities were here.” – Dr. Lauren Andres.

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Ros Taylor. Producer: Chris Jones. Audio production: Jade Bailey. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Jailhouse rot — Start Your Week with Alex Andreou and Jacob Jarvis Sep 11, 2023

Britain’s prisons are under the spotlight following Daniel Khalife’s escape from HMP Wandsworth. Alex Chalk did the damage control rounds over the weekend – but does the justice secretary have more problems than this high profile debacle?

Meanwhile, a parliamentary researcher was arrested under suspicion of sharing official secrets with China. What does this mean for the UK’s relationship with Beijing? Plus we look back at the key developments from the G20 conference, the latest on Ukraine — and we examine the international aid efforts following the devastating earthquake in Morocco.

Jacob Jarvis is joined in The Bunker by Alex Andreou to get you prepped for the week ahead.

“Wandsworth prison is built to hold 900 inmates and it currently hosts 1600. What did they think was going to happen?” – Alex Andreou
“The government is managing the country like I tidy my bedroom, putting things vaguely out of sight and not actually dealing with them.” – Jacob Jarvis
“The government is just warehousing people, whether they’re asylum seekers, students or prisoners.” – Alex Andreou

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Jacob Jarvis and Alex Andreou. Producer: Liam Tait. Audio editor: Simon Williams. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Tour de farce: How Brexit is crippling the music industry Sep 10, 2023

Following Brexit, performers are consistently losing out on opportunities to perform. How has it gotten so bad – and can the situation be resolved? Alex Andreou is joined in The Bunker by Deborah Annetts, the CEO of the Independent Society of Musicians to find out how the government could save the music industry and why they have no desire to do so.

“Various select committees have begged the government to sort this mess out.”
“We won't see the results immediately but in five years time, are we going to have a thriving music industry? I very much doubt it.”
"I’ve heard off the record: Why should we help you? Musicians don’t vote Tory."

Support us on Patreon:

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Alex Andreou. Producer: Liam Tait. Audio editor: Jade Bailey. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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 Bunker Bonus: How Victor Orbán is manipulating Tucker Carlson’s Hungary obsession Sep 09, 2023

One of Tucker Carlson’s recent interviews is with Hungarian Prime Minister Victor Orbán. In the interview Orbán called for Trump to return to the U.S. presidency, among numerous other inflammatory statements. Why is Tucker so obsessed with Hungarian politics – and how does Orbán use the media to bolster his narrative? Chris Jones is joined by journalist for 24.HU, Zsolt Kerner.

“It’s ironic to see Orbán, who often says other nations shouldn’t comment on domestic politics, calling for a change in U.S. President” – Zsolt Kerner
“It’s a usual play in hungarian politics, to play with preconceptions about the U.S.” – Zsolt Kerner

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written, presented and produced by Chris Jones, with special thanks to Balint Bardi. Assistant Producer: Adam Wright. Audio editor: Simon Williams. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Bunker USA: Age concern – Does it matter how old Biden and Trump are? with Molly Jong-Fast Sep 09, 2023

Joe Biden is 80 and his main Republican rival Donald Trump is 77. Opponents of each are ready to use their ages against them – but will this debate matter come 2024? Writer for Vanity Fair and host of the Fast Politics podcast, Molly Jong-Fast says the age argument is a classic GOP tactic, but questions how well it will work. She joins Gavin Esler in the Bunker.

“One of the things we’re not talking about enough is the power of incumbency.” – Molly Jong-Fast.
“I don’t think Biden would’ve run again if he didn’t know he was the person most likely to win.” – Molly Jong-Fast.
“This could be the last ever American election – can you see Trump ever leaving?” –Molly Jong-Fast.

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Gavin Esler. Producer: Chris Jones. Audio production: Robin Leeburn. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Bunker Global: G20 cheat sheet, Orbán endorses Trump and is Dubai the next Las Vegas? Sep 08, 2023

This week on Bunker Global: The G20 is assembling in India this weekend, what can we expect from this year’s summit? Plus, we take a look at Victor Orbán’s interview with Tucker Carlson and the UAE is looking to loosen ‘gaming’ laws in their country. Could Dubai become the Las Vegas of the middle east?

Chris Jones is joined by associate professor of politics and international relations at UCL, Julie Norman, and Hungary-based journalist Zsolt Kerner, to get you up to speed on the biggest stories from around the world.

"A large proportion of the UAE's population are not citizens. The teachings of the Quran aren’t a priority to them.” —Julie Norman
"Most Hungarians believe that the US can do whatever it wants for its own gain.” — Zsolt Kerner
"India is uniquely placed to bring other countries in the G20 together.” — Chris Jones

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Chris Jones with Julie Norman and Zsolt Kerner. Producer: Liam Tait. Audio editor: Simon Williams. Production Assistant: Adam Wright. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Special thanks to Balint Bardi. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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The price isn’t right: Everything you need to know about inflation Sep 07, 2023

Inflation is one of the hot political topics at the moment. Jeremy Hunt says that keeping inflation at five per cent is putting money in the pocket of the average Brit... So we figured it was time to provide a cheat-sheet on inflation knowledge, just in case the Chancellor of the Exchequer needs a judgement-free refresher.

Alex Andreou sits down with Giles Wilkes, senior fellow at the Institute for Government, to explain everything you need to know about inflation.

“High inflation is the clearest sign that you've got something really wrong.”
“The BoE thinks they need to raise interest rates in order to cut purchasing power.”
“Inflation is all of the prices going up at once rather than some for their own idiosyncratic reasons.”

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Alex Andreou. Producer: Liam Tait. Audio editor: Simon Williams. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Up for the challenge? – The unique test of leading in opposition Sep 06, 2023

Being the leader of the opposition is a thankless task, often described as the worst job in politics. Those that don’t go on to be PM are often completely forgotten, rarely to be spoken of again. So what makes a good leader of the opposition? And how has the role changed through history? Dr. Nigel Fletcher is the Author of The Not Quite Prime Ministers: Leaders of the Opposition 1783–2020. He joins Marie Le Conte in The Bunker.

https://www.bitebackpublishing.com/books/the-not-quite-prime-ministers

“It’s the best apprenticeship you can have outside of being deputy Prime Minister.” – Nigel Fletcher
“There are a few that you can look at and say that was a really bad period of opposition.” – Nigel Fletcher

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Marie Le Conte. Producer: Chris Jones. Audio production: Simon Williams. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Drain and gain: Inside the sewage scandal poisoning our waterways Sep 05, 2023

We have some of the worst river health standards in Europe – in large part due to raw sewage being pumped into our vital waterways. Is it too easy for water companies to get away with this? And does the Government have a plan to fix the issue? Jamie Woodward is a professor of physical geography at theUniversity of Manchester. He joins Laura Makin-Isherwood in the Bunker to discuss.

“The water companies have ruthlessly exploited an under regulated system.” – Prof. Jamie Woodward
“The dumping of sewage has become routine, and there’s been a public outrage against water companies who have made huge profits.” – Prof. Jamie Woodward
Dumping sewage is incredibly profitable and there’s no sufficient deterrent to get them to clear up their act.” – Prof. Jamie Woodward

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Laura Makin-Isherwood. Producer: Chris Jones. Audio production: Robin Leeburn. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Concrete Bungle — Start Your Week with Alex Andreou and Ros Taylor Sep 04, 2023

School’s out indefinitely across the country as many deal with a concrete crisis. But how much did the government know about this looming fiasco? Meanwhile, parliament is back in session — inflation, small boats and green energy are on the agenda for the Conservatives. Meanwhile, Starmer looks towards the general election with a shadow cabinet reshuffle. Plus a preview of the G20 conference, the latest on Ukraine — and it’s been one year since the Queen died. How does this new era of Britain stack up to the last?

Ros Taylor is joined in The Bunker by Alex Andreou to get you prepped for the week ahead.

“The metaphor of crumbling schools is a little too on the nose.” – Alex Andreou
“Cameron once said Labour failed to fix the roof when the sun was shining. How ironic.” – Ros Taylor
“Braverman has failed on every single metric, to an almost farcical level.” – Alex Andreou

Support us on on Patreon:

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Ros Taylor and Alex Andreou. Producer: Liam Tait. Audio editor: Jade Bailey. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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The devil is in the retail: Why shopping is political Sep 03, 2023

You are what you buy, but how does shopping shape our politics? Can brands be agents of social change? Bobby Friction is joined by Marcus Collins, author of For the Culture: The Power Behind the World's Most Successful Brands, from Apple to Beyoncé, to explore how companies tailor their brands to different personal politics.

“How we make our identity is unbelievably powerful.”
“Nike is far more than just a sneaker company, it is an agent of social change.”
“It all goes wrong when brands don’t fully commit to particular politics.”

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Book link:

https://www.panmacmillan.com/authors/marcus-collins/for-the-culture/9781035020010

Presented by Bobby Friction. Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Assistant producer: Adam Wright. Audio editor: Robin Leeburn. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Bunker USA: The fatal crisis America is ignoring Sep 02, 2023

Over half a million people in America are homeless – and this figure keeps increasing. How can this crisis – which is resulting in deaths across the nation – be solved? President Joe Biden wants to eradicate homelessness by 2025. Can he? Ann Marie Staudenmaier issenior legal counsel for the Washington Legal Clinic for The Homeless. She sits down in The Bunker with Chris Jones to discuss why the US is failing.

“This is a problem across the country because of government policies evicting people and not being able to afford to get back into housing.” – Ann Marie Staudenmaier
“I’ve seen so many government proclamations over the years, and the only way to solve this problem is to put your money where your mouth is.” – Ann Marie Staudenmaier

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Written and presented by Chris Jones. Audio production: Simon Williams. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Bunker Global: Ukraine’s hidden death toll, UK’s China dilemma and is BRICS the new world order? Sep 01, 2023

This week on Bunker Global: We’re a year and a half into the Ukraine war, and the estimated death toll remains unclear. James Cleverly is in China to “reestablish lines of communication” despite raising humanitarian concerns. Plus, we found out what happened at the BRICS summit and finally we looked at the latest horror story from Australia.

Chris Jones is joined by broadcast journalist Laura Makin-Isherwood to get you up to speed on the biggest stories from around the world.

"The Russian government has classified all information on soldier casualties in Ukraine” Laura Makin-Isherwood
"Even getting invited to China will be a bit of a coup for James Cleverly.” - Laura Makin-Isherwood
"BRICs could signal a shift in global power away from the west.” - Laura Makin-Isherwood
"Outrageous! A worm in the brain?” - Chris Jones

Written and presented by Laura Makin-Isherwood with Chris Jones. Producer: Liam Tait. Audio editor: Simon Williams. Production Assistant: Adam Wright. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Dose Negligence - Why the UK's drug research is failing Aug 31, 2023

There’s a revolution in the way doctors are treating mental health, but the UK could be at risk of falling behind.

Dr. Kate Devlin speaks to Dr. Matt Wall, a cognitive neuroscientist at Imperial College London and Invicro,to discuss microdosing, legal red tape and what happens when you give an octopus MDMA.

"Drug policy isn’t on the agenda for any of the main UK parties. They just don’t care.”
"After the trip wears off, the antidepressant effect can last for days or even months.”
“Current legislation makes it incredibly difficult to research psychedelics.”

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Written and presented by Kate Devlin. Producer: Liam Tait. Audio editor: Simon Williams. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Back to the 80s: How pop culture shaped our world Aug 30, 2023

Rubik's cubes, leg warmers and Walkmen. How does the pop culture of a decade define it? Looking beyond clichés and caricatures, how was culture an agent of social change in the 1980s?

Dr. Kasia Tomasiewicz speaks to Dr. Lucy Robinson, author of Now That's What I Call a History of the 1980s, to discuss photograph of Diana’s legs, Roland Rat and political power of popstars.

“Nostalgia assumes you had something positive to look back on.”
“Historians in the 80s start thinking, what is the role of how we talk about war in perpetuating these kinds of ideas of masculinity?”
"Rather than just taking popular culture seriously, I wanted to learn from it."

BOOK LINK

https://manchesteruniversitypress.co.uk/9781526167255

Support us on Patreon:

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Kasia Tomasiewicz. Producer: Liam Tait. Audio editor: Jade Bailey. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Mad, Nad and Dangerous to Know— Start Your Week with Hannah Fearn and Andrew Harrison Aug 29, 2023

Nadine Dorries has resigned. Who did she slate in her resignation letter? Plus Sadiq Khan has introduced the Ultra Low Emissions Zone for the Greater London area, how has that gone down?

We also have an update on the Home Office’s treatment of refugees, the latest on the new Covid strain and an update on Donald Trump running for office. Andrew Harrison is joined by Hannah Fearn to give you the stories to look out for in the week ahead.

“We saw Nadine pretending to care about lots of issues she’s never mentioned before.” – Hannah Fearn
“Labour are leaving it a bit late.” – Hannah Fearn

Support us on Patreon:

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Hannah Fearn and Andrew Harrison. Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production: Jade Bailey. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Money talks: what the ruble tells us about about Russia Aug 28, 2023

Money tells us a lot about a country – so what can the ruble tell us about Russia? Exploring a nation with a long history of autocracy, Ekaterina Pravilova, author of new book The Ruble: A Political History, joins Seth Thévoz in The Bunker.

“When political scientists try to explain why Russia is so weird they often overlook the ruble.”
“Many historians have a feeling of deja vu about Russia right now.”

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Book Link:

https://global.oup.com/academic/product/the-ruble-9780197663714?cc=us&lang=en&

Written and presented by Seth Thévoz. Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Audio editor: Simon Williams. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Bunker Panel: Rogues Gallery – Politician Sleaze and Museum Thieves Aug 27, 2023

Are any of our institutions sacred? The latest drama from the British Museum has us questioning the role museums play in our society. This week on the Bunker Panel we ask the question: are we more shocked by corruption in our museums than in political office? And what is it about scandals that really grabs our attention?

We’ve assembled some of the Bunker’s most scandalous contributors to get to the bottom of this. Senior editor of global news at Vice, Dipo Faloyin, and historian Seth Thévoz, join Andrew Harrison and Dr. Kasia Tomasiewicz in the latest edition of The Bunker Panel.

“No one ever went into politics to get rich, but you could get corrupted.” – Seth Thévos
“The difference between a scandal and criminality is that scandals require the public to do something about it.” – Dipo Faloyin
“History is so much more than a collection of busts, canoes, death masks and weaponry.” – Andrew Harrison
“As soon as artefacts are bought into private collections, they just disappear. Rich and important material culture of world civilization is just gone.” – Dr. Kasia Tomasiewicz

Book Links

“Africa is not a country” by Dipo Faloyin:

https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/444389/africa-is-not-a-country-by-faloyin-dipo/9781529114829

“Behind Closed Doors” By Seth Thévoz:

https://www.hachette.co.uk/titles/seth-alexander-th%C3%A9voz/behind-closed-doors/9781472146458/

Written and presented by Andrew Harrison. Produced by Alex Rees and Liam Tait. Production Assistant: Adam Wright. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Prigozhin’s final flight: What's next for the Wagner Group? Aug 26, 2023

Wagner Group leader, Yevgeny Prigozhin, appears to have been killed in a fatal plane crash. Just two months ago, Prigozhin was seen as a contender to Putin’s empire. What next for his forces, his legacy and the future of Russia?

Chris Jones is joined in the Bunker by Dr Ian Garner, analyst of Russian culture and war propaganda to cut through the smoke and mirrors to try and work out just what has happened.

“We only know one thing for sure — a plane went down.“
"Prigozhin was trying to overturn the country, however in death he can become a war hero.”
“We’ve just come to expect these wild events when discussing Russia.”

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Chris Jones. Producer: Liam Tait. Audio editor: Simon Williams. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Bunker USA: Trump and Tucker vs the rest - what we learned from the GOP debate. Aug 26, 2023

The race to become the leading GOP candidate has officially kicked off….or has it? Inmate P01135809, better known as Donald Trump, is already way ahead in the polls and he wasn’t even there. Instead, he opted for a half-arsed interview with Tucker Carlson hosted on Twitter. So does anything that was said during the debate matter? What were the main takeaways? And why does finishing second matter so much? Alex Andreou joins Sarah Isgur, senior editor for The Dispatch and host of the Advisory Opinions podcast, in The Bunker.

“Because there was no gamechanger in this debate, it really felt like a debate where the prize was second place.” – Sarah Isgur.
“If you’re a guy like Ramaswamy, who has zero name ID, people talking about you IS success.” – Sarah Isgur.
“If an asteroid hits Trump tomorrow, then we’re in a totally different ball game and we almost have to start from scratch.” – Sarah Isgur.
“Even though Trump wasn’t there, he absolutely defined the debate.” – Alex Andreou.

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Alex Andreou. Producer: Chris Jones. Audio production: Robin Leeburn. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Bunker Global: Sweden’s Free Speech Reckoning, Trudeau vs Meta and Britain’s £18 Trillion Reparations Bill Aug 25, 2023

This week on Bunker Global: Qur’an burnings have pushed Sweden’s terror threat to ‘high’, and we bring you the latest of Prigozhin’s plane crash. Plus, Justin Trudeau is taking on Meta and Britain owes £18 trillion in reparations for their role in the slave trade.

Laura Makin-Isherwood is joined in The Bunker by Dipo Faloyin, senior editor of Global news at Vice and author of Africa is not a Country to get you up to speed on the biggest stories from around the world.

“Everyone is surprised that it took two months for Putin to ‘get’ his man.” – Dipo Faloyin
“This could be an attempt by far-right groups to portray Sweden as an anti-Islamic country to delay their NATO membership.” – Dipo Faloyin
“As a society we don’t understand the scale of the harm done by slavery.” – Dipo Faloyin

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Laura Makin-Isherwood with Dipo Faloyin. Producer: Liam Tait. Audio editor: Simon Williams. Production Assistant: Adam Wright. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Tightening the belt: How is China financing its global ambitions? Aug 24, 2023

China has big global plans – from large infrastructure projects to new economic zones across the globe. How are they funding these projects? Dipo Faloyin is joined by Zongyuan Zoe Liu, author of Sovereign Funds: How the Communist Party of China Finances Its Global Ambitions to follow the money behind China’s infrastructure plans and to find out what the West gets wrong.

“China’s economic success has been presented as an alternative to the Washington consensus.”
“I would caution against the idea that African countries do not have the agency to make their own choices.”
“Xi is very focused on self-sufficiency, which isn’t always the concern of the population.”

Support us on Patreon:

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Book link:

https://www.hup.harvard.edu/catalog.php?isbn=9780674271913

Written and presented by Dipo Faloyin. Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Audio editor: Jade Bailey. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Numbers Game: Do the polls give Sunak’s Tories any hope? Aug 23, 2023

If you look at the data, this government has been dreadful. But take a closer look and there’s still a chance they might turn the polls on its head. Thankfully, that chance is tiny, but it’s still a chance nonetheless. Ben Walker is a journalist for the New Statesman and has analysed the numbers to work out the reality of a Tory turnaround. He joins Marie Le Conte in The Bunker.

“There’s been elections worse than this and parties have recovered.” – Ben Walker.
“The data doesn’t take into account the sentiment of the nation.” – Ben Walker.
“If you look at history it’s probably 1 in 4… lower than Biden vs Trump.” – Ben Walker.
“Is now the time for Labour to start pulling out its policies? Because it still has credibility issues.” – Ben Walker.
“The best thing I think the Conservatives can do is lose the election now, so they can recover quicker.” – Ben Walker.

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Marie Le Conte. Producer: Chris Jones. Audio production: Simon Williams. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Isolation nation: Why sanctions on Russia are working… and what we must do next. Aug 22, 2023

Over 1.5k Russian people and entities have been sanctioned by the UK over its illegal invasion of Ukraine. A year on, are they actually working? And could there be more to come? Mark Harrison is Emeritus Professor of Economics at the University of Warwick. He joins Alex Andreou in The Bunker.

“Historically the difficulty of sanctions has been that the prediction of the impact of them are always overestimated.” – Mark Harrison.
“Sanctions can do very little on their own, except push Russia towards more adventurism.” – Mark Harrison.
“Russia will find workarounds, but we have to work to make that as costly as possible.” – Mark Harrison.

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Alex Andreou. Producer: Chris Jones. Audio production: Simon Williams. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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The Lionesses and the unicorn — Start Your Week with Yasmeen Serhan and Ros Taylor Aug 21, 2023

The Lionesses didn’t manage to win the women’s world cup. Were our heads of state right not to attend? Lucy Letby has been charged with murder, how will she be sentenced? Plus, with Hurricane Hilary in the Los Angeles and wild fires in Canada, who are the tourists photographing this extreme weather?

We also have an update on Donald Trump’s candidacy, the latest from the violent election in Ecuador, and the news stories you may have missed. Ros Taylor is joined by Yasmeen Serhan to give you the stories to look out for in the week ahead.

“If it was a men’s tournament, wouldn’t important members of state attend?”– Yasmeen Serhan
“Letby is only one of three women to get an entire life sentencing.” – Yasmeen Serhan
“Trump has never played by the rules, so he doesn’t think he needs to go on Fox.” –Yasmeen Serhan

Support us on Patreon:

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Ros Taylor and Yasmeen Serhan. Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production: Jade Bailey. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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No rest for the Wicca: How ‘folk horror’ explains our politics Aug 20, 2023

Creaky pub signs, animal skulls, and empty church yards. The British countryside can be a scary place, but what does the popularity of ‘folk horror’ tell us about our politics? Writer Jude Rogers is joined by John Doran, co-founder of music website The Quietus and presenter of BBC Radio 4 New Weird Britain series, to explore the effects of films like The Wicker Man on our national psyche and what the continued appetite for eerie renderings of the countryside says about us.

“Folk horror creates an uneasy clash between the modern and the ancient.”
“The unstable times we are living through are quite magical in their own horror.”
“Folk horror symbology is easily co-opted by the far right.”
“It’s often very conservative in suggesting that female sexuality shouldn’t be trusted.”

Support us on Patreon:

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Jude Rogers. Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Audio editor: Jade Bailey. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Bunker USA: How white supremacists use hate to manipulate the media Aug 19, 2023

In August 2017, deadly violence broke out between white supremacists and counter protestors in Charlottesville, Virginia. The White supremacists claimed they were there to protest the removal of a confederate monument. But was there more to it? Was this actually a carefully orchestrated media event created by the alt right to gain more attention from the press? Aniko Bodroghkozy is professor of media studies at the university of Virginia and author of Making #Charlottesville. She was also there and joins Chris Jones in The Bunker.

“The alt right was using many of the same tactics that the civil rights movement perfected in the 60s.” – Aniko Bodroghkozy.
“I saw a contingent of neo-Nazis march right past my Synagogue… that’s a memory I will never get out of my head.” – Aniko Bodroghkozy.
“The alt right really came to Charlottesville, not to protest the taking down of a statue, but to create a violent confrontation.” – Aniko Bodroghkozy.

Support us on Patreon:

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Chris Jones. Audio production: Jade Bailey. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Bunker Global: Hawaii devastated by wildfire, political murders in Ecuador, and latest on Trump’s indictment. Aug 18, 2023

This week on Bunker Global: A roundup of the latest on Trump’s impeachment, as the catastrophic wildfires swept across Maui. Plus, we look into the death of two Ecuadorian politicians, and finally – who is the leather jacket wearing maverick storming Argentina’s presidential elections?

Laura Makin-Isherwood, formerly London bureau chief of Feature Story News, and Dillon Ancheta, a Maui-based journalist for Hawaii News Now, join Chris Jones this week. Listen in for your need-to-know on news and politics from across the world.

“Despite the sadness and loss, there are glimmers of hope as people come together in Maui.” – Dillon Ancheta
“It feels like we’re going to discuss Trump being indicted forever!” – Chris Jones
"Ecuador is caught in the crossfire between economics and the environment." – Laura Makin-Isherwood

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Chris Jones. Producer: Liam Tait. Audio editor: Simon Williams. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Shanghai rises: Could China’s housing crash cause a global financial crisis? Aug 17, 2023

China’s home ownership bubble is less bursting and more deflating. As property company Evergrande announces $81bn of debt, why is this crisis slipping under the radar? Giving you the latest on this emerging economic disaster, Alex Andreou is joined by Cindy Yu, host of acclaimed podcast Chinese Whispers and assistant editor at the Spectator to explore how the economic crisis in China will impact the world.

“Home ownership from China came about incredibly quickly.”
“Property developers buy land from local governments, which has a knock-on effect on debt.”
“It sounds bizarre in a country undergoing inflation, but China’s deflation crisis is very worrying.”

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Alex Andreou. Producers: Liam Tait and Kasia Tomasiewicz. Audio editor: Robin Leeburn. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Ozempic: The truth about the 'miracle' drug taking TikTok by storm Aug 16, 2023

Ozempic is all over social media. You’ve probably seen dramatic before and after pictures of influencers showing off their weight loss. Even Elon Musk claims to be using it. But is it all it’s cracked up to be? Bobby Friction is joined by Dr. Robert Kushner, one of the scientists who led research into the safety of the so-called ‘miracle’ drug. to find out if this drug is the answer to the obesity crisis or just another money spinner for Big Pharma.

“Obesity shouldn’t be demonised, it is a disease to be treated.”
“Once you stop using Ozempic, all the feelings of hunger and cravings for food come back.”
“People don’t push back against lifelong diabetes medication, so why does that change for a disease like obesity?”

Support us on Patreon:

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Bobby Friction. Producer: Liam Tait. Audio editor: Jade Bailey. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Peer pressure: The House of Lords is broken. Will we ever fix it? Aug 15, 2023

There have been yet more controversial appointments to the House of Lords. Is it fit for purpose? How can we fix it? Ros Taylor is joined by Darren Hughes, chief executive of Electoral Reform Society, to explore how the House of Lords has gone wrong and what we can do about it.

“There haven’t been a willing set of retirements from the House of Lords.”
“Who regulates the regulators?”
“Don’t forget we still have the Liz Truss list to come!”

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Ros Taylor. Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Audio editor: Simon Williams. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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The Barge that Flopped — Start Your Week with Alex Andreou and Ros Taylor Aug 14, 2023

The Bibby Stockholm plan has been beset by legionella. Who could have seen this coming? The Tories want us to leave the European Convention on Human Rights, why are they obsessed with chaos? Plus, this week is ‘health week’. Given that doctors are on strike, what could possibly go wrong?

We also have an update on wildfires in Maui, the latest from Niger’s military coup, and the stories you may have missed. Ros Taylor is joined by Alex Andreou to give you the news to look out for in the week ahead.

“The Government couldn’t organise a fire in a match factory.” – Alex Andreou
“Sunak has all of his plans pinned on the weather.” – Alex Andreou
“Labour’s plan is an unsexy but important one: to make the state work again.”

Support us on Patreon:

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Written and presented by Ros Taylor and Alex Andreou. Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production: Jade Bailey. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Up in smoke: How Big Tobacco is keeping us hooked Aug 13, 2023

The rise of vapes and ever-increasing cigarette regulations are a big threat to Big Tobacco. What new methods have they dreamed up to keep us smoking? Dr. Kasia Tomasiewicz is joined by tobacco industry expert Robert Branston, associate professor in business economics at the University of Bath, to explore how Big Tobacco is still raking in huge profits.

“Tobacco is a product like no other legal product in terms of its lethality.”
“The profits are as addictive for these tobacco companies as tobacco is for the consumers.”
“It's very easy to think tobacco is yesterday's problem, but in large parts of the world tobacco use is going up.”

Support us on Patreon:

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Presented by Kasia Tomasiewicz. Assistant producer: Adam Wright. Audio editor: Jade Bailey. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Bunker USA: Trump trashed the Supreme Court. Can it be fixed? Aug 12, 2023

The US Supreme Court has a huge power grip over America. And, thanks to Trump, it’s now more politicised than ever. So how has that impacted real life? Brian Klaas is associate professor in global politics at UCL and argues the court is “...a politicised institution masquerading as an impartial one”. He joins Andrew Harrison in The Bunker to discuss if it can be fixed.

Brian’s piece: https://www.forkingpaths.co/p/how-to-fix-the-us-supreme-court

“There was a deference given to the courts… as if they were gods on American soil.” – Brian Klaas
“Politicising something takes 10 minutes, depoliticising something takes 10 years or more.” – Brian Klaas
“They’re all actors… it’s all for show.” – Brian Klaas
“There is a problem that is now unsolvable, which is I don’t think the court will be seen as apolitical ever again.” – Brian Klaas

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Written and presented by Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Producer: Chris Jones. Audio production: Alex Rees. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Bunker Global: Zelenskyy assassination plot, Niger coup latest and Thai election deadlock Aug 11, 2023

This week on Bunker Global: The coup in Niger rolls on, as US envoys hold talks with the junta. And, a plot to kill Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenksyy was foiled earlier this week. What happened? Plus the confusion about the Thai elections rage on. Could a coalition be formed? Andrew Harrison talks to Vice News senior Editor Dipo Faloyin and Vox journalist Ellen Ionas to answer all those questions.

“People are hoping that a democratic solution will come about, but in the meantime, the Coup leaders are sitting back and staying strong.” – Dipo Faloyin
“There’s very little evidence that Wagner has struck a deal with the coup leaders.” – Dipo Faloyin
“The challenge that he now faces are more efforts by Russian forces trying to infiltrate Ukrainian society.” – Dipo Faloyin

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Written and presented by Group Editor Andrew Harrison. Producer: Chris Jones. Audio production: Jade Bailey. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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How QAnon is still destroying the internet Aug 10, 2023

QAnon began as a niche conspiracy theory. How did it become a movement for self-radicalisation? How have its dangerous ideas infiltrated society? Rafael Behr is joined by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist James Ball, author of The Other Pandemic How QAnon Contaminated the World, to explore how the dark corners of the internet have serious implications for mainstream politics.

“Lots of QAnon conspiracies emerged from online trolling.”
“4Chan created things the rest of the internet couldn’t say.”
“QAnon asked people to self radicalise which caused a snowball effect.”

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Link for James Ball’s book: https://www.bloomsbury.com/uk/the-other-pandemic-9781526642554/

Link for Rafael Behr’s book: https://www.waterstones.com/book/politics-a-survivors-guide/rafael-behr/9781838955045

Written and presented by Rafael Behr. Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Audio editor: Simon Williams. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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The Real McMafia: How drug lords cash in on global conflicts Aug 09, 2023

Criminal gangs have gone global. How do they use international networks to increase their power and influence? Far from being underground, criminals now run state-backed organisations and even private armies.

Seth Thévoz is joined in The Bunker by investigative reporter for the FT Miles Johnson, author of Chasing Shadows: A true story of drugs, war and the secret world of international crime, to find out if established law enforcement can ever outpace the next generation of crime.

“Sanctions lead to strange alliances between parties who aren't ideologically aligned.”
“In criminal networks you'll see a lot of incompetence and egotism.”
"In Syria, you have people who are actually in power, in a sovereign state who are engaging in organised criminal activity."

Support us on Patreon:

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Book Link

https://www.hachette.co.uk/titles/miles-johnson/chasing-shadows/9780349128641/

Written and presented by Seth Thévoz. Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz and Liam Tait. Audio editor: Robin Leeburn. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Chris Bryant MP on stopping the rot at the heart of British politics Aug 08, 2023

Politics has never been so rife with bad behaviour. Labour’s Chris Bryant MP wants to change that. He sets out a plan for a better type of politics in his new book Code of Conduct Why We Need to Fix Parliament – and How to Do It. As Chair of the Committees on Standards and Privileges, he’s had a unique insight into why MPs think they can get away with misbehaviour and what is at stake if we don’t fix parliament quickly. He joins Gavin Esler to discuss making democracy better and calling out rotten MPs.

“We have a system in the UK where, to quote ABBA, the winner takes it all”
“We don’t realise quite how fragile democracy is.”
“One bad apple doesn’t mean it is an exception to the rule, it means it spoils the barrel.”

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Book link: https://www.bloomsbury.com/uk/code-of-conduct-9781526663573/

Written and presented by Gavin Esler. Producers: Kasia Tomasiewicz and Alex Rees. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Looming barge — Start Your Week with Arthur Snell and Jacob Jarvis Aug 07, 2023

The Government’s plans to house migrants on the Bibby Stockholm barge continues to cause controversy. Why are they going ahead with it? Does Labour have any better ideas? Plus, we have an update on Ukraine, the latest from Donald Trump’s legal scandals, and details on Niger’s military coup. Jacob Jarvis is joined by Doomsday Watch host Arthur Snell to give you the big stories for the week ahead.

“The barges are a nakedly political agenda.” – Arthur Snell
“It always feels like Donald Trump is playing political chicken.” – Jacob Jarvis

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Presented by Jacob Jarvis with Arthur Snell. Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production: Simon Williams. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Making a killing: How true crime monetised murder Aug 06, 2023

True crime has never been more popular. Is it uniquely harmful to society, or have we always been fascinated with the macabre? And why does there suddenly seem to be a boom in internet sleuths? Exploring the increasingly blurred lines between those seeking justice and those making internet content, Jude Rogers talks to Tanya Horeck, Professor of Film and Feminist Media Studies and author of Justice on Demand: True Crime in the Digital Streaming Era about how true crime in the digital age has transformed society.

“True crime can be a way to process a lot of the traumatic things in society.”
“True crime feeds into the idea that we are all internet sleuths.”
“ True crime has created a cultural space for a political discussion about violence against women.”

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Jude Rogers. Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Assistant producer: Adam Wright. Audio editor: Jade Bailey. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Bunker USA: Space Oddities – Are aliens being hidden from us? Aug 05, 2023

Are aliens real? That question was brought up again in a high-level Congressional hearing this week. Three former members of the US military brought forward their evidence to prove that extraterrestrial life IS real. But were there stories credible? Or is it all easily explainable coincidences? Dr Kate Devlin, sits down in The Bunker with Mick West, science writer, investigator and MetaBunk founder to discuss.

“A lot of people believe that UFOs are aliens - and a lot of those people are in the US government.” – Mick West
“The problem is we don’t have actual evidence to show what Grusch said was true.” – Mick West.
“I think they need to think about raising the veil of secrecy, because it allows stories like this to fester.” – Mick West.

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Written and presented by Dr Kate Devlin. Producer: Chris Jones. Audio production:Simon Williams. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Bunker USA: He’s Don it again – Is this game over for Trump? Aug 05, 2023

Donald Trump has been indicted again. There are 4 charges this time around, including Conspiracy to Defraud the United States. The former President is facing decades in jail and still, he’s the leading GOP candidate in the next election. Sarah Isgur is a senior editor for The Dispatch and host of the Advisory Opinions podcast. She joins Gavin Esler in The Bunker from Washington DC to unpack the latest charges and exactly what they mean for US politics.

“They’re going to have to prove Donald Trump’s mental state in this, and the jokes fly right there.” – Sarah Isgur.
“When it comes to jail time, don’t worry, Trump is facing decades… way past his life expectancy.” – Sarah Isgur.
“This is a mess. There will be good and bad legal reasons to delay some of these trials.” – Sarah Isgur.
“It’s going to be really, really hard and detrimental for US politics for the years to come.” – Sarah Isgur.

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Gavin Esler. Producer: Chris Jones. Audio production: Alex Rees. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Bunker Global: El Salvador’s next level war on gangs, Xi’s nuclear power grab and Russia steals Ukraine’s children Aug 04, 2023

This week on Bunker Global: El Salvador’s war on gangs continues as President Bukele introduces mass trials for accused gang members. Plus, we take a closer look at China where President Xi has removed key military figures in charge of nuclear missiles, in an apparent power grab. And, what does Russia’s alleged kidnapping of Ukrainian children mean for Putin’s long term strategy?

Laura Makin-Isherwood, former London bureau chief of Feature Story News, and Doug Specht, reader in cultural geography and communication at the University of Westminster, join Jacob Jarvis to get you up to speed on what you need to know about news and politics from across the world.

“Putin’s obsession with Ukraine is going to be a lifelong mission and potentially an eternal war from Russia.” Jacob Jarvis
“Bukele calls himself the ‘world's coolest dictator.” Doug Specht
“Xi Jinping seems to be shaken by the Wagner coup. He’s trying to solidify his power.” Laura Makin-Isherwood

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Jacob Jarvis with Laura Makin-Isherwood. Producer: Liam Tait. Assistant Producer: Adam Wright. Audio editor: Simon Williams. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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X marks the rot: Inside Elon Musk’s Twitter branding meltdown Aug 03, 2023

Twitter as we know it is dead. The bird has been sent out to pasture and replaced with a stark ‘X’ symbol. Will Elon Musk’s rebrand go down in history as the most successful rebrand since ‘Snickers’ – or will it be the next ‘New Coke’?

Leslie Hallam, director of the psychology of advertising masters programme at Lancaster University, joins Alex Andreou in the Bunker to discuss the world of marketing, rebranding and Musk’s fascination with the letter X.

"Brands exist so people can become attached to the products they represent."
“Musk has run the Twitter brand in the ground, so it makes sense to rebrand it now.”
"People mourn the loss of these brands, they’re important cultural artefacts.”

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Written and presented by Alex Andreou. Producers: Liam Tait & Alex Rees. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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First degree burns: Why Sunak’s wrong on universities Aug 02, 2023

Rishi Sunak’s decision to limit the number of students able to study what he calls “low-value degrees” has sparked backlash. Why is he doing this – and does it make sense? And is this even about education at all? Dr. Zoe Hope Bulaitis, assistant professor of liberal arts and natural sciences at University of Birmingham and author of Value and The Humanities, joins Gavin Esler in The Bunker to discuss where the PM is getting it wrong on university courses.

“The fact that students are willing to go into these careers shows that there’s more to life than a high pay cheque." – Dr Zoe Bulaitis
“To say that a degree is ‘low value’ is to concede to the terms that a degree is valued to specific terms.” – Dr Zoe Bulaitis
“This is more sensation than substance.” – Dr Zoe Bulaitis

Support us on Patreon:

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Gavin Esler. Producer: Chris Jones. Audio production: Jade Bailey. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Moving on up: How our view on migration is changing Aug 01, 2023

Attitudes to migration were a key cause of Brexit – but is it still such a major factor in how people vote? With research showing that the UK now has a more favourable attitude to migration, what are the arguments for it? Alex Andreou is joined by Rob Ford, professor of political science at the University of Manchester, and co-author of Brexitland, to explore the real public opinions on migration beyond the headlines.

“People can’t do the maths on immigration so they always say they want less.”
“A nationalistic narrative – that migration befits the country - is one way to change public opinion.”
“The Labour voting opinion on migration has changed, there are more pressing things to worry about.”

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Book link:

https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/brexitland/667A60CB4C315A755792074E79B20FBA

Written and presented by Alex Andreou. Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Audio editor: Simon Williams. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Scare traffic controllers — Start Your Week with Gavin Esler Jul 31, 2023

Setting up the stories of the week ahead. Today: Rishi Sunak says he’s “on the side of motorists”. How did a sliver of a vote in the Uxbridge by-election cause a massacre of green policies? Talking of pollution, Nigel Farage’s war on banks continues. Will his hard-done-by routine rehabilitate his political career? Plus the military coup in Niger, the Ukraine war comes to Moscow, and the latest from Israel’s democracy protests. Andrew Harrison is joined by Gavin Esler to give you the low-down on the week ahead in politics.

“Why don’t Labour just stick to the plan, lads?” – Gavin Esler
“There was resistance to the building of sewers, but the Great Stink of 1858 put an end to that.” – Gavin Esler
“People have a bizarre, visceral attachment to their cars.” – Andrew Harrison

Support us on Patreon:

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Presented by Andrew Harrison and Gavin Esler. Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production: Jade Bailey. Artwork: James Parrett. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Bunker Panel: Meat your Maker Jul 30, 2023

Can Artificial Intelligence replace our loved ones after death? Will Gregg Wallace’s cannibalism mockumentary change how we see the future of food? Dr. Kate Devlin, author of Turned On: Science, Sex and Robots and historian Dr. Kasia Tomasiewicz join Jacob Jarvis and Andrew Harrison to chew the fat and try to answer some of the after life’s biggest questions. Yes, back by popular demand, it’s the Bunker Panel!

“People are unpredictable and infuriating, I can’t imagine AI being able to replicate that.” – Andrew Harrison
“I’m really glad you didn’t invite me here to discuss connecting with your dead loved ones via lab grown meat.” – Dr. Kate Devlin
"Food has always been linked to economics, Roman soldiers were actually paid in salt." – Dr. Kasia Tomasiewicz

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Link's

Kate's Book: https://www.bloomsbury.com/uk/turned-on-9781472950871/

A funeral for fish and chips: why are Britain’s chippies disappearing? by Tom Lamont

https://www.theguardian.com/food/2023/jul/20/a-funeral-for-fish-and-chips-east-neuk-fife-anstruther-scotland

‘It was as if my father were actually texting me’: grief in the age of AI by Aimee Pearcy

https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2023/jul/18/ai-chatbots-grief-chatgpt

Written and presented by Jacob Jarvis with Andrew Harrison. Producer: Liam Tait. Audio editor: Robin Leeburn. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Bunker USA: Bloody Murdoch – Is the real-life Logan Roy unstoppable? Jul 29, 2023

Phone hacking, false claims of election hacking and a potential high profile libel case with a maligned BBC newsreader. Those are just a few of the scandals facing Rupert Murdoch’s media empire in the last few years. Despite this, the 92-year-old media mogul’s vice-like grip on the media landscape has remained as powerful as ever.

Gavin Esler is joined in The Bunker by journalist William D Cohan, to find out how Murdoch has maintained his position of influence and power.

“There's a lot of power entrusted with Murdoch, and there's no accountability for his behaviour”
“If I were him, I would be deeply disturbed by what my television network had created.”
"Publishers have no appetite, or budget, for tough investigative reporting."

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Gavin Esler. Producer: Chris Jones & Liam Tait. Audio editor: Robin Leeburn. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Bunker Global: Spain's right-wing reckoning, Wagner on the move and Musk stiffs staff Jul 28, 2023

This week on Bunker Global: The Spanish election fallout as a hung parliament leaves Spain in political limbo. Are Wagner mercenaries really preparing to invade Poland? Also, Elon Musk is ghosting Twitter employees in Africa, why does Big Tech show such little respect to the global South?

.

Dipo Faloyin, senior editor of global news at Vice and author of ‘Africa is not a Country’, and Guy Hedgecoe, freelance journalist based in Madrid, join Andrew Harrison to get you up to speed on what you need to know about news and politics from across the world.

“It would be incredibly stupid for 5,000 mercenaries to invade a Nato country.” - Dipo Faloyin
“It was a shock that Vox performed so poorly considering their huge success in local elections in May.” - Guy Hedgecoe
“People have fallen out of hotel windows for a lot less than what Preghozin has done.” - Dipo Faloyin

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Andrew Harrison with Dipo Faloyin. Producer: Liam Tait. Assistant Producer: Adam Wright. Audio editor: Simon Williams. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Leaving California: The death of Silicon Valley Jul 27, 2023

Are we witnessing the death of Silicon Valley as big tech shifts from physical products to services? And has the time of California being the promised land for budding tech bros gone? Dr. Kate Devlin is joined in The Bunker by Joel Kotkin, fellow in urban studies at Chapman University, to find out.

“One of the dirty little secrets of Silicon Valley is that it was largely created by federal spending.”
“I have never met a group who are less conscious of their social impact than Silicon Valley people.“
"Today Silicon Valley is a series of oligarchic companies with 80-90 per cent market shares and no desire to improve."

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Kate Devlin. Producer: Liam Tait. Audio editor: Simon Williams. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Odd jobs: How MPs’ side hustles twist our Democracy Jul 26, 2023

MPs have collectively earned millions of pounds from side hustles in the last few years. From the ‘cash for access’ scandal to the resignation of Owen Paterson, the public is fascinated by extra work carried out by politicians. But how much does this impact their day jobs?

Marie Le Conte sits down with Dr. Simon Weschle, assistant professor in the political science department at Syracuse University, to find out if second jobs truly are the scourge of British politics.

“Having a second job means MPs are more likely to attend the commons.”
“An MP working as a dentist doesn’t change their voting behaviour.“
"If an MP has a city job they spend more time in London but they’re less often in their constituency."

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Marie Le Conte. Producer: Liam Tait and Kasia Tomasiewicz. Audio editor: Alex Rees. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Hammer homes: Would a house price crash be a good thing? Jul 25, 2023

Buying a house in the UK is almost impossible for many people. But house prices could fall by 10 per cent over the next 2 years. Is that a good thing? Peter Apps is the deputy editor of Inside Housing magazine, he joins Hannah Fearn in The Bunker.

“There’s so much demand in the UK and there’s such a shortage of houses.” – Peter Apps.
“It’s very difficult to predict where we’re going to be for the next couple of years.” – Peter Apps.
“If people start losing money on Help to Buy deals, the government immediately starts to take notice. Private renters are basically on their own.” – Peter Apps
“Private landlords aren’t asking themselves difficult questions about what people can actually afford.” – Peter Apps.

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Written and presented by Hannah Fearn. Producer: Chris Jones. Audio production: Alex Rees. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Fume and Gloom — Start Your Week with Alex Andreou and Jacob Jarvis Jul 24, 2023

Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer are both on manoeuvres after the by-elections – but what are their tangible plans? As the Labour leader asks Sadiq Khan to “reflect” on ULEZ, the Tory PM is doubling down on just being horrid. Plus, we have the latest on the climate crisis in Greece, an update on elections in Spain, and news from Ukraine. Alex Andreou joins Jacob Jarvis to map out the week ahead.

“Rishi Sunak will fail on all of his five promises.” – Alex Andreou
“Labour have relied on Sadiq Khan’s popularity instead of making a case for ULEZ.” – Alex Andreou
“We haven’t had a proper silly season in ages, and I suspect Boris Johnson will cause mischief.” – Alex Andreou

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Jacob Jarvis with Alex Andreou. Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Audio editor: Simon Williams. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Chamber Potty: Can buildings ruin political debate? Jul 23, 2023

From the Hague to Westminster, buildings shape the politics that happens within them. Does the design of the Chamber in Westminster encourage bad behaviour? How does Britain compare with the rest of Europe? Exploring the benefits of horseshoes, circles and semicircles are historian Seth Thévoz and Sophia Psarra, professor at the Bartlett School of Architecture, UCL. Her forthcoming edited collection Parliament Buildings The architecture of politics in Europecomes out in October.

“Buildings are institutions which help our thinking.”
“If you are going to build buildings, do it properly or deal with the consequences.”
“When people become MPs in England they don’t know how to use the building.”

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Book Link: https://www.uclpress.co.uk/products/223070

Written and presented by Seth Thévoz. Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Assistant producer: Adam Wright. Audio editor: Simon Williams. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Bunker Bonus: Lights, camera, industrial action – Inside the Hollywood strike Jul 22, 2023

For the first time in 63 years, Hollywood has a double strike on its hands. Actors have joined writers on the picket lines – in an effort to take on the tech giants who have disrupted TV and cinemas in recent years.

Alex Andreou sits down with screenwriter Karey Kirkpatrick to discuss streaming platforms, the threat of AI on creativity and Chicken Run 2.

“Every industry is scrambling with regulations around AI. This isn’t just a Hollywood problem.”
“If you want to be a professional writer at the highest levels, you must be in these guilds.“
"Tech companies don’t understand how Hollywood works."

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Alex Andreou. Producer: Liam Tait. Assistant Producer: Adam Wright. Audio editor: Simon Williams. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Bunker USA: Here comes the Republican Party's next civil war Jul 22, 2023

The first debate in the race to be the GOP’s presidential nominee for 2024 is a month away. What should we watch out for – and how will the party split? Former President Trump is dominating the opinion polls, but a crowded field of other candidates has emerged – including Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and former Vice-President Mike Pence. Jacob Jarvis is joined by Politico’s senior campaigns and elections editor Steven Shepard, to discuss the latest clashes.

“It doesn’t seem that Republican primary voters are willing to turn on Trump, even after everything.” – Steven Shepard
“Donald Trump’s decision on whether or not to take part in these debates is crucial to how this race goes” – Steven Shepard

Support us on Patreon:

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Jacob Jarvis. Assistant producer: Adam Wright. Audio editor: Jade Bailey. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Bunker Global: The World's on Fire, China's Watching You and Meloni on the Rise Jul 21, 2023

This week on Bunker Global: As horror heat consumes the earth – is climate chaos the new normal? Plus, we pick apart the extent of China’s spy operations. And, as Giorgia Meloni’s tenure as Italian PM looks increasingly concerning, we pick apart her actions so far.

Laura Makin-Isherwood, former London bureau chief of Feature Story News, and Kai Strittmatter, former China correspondent for German newspaper Suddeutsche Zeitung, join Jacob Jarvis to get you up to speed on what you need to know about news and politics from across the world.

“It looks like we’re only going to see significant movement on carbon neutral tech once it becomes profitable.” - Jacob Jarvis
“Imagine an episode of Black Mirror, that’s what it’s like living in the dystopian China of today.” - Kai Strittmatter
“Italy was anti EU in the past, but now it feels like Meloni is moving more towards Brussels and changing it from within.” - Laura Makin-Isherwood

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Written and presented by Jacob Jarvis with Laura Makin-Isherwood. Producer: Liam Tait. Assistant Producer: Adam Wright. Audio editor: Simon Williams. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Click-hate: How the online rage machine took over society Jul 20, 2023

Social media fuels many emotions, especially anger. And if you’ve followed UK politics for any length of time, you’ll be used to that feeling. Author of Outrage Machine, Tobias Rose-Stockwell, says tech companies know this and have tailored their algorithms to maximise the amount we consume. But how does this translate to real life? Does it alter the way we vote? And does it damage democracy? He joins Hannah Fearn in The Bunker.

Book:

https://www.littlebrown.co.uk/titles/tobias-rose-stockwell/outrage-machine/9780349427386/

“We have a tremendous propensity to look to others when we’re trying to figure out what to feel.” – Tobias Rose-Stockwell.
“Social media does a really good job of serving us things that make us angry.” – Tobias Rose-Stockwell.
“Social media is not working with different materials… it’s just gotten better at extracting our attention.” – Tobias Rose-Stockwell.

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Written and presented by Hannah Fearn Producer: Chris Jones. Audio production: Robin Leeburn Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Libel Bashers: The laws that rein in the tabloids Jul 19, 2023

Libel laws have been around for centuries in England – yet the public and the papers keep falling foul of them. The witch hunt for the then-unnamed BBC presenter in early July is the latest example. The anonymity of that presenter, now revealed to be Huw Edwards, meant people began publicly accusing other BBC presenters of being involved. At least one Twitter user has now been sued over this. So what are our libel laws? And why do they catch so many people out? Journalist and media consultant David Banks joins Seth Thévoz in The Bunker.

“Whether the Sun’s in trouble remains to be seen, but those who dived in after the Sun now find themselves in hot water.” – David Banks
“Your right to a reputation is a very ancient concept in England and Wales.” – David Banks
“Way back when if you slandered someone you could have your tongue cut out.” – David Banks

Support us on Patreon:

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Seth Thévoz. Producers: Kasia Tomasiewicz & Chris Jones. Audio production: Jade Bailey. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Does Labour have the plan to dodge climate disaster? Jul 18, 2023

Labour says it will harness the sun, wind, and waves to deliver clean energy by 2030. It’s a very ambitious plan, to say the least, but one Sir Keir Starmer says can only do good. Is it achievable? Will it save the world? And is it even any different from what the other political parties are offering? Luke Murphy is the associate director for energy, climate, housing and infrastructure at Institute for Public Policy Research – he joins Chris Jones in the Bunker.

“Younger people want to see us leaving a better planet for their children and grandchildren, and we’re not on course for that.“ – Luke Murphy.
“The public has a huge appetite for change, ahead of what is currently possible.” – Luke Murphy
“The public recognises that green energy is a route to help them with the cost of living.” – Luke Murphy

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Written and presented by Chris Jones. Producers: Chris Jones & Liam Tait. Audio production: Robin Leeburn. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Electoral dysfunction — Start Your Week with Alex Andreou and Hannah Fearn Jul 17, 2023

Rishi Sunak’s Tories face three by-elections this week — what will these results mean for the struggling PM? Meanwhile, Keir Starmer’s latest u-turn has frustrated even his most loyal supporters. What pressure does he face? Plus global weather is out of control — and actors join the fight against AI. Hannah Fearn joins Alex Andreou to map out the week ahead.

“These three by-elections are a snapshot of the nation’s mood." – Hannah Fearn
“If the Tories keep just one seat, they’ll be able to say Labour are weak to not take all three." – Alex Andreou
“I struggle to see how looking incompetent on immigration is a vote winner for the conservatives.” – Hannah Fearn

Support us on Patreon:

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Alex Andreou with Hannah Fearn. Producer: Liam Tait. Audio editor: Jade Bailey. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Work from holiday: How digital nomads are exporting the rent crisis Jul 16, 2023

Are work-from-home jet-setters pioneering of a new way of life or are they just the next generation of gentrifiers? After the pandemic the rise of “digital nomads” sparked envy across social media – but are they causing more problems than they solve?

Kasia Tomasiewicz is joined in the Bunker by UCL anthropologist Dave Cook to find out if working from the beach is all it's cracked up to be.

“They travel around the world to escape the 9-5 and end up in a coworking space. . . which is just the millennial rebranding of the office.”
“In Lisbon there is graffiti on walls saying ‘digital nomads are a f*cking disgrace, go home’. There is a lot of tension.“
"The ability to be a digital nomad depends on the global passport and visa system which is very racist."

For more on Digital Nomads, check out What is a digital nomad?by Dave Cook

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Written and presented by Kasia Tomasiewicz . Producer: Liam Tait. Audio editor: Alex Rees. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Bunker USA: Can America solve its mass shooting crisis? Jul 15, 2023

Young people living in America are more likely to be shot and killed than to die in a car accident. Does that shock you? What about this - there have been over 600 mass shootings recorded in the US every year for 3 years, not far from 2 a day. Why is it getting worse? And Are there any solutions at all? Dr. Patrick M. Carter is Co-Director at the Institute for Firearm Injury Prevention at Michigan State University. He joins Alex Andreou in The Bunker.

“It’s hard to say exactly what the reason for the increase in mass shootings is, but they are increasing.” – Dr Patrick Carter
“There isn’t a single solution, it isn't just about banning guns.” – Dr. Patrick M. Carter.
“We are decades behind on research for this public health problem.” – Dr. Patrick M. Carter.

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Alex Andreou. Producer: Chris Jones. Audio production: Simon Williams. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Bunker Global: NATO’s Ukraine dilemma, Nigeria’s army out of control – and robots promise not to conquer us Jul 14, 2023

This week on Bunker Global: We ask what it will take for Ukraine to achieve NATO membership following their summit in Lithuania, take a closer look at the civilians caught in the crossfire between Boko Haram and the Nigerian Army, and finally Artificial Intelligence promised not to destroy humanity in an AI press conference in Geneva, do we trust it?

Dipo Faloyin, senior editor for global news at Vice, and Mark Webber, professor of international politics at the University of Birmingham, join Andrew Harrison to get you up to speed on what you need to know about news and politics from across the world.

“Zelenskyy is probably happier this afternoon than he was 24 hours ago.” – Mark Webber
“The government claims if you live in a certain area you must have sympathies towards Boko Haram.” – Dipo Faloyin
“A.I. havens will be the Tax havens of the future.” – Andrew Harrison

Link to Dipo’s Article: ‘They Just Shoot and Burn’: Civilians Targeted in Nigeria’s War on Boko Haram

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Written and presented by Andrew Harrison with Dipo Faloyin. Producer: Liam Tait. Assistant Producer: Adam Wright. Audio editor: Simon Williams. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Thread Alert: Should we be worried about Mark Zuckerberg 2.0? Jul 13, 2023

Mark Zuckerberg has transformed from unsuspecting nerd to an MMA fighter taking on arch tech bro Elon Musk. What has changed? Bobby Friction speaks to Wessie du Toit, a freelance writer behind the newsletter The Pathos of Things, about Zuckerberg 2.0 and if we should be concerned about his macho man transformation.

“After the 2016 election, Zuckerberg became a pantomime villain so he needed a makeover.”
“You don’t see CEOs of energy companies threatening to fight each other in cage matches.”
“His increasingly desperate efforts to build his metaverse just look sad.”

Support us on Patreon:

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Bobby Friction. Producer: Liam Tait. Audio editor: Jade Bailey. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Salt of the Earth: The substances that shaped the course of humanity Jul 12, 2023

The basis of human life is built upon various elements. Have we forgotten how important they are? Sky News’ economics editor, Ed Conway, explores whether we’ve lost touch with them in his new book Material World – and why they could fuel our downfall or build a better future. He joins Alex Andreou in The Bunker to discuss.

“We have forgotten some of the physical underpinnings of our time.” – Ed Conway
“The internet is not an ethereal thing, it is a physical product.” – Ed Conway
“My objective was to try and remind ourselves of the stuff around us and explain how they began in the ground.” – Ed Conway
“There was a time where it seemed like the electrical age couldn’t begin because there wasn’t enough copper.” – Ed Conway

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Written and presented by Alex Andreou. Producer: Chris Jones. Audio production: Simon Williams Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Tapping out: How privatisation wrecked our waterworks Jul 11, 2023

Thames Water recently announced £14 billion of debt. How does an essential utility haemorrhage so much money? More than three decades after they were privatised, could renationalisation be the solution? Laura Makin-Isherwood is joined by Rob Branston, associate professor in business economics, to discuss how the privatisation of water companies in England has failed and the solutions to clean up our water woes.

“Privatisation is a political ideology, but we need to remember that in the 80s we didn’t have good water services.”
“There is a collective debt of £60 billion across our water companies.”
“The debts have gone up because of interest on the existing debt.”

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Laura Makin-Isherwood. Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Assistant producer: Adam Wright. Audio editor: Robin Leeburn. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Change the channel — Start Your Week with Arthur Snell and Jacob Jarvis Jul 10, 2023

The BBC is in turmoil again, over allegations a presenter paid a teenager for sexual photos. How will the broadcaster navigate this scandal? Plus, Sunak is getting a visit from Biden, what will they discuss? Plus we discuss the latest from Ukraine and the continuing Johnson-adjacent political fallout. Arthur Snell joins Jacob Jarvis to map out the week ahead.

“The BBC is subject to an intense level of political hostility, so this is inevitably politicised.” – Arthur Snell
“Britain just doesn’t have the power it once had, so America is inevitably building ties elsewhere.” – Arthur Snell
“America is now blocking Ukraine’s membership to NATO.” – Arthur Snell

Support us on Patreon:

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Arthur Snell and Jacob Jarvis. Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Audio editor: Jade Bailey. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Yes, MPs are weird… but is that a good thing? Jul 09, 2023

Politicians are… weird. While it baffles us relentlessly – could it be a good thing? Sunak forgetting how to use a card machine, Rees-Mogg lounging in the commons and Truss, Truss-ing. The list goes on and on and on. So why are politicians the way they are? Dr. James Weinberg is a political academic at the University of Sheffield and author of Who Enters Politics And Why. He joins Marie Le Conte in The Bunker.

“We’ve got this popular human fascination with politicians.” – James Weinberg.
“I think it’s highly unlikely that the political environment changes politician’s personalities.” – James Weinberg
“If we can change our political environment, I think our politicians have the drivers to do a good job.” – James Weinberg

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Written and presented by Marie Le Conte. Producer: Chris Jones. Audio production: Robin Leeburn. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Bunker USA: Is RFK Jr.’s conspiracy cult a gift to Donald Trump? Jul 08, 2023

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is the leading Democratic challenger to Biden for 2024. But is he actually a threat to the current President – or just a gift to Trump? And how much of a danger does he pose to US politics and society? Molly Jong-Fast is a columnist for Vanity Fair and the host of Fast Politics Pod. She shares her thoughts on the conspiracy peddling political hopeful with Gavin Esler in The Bunker.

Listen to Molly’s podcast here: https://fastpoliticspod.com

“RFK Jr is part of this tapestry of anti-science rhetoric in the US.” – Molly Jong-Fast.
“The right-wing establishment has worked hard to undermine people’s beliefs in science.” – Molly Jong-Fast.
“He’ll never get elected, but maybe he’ll get Trump elected.” – Molly Jong-Fast.
“The reason he’s anywhere is because he’s a nepo-baby.” – Molly Jong-Fast.

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Gavin Esler Producer: Chris Jones. Audio production: Simon Williams. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Bunker Global: Devastation in Jenin, France riot fallout and Hong Kong bounties Jul 07, 2023

On the first edition of Bunker Global: A closer look at Israel’s assault on Jenin, the fallout of the violent protests across France and the bounties placed on Hong Kong dissidents. Laura Makin-Isherwood, formerly London bureau chief of Feature Story News, and Anshel Pfeffer, a Jerusalem-based writer for Haaretz and the Economist, join Jacob Jarvis this week. Listen in to get you up to speed on what you need to know about news and politics from across the world.

“The Jenin Brigade aren’t going away, yes a number of them have been killed – but this isn’t over.” – Anshel Pfeffer
“These bounties are a message to these activists that the Chinese Government is watching them.” – Laura Makin-Isherwood
"French youth are questioning how the state interacts with the public, and who indeed they can trust." – Laura Makin-Isherwood

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Jacob Jarvis with Laura Makin-Isherwood and Anshel Pfeffer. Producer: Liam Tait. Assistant Producer: Adam Wright. Audio editor: Simon Williams. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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False Economy – Why is Britain so unproductive? Jul 06, 2023

Productivity in Britain is down – is an army of middlemen partly to blame? Ros Taylor sits down with Giles Wilkes, senior fellow at the Institute for Government, to find out why we need to cut back on what he labels ‘crud’ to revitalise our economy.

“Crud is artificial capitalism.”
“The Conservatives did a lot of damage in the 80s and are now returning to the scene of the crime and asking who did this?”

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Ros Taylor. Producer: Liam Tait. Audio editor: Alex Rees. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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The NHS is 75 years old – will it make 80? Jul 05, 2023

The NHS was formed 75 years ago. As it celebrates its diamond anniversary, the service seems to be under more pressure than ever. Andrew Harrison is joined by Roy Lilley to celebrate the 75th birthday of the NHS and to ask, will it make it to 80?

“The NHS is knackered isn’t it? Nobody can blame staff for wanting to leave.”
“If we leave the NHS to get on with the job, it will roll up its sleeves and deliver.”
“Virgin tried to come in and run the NHS like an airport, where are they now?”

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Andrew Harrison. Producer: Liam Tait. Assistant Producer: Adam Wright. Audio editor: Robin Leeburn. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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From Wieners to Warlord: Inside Wagner’s terror machine Jul 04, 2023

The Wagner Group made headlines with its 24-hour revolt against Vladimir Putin. Their leader, Yevgeny Prighozhin, is a shady character. Once a seller of hotdogs, he’s now made a career as a warlord, commanding thousands of troops in Ukraine and Africa. The mystery of Wagner is now clearing, says Ben Dalton, program manager for New America's Future Frontlines program. He joins Laura Makin-Isherwood in The Bunker to discuss how the group operates and how it harnesses the power of social media to recruit and fundraise.

“The Wagner group has been very core to Russia's war effort in Ukraine.” – Ben Dalton.
“Prigozhin has been remarkably savvy on social media, predominantly on telegram, in a way that reminds me of Donald Trump.” – Ben Dalton
“As far back as 2017 Putin has been rewarding Wagner commanders for their role in Syria.” – Ben Dalton

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Written and presented by Laura Makin-Isherwood. Producer: Chris Jones. Audio production: Simon Williams. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Stop the Boasts – Start Your Week with Alex Andreou and Arthur Snell Jul 03, 2023

Sunak has a brand new immigration policy which looks just like the old one. Does anyone support it? With train strikes looming and an NHS staffing crisis, looks like we’re in for another summer of discontent. In international news, following a weekend of riots across France, we ask if President Macron has lost control. Plus updates on attacks on the Westbank and the latest on Ukraine. Arthur Snell joins Alex Andreou to map out the week ahead.

“Sunak’s immigration policy is headline grabbing but won’t reduce numbers.” – Arthur Snell
“The Tories immigration plan is a very simple solution to a very complex problem." – Alex Andreou
“Macron's problem is he is from the elite, so he lacks a deep understanding of social problems." – Arthur Snell

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Alex Andreou and Arthur Snell. Producers: Kasia Tomasiewicz and Liam Tait. Audio editor: Simon Williams. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Acid Test: How psychedelics shaped the modern world Jul 02, 2023

Psychedelic drugs are regularly in the news as a fresh generation of scientists researches them. Who knows how they might be used in future – but, historically, how have they shaped the world already? The negatives of substance use are obvious – but what other impacts are there? From ceremonial plant medicines to the war on drugs; their cultural significance cannot be understated.

Dr Kasia Tomasiewicz is joined in The Bunker by Mike Jay to discuss his new book Psychonauts: Drugs and the Making of the Modern Mind.

“If you want to know how drugs change your own perception, there’s only one way of doing it.”
“Pharmacies would sell products called ‘Mrs Winslow's Soothing Syrup’ which would be full of morphine and opium.”
“Magic Mushrooms were ancient and sacred, people used them for spiritual experiences for millennia.”

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Book Link

https://yalebooks.co.uk/page/detail/psychonauts/?k=9780300257946

Written and presented by Kasia Tomasiewicz. Producer: Liam Tait. Audio editor: Jade Bailey. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Bunker USA: How Washington, DC became the Hollywood of politics Jul 01, 2023

Washington, DC is home to the American political elite. Hordes of staff looking to make their names. Lobbyists and think tanks, all chasing a shot at success.

The Trump years only intensified the culture - but has that changed the city for good or for worse?

Ben Terris is a journalist for the Washington Post and the author of The Big Break: The Gamblers, Party Animals, and True Believers Trying to Win in Washington While America Loses Its Mind. He joins Arthur Snell in The Bunker to discuss why DC is unlike any other American city.

Find Ben Terris’ book here: https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/ben-terris/the-big-break/9781538708057/?lens=twelve

“The Trump years in DC were very disorientating for everyone in DC.” – Ben Terris.
“Even with Trump gone, Trumpism is here to stay.” – Ben Terris.
“There are a lot of people who treat Washington DC like the new frontier, to find fame, influence, and riches.” – Ben Terris.

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Written and presented by Arthur Snell. Producer: Chris Jones. Audio production: Simon Williams. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Episode 1,000! The Chaos Politics Comedown Jun 30, 2023

The Bunker panel show returns to mark our ONE THOUSANDTH edition. Can voters wean themselves off the dark thrills of our political Age of Chaos? And what’s the long view on Trump’s legal troubles? The Guardian’s Raf Behr and US politics expert Julie Norman join Jacob Jarvis and Andrew Harrison for a special celebration edition.

Exciting changes are coming in The Bunker: a new look plus new strands and music coming soon. There’s never been a better time to back us on Patreon, so sign up now for special extras: https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast/posts

“Brexit was both a revolution and a massive fraud. You only get one of those moments of energy and upheaval every generation.” – Raf Behr
“This destroys all of Trump's plausible defenses.” – Julie Norman
“People like to feel a sense of agency, that what they’re living through is meaningful in some kind of way.” – Raf Behr

Written and presented by Managing Editor Jacob Jarvis. Producers Kasia Tomasiewicz, Chris Jones and Liam Tait. Art by James Parrett. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Buzz Killed: Who’s winning the viral news war? Jun 29, 2023

The news media is driven by clicks more than ever before. Who is winning the war for online attention? Brands like Vice and Gawker initially won the race – but are old-school papers dominating the online space again now? Ben Smith is the former editor-in-chief for Buzzfeed News, runs the news outlet Semafor, and is author of Traffic: Genius, rivalry, and delusion in the billion-dollar race to go viral. He joins Jacob Jarvis in The Bunker.

“If you were a journalist covering politics in the mid-’00s, the online space was really exciting.” – Ben Smith
“I don’t think you were doing anything called ‘going viral’ until Twitter came along.” – Ben Smith
“The NY Times really absorbed a lot of the lessons and the culture of the internet.” – Ben Smith

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Written and presented by managing editor Jacob Jarvis. Producer: Chris Jones. Audio production: Simon Williams. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Sick and tired: Is politics destroying the NHS? Jun 28, 2023

The NHS has been squeezed by successive Governments. The Covid-19 pandemic only worsened the crisis, highlighting the need for Parliament to focus on fixing our health service. Dr. Julia Grace Patterson is the author of Critical: Why the NHS is Being Betrayed and How We Can Fight for it – and says that politicians are doing nowhere near enough to fix the issue. She joins Hannah Fearn in The Bunker.

Find a copy of the book here: https://harpercollins.co.uk/pages/critical

“Health care is, unfortunately, a deeply political area and that comes with a lot of problems.” – Dr. Julia Grace Patterson.
“The way that Jeremy Hunt spoke about us in the press, we found that extremely difficult.” – Dr. Julia Grace Patterson.
“It started with junior doctors, but now the government has tried to scapegoat GPs.” – Dr. Julia Grace Patterson.
“Politicians approach the NHS in a very short-term-ish way.” – Dr. Julia Grace Patterson.

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Written and presented by Hannah Fearn. Producer: Chris Jones. Audio production: Robin Leeburn. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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The Patriot Paradox: Can you love your country but not like it? Jun 27, 2023

Patriotism could be the antidote to the divisions created by Brexit. Can you be a proud patriot even when you don’t agree with your country? Will patriotism ever cast off it’s sinister connotations of nationalism? Ros Taylor is joined in The Bunker by Sunder Katwala, author of How to Be a Patriot: Why love of country can end our very British culture war, to explore what British patriotism means in an increasingly globalised age.

“Dangerous patriotism is the version that says it's them or us.”
“The European Identity sounds like a Whiter concept than British identity.”
“People on the left have less problems with civic patriotism of cities over national identity.”

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Book Link

https://harpercollins.co.uk/products/how-to-be-a-patriot-why-love-of-country-can-end-our-very-british-culture-war-sunder-katwala?variant=40133746294862

Written and presented by Ros Taylor. Producer: Liam Tait. Audio editor: Simon Williams. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Rebel Force – Start Your Week with Alex Andreou and Hannah Fearn Jun 26, 2023

The Russian revolution ended as quickly as it started, where does this leave Putin and the war in Ukraine? Rishi Sunak’s failure to deliver his 5 key pledges could prove to be his downfall as byelections loom. Plus we’ve got the results from the Greek election, an update on Britain’s cat pupil hysteria and a review of Boris Johnson’s latest rant for the Daily Mail. Hannah Fearn joins Alex Andreou to map out the week ahead.

“If Putin can’t control the people and media what does he have left?” - Hannah Fearn
“People aren’t expecting that Prigozhin will go to Belarus for a nice retirement.” - Hannah Fearn
“Long mortgage rates up to retirement are worryingly common.” - Hannah Fearn
"Saying 'we're not the other guys' might work to get Labour into power but won't create a mandate." - Alex Andreou

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Alex Andreou with Hannah Fearn. Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz and Liam Tait. Audio editor: Simon Williams. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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By the Burke: The man who invented modern-day conservatism Jun 25, 2023

Edmund Burke’s principles have influenced generations of conservative thinkers and politicians. But who was this architect of modern day conservatism? Joining Seth Thévoz in The Bunker to reflect on Burke’s legacy is Richard Bourke, Professor of the History of Political Thought andauthor of Empire and Revolution: The Political Life of Edmund Burke.

“Burke was a defender of the right to rebel against a despotic government.”
“Modern radical conservative movement looks nothing like Burke’s conservatism.”
“He was a critic of the depredations of Empires, including the British Empire.”

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Written and presented by Seth Thévoz. Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz & Liam Tait. Audio editor: Simon Williams. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Bunker USA: How an obsession with guns shaped a nation Jun 24, 2023

There are more guns than people in America. How does this obsession shape US society? Gavin Esler is joined by Jennifer Carlson, author of new book Merchants of the Right: Gun Sellers and the Crisis of American Democracy, to explore the US fascination with guns, the people who are selling them, and how they shape a right -wing ideology.

“There’s a feeling that you can’t rely on collective security so you need a gun.”
“Gun policy is made at the state level, meaning it is very hard to regulate.”
“People compare not having a gun to not having a cell phone – it’s unimaginable.”

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Book link:

https://press.princeton.edu/books/hardcover/9780691230399/merchants-of-the-right

Written and presented by Gavin Esler. Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Audio editor: Simon Williams. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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How China plans to win the technology war Jun 23, 2023

How alarming is China's tech ambition – and is there any limit to their quest for industrial dominance? From contentious recruitment policies, corporate espionage and not to mention the ten thousand meter hole they’re drilling into the centre of the earth, the nation seems desperate to bolster its position.

Alex Andreou is joined in The Bunker by Dr Rogier Creemers to understand Xi’s quest for scientific world domination.

“China needs technology but doesn’t want to pay for it.”
“If you think you can predict what will happen in China, you’re a liar or a fool.”
“The west received junk which is probably already at the bottom of a landfill as China raked in billions in revenue.”

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Alex Andreou. Producer: Liam Tait. Audio editor: Simon Williams. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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End of the Line? – Why the Saudi super city is doomed to fail Jun 22, 2023

Two years ago, Saudi Arabia announced it was creating a city of the future: known as The Line. Is it actually going to happen? The proposed 110-mile-long smart city of skyscrapers would be fueled by green energy and controlled by Artificial Intelligence. While the urban experiment is currently under development, many believe that the city is just a sci-fi dream that will never see the light of day.

Joining Ros Taylor in The Bunker today is Matthew Blunderfield, the host of architecture podcast Scaffold, to answer the question: what would the perfect city of the future look like?

“Imagine a tower taller than the Empire State Building, extruded from Birmingham to Leeds and then doubled. That's the Line.”
“There’s an underlying violence in forming this project.”
“We don’t know what will happen to the ecosystem when we erect an enormous tall wall in the middle of a desert.”

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Ros Taylor. Producer: Liam Tait. Audio editor: Simon Williams. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Apocalypse How: An expert's guide on dealing with disaster Jun 21, 2023

From earthquakes to terrorism – we live in a world of constant crisis. But are we prepared for it? Drawing on a wealth of experience as a former public servant and Director of GCHQ, Sir David Omand’s new book How to Survive a Crisis: Lessons in Resilience and Avoiding Disaster addresses responses to some of the greatest crises in recent memory. He joins Doomsday Watch podcast host Arthur Snell In The Bunker.

“We must be future-proof to crisis, but we are more vulnerable than ever.”
“The world of politics is hand-to-hand combat.”
“What would you do when your world is turned upside down?”

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Book link:

https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/448107/how-to-survive-a-crisis-by-omand-david/9780241561331

Written and presented by Arthur Snell. Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Assistant Producer: Matilda Snell. Audio editor: Robin Leeburn. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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The Only Way is Essex: How the Tories consumed a county Jun 20, 2023

“Essex man” is a notorious caricature of Thatcherite Brits. How did the Conservatives win over the county? And where – if any – were pockets of resistance? Marie Le Conte is joined by Tim Burrows, author of new book The Invention of Essex: The Making of an English County, to explore the class dynamics and unexpected cultural politics of this much maligned county.

“There’s a feeling that people from Essex came up the social ladder too quickly.”
“Home ownership has a lot to do with Conservatism in Essex.”
“Essex could be a blank canvas for different political ideals.”

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Book link:

https://profilebooks.com/work/the-invention-of-essex/

Written and presented by Marie Le Conte. Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Audio editor: Jade Bailey. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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The Afterlife of the Party — Start Your Week with Gavin Esler and Alex Andreou Jun 19, 2023

How do you solve a problem like Boris Johnson? Sunak needs to escape the shadow of his predecessor but reciting his 5 goals doesn’t seem to be cutting it. Could a potential mortgage bailout be enough to get the general public back onside? Plus we’ve got the reaction to that Party Gate video, the latest on Ukraine's counter offensive, and Labour's resurgence in Scotland. Gavin Esler joins Alex Andreou to map out the week ahead.

“If Sunak doesn’rt get a grip he will be the 4th conservative leader destroyed by Johnson.” – Gavin Esler
“Boris Johnson was never popular, he was just more popular than Corbyn.” – Gavin Esler
“The threat of having an election is enough to keep the backbench in line.” – Gavin Esler

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Written and presented by Alex Andreou with Gavin Esler. Producers: Liam Tait. Audio editor: Simon Williams. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Hold my Peer! – Alf Dubs on useless Braverman, shabby Tories and electing the Lords Jun 18, 2023

As the Lords come under scrutiny, we’re joined by one of the good ones – Lord Alf Dubs joins Dorian Lynskey in the Bunker to discuss how his own experience as a holocaust survivor impacts his politics, the failure of consecutive home secretaries and how the Lords should be modernised under Starmer’s Labour party.

“Right wing parties across Europe exploit the asylum issue for their own shabby political ends.”
“The Lords appointment system worked well, until you get a PM like Johnson who totally abused it.”
“There's nothing unworthy about being an economic migrant but it doesn't give you the human rights protection of an asylum seeker.”

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Dorian Lynskey. Producer: Liam Tait. Audio editor: Robin Leeburn. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Bunker USA: The horror drug killing thousands of Americans Jun 17, 2023

Xylazine, also known as Tranq, is causing a horrific wave of drug deaths across America. It’s mixed with the opioid named fentanyl to cause a cheaper, longer-lasting, yet more dangerous high. Perhaps the most shocking effect is its ability to rot the flesh around the injection site. Megan Cohen is the founder of The Grace Project in Philadelphia. She runs an outreach scheme on Kensington Avenue, home to the largest open air drugs market on the East Coast. She joined Alex Andreou in The Bunker to discuss the serious threat Tranq poses.

“These aren’t zombies out there, they’re people impacted by the disease of addiction.” – Megan Cohen
“What we noticed is the doses were stronger and the overdoses were happening more often.” – Megan Cohen
“What we’re seeing is that narcan isn’t reversing overdoses as it was before, because of xylazine.” – Megan Cohen
“When it comes to the wounds we still don’t have answers.” – Megan Cohen

Support us on Patreon:

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Alex Andreou. Producer: Chris Jones. Audio production: Jade Bailey. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Taster 📰 Our new podcast PAPER CUTS Jun 16, 2023

If you haven’t tried our new press review show PAPER CUTS yet, here’s a taster of today’s episode. This time it’s the Mail and Telegraph’s Johnson-related meltdown, the majesty of Glenda Jackson and much more as comedian Fin Taylor and writer-historian Alex von Tunzelmann join Andrew Harrison under a huge pile of newsprint. Hear the full episode here.

We’re out mid-morning every Monday, Wednesday and Friday to look at the the day’s best headlines, wildest stories and weirdest opinions. Subscribe on your favourite app. It’s the perfect chaser to your daily Bunker…

Illustrations by Modern Toss https://moderntoss.com/

Written and presented by Andrew Harrison. Produced by Sophie Black. Design: James Parrett. Music: Simon Williams. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Exec Producer: Martin Bojtos. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. PAPER CUTS is a Podmasters Production.

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Behind the Screens: Inside the mind of a hacker Jun 16, 2023

Our view of hackers has been warped by movie portrayals of hoodie-wearing computer whizzes. But what are they really like? These keyboard bashers have uncovered some of the world's darkest secrets – and even come close to destroying the internet. But why do they do it? Scott Shapiro searches for answers in his new book Fancy Bear Goes Phishing: The Dark History of the Information Age, in Five Extraordinary Hacks. He joins Dorian Lynskey in The Bunker.

“The hackers that I’ve spoken to, they’re by and large normal, psychologically speaking.” – Scott Shapiro.
“Any time there’s a hack, people say “It’s a nation-state, it’s Russia” it’s a reflex.” – Scott Shapiro.
“People don't like to talk about when they’ve been hacked, because it’s embarrassing.” – Scott Shapiro.
“There are a lot of mistaken stereotypes about hackers, one is the romance of a lone wolf.” – Scott Shapiro.
“Security analysts hate the word hacker.” – Scott Shapiro.

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Dorian Lynskey. Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz

Audio production: Simon Williams Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Driven to Madness: How cars are ruining our lives Jun 15, 2023

Cars are making us unhappy and unhealthy. From poor air quality, to mind numbing commutes and gridlocked city centres. Can anything be done to change car culture – or are we already on a highway to hell? Ros Taylor sits down with journalist and author of Carmageddon, Daniel Knowles, to discuss the rise of automobiles and asks if it’s too late to course correct.

“The problem to the average driver isn’t you, it’s everything else. ”
“I think the car industry likes the idea of reducing civilian deaths without slowing down cars.”

https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/730724/carmageddon-by-daniel-knowles/

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Ros Taylor. Producer: Liam Tait. Audio editor: Robin Leeburn. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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EU and I: Have we forgotten what it means to be European? Jun 14, 2023

The question ‘What does it mean to be European?’ is challenging for many Brits, post-Brexit. Author Ben Judah says politics is pushing an ever-changing Europe apart. Ben attempts to remind people what Europe is away from politics in his new book, This is Europe. He joins Hannah Fearn in the Bunker.

“Europe’s a lot of things. It can be an idea or a whole theatre for political action but I wanted to focus on the people” – Ben Judah
“It was very important to me to show that Europe is much wider than it looks in Britain.” – Ben Judah
“Europe is blurring with Asia and Africa and a new Europe is emerging through immigration.” – Ben Judah

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Hannah Fearn Producer: Chris Jones Audio Production: Simon Williams. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Music by Kenny Dickinson THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Definitely Maybe: Is Theresa May getting off lightly? Jun 13, 2023

Theresa May is often ranked alongside the worst Prime Ministers ever. But, does she still get off lightly? And have we forgotten just how bad she was because of the chaos that’s come since? Tim Bale, professor of politics at Queen Mary University London, joins Seth Thevoz in The Bunker to refresh our memories.

“I don’t think she was ever destined to be a great Prime Minister.” – Tim Bale
“Circumstance did combine to make it very difficult for her.” – Tim Bale
“Clearly those she took with her from the Home Office weren’t the right people to be in charge in Downing Street.” – Tim Bale

Support us on Patreon:

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Seth Thevoz. Producer: Chris Jones. Audio production: Jade Bailey. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Artwork: James Parrett. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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I don’t know it’s over – Start Your Week with Alex Andreou and Jacob Jarvis Jun 12, 2023

The Johnson rebellion promised a bang but delivered a whimper over the weekend. What now? Can Starmer capitalise on the Conservative Party chaos? Across the pond, Donald Trump is set for a day in a Miami courtroom – what should we expect? Plus we’ve got more on Nicola Sturgeon’s arrest and the latest from Ukraine’s counter offensive. Alex Andreou joins Jacob Jarvis to map out the week ahead.

“Organising a coup takes a lot of work which I don’t think Johnson was willing to do.” – Alex Andreou
“Johnson inspires enthusiasm which he mistakes for loyalty.” – Alex Andreou
“If any other public official had done what Trump did, they’d be in the deepest darkest dungeon already.”– Alex Andreou

Written and presented by Jacob Jarvis with Alex Andreou. Producer: Liam Tait. Audio editor: Jade Bailey. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Galaxy Quest: Who are the start-ups banking on space? Jun 11, 2023

The sky is no longer the limit for entrepreneurs as they set their sights on space. SpaceX has made science fiction ideas a reality but who could be next in line to be the biggest name in space? Dr. Casey Handmer, the founder of Terraform Industries, takes Dr. Kate Devlin on a voyage through the world of space based start-ups looking to make their millions in space.

“SpaceX is one or two competitive startups away from losing market share.”
“Politics is negotiable but physics is not.”
“Super geeks who know how to make rockets are critical for national security”

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Written and presented by Kate Devlin. Producer: Liam Tait. Audio editor: Simon Williams. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Bunker USA: Biden dodges economic collapse. What now? Jun 10, 2023

Biden proudly told the world his debt ceiling deal averted “economic collapse”. He’s not wrong – but is he in the clear yet? Professor Larry J White has taught Economics at New York University for over 40 years. He joins Jacob Jarvis in the Bunker to discuss what the deal entails, how it will impact the nation and what concerns Biden still has economically.

“This was truly uncharted territory that has been avoided.” – Larry J White
“It is, I'll have to use an economic term, NUTS!” – Larry J White
“We avoided a catastrophe – and I truly believe it would have been a catastrophe.” – Larry J White

Support us on Patreon:

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Producer: Chris Jones. Audio production and Music: Jade Bailey. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Artwork: James Parrett. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Europe's JFK: Inside the mysterious murder of a Swedish PM Jun 09, 2023

The assassination of Swedish Prime Minister Olof Palme remains an unsolved mystery. How did a lone gunman manage to murder him during the height of the Cold War, and why? Ros Taylor welcomes Jan Stocklassa to the Bunker to discuss his documentary, The Man Who Played With Fire, which attempts to answer once and for all: who killed Olof Palme?

“There is a 37 year long cover up at the root of this investigation.”
“He was not a run of the mill Swede, he wasn’t afraid to provoke people around the globe.”
“Sweden has never had a politician who was so hated.”

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Ros Taylor. Producer: Liam Tait. Audio editor: Alex Rees. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Clips Courtesy of Sky

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Stuck in the Midlands with you: Mayor Andy Street on Levelling Up and wrangling with Westminster Jun 08, 2023

Andy Street took a risk in leaving his role as managing director of John Lewis to become West Midlands mayor. He’s one of two Tory combined authority mayors, a role he describes as “trailblazing”. But despite his party loyalty, he hasn’t shied away from criticising Westminster – especially when it comes to Levelling-up. He sat down with Hannah Fearn in The Bunker to discuss his priorities and time in office.

“For me, it wasn’t about representing the party in Westminster. It was first and foremost about being an individual representative for the West Midlands.” – Andy Street
“The truth is that Michael Gove and the Levelling-up Department have spent billions. But are we getting that message across? No.” – Andy Street
“My relationship with Whitehall is positive, but immature. We make our proposals, and Whitehall will decide.” – Andy Street
“Mayoral models are becoming popular because people want someone they can relate to, and with whom the buck stops.” – Andy Street

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Written and presented by Hannah Fearn. Producer & Audio production: Alex Rees. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Music by Kenny Dickinson THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Bitter sweet: How sugar became public enemy number one Jun 07, 2023

Sugar became a modern-day bogeyman during austerity. Why? And how did it come to represent personal responsibility? And who has been most instrumental in the fight against it? Hannah Fearn is joined by Karen Throsby, author of new book Sugar rush: Science, politics and the demonisation of fatness, to explore the disastrous consequences of the fight on sugar.

“Sugar became the perfect scapegoat for austerity.”
“The war on obesity is a failure on its own terms.”
“The language of conflict of foodstuffs always justifies quick, ill-thought-out measures.”

Support us on Patreon:

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Book link:

https://manchesteruniversitypress.co.uk/9781526151544/

Written and presented by Hannah Fearn. Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Audio editor: Jade Bailey. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Curious about George: Why is Soros so controversial? Jun 06, 2023

George Soros is a holocaust survivor, one of the world’s richest people and the creator of the Open Society. He’s also given away $32 billion in his lifetime. So why is it that he incurs so much hate, not just from the American right but his own country, Hungary, too? Daniel Bessner is associate professor of international studies at Washington University and co-host of American Prestige podcast. He joins Gavin Esler in The Bunker to discuss.

“He likes to repeat in his books that he has ‘an incredible ego’...“ – Daniel Bessner
“The ultimate tragedy of Soros’ life is that capitalism has allowed him to become as rich as he has.” – Daniel Bessner
“The world he wants is not possible in the economic world that made him.” – Daniel Bessner
“The association of Soros the anti-communist just doesn’t fly anymore with the right in America.” – Daniel Bessner

Support us on Patreon:

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Gavin Esler. Producer: Chris Jones. Audio production: Jade Bailey. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Money doesn’t grow on inquiries — Start Your Week with Ros Taylor and Jacob Jarvis Jun 05, 2023

This week Johnson and Sunak play the blame game over the Covid inquiry. Will a trip to the USA help Rishi escape the shadow of the former PM? Plus, Labour is embroiled in infighting this week as the Jamie Driscoll drama plays out – can Starmer ignore it? Plus we’ve got the latest on the tragic train crash in India, updates from Ukraine and we ask the question, why is China drilling a hole to hell? Ros Taylor joins Jacob Jarvis to map out the week ahead.

“Johnson is enjoying provoking Sunak.’ – Ros Taylor
“Sunak’s popularity has gone down since local election results.” – Ros Taylor
“Hanging out with Biden is good optics for Sunak, it makes him look like the world leader he isn’t.” – Ros Taylor

Support us on Patreon:

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Jacob Jarvis with Ros Taylor. Producers: Kasia Tomasiewicz and Liam Tait. Audio editor: Jade Bailey. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Grave Intentions: Why Brits are obsessed with the death penalty Jun 04, 2023

The death penalty is supported by a large number of Brits. Why are so many people obsessed with it? And how does politics change how we see the role of the law? Seth Thévoz is joined by Lizzie Seal, professor of criminology at the University of Sussex to explore the fascination with this ultimate punishment.

“Popular support for the death penalty goes up following well-publicised social disorder.”
“In the mid 20th century, the death penalty represented public order.”
“Labour governments were more likely to be sympathetic to abolition.”

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Seth Thévoz. Producers: Kasia Tomasiewicz. and Alex Rees. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Bunker USA: Is the US drilling itself to oblivion? Jun 03, 2023

The US isn’t delivering on its pledges to reverse climate change. The Willow Project in Alaska, labelled by some as a “carbon bomb”, is a key example of that. But with global energy supply chains so massively disrupted by the war in Ukraine, are these kinds of projects justified? Michael Gerrard is the founder of the Sabin Center for Climate Change Law at Columbia Law School. He joined Arthur Snell in the Bunker to discuss why pushing through new climate laws is so difficult.

“We ARE NOT on the trajectory that we want to be.” – Michael Gerrard
“The US climate commitments are not really legally binding.” – Michael Gerrard
“The Supreme Court has become somewhat of an impediment.” – Michael Gerrard.
“In the US there have been efforts going back to 2004 to hold oil and gas responsible for climate change.” – Michael Gerrard.

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Arthur Snell Producer: Chris Jones. Audio production: Simon Williams. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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 Rule breakers: Is the ministerial code fit for purpose? Jun 02, 2023

The ministerial code is a set of rules members of Government are expected to abide by. But they don’t all manage it. Is it fit for purpose? And have ministers become more unscrupulous – or do we just have higher expectations than we used to? Tim Durrant of the Institute for Government tells Ros Taylor that the system, tested to its limits during Boris Johnson’s premiership, works better than you might think.

“We need to know that information coming from the government is honest and true.” – Tim Durrant
“Ministers have a huge amount of power in public life and therefore it’s incumbent that they merit that.” – Time Durrant
“I think you could almost argue that the removal of Boris Johnson was proof of the system working”. – Tim Durrant
“I don’t think there’s anything wrong with expecting political leaders to be good people.” – Tim Durrant

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Written and presented by Ros Taylor. Producer: Chris Jones. Audio production: Simon Williams Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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A.I. Will Survive: How not to be replaced by Artificial Intelligence Jun 01, 2023

How secure do you feel in your job? From manufacturing plants to corporate boardrooms, the rise of artificial intelligence has sent shockwaves through the working population. Dr. Kasia Tomasiewicz sits down with Dr. Kate Devlin to talk about how our lives will change in an AI-driven economy.

“If essays can be answered with AI, we’re not asking students the right questions.”
“Who are we to say the best relationships are between two humans?”
“The bigger question regarding AI is who gets to profit from it?”

Support us on Pateron:

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Kasia Tomasiewicz. Producer: Liam Tait. Audio editor: Jade Bailey. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Please Release Me: Can we fix the shameful leasehold scandal? May 31, 2023

Tens of thousands of people are demanding an end to leasehold laws in England and Wales. They say they’re trapped by an avalanche of bills, whilst freeholders rake in the cash. Both Labour and the Tories (after A LOT hesitation) have vowed to reform leasehold laws. But how could they do it? It’s an issue that could turn many at the ballot box in next year’s general election. Harry Scoffin is a campaigner for Commonhold Now and joins Hannah Fearn in The Bunker.

“Labour don’t think the Tories are being genuine on this issue.” – Harry Scoffin
“How is it right that in this 21st century when you buy a flat you still don’t own it.” – Harry Scoffin
“Being ripped off is being ripped off! Exploitation is wrong!” – Harry Scoffin
“The way the Tories are going about this issue, they will be out of power for an entire generation.” – Harry Scoffin

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Written and presented by Hannah Fearne Producer: Chris Jones. Audio production: Simon Williams Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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What a load of cap – Start Your Week with Hannah Fearn and Jacob Jarvis May 30, 2023

The Tories are in-fighting over supermarket price caps – can they agree on anything? And Boris Johnson is back sulking over Covid, will he stop acting like a teenager? Plus we’ve got the latest from Ukraine, the Turkish election results, and Biden’s proposed debt ceiling deal. Hannah Fearn joins Jacob Jarvis to give you the stories to look out for in the week ahead.

“Boris Johnson is acting like a walking sulk.” – Jacob Jarvis
“It makes me incredibly angry that the Tories are treating the removal of liberties as a game.” – Hannah Fearn
“Erdogan is proposing a ‘volunteer’ return of Syrian refugees which is very worrying.” – Hannah Fearn

Support us on Patreon:

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Jacob Jarvis with Hannah Fearn. Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Audio producer: Jade Bailey. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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‘My fight to be seen in a harsh world’ May 29, 2023

Emmett De Monterey was born with cerebral palsy, and as he grew up he realised that he was gay. He joins Alex Andreou to discuss his new book Go The Way Your Blood Beats about the challenges of facing two forms of prejudice, one against his disability and the other his sexuality. How do you fight to be seen in a world that refuses to see you?

“As a teenager I would have liked to have read a book about these experiences.”
“I wasted a lot of time internalising the narrative that I needed to be fixed.”
“My mother knew that the world outside the family home would be harsh.”

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Go The Way Your Blood Beats is released on the 6th of July. Book link:

https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/451111/go-the-way-your-blood-beats-by-monterey-emmett-de/9780241570531

Written and presented by Alex Andreou. Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Audio editor: Alex Rees. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Duds Army: Why National Service won’t fix the young’uns May 28, 2023

It’s 60 years this month since National Service was abolished – but the idea remains popular. Could it ever work again, or is it just a pipe dream sustained by right-wing cranks? Jude Rogers is joined by Professor of History Richard Viven, author of National Service: Conscription in Britain 1945-1963, to explore the boredom, terror, and nostalgia of life under compulsory conscription.

“Military service was a bit like the workhouse for the poor, it was the last option.”
“There was always more tedium over terror.”
“National Service is not meant to be a social service.”

Support us on Patreon:

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Jude Rogers. Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Audio editor: Jade Bailey. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Bunker USA: Is it game over for the Proud Boys? May 27, 2023

The Proud Boys may not be proud no more after four of its members have been found guilty of seditious conspiracy. The neo-fascist group is accused of leading the Jan 6th assault on the capitol and has heavy links to Trump and other influential, right-wing figures. But just how deep does their power lie? And is that power flailing? And talking of the right wing, why is America still so captivated by Fox News, even post-Tucker Carlson? Gavin Esler is joined in the Bunker by Juliet Jeske, Proud boys expert and host of Decoding Fox News podcast.

“Right-wing authoritarianism is very much what they’re drawn to.” – Juliet Jeske
“McInnes was just this angry bigoted racist man who thought starting a group would be a good idea.” – Juliet Jeske
“This is all about masculinity and they think they’re saving the Western world.” – Juliet Jeske
“You’ll see something that’s not true on FOX and within 24 hours GOP politics will push the exact same thing.” – Juliet Jeske

Written and presented by Gavin Esler Producer: Chris Jones. Audio production: Alex Rees Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Dire Magistrates: Who are Britain’s self-selecting arbiters of justice? May 26, 2023

Around 12,000 people in England and Wales volunteer as magistrates. That means they can sentence people to up to a year in prison. Yet they have barely any training and no legal qualifications. Penelope Gibbs, the director of Transform Justice, tells Ros Taylor about the problems with relying on a self-selecting, middle-class magistracy who may never have seen inside a jail. They talk about the difficulties in trying to hold remote hearings during the pandemic and how a cash-strapped system struggles to deliver justice.

“The training for magistrates is woeful, and I and others have been saying that for years.” – Penelope Gibbs
“There used to be really feisty magistrates who would speak out but gradually their independence has been ground down.” – Penelope Gibbs
“It’s an incredibly closed and untransparent system.” – Penelope Gibbs
“What happens in magistrates court is pretty hidden most of the time.” – Penelope Gibbs

Support us on Patreon:

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Ros Taylor Producer: Chris Jones. Audio production: Jade Bailey. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Freedom for Tooting! Sadiq Khan on fighting for London's air, troll wars and Johnson's toxic legacy May 25, 2023

Can Sadiq Khan really clean up London? From the Met to the air, the Mayor of London has a tough road ahead of him. He speaks to Andrew Harrison to discuss his new book: Breathe and plans to tackle the climate crisis, the controversial ULEZ expansion and how a boy from Tooting ends up a fan of Liverpool FC.

“We don’t want money from the ULEZ. We want people walking, cycling or using public transport.”
“As Mayor I chose to tackle climate issues, Boris Johnson chose to bury his head in the sand.”
“Cressida Dick didn't have a credible plan to address issues in the MET. ”

Support us on Patreon:

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

You can purchase Sadiq's book here:

https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/452035/breathe-by-khan-sadiq/9781529152784

Written and presented by Andrew Harrison. Recorded at Spiritland Studios. Audio editor: Jade Bailey. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Love and war: Finding hope in conflict zones May 24, 2023

Sherine Tadros reported from war zones across the world. She joins Alex Andreou to discuss her new book Taking Sides: a memoir about love, war, and changing the world. How has she managed to stay hopeful after so much tragedy? And how can her story of personal strength inspire us to keep going against the odds?

“It is our instinct to survive that makes our story less believable.”
“When you show strength in the face of great difficulty people often don’t believe you.”
“I’m not saying that tragedies don’t hurt but there is always a light at the end of the tunnel.”

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

BOOK LINK:

https://scribepublications.co.uk/books-authors/books/taking-sides-9781914484254

Written and presented by Alex Andreou. Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Audio editor: Alex Rees. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Grin and Behr it: How to survive politics by The Guardian’s Raf Behr May 23, 2023

Following politics is tough, especially if you want to keep your blood pressure at a healthy level. So how can you keep a cool head?Ros Taylor speaks toThe Guardian’s Rafael Behr about his new book: Politics: A Survivor’s Guide: How to Stay Engaged without Getting Enraged. Raf opens up about his own journey and shares how we can find hope amidst the chaos.

“Remain rallies were very twee, maybe they should have been more French?”
“Post Brexit politics is like trench warfare where politics is the Western Front and nothing is moving.”
“Lee Anderson, what is he afraid of? That he's not being respected enough?”

Support us on Patreon:

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

BOOK LINK: https://atlantic-books.co.uk/book/politics-a-survivors-guide/

Written and presented by Ros Taylor. Producer: Liam Tait. Audio producer: Jade Bailey. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Suella on Speed – Start Your Week with Alex Andreou and Andrew Harrison May 22, 2023

Suella Braverman has had a busy week with speeding ticket drama. Can the Home Secretary outrun another controversy or is this the end of the track? And with the Northern Irish council election in favour of Sinn Féin, is the future of Éire up for grabs? Plus we’ve got the results from the Greek elections, the latest from Ukraine and rumours of Boris Johnson’s continued downfall. Alex Andreou joins Andrew Harrison to map out the week ahead.

“Suella Braverman is a world champ at getting sacked and coming back 5 minutes later.” – Andrew Harrison
“The Conservative dream of a whole nation playing golf when nobody collects the bins is impossible.” – Alex Andreou
“We might be looking at Sinn Féin in the north and south of Ireland, which is extraordinary.”– Alex Andreou

Support us on Patreon:

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Andrew Harrison with Alex Andreou. Producers: Kasia Tomasiewicz and Liam Tait. Audio producer: Jade Bailey. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Who run the world? Freemasons? – The truth about your favourite conspiracy May 21, 2023

The Freemasons are often blamed when things go wrong. But are they behind a global conspiracy or are they just a glorified men’s drinking club? Siân Pattenden is joined by historian John Dickie, author of The Craft: How the Freemasons Made the Modern World, to discover the truth behind this secretive fraternal group who have been blamed for everything – from corrupting the police to the global financial crash.

“They have nothing to do with stonemasons but still use their symbols as moral metaphors.”
“The secrets are extraordinarily mundane.”
“It’s not the content of the secrets, it's the rituals and sense of togetherness that matter.”

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Siân Pattenden. Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Audio editor: Simon Williams. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Bunker USA: How American guns fuel Mexico’s cartels May 20, 2023

America has a gun problem, and not just inside its own borders. Thousands of guns cross into Mexico every year, fuelling an epidemic of violence between drug cartels. Ioan Grillo is the author of ‘Blood Gun Money: How America Arms Gangs and Cartels’. He’s spent time with gun manufacturers, speaking to FBI agents and at murder scenes to decipher just how deep the issue lies. He joined Seth Thevoz in the Bunker from Mexico City.

“Suddenly there were no longer just gang members with shaved heads and tattoos; these were paramilitary organisations with AK47s.” — Ioan Grillo
“The level of destruction has increased exponentially.” — Ioan Grillo
“For the Mexican cartels the easiest source of guns is the US, there’s a huge supply there and they’re relatively cheap.” — Ioan Grillo
“The bloodshed they unleash down here with these weapons, it’s unbelievable.” — Ioan Grillo

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Seth Thevoz. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Producer: Chris Jones. Audio production: Alex Rees. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Up and Athens: The Greek elections explained May 19, 2023

It’s time to celebrate the birthplace of democracy with a Greek election! With more than 30 parties and coalitions vying for votes, the stage is set for political chaos. Isn’t democracy wonderful? Alex Andreou speaks tojournalist and correspondent for ERT, Evdoxia Lymperi, to try and understand one of the year’s most unpredictable elections.

“This is a mute election, nobody is willing to speak to the pollsters.”
“Greeks are not Germans. They have no tradition of coalition governments.”

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Alex Andreou. Producer: Liam Tait and Kasia Tomasiewicz. Audio editor: Robin Leeburn. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Taliban 2.0: Inside Afghanistan’s new hardline regime May 18, 2023

The overnight Taliban takeover of Afghanistan in 2021 shocked the world. But who is behind the hardline regime running the country? After 20 years of insurgency against the US-backed government in Kabul, how have they changed since they were last in power? Doomsday Watch host Arthur Snell is joined by Hassan Abbas, author of The Return of the Taliban Afghanistan after the Americans Left, to explore the factions vying for power and which international countries have their eyes on Afghanistan.

“The US were spending billions of dollars on a state-building project.”
“The Taliban are not one ‘thing’ but many different factions.”
“The Pakistani military has influence over the Old Guard in Afghanistan.”

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Arthur Snell. Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Audio editor: Simon Williams. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Lost the Plot: What makes terrorist attacks fail May 17, 2023

How do we stop terrorists before they act? Are our security services operating with expert proficiency or is it just luck? The answer is unfortunately a mix of both, but that’s no reason to despair. Hannah Fearn speaks to The Independent's home affairs editor Lizzie Dearden about her book, Plotters: The UK Terrorists Who Failed, to get an insight into British terror attacks that were stopped in their tracks.

“The pool of people susceptible to terrorism grew during the lockdown.”
“Security services were so focused on stopping people from joining Isis that more attacks happened in the UK.”
“So many terrorists receive a mental health diagnosis at the point of criminal conviction.”

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Book Link:

https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Homegrown/Jeffrey-Toobin/9781668013571

Written and presented by Hannah Fearn. Producer: Liam Tait. Audio editor: Alex Rees. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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NeverEnding Tory: How come the Conservatives keep getting elected? May 16, 2023

Despite endless scandals and psychodramas, the Tories keep getting into power. So why are the British obsessed with the Conservative Party? And will we ever get rid of them? Seth Thevoz is joined by Samuel Earle, author of Tory Nation: How One Party Conquered Britain, to ask how one party came to dominate our political imagination.

“The election numbers seem more like a rigged casino than a functional democracy.” — Samuel Earle
“The House of Lords seems to go against the grain of a liberal democratic society, yet it’s still here.” — Samuel Earle
“Conservatives don’t like to see themselves as ideological people.” — Samuel Earle.

Support us on Patreon:

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Seth Thevoz. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Producer: Chris Jones. Audio production: Jade Bailey. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Artwork by James Parrett. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Blue on Blue Monday – Start Your Week with Alex Andreou and Ros Taylor May 15, 2023

Battle lines were drawn this week as the Conservatives held two conferences – whose side are you on?In the blue corner Suella Braverman and a whole host of unsavoury fringe figures from the National Conservatism Movement. In the other blue corner it’s the Conservative Democratic Organisation aka the ‘bring back Boris brigade’ led by Nadine Dorries. Plus the Turkish election – is Erdogan’s time up? And yes, we’ll be talking about Eurovision. Alex Andreou joins Ros Taylor to explore the week ahead.

“Boris wasn’t there which isn’t unusual as it wasn’t a paid gig.” – Alex Andreou
“We’ve gone ‘high skill high wage’ economy to a ‘let’s all pick some apples’ economy’” – Alex Andreou
“Unhappiness following the local council elections was subsided by the Coronation but now it's back with a vengeance.”– Alex Andreou

Support us on Patreon:

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Ros Taylor with Alex Andreou. Producers: Kasia Tomasiewicz and Liam Tait. Audio producer: Jade Bailey. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Talking Heads: Why do politicians keep lying on TV? May 14, 2023

How do you tell if a politician is lying? Their lips are moving. That’s what the old joke would have us believe anyway. Rob Burley was a senior producer on some of the BBC’s flagship political shows so he knows what makes a good (and disastrous) political interview. Ros Taylor talks to Rob about his new book, Why Is This Lying Bastard Lying to Me?: Searching for the Truth on Political TV, to find out the tricks used by politicians to get away with their little white lies.

“Paxman just had enough, he decided he wasn’t going to play by the rules .”
“Robin Day revolutionised TV interviews in 1958 and it’s gone downhill since then.”
“The morning after the Brexit referendum the BBC told me not to look into the 350m bus claims.”

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Book Link:

https://harpercollins.co.uk/products/why-is-this-lying-bastard-lying-to-me-searching-for-the-truth-on-political-tv-rob-burley?variant=40188508504142

Written and presented by Ros Taylor. Producer: Liam Tait. Audio editor: Alex Rees. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Bunker USA: The evolution of America's far right extremists May 13, 2023

Right wing extremists are often considered lone wolves. But platforms like 4chan have made it easier than ever for extremist communities to grow. Alex Andreou speaks to best-selling author Jeffrey Toobin about his latest book, Homegrown: Timothy McVeigh and the Rise of Right-Wing Extremism, which explores the connection between the Oklahoma City bomber and the rise of modern day far right extremism.

“It’s easy for extremists to find each other. That plot to kidnap the governor of Michigan was hatched over Facebook chat.”
“The federal government has not done enough to challenge the idea that all terrorists are Islamic radicals.”
“McVeigh did act alone, but he was part of a larger political force in the US.”

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Book Link:

https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Homegrown/Jeffrey-Toobin/9781668013571

Written and presented by Alex Andreou. Producer: Liam Tait. Audio editor: Alex Rees. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Faking it: How dodgy news took over the world May 11, 2023

Donald Trump took over the phrase fake news – but dodgy journalism was an issue long before him. Has the media always been misleading? And how do we tell the difference between bad and fake journalism? Jacob Jarvis is joined by Andie Tucher, author of Not Exactly Lying: Fake News and Fake Journalism in American History, to discover the 300-year-old roots of fake news and why some journalists can’t admit it when they mess up.

“Journalists make mistakes all the time – the reporting on Iraq being a key example.”
“Sin of omissions can be as consequential as active misinformation.”
“There are huge limits on journalists, who often don’t like saying that.”
“Fake journalism is much more worrying than fake news.”

Support us on Patreon:

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Book Link:

http://cup.columbia.edu/book/not-exactly-lying/9780231186353

Written and presented by Jacob Jarvis. Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Audio editor: Jade Bailey. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Worse than Brexit? Why Cameron and Osborne are to blame for everything May 11, 2023

David Cameron entered 10 Downing Street 13 years ago. Since he and his right hand man George Osborne got their hands on power it's safe to say things haven’t been going well. Political journalist Steve Richards, of BBC and Rock & Roll Politics fame, joins Andrew Harrison in The Bunker to discuss this gruesome twosome and the pain caused by austerity and Brexit that they are both intrinsically linked to.

“Cameron’s left this horrible horrible mess that was wholly avoidable and we are still living with the consequences.”
“Cameron sold himself very effectively and it's a really interesting case study in how easy it is to mesmerise the media.”
“What has followed has been so chaotic – so it’s easy to forget that the seeds were sown in the Cameron era.”

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis . Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production: Robin Leeburn. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Look under the hoods: What really causes antisocial behaviour? May 10, 2023

Antisocial behaviour is constantly put under the spotlight by politicians. But what really causes it? Nick Pettigrew, author of Anti-Social, talks to Ros Taylor about what pushes it, how politicians try to shift responsibility for them onto individuals – and why shaming punishments don’t work.

“Young people are as likely to be victims of antisocial behaviour as they are the causes of it.”
“The safety net is more important than enforcement, someone with an investment in where you live is less likely to offend.”
“Cleaning off graffiti in orange jumpsuits only isolates offenders further — it’s the modern stocks.”
“If you deal with entrenched poverty antisocial behaviour will disappear overnight.”

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Ros Taylor. Producers and audio editors: Robin Leeburn and Simon Williams. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Arrested developments — Start Your Week with Hannah Fearn and Jacob Jarvis May 09, 2023

Police came out in force for the Coronation. Can the Met ride out accusations of heavy handedness? And the Tories are still reeling from their local elections trouncing, how worried should they be? Plus, there's news from the US, Ukraine and the Home Office’s handling of refugees from Sudan. Hannah Fearn joins Jacob Jarvis to map out the news for the week ahead.

“Labour most feared Penny Mordaunt, and the coronation proves she is one to watch.” – Hannah Fearn
“Labour can’t rest on their laurels, council elections show general mood rather than voting intention.” – Hannah Fearn
“The Bring Back Boris thing could have troubled Sunak for longer if not for the coronation shifting focus.” – Hannah Fearn

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Presented by Jacob Jarvis with Hannah Fearn. Produced by Kasia Tomasiewicz with Liam Tait. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production: Robin Leeburn. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Hard reign: The verdict on Charles III so far May 08, 2023

King Charles III has just been crowned. What kind of king has he become? How has he handled the rift with Harry, and the Andrew problem? And has he managed to control his quick temper? Former Guardian royal correspondent Stephen Bates tells Ros Taylor that predictions Charles would ‘meddle’ in politics have been wide of the mark. They talk about whether the royal family will shrink further in the coming years, and if its remaining working members are now content to be dutiful but unexciting.

QUOTES

‘The one thing that kills off the institution is the loss of a sense of public spirit and duty. You can get away an awful lot with an awful lot if you’re conscientious, reliable and smile for the cameras. Catherine and William have discovered that.’

‘The British monarchy has a different place in the constitution than the Scandinavian monarchies do, and that’s perhaps one reason why they’re slower to adapt.’

‘I doubt very much Charles would use a biro. He’s more of a fountain pen man.’

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Ros Taylor. Producer and audio editor: Simon Williams. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Putin on a Brave Face: Russia braces for humiliating Victory Day May 07, 2023

Many anticipated a subdued Victory Day – and that was before the Kremlin claimed Ukraine attempted to assassinate Vladimir Putin. With this leading to even more cities scaling back their festivities, Arthur Snell asks Professor Stefan Wolff what exactly does Russia have to celebrate in 2023?

“Putin is trying to link Ukraine to a larger narrative that Russia is always being on the right side of history.”
“The drone incident may be a way to downscale the victory day events.”
“This is a narrative you can feed to a population deprived of a balance feed of news”

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Arthur Snell. Produced by Liam Tait. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production: Robin Leeburn. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Bunker USA: MTG Fibs – What’s going on with Marjorie Taylor Greene? May 06, 2023

Marjorie Taylor Greene is one of the most controversial and extreme figures in US politics. Why is she the way she is? She’s a GOP member of Congress for Georgia’s 14th District, a role steeped in responsibility. And someone really should tell MTG that. She often spouts unproven conspiracy theories; has called President Biden the real enemy of the state and most recently backed Tucker Carlson after he was given the boot by FOX. Jay Bookman is a columnist for the Georgia Recorder – and he thinks she’s an idiot. He told Jacob Jarvis why.

“She’s, if arrogance went on a blind date with stupidity, Marjorie Taylor Greene would be the result of that pairing.” - Jay Bookman
“Speaker McCarthy has said that he would be with her no matter what happens and that's a boundary that she’s willing to test.” - Jay Bookman
“There’s a long long string of amazingly irresponsible statements and rhetorics by Marjorie.” Jay Bookman
“She’s looking for attention and she’ll say and do whatever it takes to get that attention.” Jay Bookman
“I don’t think she has an agenda other than her own celebrity, her own power.” - Jay Bookman

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Jacob Jarvis Producer: Chris Jones. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production: Robin Leeburn. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Alastair Campbell on fighting populism, his mistakes and the Brexit fallout May 05, 2023

Alastair Campbell has a plan to fix the crisis in our politics. Andrew Harrison talks to one of politics’ most controversial figures about where our democracies are going wrong, the poison of populism, the long shadow of Iraq, why Boris Johnson was so dangerous, and his new book But What Can I Do? Why Politics Has Gone So Wrong And How Can You Help Fix It.

“In my lifetime, most politicians have genuinely been trying to wrestle with problems. Populists try to exploit those problems.”
“You can’t be a leader without some moral compass. Johnson was chaotic, he didn’t manage people, he didn’t really care. He is not a serious person.”
“I was aggressive at times and I wanted the media to understand that if they stepped over a line, I was going to call them out.”
“There are some people that will never accept what I say is true.”

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

BOOK LINK: https://linktr.ee/alastaircampbellbook

Written and presented by Andrew Harrison. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production: Simon Williams. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Elon for the ride: How has Musk's Twitter dream fallen apart? May 04, 2023

Everyone predicted it would fall apart immediately, but it didn’t. Six months later, Twitter seems to be chugging along but how long can it last? Kasia Tomasiewicz speaks with head of digital at iNews, Luke Bailey, to discuss Elon’s grand plan for the bird app.

“Musk is asking people to pay to see poor quality tweets and have people yell at them.”
“He’s pulled everything apart to find out just why Twitter made the decision in the first place.”
“The twitter files exposed that there was a left wing bias but they were trying really hard to keep the platform balanced.”

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Kasia Tomasiewicz. Produced by Liam Tait. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production: Simon Williams. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Trial by television: Is GB News ungovernable? May 03, 2023

GB News positions itself as a noble endeavour to widen the voices in Britain’s national debate. Which is fantastic in theory, but over the last two years the output of the channel has proved ungovernable. Alex Andreou sits down with broadcaster, and future national treasure, Dr. Matthew Sweet to ask the question, how do you control a news channel that’s like no other?

“If you are part of the conspiracist culture - then you understand the coded language they use on GB News”
“If you go on GB news you’re endorsing them. I don’t want to sit with them and make them equals.”
“Why doesn’t GB news have a science editor? Because nobody with the qualifications would do the job!”

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Alex Andreou. Produced by Liam Tait. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production: Simon Williams. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Councils Culture – Start Your Week with Gavin Esler and Alex Andreou May 02, 2023

Local elections (for local people) are coming up this week. What would mark a good night for Starmer? And what will a bad one mean for Sunak, amid the cost of living crisis and strikes? Plus, as the coronation brings the role of the royals into the spotlight, we get ready to pledge allegiance… And war in Sudan and Ukraine rumbles on – what is the latest from these conflicts? Gavin Esler joins Alex Andreou to explore the news to look out for.

“We have got the talent in this country to do things – but we tend not to have that talent in Government.” – Gavin Esler
“Most of us take local elections for granted.” – Gavin Esler
“Cost of living might have become greedflation: costs falling and companies profiteering.” – Alex Andreou
“It seems like in Britain we are living in the pageantry of the past.”– Gavin Esler

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Presented by Alex Andreou and Gavin Esler. Produced by Jacob Jarvis and Kasia Tomasiewicz. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production: Robin Leeburn. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Taster 🇺🇦 DOOMSDAY WATCH: The Ukraine War May 02, 2023

The Ukraine War is reshaping the world. Arthur Snell writes the first draft of its history. In this excerpt from Ep.1 of our new series: How Russia’s febrile history, Putin’s paranoid resentment and Western complacency led to an historic crime against a peaceful nation, the largest European land action since the Second World War… and a conflict of unprecedented brutality.

Doomsday Watch: The Ukraine War is out now. Hear it wherever you listen to podcasts.

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Photo by Paul Conroy.

Written and presented by Arthur Snell. Produced by Robin Leeburn. Original theme music by Paul Hartnoll – https://www.orbitalofficial.com. Group Editor Andrew Harrison. Doomsday Watch is a Podmasters production.

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The coast is dear: Our complex love affair with seaside towns May 01, 2023

Oh, we do like to be beside the seaside. Don’t we? Places like Blackpool, Jaywick and Skegness are among the poorest areas of the UK. Yet other resorts are so desirable that property-owners can afford to keep them empty for most of the year and rake in the profit from renting them out in summer. Madeleine Bunting, author of The Seaside: England’s Love Affair, tells Ros Taylor about her odyssey around the English coast, the threat posed by sewage discharges, and the special affection she holds for Brighton — a town where anything can seem possible.

“There are still huge reserves of affection for seaside towns.”
“People flock to seaside towns because they think that is where they can start again.”
“There’s a hedonism to the seaside. It has always been about indulging fantasy.’
“The Essex coastline is fascinating, and often gets overlooked.”

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Written and presented by Ros Taylor. Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Producer and audio editor: Jade Bailey. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Pain in the ads: How politics turned social media into a battleground Apr 30, 2023

Labour’s attack ads against Sunak put targeted political advertising back in the spotlight. But the Tories have done more than their fair share of online attack ads too – not least to win over the public to *cough* Brexit. Have they gone too far? And how do we moderate what goes online? Alex Andreou talks to Kyle Taylor, founder of Fair Vote UK and author of The Little Black Book of Data and Democracy.

“When social media emerged we thought it would be this public town square. The reason it’s been so successful is because it’s the exact opposite.” - Kyle Taylor
“The thing about political ads is you do want more people to vote for you, but you only want to tell each box what they want to hear.” - Kyle Taylor
“Taking things for granted in the digital age is a fool's errand.” - Kyle Taylor.

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Written and presented by Alex Andreou Producer: Chris Jones. Audio production: Jade Bailey Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Bunker USA: What a Tuckin’ week – Carlson’s out, Biden’s in Apr 28, 2023

It’s been a bit of a week over in the US. First, after Fox News paid out almost $1 billion to Dominion, Tucker Carlson left the network. After that Biden announced he’d be running for president again, albeit slowly. And then if that wasn’t enough, Carlson released a pretty profound statement about his departure on Twitter. Hoping to unpack it all is Julie Norman, co-director of UCL’s Centre on US Politics. She joined Jacob Jarvis in the Bunker.

“Tucker Carlson has been controversial for a while but through all of that his viewings were super high, the highest in cable news.”
“One person that would maybe challenge Trump would be Tucker Carlson.”
“Biden knows he’s going to get hit from the right as a big spender.”

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Written and presented by Jacob Jarvis Producer: Chris Jones. Music and Audio production: Jade Bailey. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Knowing XI, Knowing EU: Why Europe is naive to trust China Apr 28, 2023

China’s relationship with Europe is…difficult. But some leaders, like Emmanuel Macron, see China as a conduit for peace in Ukraine. But can Europe really trust China to negotiate with Russia? Philippe Le Corre, a senior fellow at the Asia Society Policy Institute’s Center for China Analysis, sat down with Alex Andreou to discuss just that.

“The current situation, which is close to a cold war you might say, will not bring China closer to the West.”
“Whenever you talk to Chinese officials they will tell you that China is growing; you better get used to it.”
“It’s unacceptable for China to say this is not our war, we have nothing to do with this.”

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Written and presented by Alex Andreou. Producers: Liam Tait and Chris Jones. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production: Robin Leeburn. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Force the issue: Can the Met Police ever win back our trust? Apr 27, 2023

Public trust in the Met Police is at a nadir – with a raft of scandals and crimes involving serving officers having shook faith in the force. What’s gone wrong and can it ever win back the confidence of those it is meant to serve? Ros Taylor spoke to Kathryn Farrow, a doctoral student at Oxford University, who has studied the way British police forces work, to find out.

“Officers do need to have a certain amount of discretion but the flip side of that is there’s often a lack of accountability.”
“Especially in frontline policing, it’s not rare for officers to be off with stress.”
“I'm not sure to what point they will be able to recover that trust, they will have to show that they’ve changed.”

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Written and presented by Ros Taylor. Producer: Chris Jones. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production: Simon Williams. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Target practice: Why NHS fixes haven’t worked Apr 26, 2023

The NHS reels from crisis to crisis, with a waiting list of seven million and chronic workforce shortages. Why is it so hard to change a service that clearly isn’t working? David Haslam, a former GP who has chaired NICE and the BMA and is the author of Side Effects, tells Ros Taylor that a focus on hospital treatment means that public health and end-of-life care are shamefully neglected.

“It’s almost as if we’ve designed the health service based on the interests of specialists.’
“If you stay with the same GP over many years you have fewer hospital admissions, reduced out of hours care and a lower rate of early death. If that was a drug, we’d have invested in it massively.”
“I find it completely extraordinary that hospices are generally funded as charities. We’d be up in arms if our maternity units were only funded by charity shops.”

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Written and presented by Ros Taylor. Producer and audio editor: Jade Bailey. Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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How Putin moulded a new generation of fascists Apr 25, 2023

The Kremlin has convinced many of Russia’s young people that its invasion of Ukraine is just. In fact, about 62 percent of Russians between the ages of 18 and 24 have shown approval, according to the Levada Center. But how has Putin curated this young generation of fascists? Dr Ian Garner, author of Z Generation: Into the Heart of Russia's Fascist Youth, speaks to Arthur Snell to dig into exactly that.

“What you’re going to find is that you have a generation of children that believe violence is normal.”
“These are teenagers, like what you may know at home, who are just teeangers who want to fit in.”
“What the state does is punt out certain materials into the social media world and then just lets people run with them.”

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Written and presented by Arthur Snell. Producer: Chris Jones. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production: Robin Leeburn. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Dom Disposal Unit – Start Your Week with Arthur Snell and Jacob Jarvis Apr 24, 2023

Dominic Raab finally resigned (definitely all his own choice) – what does it mean next for Sunak’s clown car Government? In Labour, Diane Abbott has had the whip removed – will she stand as an independent? Plus we bring international news from Sudan and Ukraine. Jacob Jarvis is joined by Arthur Snell to give you the stories to look out for this week.

“Johnson didn’t believe in any standards, whereas you could argue Sunak has a miniscule level.”
“The Tories are quickly resembling a clown car.”

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Presented by Jacob Jarvis with Arthur Snell. Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production: Jade Bailey. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Love, sexuality and the true lives of men at war Apr 23, 2023

Memories of the Second World War are often oversimplified through the lens of politicians. A common thread missed is that of love and sexuality – particularly the experiences of queer men. Kasia Tomasiewicz is joined by Luke Turner, author of the book Men at War: Loving, Lusting, Fighting, Remembering 1939-1945, to discuss the sexual revolution that happened during that period.

“It’s true the British can’t stop going on about the war. But there is so much left to discover.”
“Outsiders often have an interesting perspective.”
“I’d gotten sick of judging the past by the standards of the present.”
“We still are incredibly repressed about sex in Britain.”

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Presented by Kasia Tomasiewicz. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production: Jade Bailey. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Bunker USA: Under the influence – How lobbyists mould America’s politics Apr 22, 2023

Lobbying is a key way in which politicians and pieces of legislation are influenced in the United States. But who exactly are these mysterious figures trying to manipulate people in power? How do they work – and what do they want? Jacob Jarvis joined by Amy McKay, associate professor of political science at the University of Exeter, whose work focuses on the influence of outside interests on public policy.

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Presented and produced by Jacob Jarvis. Music by Jade Bailey. Audio production: Robin Leeburn. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Bunker USA: Fox Off – Did Rupert Murdoch dodge a bullet? Apr 21, 2023

BONUS EPISODE KLAXON: Fox News paid out almost $1 billion dollars to Dominion – but despite that, did Murdoch dodge a bullet? Or is the financial blow, sparked by the networks voting machine misinformation, a catastrophe? Jacob Jarvis was joined by Dan Cassino, political scientist and author of Fox News and American Politics How One Channel Shapes American Politics and Society, to unpack what this payout means for Fox News.

“This really is an admission that they knew what they were doing was false but they thought that they had to or they’d lose their audience.”
“The question is are they going to change their behaviour over this – and I think the answer is absolutely not.”
“It seems very unlikely that anyone will lose their jobs over this, the reason is Fox News isn’t acknowledging this at all.”
“I’d say you could replace someone like Tucker Carlson with Gonzo the Muppet and still get the same audience.”

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Written and presented by Jacob Jarvis Producer: Chris Jones. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production: Simon Williams. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Crude awakening: How MBS wields Saudi Arabia’s oil power Apr 21, 2023

Saudi Arabia is experiencing a once in a lifetime moment of transformation, funded by their control over the world's oil supply. The nation is taking risks on a global scale like never before – and the ‘maverick’ prince Mohammed bin Salman, stands at the forefront of this change of strategy. Arthur Snell sits down with Bradley Hope, co-author of Blood and Oil: Mohammed bin Salman's Ruthless Quest for Global Power to try and understand the ruler of Saudi Arabia.

“He went from completely unknown with no power or authority to the ruler of Saudiu Arabia through some cavalier and cunning activity.”
“Business people of the world who had a moral objection to MBS are now back in the country cap in hand asking for investment.”

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BOOK LINK

https://www.johnmurraypress.co.uk/titles/bradley-hope-2/blood-and-oil/9781529347890/

Written and presented by Arthur Snell. Produced by Liam Tait. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production: Jade Bailey. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Net Zero intolerance: The Tory faction seeking a “climate referendum” Apr 20, 2023

The Net Zero Scrutiny Group shares ties with the likes of the late Nigel Lawson and his network of “climate deniers”. They like fracking and have tried to link the cost-of-living crisis to the government’s net zero goals. But exactly who are they? What do they stand for? And who funds them? Andrew Harrison is joined by Sam Alvis, head of economy at The Green Alliance, to unpack exactly that.

“They are no longer denying that climate change is a thing, but what they are saying is that actually the cost of it is much more of an issue.”
“Often with these groups, and particularly with the net zero group, it's easier to understand what they don't like; the one thing we know they do like is fracking.”
“It’s murky, we don’t really know where the money comes from to support the Net Zero Scrutiny Group.”

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Presented by Andrew Harrison. Audio production: Jade Bailey. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Producer: Chris Jones. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production,

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Against the rules: Inside the war on financial regulation Apr 19, 2023

Investment zones have been hailed by some politicians as the solution to our economic woes. But what are the risks of economic gated communities? By existing outside of the usual rules of the state, do they undermine democracy? Alex Andreou is joined by historian Quinn Slobodian, author of Crack-Up Capitalism: Market Radicals and the Dream of a World Without Democracy, to unpack why these zones are increasingly appearing across the globe and why politicians like Kwasi Kwarteng are so keen to back them.

“London has come to see the presence of the super-wealthy as a sign of urban health.”
“Thatcher’s biggest legacy wasn’t creating democratic free markets, but creating sites for wealth hoarding for non-democratic forms of capitalism.”

Book Link:

https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/316685/crack-up-capitalism-by-slobodian-quinn/9780241460245

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Written and presented by Alex Andreou. Audio production by Alex Rees. Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music: Kenny Dickinson. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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“We’re building the answer” – Andy Burnham on the North vs Westminster Apr 18, 2023

Andy Burnham has thrived after switching Westminster for Manchester as a mayor. And he has high hopes for the North harnessing its voice more in the future. The Labour mayor of Greater Manchester spoke with Andrew Harrison about boosting regions outside of London, and dealing with names and not numbers in his role.

“You look at things through different eyes. You can deal with names not numbers.”
“Before these mayors in regions, where did people complain? People at least have one person to complain to.”
“Having made all these promises to the north, they were very quickly in default mode.”
“If you go with the rules of Westminster, in the end people don’t know who you are.”
“We’re building the answer for more places to set their own course.”

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Presented by Andrew Harrison. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production: Robin Leeburn. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Striking (into the) distance – Start Your Week with Hannah Fearn and Ros Taylor Apr 17, 2023

Strikes are going to go on and on as the Government continues not to strike deals with unions. Will this situation ever be resolved? And further afield, fatal clashes continue to break out in Sudan – what’s unfolding? Hannah Fearn joins Ros Taylor to lay out the news for the week ahead.

“The way people feel about the strikes is not following the usual pattern at this point.” – Hannah Fearn
“For anyone who hoped the strikes were going away, we are moving to a summer and autumn of discontent.” – Ros Taylor

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Presented by Ros Taylor with Hannah Fearn. Produced by Jacob Jarvis with Kasia Tomasiewicz. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production: Jade Bailey. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Starship Enterprises: Why space is the next political battleground Apr 16, 2023

Space – the final frontier, and the next political battleground? As nations compete for dominance and resources, Andrew Harrison is joined by Tim Marshall, author of The Future of Geography: How Power and Politics in Space Will Change Our World, to discuss how this might go beyond the confines of earth.

“I was going to say the world is our oyster, but the universe is.”
“If one country controls low earth orbit… they would be the gatekeeper of who could go out into space and beyond.”
“The space industry will be worth a trillion dollars before 2030.”

Pre-order The Future Of Geography here.

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Written and presented by Andrew Harrison. Producers: Kasia Tomasiewicz and Liam Tait. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production: Alex Rees. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Bunker USA: Land of the Fed – The unbridled power of America’s central bank Apr 15, 2023

The Federal Reserve has a huge sway over the US economy – and therefore the world’s. But as well as financial clout, it also has a massive political impact. How does it run – and how do its actions impact us all? Alex Andreou is joined by Larry Jacobs, co-author of Fed Power: How Finance Wins and professor at the University of Minnesota, to discuss for The Bunker USA.

“It’s serving the interests of finance and working separate from democratic accountability.”
“The key thing to remember is it is its own operation. It stands alone with its autonomy.”
“It is not beholden to Congress. It doesn’t rely on Congress for any appropriation. Its officials have tremendous latitude.”
“The magnitude of its intervention is quite remarkable.”

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Presented by Alex Andreou. Music by Jade Bailey. Audio production: Alex Rees. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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From Del Boy to Dogecoin: How we all got hooked on getting rich quick Apr 14, 2023

When did we all start wanting to invest in stock and shares? And who were the winners and losers of the investment boom? Dr Amy Edwards, senior lecturer in Modern British History at the University of Bristol and author of Are We Rich Yet?: The Rise of Mass Investment Culture in Contemporary Britain, tells Ahir Shah about how our lives changed forever in the 1980s as investment became a way of life rather than something you do.

“Investment culture didn’t begin with Thatcher, but it really took off in the 1980s.”
“Our entire culture changed with privatisation.”
“There was a huge explosion in investment cowboys.”

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

https://www.ucpress.edu/book/9780520385467/are-we-rich-yet

Presented and written by Ahir Shah. Audio production by Alex Rees. Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Music: Kenny Dickinson. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Run KGB: How Soviet spies warped the West Apr 13, 2023

The KGB is one of the most notorious intelligence agencies of all time. Though long defunct, how did this Soviet network warp the world we live in today? Seth Thévoz is joined by Mark Hollingsworth, author of Agents of Influence: How the KGB Subverted Western Democracies.

“The myth of the KGB being brilliant intelligence gatherers is largely exaggerated.”
“There was a game between the KGB and MI5 over what was really happening.”
“It was about planting doubt, sowing seeds of doubt, to weaken the United States.”

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Presented by Seth Thévoz. Audio production: Jade Bailey. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Comfortably Brum: Why do the Tories love Birmingham? Apr 12, 2023

Birmingham plays a key role in the Tory imagination – something that might shock some of its 1.1 million inhabitants. So what is the relationship between the Conservatives and Britain’s Second City? Marie Le Conte is joined by Richard Vinen, professor of history at King’s College London and author of Second City: Birmingham and the Forging of Modern Britain, to unpack the myth and memory behind this Tory spiritual home.

“You don’t have to like it to recognise how important Birmingham is.”
“Birmingham grew the most under Tony Blair – it’s a very New Labour city.”
“The Tories have far less of a relationship with Birmingham than they think.”

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Written and presented by Marie Le Conte. Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Lead producer: Jacob Jarvis. Bunker music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Robin Leeburn. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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See if I Keir — Start Your Week with Alex Andreou and Jacob Jarvis Apr 11, 2023

Keir Starmer is staying on the attack while Sunak faces more strike conundrums with junior doctors staging a mass walkout. Is the Government going to resolve these issues – or just try to distract? Plus, we discuss the latest from Ukraine, protests in Georgia and Xi’s posturing over Taiwan. Jacob Jarvis is joined by Alex Andreou to tee up the week ahead.

“If [the right] can character assassinate you online, why should you have to play nice?” – Alex Andreou
“Junior doctors came out of the pandemic and the government said ‘sorry, applause is all you get’” – Alex Andreou
“I can’t see Steve Barclay being the person qualified to fix this” – Jacob Jarvis
“Leaked documents of any kind tend to be glorified as the definitive position, and they are often not” - Alex Andreou

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Presented by Jacob Jarvis with Alex Andreou. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production: Jade Bailey. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Bunker Gold: Slave to the algorithm Apr 10, 2023

This Bank Holiday, enjoy a Bunker from the archives… We all want control over our lives. But as we make more decisions digitally, the impact of algorithms on our choices grows. They help to sort the information presented to us and limit the options we see – shaping the products we buy, films we watch and even the partners we end up with. Andrew Harrison discusses the future of such technology with Kartik Hosanagar, author of A Human's Guide to Machine Intelligence: How Algorithms Are Shaping Our Lives and How We Can Stay in Control.

“Many people believe that algorithms are just providing us information and we comb through that and make our own choices… research shows otherwise.” – Kartik Hosanagar
“They are not just helping us make the decisions that we would have anyway made… they are also influencing the decisions themselves.” – Kartik Hosanagar
“These algorithms could be making choices in more personal and more important aspects of our lives, and also they could be making them autonomously.” – Kartik Hosanagar
“Let’s make sure that for high stakes decisions, they are made by human beings.” – Kartik Hosanagar
“Individually, it’s hard for us to stop this algorithmic tsunami.” – Kartik Hosanagar

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Presented and produced by Andrew Harrison. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Audio production by Jade Bailey. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Reading the ruins: What can Britain’s lost villages teach us? Apr 09, 2023

Britain has hundreds of abandoned villages. How did they fall victim to history? And how are the communities that once called these places home remembered? With more than 4000 villages at risk of flooding over the coming decades, these question feels more pertinent than ever. Hannah Fearn is joined by historian Matthew Green, author of Shadowlands: A journey through lost Britain, to dig up the ruins of our gone but not (quite) forgotten lands.

Matthew’s book is out in paperback from Faber and can be bought here: https://www.faber.co.uk/product/9780571338030-shadowlands/

“The black death led to over 3000 disappeared villages.”
“It’s hard not to see an uncanny foreshadowing of our destruction from climate change.”
“When we remember and tell the stories of our lost lands we never lose them.”
“The more you meditate on ruins, the less of a ruin you become yourself.”

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Written and presented by Hannah Fearn. Audio production by Alex Rees. Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Lead producer: Jacob Jarvis. Music: Kenny Dickinson. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Made in Manc-hattan: How music built a city Apr 08, 2023

Manchester’s music scene is famous the world over – but did Joy Division, the Haçienda and Factory Records really lead to a real estate boom that transformed the city? Journalist and adopted Mancunian Andy Spinoza tells Andrew Harrison how Tony Wilson’s empire triggered a boom that transformed the city’s skyline and more – as charted in his book Manchester Unspun: Pop, Property And Power In The Original Modern City.

BOOK ORDER LINK: https://www.hive.co.uk/Product/Andy-Spinoza/Manchester-Unspun--Pop-Property-and-Power-in-the-Original-Modern-City/27859796

“Those leaders in Manchester didn’t dismiss the music as just a bunch of kids larking around. They could see this was the way economies were changing.”
“All cities should give space to the artists to create their authentic homegrown culture and that should be away from officialdom and away from corporate interests.”

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Written and presented by Andrew Harrison. Producer: Chris Jones. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production: Robin Leeburn. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Meeting the Swedish anti-vaxxers who believe ‘Mother Earth protects’ Apr 07, 2023

In Sweden most people have a great deal of trust in the state, but in recent years vaccine scepticism has gained ground. Ethnographer Mia-Marie Hammarlin spent time in the Swedish countryside sharing saunas and kitchen tables with women who refused the COVID vaccine. She explains how a belief in the power of nature and spirituality, bolstered by conspiracy theories found online, has convinced some Swedes to refuse jabs.

“There are high levels of social trust in Sweden.”
“Trust in nature and spirituality became a central belief for vaccine rejection.”
“Vaccine sceptics furiously reject the notion they lack solidarity.”

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Written and presented by Ros Taylor. Producer: Jade Bailey. Audio production: Tomas Rojas. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Thatcher, the IRA, and the bomb that changed history Apr 06, 2023

In the autumn of 1984, the Provisional IRA almost wiped out the British Cabinet. Five people were killed in the Grand Hotel bombing. As we approach the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement, The Guardian’s Ireland correspondent Rory Carroll joins Gavin Esler to revisit the event that – had it been successful – would have changed British politics forever, and the way it did change history.

Rory’s book Killing Thatcher: The IRA, the Manhunt and the Long War on the Crown can be bought here: https://harpercollins.co.uk/products/killing-thatcher-the-ira-the-manhunt-and-the-long-war-on-the-crown-rory-carroll

“In Ireland, Thatcher was a figure as hated as Cromwell.”
“No one in the IRA knew what the consequences of killing a British Prime Minister would be.”

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Written and presented by Gavin Esler. Audio production by Alex Rees. Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Lead producer: Jacob Jarvis. Music: Kenny Dickinson. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Number crunching: How the rich dodge tax Apr 05, 2023

Next to births and deaths, taxes are one of life's only certainties. But with a tax system made up of a bewildering mish-mash of rates and loopholes, who are the winners and losers? And how can the system be hacked? Siân Pattenden is joined by the top-secret Rebel Accountant, author of Taxtopia, to explore how the tax system is scamming us all.

“The poorest in society pay the most amount of tax – the whole system is rigged.”

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Written and presented by Siân Pattenden. Producer Kasia Tomasiewicz. Lead producer Jacob Jarvis. Group editor Andrew Harrison. Bunker music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Jade Bailey. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

Book link: https://www.hachette.co.uk/titles/the-rebel-accountant/taxtopia/9781800960886/

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Doomed to fail? The hidden traps foiling Britain’s political system Apr 04, 2023

We know what political failure looks like in Britain. But why does it happen? Why do governments pass bad laws and ignore looming crises? Ben Ansell, author of Why Politics Fails, tells Ros Taylor why a small number of party members can impose leaders on the rest of us, how self-interest scuppers our decision making, and what happens to a mature democracy when politics stops working. Have we turned a corner since the disastrous Truss premiership? Or are we in for more of the same?

“We have moved to an American-style election process.”
“More democracy in political parties has led to the many centrists in society feeling misrepresented.”
“The breakdown of unions and church membership means now it’s just us and political parties, mediated by Twitter.”

BOOK LINK

https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/444113/why-politics-fails-by-ansell-ben/9780241992760

Presented and written by Ros Taylor. Audio production by Alex Rees. Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Music: Kenny Dickinson. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Bad hair day — Start Your Week with Arthur Snell and Jacob Jarvis Apr 03, 2023

Donald Trump is to be arrested this week – what drama can we expect to unfold? Plus in the UK the Tories are looking at potholes, while Labour gets ‘tough on crime’ – are we completely out of new ideas? And as Suella Braverman continues to dream about Rwanda, why won’t she admit any flaws to her plans? Arthur Snell joins Jacob Jarvis to lay out what’s happening in the week ahead.

• “Trump is using his indictment to raise more funds.”

• “London-based consultants create silly caricatures like ‘Swindon Woman’, it’s embarrassing.”

• “Antisocial behaviour happens because the social realm has collapsed.”

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Written and presented by Jacob Jarvis with Arthur Snell. Audio production by Jade Bailey. Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Music: Kenny Dickinson. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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How our Cold War fears can prepare us for climate disaster Apr 02, 2023

Cold War fears of nuclear disaster have been replaced for many by the horrific prospect of climate oblivion. How can our past fears prepare us for the possibility of future catastrophe? Jude Rogers meets Dr Matthew Grant, a senior lecturer in History at the University of Essex,to discuss what lessons can be learnt from our ‘Protect and Survive’ days and how the past is shaping our responses to extreme weather.

“The main fear of nuclear apocalypse wasn't that you'd die, but that you’d survive.”

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Written and presented by Jude Rogers. Audio production by Jade Bailey. Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Lead producer: Jacob Jarvis. Music: Kenny Dickinson. Artwork: James Parrett. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Bunker USA – Donald Trump is going down (in history) Apr 01, 2023

Trump has been indicted and his arrest looms – what the hell is going on? Will this be his downfall or a boost to the former president? Brian Klaas, Washington Post columnist and associate professor at UCL, joins Alex Andreou to discuss what we know now, the fallout and how this all might play out.

“There’s a viewpoint that Trump has stoked that any sort of criminal investigation involving him is automatically a witchhunt.”
“The only question that matters to Republicans is, ‘Do you think this is a crime?’”
“I expect more indictments will arrive – because people had put the breaks on them, due to the perception of political motivation.”
“If this came out a few days before the 2016 election, I think Trump would have lost.”

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Presented by Alex Andreou. Music by Jade Bailey. Audio production: Robin Leeburn. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Great Danes: How does Denmark quash corruption? Mar 31, 2023

Denmark is one of the least corrupt countries in the world. Gert Tinggard Svendsen of Aarhus University explains how Danes routinely hold each other to account for their actions so that political corruption is not tolerated. Wrongdoers find themselves outcast from Danish society, which acts as a powerful incentive to do the right thing. With Ros Taylor.

“If you lie in Denmark, your reputation will be severely damaged. There’s no way back. You really have to do something extraordinary to compensate.”
“There’s a saying, if two Danes meet they shake hands, if three Danes meet they form an association.”
“The reason why many countries are poor is because they’re corrupt.”

Gert Tinggard Svendsen is the author of Trust (Aarhus University).

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Written and presented by Ros Taylor. Audio production by Robin Leeburn. Assistant producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Music: Kenny Dickinson. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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The Knackered Lunch: Henry Dimbleby on fixing the Govt’s food fiasco Mar 30, 2023

Did Henry Dimbleby really quit his role as the Government’s food policy advisor “in disgust”? Why have its attempts to create a healthier nation through our diet proved such a failure? And what should they be doing instead? Ros Taylor talks to the founder of LEON and the author of Ravenous: How To Get Ourselves And Our Planet Into Shape about the salad shortage, changing Britain’s food culture, the dark side of Bake Off… and why we still depend on celebrity intervention to get kids eating decent school dinners.

“Politicians are out of step with the public. They really are sick of their kids being bombarded with ads for junk food.”
“The term ‘Nanny State’ was coined by politicians who actually grew up with nannies…”
“OK, telling people to eat turnips is funny in a downbeat Blackadder sense… but we really should be growing more vegetables in this country.”
“Giving up meat can seem a bit worthy. We’re trying to create a positive ad campaign around eating less meat.”

Written and presented by Ros Taylor. Audio production by Robin Leeburn. Assistant producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Music: Kenny Dickinson. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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That Show Isn’t Funny Anymore: Why GB News is no joke Mar 29, 2023

GB News launched with much fanfare two years ago and was swiftly mocked for the seeming ineptitude of its entire team. But, it’s still going – and getting more popular. And the questionable output is cranking up to be more extreme too… Should we be taking it more seriously? Jacob Jarvis asks William Turvill, associate editor of Press Gazette and media correspondent for New Statesman.

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Presented by Jacob Jarvis. Assistant Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production: Jade Bailey. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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A losing battle: How Brexit fallout tore Parliament apart Mar 28, 2023

Brexit is done — insofar as it ever will be. But the Brexit we got was not the one most Britons wanted. Years of bad-tempered Parliamentary battling only came to an end when Boris Johnson purged his MPs and stopped the Commons from sitting, then called a general election. Ros Taylor is joined by Meg Russell and Lisa James, authors of The Parliamentary Battle over Brexit, to talk about the damage done, the legacy of those years — and whether we should ever have a referendum again.

“These terms of hard Brexit and soft Brexit only really come around after the referendum.” – Lisa James
“So much of the story of Brexit is what’s going on with the Conservative Party over these years.” – Lisa James

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Presented by Ros Taylor. Assistant Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production: Jade Bailey. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Everything’s on Fire – Start Your Week with Hannah Fearn Mar 27, 2023

Mass protests in Israel as secular members of society fear a theocratic takeover from the religious right. Will Netanyahu be forced to halt his controversial judicial reforms? Plus, the focus of violent protests in France moves from Macron’s pensions reform to the President himself. Plus, what will be on the new SNP leader’s to-fix list? And Kwasi Kwarteng and Matt Hancock get caught out touting their Westminster influence at £10,000 a day. Hannah Fearn gives Andrew Harrison the stories to look out for this week.

“In unprecedented scenes, Israelis are considering leaving the Jewish state.”
“Macron beware – the strikes in France have been brewing long before the pandemic.”

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Presented by Andrew Harrison with Hannah Fearn. Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production: Jade Bailey. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Private Trauma: How we’ve let our service people down Mar 26, 2023

How do we support soldiers traumatised by war? And is the public too sheltered from the reality of life during and after conflict? As the 20th anniversary of Iraq reignites questions over the experience of war and care for service personnel, Arthur Snell is joined by Louise Jones, an ex-Army Officer who served in Afghanistan and an active Labour Party member, to discuss how war changes a person.

“We have treated the Afghans we served with appallingly.”
“As a country, we have let down those who have protected us.”
“Veterans and active soldiers are massively under-resourced, there is a crisis in mental health.”

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Written and Presented by Arthur Snell. Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production: Robin Leeburn. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Bunker USA: Moscow Fools – Why is the Republican Party split on Russia? Mar 25, 2023

The Republican Party was once hawkish in its stance towards Russia – but now some within its ranks seem sympathetic towards Putin and his regime. What’s changed? And why is there a split? Jacob Jarvis is joined by Jackie Calmes, columnist for the Los Angeles Times, to discuss.

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Presented by Jacob Jarvis. Assistant Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production: Alex Rees. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Inside Rwanda: The dictatorship Braverman dreams about Mar 24, 2023

Suella Braverman’s plan to send refugees to Rwanda has been described as inhuman. But what is the country actually like? And what does the nation’s Government get out of the deal? Award winning journalist Anjan Sundaram joins Arthur Snell on a deep-dive into a country few of us know, but is rarely out of headlines. Anjan describes life after the genocide, the Western blind-spot to present human rights abuses and the political coercion at the heart of the present regime.

Anjan wrote about the persecution of journalists in Rwanda in his book ‘Bad News: Last Journalists in a Dictatorship’. His forthcoming book Breakup on the war in the Central African Republic will be published in May.

“Rwanda is a surveillance state of the highest degree.”
“Kagame has ruled over Rwanda for 30 years, and he has positioned himself as a global postcolonial leader.”
“Partnering with the UK paints Rwanda as a safe haven instead of the dictatorship it is.”
“During the genocide, the West did very little to intervene and Kagame has used that for his own political agenda.”

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Written and presented by Arthur Snell. Audio production by Robin Leeburn. Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Lead producer: Jacob Jarvis. Music: Kenny Dickinson. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Does the UK face extinction? – Fintan O’Toole on the Union’s future Mar 23, 2023

The UK is “muddling towards extinction”, says the Irish thinker and journalist Fintan O’Toole. Neglected by a Westminster political class that’s preoccupied by Brexit, the things that once held it together are disappearing. He tells Ros Taylor how England is embracing a nationalism it can’t articulate, why the SNP has failed to get what it wants, and why the UK is not the natural union that its supporters believe it to be.

“The UK was not a natural occurrence.”
“Englishness knows what it is not, but not what it is.”
“With Brexit, this is always where it was going to end up — and no one in Britain cared.”
“The English reluctantly accepted Scots, but only through an unequal relationship.”

Fintan O’Toole’s latest book is We Don’t Know Ourselves: A Personal History of Ireland since 1958.

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Written and presented by Ros Taylor. Audio production by Robin Leeburn. Assistant producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Music: Kenny Dickinson. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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NATO on my watch: Is the military alliance fit for purpose? Mar 22, 2023

NATO’s power has been thrown into sharp focus amid Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. How does it operate – and what has it got right and wrong of late? Alex Andreou is joined by Mark Webber, a professor of international politics at the University of Birmingham who is co-authoring the book What’s Wrong with NATO and How to Fix It, to discuss the military alliance.

“Whenever NATO acts it is acting as the aggregate of its members, that is its great strength.”
“What NATO has done very well is it has strengthened its own defences.”
“NATO enlargement is not a project that was anti-Russian, but where things failed is that project was not successful in bringing in Russia as a partner.”
“The US is still the dominant power in Europe after the Cold War.”
“There is moral clarity around the current support for Ukraine – but that longer thought is important.”

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Presented by Alex Andreou. Assistant Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production: … Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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The Iraq War changed everything. What have we learned? Mar 21, 2023

The Iraq War began 20 years ago – what lessons have been, and what must still be, learned from this invasion? Arthur Snell, the host of Doomsday Watch who served as a diplomat in Iraq, joins Alex Andreou to discuss the mistakes that were made, the human and cultural costs of the conflict, and the arguments surrounding a conflict which fundamentally reshaped global politics.

“There was a lot of groupthink and clustering around a set of predetermined conclusions.”
“The human losses, the cultural losses, the rise of Isis, there are so many long term effects of this war – to keep saying it was worth it to get rid of Saddam, you have to ask ‘What level of loss overwrites that argument?’”
“There is a fundamental loss in confidence… people lost confidence that the Government was telling the truth.”
“This intelligence should have never gotten that far… the people best placed to examine this were not shown it.”

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Presented by Alex Andreou. Assistant Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production: Robin Leeburn. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Let’s get ready to grumble – Start Your Week with Gavin Esler and Alex Andreou Mar 20, 2023

Both Boris Johnson and Donald Trump are in hot water – how will each try to wriggle their way out of trouble? The former PM faces the privileges committee for a grilling, while the ex-President has said he could be arrested this week. It’s also the twenty year anniversary of the second Iraq war, while bank Credit Suisse has been bought by UBS, and the ICC has issued an arrest warrant against Putin. Alex Andreou is joined by Gavin Esler to give you the stories to look out for this week.

“We’re not talking about one lapse of judgement from Boris Johnson, we’re talking about a pattern.”
“I mean this as a compliment, Sunak and Biden are quite boring – and that gives me optimism I don’t usually have.”
“With Trump and Johnson, politics was like a transatlantic reality TV show. Hopefully it is over now.”

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Presented by Alex Andreou with Gavin Esler. Assistant Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production: Jade Bailey. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Reasonable doubt: How society got its rules wrong Mar 19, 2023

Most people consider themselves reasonable. But are they? And what rules is that notion defined by? Siân Pattenden is joined by Kirsty Sedgman, author of On Being Unreasonable, to discuss what the response to breastfeeding in public, noisy theatre audiences, neighbourhood watch indiscretions and Edward Coulston show about society today – and whether our collective rules might be wrong.

““Being ‘reasonable’ has usually meant being a man.”
“The NextDoor app shows us the dangers of thinking you are reasonable – when really you aren’t.”
“We need to take acting ‘reasonably’ seriously because it involves policing and power.”
“Who are the rules of ‘being unreasonable’ harming?”

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Written and Presented by Siân Pattenden. Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production: Robin Leeburn. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Bunker USA: America’s economy faces a Liz Truss moment Mar 18, 2023

As Republicans play chicken with the debt ceiling, could America suffer a Liz Truss-esque financial meltdown? Alex Andreou speaks to Neil Malhotra, a professor of political economy at Stanford Graduate School of Business, to discuss this financial showdown being played out by Congress.

“Republicans see it as part of a game – this is an opportunity to extract concessions.”
“It’s like Liz Truss’ financial plans, it’s hard to know what might happen.”
“As you found in the UK – what happens first is that the markets anticipate everything.”
“If you’re willing to let the country go down, you’re in a much stronger negotiating position than if you’re not. Republicans are in a stronger position because they’re viewed as though they’d tank the whole thing.”

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Presented by Alex Andreou. Music and Audio Production by Jade Bailey. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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The Budget that wasn’t – Hunt’s plans explained Mar 17, 2023

Tax breaks for the 1%, business giveaways that won’t make a difference, free child care that turns out to be a fraction of what’s needed, and nothing for public services. Does Jeremy Hunt’s Budget make sense? Is he loading the pain onto the next government because he knows it won’t be Conservative one? And can he put the post-Truss tax-cutting headbangers back in their box? New Economics Foundation chief exec and Bunker regular Miatta Fahnbulleh takes the Budget apart for Andrew Harrison.

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Written and presented by Andrew Harrison. Audio production by Jade Bailey. Assistant producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Music: Kenny Dickinson. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Who’s pushing all these Russians out of windows? Mar 16, 2023

The unexpected “accidental” deaths of prominent Russians have become a dark joke in the West. But the truth about ‘Sudden Russian Death’ syndrome is even darker.

Bill Browder campaigned for the Magnitsky Acts against Russian corruption and wrote Freezing Order: A True Story of Russian Money Laundering, Murder, and Surviving Vladimir Putin’s Wrath. He tells Andrew Harrison about the chaos within wartime Russia; what turned Putin from a reformer into a despot; and why Ukraine must win this war.

You can get Bill's book here:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Freezing-Order-Laundering-Surviving-Vladimir-ebook/dp/B09RKQFJXZ

“As the Russian economy grinds to a halt, anyone with assets is caught in the crossfire.”
“In Russia, when money is scarce it is more important than human life.”
“Oligarchs are not independently rich. They are dependent on Putin’s favour. He can take everything away in a second.”
“Either Ukraine wins or Russia wins. And if Russia wins they won’t stop at Ukraine.”

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Written and presented by Andrew Harrison. Audio production by Tomas Rojas. Assistant producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Music: Kenny Dickinson. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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The external forces warping Syria’s civil war Mar 15, 2023

The war in Syria began twelve years ago today. But who are the key players in this complex conflict? And how have changes of leadership in neighbouring countries and the recent earthquake changed how the war is being fought? Alex Andreou is joined by Christopher Phillips, professor of international politics at the Queen Mary University of London and author of The Battle for Syria: International Rivalry in the New Middle East, to discuss the current status of the conflict.

“Things have settled into a familiar if miserable pattern.”
“Iran and Russia propped up Assad through money and foreign mercenaries.”

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Written and Presented by Alex Andreou. Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production: Robin Leeburn. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Polycrisis? What polycrisis? – How we’re reacting to a world in turmoil Mar 14, 2023

We are going through a polycrisis – with multiple catastrophes playing out at once. But despite fuel costs, war and climate change – many remain optimistic. Is this a sign of delusion or pragmatism? Hannah Fearn is joined by Ben Page, CEO of market research leaders Ipsos, to unpack the psychological impact of our current crises, and why some look on the brighter side.

“Lots of inequalities have been exposed by the pandemic – you can’t move for crisis.”
“People have a tendency towards optimism bias.”
“If you’re a Western European, your mid-40s seem like the worst years of your life.”

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Written and presented by Hannah Fearn. Audio production by Robin Leeburn. Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Lead producer: Jacob Jarvis. Music: Kenny Dickinson. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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The Revolution could not be televised – Start Your Week with Arthur Snell and Jacob Jarvis  Mar 13, 2023

With the illegal migration bill set for its second reading – how will Braverman and Sunak feel now it faces some serious scrutiny? And with the BBC in crisis over the Gary Lineker debacle, will anyone take the fall? Plus it’s budget week – we discuss why Hunt might be happy for this to be a dull announcement… Arthur Snell joins Jacob Jarvis to outline the stories to look out for this week.

“The question now isn’t if Lineker broke the rules, but why the BBC can’t handle the decisions it makes.”
“You can tell that Boris Johnson is seething with jealousy that Sunak gets to talk about submarines with Biden.”

Support us on Patreon:

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Written and presented by Jacob Jarvis with Arthur Snell. Audio production by Jade Bailey. Assistant producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Music: Kenny Dickinson. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Can YouTubers save the world? MrBeast thinks so Mar 12, 2023

Good samaritans or narcissistic egotists: what is behind the rise in YouTube philanthropy? Ros Taylor is joined by Rhodri Davies, the founder and director of ‘Why Philanthropy Matters’, to discover why influencers like MrBeast are turning to charitable causes – and how their realm of influence could expand.

“YouTube philanthropy videos generate unimaginable amounts of money.”
“Many YouTube stars have maintained their fandom through charity videos.”
“We are witnessing a transformation in how philanthropists raise money.”
“There is a fine line between cynicism and celebration.”

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Written and presented by Ros Taylor. Producer Kasia Tomasiewicz. Lead producer Jacob Jarvis. Bunker music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Jade Bailey. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Bunker USA: Can the Republican Party come back from the brink? Mar 11, 2023

Donald Trump twisted the GOP beyond recognition during his time as president. What did it stand for before this aberration – and could it ever revert to a sane, sensible and serious party again? Jacob Jarvis discusses with Julie Norman, co-director of UCL’s Centre on US Politics.

“Many in the party recognise the GOP doesn’t have a strong message – so they are trying to limit the role of the state.”
“Trump’s voters are very concerned about election integrity, fears he manipulated expertly.”

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Presented by Jacob Jarvis. Assistant Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production: Alex Rees. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Oliver’s Army: Can Revolutionary England explain our modern mess? Mar 10, 2023

In the 17th Century the English slaughtered one another, beheaded their king, fought bitterly over religion and politics, and acquired a taste for coffee and newspapers. Jonathan Healey, Associate Professor of Social History at the University of Oxford, tells Andrew Harrison how their world turned upside down shapes our own in his new book THE BLAZING WORLD: A New History of Revolutionary England.

Includes Cromwell, cross-dressing, regicide, seditious libel, the New Model Army (not that one), the Levellers (not those), the ‘Blazing World’ itself (perhaps the first science fiction novel) and the Roundhead-Cavalier rivalry explained in terms of Half Man Half Biscuit…

• “During a ‘skimmington’ you could break all the rules and slag off politicians… you could turn the world upside down.”

• “Catholics would hold cross dressing weddings to mock Protestants.”

• “Punk takes its name from the 17th century slang for prostitute.”

• “The tale of Guy Fawkes has lost all its violence.”

Thif podcaft hath been written and uttered by Mafter Andrew Harrifon. Miftress Kafia Tomafiewicz did finely produce it and My Lord Jacob Jarvif was ye Lead Producer. Miftress Jade Bailiy did edit ye sounds within and divers idolatrous musicks were supplied by Mafter Kenny Dickinfon of far Manchester. “Lucifer over Lancashire!” We warrant that YE BUNKER is withal a Podmafterf Production.

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“Westminster is failing us” – Mhairi Black on the SNP’s future Mar 09, 2023

Mhairi Black joins The Bunker to discuss the future of Scottish independence, her party’s ne leader and the quirks of Westminster. Following Sturgeon standing down as SNP leader and Scotland’s first leader, she joins Marie Le Conte to speak about what will come next – and what might happen under her successor, whoever that may be.

“If you’re in a democracy and you can’t get a reply from a minister, then your democracy’s not very good.”
“I still think Sturgeon is head and shoulders above pretty much any politician in the UK. She understands normal people’s lives, even though she hasn’t been living one.”
“I have no doubt Scotland will be independent, it’s not a matter of if but when it happens. The case speaks for itself.”
“Westminster is failing us… internationally, there are plenty of examples of what Scotland could be like.”

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Presented by Marie Le Conte. Assistant Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production: Alex Rees. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Lights! Camera! Faction! Inside the warring Tory tribes Mar 08, 2023

From the ERG to the CGG, the different factions within the Conservatives build up a picture of the divisions within the party. But what do all of the different groups stand for, and why don’t we seem to see the same splintering within Labour? Professor Tim Bale, author of The Conservative Party After Brexit, joins Marie le Conte to find out.

“Tendencies mean that the party is more easily managed, factions make it much harder to manage, and they make governing much harder as well.”
“There’s a lot of groups that got going under Thatcher, mostly to protect her legacy.
“I think if you're a leader a faction can be a real springboard for you into the leadership but you can also become a prisoner to that faction.”
“There’s a degree to which belonging to a faction can give you some legitimacy when you’re speaking, it can amplify your voice.”

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Written and presented by Marie Le Conte. Producer: Jet Gerbertson. Assistant Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Lead producer:Jacob Jarvis. Bunker music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Jade Bailey. Group editor: Andrew Harrison.

THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Major Upset? Will the next election be a 1992 or a 1997? Mar 07, 2023

Labour’s shock General Election loss in 1992 still haunts the party – and nobody wants to tempt fate by mentioning 1997’s landslide victory either. Will the next Election be a ’92, a ’97 or something else entirely? Steve Richards of the Rock & Roll Politics podcast explains what lay behind Neil Kinnock’s defeat and the trauma it inflicted on Labour; how it created the control freakery of the New Labour era; and what it all means for Keir Starmer.

Listen to Rock & Roll Politics with Steve Richards on all platforms: https://kite.link/RNRP

Written and presented by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producer Kasia Tomasiewicz. Lead producer Jacob Jarvis. Bunker music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. Group Editor Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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The Grateful Dad – Start Your Week with Hannah Fearn Mar 06, 2023

Sunak tries to dish out some hard right catnip on small boats – but then here’s Johnson offering his rancid father a knighthood. Can’t Rishi catch a break? Also, is the Hancock/Oakeshott WhatsApp epic really persuading Britain that lockdown was a disaster? Or just reminding them of how awful the Cabinet are? Plus Sue Gray, strikes latest, Raab in firing line and more. Hannah Fearn sets out the week ahead with Andrew Harrison.

“Boris nominating his father for a knighthood shows he’s the ultimate reverse nepo baby.”
“From cronyism in Westminster to small boats in the channel, we are a joke on the world stage.”
“You have to be honest in politics or you end up with insane conspiracy theories.”

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Written and presented by Andrew Harrison with Hannah Fearn. Audio production by Jade Bailey. Assistant producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Music: Kenny Dickinson. Lead producer: Jacob Jarvis. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Interview: Ex-C4 News head Dorothy Byrne on women in education and the future of news Mar 05, 2023

Lambasted by the Tory press for calling Boris Johnson a “known liar” at the Edinburgh TV festival when she was head of news at Channel 4, Dorothy Byrne is now President of Murray Edwards College, Cambridge. She talks to Ros Taylor about the pressures facing young female students, the future of C4, why we’re not treating violent porn seriously enough, and how ITV and Sky breached key broadcasting standards during the search for Nicola Bulley.

“The ones who tell you ‘people don’t trust TV news any more’ are the ones who don’t WANT you to trust it.”
“The level of anxiety, stress and depression among young women is frightening – and it’s going up and up and up.”
“Young people know that social media news often isn’t true.”
“Sky and ITV’s treatment of the Nicola Bulley case was a breach of trust to the viewers and to her family.”

Written and presented by Ros Taylor. Assistant producer Kasia Tomasiewicz. Lead producer Jacob Jarvis. Bunker music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. Group Editor Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Bunker USA: Why is Florida so weird? Mar 04, 2023

Florida could well be America’s future. Governor Ron Desantis presides over an increasingly right-wing and combative “loudocracy” and he thinks he can become President by out-Trumping Trump. So why is the Sunshine State so notoriously bizarre? FLORIDA MAN Craig Pittman, author of The State You’re In: Florida Men, Florida Women, and Other Wildlife, tells Andrew Harrison about Matt Gaetz, socialised mermaids, and why Florida produces more madness than it can consume.

“You put that many people in a confined space and they’re bound to start ramming each other’s cars and chasing each other with machetes.”
“For Floridans, being free doesn’t mean I can do what I want. It means YOU have to do what I want.”
“We have a huge cost of living yet our leadership would rather talk about drag shows and Disneyworld.”
“We have more shark bites than anywhere in the world except Australia – I think because we’re so tasty.”

Get Craig's book here:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/State-Youre-Florida-Women-Wildlife/dp/081306886X

Written and presented by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producer Kasia Tomasiewicz. Lead producer Jacob Jarvis. Music and audio production by Jade Bailey. Group Editor Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Better the Kremlin you know: Germany reckons with its Russia problem Mar 03, 2023

Germany seems to have had a blind spot over Russia – why is that? And how has their relationship changed following the war in Ukraine? Alex Andreou is joined by John Lough, author of Germany’s Russia Problem, to unpack when their relationship changed, what it means for Europe, and why the Berlin Wall still casts a long shadow over German politics.

“Russia changed direction in 2005 but Germany didn’t take note.”
“Despite knowing a lot about Russia, Germany has been very naive.”

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Alex Andreou. Audio production by Robin Leeburn. Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz.Lead producer: Jacob Jarvis. Music: Kenny Dickinson. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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“I know how much is at stake” – Stella Creasy talks Mar 02, 2023

Stella Creasy, who feels like a Labour grandee these days, talks to Ros Taylor about Brexit, Tory negligence and removing barriers to get more mothers into politics. Creasy discusses the work she’s done from opposition, and talks tentatively about a future where Labour might be in Government…

“Women have always wanted to be involved in politics, but it’s about the environment we create for them.”
“We’ve really struggled as a country because of austerity… imagine how much stronger we could have been.”
“I know how much is at stake. I think the British people want to hear the case for the alternative.”
“Isolating Britain from the world makes us smaller, not taller.”

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Written and presented by Ros Taylor. Producer and audio editor: Alex Rees. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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You’re his-Tory: Why aren’t young people turning Conservative? Mar 01, 2023

There is a generational divide between who votes Conservative and who votes Labour – and it’s a problem for both parties. It used to be thought that as people got older, they naturally became more conservative – but that pattern has broken. Professor Bobby Duffy, director of the Policy Institute at King’s College London joins Marie Le Conte to delve into why.

“Denigrating young people is an absolute constant throughout human history – we always think the current generation of young people are absolutely awful… all the way back to Socrates.”
“There doesn’t seem to be a solution to intergenerational connection without a solution to housing because it’s so at the heart of life chances, wealth generational, feeling of independence.”

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Written and presented by Marie Le Conte. Producer: Jet Gerbertson. Assistant Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Lead producer: Jacob Jarvis. Bunker music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Robin Leeburn. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Come Spy With Me: An insider's look at espionage Feb 28, 2023

Hollywood has shaped how we see spies – but who are these people who secretly walk among us? How hard is it to become one? Siân Pattenden unpacks the world of espionage, and discusses why the next James Bond will be a woman with Ava Glass, author of the new spy novel The Chase, who previously worked alongside spies in the civil service.

“The highest level of security clearance takes a whole year to pass.”
“Spies rarely wear tuxedos and drink martinis.”

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Written and presented by Siân Pattenden. Producer Kasia Tomasiewicz. Lead producer Jacob Jarvis. Bunker music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Jade Bailey. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Kind of a big deal – Start Your Week with Ros Taylor and Alex Andreou Feb 27, 2023

Rishi Sunak is meeting Ursula von der Leyen to seal a new deal to get Brexit done again, again. Will the agreement get sealed? And what fallout will any such settlement spark? Plus, we return to the strikes and discuss the SNP leadership latest. Ros Taylor joins Alex Andreou to discuss the week ahead.

“It all depends on whether the DUP think they can get anything more out of it or not.” – Alex Andreou
“There’s nothing Johnson would like more than return as Prime Minister… but my sense is that the energy is moving away from him.” – Ros Taylor
“People just want Brexit to go away.” – Ros Taylor
“The reaction to Kate Forbes shows that in Westminster we don’t know Scotland as well as we think we do.” – Ros Taylor

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Presented by Alex Andreou with Ros Taylor. Assistant Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production: Alex Rees. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Waiting game: What the rush to private health means for the NHS Feb 26, 2023

As NHS waiting lists get longer, more people are turning to private healthcare. Is this skipping the queue accelerating a decline to a two-tier system, or will the demand for more encourage policymakers to fund the NHS properly to raise the standards? Efua Poku-Amanfo from the Institute for Public Policy Research joins Hannah Fearn in the Bunker to find out.

“Young people 18-25 specifically… were less likely to have confidence in the NHS
“There will be groups in our society who have options, whilst not ideal… the concern is for those who get left behind
“For older people there’d often be a nostalgia to having a family doctor… young people are less likely to have that kind of nostalgia for the NHS.”

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Written and presented by Hannah Fearn. Producer: Jet Gerbertson. Assistant Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Lead producer: Jacob Jarvis. Bunker music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Jade Bailey. Group editor: Andrew Harrison.

THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Bunker USA: American Dreams (Are Made of This) Feb 25, 2023

The USA is built on ‘the American dream’. But what exactly is it? Does it actually exist? Jacob Jarvis is joined by Jim Cullen, author of The American Dream: A short history of an idea that shaped a nation, to ask where the idea came from and why it still has such a strong hold over American life.

“The English pilgrims are central to the creation of the American Dream.”
“At the heart of the American Dream is that pure belief that society can be better.”
“The American Dream is the soft power of possibility.”
“Two streams run through American history, the puritanical idea of a new way and the money-making dream.”

Written and presented by Jacob Jarvis. Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Audio production by Robin Leeburn. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters production.

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Volodymyr Zelensky: The comedian who wanted to be President of Peace Feb 24, 2023

Zelensky’s story of a comedian turned President of Ukraine and now war leader is stranger than fiction. So who is the man we have cheered on as he stands up to the Russian invasion? Siân Pattenden is joined by journalist Steven Derix, co-author of the new biography Zelensky, to take a peek behind the curtain of a life lived in the media spotlight, before being thrown into violent conflict.

“Ukraine is one of the countries least known to the public.”
“He’s a boss everywhere he goes.”
“His parents wanted him to be a diplomat, which is ironic given where he has ended up.”
“He wanted to be the President of Peace.”

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Written and presented by Siân Pattenden. Producer Kasia Tomasiewicz. Lead producer Jacob Jarvis. Bunker music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Jade Bailey. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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The Spirit of Freedom: A year into Ukraine’s fight for democracy Feb 23, 2023

It’s been one year since the full scale invasion of Ukraine began. From fanning the spirit of freedom, to how internally displaced people are coping, through to what Ukraine needs now from its friends and allies across the West – Olga Tokariuk, freelance journalist and fellow at the Reuters Institute for Journalism, joins Alex Andreou to reflect on the last 12 months.

“I could see the spirit of freedom and the spirit of commitment to democracy and human rights… that gave me confidence that Ukrainians would not just give up on those.”
“For the moment Ukraine doesn’t have enough means to launch further counter offensives.”
“Those people who have decided to stay in Ukraine, we’re supporting the economy, we’re buying things, we’re paying taxes.”
“Seeing President Biden paying respect to Ukrainian soldiers, Ukrainian protestors… had a very profound symbolic importance.”

www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow

Written and presented by Alex Andreou. Produced by Jet Gerbertson. Audio production by Alex Rees. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis.

THE BUNKER is a Podmasters production.

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 Time to grow up: How to boost the economy without Trussonomics Feb 22, 2023

Britain is all but in recession. We’re far less productive than other European countries, and take the industries that do well for granted. Trussonomics was one idea to boost growth — and we all know how that turned out. But if cutting taxes isn’t the solution to our problems, what is? Greg Thwaites from the Resolution Foundation joins Ros Taylor in the Bunker to find out.

“Most of the growth that we've had in the economy hasn’t come from people being more productive, it’s from people doing more work.”
“What the average UK worker can produce in an hour, it takes the average French or German or US worker ten minutes less to produce.”
“You can liken the UK to a passenger jet that’s flying on one engine: it’s not safe.”

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Ros Taylor. Producer: Jet Gerbertson. Assistant Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Lead producer:Jacob Jarvis. Bunker music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. Group editor: Andrew Harrison.THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Break the bank: Are we doomed to repeat our financial crises? Feb 21, 2023

After the Financial Crisis, many expected a new approach to the economy to be taken. Instead, lessons were forgotten quickly and countries continued to rack up debt whilst subscribing to the old order of things. Martin Wolf, author of The Crisis of Democratic Capitalism joins Alex Andreou to discuss whether we’re destined to repeat the past.

“After communism failed, the western leaders… came to feel that our systems had won, they were overwhelmingly successful.”
“The working class which had been atomised… this story of resentment and anger against elites and immigrants is a very powerful story.”
“What economics is wrong about is the assumption that a reasonably competitive economy can be sustained without consistent and active engagement.”

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Written and presented by Alex Andreou. Producer: Jet Gerbertson. Assistant producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Lead producer: Jacob Jarvis. Bunker music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Robin Leeburn. Group Editor Andrew Harrison.

THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Sorry to interrupt – Start Your Week with Alex Andreou  Feb 20, 2023

Sunak is trying yet again to establish his leadership – but will he ever be rid of Boris Johnson? With a Northern Ireland deal touted, we outline the looming showdowns. Plus, amid right wing protests over immigration – will the Government do anything but stoke them? And internationally, Turkey and Syria are still suffering the effects of the earthquake, while it’s coming up to a year since Russia invaded Ukraine. Alex Andreou joins Jacob Jarvis to outline the week ahead.

“Politics feels very 2018 right now.”
“The majority of Tory MPs now are addicted to chaos, they know nothing else.”
“Entire regions are being pulled down, and cities abandoned en masse.”

Support us on Patreon:

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Written and presented by Jacob Jarvis with Alex Andreou. Audio production by Jade Bailey. Assistant producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Music: Kenny Dickinson. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Why sorry seems to be the hardest word in politics Feb 19, 2023

A good apology can make or break a politician. So why are so many public figures so bad at saying sorry? Jacob Jarvis unearths the fine art of apologising with ‘sorry watchers’ Susan McCarthy and Marjorie Ingall, co-authors of Sorry, sorry, sorry: the case for good apologies.

“We rarely teach children why they should apologise, we just tell them they should.” – Marjorie Ingall
“Apologising is hard, and so it’s instinctive to protect ourselves because we don’t want to mess up.” – Susan McCarthy

Support us on Patreon:

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Written and presented by Jacob Jarvis. Producer Kasia Tomasiewicz. Lead producer Jacob Jarvis. Bunker music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Jade Bailey. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Bunker USA: Highway to Haley Feb 18, 2023

Nikki Haley has come forward as Trump’s first major challenger for the GOP nomination in 2024. Who is she – and why does she want to challenge him? Jacob Jarvis is joined by Danielle Vinson, professor of politics and international affairs at Furman University, South Carolina, to discuss.

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Written and presented by Jacob Jarvis. Producer Kasia Tomasiewicz. Lead producer Jacob Jarvis. Bunker music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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The Meloni Enigma: What is Italy’s far-right PM up to? Feb 17, 2023

When Giorgia Meloni was elected PM of Italy, many considered her the spiritual heir to Mussolini. Grappling with the energy crisis, she’s toned down much of her rhetoric - but is she just biding her time? John Hooper, author of The Italians, joins Ros Taylor to look at what we know about this enigmatic leader.

“Does she still hanker after neo-fascism? She denies that absolutely… but it’s still an unresolved question.”
“She's anything but consistent, but she’s managed to convince people that she’s somebody who sticks to her principles.”
“She’s been pushed into a second class in the EU whilst people figure out if she’s really become the conservative that she claims to be.”

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Written and presented by Ros Taylor. Produced by Jet Gerbertson. Audio production by Alex Rees. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters production.

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“My front row seat to the end of the world” – delivery driving during COVID   Feb 16, 2023

When Stu Hennigan took up a job as a council food parcel delivery driver during lockdown, he realised he had a “front row seat to the end of the world”. Every day he kept a diary as he witnessed families struggling with isolation, poverty, and the worst impacts of austerity. He joins Hannah Fearn to talk about his book Ghost Signs.

“This is literally like front row seats to the end of the world.”
“There was a little girl one day who started dancing when she saw all of the food. You’d have thought I was Father Christmas when I showed up at her house.”
“To me the book is about austerity as much as it’s about the pandemic. The pandemic is just the framing story.”

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Written and presented by Hannah Fearn. Producer Jet Gerbertson. Assistant producer Kasia Tomasiewicz. Lead producer Jacob Jarvis. Bunker music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Jade Bailey. Group Editor Andrew Harrison.

THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Sum find it tough: Why we struggle with maths Feb 15, 2023

Rishi Sunak believes everyone should learn maths until the age of 18, but not everyone agrees. Tim Oates, director of research at Cambridge University Assessment, talks to Ros Taylor about why some of us find maths so hard, why girls still underestimate their ability, and how good teaching makes a difference.

“Some research says that we should see maths as a language, a foreign language. If you come to that learning late it becomes harder.
“In the economy we have a gross shortage of technician level applicants which are vital for the future of our society. I’m afraid a lot of those [jobs] are numerate and require mathematics and science. [Rishi Sunak] is on to something.”
“I think we need to be honest about maths and say it is tough to learn another language, but it’s worth doing - in terms of financial management… how to unlock occupations by showing to employers that you’re capable.”

Support us on Patreon:

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Ros Taylor. Producer Jet Gerbertson. Assistant producer Kasia Tomasiewicz. Lead producer Jacob Jarvis. Bunker music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Jade Bailey. Group Editor Andrew Harrison.

THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Losing our marbles: Should Britain send back its museum loot? Feb 14, 2023

Activists have demanded the return of contentious museum objects for decades – why are museums now starting to listen? Arthur Snell is joined by Dan Hicks, professor of contemporary archaeology and author of The Brutish Museums: The Benin Bronzes, Colonial Violence and Cultural Restitution, to bring some much needed clarity to a debate beset by culture war clashes.

“Museums are moving with the time, but some on the hard right are weaponising the debate.”
“In the 19th century, museums were put to work towards cultural supremacy – we now recognise this as wrong, so we have to move forward.”
“You wouldn’t tell a biologist the latest developments in their field.”
“There is so much ‘whataboutism’ in this debate – and time's up.”

For 20% off the book add the code BUNKER20 here: https://www.plutobooks.com/9780745341767/the-brutish-museums/

Written and presented by Arthur Snell. Produced by Kasia Tomasiewicz. Audio production by Robin Leeburn. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters production.

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A Very Big House In The Country – Start Your Week with Arthur Snell Feb 13, 2023

Your guide to news in the week ahead. Does Gove’s country house meeting indicate that the Brexit edifice is cracking? Civil service spending on government “credit cards” explodes by 70%. The Turkish earthquake exposes colossal corruption and corner-cutting in the country’s construction industry. Will Erdoğan finally pay a price? And in Ukraine, things take a turn for the worse in Bakhmut. Arthur Snell sets out the week ahead with Jacob Jarvis.

“Apparently one civil spent £2,500 on home brew equipment disguised as ‘I.T.’”
“Whether a sensible Brexit workaround survives first contact with David Frost or the ERG remains to be seen.”
“Are these giant objects Chinese balloons or alien invasion? We just don’t know yet.”

Support us on Patreon:

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by lead producer Jacob Jarvis. Audio production by Jade Bailey. Assistant producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Producer: Jet Gerbertson. Music: Kenny Dickinson. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Zero Tolerance: How Judge Dredd predicted the future of policing Feb 12, 2023

Extra Edition: What can a bloody, violent, horribly funny comic book cop tell us about policing in the real world? 2000AD comic’s Judge Dredd began in 1977 as a brutal satire on law and order for delinquent kids – and then Dredd’s world of militarised police started to come true. Is Dredd a warning of the future or a manual for how to oppress a society?

Lifelong Dredd fan Andrew Harrison talks to Michael Molcher, author of I Am The Law: How Judge Dredd Predicted Our Future, about Hayek, Voltaire, the Apocalypse War, policing by consent, Crime Blitzes, Stuart Hall, and Judge Death as a model for policing.

(Yes, this episode’s not for everyone. But what’s the point of having a podcast company if you can’t talk about what you love, eh?)

Image by Mike McMahon.

“Dredd’s a Rorschach test. You can tell a lot about someone if they’re saying ‘yes, we need Dredd on our streets’.”
“Dredd arrived at the time of Dirty Harry and The Sweeney, a time of copaganda… He’s an incredible predictive warning of the law and order endgame.”
“The Judges are the culmination of a police state… The administer everything from welfare to warfare.”
“The steamroller of law and order is reaching its destination… The last of those pesky rights are being eroded.”

Written and presented by Andrew Harrison. Producer Jet Gerbertson. Assistant producer Kasia Tomasiewicz. Lead producer Jacob Jarvis. Bunker music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. Group Editor Andrew Harrison. “Hic! It’s Jedge Drudd!” THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Sick building syndrome: Why are we letting Parliament crumble? Feb 12, 2023

The Palace of Westminster is crumbling. There are risks of fires, floods and the walls are stacked with asbestos. Will Parliament ever get fixed? And will it take someone being hurt for movement to happen? Marie Le Conte is joined by Dr. Alexandra Meakin, a lecturer at the University of Leeds whose PhD thesis was titled Understanding the Restoration and Renewal of the Palace of Westminster, to discuss the issues.

“Fire is a big risk, a huge one you can’t ignore.”
“Behind the ornate beauty of the building, it’s in a bad state.”
“MPs believe there must be a cheaper or quicker way to do the work, and that’s why they keep asking for reviews.”
“Catastrophe really has only not happened out of luck so far.”

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Presented by Marie Le Conte. Producers: Jet Gerbertson and Alex Rees. Assistant Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production: Alex Rees. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Bunker USA: Joe Biden wants to ‘finish the job’. Can he? Feb 11, 2023

Joe Biden delivered his State of the Union this week and focused on wanting to “finish the job”. Can he achieve his goals despite a split Congress? Julie Norman, co-director of UCL’s Centre on US Politics, joins Alex Andreou to discuss the US president’s standing, hopes and the limits to his power in the second half of his first term – and whether he’ll run for a second…

“Biden knows the political reality and he knows what’s going to win over independents as he looks to 2024.”
“Joe Biden seemed comfortable with the back and forth and he made Republicans look rather silly, if nothing else.”
“We can see the State of the Union as a mini launching and a set piece for what a Biden campaign would look like.”

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Presented by Alex Andreou. Music and audio production: Jade Bailey. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Artwork: James Parrett. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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 Lying to themselves: Secrets of China’s Cultural Revolution Feb 10, 2023

During China’s Cultural Revolution, pupils murdered their teachers, children betrayed their parents and society was torn apart in the name of progress. Decades on, it inspires both horror and nostalgia — but is rarely mentioned in public. Tania Branigan, authorof Red Memory, tells Ros Taylor how China’s citizens deal with the Revolution’s violent legacy – and what it can teach us about China today.

“There was a kind of idealism there, the inevitable joy and excitement that young people would feel in an upheaval of that kind”.
“Many people in China regard the Cultural Revolution with a certain nostalgia, a time when people were somehow purer and there was more meaning.”
“I certainly don’t know how I would have behaved if I lived through that era, and I don’t think many of us can.”

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Written and presented by Ros Taylor. Producer Jet Gerbertson. Assistant producer Kasia Tomasiewicz. Lead producer Jacob Jarvis. Bunker music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. Group Editor Andrew Harrison.

THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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How to beat the strongmen – and save democracy Feb 09, 2023

How do we overcome opportunist strongmen leaders, who grab power while nations are in turmoil? As countries battle stagnant growth, high inflation and inept governments, we’ve seen a rise in autocracies. Charles Dunst, author of Defeating the Dictators: How Democracy Can Prevail in the Age of the Strongman joins Andrew Harrison to ask what the allure of these dictators is and why they are thriving in uncertain times.

“The majority of autocracies don’t work, but in the richest ones there is no yearning for democracy.”
“If you’re a developing country, the road to riches often leads to the Singapore model.”
“Meritocracy has become a dirty word.”

Support us on Patreon:

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Written and presented by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producer Kasia Tomasiewicz. Lead producer Jacob Jarvis. Bunker music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Jade Bailey. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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N.I. on impossible: How do we fix the Northern Ireland protocol? Feb 08, 2023

Is a deal over the Northern Ireland protocol really imminent? Due to Northern Ireland’s land border with the Republic, there were always going to need to be unique arrangements post-Brexit. A resolution of some kind is being touted, but what might this look like? Amanda Ferguson, a Belfast-based freelance journalist and commentator, joins Ros Taylor to discuss.

“I think Boris Johnson knew exactly what he was doing, he just wanted to get Brexit done.”
“It should be pointed out that everybody acknowledges there are issues with the protocol.”
“We could be in a scenario where the EU and the UK have a deal, but then it’s not backed by the DUP – and then we’re back to square one.”
“There has to be something that satisfies everybody, it can’t be just a one way street.”

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Presented by Ros Taylor. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production: Jade Bailey. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Could you push the nuclear button? Feb 07, 2023

Imagine nuclear missiles are flying towards the UK and you’re in charge of our response. What do you do? It’s unlikely you’ll have to make this tough a decision – but we all face pressure and choices. How do our brains behave under tension? Moran Cerf, a neuroscientist at the Kellogg School of Management, talks to Ros Taylor about the psychological pitfalls in human decision-making.

“Our brains are still the brains of humans who lived in a savanna with about 200 people around them.”
“We just face too many decisions… you have too many options and too many dimensions.”
“Most of life is filled with small choices that don’t really matter… if you accept that you can start making them without regret.”

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Presented by Ros Taylor. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production: Alex Rees. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Shock to the system – Start Your Week with Hannah Fearn and Jacob Jarvis Feb 06, 2023

Liz Truss has broken her silence, a mere 100 days after leaving office – what Tory drama will this spark in the days ahead? And with Johnson in the headlines, why do our former Prime Ministers continue to haunt us? Plus we look at the NHS strikes and the Chinese balloon mystery. Jacob Jarvis is joined by Hannah Fearn to give you the low-down on the week ahead in politics.

“Truss's lack of self-awareness is staggering.”
“We haven’t recovered from Covid because of Brexit and Truss.”
“The political and moral hand has been on the side of the NHS nurses.”

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Presented by Jacob Jarvis with Hannah Fearn. Assistant Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production: Jade Bailey. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Mob Deep: Inside the modern day mafia Feb 05, 2023

The mafia conjures up images of the Sopranos rather than hardened criminals for many of us. So what is it really – and how has it changed? With the arrest of mobster Matteo Messina Denaro putting mafia violence back in the spotlight, Felia Allum, author of Camorristi, Politicians, and Businessmen: The Transformation of Organized Crime in Post-war Naples, joins Alex Andreou to discuss the changing face of criminal organisations.

“In Italy, the mafia is like a virus that wracks the body.”
“The mafia was tied to the creation of the Italian state.”
“The mafia want political leverage.”

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Written and presented by Alex Andreou. Assistant producer Kasia Tomasiewicz. Lead producer Jacob Jarvis. Bunker music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Robin Leeburn. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Bunker USA: The Enforcers – What does the Chief of Staff actually do? Feb 04, 2023

White House Chief of Staff sounds like a pretty big job, right? But what do they actually do? With Ron Klain departing from the role, Jeff Zients has been chosen as his successor. What does Biden need from him? Jacob Jarvis is joined by David B. Cohen, a professor of political science at the University of Akron who is co-authoring The President's Chief of Staff: Evolution of a White House Institution.

“You can see the footprints of the White House Chief of Staff all the way back to George Washington.”
“At the beginning it was more of a managerial role. They have four roles, the administrator, the guardian, the advisor and the proxy.”
“They’re there to protect the president’s political interests and guard his time.”
“The Chief of Staff if they’d doing their job makes sure all the voices that need to be heard are heard.”

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Presented by Jacob Jarvis. Music by Jade Bailey. Audio production: Alex Rees. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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High speed fail: How the Government broke its HS2 promises Feb 03, 2023

HS2 has been beset with calamity – what promises have the Government broken on this flagship project? Christian Wolmar, journalist and train expert, joins Ros Taylor to discuss what has gone wrong and why it’s so hard to build a high-speed railway in Britain.

“HS2 is costing £100 million a week – imagine the end cost.”
“We never holistically planned the project, and we’ve muddled through to huge costs.”
“Building a high-speed rail from a poor to rich area impoverishes the poor area.”

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Written and presented by Ros Taylor. Assistant producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Lead producer: Jacob Jarvis. Bunker music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Jade Bailey. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Germany, tanks and Ukraine: Why Scholz had to change his mind Feb 02, 2023

Germany’s delay sending Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine frustrated European allies – will it do lasting damage to relations on the continent? Was this a missed opportunity for Scholz to have led the way internationally in the fight against Russia? Alex Andreou speaks to Jeremy Cliffe, New Statesman’s writer-at-large based in Berlin, to discuss Germany’s position and what it tells us about the nation.

“Germany’s perspective on the world has required adjusting… it has edged towards making more responsibility.”
“It took too long for Scholz to grapple with the problems, reflection is one thing, putting one’s head in the sand is another.”
“Germany’s political culture moves quite gradually and slowly.”
“Being highly methodological and efficient can also lead to great inefficiency.”

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Presented by Alex Andreou. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production: Robin Leeburn. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Pushing fifty: Should we get over-50s back to work? Feb 01, 2023

Why are so many over-50s leaving the workforce – and can we get them back? With people changing how they live post-pandemic, large numbers have left the labour market. What made them make this shift? And how are the NHS and care crises also playing into this? Ros Taylor is joined by Scott Corfe, director of Public First, to discuss.

“The overwhelming majority of these people who have dropped out of the labour market don’t want to return to work.”
“For people who left in the pandemic it seems like for many this is a retirement story, rather than an ill-health story.”
“Brits seem to have a more negative views of work than Germany and the US.”

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Presented by Ros Taylor. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production: Alex Rees. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Tech me to your leader: Should AI run our lives? Jan 31, 2023

From making works of art to writing essays and driving cars – is there anything AI can’t do? Dr. Stephanie Hare, author of Technology Is Not Neutral: A Short Guide to Technology Ethics, joins Andrew Harrison to ask how worried we should be about new technologies, how we can make them better, and if we should let robots vote.

“Fashions change, and we might get tired of AI in the same way we got tired of flares.”
“After years the government has completely failed to regulate technologies like biometrics data.”
“The EU set the gold standard in privacy and data protection – we need to follow them.”

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Written and presented by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producer Kasia Tomasiewicz. Lead producer Jacob Jarvis. Music and audio production by Jade Bailey. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Much ado about Nadhim – Start Your Week with Arthur Snell and Ros Taylor Jan 30, 2023

Nadhim Zahawi was unceremoniously but entirely predictably sacked at the weekend – what will be the Tory fallout? We forecast the sleaze as the Government continues to fight fires on all fronts. Plus we look at the widespread strikes and the latest from Ukraine. Ros Taylor is joined by Arthur Snell to outline the days ahead.

“Zahawi projected the image of someone who isn’t in touch with normal people who doesn’t feel much shame about his actions.” – Arthur Snell
“Sunak is surrounded by a pretty ramshackle gang, he’s never going to be able to present being an ethical group of people – because those people are not available.” – Arthur Snell
“The new ethics advisor seems to be very good at his job which is worrying for Tory members.” – Arthur Snell
“When you have a conversation where the witnesses are only Vladimir Putin and Boris Johnson, the chances of an accurate account are quite limited.” – Arthur Snell

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Presented by Ros Taylor with Arthur Snell. Assistant Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production: Jade Bailey. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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The sum of all beers: How the way we booze is changing Jan 29, 2023

Millennials and Gen Z are ditching the booze, while older generations are sticking to the same habits. What does this changing approach to drinking by young people mean? Professor John Holmes of the University of Sheffield joins Ros Taylor to find out what our drinking habits tell us about society as a whole.

“Young people are drinking less in most high income countries. They’re either not drinking at all, drinking smaller amounts, and binge drinking less often.”
“Across the Covid period, about a quarter of people drank less, about a quarter drank more.”
“The Government is getting a political bonus from taxing beer less, but getting a revenue bonus from taxing wine more.”

Written and presented by Ros Taylor. Producer: Jet Gerbertson. Assistant producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Lead producer: Jacob Jarvis. Bunker music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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🇺🇸 Bunker USA: Take the money and run a campaign 💵 Jan 28, 2023

Billions of dollars are spent on political campaigns in the US, even by the losers. Where is the money going?Jacob Jarvis speaks to Kyle Tharp, managing editor of FWIW News, to ask about the trends in political strategy, where cash is being wasted and how fundraising is the “wild west of American politics”.

“Republican campaigns are very old school and rely a lot on right wing media to carry water for them.”
“It’s insane the amount of money and the amount of groups in our political ecosystem.”
“Grassroots fundraising is the wild west of American politics.”

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Presented by Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jet Gerbertson and Alex Rees. Assistant Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Music by Jade Bailey. Audio production: Robin Leeburn. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Floody hell: Can Britain cope with rising waters? Jan 27, 2023

As sea levels rise, flooding will become more likely across the globe. But is Britain prepared for the inevitable rising waters? Ros Taylor is joined by Hannah Cloke, professor of hydrology at the University of Reading, to assess when floods might hit and how to prepare for them.

“We are going to see many more floods in the summer.”
“Our great pressure for housing is making flooding inevitable.”

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Written and presented by Ros Taylor. Producer: Jet Gerbertson. Assistant producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Lead producer: Jacob Jarvis. Bunker music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. Group Editor Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Wait and Xi: What China opening means for the world Jan 26, 2023

The abrupt end of China's Zero Covid policy shocked the world. What do we know about the consequences of this change in tack? Accurate figures from Xi Jinping’s Government are hard to come by and the Chinese people are torn in two directions: with excitement about opening up and fear as Covid rips through the population. Cindy Yu, assistant editor at The Spectator, joins Alex Andreou to find out what the mood is like, and what opening up means for the rest of the world.

“Twenty years ago we were talking about ‘The Chinese Century’. I don’t think China is going to take over the USA at this rate.”
“In terms of Taiwan or Russia, China is going to want to do the stable thing for now.
“All of this will have a positive impact on the world economy because China is so integrated into the world economy.”

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Written and presented by Alex Andreou. Producer: Jet Gerbertson. Assistant producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Lead producer: Jacob Jarvis. Bunker music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. Group editor: Andrew Harrison.THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Austerity's coming back. Here's why it never works Jan 25, 2023

Austerity is a staple fixture of our political system. How did it become such a dominant economic policy? And is it really a ‘prudent’ and ‘realistic’ way of organising our economics? Philosopher and historian Clara Mattei, author of The Capital Order: How Economists Invented Austerity and Paved the Way to Fascism joins Ahir Shah to explore how austerity came to become the water we swim in and why we can’t imagine a world without it.

“Austerity has become the water we swim in.”
“We use very specific economic models from the 1900s, in which the worker loses agency while the entrepreneur is championed.”
“The purpose isn’t to ‘trickledown’, it is to incentivise those at the top.”
“In the US the richest 400 families pay the lowest tax.”
“Even Lenin had to accept austerity.”

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Written and presented by Ahir Shah. Producers: Jet Gerbertson, Alex Rees. Assistant producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Lead producer: Jacob Jarvis. Bunker music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Jade Bailey. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Rental breakdown: How Airbnb is making towns unliveable Jan 24, 2023

Airbnb has enabled people to earn more by letting second houses as holiday lets than to families. What does this mean for locals in tourist areas? With housing provision at an all time low, the Welsh Government is looking at a system of carrots and sticks to incentivise landlords to prioritise locals. Can this problem be fixed? Dr Steffan Evans from the Bevan Foundation talks to Hannah Fearnabout the communities facing an Airbnb boom.

“In every single Welsh local authority bar one a property owner could make as much money in 10 weeks as letting out the house to the housing authority for an entire year.”
“Properties that were down as holiday homes decided to flip to Airbnbs to get out of having to pay extra council tax.”
“Don’t think about the maximum amount you can make, maybe yes, get your money back, but think about the community's needs more broadly.”

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Written and presented by Hannah Fearn. Producer: Jet Gerbertson. Assistant Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Lead producer: Jacob Jarvis. Bunker music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Robin Leeburn. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Fasten your seatbelts – Start Your Week with Alex Andreou Jan 23, 2023

Fasten your seatbelts, because it’s going to be a rocky week in UK politics as sleaze comes back with a vengeance. How will Sunak handle backlash to his car misdemeanour, Johnson’s loan scandal and Zahawi’s ongoing tax quagmire. Plus, we look at the latest news on strikes. Alex Andreou talks to Jacob Jarvis to outline the week ahead.

“Part of the government is so incestuous, it doesn’t even realise it has a problem.”
“Sunak’s made an idiot of himself by getting a fine and messing up gaining ground.”
“The public perception is that the government always has money for their mates, so the strikes will soon succeed.”

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Presented by Jacob Jarvis with Alex Andreou. Producers: Jet Gerbertson and Alex Rees. Assistant Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production: Jade Bailey. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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The Emmanuel in the mirror: How Macron is being forced to change Jan 22, 2023

Emmanuel Macron feels firmly like an elder statesman of Europe – but while his global prowess grows, how is he doing at home? With his power held together by coalition, can he be the reformer he wants to be? Sophie Pedder, Paris bureau chief for The Economist, speaks to Ros Taylor to discuss the French president’s changes in tack and the future of his nation’s politics.

“It has been forced on him to govern differently and that's no bad thing.”
“Macron has reassessed and changed his judgement of the risks and seen it is important to back Ukraine all the way.”
“There are a number of ambitious, would-be successors to Macron, but it’s too early to see who might come through.”
“Macron is incredibly engaging, he doesn’t try to duck questions – but he has failed to project that in public.”

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Presented by Ros Taylor. Producers: Jet Gerbertson and Alex Rees. Assistant Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production: Alex Rees. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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BUNKER USA: Why MAGA 2.0 will thrive without Trump Jan 21, 2023

As Donald Trump bleeds out politically, a new generation of paranoid and conspiracy-minded MAGA Republicans has captured the party. A nightmare hardcore Freedom Caucus holds House Speaker Kevin McCarthy hostage, and nationally, the GOP just gets crazier. Do we have to steel ourselves for MAGA 2.0 – a deTrumpified extreme right in America? UCL politics professor Brian Klaas tells Andrew Harrison what they stand for and why they’ll be so hard to beat.

“This wasn’t about principles. It was a personal vendetta. Kevin McCarthy just isn’t a true believer in the Trump camp.”
“If enough crazies vote against raising the debt ceiling you will have a self-imposed global recession which will make Liz Truss look like a blip”.
“The Democrats need define the Republicans as the crazy party… These are some actual lunatics in charge there.”

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Written and presented by Andrew Harrison. Producer Jet Gerburtson. Assistant producer Kasia Tomasiewicz. Lead producer Jacob Jarvis. Bunker music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Robin Leeburn. Group Editor Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Born to be wild? Caroline Lucas on the right to roam Jan 20, 2023

As the right to roam is eroded, Caroline Lucas, MP and former leader of the Green Party, joins Ros Taylor to discuss what we can do about it. In the wake of the high court decision to support landowners over wild campers, are we being excluded from our green and pleasant land?

“Landowners are creating an atmosphere of intimidation.”
“In the South Downs a quarter of the land is owned privately”
“It was found that access to green space could save the NHS £2 billion”
“People want to step away from the footpath and feel the wildness of nature.”

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Written and presented by Ros Taylor. Producer Jet Gerbertson. Assistant producer Kasia Tomasiewicz. Lead producer Jacob Jarvis. Bunker music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Jade Bailey. Group Editor Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Millennial tension: Why would anyone save for a pension? Jan 19, 2023

It’s hard to plan for the future when the present seems so grim. But is a nihilistic attitude to pensions creating a ticking time bomb for millennials? And have scandals and corporate embezzlement meant we have all lost faith in the safety net of our twilight years? Disillusioned Bunker host Marie Le Conte is joined by Dr. Hayley James, senior research fellow in the Centre for Personal Financial Wellbeing at Aston University, to ask what (if anything) can restore trust in the pensions system.

“ We often hark back to a ‘golden age’ of pensions that hasn’t always existed.”
“The gender pension gap is huge, bigger than the gender pay gap.”

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Written and presented by Marie Le Conte. Producer Jet Gerbertson. Assistant producer Kasia Tomasiewicz. Lead producer Jacob Jarvis. Bunker music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Jade Bailey. Group Editor Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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A taster of JAM TOMORROW with Ros Taylor – our new documentary podcast Jan 18, 2023

A special taster of our new series. Search for Jam Tomorrow in your favourite podcast app or visit https://kite.link/JTS1

How did Britain’s dreams of a new postwar world go unfulfilled? And what does that mean for us today? In the first of a new documentary series from the makers of Oh God, What Now?, Ros Taylor looks at the legacy of the War itself. Ιdeals of the Blitz Spirit and dreams of wartime heroism still shape everything from pop culture and entertainment to the Brexit debate. But the truth of the War is more complex and less comforting. What will it take for us to see the Second World War – and ourselves – clearly?

• “If you’re going to have a foundation myth it might as well be one where you destroy Nazism.” – Al Murray

• “If the response to air raid wasn’t stoicism there was a fear that morale would break down.” – Lucy Noakes

• “The Keep Calm And Carry On poster was designed for a type of war that never arrived.” – Henry Irvine

• “Britain went into the war not alone but at the head of the world’s biggest empire… When Britain went to war, so did vast part of the world.” – Lucy Noakes

Written and presented by Ros Taylor. Produced by Jade Bailey. Voiceovers by Imogen Robertson. Original music by Dubstar. Lead producer: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Jam Tomorrow is a Podmasters production.

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Golden donuts and miniature suns: How close is nuclear fusion? Jan 18, 2023

Clean, safe power from nuclear fusion is the Holy Grail of energy research – but how close is it to reality? A breakthrough in December, when a fusion reaction produced more energy than went into the experiment, suggests it could be. Dr. Sharon Ann Holgate, author of Nuclear Fusion: The Race to Build a Mini-Sun on Earth, joins Andrew Harrison to unpack the science and ask whether this science fiction staple could become fact.

“A Tokamak reactor? Imagine you’ve gone to the bakers, bought yourself a doughnut, and for reasons best known for yourself you’ve decided to have it gold plated.”
“Some of us call the fusion reaction ‘inherently safe’ because it doesn’t have the ability to run away with itself in the way a fission reactor can.”

Written and presented by Andrew Harrison. Producer Jet Gerbertson. Assistant producer Kasia Tomasiewicz. Lead producer Jacob Jarvis. Bunker music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. Group Editor Andrew Harrison.

THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Train wreck: How to turn around Britain’s railways Jan 17, 2023

Anyone who uses Britain’s railways can see things aren’t running smoothly. How do we solve this mess? From cancelled trains and driver shortages, to the rolling series of strikes, a nation that once prided itself on its railway appears to have let services go off the rails, as it were. Christian Wolmar, author of British Rail: A New History, joins Ros Taylor in The Bunker to find out what needs fixing.

“It’s absolutely ideological…it wouldn’t cost anything to take these franchises back”.
“The department of transport is demanding productivity increases along with a pay rise. That is a mistake.”
“It’s a ‘nobody gives a damn' railway. There’s nobody in charge and everybody has given up.”

Support us on Patreon:

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Written and presented by Ros Taylor. Producer Jet Gerbertson. Assistant producer Kasia Tomasiewicz. Lead producer Jacob Jarvis. Bunker music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. Group Editor Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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One strike and you’re out – Start Your Week with Alex Andreou Jan 16, 2023

As the Government's handling of strikes gets worse, it tries another tack: make strikes and protests impossible in certain industries. Can the Tories pull it off? Plus, Westminster vs Holyrood on gender recognition, the Brexit beast rears its head again, and has Joe Biden’s cache of documents in his garage offered the Republicans an open goal? Alex Andreou sets out the week ahead with Jacob Jarvis.

“The Government’s problem is that they went into the strikes with no exit strategy.”
“The Government picked this fight with the unions to show off their economic competence – and it hasn’t worked out for them at all.”
“Stopping a protest that hasn’t happened yet sounds a bit thought-crimey.”

Written and presented by Alex Andreou and Jacob Jarvis. Audio production by Robin Leeburn. Assistant producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Producer: Jet Gerbertson. Lead producer: Jacob Jarvis. Music: Kenny Dickinson. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Happy Finnish: Why Finland is the country to copy Jan 15, 2023

Finland is the happiest country on earth. What can we learn from this Nordic nation? How is its education, health care and housing systems different to ours? Ros Taylor speaks to Danny Dorling, professor of human geography at the University of Oxford and author of Finntopia: What We Can Learn from the World's Happiest Country, to work out what makes it such a well-functioning state.

“Finland has ended up doing remarkably well, if you’re trying to show people what is possible and what is different, let’s look there.”
“Government ministers in Finland resign upon immediately making the smallest of mistakes, they simply go, no questions asked.”
“There aren’t good schools and bad schools, there are just good schools. Teachers have a lot of autonomy.”

Written and presented by Ros Taylor. Producer Jet Gerbertson. Assistant producer Kasia Tomasiewicz. Lead producer Jacob Jarvis. Bunker music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Robin Leeburn. Group Editor Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Bunker USA: How QAnon became the conspiracy theory of everything Jan 14, 2023

The QAnon conspiracy theory has run rampant throughout America’s far-right. Why won’t it die? Could it ever disappear? Jacob Jarvis speaks to Mike Rothschild, author of The Storm Is Upon Us: How QAnon Became a Movement, Cult, and Conspiracy Theory of Everything, to discuss the state of the cult-like belief structure, how it has evolved over time and what might replace it should it ever go away.

“Q is very good at taking the events of the day and reinterpreting them through the lens of the conspiracy.”
“It’s really turned into a choose your own adventure version of conspiracy theories.”
“Now that all of this stuff is so mainstream and all of these beliefs have infiltrated every part of politics from the national to the hyper local - it is millions and millions of people who believe in some aspect of QAnon.”

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Presented by Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jet Gerbertson and Alex Rees. Assistant Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production: Alex Rees. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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NHS SOS: What Sunak must do right now Jan 13, 2023

The NHS is in a worse position than during the height of the Covid pandemic. What can the Government do to remedy its woes? From bed capacity to oxygen supply, to staff shortages, where does the solution begin? As NHS staff strike en masse, Roy Lilley, writer of the NHS Managers Network newsletter, and former vice-chair of West Surrey and North East Hampshire Health Authority joins Alex Andreou to find out.

“This was eminently settleable when it started. Now of course everyone has dug a great big hole for themselves.”
“At the moment because we can’t get people home they’re on the wards, because we can’t get them off the wards they’re queuing up in A&E, because they’re in A&E ambulances are queuing up outside, and because the ambulances are queuing when you call up you can’t get an ambulance.”

Presented by Alex Andreou. Producers: Jet Gerbertson and Alex Rees. Assistant Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production: Robin Leeburn. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Netanyahu, the far right and the threat to Israel’s democracy Jan 12, 2023

Benjamin Netanyahu is back in power at the head of the most right-wing government in Israel’s history. By allying himself with religious extremists including the Jewish Power Party, has the great escape artist of Israeli politics put his country’s democracy in the hands of theocrats? What do the new far-right ministers want? And will Netanyahu protect the rights of Arab Israelis, women and LGBTQ+ citizens the way he claims he will? Anshel Pfeffer, writer for Haaretz and Israel correspondent for the Economist, tells Andrew Harrison about the meaning of a dark new phase in Israeli politics.

“The centrist and centre left parties refused to sit in a government with Netanyahu≥ Now he’s fully reliant on the far right and the ultra orthodox parties”.
“The ultra orthodox are at most 20% of the population, but they’re the ones shoring up Netanyahu’s administration”.
“Netayahu says he’s the one who is safeguarding the freedoms of the Israeli public, rather than them being protected by the Government and the law”

Read Anshel Pfeffer in Haaretz: https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2023-01-06/ty-article/.highlight/the-end-of-israeli-democracy-its-real-but-can-still-be-prevented/00000185-8265-d4ba-add5-aaf74d660000

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Andrew Harrison. Producer: Jet Gerbertson. Assistant producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Lead producer: Jacob Jarvis. Bunker music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Citizen Pain: Would you pass to be British? Jan 11, 2023

The Life in the UK Test is the ultimate barrier to becoming a British citizen. But is it working – and how could we change it? Since its launch in 2001 the test has been criticised for failing to achieve its goal of integration, and making it harder for people to become citizens. Thom Brooks, author of Reforming the UK’s Citizenship Test: Building Bridges, Not Barriers, joins Yasmeen Serhan in the Bunker to ask: is it time for a new approach?

“It’s not so much about building bridges, it’s about creating barriers on the arbitrary basis of a memory test.”
“Other countries do not require a knowledge test like this to be a resident of a country.”
“Americans and Australians - mostly native English speakers - have a pass rate of 97%. When it comes to Turkey, Iraq you see pass rates of less than 50%. There’s a big difference in different nationalities.”

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Written and presented by Yasmeen Serhan. Producer: Jet Gerbertson. Assistant producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Lead producer: Jacob Jarvis. Bunker music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Jade Bailey. Artwork by James Parrett. Group editor: Andrew Harrison.

THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Northern Goal: Is Levelling Up working? Jan 10, 2023

Levelling Up was a key policy after the Conservatives swept the Red Wall in 2019. Three years later and Tory chaos has the policy to bring greater equity between the North and the South floundering by the roadside. Rob Parsons, editor of The Northern Agenda joins Jacob Jarvis to find out if there’s still reason to be optimistic.

“Restoring pride to people’s places is definitely a good thing to do. Whether it will address these massive inequalities in skills and jobs and transport, is a different thing.”
“A lot of people spent a lot of time and money bidding for this money, and they didn’t get it. There were places in the North where their bid was unsuccessful but the neighbouring town did. That did create bitterness, and it did create cynicism towards the criteria.”
“There needs to be more to the conversation not just about giving pots of money, but power to raise their own money.”

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Written and presented by Jacob Jarvis. Producer: Jet Gerbertson. Assistant producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Lead producer: Jacob Jarvis. Bunker music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. Artwork by James Parrett. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Can we picket? Yes, we can! – Start Your Week with Hannah Fearn Jan 09, 2023

As Sunak squirms under questioning, will anti-union legislation save his bacon? Plus, Brazil’s far-right storms the country’s congress – what can we expect next? And we discuss the latest from the US, plus as the family feud of the century as Prince Harry causes a royal furore. Hannah Fearn, columnist and reporter for The I and Independent, joins Andrew Harrison to discuss the week ahead.

“If Sunak continues a hardline stance on these strikes, he creates an atmosphere where a general strike is a possibility.”
“The length of time everything’s taken has made Sunak’s position more difficult, splintered the party and hurt the country.”
“Angry supporters of Bolsonaro are seeing a playbook in the US they are wanting to try and emulate.”

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Presented by Andrew Harrison with Hannah Fearn. Producers: Jet Gerbertson and Alex Rees. Assistant Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production: Jade Bailey. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Why the Winter of Discontent wasn’t what you think Jan 08, 2023

Comparisons to the Winter of Discontent are everywhere. But are these accurate, or even helpful? With an autumn and winter of strikes, high levels of inflation and maxed out energy prices it’s an easy reference to make, but is it lazy? Colin Hay, professor of political sciences at Sciences Po in Paris, joins Andrew Harrison to discuss.

“It’s not really the story of a coordinated campaign by union leaders. It was the rank and file rejecting the advice of the union leaders and withdrawing their labour.”
I’ve been asked throughout my career if THIS is a return to the Winter of Discontent. This is the first time I haven’t just blanketly said ‘no.’”
“Labour has had the ghost of the Winter of Discontent dancing over its corpse in the intervening time.”
“It’s quite impressive how much industrial and public sector disruption is currently in place at the moment when you consider how difficult it is to get a legal strike organised.”

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Written and presented by Andrew Harrison. Producer Jet Gerbertson. Assistant producer Kasia Tomasiewicz. Lead producer Jacob Jarvis. Bunker music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Robin Leeburn. Group Editor Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Bunker USA: Kevin Knows I’m Miserable Now Jan 07, 2023

The Republican Party is in a state of turmoil with Kevin McCarthy’s Speaker stalemate having sparked scenes not witnessed for a century. What is going on, where can it go next, and what does this mean for the GOP? Jacob Jarvis speaks to Julie Normal, co-director of UCL’s Centre on US Politics to discuss the chaos in the Capitol and what 2023 holds for American politics. Oh, and Donald Trump, unfortunately…

“For some it’s key policy differences, for some it’s personal differences - not liking Kevin McCarthy. For some it’s just a power play.”
“Whichever way it goes it’s definitely not the way you want your party starting out their term in office, especially in the run up to an election.
“The ironic thing with Trump is that a conviction or an indictment… would in some ways galvanise him even more. He loves to portray himself as a victim of the Deep State.”
“Some Democrats were literally bringing popcorn to the House this week. Biden has basically said. ‘This is embarrassing, but it’s not my problem.’”

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Presented by Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jet Gerbertson and Alex Rees. Assistant Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Music and Audio production: Jade Bailey. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Artwork by James Parrett. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Why this recession will bite differently Jan 06, 2023

With all signs pointing to a recession, how will this one be different to those of the past? From strikes to sky high heating bills, we’ve begun 2023, much as we ended 2022. How long can this last, and is there any hope of our fortunes improving? Resolution Foundation’s research director James Smith joins Ahir Shah to tell us how this situation might play out.

“If we are pessimistic about the future and that feeds back into how [the Government] set their policies, it can become self fulfilling.”
“The big thing here is that we are getting poorer as a country.”
“We need to make sure the recovery from the pandemic and cost of living recession isn’t as bad as the financial crisis.”

Presented by Ahir Shah. Producers: Jet Gerbertson and Alex Rees. Assistant Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production: Robin Leeburn. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Stay fired up: Natasha Walter on power, protest and her mother's legacy Jan 05, 2023

Unprecedented problems like climate change require innovative responses. Activist Natasha Walter, author of upcoming book Before the Light Fades: A Memoir of Grief and Resistance, joins Ros Taylor to explore what the histories of protest can tell us about current struggles.

“People forget just how radical the 1960s movements were.”
“To look back and remember how people stayed politically active is incredibly encouraging.”
“Civil disobedience is a vital part of society.”

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Presented by Ros Taylor. Producers: Jet Gerbertson and Alex Rees. Assistant Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production: Jade Bailey. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Artwork by James Parrett. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Strongmen behaving badly – The changing face of populists Jan 04, 2023

There seem to be more authoritarian figures than ever before. But is this true? And if so, what do these leaders have in common? Ruth Ben-Ghiat, author of Strongmen: Mussolini to the Presentjoins Alex Andreou to explore how authoritarianism has changed over time, and why the greatest strengths of ‘strongmen’ could also be their biggest downfall.

“Leader personality cults often present them as omnipotent.”
“The same instincts of these leaders to win followers domestically can cause their downfall on the international stage.”
“Financial networks are key to controlling people.”

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Written and presented by Alex Andreou. Producers: Jet Gerbertson, Alex Rees. Assistant producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Lead producer: Jacob Jarvis. Bunker music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Jade Bailey. Artwork by James Parrett. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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2023 and me – Start Your Year with Alex Andreou Jan 03, 2023

With the NHS in crisis and strikes ongoing – will the Government’s New Year’s Resolution be to get a grip? Then further afield, we look to the alarming covid situation in China and a new Congress being sworn in in the United States. Plus, a few dates for your diary – there might even be some bits to look forward to… In our first show of 2023, Alex Andreou talks to Andrew Harrison to outline the year ahead.

“Everyone is incredibly scared, it’s not nice to live in a country and feel like if something happens to you nobody will turn up.” – Alex Andreou
“The government is doing so poorly it thinks a confrontation with the unions will help it.” – Alex Andreou
“The public has realised Brexit was a mistake, that is unshakable now.” – Alex Andreou
“Things could get very messy on day one. There will be a lot of battles in Congress.” – Alex Andreou

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Presented by Andrew Harrison with Alex Andreou. Producers: Jet Gerbertson and Alex Rees. Assistant Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production: Jade Bailey. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Bunker Gold: Disco Returno – Why Britain needs nightclubs Dec 31, 2022

Ahead of NYE nights out, listen back to our ode to nightclubs… No one looks back and remembers the nights they got plenty of sleep. But beyond a mere boogie, nightclubs play a vital role in shaping our collective and individual identity. Alex Andreou assembles an all-star spinning a-roundtable to chew on how COVID closures have impacted nighttime industries, why the pandemic has deprived us from more than a good party, and how culture goes beyond theatres and museums… Mairi Mackenzie is a cultural historian and consultant curator for the V&A Dundee exhibition Night Fever: Designing Club Culture. Bay Sisouphanh is Head of Event Sales at London’s Village Underground. Mark Wood is one half of the London Readers Wifes who DJ at Vauxhall institution Duckie.

“You find your tribe at nightclubs.” – Mark Wood
“People will always find an outlet for that need for pleasure.” – Mairi Mackenzie
“Forget about children going back to school. When can we send the gays back to nightclubs?” – Mark Wood
“There's a lack of perception around the value of nightclubs to the gaiety and the mental health of the nation.” – Mark Wood

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Presented and produced by Alex Andreou. Assistant producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Bunker Gold: Enter the Matrix – Are we living in a simulation? Dec 30, 2022

Here’s another throwback Bunker Gold to tide you over to next year… How do you know the world is real? How do I know I’m real? As virtual worlds expand, our concepts of reality warp. NYU philosopher David Chalmers – author of Reality+: Virtual Worlds and the Problems of Philosophy – talks to Ros Taylor about the etiquette of virtual living, why video game characters deserve moral rights, and how we can know what we think we know.

“Simulated beings could end up outnumbering non-simulated beings. So the odds that YOU are simulated could be high…”
“If we’re living in a simulation, all this is still real – and our lives are still full of meaning.”

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Presented by Ros Taylor and Arthur Snell. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers: Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Bunker Gold: Bond on the run – Does Britain still need 007? Dec 29, 2022

Here’s another hit for the Christmas period… DANGER, SPOILERS! James Bond finally returned to cinemas in a world where questions about sexism, racism and Britishness have seldom been more pointed. Is there a place for a suave, womanising emissary of British power in the modern world? Is it time to reassess the role of Bond in British culture? Regulars and Bond fiends Ros Taylor and Arthur Snell talk to Ian Kinane, editor of the International Journal of James Bond Studies and a senior lecturer in English literature, about their first Bonds and where 007 should go next. Do not listen unless you’ve seen the film!

“Bond offers a parallel universe in which Britain always wins.” - Arthur Snell
“Bond probably has many fatherless children all over the world.” - Ian Kinane
“James Bond is so far from the boring reality of intelligence work, like people staring at databases.” - Arthur Snell
“Shirley Bassey is seen as singing an anthem of Britain's glory days of Empire.” - Ian Kinane
“Bond seems to embody what is properly British, but more often he’s played by actors who aren't British themselves.” - Ian Kinane

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Presented by Ros Taylor and Arthur Snell. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers: Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Bunker Gold: The fastest growing religion you’ve never heard of Dec 28, 2022

Another from our back catalogue… How did a Christian movement, founded at the turn of the century, become the fastest growing religion today? Pentecostal Christianity has 600 million followers, with 35,000 new adherents a day. So what’s behind the remarkable rise of this religious movement? Elle Hardy, author of Beyond Belief, tells Arthur Snell about her mission to report its rise across twelve different countries, from South America to Africa and Australia, how Pentecostalism provides community to the rootless and marginalised in a fragmenting world…and its toxic connection to populist authoritarianism.

“There will be more Pentecostals than Catholics in Brazil in the next ten years.” “Anyone can become a prophet in Pentecostalism.”
“You can fit six Vaticans in the biggest Pentecostal church in Nigeria.”
“Pentecostalism is the ideology of the new right in America.”

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Arthur Snell. Producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Bunker Gold: BORIS JOHNSON – Requiem for a slob clown with James O’Brien Dec 27, 2022

In the first of our Christmas cracker throwbacks, listen to James O’Brien’s righteous evisceration of Boris Johnson, recorded in the aftermath of the Greased Piglet’s resignation announcement. The LBC host joined Ros Taylor to pick through the wreckage. What will be Johnson’s legacy? Could things have ever gone differently? The pair bid farewell to the man who wanted to be king – but failed resoundingly as Prime Minister.

“In terms of personal political performance Johnsonism is very similar to Trumpism. It’s opportunism devoid of conscience.”
“It’s an absence of shame that I think defines him.”
"He pursued monuments to his ego – like the Garden Bridge – but these also acted as distractions from his utter failures."
"Even on his way out of the door, he's detonating explosives that will be felt for a generation to come."

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Written and presented by Ros Taylor. Lead producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Assistant producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Audio production by Jade Bailey. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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The Bunker Christmas Appeal – Three charities to support this year Dec 22, 2022

Charles Dickens wrote that Christmas is a time when Want is keenly felt, with that in mind we focus on three organisations helping people in need. Arthur Snell explains why he’s supporting the Ukrainian charity Smart Medical Aid and its CEO Iryna Rybinkinatells us about her work on the frontline. Ros Taylor hears from Honeypot’s Anthony Cummings and two of the young carers it’s helped. And Joe Bookbinder tells us how Christmas can be the loneliest time — and that the Samaritans are there to listen 24/7.

“Honeypot gives you a chance to be free and stop worrying about things. I worry a lot.” - Holly
“I left my children who are three and 10. My husband is a single father these days — I cannot bring them to Ukraine as it is not safe… As a mother I struggle with that thought every day. But there are children in Ukraine who do need help.” - Iryna Rybinkina, CEO of Smart Medical Aid
“Don’t feel ashamed if you are struggling at Christmas.” - Joe Bookbinder, Samaritans

All the advertising revenue from this episode will be donated to the charities featured.

smartmedicalaid.org/

honeypot.org.uk

Samaritans.org

Written and presented by Ros Taylor. Producer and audio editor: Jade Bailey. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Ding Dong Merrily on High – How to win Christmas arguments Dec 21, 2022

What do veganism, Donald Trump and Brussels sprouts have in common? They’re all points of contention at Christmas time. But how do you deal with the terrible opinions of family and friends? Marie Le Conte is joined by Christmas elves Tom Peck and Seth Thévoz to discuss navigating conversations with Brexit-y uncles and Corbynista cousins.

“Everyone talks to me about politics, and it's so boring.” –Tom Peck
My dad is France’s last remaining Emmanuel Macron fan.” – Marie Le Conte
“Communists to the left of me, Nazis to the right, here I am – the only liberal – stuck in the middle with you.” – Seth Thévoz

Presented by Marie Le Conte with Tom Peck and Seth Thévoz. Producers: Jet Gerbertson and Alex Rees. Assistant Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production: Robin Leburn. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Is the UK Government failing Ukrainian refugees? Dec 20, 2022

When Putin launched his invasion of Ukraine, thousands signed up to support Ukrainian refugees and put them up in their own homes. Nearly a year on, is our government still doing enough to support those fleeing the war? Stan Beneš, a trustee of Opora, a charity which helps Ukrainians to settle in the UK, joins Ros Taylor to explore what we can do to help those displaced by the conflict in Ukraine.

https://opora.uk/

“Instead of government support, it became the job of charities to match people.”
“There is no one cohesive process of matching Ukrainian refugees with sponsors.”
“People were finding hosts on Facebook.”

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Presented by Ros Taylor. Producers: Jet Gerbertson and Alex Rees. Assistant Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production: Robin Leeburn. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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“A year of self-harm for Britain” – Start Your Week with Gavin Esler Dec 19, 2022

The strikes are biting with more workforces walking out across the economy. Will the Government blink? Meanwhile, the worst Brexit goes the louder the Brexit Party AKA Reform UK rattles its cage. Do we need to steel ourselves for another year of Brexity self-sabotage? Plus, the Qatar aftermath, Sunak orders an audit of Britain’s support for Ukraine, and a mini-crystal ball look at 2023. Gavin Esler takes Alex Andreou through the week ahead.

“We just don’t spend enough on healthcare… You don’t see a winter health crisis in Germany.”
“It’s just like listening to the old Marxists: ‘If only we tried Brexit properly, it’d all be fine.”
“2022 has been a year of self-harm for Britain.”

Support us on Patreon:

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Written and presented by Alex Andreou. Audio production by Jade Bailey. Assistant producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Producer: Jet Gebertson. Lead producer: Jacob Jarvis. Music: Kenny Dickinson. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Cash Ruins Everything Around Me: How the City captured the Treasury Dec 18, 2022

Treasury “orthodoxy” is the Tory punchbag – but it only acts the way it does because it’s already been colonised by free marketeers, says Aeron Davis, author of Bankruptcy, Bubbles and Bailouts: The Inside History of the Treasury since 1976. He tells Ahir Shah why Britain now has two Chancellors and no real Prime Minister; why our economic fate is determined by people who’ve never worked in a real business… and how deregulation ended up outsourcing the entire British economy to the City.

“Rishi Sunak is our first investment banker PM. We’ve finally reached that peak.”
“Every review of financial governance was filled with financiers – and what they did was serve the share price.”

Written and presented by Ahir Shah. Producers: Jet Gerbertson and Alex Rees. Assistant Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production: Alex Rees. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Women in power speak differently. Viv Groskop explains why Dec 17, 2022

In an age of social media soundbites, the art of public speaking is changing – especially for women. Viv Groskop, journalist and author of How To Own The Room, joins Ros Taylor to explore the speaking superpowers of women from Michelle Obama to Greta Thunberg, how to feel more confident when making speeches, why some women make their voices sound lower, and how new technologies are changing the way we speak.

“Margaret Thatcher’s speeches were trapped in a gendered stereotype.”
“We have a cacophony of voices now which is changing what power looks like.”
“The debating culture style is losing out to social media soundbites.”

Written and presented by Ros Taylor. Producers: Jet Gerburtson, Alex Rees. Assistant producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Lead producer: Jacob Jarvis. Bunker music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Robin Leeburn. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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The Nelson Mandela no-one knew – with Richard Stengel Dec 16, 2022

The interviews behind Nelson Mandela’s epic memoir The Long Walk To Freedom are out now as the podcast Mandela: The Lost Tapes. Here, South Africa’s first Black president explains himself in his own words – always inspiring, often funny too.

Co-writer Richard Stengel, former Time editor and Obama Undersecretary of State, tells Alex Andreou of his affection for Mandela, how they came to collaborate on books and more, the charm of Mandela’s secretly oversized ego, and what it’s like to work with a giant of history.

Hear Mandela: The Lost Tapes exclusivelyon Audible: https://www.audible.co.uk/pd/Mandela-The-Lost-Tapes-Podcast/B0BKMQ8GX8

“This took me back 30 years. I felt like I was back in the room with Mandela again.”
“Mandela was very good at flattery. And people who are good at it are susceptible to it…”
“He was an incredibly charming, sunny man and the listener can now feel a little of that.”

Written and presented by Alex Andreou. Producer Jet Gerburtson. Assistant producer Kasia Tomasiewicz. Lead producer Jacob Jarvis. Bunker music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Robin Leeburn. Group Editor Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Inside Johnson's final weeks – with Sebastian Payne Dec 15, 2022

Boris Johnson’s endgame was a gripping spectacle of hubris, betrayal, power struggles and bare-faced self-interest. But what went down behind the scenes? Sebastian Payne lays out the drama in his new book The Fall of Boris Johnson: The Full Story. The former Financial Times’s Whitehall Editor tells Ros Taylor about the contradictions that drove Johnson’s career, the truth about his relationship with Zelenskyy… and how parties at No.10 helped bring down a man who doesn’t even like parties.

“Johnson is gone but his domestic policies still shape Westminster.”
“In Kyiv they can’t understand why we got rid of Johnson.”
“Johnson never had the right people around him.”

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Ros Taylor. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Alex Rees and Jet Gerbertson. Assistant producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Audio production by Jade Bailey. Music: Kenny Dickinson. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Shop horror: How Amazon manipulate our minds Dec 14, 2022

Amazon’s cheap products and one-click purchasing has changed how we shop forever. But just how did the shopping behemoth alter shopper’s minds? From Black Friday to Cyber Monday and Christmas the opportunities to spend money on the internet are never ending. Consumer psychologist Dr Gareth Harvey joins Ahir Shah in the Bunker to tell us the ways Amazon influences our decision making.

“You may not buy through Amazon, but their algorithms influence what’s ‘hot or not’. All of those things will influence your purchasing habits even though you’re never using it.”
“When we look at what people buy in a bricks and mortar store, 70% of people buy the leading product. When you’re buying it online, 70% of people go for the own brand. You don’t want to look cheap”
“Social consciousness, awareness of ethical issues are really on the up, but when we look at sustainable products it doesn’t balance out.”

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Presented by Ahir Shah. Producers: Jet Gerbertson and Alex Rees. Assistant Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production: Jade Bailey. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Ghosts of the Iron Curtain Dec 13, 2022

The Iron Curtain marked the Cold War divide in Europe. What is its legacy and how does this split remain today? Timothy Philips discusses his book The Curtain and the Wall: A Modern Journey Along Europe's Cold War Border with Ros Taylor. After travelling along the border, he explains what it represented and how it is remembered by those who lived along it.

“It was a border developed to stop people in the east from leaving. It got stronger because regimes in the east were frightened young people would flee if they could to the west.”
“People didn’t expect the societies they lived in to collapse so quickly… people were promised a lot of things that perhaps didn’t come true.”

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Presented by Ros Taylor. Producers: Jelena Sofronijevic and Alex Rees. Assistant Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production: Jade Bailey. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Ice Strike Baby – Start Your Week with Alex Andreou Dec 12, 2022

Rail, nursing and Border Force workers strike during sudden extreme cold weather, but their public support seems solid. Will the Government’s “Union Barons” attacks stick? Plus, James Cleverly ditches human rights priorities in a desperate search for any post-Brexit upside. Russia’s war in Ukraine enters its deep winter phase. And the last legislation to get squeezed through Parliament before Christmas. Alex Andreou takes Andrew Harrison through the week ahead.

“The Tories are fudging the economy because they know Labour will win the next election.” – Alex Andreou
“Thank God It's too cold for drunken England fans to go out and smash up Delice de France.” – Andrew Harrison
“There’s public support for rail strikes because Mick Lynch is a media superstar.” – Alex Andreou
“Doing business with autocratic regimes is a high-risk activity.” – Alex Andreou

Support us on Patreon:

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Audio production by Jade Bailey. Music: Kenny Dickinson. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Death Stars and Taxes: The politics of Star Wars Dec 11, 2022

We’ve got a Star Wars fan in No.10 – Sunak collects lightsabers – but is there real political meaning to the tale of empires and rebels? Chris Kempshall, historian and author of The History and Politics of Star Wars: Death Stars and Democracy, talks to Andrew Harrison about Star Wars’ roots as a Vietnam allegory; what the Empire can tell us about fascism; why the Republic is a bad advert for democracy; and why Andor is the best political drama on TV right now.

For 25% off the book, use the code HPSW25 here: https://www.routledge.com/The-History-and-Politics-of-Star-Wars-Death-Stars-and-Democracy/Kempshall/p/book/9781032318875

“Sunak’s story of a multimillionaire who moves sideways isn’t in the Star Wars universe.”
“Sadly for Lucas the audience didn’t get that it’s about the Vietnam War.”
“No one would watch a film about the government leaping to work.”

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Andrew Harrison. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producer: Jet Gerbertson. Assistant producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Audio production by Alex Rees. Music: Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Bunker USA: “Jack Bauer isn’t real” – The truth about espionage in the digital age Dec 10, 2022

The tech explosion has transformed the spy game. Are intelligence agencies fit to face new threats from terror groups, disinformation gangs, and even teenagers in bedrooms? In a fascinating conversation intelligence expert Amy B. Zegart – author of Spies, Lies, and Algorithms: The History and Future of American Intelligence – tells Andrew Harrison how too much “spytainment” has warped US intelligence policy; the truth about the CIA blunders that led to 9/11 and the Iraq quagmire; and why modern spying isn’t what you think it is.

“The intelligence game isn’t about secrets. It’s about piecing together information.”
“George Washington even used fake French bakeries to deceive the British about American troop numbers.”
“The more spy-themed TV you watch, the more likely you are to support questionable practices.”
“The truth is, there has never been a ticking time bomb situation.”

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Andrew Harrison. Producers: Jet Gerbertson and Alex Rees. Assistant Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Audio production: Alex Rees. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Meet the Ukrainians fighting against Russia’s food war on Africa Dec 09, 2022

Putin’s war has triggered a food supply crisis in Africa. Arthur Snell travels to Ghana and Nigeria with Ukrainian campaigners who are forging alliances with Africans against Russia’s criminality. In a special crossover edition with Doomsday Watch, Arthur discovers how Africa is suffering for Putin’s war, why some African countries are still siding with the Russian tyrant, and how it feels to defend your country when you’re a refugee.

Donate to help the Ukrainian human rights campaigners Zmina at zmina.ua/en

“In the 21st Century all countries are interconnected… We all depend on one another.” – Oleg Nivievskyi

“Think about the cost of living crisis in Western Europe then multiply it maybe five times… That’s the magnitude of the food supply crisis in Africa.” – Arthur Snell

“Every tonne of grain from Ukraine counts… The more food instability we have, the more we will see riots, criminality and worse.” – Oleg Nivievskyi

“The Netherlands, Belgium, France, the UK all had empires, but you do not pretend to restore your empires. But that is Russia’s political culture. To restore its empire.” – Olexiy Haran

Reported and presented by Arthur Snell. Producer Jet Gerburtson. Assistant producer Kasia Tomasiewicz. Lead producer Jacob Jarvis. Bunker music by Kenny Dickinson, Doomsday Watch music by Paul Hartnoll. Audio production by Robin Leeburn. Group Editor Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Telling the human story of the austerity experiment – with Ros Wynne-Jones Dec 08, 2022

The horrors of austerity make for grim statistics. But what are the stories behind those numbers? The Mirror’s Real Britain columnist Ros Wynne-Jones joins Ros Taylor to discuss the exhaustion, pain and spirit of those feeling the brunt of Tory cuts.

“There are always new levels and layers of cuts.”
“There’s just an assumption now that the system is brutalised and cruel.”
“Disabled people have been at the front of these cuts, but they’ve also been at the vanguard of resistance.”
“The level of exhaustion people are at after 12 years is profound.”
“Every year this Government is in power is wasted life opportunities for a new generation.”

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Presented by Ros Taylor. Producers: Jet Gerbertson and Alex Rees. Assistant Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production: Alex Rees. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Lords have mercy! How to fix the upper chamber Dec 07, 2022

The House of Lords is constantly embattled – but what value does it have and what really goes on there? Various governments have wanted to reform the chamber – with limited success. Can it be done? Marie Le Conte speaks to Politico’s senior UK correspondent Esther Webber about the good, the bad and the… unusual.

“It was where a deeper scrutiny happened, which you wouldn’t always see in the Commons.”
“A big barrier to reform is it has to go through the Lords.”
“I feel slightly weary of the idea of a second elected chamber. It means peers would be subject to the same kind of electoral tug of war of MPs.”

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Presented by Ros Taylor. Producers: Jet Gerbertson and Alex Rees. Assistant Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production: Alex Rees. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Wrong numbers: How bad data leads us astray Dec 06, 2022

Statistics dictate policy – but what if our data sets are wrong? How are numbers manipulated for political gain? These are questions that House of Commons Library statistician Georgina Sturge answers in her new book Bad Data: How Governments, Politicians and the Rest of Us Get Misled by Numbers. She tells Alex Andreou about how data is used to make policy, how it is being manipulated, and how to tell good data from bad.

“Numbers can’t speak for themselves.”
“Governments are presenting data as if it is free of ideology.”

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Written and presented by Alex Andreou. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Alex Rees and Jet Gerbertson. Assistant producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Audio production by Jade Bailey. Music: Kenny Dickinson. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Deal or No Deals – Start Your Week with Ros Taylor and Jacob Jarvis Dec 05, 2022

A Tory MP exodus rolls on as the Government looks to turn public opinion against striking workers as more walkouts loom. Is there any chance of deals ahead of Christmas action? And the Online Safety Bill returns to the Commons, while Labour has its say on the Lords. Plus, we look at the latest from protests in Iran and China, as well as US political rumblings. Ros Taylor joins Jacob Jarvis to discuss the week ahead.

"Morale is very low in the Tory party.”
“Presenting striking workers as grinches ruining Christmas is ridiculous.”

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Presented by Jacob Jarvis with Ros Taylor. Producers: Jet Gerbertson and Alex Rees. Assistant Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production: Jade Bailey. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Fresh prince: The new face of the Green Party Dec 04, 2022

Climate change remains a key political issue. But with multiple crises mounting, are the Greens a one policy party? Ros Taylor is joined by Zack Polanski, deputy leader of the Green Party, to talk about what they want and what's missing from mainstream political discourse.

“Only two countries used FPTP – Belarus and the UK.”
“Too often politics operates in silos – and we are interested in systems thinking and change.”
“People are sick of the two party system.”
“We need a positive message on immigration.”
“Keir Starmer won’t talk to us, even though the environment is a crucial issue.”
“It's irresponsible for a leader to say they will get to net zero on technologies that don’t exist yet.”

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Ros Taylor. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Alex Rees, Jet Gerbertson. Assistant producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Audio production by Jade Bailey. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. Music: Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Bunker USA: Republican revenge – How the GOP will target Biden    Dec 03, 2022

Joe Biden is set for a tough couple of years with a Republican majority in the House of Representatives. How will the GOP look to hurt the president? Dr Thomas Gift, director of UCL’s Centre on US Politics, joins Jacob Jarvis in to tell us about how Biden’s enemies will enact their revenge.

• “Anything Joe biden wants to get done between now and the next 2 years is just not going to happen”

• “Republicans can basically block any piece of legislation that Joe Biden puts to the floor”

• “A lot of Republicans think this is time for payback, this is time for revenge.”

Support us on Patreon:

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Presented by Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jet Gerbertson and Alex Rees. Assistant Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Music and Audio production: Jade Bailey. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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No kidding: Why we can't afford to have children Dec 02, 2022

Is the cost of having children making parenthood feel impossible? With childcare through the roof, insecure housing and the cost of living crisis starting to bite, it’s an anxious time for parents. Joeli Brearley, founder of Pregnant Then Screwed, joins Ros Taylor to highlight how the poor provision for parents harms us all.

“Ironically I was sacked from a children's charity for wanting a baby.”
“Every ten minutes a woman is pushed out of their job.”
“We have created a system where dads aren’t allowed to be more active in the family.”
“Children aren’t a lifestyle choice, we are literally reproducing the labour market.”

Support us on Patreon:

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Presented by Ros Taylor. Producers: Jet Gerbertson and Alex Rees. Assistant Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production: Robin Leeburn. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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“When workers win, we all win” – Frances O’Grady on striking for Britain Dec 01, 2022

From postal workers to nurses, we face a winter of strikes. What do they want and why should we all be invested in their cause? Frances O’Grady, general secretary of the British Trades Union Congress, joins Jude Rogers to discuss the problems faced by Britain’s workforce – and whether those taking action can pull together for a better future.

“With real wages falling and living standards stagnating there is a coordinated offensive against working people.”
“There is no light at the end of the tunnel unless we stick together.”
“When striking workers win, we all win.”

Support us on Patreon:

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Presented by Jude Rogers. Producers: Alex Rees and Jet Gerbertson. Assistant Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production: Jade Bailey. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Winter is coming. Can the NHS survive it? Nov 30, 2022

It’s hard to remember a time when the NHS wasn’t at ‘breaking point’. But with more than 7 million people in England on the NHS waiting list, real-term wage decreases, over-stretched ambulance services, and impending strike action from nurses – can it make it through the winter? Anita Charlesworth, Director of Research at the Health Foundation, joins Siân Pattenden to weigh up if there is any hope of saving it.

“The NHS staff are wracked with trauma post-Covid.”
“We ran the NHS hot at the edge of capacity before the pandemic.”
“Pay is far from the central factor of low staff morale, they haven’t felt valued for years.”
“A lot of hospitals are now running food banks for their staff.”

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Presented by Siân Pattenden. Producers: Jet Gerbertson and Alex Rees. Assistant Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production: Robin Leeburn. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Bang to rights: How to fix the British constitution Nov 29, 2022

Our unwritten constitution relies on our politicians acting in good faith. But with recent political crises leaving it creaking at the hinges, do we still benefit from its flexibility? Andrew Blick, co-author of The Bonfire of the Decencies: Repairing and Restoring the British Constitution, talks to Alex Andreou about how to fix the rules that rule us.

“Our flexible constitution can adjust in times of public emergency.”
“The ‘good chap’ phrase is as outdated as the theory.”
“Our constitution isn’t codified, but there are more checks and balances.”
“We have lost faith in politicians behaving themselves.”

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Written and presented by Alex Andreou. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Alex Rees, Jet Gerbertson. Assistant producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Audio production by Jade Bailey Group editor: Andrew Harrison. Music: Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Operation Get Stuffed – Start Your Week with Yasmeen Serhan and Jacob Jarvis Nov 28, 2022

As Sunak embarks on a mission to “get tough” this week – is this another Tory vanity project avoiding the real issues? With pressure over the situation in Manston, more strikes looming and the economy still in turmoil, where should his focus actually be? Plus, mass unrest is shaking China – how will it play out? Yasmeen Serhan joins Jacob Jarvis to discuss the week ahead.

“Sunak isn’t being compared to a lettuce, yet.” – Jacob Jarvis
"A draconian approach has sparked mass protests across China." – Yasmeen Serhan
“There are big strikes on the horizon.” – Yasmeen Serhan

Support us on Patreon:

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Presented by Jacob Jarvis with Yasmeen Serhan. Producers: Jet Gerbertson and Alex Rees. Assistant Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production: Jade Bailey. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Falling short: Can migration fix the UK’s labour crisis? Nov 27, 2022

The UK has a jobs crisis – too many vacancies, and not enough people to fill them. Is migration the fix? The end of free movement of EU workers is partially to blame for the worker shortage – and filling the swathes of roles across the NHS, social care, hospitality and construction is not an easy task. Madeleine Sumption, director of the Migration Observatory, tells Ros Taylor what the Government can do to fix the situation.

“In the past the availability of some of those EU workers to fill jobs had papered over the problems.”
“Low pay is effectively baked into the system by policy.”
“From a purely mercenary perspective, the UK benefits a lot from bringing in people that it didn’t pay to train.”
“The government hasn’t done enough to plan the workforce effectively”

Support us on Patreon:

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Presented by Ros Taylor. Producers: Jet Gerbertson and Alex Rees. Assistant Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production: Jade Bailey. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Bunker USA: What the Fox – Who is Tucker Carlson? Nov 26, 2022

Tucker Carlson is the most-watched cable news host in America. Who is he, why is he so popular and what makes him tick? He’s praised Vladimir Putin and Viktor Orban, perpetuated the “stop the steal” nonsense, and regularly fills the airwaves with rhetoric to enrage the Republican right. Dan Cassino, author of Fox News and American Politics, joins Jacob Jarvis to discover what Carlson’s influence means for the future of the United States.

“If he makes a mention of a candidate – either positively or negatively- that candidate moves up in the polls the next day.”
“Tucker Carlson is a troll. He is a right-wing troll. He is someone who is saying the things that will get people upset because he believes that's the way to get attention and to have influence. The worst thing is, he’s not wrong.”
“If I can make an extreme argument, once you respond to me, I’m in control. I’m the one setting the agenda.”
“I’ve no doubt if that populist wing of the Republican party comes into disarray, that he’ll rebrand himself. “

Written and presented by Jacob Jarvis. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Alex Rees and Jet Gerbertson. Assistant Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Audio production by Jade Bailey. Music: Kenny Dickinson. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER USA is a Podmasters Production.

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There’s no magic money Xi: Inside China’s economic turmoil Nov 25, 2022

As one of the world’s biggest economies, trouble in China means trouble for us all. China’s stringent Covid policy has seen businesses lock down, having a huge prolonged impact on trade and international relations. From global development to the war in Ukraine, George Magnus, author of Red Flags: Why Xi’s China is in Jeopardy joins Alex Andreou in The Bunker to tell us how the ripples of Chinese intervention spread far wider than we may imagine.

"We’re all worried and thinking a lot about what’s going on in China. It's a huge economy and it has a huge impact on trade and international economic relations."
“You’d need huge political reform as well and that’s just not going to happen, especially not under Xi Jinping”

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Written and presented by Alex Andreou. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Alex Rees and Jet Gerbertson. Assistant producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Audio production by Jade Bailey. Music: Kenny Dickinson. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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“There’s got to be hope on the horizon” – Lisa Nandy on the change Britain needs Nov 24, 2022

Lisa Nandy talks to Dorian Lynskey about the people and places left behind in modern Britain – and how to empower them. The shadow secretary of state for communities and local government discusses the communities that give her hope, the missteps of recent Governments and what shifts she’d like to see – as outlined in her new book All In: How We Build a Country That Works.

“Everywhere you go there is this feeling that everything is falling apart.”
“People know that this country could be better… they’re very angry that for a long time they’ve been saying things haven’t been working.”
“People need hope. There’s got to be hope on the horizon.”
“Change is inevitable. People won’t put up with the system anymore.”

Presented by Dorian Lynskey. Producers: Jet Gerbertson and Alex Rees . Assistant producer Kasia Tomasiewicz. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Robin Leeburn. Lead producer: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. The Bunker is a Podmasters production.

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Musk could kill Twitter. Was it doomed already? Nov 23, 2022

Musk’s Twitter takeover is leading to a mass exodus from the site. But is this just the Elon effect, or was that bound to happen anyway? Jacob Jarvis is joined by Marcus Gilroy-Ware, Lecturer in Creative Digital Media at SOAS and author of Filling the Void: Emotion, Capitalism and Social Media, about what the decline of the Twittersphere means for how we participate in politics – and to discuss whether this was an inevitability, regardless of who ran the platform.

“Musk is known for entrepreneurial pseudo-logic.”
“Musk represents the death of the political.”
“We all skip ads, so it’s not a viable way to fund social media.”

Support us on Patreon:

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Alex Rees, Jet Gerbertson. Assistant producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Audio production by Jade Bailey. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. Music: Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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“You knew people were already dying” – Luke Harding on the moment Russia pounced Nov 22, 2022

Putin’s invasion of Ukraine has changed the world forever, but what was it like to be in Kyiv as the first bombs fell? Luke Harding, foreign correspondent at The Guardian, joins Arthur Snell to reveal all about the grim reality of Putin’s war, and the unheard human stories behind the headlines, covered in his new book Invasion: Russia’s Bloody War and Ukraine’s Fight for Survival.

“A mum and two kids came into my shelter with colouring books, and you just knew people were already dying.”
“Russian occupation means terror and murder.”
“Deep down Putin is a coward, and I would be surprised if he used a nuclear bomb.”
“Crimea is where Ukrainians used to go on holiday, but Russia has turned it into a ghastly military garrison.”

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Written and presented by Arthur Snell. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. Lead producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold, Jelena Sofronijevic and Alex Rees. Assistant producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Audio production by Jade Bailey. Music: Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Let’s take lots of money – Start Your Week with Alex Andreou and Yasmeen Serhan Nov 21, 2022

Hunt’s cuts bonanza faces dissection from angry MPs this week. How will he handle the pushback? Plus, there are rumours of a Swiss-style EU deal – could this possibly happen? Then we cast an eye to the US, with ripples still coming from the midterms and Trump’s presidential announcement. And with the Qatar World Cup underway, what has reaction been to the tournament so far? Yasmeen Serhan joins Alex Andreou to discuss the news to look out for in the days ahead.

“There’s some buyers' remorse with Brexit and the economic impact we’re starting to feel… the elephant in the room is the B word.” – Yasmeen Serhan
“I think people are quite fearful of spending cuts… there’s room for a clash between public perceptions of what the public thinks and the Government thinks.” – Yasmeen Serhan
“It seems to me the budget is slowly unravelling, there’s lots of noise from low tax Tories.” – Alex Andreou

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Presented by Alex Andreou with Yasmeen Serhan. Producers: Jet Gerbertson and Alex Rees. Assistant Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production: Jade Bailey. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Is there any hope after austerity 2.0? Nov 20, 2022

Hunt’s cuts upon cuts have left the nation worried, depressed and frightened. Is there any hope beyond austerity 2.0? Marc Stears, director of the UCL Policy Lab, author of Out of the Ordinary and former Ed Miliband speechwriter, speaks to Ros Taylor about the state of Britain and its future prospects.

“The reality of the economy is an extraordinary living standards squeeze that people confront in their daily lives.”
“Anger, rage, unpredictability – you see that everywhere at the moment, but particularly in the Conservative backbenches.”
“We’re probably overly gloomy as to where we might be able to get, but not gloomy enough about where we are now.”
“People are fed up with overly grandiose stories which turned out to have nothing in them.”

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Presented by Ros Taylor. Producers: Jet Gerbertson and Alex Rees. Assistant Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production: Alex Rees. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Bunker USA: Don’t write off the Trump cult Nov 19, 2022

It’s official, Trump is running for President in 2024. Does anyone really want him to – or is it foolish to underestimate him? Julie Norman, Co-Director of the UCL Centre on US Politics, joins Jacob to tell us why calling Trump the underdog could play straight into his hands.

“As much as Trump gets leverage in promoting himself, bashing Biden also plays well with his base.”
“I think Trump knows that what is appealing about Trump is himself - and it's why some of the Trump backed candidates didn’t do so well. He has a cult of personality around him that is bigger than his children and the people around him.”
“Whether one loves or hates Trump it’s important not to discount him.”

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www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Jacob Jarvis. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Alex Rees and Jet Gerbertson. Assistant Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Audio production by Jade Bailey. Music: Jade Bailey. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER USA is a Podmasters Production.

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How filthy is Britain's air? Nov 18, 2022

Dirty air filing homes across the UK is leading to an increase in asthma and lower life expectancy. But just how filthy is it? And are we doing anything meaningful about it? Ros Taylor talks to David Green, senior research fellow in the aerosol science team at Imperial College London.

“Scientists have found particles from polluted air in unborn babies.”
“Some of the highest levels of pollution are experienced in cars.”
“Government anti-pollution measures benefit the public purse in the long term because we spend less on things like childhood development.”
“Outside of London, industrial hubs contribute a huge level of air pollution – Port Talbot’s factories make it the most polluted place in the UK.”

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Written and presented by Ros Taylor. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold, Jelena Sofronijevic and Alex Rees. Assistant Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Audio production by Jade Bailey. Music: Kenny Dickinson. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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“The main parties benefit from a broken system” – Gina Miller on rebooting politics Nov 17, 2022

Gina Miller, described as an “establishment wrecking ball,” speaks to Alex Andreou about battling Brexit and her desire to “reboot” the system. After rising to prominence taking on the Government’s authority to trigger Article 50 without a vote in Parliament, her fight has been taken to the stage in the play Bloody Difficult Women. She’s gone on to launch the True & Fair political party, and is aiming to oust Chris Grayling from his Parliamentary seat.

“Because everyone was talking about sovereignty, I thought people would be supportive of my case.”
“If someone is abusing me and not what I’m saying – I’ve probably won.”
“The whole system of government is not fit for purpose. And the main parties will not go as far as I think is needed to reboot it.”

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Written and presented by Alex Andreou. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Alex Rees and Jet Gerbertson. Assistant producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Audio production by Jade Bailey. Music: Kenny Dickinson. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Changing the Channel – How to fix the Asylum System Nov 16, 2022

Suella Braverman has called the asylum system broken – but she’s probably focused on the wrong parts. What needs fixing? Home Office incompetence has led to a backlog in processing claims – while the Government is focussing on a new deal with France to reduce people crossing the Channel in small boats. Colin Yeo, a barrister specialising in migration issues sits down with Arthur Snell, to tell us just how Brexit broke the asylum system – and how to speed it up once and for all.

“I think it boils down to incompetence when it comes down to it.”
“Instead of refocussing resources they’ve just ignored it and it’s made things worse.”
“If someone is from Syria it doesn’t take long to realise that they’re probably a refugee”
“I don’t trust the Home Office when they start quoting statistics that aren’t in the public domain.”

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Written and presented by Arthur Snell. Lead producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producer: Jet Gerbertson. Assistant producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz Audio production by Alex Rees. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Jailed for a bike lock? The new protest laws should worry you Nov 15, 2022

As climate activists ramp up provocative protests, the Government is cracking down by bolstering police powers. How far will this go? Ros Taylor is joined by David Mead, professor of UK human rights law, to discuss the incoming public order bill – and how it could impact groups such as Just Stop Oil and Extinction Rebellion.

“There’s certainly been a step up of climate activists over the last couple of months.”
“These groups have a deliberate tactic of being arrested. In their view they need more provocative actions to get publicity. They’ve had a step up.”
“We should be very worried here of a chilling effect.”
“Peaceful protest does include serious disruption.”

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Written and presented by Ros Taylor. Lead producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Alex Rees and Jet Gerbertson. Assistant producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Audio production by Jade Bailey. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Black Hole Sum – Start Your Week with Alex Andreou Nov 14, 2022

Britain braces itself for “eyewatering” cuts to cover the £60bn bill for Trussonomics. And Jeremy Hunt braces himself for the howls of the Tory Right. Plus: Braverman turns bagwoman to sign a migrants deal with France. And good news! The Democrats take the Senate and Trump gets the blame! Alex Andreou gives Jacob Jarvis the run-down on the coming week.

“We’re now trying to fill a much bigger hole caused by the Truss-Kwarteng fiasco.”
“The cuts will have to go much further simply because the markets no longer trust us.”
“To impose cuts on this scale when you know they will kill people is just immoral.”

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Written and presented by lead producer Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Alex Rees and Jet Gerbertson. Assistant producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Audio production by Jade Bailey. Music: Kenny Dickinson. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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The war on the BBC and how to save it Nov 13, 2022

The BBC is constantly under siege – how can it survive the 360 degree onslaught it faces? Does it make a rod for its own back? Or is stuck in a perennial catch-22? Siân Pattenden is joined by Patrick Barwise author of The War Against the BBC, to discuss the embattled broadcaster.

“People pay for far more services that they don’t use than paying for the BBC.”
“What is contested is impartiality.”
“The organised attacks on the BBC come from the Right.”
“It is a miracle it's so productive given how tightly it has been squeezed.”

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Written and presented by Siân Pattenden. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producer: Alex Rees. Assistant Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Audio production by Robin Leeburn. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production.

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Bunker USA: What Biden could learn from AOC – with Anand Giridharadas Nov 12, 2022

What tips could Biden take from left-wing star Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez to help bridge America’s political divide? How do activists and politicians convince opposing groups of the same message? Writer and political commentator Anand Giridharadas talks to Ros Taylor about his new book The Persuaders: Winning Hearts and Minds in a Divided Age.

“The left needs to be better at creating an inclusive movement.”
“It shows a lot about politics that AOC might not stay in it.”
“Elon Musk is a limited man who behaves like an 11 year old boy.”

Support us on Patreon:

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Ros Taylor. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producer: Alex Rees. Assistant producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Audio production by Robin Leeburn. Music: Jade Bailey. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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How to be Home Secretary with Alan Johnson Nov 11, 2022

What would Alan Johnson do differently if he was in Suella Braverman’s shoes? The former Home Secretary, who held the post from 2009 to 2010, gives his take on the current crises – and sets the record straight on which party really handles crime better out of Labour and the Tories.

“Suella is taking on the Priti Patel mantle… talking about the problems but doing nothing to resolve them.”
“It’s the Tories who have really failed on crime and borders.”
“When you’re 12 years in you can no longer blame the last Labour government.”
“We need the relations with Macron to be really good, because that’s part of the problem.”

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Presented by Arthur Snell. Producers: Jet Gerbertson. Assistant Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production: Alex Rees. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Can Jeremy Hunt fix this mess? – with IFS director Paul Johnson Nov 10, 2022

Jeremy Hunt’s key task is fixing the damage of Truss and Kwarteng’s mini-budget – can he get us out of this mess? From freezing the wages of nurses and teachers, to adding VAT to Jaffa Cakes – what options does the Chancellor have? Paul Johnson, director of the Institute for Fiscal Studies joins Ros Taylor to look at what taxes might increase, how the Government can tempt the over 55s back into the workforce – and if there’s any cause for optimism.

“Hunt probably has to look at the serious taxes… though it remains to be seen if this is politically feasible.”
“You can’t raise very large amounts of money from inheritance or capital gains tax.”
“Younger people have seen very poor earnings growth – the last 15 years have been pretty much the worst since the industrial revolution.”

Support us on Patreon:

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Ros Taylor. Lead producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Alex Rees and Jet Gerbertson. Assistant producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Audio production by Jade Bailey. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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New Gov – Michael Crick on the MPs of tomorrow Nov 09, 2022

When there is finally a general election, what will the next batch of MPs look like? With parties deep into selection processes, who is going to be thrust upon us – and who’s being blocked? Journalist, author and Channel 4 legend Michael Crick, who runs Tomorrow’s MPs on Twitter, talks to Andrew Harrison about our future parliamentarians.

“The left is doing appallingly within the Labour selections.”
“Starmer can’t be seen to interfere too much – that can be the kiss of death for a candidate.”
“There is a process of weeding people out on the grounds of their politics.”
“When local parties are choosing members of Parliament, they’re also choosing potential future ministers.”

Support us on Patreon:

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Andrew Harrison. Lead producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Alex Rees and Jet Gerbertson. Assistant producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Audio production by Robin Leeburn. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Where the Bank of England’s going wrong – with Richard Murphy Nov 08, 2022

Is the Bank of England working in our best interests – and what could it do differently that might serve us better? While the last recession was met with a response of ‘quantitative easing’, the next is due to be met with ‘quantitative tightening’. Richard Murphy, professor of accounting practice at Sheffield University, author of the book Money For Nothing and king of the Twitter macroeconomic mega-thread,talks to Justin Quirk about what the central bank is up to.

“Quantitative tightening is the opposite of quantitative easing – this means the government spends into the economy.”
“Quantitative tightening really shows that the Bank of England doesn’t care.”
“Rishi Sunak doesn’t want there to be a recession, because he won’t win the next election.”
“The public don’t know how to ask or answer big questions – and politicians aren’t helping.”

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Justin Quirk. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold. Assistant producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Audio production by Alex Rees. Music: Kenny Dickinson. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Exit Through the Grift Shop – Start Your Week with Alex Andreou Nov 07, 2022

The US midterms could see Biden hamstrung by his political enemies – as the prospect of a 2024 Trump run looms. Is America headed for another period of turmoil and deadlock, with the Republicans controlling the Senate and the House? And in the UK, the political sack race is on between Gavin Williamson and Suella Braverman. Will Sunak ditch either of them – or wait until a more convenient time? Plus, the world turns its eyes to COP27. Andrew Harrison is joined by Alex Andreou to tee up the week ahead.

“If the Democrats lose both the House and Senate they could be in for two years of very rough battles.” – Alex Andreou
“The Republicans can make a hellscape and know voters will primarily blame Biden for it.” – Alex Andreou
“If Sunak is inclined to get rid of Braverman or Williamson, he will do it one day after the budget – while they’re getting slated for their measures.” – Alex Andreou
“There is no doubt that for the next two years we will be paying for the Conservatives cock up.” – Alex Andreou

Support us on Patreon:

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Presented by Andrew Harrison with Alex Andreou. Producer: Alex Rees. Assistant Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production: Jade Bailey. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Pay up or meltdown: COP27 explained Nov 06, 2022

World leaders are jetting into Sharm El-Sheik in Egypt this week for COP27. But as wild weather continues and predictions are that we have already passed the point of no return – what will we learn from COP27? Andrew Harrison is joined by Madeleine Cuff, environment reporter at the New Scientist to give you the heads up on what the big issues will be, who might derail discussions and what we can do to solve our environmental woes.

“A lot of work needs to be done to get this problem under control.”
“Under the Paris Agreement the pledges aren’t binding.”

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Written and presented by Andrew Harrison. Producers: Alex Rees. Assistant producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Audio production by Alex Rees. Music: Kenny Dickinson. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Bunker USA: How did America’s politicians get so dumb – with Andy Borowitz Nov 05, 2022

Over the past fifty years, America’s politicians have grown increasingly allergic to knowledge. Why is this? Writer, comedian and satirist Andy Borowitz joins Dorian Lynskey to discuss his new book Profiles in Ignorance: How America's Politicians Got Dumb and Dumber, which looks at why ignoramuses make it to the top of US politics, from Dan Quayle to George Bush, Sarah Palin to Donald Trump.

“Politicians have been the greatest comedians of the last 50 years.”
”Dan Quayle was just as ignorant as Reagan, but he lacked any talent to mask it.”
“George Bush opened the door for Sarah Palin, who lead to Donald Trump.”
“Donald Trump speaks in shorter words than any other president.”

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Written and presented by Dorian Lynskey. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold and Alex Rees. Assistant producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Audio production and Music by Jade Bailey. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Should we choose our leaders at random? Nov 04, 2022

We’re not on a great run of political leaders at the moment – is the problem how we pick them? And what if we simply… didn’t? Rather than choosing between a bunch of self-serving, pound-crashing Westminster drones – could democratic lotteries be the answer? Brett Hennig, author of The End of Politicians: Time for a Real Democracy and director of the Sortition Foundation discusses how we pick our representatives, and how we could change it, with Jacob Jarvis.

“Politicians often come from a subset of people who aren't best placed to make laws.”
“People will only participate in politics if they feel represented.”
“The House of Lords is a dinosaur and ripe to be replaced.”

Support us on Patreon:

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Assistant producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Audio production by Jade Bailey. Music: Kenny Dickinson. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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The women who vanished from history – with author Kate Mosse Nov 03, 2022

How do we put women back in the history books? Author, playwright, co-founder of The Women’s Prize for Fiction and member of the executive committee of Women of the World, Kate Mosse joins Siân Pattenden to talk about balancing out Margaret Thatcher and Barbara Castle, and her new book, Warrior Queens and Quiet Revolutionaries - How Women (Also) Built the World.

“Women were often incredibly well-known in their day. It’s what happens to them after that.”
“We talk about Florence Nightingale as a nurse and carer - but never a statistician.”
“This isn't about men versus women. It's about patriarchy, a system, that benefits a tiny number of men.”
“Women's place in history cannot be about likeability.”

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Siân Pattenden. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Assistant producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Audio production by Alex Rees. Music: Kenny Dickinson. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Warrior-Queens-Quiet-Revolutionaries-Women/dp/1529092191

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Could Russia revolt against Putin? Nov 02, 2022

The worse Russia’s invasion of Ukraine goes, the more Putin doubles down. Is he truly unhinged? And could his citizens turn on him? Marc Berenson, senior lecturer at the Russia Institute at King’s College London and the author of Taxes and Trust: From Coercion to Compliance in Poland, Russia and Ukraine, talks to Justin Quirk about Putin’s changing worldview, why the President sees Eastern Europe as a “massive DMZ”, and if the Russian people really support his regime.

“The truth is that Putin is rational – but with completely different preferences to ours in the West.”
“The best outcome for Putin from this war would be him going to jail.”
“The West needs to help Russia. If we don’t, we’ll pay for it in the long run.”

Support us on Patreon:

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Written and presented by Justin Quirk. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Assistant producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Audio production by Jade Bailey. Music: Kenny Dickinson. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Atomic smitten? The case for nuclear power Nov 01, 2022

Could nuclear power be the answer to our doomed energy sector? It remains controversial – but why? Ahir Shah talks to Francis Livens, professor of radiochemistry at the University of Manchester and academic director of the Dalton Nuclear Institute about how nuclear works, how the sector has changed, and how hitting net zero carbon by 2050 might be impossible without it.

“Without nuclear energy, hitting net zero will be impossible.”
“Patronising scientists haven’t created a dialogue with the public about nuclear energy.”
“Thinking about old nuclear factories is like comparing cars from today with those from the 1970s.”

Support us on Patreon:

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Ahir Shah. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Assistant producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Audio production by Robin Leeburn. Music: Kenny Dickinson. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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But Their Emails! – Start Your Week with Yasmeen Serhan and Ros Taylor Oct 31, 2022

The Home Secretary plays fast and loose with her email security. The former PM’s phone is so compromised that it’s been locked in a secure location. Interest rates are about to go up and the Chancellor is about to tax everything. But hey, at least Bolsonaro lost in Brazil! Yasmeen Serhan fills Ros Taylor in on the events of the coming week.

“Twitter was already a hellscape but it looks like it’s going to become an even worse one.”
“You have to ask, why are ministers using private phones to conduct government business?”
“The silence you hear is Bolsonaro mulling his options.”

Support us on Patreon:

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Written and presented by Ros Taylor and Yasmeen Serhan. Producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Assistant producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Audio production by Jade Bailey. Music: Kenny Dickinson. Lead producer: Jacob Archbold. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Brazil: Can the world risk another Bolsonaro term? Oct 30, 2022

Brazil’s presidential elections go to round two today. Ahead of Latin America’s most consequential vote in decades, what should we be looking out for? Dr. Christopher Sabatini, senior fellow for Latin America at Chatham House, talks to Alex Andreou about how Bolsonaro broke Brazilian politics, Lula’s prospects and the environmental impact on the Amazon.

“The last four years can be seen as a triumph of institutions. Brazilian institutions are strong and they've survived, despite Bolsonaro.”
“Lula's campaign is all about beating Bolsonaro. That's not a long-term winning bet.”
“Bolsonaro's election strategy is Bible, beef and bullets.”
“For Brazilians, the Amazon is their crown jewel.”

Support us on Patreon:

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Alex Andreou. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Assistant producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Audio production by Robin Leeburn. Music: Kenny Dickinson. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Bunker USA: You can’t handle the Truth Social – Inside Trump’s alt Twitter Oct 29, 2022

After being banned from Twitter, Donald Trump set up Truth Social, his own social media platform. What can you expect to find on the site? Is it just a mouthpiece for the former President? Kayla Gogarty, associate research director at Media Matters America, joins Jacob Jarvis to discuss Trump’s online echo chamber.

“Truth Social is a way for Trump to get back online and to avoid moderation.”
“It’s an echo chamber of conspiracy theories and harmful rhetoric.”
“As the midterms approach we’re seeing election misinformation ramp up.”

Support us on Patreon:

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Written and presented by Jacob Jarvis. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. Producers: Jacob Archbold, Jelena Sofronijevic and Alex Rees. Assistant producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Audio production and Music by Jade Bailey. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Degrees of Debt – How university fees went wrong Oct 28, 2022

When university fees shot up to £9,000 in 2012 they triggered violent protests. Now Britain’s universities are expecting redundancies and even bankruptcy – and they’re hooked on lucrative foreign students. Can we carry on funding education from fees, or is it time for a graduate tax? And do we need to rethink what students get for their money? Ros Taylor talks to Nick Hillman, Director of the Higher Education Policy Institute think tank.

“Lifelong learning was hit hardest by the increase in fees.”
“The fee cap hasn’t gone up in a decade. Universities are losing money on home students.”
“Despite how big the fees seem, university staff are being hit hard.”

Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Ros Taylor. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold, Jelena Sofronijevic and Alex Rees. Assistant Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Audio production by Jade Bailey. Music: Kenny Dickinson. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Doomsday Watch – new series out now Oct 27, 2022

Like The Bunker? You’ll love Doomsday Watch – and there’s a brand new series out right now. Hear former diplomat and Bunker regular Arthur Snell explore more faultlines and danger zones that threaten global stability. From the balance of power after the Ukraine invasion to the scattered conflicts that spawn bigger confrontations to American’s democratic death spiral, these are the flashpoints of the future.

Hear Ep.1 right now here, plus Patreon supporters get every episode a week early. Visit doomsdaywatch.co.uk and sign up to get Episodes 1 and 2 immediately, and subsequent editions a full week early.

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Who’s the real Sunak? Matthew Parris tells us Oct 27, 2022

The Conservative psychodrama has given us a new PM, a new cabinet and a whole lot more restive MPs. So what should we expect from the party’s latest iteration? Commentator and former Tory MP Matthew Parris talks to Ros Taylor about the “pleasant” Prime Minister Sunak, “appalling” Suella Braverman and what we can expect from his premiership.

“The Conservative Party has a sense of burnout.”
“Beyond the commentariat, people don’t want a general election.”
“Without Sunak’s patronage, Suella would be more or less finished.”
“The Home Office destroys everybody. Let’s hope it destroys Suella in a few months.”
“I wouldn’t be surprised if Sunak doesn’t surprise us at all, but plods on in a sensible way.”

Support us on Patreon:

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Ros Taylor. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Assistant producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Audio production by Jade Bailey. Music: Kenny Dickinson. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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What’s left to cut? Oct 26, 2022

With Rishi Sunak keeping Jeremy Hunt in post as Chancellor, the prospect of a new era of austerity looms. But what is left to cut? From hospitals, to prisons and schools – public sector services are at breaking point. And with workers across struggling institutions already threatening strikes, how much worse can it get? Nick Davies from The Institute for Government think tank talks to Justin Quirk about where the government will make cuts and how to assess the damage.

“We are looking at a lost generation of public services.”
“Now is a very bad time to be unwell.”

Written and presented by Justin Quirk. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Assistant producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Audio production by Robin Leeburn. Music: Kenny Dickinson. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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“Ukraine will fight and Ukraine will win” Oct 25, 2022

After Ukraine’s stunning battlefield successes, Putin responds with missile attacks on civilians, power and transport infrastructure – adding to his toll of war crimes. How is Ukrainian morale eight months into the war? And what happens next? Andrew Harrison talks to Ukrainian journalist, Reuters Institute fellow and disinformation expert Olga Tokariuk about life in Kyiv, Western democracies’ role in the struggle, and whether a cornered Putin would really use a nuclear weapon.

“Russia is deliberately and clearly attacking civilian targets.”

“Putin is threatening nuclear weapons as blackmail tactics.”

“You don’t have to be ethnically Ukrainian to feel close to Ukraine.”

Written and presented by Andrew Harrison. Producers Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Assistant producer Kasia Tomasiewicz. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. Group Editor Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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How Sunak is now? – Start Your Week with Ros Taylor and Justin Quirk Oct 24, 2022

After Johnson’s exit from the leadership race (he definitely had 102 backers), will it be a coronation for Sunak? Or is it going to roll into a bout between him and Mordaunt? Plus, we look at what actual politics is set to happen in Parliament… We also cast a glance over the Chinese Communist Party congress fallout, and unpack what’s next for Musk’s on and off and on again Twitter buyout. Justin Quirk talks to Ros Taylor to chart the days ahead.

“Johnson’s astonishingly egotistical statement basically blamed Tory MPs for blocking him.” – Ros Taylor
“This is a Government that is not going to be able to push anything remotely ambitious through.” – Ros Taylor
“There is no overarching agenda apart from survival for the Conservative Party now.” – Ros Taylor
“There will be more pain, there will be more austerity. Anyone who thinks there will be a massive turnaround is kidding themselves.” – Ros Taylor

Presented by Justin Quirk with Ros Taylor. Producers: Jacob Archbold, Jelena Sofronijevic and Alex Rees. Assistant Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production: Robin Leeburn. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Talking Trash with Count Binface Oct 23, 2022

How would an alien fix Britain? We hear from Count Binface, whoresisted the urge to vapourise Alex Andreou despite some tough questions. The Count discusses standing against Tories like Theresa May (as Lord Buckethead) and Boris Johnson, why he’d junk First Past the Post for PR, plus his new book, WHAT ON EARTH?.

“I was passing Earth and it seemed to be the most deranged planet of the lot.”
“The Brits play the game, and occasionally write down things.”
“You don't have to be a human being to stand for election.”
“As a Recyclon, I hope to reuse the best policies from across the galaxy.”

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Alex Andreou. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold, Jelena Sofronijevic and Alex Rees. Assistant producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Audio production by Jade Bailey. Music: Kenny Dickinson. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

geni.us/whatonearth

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Bunker USA: Worse than Trump? Ron DeSantis wants the presidency Oct 22, 2022

As 2024 approaches, could Florida Governor Ron DeSantis be the heir to Donald Trump? Or his strongest opponent? Politico Florida bureau chief Matt Dixon joins Andrew Harrison to discuss the man who could be the next Republican flag bearer, his controversial time as Florida Governor, where he stands on the big issues, and if he really is worse than Trump.

“DeSantis has captured the imagination of conservatives and Republicans nationwide.”
“It’s the worst kept secret in America that DeSantis wants to be President.”
“DeSantis is Donald Trump without the charisma.”

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Andrew Harrison. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold, Jelena Sofronijevic and Alex Rees. Assistant producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Audio production by Jade Bailey. Music: Kenny Dickinson. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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How to start your own country Oct 21, 2022

As separatist movements across the globe try to establish new nations, how do you actually go about creating a new country? What is the project management plan for independence? Political science professor Matt Qvortrup joins Ahir Shah to discuss how a new state is made in the 21st century, covered in his new book I Want to Break Free: A Practical Guide to Making a New Country.

“Independence referendums are won by appealing to people’s heart strings.”
“The Scottish independence referendum is good example of what not to do in an independence referendum.”
“Becoming independent is not a panacea.”

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Ahir Shah. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold, Jelena Sofronijevic and Alex Rees. Assistant producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Audio production by Jade Bailey. Music: Kenny Dickinson. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Brady Gaga: The weird world of the 1922 committee Oct 20, 2022

The 1922 committee is the secretive, unofficial voice of the Conservative party. Who are these Tory ‘men in gray suits’? Former BBC politics correspondent and political editor of the New Statesman, and host of Rock & Roll Politics Steve Richards talks to Alex Rees about prime ministers being held to ransom, the 1922 mindset, and Graham Brady’s secrets.

“Tory MPs are more rebellious than ever, so the 1922 committee gets ever more relevant.”
“The 1922 committee represents ‘honesty’ for Conservatives – toothless messengers of political truths.”
“Graham Brady loves the role, he sees his duty as being to the Party rather than factions.”

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Alex Rees. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Assistant producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Audio production by Alex Rees. Music: Kenny Dickinson. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Minford and Sons: How one economist mesmerised the Tories Oct 19, 2022

Patrick Minford faded from view in the 2000s – but since Brexit, he’s returned to the fore of Tory economic policy. So who is this Arch-Thatcherite economist and what does he stand for? UCL policy fellow Laurie Macfarlane talks to Andrew Harrison about how he became an icon of the IEA set, and what his cult worship means for Liz Truss’ government, and the cost of living crisis.

“Most economists like markets but Minford is extreme.”
“The mini-budget was an experiment of Minford in practice.”
“There's a risk that we lunge to the other extreme and a return to Osbornite austerity.”
“Minford claims to care about government budgets, but he's fine with tax cuts for the wealthy.”

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Andrew Harrison. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Assistant producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Audio production by Alex Rees. Music: Kenny Dickinson. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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New era? The political vibe shift is here Oct 18, 2022

It feels like something is changing in the country – but is a real shift occurring? A vibe shift, if you will... Poll fiend and senior data journalist at the New Statesman Ben Walker talks to Ros Taylor about whether the political mood of the UK has fundamentally changed, with Brexit, culture wars, climate change and COVID.

“If the Labour Party used Take Back Control, it would do well as a slogan.”
“Younger Brits are more inclined towards personal, not national, identities. But it's the same thing – belonging.”
“Anxiety over the environment is just as high in the Red Wall as in the inner city, but the way you go around solving it is different.”
“A lot of voters feel strained by the old rules. COVID showed things can change.”

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Ros Taylor. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Assistant producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Audio production by Alex Rees. Music: Kenny Dickinson. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Taking Out The Truss – Start Your Week with Alex Andreou Oct 17, 2022

It’s the first new look Bunker, and as Jeremy Hunt prepares for a big budget announcement, are we ready for Austerity 2.0? And if Liz Truss is really done for, who could replace her as PM? Plus, Trump on trial, and China’s zero COVID response - Jacob Jarvis and Alex Andreou set out the days ahead.

“Truss now looks like a stress dream made reality.”
“Ben Wallace won’t want to take over the Titanic after it’s hit the iceberg.”
“No-one with half a brain would want the job of PM now.”
“Trump is an experienced litigant. He's experienced in keeping his mouth shut in legal settings.”

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Presented by Jacob Jarvis and Alex Andreou. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Assistant producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Audio production by Robin Leeburn. Music: Kenny Dickinson. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Bunker Bonus – Swearing by It: Why We #?#!ing Love to Curse Oct 16, 2022

Plenty of us enjoy blasting out a few swear words – but what makes it feel so good? Richard Stephens, a senior lecturer in psychology at Keele University and author of Black Sheep: The Hidden Benefits of Being Bad, tells Jacob Jarvis how swearing can stop pain, make us stronger and help us form closer friendships.

“Swearing does appear to make you stronger.”
“People are more disinhibited after swearing.”
“Swearing can be a social bonding tool.”
“You can enjoy a well placed swear word, can’t you? You can think, ‘That was skillful.’”

Support us on Patreon:

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Written and presented by Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold, Jelena Sofronijevic and Alex Rees. Assistant producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Audio production by Jade Bailey. Music: Kenny Dickinson. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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There Xi Goes: China's Leader Locks in His Power Oct 16, 2022

China’s leader Xi Jinping is poised to smash precedent and take on a third term. But how has he consolidated his power? And what role have stringent regional Covid lockdowns played in him tightening his grip? Alex Andreou discusses this with Steve Tsang, director of the SOAS China Institute and regular contributor to the China in Context podcast.

“China’s lockdown policy has increased the ability of the communist party to gain control.”
“Xi likes the narrative that China is the only country to win the fight against Covid.”
“The Chinese government can’t accept that its vaccines are less effective.”
“China has a sort of health nationalism.”

Support us on Patreon:

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Written and presented by Alex Andreou. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold, Jelena Sofronijevic and Alex Rees. Assistant Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Audio production by Robin Leeburn Music: Kenny Dickinson. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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What the Hell are Gilts and Bonds Anyway? Oct 15, 2022

If talk of gilt markets, securities, and liabilities leaves you baffled – then fear not, we’ve got you covered. In just twenty minutes, Giles Wilkes, former economics special adviser to Theresa May and Vince Cable and now a senior fellow at the Institute of Government, explains to Alex Andreou what gilts are and why they are at the centre of the current economic storm.

“The gilt market has never reacted this badly to anything in my memory.”
“Interest rates play a billion roles in the economy…too many to point at one and say, it's better that it's higher.”
“Market confidence will be restored. Eventually. But serious damage has been done in the eyes of international markets.”

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Written and presented by Alex Andreou. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold, Jelena Sofronijevic and Alex Rees. Assistant producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Audio production by Jade Bailey. Music: Kenny Dickinson. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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What’s Going Macron? The New Special Relationship Oct 14, 2022

Has France replaced the UK in the so-called ‘special relationship’ with the US? Journalist and European Research Fellow Rym Momtaz talks to Ros Taylor from Paris about the similarities between Joe Biden and Emmanuel Macron, that awkward AUKUS moment over submarines, and why Macron might become the “Obama of France”…

“When Trump was President, Macron tried to set up a bromance.”
“It's a misconception that Democrats get along better with their European counterparts.”
“Macron is trying to be seen as driving the EU response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.”

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Written and presented by Ros Taylor. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold, Jelena Sofronijevic and Alex Rees. Assistant producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Audio production by Jade Bailey. Music: Kenny Dickinson. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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I Voted for Stupid: Why Acting Dumb Pays Off for Politicians Oct 13, 2022

From Trump, to Johnson, and Truss – are politicians really stupid? Or are they just pretending to be so that we’ll vote for them? Siân Pattenden delves into the state of our political psyche with Dean Burnett, neuroscientist and author of The Idiot Brain, to find out the science behind why we vote for stupid politicians.

“Calling politicians ‘idiots’ defangs them. It makes us feel reassured instead of terrified.”
“Sounding clever doesn’t connect politicians to the electorate.”
“Politics really suffers when it becomes the reserve of the rich and powerful, because it becomes a game.”

Written and presented by Siân Pattenden. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold, Jelena Sofronijevic and Alex Rees. Assistant producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Audio production by Jade Bailey. Music: Kenny Dickinson. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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What the Frack? Drilling Down Into a Doomed Energy Plan Oct 12, 2022

Why does Liz Truss think fracking holds the answer to our energy crisis when so many experts disagree? Will it blight our ‘green and pleasant land’ – or does it simply not work in Britain? Ros Taylor talks to Jon Gluyas, director of the Durham Energy Institute at the University of Durham, about earthquakes, flammable water and where our energy policy is going wrong.

“We have known fracking doesn’t work in the UK for decades.”
“We are global leaders in wind technology. So, let’s focus on that.”
“We need a well thought through energy policy, something we haven’t had for fifty years.”
“Offshore oil fields provide far more of an opportunity than onshore fracking.”

Written and presented by Ros Taylor. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold, Jelena Sofronijevic. Assistant Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Audio production by Alex Rees. Music: Kenny Dickinson. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Over a Barrel: The New Oil Crisis – Weekly Edition Oct 11, 2022

In a shock move, OPEC oil-rich nations cut back their production. Are we in for a 1974-style oil crisis? And has the Middle East just sided with Putin? Plus, the heroic protests in Iran where young women rebel after the killing of Mahsa Amini. At home: what next for Truss as she evolves from u-turns into donuts? And the end of the World Service as we know it.

Special guest Dr. Julie Norman, associate professor in politics and international relations at University College London, joins us in The Bunker for high-level politics talk… and some big news about the podcast.

“With this move OPEC has laid down its cards with Russia – it’s a slap in the face to the US and Europe.” – Julie Norman
“What is so striking about the protests is it is fundamentally a women-led movement.” – Yasmeen Serhan
"If you spend a decade purging a party of moderation, you don't get one kind of crazy, you get loads." – Alex Andreou

Presented by Andrew Harrison with Alex Andreou and Yasmeen Serhan. Producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic . Assistant producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Robin Leeburn. Lead producer: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. The Bunker is a Podmasters production.

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The Binfire Strikes Back – Start Your Week with Alex Andreou and Justin Quirk Oct 10, 2022

Truss’s tailspin of u-turns is due to continue as she tries to charm her MPs when Parliament returns. What more chaos with Liz can we expect this week? And, with peerages to be confirmed – what nasty surprises will end up in the Lords? Plus, we look at the latest from Ukraine as strikes hit Kyiv. Justin Quirk talks to Alex Andreou to plot out the days ahead.

“If Truss thinks she can ask the country to reward her to fix a problem she’s created, she’s getting really terrible advice.” – Alex Andreou
“They’re trying to make the tax cuts they already made add up…They are reaching a stage where they will have to start u-turning on them.” – Alex Andreou
“Liz Truss wants to avoid any by-elections because there’s no such thing as a safe Tory seat.” – Alex Andreou

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Presented by Justin Quirk with Alex Andreou. Producers: Jacob Archbold, Jelena Sofronijevic and Alex Rees. Assistant Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production: Robin Leeburn. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Rocket Fuelled: Why space has answers to Earth’s problems Oct 09, 2022

The planet is burning. So does it make sense to pour billions (and tons of carbon) into space exploration? Or could it help solve Earthly problems – including climate change? On the eve of the first moonshot in 50 years, Tereza Pultarova of Space.com joins Andrew Harrison to weigh up the pros and cons of extraterrestrial research, from the space industry’s carbon debt to moon treaties, space junk and the coming turf war on the Moon.

“Space rockets often create mini-punctures in the ozone layer. It’s a big worry.”
“We are flying plants into space and hoping they will mutate and become drought resistant.”
“Incredible amounts of energy goes into avoiding the rubbish that now litters earth’s orbit.”
“China is flexing its space muscles, and the West can’t afford to fall behind.”

Support us on Patreon:

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Written and presented by Andrew Harrison. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Assistant producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Audio production by Jade Bailey. Music: Kenny Dickinson. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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The U-Turner Prize: When Politicians Backtrack Oct 08, 2022

Why do we see so many political u-turns? What makes politicians turn 180 – and why are some so against it? After Liz Truss’s budget flip flop laid waste to the Thatcher comparison she dreamed of, Ros Taylor talks to Tim Bale, professor of politics at Queen Mary University, about why we see such drastic changes of course in modern politics.

“U-turns are more likely because voters are now less tribal.”
“Journalists make a great deal of U-turns, mainly because they facilitate them.”
“Boris Johnson could make lots of U-turns because he didn’t believe in anything except himself.”

Support us on Patreon:

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Written and presented by Ros Taylor. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold, Jelena Sofronijevic. Assistant Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Audio production by Jade Bailey. Music: Kenny Dickinson. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Sex-cluded: What Makes Men Turn Incel? Oct 07, 2022

They are described as isolated, violent misogynists. So what draws men to the community of “incels” – or involuntary celibates? Do they hate women or are their reasons for rejecting sex more complex? Justin Quirk delves into the dark corners of the internet with William Costello, expert on the psychology of incels at the University of Austin at Texas, to find out how worried we should be about them.

“You have a supply and demand problem – a skewed sex ratio.”
“The sensationalising of incel violence is a worrying trend.”
“The term ‘incel’ first appeared on a lesbian forum in the late 1990s.”

Support us on Patreon:

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Justin Quirk. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold, Jelena Sofronijevic and Alex Rees. Assistant producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Audio production by Jade Bailey. Music: Kenny Dickinson. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Roofless People – The Radical Rethink that Housing Needs? Oct 06, 2022

A home should be a sanctuary. But for many people, it means sharing a bed, worrying about whether you’ll have a roof over your head, or whether home ownership is even possible. Hashi Mohamed, lawyer and author of A Home of One’s Own, calls Ros Taylor from his home in Wembley, to talk about arriving in Britain as a child refugee, why the planning system is political, and how we can tackle the housing crisis and now.

“The planning system is perceived as a place where ideas go to die. But the reality is more boring.”
“Local politics just plays out through the planning system.”
“Your child won't get on the property ladder, your grandchild certainly won't. So how can you both worry about the housing crisis, and say 'not in my back yard'?”
“People don't understand that new houses in your area actually leads to the value of your property going up.”
“Housing has moved from the place where you lay your head to a pension fund.”

Support us on Patreon:

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Ros Taylor. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold, Jelena Sofronijevic and Alex Rees. Assistant producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Audio production by Jade Bailey. Music: Kenny Dickinson. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Home-Ones-Own-Hashi-Mohamed/dp/1800811268/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=

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Mad, SpAd and Dangerous to Know: The Power of Special Advisors Oct 05, 2022

Who has the new PM surrounded herself with – and how much power do they wield? Alex Rees is joined by columnist, Bunker regular and Westminster gossip maven Marie Le Conte to discuss the cosy coterie of hardcore conservative think tanks shaping her policy, and what it takes for a political obsessive to be by a minister’s ear.

“For junior roles, you need to prove your loyalty from the get-go, and only then are you rewarded.”
“Truss is the continuity candidate of Boris Johnson.”
“Truss is firmly from the small-state side of the party.”
“Think tanks have created a space where, in the long run, they can influence policy.”

Written, presented and edited by Alex Rees with guest Marie Le Conte. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Assistant producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Music: Kenny Dickinson. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Getting Britain Moving (Back In With Mum and Dad) – Weekly Edition Oct 04, 2022

After U-turning on their mini budget, do Kwarteng and Truss have a vision beyond lining their mates pockets? Plus, with mutiny in the ranks, including from general-election-calling Nadine Dorries, what’s the latest from the Tory conference? And, after Truss’s grilling on regional radio last week, we ask where would we be without local journalism? This week’s guest is Richard Hayton, associate professor of politics at the University of Leeds.

“The atmosphere at the Tory conference is weird, but everyone agrees Truss is either out or can’t get any lower.” – Marie Le Conte
“This is the first time I have seen the Bank of England rescue a government from its own policies.” – Andrew Harrison
“Truss tells a joke and painfully holds out for a laugh which is never coming.” – Marie Le Conte
“The good bit of Kwarteng’s speech was that it was very short.” – Justin Quirk

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Tickets to Doomsday Watch Live: https://www.tickettext.co.uk/etmejHAuba

Presented by Andrew Harrison with Justin Quirk, Marie Le Conte and guest Richard Hayton. Producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Assistant producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. Lead producer: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. The Bunker is a Podmasters production.

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Flip-Flop Don’t Stop – Start Your Week with Ros Taylor Oct 03, 2022

Kami-Kwazi pulls the 45p tax cut as the curtain goes up in flames at Tory Conference. Can Truss style this one out or is she already toast? Plus, what Putin’s criminal annexation of parts of Ukraine means; Bolsonaro does better than he expected in Brazil ; and is Britain finally rowing back from kneejerk Europhobia? Ros Taylor plots out the next seven days with Justin Quirk.

“This u-turn is a massive deal – it’s an embarrassment for all concerned.”
“Could Truss even persuade anyone else to be her Chancellor now? Except maybe Mogg…”
“This u-turn raises doubts about Truss’s whole raison d’être.”
“This Government will be on its knees and exhausted by the time it leaves power.”

Support us on Patreon:

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Tickets to Doomsday Watch Live: https://www.tickettext.co.uk/etmejHAuba

Written and presented by Justin Quirk and Ros Taylor. Producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Assistant producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Audio production by Jade Bailey. Music: Kenny Dickinson. Lead producer: Jacob Archbold. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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AI Spy: The New Frontiers in Surveillance Oct 02, 2022

As surveillance becomes ever more sophisticated, should we be worried? From borderless security guards to Deep Fakes, what do we need to know about the changes to this technology? Jelena Sofronijevic is joined by Kirstie Ball, professor of management at the University of St. Andrews and Pete Fussey, professor of sociology at the University of Essex to discuss the possibilities and pitfalls in this developing digital realm.

“Surveillance is about power, so we really have to ask how that power is being wielded.” – Kirstie Ball
“The future of surveillance may look exciting, but it's often taking away rights in the name of convenience. It’s like using a sledgehammer to crack a nut.” – Kirstie
“Surveillance can really erode interpersonal trust.” – Pete Fussey
“It’s important to think about the mundanity of surveillance, because it's the boring stuff that will transform our lives.” – Pete Fussey

Support us on Patreon:

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Tickets to Doomsday Watch Live: https://www.tickettext.co.uk/etmejHAuba

Written and presented by Jelena Sofronijevic. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold and Alex Rees. Assistant producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Audio production by Jade Bailey. Music: Kenny Dickinson. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Take a Chancellor on Me: Unpacking Kwarteng and Truss's Big Gamble Oct 01, 2022

The financial meltdown Truss and Kwarteng have caused has surprised even their greatest detractors. But seriously, just how bad is this? And is there any way to fix it – even if they wanted to? David Blanchflower, former member of the Bank of England’s monetary policy committee, Dartmouth economics professor and author, joins Alex Andreou to discuss the situation.

“Markets prevent clueless amateurs doing stupid things… but nobody trusts you, nobody believes you, electorally it’s a disaster. Who actually supports this stuff?
“I have never seen such abject incompetence in my entire life.”
“We need sensible people back in the room asking, ‘What can we do to rectify the disaster they’ve created?’”

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Tickets to Doomsday Watch Live: https://www.tickettext.co.uk/etmejHAuba

Written and presented by Alex Andreou. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold, Jelena Sofronijevic and Alex Rees. Assistant producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Audio production by Jade Bailey. Music: Kenny Dickinson. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Stand and Deliver: Speech Lessons for Truss Sep 30, 2022

Speeches can make or break a politician – so, Liz Truss looks like she’s in trouble. What can she do to improve? Jacob Jarvis is joined by Dr. Henriette van der Blom, the founding director of the Network for Oratory and Politics at the University of Birmingham to discuss the art of political speeches and “deliver, deliver, deliver” some advice to the new PM.

“Truss’s inaugural speech was by far her worst.”
“Truss’s speeches have developed, but they haven’t become better.”
“Truss is appropriating Thatcher's image but the public will only believe her if she is seen as genuine.”

Support us on Patreon:

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Tickets to Doomsday Watch Live:

https://www.tickettext.co.uk/etmejHAuba

Written and presented by Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold, Jelena Sofronijevic and Alex Rees. Assistant producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Audio production by Jade Bailey. Music: Kenny Dickinson. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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It’s Meloni at the Top: Who is Italy’s New Right Wing PM? Sep 29, 2022

As Giorgia Meloni’s victory sparks concern across Europe, we discuss what you need to know about Italy’s new PM. How surprising, and worrying, is it that Italy has moved to the right? Alex Andreou is joined by Chiara Albanese, Bloomberg's Rome-based political correspondent, to explore Meloni’s track record and ask what kind of leader she’ll be.

“She is brushing off her fascist roots to appeal to more people.”
“She is woman, but she isn’t a feminist. This isn’t a victory for women.”
“The right are holding power because they are a coalition, but the Italian left is totally fragmented.”

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Tickets to Doomsday Watch Live: https://www.tickettext.co.uk/etmejHAuba

Written and presented by Alex Andreou. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold, Jelena Sofronijevic and Alex Rees. Assistant producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Audio production by Robin Leeburn. Music: Kenny Dickinson. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Power Hungary: How Viktor Orbán Destroyed a Democracy Sep 28, 2022

How did Viktor Orbán seize total power within Hungary – and what warnings should other nations take from his actions? Doomsday Watch host Arthur Snell is joined by Zsolt Enyedi, professor of political science at the Central European University, to unpack what lessons democracies should take from the Orbán era.

“The public treated the radicalisation of debate as a political gimmick, and now we are seeing the disastrous effects.”
“Orbán is stronger than he was a year ago, and is only getting stronger.”
“Orbán put in an enormous amount of money to change how people inside and outside of Hungary think.”

Support us on Patreon:

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Tickets to Doomsday Watch Live:

https://www.tickettext.co.uk/etmejHAuba

Written and presented by Arthur Snell. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold, Jelena Sofronijevic and Alex Rees. Assistant producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Audio production by Robin Leeburn. Music: Kenny Dickinson. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Pound Robbin’ – Weekly Edition Sep 27, 2022

The fiscal event of the year has caused the pound to plummet – what, if anything at all, are Truss and Kwarteng thinking? Plus, could Labour have chosen a better time to have their conference with the Tories in turmoil? We discuss Starmer’s vision for a future government. And, we ask what makes a truly great sportsperson after tennis star Federer’s retirement.

"There's no clever strategy behind it. They've just fucked it up." – Tom Peck
“The economics announcement left the pundit gang confused that WE didn’t know what the government was doing, but they had no idea the whole time.” – Tom Peck
“Every Tory leader thinks they’re a Phoenix, but the Tories have been in power for twelve years. It’s like shitting yourself, getting a haircut and blaming it on someone else.” – Ahir Shah
Starmer's problem is that he's facing young people who see radical solutions as the only solution." – Tom Peck

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Tickets to Doomsday Watch Live: https://www.tickettext.co.uk/etmejHAuba

Presented by Jacob Jarvis with Ahir Shah, Justin Quirk and Tom Peck. Producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic . Assistant producer Kasia Tomasiewicz. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. Lead producer: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. The Bunker is a Podmasters production.

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Death by a Thousand Tax Cuts – Start Your Week with Alex Andreou and Jacob Jarvis Sep 26, 2022

Mini-budget backlash has given Labour plenty of ammunition to use against the Tories as their party conference gets into swing. Just how bad have Kwarteng and Truss’s plans gone down? And what fallout can we expect? Plus, we look at the latest from Russia, as Putin’s draft faces widespread protests. And, we unpack the Italian election results.

“Despite efforts from right-wing client media, market reaction to this budget has been bad.” – Alex Andreou
“The one thing that stimulates growth is faith in the Government, and the markets don’t have it.” – Alex Andreou
“”The Ukrainian army has gained more equipment from Russia in the last week than from the West in the last six months.” – Alex Andreou
“When a vast majority turn against you in an autocracy, you tend to lose your head.” – Alex Andreou

Support us on Patreon:

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Tickets to Doomsday Watch Live: https://www.tickettext.co.uk/etmejHAuba

Presented by Jacob Jarvis with Alex Andreou. Producers: Jacob Archbold, Jelena Sofronijevic and Alex Rees. Assistant Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production: Jade Bailey. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Gen Zzz: Why Sleep is Political Sep 25, 2022

Some 75% of adults don’t get the recommended seven to nine hours a night – and one in seven survive on dangerously low levels of sleep. So are we facing a national, or even international, sleep crisis? Lisa L. Lewis and Oxford professor Russell Foster talk to Jelena Sofronijevic about our body clocks, circadian rhythms, and why sleep is revolutionary.

“Sleep is like shoe size. One size does not fit all.” – Professor Russell Foster
“The tired brain remembers the bad experiences, but not the good ones.” – Professor Russell Foster
“Some leaders think sleep is for wimps.” – Professor Russell Foster
“In China, sleep has been politicised. Some people are sleeping on the streets as a form of protest.” – Professor Russell Foster

Support us on Patreon:

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Jelena Sofronijevic. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold, Jelena Sofronijevic and Alex Rees. Assistant producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Audio production by Alex Rees. Music: Kenny Dickinson. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Life-Time-Science-Revolutionize-Health/dp/0241529301

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sleep-Deprived-Teen-Teenagers-Parents-Schools/dp/1642507911

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Culture Bunker: Bowie doc Moonage Daydream, author David Keenan… and news for all listeners Sep 24, 2022

Weekend pop culture! Does Bowie mega-documentary Moonage Daydream do the Dame justice? Cult author David Keenan tells us about his astonishing, cryptic novel of occult hippiedom Industry of Magic And Light. And we’ve got big news for all listeners… plus a lot of new music, TV and movies to tide you over the autumn.

“My father was illiterate, but he could tell the most amazing stories. He had such faith in language and told me ‘You need to read, it’ll change your life’.” – David Keenan
“Making a film about Bowie without mentioning his prodigious intake of cocaine is a bit like mentioning Maradona without mentioning the football.” – Andrew Harrison
“Moonage Daydream doesn’t feel like a sellout or a museum piece. It’s designed to feel as real as it felt at the time, not set in amber.” – Sian Pattenden
“You should walk through art into life on the other side.” – David Keenan

Hear all the music on our rolling playlists.

Spotify: https://bit.ly/CultBunk

Tidal: https://tidal.com/browse/playlist/77075591-255c-47eb-9062-815c4dd469ef

Listen to five years of our past incarnation Bigmouth on Apple Podcasts or Spotify – or wherever you get your podcasts.

Our Autumn Almanack:

Jelena:

Alvvays new album ‘Blue Rev’ coming soon.

Los Bitchos on tour.

Triangle Of Sadness movie.

The Story Of Art Without Men book.

Andrew:

Plaid new album Feorm Falorx coming in November.

Star Wars: Andor is streaming on Disney+ now.

As is the mind-blowing Marvel psychedelic epic Legion.

And the spectacular Aussie comedy drama about crime and single dadhood, Mr Inbetween.

Neil Gaiman completes his Miracleman story for Marvel in October.

Siân:

Gilla Band new album ‘Most Normal’ coming on Oct 7 – and lots of it is here.

Movies: Olivia Wilde’s Don’t Worry Darling.

Michael Flatley’s unmissable Blackbird.

Synthgeek documentary A Film About Studio Electrophonique.

And the underrated Atlanta with Donald Glover is on, yes, Disney+.

Presented and produced by Andrew Harrison, Siân Pattenden and Jelena Sofronijevic. Audio production by Alex Rees. Theme music: ‘Bunker Theme (Juntos Mix)’ by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. The Culture Bunker is a Podmasters production.

Thanks for listening.

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Bunker Gold: Buzz Feed – Why Eating Insects Will Save the World Sep 23, 2022

For this week’s Bunker Gold, listen back to Ros eating insects in September 2021… Chances are you haven’t willingly eaten an insect. But two billion people are already bugging out on this sustainable source of protein. Could insects offer the perfect solution for our post-Brexit and pandemic supply chain problems? Entomologist Brian Fisher and Imperial College London’s Dr. Tilly Collins join Ros Taylor to chew on how we can change perceptions about insects in the West, how health clinics are battling for cricket powder, and why Welsh schools are already using mealworm mince in their insect bolognaise….plus Ros and Tilly snack on crickets live in the studio.

“With big animals, we only eat a bit of them. With insects, you eat the whole thing…” – Tilly Collins
“Insects are the glue that holds the world together… If we could introduce the Bacon Bug, everyone would love it.” – Brian Fisher
“Do you eat prawns? Why not eat a woodlouse?” – Tilly Collins

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Presented by Ros Taylor. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers: Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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How Energy Wars Are Reshaping the World Sep 22, 2022

Disputes over energy resources have become a key global issue. How is the way we consume oil and gas reshaping politics across the world? Arthur Snell, host of the Doomsday Watch podcast, is joined by Thijs van de Graaf, associate professor of international politics at the Ghent Institute and author of Global Energy Politics to discuss our changing energy sector.

“Oil consumption has peaked in the United States, Japan and Europe, the only way now is down.”
“We have kicked out oil from the power sector, something we have worked towards since the oil shocks of the 1970s.”
“The growth in oil pre-pandemic was petrochemicals and aviation, but now aviation has changed completely.”
“The war has changed everything, Europe is decoupling from Russia – shocks that will be felt for many years.”

Support us on Patreon:

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Arthur Snell. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold, Jelena Sofronijevic and Alex Rees. Assistant producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Audio production by Robin Leeburn. Music: Kenny Dickinson. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Rental Health Crisis: The Looming Lettings Disaster Sep 21, 2022

Bidding wars, rent caps and queues just to view homes. What is going on with rented housing? Far from being a fringe aspect of housing used by students, it's now used by a significant proportion of our population. Ahir Shah is joined by Pete Apps, deputy editor at Inside Housing and author of forthcoming book Show Me the Bodies, on the Grenfell Tower disaster, to discuss navigating the lettings market.

“We are seeing a supply-demand perfect storm.”
“With house prices rising, most people really are trapped. They have no option but to rent at extortionate rates.”
“The private rental sector isn’t some fringe part of the economy only used by students, it's the main way that many house themselves.”

Support us on Patreon:

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Ahir Shah. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold, Jelena Sofronijevic and Alex Rees. Assistant Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Audio production by Jade Bailey. Music: Kenny Dickinson. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Britannia Unbrained – Weekly Edition Sep 20, 2022

Liz Truss has taken her robotic speaking style too far as she trundles around like a Dalek yelling “deregulate, deregulate!” What red tape are she and Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng actually going to cut? Plus, we discuss the Overton Window of protest. Will tighter crackdowns on demonstrators persist as the mourning period ends? And, finally we discuss outdoor brand Patagonia’s owner giving away the company – what’s that all about?

“The focus on growth seems completely mad. We’ve had growth – but that didn’t lead to people being better off.” – Miatta Fahnbulleh
“The public has high expectations but the government is going to experiment with something that has been tried and failed.” – Miatta Fahnbulleh
“They think leaving money sloshing at the top will have a halo effect on the rest of the economy.” – Alex Andreou
“I wouldn’t go as far as saying this is the wrong time, but I’m not saying it is the right time to protest either.” – Alex Andreou

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Presented by Andrew Harrison with Alex Andreou, Gavin Esler and Miatta Fahnbulleh. Producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic . Assistant producer Kasia Tomasiewicz. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. Lead producer: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. The Bunker is a Podmasters production.

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Never Gonna Give Queue Up – Start Your Week with Arthur Snell and Justin Quirk Sep 19, 2022

Politics restarts as the Queen’s Funeral ends the mourning period. Liz Truss heads off to the UN Summit and Kwasi Kwarteng prepares his banker-fluffing Fiscal Event as the Government tries to reboot itself. Plus, we look at the latest from Ukraine, and the increasing pressure Putin faces for his miscalculations. Justin Quirk talks to Arthur Snell tolay out the days ahead.

“Truss has really struggled to live up to the historical importance of this moment.”
“I think with Kwarteng’s plans there’ll be plenty to criticise, but plenty more to chew over.”
“The Government just hasn’t been doing governing for the last week.”
“The UN agenda is going to be Ukraine, Ukraine, Ukraine.”
“China really doesn’t need the chaotic, pre-Westphalian world that Putin is trying to bring back.”

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Presented by Arthur Snell and Justin Quirk. Producers: Jacob Archbold, Jelena Sofronijevic and Alex Rees. Assistant Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production: Jade Bailey. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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RoboDoc: Can You Trust AI with Your Health? Sep 18, 2022

Should we welcome artificial intelligence in healthcare – or is it the stuff of dystopian nightmares? Jelena Sofronijevic is joined by James Zou, assistant professor of biomedical data science at Stanford University and David Leslie, director of ethics and responsible innovation research at the Alan Turing Institute, to discuss the potentials of AI and the future of health.

"We're building AI to augment, not replace, doctors." – James Zou
"We need to work hard to create trust in health data sharing." - David Leslie
“Just as like how we as humans are not neutral, algorithms should also not be neutral” - David Leslie

Support us on Patreon:

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Jelena Sofronijevic. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold and Alex Rees. Assistant producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Audio production by Jade Bailey. Music: Kenny Dickinson. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Culture Bunker: Beatles’ Revolver, 70s singalong pop, Bodies Bodies Bodies, Narco Saints Sep 17, 2022

Weekend pop culture! We discover The Beatles’ new spruced-up ‘Revolver’ with Giles “Son Of George” Martin. Guest Will Hodgkinson of The Times extols the chirpy-chirpy glories of ’70s bubblegum pop from his new book In Perfect Harmony. And we check out A24 gore-fest Bodies Bodies Bodies and Netflix’s latest Korean import, Narco Saints.

“Revolver is a punk record. The Beatles played hard.” – Giles Martin
“Try writing a song as catchy as ‘Chirpy Chirpy, Cheep Cheep’ – it’s not easy.” – Will Hodgkinson
“When you listen to ‘Revolver’ you can hear the past, present and future of music.” – Siân Pattenden

Hear all the music on our rolling playlists.

Spotify: https://bit.ly/CultBunk

Tidal: https://tidal.com/browse/playlist/77075591-255c-47eb-9062-815c4dd469ef

Presented and produced by Siân Pattenden and Alex Andreou. Audio production by Alex Rees. Theme music: ‘Bunker Theme (Juntos Mix)’ by Kenny Dickinson. Co-produced by Jelena Sofronijevic. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. The Culture Bunker is a Podmasters production.

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Crown Duels: Anthony Seldon on Charles's Daunting Future Sep 16, 2022

With a new monarch and PM, Britain faces stark change. How will these incoming figureheads handle this? What will this mean for the future of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth? Historian Sir Anthony Seldon joins author and former BBC journalist Gavin Esler to discuss the turmoil we face.

“The United Kingdom is actually a relatively new concept.”
“The Monarchy, unlike Prime Ministers, embodies continuity.”
“If the call comes to become a republic, it will be hard for Australia to resist it.”
“The United Kingdom is actually a relatively new concept.” “We’ve lost a huge force which was holding the UK together.”
“We’ve almost forgotten there’s a new prime minister, in the wall-to-wall reporting.”

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Presented by Gavin Esler. Producers: Jacob Archbold, Jelena Sofronijevic and Alex Rees. Assistant Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production: Alex Rees. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Are Sanctions on Russia Really Working? Sep 15, 2022

Six months into the Ukraine crisis, are western sanctions imposed on Russia really working? Dr Richard Connolly, associate fellow at the Royal United Services Institute, joins Ahir Shah to explain the economic war sparked by Putin’s invasion, the effectiveness of Western sanctions, and why this hidden conflict isn’t going as well as expected.

“Russia is quite happy to sell oil cheaply to friendly countries, not so much the West.”
“The Rouble is strong at the moment, but that doesn’t mean sanctions aren’t working.”
“Russia have been preparing for this, we have not.”
“Russia will get poor, but Europe will be getting a hell of a lot poorer because of the downgrading of energy relations.”
“Regime change is always implicit behind sanctions.”

Support us on Patreon:

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Ahir Shah. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold, Jelena Sofronijevic and Alex Rees. Assistant producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Audio production by Jade Bailey. Music: Kenny Dickinson. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Last Orders: The Fate of Pubs with Tom Kerridge Sep 14, 2022

Pubs are a cornerstone of British culture. But with increasing numbers closing, and a long winter ahead, what can we do to save them? Ros Taylor is joined by Michelin star chef and hospitality champion Tom Kerridge to discuss how pubs are under threat and ways they may change in the future.

"Even if pubs look busy, they are working to incredibly tight profit margins."
"As people have become more health conscious, they don't go to pubs during the day – so pubs really need to change."
"The days where pubs open at 12pm, turn on the fruit machines and wait for people to come are gone."

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Ros Taylor. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold, Jelena Sofronijevic and Alex Rees. Assistant producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Audio production by Robin Leeburn. Music: Kenny Dickinson. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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How the Queen was Forced to Change Sep 14, 2022

Queen Elizabeth II’s reign coincided with huge cultural and social shifts, so how did she respond to these changes? Following the Queen’s death, Ros Taylor is joined by Stephen Bates, former royal correspondent for The Guardian and author of Royalty Inc. Britain's Best-Known Brand to discuss changes seen in the Elizabethen era.

“The Queen had to be persuaded to do things, and then she went along with them.”
“The monarchy is very careful about its resources.”
“There was a huge backlash against the monarchy in the 90s, especially around them not paying tax.”
“The royals want to preserve the succession, so Charles will be a small c conservative king.”

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Ros Taylor. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold, Jelena Sofronijevic and Alex Rees. Assistant producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Audio production by Jade Bailey. Music: Kenny Dickinson. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Pomp Will Eat Itself – Weekly Edition Sep 13, 2022

Pageantry, pomp and poignancy have flowed in abundance since the Queen's death, while mourning has put democracy on ice. The panel unpacks the nation’s reaction – and tries to decipher what it all really means. Plus, the latest from the Ukraine counter-offensive, as it firmly appears the tide is turning against Russia.

“We rarely knew The Queen’s feelings on anything, a tough act for Charles to follow.” – Arthur Snell
“There has been a lot of self-policing, but as far as I can tell there has been very little McCarthyism around The Queen’s death.” – Marie Le Conte
“Truss’s speech about The Queen was really bad, but I have sympathy for her.” – Marie Le Conte
“Russia has had a terrible war, it’s a war they can’t even admit they’re in.” – Arthur Snell

Presented by Ros Taylor with Arthur Snell, Justin Quirk and Marie Le Conte. Producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic . Assistant producer Kasia Tomasiewicz. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. Lead producer: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison.

The Bunker is a Podmasters production.

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The Mourning After – Start Your Week with Alex Andreou and Yasmeen Serhan Sep 12, 2022

With the nation in mourning following the death of the Queen, what can we expect to happen in the next few days? A state funeral will be held next week, and hundreds of thousands are due to visit London. Elsewhere, we discuss the situation in Ukraine, and the counter offensive there. Plus, the Met faces scrutiny after the shooting of Chris Kaba by a firearms officer. Alex Andreou and Yasmeen Serhan lay out the week ahead.

“People seemed to be more shocked by how it had hit them, they perhaps weren’t expecting to be as moved as they were.” – Yasmeen Serhan
“It’s exposed quite how emotional the connection is to the monarchy, it’s a bond formed very early from childhood.” – Alex Andreou
“Liz Truss is going to be doing a lot in recent days, but the crises are not going to wait for a period of mourning to pass.” – Yasmeen Serhan
"You don't need to be a monarchist to understand the impact the Queen had." – Yasmeen Serhan

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Presented by Alex Andreou with Yasmeen Serhan. Producers: Jacob Archbold, Jelena Sofronijevic and Alex Rees. Assistant Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production: Jade Bailey. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Chancellor Would be a Fine Thing: The Power of No.11 Sep 08, 2022

As Kwasi Kwarteng becomes Britain’s latest Chancellor, how much power really lies behind the door of No.11? Howard Davies, chairman of the NatWest Group and author of The Chancellors: Steering the British Economy in Crisis Times, joins Alex Andreou to discuss the influence of previous Chancellors, and the challenges facing Kwarteng as he takes his place at the Treasury.

“The treasury is unique in that it’s the only department not solely focused with spending Government money.”
“A good Chancellor will be prepared to stand up to the Prime Minister.”
“Sunak came into the treasury thinking Brexit was a good idea. That was a problem.”

patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Alex Andreou. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold, Jelena Sofronijevic and Alex Rees. Assistant producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Audio production by Alex Rees. Music: Kenny Dickinson. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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How a Novel Poisoned America’s History Sep 07, 2022

American society is in crisis, but can the iconic story Gone with the Wind explain the divisions ripping the US apart today? Professor Sarah Churchwell talks to Arthur Snell about her new book The Wrath to Come, which re-examines the controversial legacy of Margaret Mitchell’s 1936 novel, and what it tells us about American history and culture today.

“Gone with the Wind does reject the idea that war is romantic, that is where it’s more modern.”
“During the insurrection a white supremacist flag was carried in the US Capitol for the first time since the civil war.”
“Anyone outside of the US sees Biden as centre-right. In America he’s painted as a socialist.“
“Democracy in America hasn’t been achieved. It’s something we have to constantly fight for.”

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Arthur Snell. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold, Jelena Sofronijevic and Alex Rees. Assistant producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Audio production by Robin Leeburn. Music: Kenny Dickinson. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Liz-teria Outbreak – Weekly Edition Sep 06, 2022

Stop pinching yourself, this isn’t a bad dream – Liz Truss will be Prime Minister. She’s sworn she’ll deliver – but how? And will she stick to her campaign stances or, unlike her icon Thatcher, will she be for turning? Plus, we look across the pond and assess Biden’s new combative stance. From being set for a midterm wipeout, has the tide turned?

- “Truss has a litany of things she has to deal with in a relatively short period of time.” – Yasmeen Serhan

- “Truss is going to have a very modern work honeymoon – it’ll be one week long.” Yasmeen Serhan

- “People that worked for Theresa May are saying Truss has an awful in-tray.” – Yasmeen Serhan

- “We aren’t in for the most scintillating PMQs over the next two years.” – Justin Quirk

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Presented by Alex Andreou with Ahir Shah, Justin Quirk and Yasmeen Serhan. Producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic . Assistant producer Kasia Tomasiewicz. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. Lead producer: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. The Bunker is a Podmasters production.

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When Two Become One – Start Your Week with Arthur Snell and Ros Taylor Sep 05, 2022

The Groundhog Day of the Tory leadership race is over and Liz Truss is due to become Prime Minister. Does she truly gasp the size of the task at hand? And is there any hope for competence in her Cabinet? Plus, more strikes and protests are due this week. And we take a look at the latest from the conflict in Ukraine. Arthur Snell lays out the week ahead with Ros Taylor.

“If you could think of the worst time to become Prime Minister, this would be it.” – Arthur Snell
“Even Liz Truss in a terrible economic climate will get a bit of a bounce.” – Arthur Snell
"You’d think she’d want to hit the ground running, instead, she’s just going to hit the ground, as she said.” – Arthur Snell
"Britain has reached that stage on the international arena, where we’re just the guy who’s going through a midlife crisis.” – Arthur Snell
“Liz Truss has said there will be no rationing of energy – that’s fine until we’re having blackouts later in winter.” – Arthur Snell

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Presented by Ros Taylor with Arthur Snell. Producers: Jacob Archbold, Jelena Sofronijevic and Alex Rees. Assistant Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production: Jade Bailey. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Requiem for a Slob Clown with James O’Brien Sep 04, 2022

Finally, it’s time to say it… Good riddance, Boris Johnson. With the egomaniac-in-chief due to leave Number 10, Ros Taylor is joined byLBC’s James O’Brien to pick through the wreckage. What will be his legacy? Could things have ever gone differently? Join us for a cathartic farewell to the man who wanted to be king – but failed resoundingly as Prime Minister.

“In terms of personal political performance Johnsonism is very similar to Trumpism. It’s opportunism devoid of conscience.” – James O’Brien
“It’s an absence of shame that I think defines him.” – James O’Brien
"He pursued monuments to his ego – like the Garden Bridge – but these also acted as distractions from his utter failures." – James O'Brien
"Even on his way out of the door, he's detonating explosives that will be felt for a generation to come." – James O'Brien

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Ros Taylor. Lead producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Assistant producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Audio production by Jade Bailey. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Culture Bunker: Suede guest - plus Lord of the Rings on Amazon, and House of the Dragon Sep 03, 2022

Your pop culture update: We are joined by Brett Anderson and Mat Osman of resurgent rock’n’roll noir institution Suede to discuss their upcoming new album Autofiction, how it feels to return to the delinquent racket of their teenage years, and life as music’s most literate band. Plus we armour up for Amazon’s new adaptation of Lord of the Rings, and the Game of Thrones prequel House of the Dragon, now well into its run on Sky.

“This is our punk record, not a punk record.” - Brett Anderson
“Every few years we have to burn it all down and start again.” - Mat Osman
“I wanted to make the rock record of a 55 year old man. It's not a record about the arrogance of youth, but the vulnerability of being middle aged.” - Brett Anderson
“I'm determined not to become comfortable and irrelevant.” - Brett Anderson
“I experience just as much anxiety as a 50 year old as when I was a teenager. The problems are just different.” - Brett Anderson
“When you're an audience member, you've got a role in the performance.” - Brett Anderson

Hear all the music on our rolling playlists.

Spotify: https://bit.ly/CultBunk

Tidal: https://tidal.com/browse/playlist/77075591-255c-47eb-9062-815c4dd469ef

Presented and produced by Siân Pattenden, Andrew Harrison and Alex Andreou. Audio production by Alex Rees. Theme music: ‘Bunker Theme (Juntos Mix)’ by Kenny Dickinson. Co-produced by Jelena Sofronijevic. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. The Culture Bunker is a Podmasters production.

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Bunker Gold: Is There Life After Power? Tales of the Ex-Leaders Sep 02, 2022

In this week’s Bunker Gold, listen back to an episode from December 2020. BBC Radio producer and author of The Ex-Men: How Our Former Presidents and Prime Ministers are Still Changing the World, Giles Edwards talked to Ros Taylor about what ex-leaders get up to when they leave office. They discussed what happens behind the closed doors of members-only clubs – and how these ex-men (and women) still shape public life without us even knowing.

“You can get more done in fifteen minutes as Prime Minister than fifteen months as a former Prime Minister.”
“Clinton touched something in the Democratic Party soul that Obama didn’t.”

Presented by Ros Taylor. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Doom Decade: Why Do the ’70s Still Obsess Us? Sep 01, 2022

The 1970s is frequently referenced as a period of turmoil – and one we must avoid Britain returning to. But is our memory of the decade accurate? And why is it continually referenced by politicians and newspapers? Historian Lawrence Black, co-editor of Reassessing 1970s Britain,joins Jacob Jarvis to discuss why the era is so maligned.

“For better or worse, it was much easier to go on strike in the 1970s.”
“Thatcher won the political battles of the 1970s - but she lost the culture wars.”
“It’s in no political, or popular press interest to change the image of the 1970s.”
“There was a crisis in the political economy, for many the system just wasn’t working – and isn’t today.”

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Assistant producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Audio production by Jade Bailey. Sting music: Kenny Dickinson. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. Additional sounds and music from Epidemic Sound. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Liz Miserables – Weekly Edition Aug 31, 2022

With Liz Truss set to be crowned Prime Minister – who will be in the backbench Tory cabal keeping her on her toes? What will they pressure her on? Plus, we assess how Boris Johnson and his fellow journalists-turned-politicians have warped the media during his time in office. And ahead of the return to school, we discuss what education changes we’d make. This week’s guest is actress, screenwriter and author Emma Kennedy.

“For somebody who’s said she’s going to stand up to Putin it’s strange Truss is scared of Nick Robinson.” – Emma Kennedy
“The list of Truss’s failures are extensive, I can’t think of anything she has done that has improved my life.” – Gavin Esler
“You can’t balance people who tell the truth with people who lie. The BBC has to take that seriously.” – Gavin Esler

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Justin Quirk with Arthur Snell and Gavin Esler. Producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic . Assistant producer Kasia Tomasiewicz. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. Lead producer: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. The Bunker is a Podmasters production.

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Heat Nowt to Help Out – Start Your Week with Yasmeen Serhan and Justin Quirk Aug 30, 2022

Energy saving tips roll in ahead of a coming bill tsunami – what cost of living omens await this week? Chancellor Nadhim Zahawi has warned middle earners will struggle with payments, and broke with colleagues by suggesting that people limit their usage. Plus, the latest from Ukraine, amid a counter-offensive in the Kherson region. And, back home, further strikes are due to be held. Justin Quirk and Yasmeen Serhan discuss the week ahead.

"It feels like there hasn’t really been much of a Government the last few weeks.” – Yasmeen Serhan
"You put people in this precarious position where they ask, ‘Am I going to heat my flat or put it towards other groceries?’” – Yasmeen Serhan
“Boris Johnson made a point wanting to stay on, but in that time it hasn’t felt like he’s wanted to lead.” – Yasmeen Serhan
“If you’re going to have a leadership contest this long, you need to have plans in place so government continues.” – Yasmeen Serhan

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Presented by Justin Quirk with Yasmeen Serhan. Producers: Jacob Archbold, Jelena Sofronijevic and Alex Rees. Assistant Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production: Jade Bailey. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Epic Fail: The Lessons of History's Biggest Blunders Aug 29, 2022

Is failure always bad – or should we look at it as an essential on the path to innovation? Samuel West is the director of the Museum of Failure, which exhibits unsuccessful products and services from across the world. He speaks to Ahir Shah about how accepting when things don’t work out, being brave enough to fail and going through the dustbin of history.

“Most charities are terrified of failing at things - but the paradox is that if they don’t innovate they are probably doing the wrong things.”
“There are thousands of solutions - many of which will fail but we must take risks to answer huge questions.”
“Some CEOs keep projects alive through artificial respiration ,sometimes you need to know when to bail.”

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Andrew Harrison. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Assistant producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Audio production by Jade Bailey. Music: Kenny Dickinson. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Trump vs the FBI Aug 28, 2022

This episode was recorded prior to the Mar-a-Lago search affidavit being released on Friday... The FBI raid on Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort made headlines worldwide. What will the fallout be – legally and politically? Julia Azari, professor of Political Science at Marquette University, joins Justin Quirk to discuss what the raid means for Trump and US politics more widely, and why it has taken so long for the law to catch up with America’s 45th President.

“This has somewhat overshadowed the January 6th hearings.”
“How do we find political peace but also ensure people are equal under the rule of law?”
“Even if Trump is given the Nixon treatment, the debates around Trumpism won’t go away.”
“Even if the Republicans take control of Congress, this won’t go away.”

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Justin Quirk. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Assistant producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Audio production by Jade Bailey Music: Kenny Dickinson. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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War of the Words: Is your phone changing how you think? Aug 27, 2022

Our always-on digital world is changing how we read, which means it’s altering how our minds work. Literary critic Sven Birkerts, author of Changing the Subject: Art and Attention in the Internet Age, tells Andrew Harrison how the act of reading is fundamentally different when the printed word is just part of an ever-changing multiplex – and why the state reading puts you in is more important than the words on the page (or the screen).

“A book used to be an escape, but now the outside world is always insistently present.”
“It’s harder to get inside your own head when there is so much to escape from.”
“Audiobooks are fine but you can’t process a literary sentence at the speed of a voice.”

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Andrew Harrison. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Assistant producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Audio production by Jade Bailey. Music: Kenny Dickinson. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Bunker Gold: Among the Apocalypse Addicts Aug 26, 2022

Listen back to an edition from our archives with The Bunker Gold. This week we’ve chosen an episode from April, 2020.

It’s the end of the world as we know it and… some people are quite into that, it seems. Why are so many people so keen on the end of everything? What do doomsday preppers, alt.right catastrophists and billionaire plutocrat antidemocrats like Peter Thiel have in common? And is the communal response to COVID proving their worst ambitions wrong? We talk to Mark O’Connell – author of book Notes From An Apocalypse: A Personal Journey to the End of the World and Back – about the dark fantasy of the End Times.

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Presented and produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producer Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Danger! High Voltage: The Dark Side of Electric Cars  Aug 25, 2022

Electric cars have been sold as an answer to green, clean travel. But is the reality that clear-cut? Henry Sanderson, author of Volt Rush: The Winners and Losers in the Race to Go Green, joins Ahir Shah to discuss whether they’re really a climate-friendly solution, resource mining and de-coupling energy reliance from China.

“A lot of green products mask dirty supply chains.” – Henry Sanderson
“China is present at all stages of the supply chains: from mine to processing.” – Henry Sanderson
“With mining resources - nothing comes for free.” – Henry Sanderson
“The DRC is the Saudi Arabia of cobalt – they know they have one chance to get this right.” – Henry Sanderson

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Ahir Shah. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Assistant producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Audio production by Jade Bailey. Music: Kenny Dickinson. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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A Scholz in the Dark: How is Germany’s Chancellor Doing? Aug 24, 2022

After replacing Angela Merkel at the end of last year, how is German Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s tenure going? Alex Andreou discusses the problems he faces with German author and journalist Annette Dittert.

“Scholz has come to power by imitating Merkel, by promising no surprises.”
“Scholz doesn’t seem to be able to make decisions when they need to be done.”
“He is coming from this old school, appeasement policy towards Russia.”
“People are still missing Merkel, Scholz cannot pull the EU together the way she could.”
“In such a time of crisis, there is just not room for populism.”

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Alex Andreou. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Assistant producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Audio production by Alex Rees. Music: Kenny Dickinson. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Blood, Sweat and Sneers – Weekly Edition Aug 23, 2022

All work and no play makes… the basis of Truss’s Thatcherite utopia. We unpack the likely PM-to-be’s “graft” remarks. Plus, six months since the invasion of Ukraine, how is the conflict shaping up? And, with the end of the £10 flight inbound, award-winning transport journalist John Walton joins us to discuss the future of the aviation industry.

“On Brexit, Truss will always be the great political half-and-half scarf.” – Tom Peck
“It doesn’t really matter what Truss believes in, because the main thing she believes in is herself.” – Tom Peck
“The dystopian leadership contest nightmare has been so bad that voters might even remember it in two years!” – Tom Peck

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Justin Quirk with Arthur Snell, Marie Le Conte and Tom Peck. Producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic . Assistant producer Kasia Tomasiewicz. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. Lead producer: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. The Bunker is a Podmasters production.

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Murder in Moscow – Start Your Week with Gavin Esler Aug 22, 2022

How will Russia react after the car bomb killing of a key Putin ally’s daughter? Is Ukraine set for intensified attacks, despite denying involvement? Plus, sewage spewed across beaches dirties the Government’s record further as the Tory leadership contest dribbles on. Is it too late for them to clean up their act and the country – even slightly? Gavin Esler lays out the week ahead with Andrew Harrison.

"Just because you don't want to sound like Russian state media, doesn't mean there aren't conspiracies involved."
"You could do a decline of man cartoon from David Cameron to Boris Johnson."
"It's Armando Iannucci I feel sorry for. How do you satirise this lot?"
“The Conservatives seem to be keen on finding someone they think is even worse than Boris Johnson.”

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Presented by Andrew Harrison with Gavin Esler. Producers: Jacob Archbold, Jelena Sofronijevic and Alex Rees. Assistant Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production: Jade Bailey. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Why We Can’t Help Falling in Love Aug 21, 2022

Apparently, all you need is love – but why? What makes it fundamental to our survival, and why doesn’t heartbreak put us off it? Jacob Jarvis speaks to Dr. Anna Machin, an evolutionary anthropologist and author of Why We Love: The New Science Behind Our Closest Relationships.

“The reason we crave love is that it fulfils a fundamental survival need which is to meet other people.”
“Humans are the most cooperative species on the planet. That’s the basis of love.”
“To love at the cost of somebody else, while damaging for them, doesn’t harm you.”
“In the first weeks of a relationship, your brain can’t notice a bad partner. Love is blind.”
“There has to be an unpredictable nature to keep us on our toes.”

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Jacob Jarvis. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Assistant producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Audio production by Alex Rees. Music: Kenny Dickinson. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Culture Bunker: Oscar-winner Bret McKenzie of Flight of the Conchords, Hot Chip’s new album, plus Bolton’s Black Mirror, Red Rose on TV Aug 20, 2022

Your pop culture update: We are joined by the rhyme-nocerous himself, one half of Flight of the Conchords, Bret McKenzie! New Zealand’s finest joins us to talk about making music with the Muppets and the Simpsons, and his debut solo album 'Songs Without Jokes'. Justin Quirk joins to chew on Hot Chip’s new album, FREAKOUT/RELEASE and Bolton’s answer to Black Mirror, Red Rose, out now on BBC Three.

“I like the juxtaposition between sweet melodies, and saying the world is screwed.” - Bret McKenzie
“Winning the Academy Award was the one night that Hollywood felt glamorous and not depressing.” - Bret McKenzie
“FOTC was a student film production that just ended up on HBO.” - Bret McKenzie
“The Simpsons is almost the fabric of television.” - Bret McKenzie
“There’s always something about Hot Chip that feels a bit like an academic exercise to me.” – Justin Quirk
“Red Rose captured the duality between our lives online and our lives offline.” - Bret McKenzie

Hear all the music on our rolling playlists.

Spotify: https://bit.ly/CultBunk

Tidal: https://tidal.com/browse/playlist/77075591-255c-47eb-9062-815c4dd469ef

Presented and produced by Jelena Sofronijevic and Siân Pattenden. Audio production by Alex Rees. Theme music: ‘Bunker Theme (Juntos Mix)’ by Kenny Dickinson. Co-produced by Jelena Sofronijevic. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. The Culture Bunker is a Podmasters production.

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Bunker Gold: Despatch From Kabul Aug 19, 2022

In this week’s Bunker Gold, listen back to Arthur Snell’s discussion with one of his contacts in Afghanistan in the aftermath of Kabul’s fall in August 2021. Originally released a year ago today, the pair discussed what the situation was like after the Taliban’s astonishingly swift takeover–while the person, who we chose not to identify, was in hiding.

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

“Kabul has been left without anything.”
“Everything is closed down. You would think it is the Stone Age in Kabul. You wouldn't have seen this a week ago.”
“This was a win-win for Russia.”
“The Taliban have made fake promises to the international community. Of course they have not changed.”

Presented by Arthur Snell. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Greensill: The Scandal that Exposed a PM's Greed Aug 18, 2022

When Greensill Capital collapsed it brought down a multi-billion dollar empire and exposed David Cameron's greed. Alex Andreou talks to financial journalist Duncan Mavin about the failed project, which is covered in his new book The Pyramid of Lies.

Complete our listener survey for a chance to win a Bunker t-shirt: https://bit.ly/3zFSySB

“Lex Greensill was very good at understanding what motivated politicians.”
“Greensill Capital was trying to be disruptive.”
“David Cameron brought huge credibility to Greensill Capital.”

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Alex Andreou. Producer: Jacob Archbold. Assistant producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Robin Leeburn. Lead producer: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. The Bunker is a Podmasters production.

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Inside Europe's Next Flashpoint Aug 17, 2022

As tensions between ethnic Serbs and Albanians rise in Kosovo – how will this situation develop? With fears over an escalating conflict in the Balkans, journalist Una Hajdari joins Jelena Sofronijevic to discuss the latest.

"Poisonous nationalist rhetoric is being spread by political leaders in Serbia, Croatia, and Kosovo."
"Putin is Serbia's ally, but he's accidentally advocating for Kosovo."
"Comparing past events to ethnic cleansing now leads to deadly incidents."
“Rhetoric can lead to isolated but deadly incidents.”
“Any time you hear a leader talking about expanding a country’s territory outside of its borders, you know that’s bad news.”

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Jelena Sofronijevic. Producer: Jacob Archbold. Assistant producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Jade Bailey. Lead producer: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. The Bunker is a Podmasters production.

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Satanic Reverses: The Rushdie Attack – Weekly Edition Aug 16, 2022

The murder attempt on Salman Rushdie continues to reverberate. What does it mean for tensions with Iran – and for free speech? Plus, the economy’s in the toilet and the Prime Minister’s on a Greek beach. Will anyone get a grip of the cost of living crisis? And if TikTok becomes the dominant social media platform, how do we feel about China owning the arena of political debate? Our special guest is Helena Wadia of the Mediastorm podcast.

Complete our listener survey for a chance to win a Bunker t-shirt: https://bit.ly/3zFSySB

“Iran’s capacity to stir up trouble remains. Even if they’re not responsible for this attack, they set the tone.” – Gavin Esler
“We usually equate emergency with urgency. Somehow that message didn’t get through.” – Helena Wadia
“The energy crisis feels like the straw that broke the camel’s back… A big shift has to come because the alternative is unthinkable.” – Ahir Shah
“Rushdie has a very wicked sense of humour. And some people, especially the very religious, don’t get the joke.” – Gavin Esler
“Didn’t Dominic Raab already prove that you can’t do your job from the beach? When Kabul fell?” – Ahir Shah

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Justin Quirk with Ahir Shah and Gavin Esler. Producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic . Assistant producer Kasia Tomasiewicz. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. Lead producer: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. The Bunker is a Podmasters production.

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Big Bill Energy – Start Your Week with Alex Andreou and Justin Quirk Aug 15, 2022

Coming up in the next seven days: The attack on Salman Rushdie continues to reverberate. Will Keir Starmer’s plan to freeze the energy cap burst Truss and Sunak’s tax-cuts bubble? And Trump’s worries mount as more details emerge of what the FBI found in Mar-a-Lago. Alex Andreou looks at the next seven days with Justin Quirk.

Complete our listener survey for a chance to win a Bunker t-shirt: https://bit.ly/3zFSySB

“Sunak just needed to sit back and let Truss reveal herself for the idiot she is – but he blew it spectacularly.”
“When it comes to Trump zealots, you’re not dealing with logic but religious fervour.”
“It’s getting harder and harder for the government to call these strikers communist loons.”

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Alex Andreou and Justin Quirk. Producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Assistant producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Audio production by Jade Bailey. Music: Kenny Dickinson. Lead producer: Jacob Archbold. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Split the Difference: India’s Partition Explained with Ahir Shah and Eshaan Akbar Aug 14, 2022

It’s 75 years since British India was split in two, but what does Partition mean today? Signalling the end of British colonial rule in the subcontinent, and leaving thousands dead and millions displaced – why are we not taught about it in schools? Ahir Shah discusses family histories and second generation identity with fellow British-Asian comedian Eshaan Akbar.

Complete our listener survey for a chance to win a Bunker t-shirt: https://bit.ly/3zFSySB

“All you are taught at school is: Henry VIII was a bit of a legend, then World War Two.” – Ahir Shah
“Wounds created in 1947 remained open and festering for decades.” – Ahir Shah
“You have these two senses of us in your head - I can’t believe WE did this to US.” – Ahir Shah

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Presented by Ahir Shah. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold, Jelena Sofronijevic and Alex Rees. Assistant Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Music by Jade Bailey. Audio production by Jade Bailey The Bunker is a Podmasters Production.

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Culture Bunker: Sandman, Woodstock ’99, Danger Mouse’s hip hop classic Aug 13, 2022

Your pop culture update: Does Netflix smash The Sandman only make sense if you’re a comics geek? Super-producer Danger Mouse’s return to hip hop leaves our panel “totally blown away.” And why does Trainwreck: Woodstock ’99 leave such a nasty taste in the mouth? Music business writer Eamonn Forde joins Alex and Andrew.

Complete our listener survey for a chance to win a Bunker t-shirt: https://bit.ly/3zFSySB

“Tom Sturridge as Dream has an incredibly striking look, like a terribly deprived version of Bernard from Black Books…” – Eamonn Forde
“Sandman puts a bunch of myths in a bag and shakes them.” – Alex Andreou
“This is a fantastic album… Danger Mouse has done Pop 101 for hip hop and just written bangers.” – Eamonn Forde

Get yer free opera classics: https://www.mariacallasmuseum.org/_cetra/cetra.htm

Hear all the music on our rolling playlists.

Spotify: https://bit.ly/CultBunk

Tidal: https://tidal.com/browse/playlist/77075591-255c-47eb-9062-815c4dd469ef

Presented and produced by Andrew Harrison and Alex Andreou. Audio production by Alex Rees. Theme music: ‘Bunker Theme (Juntos Mix)’ by Kenny Dickinson. Co-produced by Jelena Sofronijevic. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. The Culture Bunker is a Podmasters production.

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Bunker Gold: Donald Trump – The Final Word with Mary Trump Aug 12, 2022

In this week’s Bunker Gold, listen back to Jude Rogers in conversation with Donald Trump’s niece, Mary Trump, from January 2021.

On the last day of Trump’s warped presidency, his niece Mary – psychologist and author of Too Much And Never Enough: How My Family Created The World’s Most Dangerous Man – reflected on the making of a man who impressed his psychopathologies on a nation. How does a person get like this? What is it like when a family member places the entire world in peril? And could a defeated Trump represent an even worse danger to American democracy?

“For the first time in his life he can’t spin a loss into a win. And it’s driving him crazy.”
“At a very deep level, Donald knows he’s never been truly successful and has no skills.”
“When Donald was elected I knew he would do to my country what he and his father had done to my family.”
“What shocks me is that there are people on this planet who are weaker than Donald. I didn’t think that was possible”
“In the election, if he was going down, he would try to take the rest of us with him. And that’s exactly what he did.”
“Failure to live up Fred Trump’s demands got you destroyed. And that’s what happened to my dad.”
“If the cameras disappear, Donald ceases to exist.”

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Complete our listener survey for a chance to win a Bunker t-shirt: https://bit.ly/3zFSySB

Presented by Jude Rogers. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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British Fail: How to Fix Our Broken Train System Aug 11, 2022

With workers on strike and services cancelled, why are Britain’s railways such a mess? And how can they be fixed? Tom Haines-Doran, research fellow at Leeds University and author of Derailed: How to Fix Britain’s Broken Railways, joins Ros Taylor to discuss the problems with the UK’s train system, and what needs to happen for our railways to get back on track.

“Once a new Prime Minister is in place we could see a lot more strike action take place.”
“The Government has deliberately shifted the cost of running the railways onto passengers.”
“It’s extraordinary the Government would put up prices 13% after a year of turmoil on the railways.”
“Railway workers really do have some power.”

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Complete our listener survey for a chance to win a Bunker t-shirt: https://bit.ly/3zFSySB

Written and presented by Ros Taylor. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Assistant producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Audio production by Robin Leeburn. Music: Kenny Dickinson. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production. Additional sound effects from www.zapsplat.com and AlienXXX via Freesound.org

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Why China Wants to Crush Taiwan Aug 10, 2022

Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan last week has ignited tensions around the island, but why does China want to crush Taiwan? Cindy Yu, host of the Chinese Whispers podcast, joins Alex Andreou to explain the status of Taiwan, why Pelosi’s visit has angered Beijing, and how the situation could develop in the months ahead.

“If Taiwan declared independence they would incur the wrath of Beijing.”
“The national security law has made a peaceful reunification with Taiwan almost impossible.”
“If the West doesn’t want to get into a decoupling situation with China, it needs to be strong on Russia.”
“Xi has made it part of his legacy to reunite China with Taiwan.”

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Complete our listener survey for a chance to win a Bunker t-shirt: https://bit.ly/3zFSySB

Written and presented by Alex Andreou. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Assistant producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Audio production by Robin Leeburn. Music: Kenny Dickinson. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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It Ain’t Easy Being Green – Weekly Edition Aug 09, 2022

As Sunak and Truss argue over cutting taxes, what about emissions? Madeleine Cuff, i’s environment correspondent joins us to pick apart the pair’s climate credentials. Do they have any? Plus, healthcare commentator Roy Lilley takes us through what you need to know about the state of the NHS staffing crisis. And, as spiders are reanimated in an experiment akin to a David Cronenberg movie, we ask… why?

"The NHS has the biggest carbon footprint of any institution in Europe." - Roy Lilley

"15% of the UK population takes 70% of its flights." - Madeleine Cuff

“We should frame environmentalism as the militant wing of the National Trust” - Justin Quirk

"Truss and Sunak's campaigns are simply fantasy island economics." - Justin Quirk

"It’s really macabre. Some of the language around the utility of the spiders is quite stomach churning. They say they can get about a thousand 'repetitions' out of the carcass." - Madeleine Cuff

Complete our listener survey for a chance to win a Bunker t-shirt: https://bit.ly/3zFSySB

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Andrew Harrison with Arthur Snell and Justin Quirk. Producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic . Assistant producer Kasia Tomasiewicz. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. Lead producer: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. The Bunker is a Podmasters production

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Save Tunbridge Wells! – Start Your Week with Alex Andreou and Jacob Jarvis Aug 08, 2022

As the cost of living crisis bites, will this week’s Truss U-Turn be “handouts” or an emergency budget? Can the Mail nobble the Privileges Committee before it nobbles Johnson? Tensions rise over Taiwan and the Russians are shelling nuclear plants in Ukraine. Just another week, then… Alex Andreou looks at the next seven days with Jacob Jarvis.

Complete our listener survey for a chance to win a Bunker t-shirt: https://bit.ly/3zFSySB

“The Government has checked out – not just the ministers but civil servants too… Most departments are on skeleton staff.”
“Their whole goal is to pretend that this is a brand new Government – and that’s hard to do if your first months are consumed with the Partygate probe.”

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Jacob Jarvis and Alex Andreou. Producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Assistant producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Audio production by Jade Bailey. Music: Kenny Dickinson. Lead producer: Jacob Archbold. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Holidays of the Future: Where You’ll Visit in 2035 Aug 07, 2022

Come 2035, what will a trip away look like? Where will we visit when the planet is undergoing increasingly violent change? Siân Pattenden speaks with Tom Hall, vice president at Lonely Planet, about where our travel plans are headed.

Complete our listener survey for a chance to win a Bunker t-shirt: https://bit.ly/3zFSySB

“Maybe the job of travel writers is different to what it was in the past. We need to have a range of voices.”
“People need different experiences and exposure to as many perspectives as they can.”
“I’m less convinced that the traditional idea of what a holiday is is what people need.”
“The enthusiasm for travel that doesn’t prick your conscience is really strong.”

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Complete our listener survey for a chance to win a Bunker t-shirt: https://bit.ly/3zFSySB

Presented by Siân Pattenden. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold, Jelena Sofronijevic and Alex Rees. Assistant Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Robin Leeburn. The Bunker is a Podmasters Production.

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Culture Bunker: Bullet Train, guest Clare Grogan of Altered Images, Predator prequel Prey Aug 06, 2022

Your pop culture update: “Quentin Tarantino meets Agatha Christie” in Brad Pitt action comedy Bullet Train. Icon of the 80s Clare Grogan joins us for the first Altered Images album in 39 years, Mascara Streakz. And movie monster the Predator goes up against Native Americans in hyperkinetic prequel Prey, out now on Disney+. DJ and journalist Anthony Teasdale completes the panel.

Hear all the music on our rolling playlists.

Spotify: https://bit.ly/CultBunk

Tidal: https://tidal.com/browse/playlist/77075591-255c-47eb-9062-815c4dd469ef

Complete our listener survey for a chance to win a Bunker t-shirt: https://bit.ly/3zFSySB

“Turns out that the 80s revival has lasted longer than the 80s themselves…” – Clare Grogan
“Bullet Train’s great fun… but the problem is, it’s got a never-ending ending.” – Anthony Teasdale
“I kept an emergency copy of Hong Kong Garden in my handbag… What do you mean you haven’t heard it? Play it now!” - Clare Grogan

Presented and produced by Andrew Harrison and Siân Pattenden. Audio production by Alex Rees. Theme music: ‘Bunker Theme (Juntos Mix)’ by Kenny Dickinson. Co-produced by Jelena Sofronijevic. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. The Culture Bunker is a Podmasters production.

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Bunker Gold: The Last Supper – Is this the end for restaurants? Aug 05, 2022

Listen back to an archive Bunker from Jan 2022. London’s restaurants are now closing at nearly the double the normal rate as rising VAT, rent, and energy costs add to the weight of COVID, post-Brexit labour issues and supply chain shortages. Corey Mintz, author of The Next Supper, and Eater London’s Adam Coghlan joined Jelena Sofronijevic to chew on why haute cuisine is cooling off, whether takeaway food is really so democratic…and if COVID has called time on the all-you-can-eat buffet.

Complete our listener survey for a chance to win a Bunker t-shirt: https://bit.ly/3zFSySB

“Restaurants were told to diversify and prepare themselves for the rise of takeaways. But they didn't until the pandemic.” - Corey Mintz
“The major delivery companies in the UK are neither economically nor environmentally sustainable.” - Corey Mintz
“Today I discovered, ordered, and ate the food from a new restaurant within 30 minutes. Once you've tasted that, you can't go back.” - Adam Coghlan
“If you hired an architect to build a restaurant today, they'd ask you where you'd like the Instagram wall.” - Corey Mintz
“The £6k given to restaurants which closed over Christmas was mere chicken feed.” - Adam Coghlan

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Presented and produced by Jelena Sofronijevic. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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State of the Unions: Are they rediscovering their power? Aug 04, 2022

With strike action in Britain set to intensify over the coming months, what is the state of our trade unions? Can they really force the Government’s hand over the cost of living crisis? Jane Holgate, Employment Relations professor at the University of Leeds, joins Alex Andreou to unpack what unions want, who supports them, and the challenges they face.

Complete our listener survey for a chance to win a Bunker t-shirt: https://bit.ly/3zFSySB

“Trade unionism is all about the imbalance of power in the employment relationship.”
“The Government is involved whether it likes it or not.”
“Google searches for trade union membership have increased dramatically.”
“Thatcher came to power with the purpose of curbing union power, voted in by millions from the working class.”
“Given the huge profits companies are making, what workers are asking for isn’t unreasonable.”
“If Labour wants to be the party of the working class then it must reflect their interests.”
“If you annoy workers enough then you’ll see productivity fall.”

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Presented by Alex Andreou. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold, Jelena Sofronijevic and Alex Rees. Assistant Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Jade Bailey. The Bunker is a Podmasters Production.

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Inside the Coming Inflation Crisis with Minouche Shafik Aug 03, 2022

Thatcher famously proclaimed that inflation is the parent of unemployment. But as shop prices soar, energy bills rocket, and interest rates rise, we’ve all become more aware of the everyday impacts of inflation. So how unique is the crisis we face now? Director of the LSE and former vice-president of the World Bank Baroness Minouche Shafik joins Ros Taylor to unpack inflation.

Complete our listener survey for a chance to win a Bunker t-shirt: https://bit.ly/3zFSySB

“COVID has caused upward inflation because of how it has affected global supply chains.”
“The Bank of England can only control the demand, not supply, side of the economy.”
“To get inflation under control, you have to have a period of restraint.”
“Inflation is a regressive tax on the population that hurts the poor most.”
“There's more room to grow in encouraging women in work.”
“Rich countries spend 10% of their income on food. Poorer countries spend as much as 75%.”
“The last time we had an economic crisis, we saw mass unrest.”
“The term recession is used very loosely. But regardless, we have a difficult year ahead.”

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Ros Taylor. Producers: Jacob Archbold, Jelena Sofronijevic and Alex Rees. Assistant Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production: Robin Leeburn. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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The Beautiful Game-Changer Aug 02, 2022

The Lionesses’ victory in the Euros inspires a generation of girls. Can it transform football… and society? Meanwhile Sunak flails to out-loon Truss. With popular culture pulling in one direction and a regressive Tory gerontocracy pulling in another, is there any space for a unifying national story any more? Historian Alex von Tunzelmann – author of Fallen Idols: Twelve Statues That Changed History – is our special guest.

Complete our listener survey for a chance to win a Bunker t-shirt: https://bit.ly/3zFSySB

“The Labour Party loves nothing more than hating the Labour Party… A fight between left and right has to happen every new moon.” – Marie le Conte
“No wonder Truss and Sunak are promising anything and everything. They are dealing with a membership of Home Counties mad bastards with an average age of ‘ghost’.” – Ahir Shah
“If you want to sort the two halves of Britain easily, just ask the question ‘Would you bring back hanging?’” – Alex von Tunzelmann
“Anyone who spends 24 hours in France while not being white will know that no, France is not better at decolonising than Britain…” – Marie le Conte

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Ros Taylor with Marie le Conte and Ahir Shah. Producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic . Assistant producer Kasia Tomasiewicz. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. Lead producer: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. The Bunker is a Podmasters production.

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The Lionesses’ Roar Power – Start Your Week with Gavin Esler Aug 01, 2022

Reset the Years of Hurt Clock… England’s women bring football home at last. Have the Lionesses changed football forever? Meanwhile Rishi Sunak goes down in the most craven manner possible, Johnson aims to pack the Lords with cronies, and everything’s on fire. But never mind! The football! The football! Gavin Esler puts aside his Scottishness for a moment to revel in the pure joy of an historic victory with Andrew Harrison.

Complete our listener survey for a chance to win a Bunker t-shirt: https://bit.ly/3zFSySB

“As someone who is male, Scottish, and a bit jaded about football, the final restored my faith in the Beautiful Game.”
"Maybe male spectators will learn that booing the other teams’ national anthem isn’t a good look."
“The scandal is that we allowed Boris Johnson to happen… he is taking advantage of a system full of weaknesses.”
“There’s no such thing as Conservative values any more. They’re just what you say to make headlines.”
“The lasting legacy of the Johnson years is that you can say anything because no one believes that you mean it.”

Presented by Andrew Harrison. Producers Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Assistant producer Kasia Tomasiewicz. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. Group Editor Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Ep. 666: The Devil You Don’t Know Jul 31, 2022

On episode 666 of The Bunker, we’re talking all things Satan. Where does our idea of the Devil come from? And why are we so obsessed with him? Jelena Sofronijevic talks to Erin Cülff of the Myth Monsters podcast and Dr. Michael David Barbezat, a research fellow at Australia Catholic University, to explore Satan in pop culture, from the snake in the Garden of Eden, via Dante’s Inferno and heavy metal, to a modern gay icon.

“Villains are always easy to work with in storytelling.” – Michael David Barbezat
“You see the Devil as an anti-hero in a lot of the stories we tell.” – Michael David Barbezat
“I think everyone likes a bad boy.” – Erin Culff
“Some of the business we see with devils and demons is also reinvention.” - Michael David Barbezat
“The Devil has been drafted to serve many functions of social control." - Michael David Barbezat
"Angels are hes, Demons are shes." - Michael David Barbezat

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Jelena Sofronijevic. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Assistant Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Culture Bunker: Beyoncé returns. Is Paper Girls the new Stranger Things? And ’80s news-talgia on BBC2 Jul 30, 2022

Your pop culture fix: Will Renaissance be a rebirth for Beyoncé? Amazon’s small-town sci-fi mystery Paper Girls, adapted from the cult comic – can it out-strange Stranger Things? And superior newsroom drama in The Newsreader, on BBC2 and iPlayer now. Telegraph TV critic Michael Hogan is our special guest.

Hear all the music on our rolling playlists.

Spotify: https://bit.ly/CultBunk

Tidal: https://tidal.com/browse/playlist/77075591-255c-47eb-9062-815c4dd469ef

“Beyonce records get freighted with sociopolitical weight, yet she's shrugged that off for a fantastic pop record.” - Michael Hogan
“Paper Girls has out-strangered Stranger Things.” - Sian Pattenden
“The Newsreader isn’t empty nostalgia. This is, Who remembers when work was like this, and it was awful?” - Andrew Harrison

Presented and produced by Andrew Harrison and Siân Pattenden. Audio production by Alex Rees. Theme music: ‘Bunker Theme (Juntos Mix)’ by Kenny Dickinson. Co-produced by Jelena Sofronijevic. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. The Culture Bunker is a Podmasters production.

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Bunker Gold: Harsh Reality – How TV Shaped Modern Britain Jul 29, 2022

Listen back to an edition from our archives with The Bunker Gold. This week, after Tory leadership hopefuls Rishi Sunak and Liz Truss went head-to-head in fiery TV debates, we’ve chosen an episode from December 2021, Harsh Reality – How TV Shaped Modern Britain.

We treat TV as the most disposable art form – but for decades it has shaped our world more than we know. From Big Brother to Shameless to Little Britain and Benefit Street, television chose the winners and losers of consumer capitalism, made it OK to sneer at the underclass, and then allowed that underclass a token comeback or two. Author Phil Harrison explores television’s innate cruelty, class dynamics and political subtext in The Age Of Static: How TV Explains Modern Britain. Has TV made our politics worse? And should it just give up on live political interviews altogether?

“A show called Britain’s Hardest Worker pitted benefit claimants against one another. You wouldn’t have written that in a dystopian fantasy.”
“Maybe the BBC needs to be in that permanent state of conflict or it’s not doing its job of challenging what we think.”
“When Mentorn took over Question Time they promised ‘adrenaline-fuelled Thursday nights’. Is that the purpose of a serious news show?”
“Nadine Dorries as a kamikaze Culture Secretary scares the hell out of me.”

Written and presented by Justin Quirk. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Producers: Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Audio production by Robin Leeburn. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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High and Fighty: The Return of Football Hooliganism Jul 28, 2022

English football might be doing well on the pitch, but are we seeing the return of hooliganism off it? Since lockdown eased, there’s been a spate of incidents we thought had been left in the 1980s, so what’s going wrong in football at the moment? Professor Geoff Pearson of the University of Manchester joins Justin Quirk to discuss football’s crowd trouble problem, and what can be done about it.

“These are fans who’ve been in lockdown, hitting it a bit harder now they can go to football again.”
“The disorder seen at the Euros final was a perfect storm.”
“Ultimately, good policing is one of the main pillars behind managing football crowds successfully.”
“For the first time the Government is looking at the whole legislative framework around football. It would be nice to see an overhaul.”

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Presented by Justin Quirk. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold, Jelena Sofronijevic and Alex Rees. Assistant Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. The Bunker is a Podmasters Production.

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Covid is Here Forever. What Does That Mean? Jul 27, 2022

With Covid cases on the rise in Britain, how worried should we be about its resurgence? Tom Chivers, science writer for the i, joins Ros Taylor to discuss the latest uptick in coronavirus cases, what we know about the new variants and the role Covid could play in our lives in the years ahead.

“Vaccines are significant when protecting against severe disease, but not reinfection.”
“The virus doesn’t have to change very much to avoid your antibody immunity.”
“We’ll still get the virus periodically, but our body will become better at fighting it off.”
“We’ve only had two winters of covid so far, by 2030 it may well become part of the normal cycle.”

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Presented by Ros Taylor. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold, Jelena Sofronijevic and Alex Rees. Assistant Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. The Bunker is a Podmasters Production.

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I Married a Tax Murderer – Weekly Edition Jul 26, 2022

As Truss and Sunak set out their economic plans, we discuss the viability of ‘Trussonomics’ and ‘Hedge Fund socialism’. Plus, what will the next Prime Minister mean for Britain’s standing on the world stage? And ten years after the London 2012 opening ceremony, our panellists look back on the last time the UK felt like a place to be proud of.

“Every time they talk about tax cuts, that’s less money for public services.” - Miatta Fahnbulleh
“Sunak talks a more credible game, whereas Liz is away with the fairies.” - Miatta Fahnbulleh
“Tory politicians don’t care what they do with power, they just want to get their hands on it.” - Tom Peck
“The only hope for the country now is Tory defeat in two years time.” - Tom Peck
“I can imagine the international reaction to Sunak and Truss is ‘who?’.” - Arthur Snell
“The opening ceremony projected Britain at its best. We’ve now fallen so foul of that.” - Miatta Fahnbulleh

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Produced and presented by Andrew Harrison with Arthur Snell, Miatta Fahnbulleh and Tom Peck. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold, Jelena Sofronijevic and Alex Rees. Assistant producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Robin Leeburn. The Bunker is a Podmasters Production.

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They Think It’s All Dover – Start Your Week with Justin Quirk and Alex Andreou Jul 25, 2022

The Tory leadership contest rumbles on as Sunak and Truss go head-to-head on TV. Who is destined to win out, and who is on the ropes? Plus, transport logjams at Dover and Folkestone look likely to repeat over the summer, a tentative deal to release Ukrainian grain is reached, and Monkeypox vaccines are rolled out across the UK. Justin Quirk and Alex Andreou set out the days ahead.

Support us on Patreon for early ad-free editions, merch and more: www.patreon.com/bunkercast

“Tory members are risk-averse after the Johnson period of chaos, so my sense is they’ll go for Sunak.” – Alex Andreou
“The whole Government has checked out… They all know their jobs won’t last past 5th September and none of them care any more.” – Alex Andreou
“If you're planning on travelling, take a large lunch and a bottle to urinate into.” – Justin Quirk
“Everyone’s assessing the consequences of sanctions for Europe. Nobody’s assessing them for Russia – which are penury.” – Alex Andreou

Presented by Justin Quirk and Alex Andreou. Producers: Jacob Archbold, Jelena Sofronijevic and Alex Rees. Assistant Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production: Robin Leeburn. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Simps, Drip and the Ick: Gen Z Translator Jul 24, 2022

What are young people talking about these days? And what do the unusual words they say mean? In a bid to understand Gen Z, Jacob Jarvis speaks with Olive Pometsey and Jade Wickes of The Face magazine to decipher the latest slang, and to ask how it comes about and why it’s so popular.

“What sets us apart is that we’re the first generation to grow up with smartphones.” – Jade Wickes
“Nothing is that serious, it’s all just self-deprecating humour.” – Jade Wickes
“At its core slang is just like a shorthand and it takes on a life of its own.” – Jade Wickes
“Everyone's blending together and that’s a very Gen Z thing, you want to be a bit of everything.” – Olive Pometsey
“The Gen Z humour is very ironic and dry and self-referential which is reflected in the slang.” – Olive Pometsey

Written and presented by Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Assistant Producer: Elina Ganatra. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Audio production by Jade Bailey. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Culture Bunker: Who killed the music press? The C86 kids. And heatwave dance music Jul 23, 2022

Paper Cuts: How I Destroyed the British Music Press and Nige Tassell’s surprisingly warmhearted indie odyssey Whatever Happened To The C86 Kids? Plus we bathe in the glow of euphoric 90s comedown music with ‘Fell From The Sun: Downtempo And After Hours 1990-91’.

Hear all the music on our rolling playlists.

Spotify: https://bit.ly/CultBunk

Tidal: https://tidal.com/browse/playlist/1aea7525-7891-4a88-8474-a08c45ea064b

Presented and produced by Andrew Harrison and Siân Pattenden. Audio production by Alex Rees. Theme music: ‘Bunker Theme (Juntos Mix)’ by Kenny Dickinson. Co-produced by Jelena Sofronijevic. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. The Culture Bunker is a Podmasters production.

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Bunker Gold: Will we be OK? Facing the Climate Emergency Jul 22, 2022

Listen back to an edition from our archives with The Bunker Gold. This week, after Britain recorded its highest temperatures on record, we’ve chosen Will We Be OK? Facing the Climate Emergency, first released in September 2020…

Could there be cause for optimism on climate change? Do individuals have power over our planet’s future? Paul Behrens, author of The Best Of Times The Worst Of Times, tells Ros Taylor about the best and worst climate scenarios, why women’s rights are the key to a manageable future, meat, flying, renewables… and how to avoid falling into impotent despair about tomorrow.

“We might have been able to save ourselves with minor changes once. Now we need a complete overhaul in the way we live our lives.”
“The carrying capacity of a planet of carnivores is very different from a planet of vegetarians.”
“There’s a clear path from eco-anxiety to hope, through action.”

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Presented by Ros Taylor. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producer: Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Scot Free? Nicola Sturgeon's Final Gamble Jul 21, 2022

As Nicola Sturgeon’s fight for indyref2 continues, will she get the vote she wants or is she running out of road? What will Boris Johnson’s departure mean for Scotland’s First Minister? Gavin Esler unpacks these issues with journalist Iain Macwhirter, author of Disunited Kingdom: How Westminster Won a Referendum But Lost Scotland.

“Nicola Sturgeon has real problems in the party.”
“Sturgeon is going to turn the next election into a de-facto referendum.”
“Boris Johnson is the one Englishman you are allowed to hate, he’s extremely unpopular in Scotland - but of course he is gone now, and this poses a problem for the SNP.”
“Boris Johnson has been the SNP’s greatest recruiting sergeant.”
“Sturgeon is using this theatre of the courts to create more controversy in the run up to the next general election.”

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Presented by Gavin Esler. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold, Jelena Sofronijevic, Alex Rees. Assistant Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Audio production by Jade Bailey. The Bunker is a Podmasters Production.

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Taken for a Ride: The Uber Files Explained Jul 20, 2022

Uber has transformed how we travel around cities – what do newly leaked documents tell us about its meteoric rise? The explosive ‘Uber Files’ give an insight into the tactics the taxi giant used to become a household name. Justin Quirk unpacks what these reveal with lecturer Dr. Jimena Valdez, who is working on the project Über-State: The Political Economy of Platform Capitalism.

“The three most striking things are: the utter disregard for the law, the connections to political power, and the very little value they attach to drivers - that they call them ‘supply’.”
"Suddenly, we feel like we can't live without our Ubers."
"Uber has become this tag for everything that is wrong, but it's tech companies more widely."
"Politicians and consumers thought that Uber was so cool, that it should be treated differently."
“This is part of the servant economy.”

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Presented by Justin Quirk. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold, Jelena Sofronijevic, Alex Rees. Assistant Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Audio production by Jade Bailey. The Bunker is a Podmasters Production.

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In-Fight Entertainment – Weekly Edition Jul 19, 2022

In a heat-defying lo-fi edition, we discuss the latest blue-on-blue clashes as the race to replace Johnson comes to a head. Did a least-worst candidate emerge? We talk to guest Jamie Susskind, author of The Digital Republic: On Freedom and Democracy in the 21st Century about how to regulate the internet. And did those cosmic images from the Webb Telescope make us feel tiny and insignificant… or pretty damn important?

“The debates gave me a sinking feeling of despair… It’s just a bunch of angry people talking over each other” – Jamie Susskind
“The country’s entering a time of great crisis and the one thing we’re going to need is a Prime Minister with a grip.” – Jamie Susskind
“We don’t count or matter in the Conservative Party leadership elections.” – Gavin Esler
“It’s not a tenable position to be against net zero. Human-induced climate change is impossible to ignore.” – Yasmeen Serhan

Presented by Ros Taylor with Gavin Esler and Yasmeen Serhan. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold, Jelena Sofronijevic and Alex Rees. Assistant producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Robin Leeburn. The Bunker is a Podmasters Production.

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Burning Down the House – Start Your Week with Alex Andreou Jul 18, 2022

The heat is on in the Tory leadership contest. Two finalists are expected this week but could we even have a new PM by Friday? Plus, we look at what will happen in Parliament in the last days before recess. And, we brace for what could be the hottest day on record in Britain. Alex Andreou joins Andrew Harrison to chart the days ahead.

"The more I see the more depressing it gets.” – Alex Andreou
“I suspect Johnson will find a way to get out of his last PMQs.” – Alex Andreou
“It says a lot about Johnson’s fall from grace that nobody wants to be associated with him.” – Alex Andreou
“The momentum is now with Sunak, ironically the least ‘fresh start’ candidate available.” – Alex Andreou
“There’s a Tory hustings at 2pm in an unventilated room. Good luck with that.” – Alex Andreou

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Presented by Andrew Harrison with Alex Andreou. Producers: Jacob Archbold, Jelena Sofronijevic and Alex Rees. Assistant Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production: Alex Rees. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Are the Tories Mad to Cut Taxes? Jul 17, 2022

As Tory leadership hopefuls pledge tax cuts galore, we ask if this would make any sense. What impact would these moves have? What else could they do instead? Andrew Harrison speaks to Giles Wilkes, a senior fellow from the Institute for Government and former special adviser to Theresa May on industrial and economic policy.

“I suspect they’re hoping the Tory membership don’t have a memory of the 70s and 80s.”
“These people running for the leadership are thinking in a three month timescale.”
“It’s a terrible idea to pump money into the economy right now.”

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Andrew Harrison. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Assistant Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Audio production by Jade Bailey. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Culture Bunker: Lizzo’s Special, The Good Boss with Javier Bardem, Kurt Vonnegut, new music from Working Men’s Club, plus more Jul 16, 2022

This week we listen to the force of nature that is Lizzo and her brand new album Special. Will it top 2019’s storming Cuz I Love You? Plus OFFICE POLITICA - film critic Linda Marric joins us to watch workplace drama The Good Boss movie with Javier Bardem directed by Fernando León de Aranoa. And BOO! We listen to Working Men’s Club’s second album Fear Fear. Plus we see Unstuck in Time, Curb Your Enthusiam director Robert Weide’s documentary about American literary icon Kurt Vonnegut.

Hear all the music on our rolling playlists.

Spotify: https://bit.ly/CultBunk

Tidal: https://tidal.com/browse/playlist/1aea7525-7891-4a88-8474-a08c45ea064b

Presented and produced by Siân Pattenden and Jelena Sofronijevic. Audio production by Alex Rees. Theme music: ‘Bunker Theme (Juntos Mix)’ by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. The Culture Bunker is a Podmasters production.

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Is the Magic Money Tree Real? Jul 14, 2022

Why have we been told there isn’t a magic money tree? And could such a thing actually exist? Alex Andreou discusses this question and unpacks modern monetary theory with L. Randall Wray, a senior scholar at the Levy Economics Institute of Bard College who has authored several books on the subject.

“For a very long time we've had a view that finance is a scarce resource.”
“What we have is this belief that the Government is just like a household and it could run out of money.”
“There appears to be no limit to the private financial sector’s ability to layer up more debt.”
“Politicians are scared to death of inflation… politically, it is a huge issue.”
“We argue we should focus on resource availability and the public purpose.”
“The economy decides what the deficit will be – it takes two to tango.”

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Alex Andreou. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Assistant Producer: Elina Ganatra. Audio production by Robin Leeburn. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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The Nazi Billions Hidden in Plain Sight Jul 13, 2022

BMW, Volkswagen, Allianz and Dr. Oetker are all household names – but how did these German businesses get to be so wealthy? The reality of collaboration, collusion, and the active championing of Hitler and the Nazi regime – during World War II, and beyond – by corporations remains “happily ignored”. So how have global powers let them get away with it? Jelena Sofronijevic talks to financial journalist David de Jong, author of author of Nazi Billionaires: The Dark History of Germany’s Wealthiest Dynasties.

“The businessmen that I write about pressured Jewish businessmen to sell assets far under their value or there would be more dire repercussions.”
“The vast majority of Germany’s business community went through this very flawed legal process called de-Nazification. This saw millions of criminals get off scot-free for their crimes.”
“There were farcical legal proceedings that saw Nazi war criminals exonerated.”
“The allied thinking that they needed to have a financially West Germany also led to those businessmen keeping their assets.”
“Most of the characters in my book are sheer opportunists.”
“As we get further away from the atrocities of the Third Reich, this history is receding.”
“As consumers the bare minimum we should expect from these families is that they’re transparent.”

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Jelena Sofronijevic. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis Producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Audio production by Jade Bailey. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Britain’s Got Tyrants – Weekly Edition Jul 12, 2022

As Tory leadership hopefuls try to outdo each other on culture war clout and tax cuts, we assess the would-be PMs. Plus, with Big Dog turning lame duck, the panel looks at what Johnson might do in Downing Street until he is ejected from the building. And as Conservatives set out their stalls, who’s won the battle of the launch video?

“He wanted to be Churchillian and his tenure is one of the most embarrassingly short tenures.” – Ayesha Hazarika
“Penny Mordaunt’s pitch is that she’s very telegenic, was in the army and voted leave.” – Marie le Conte
“Grant Shapps’ entire pitch is ‘you will keep your jobs if you vote for me’.” – Ahir Shah

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Presented by Andrew Harrison with Ahir Shah, Ayesha Hazarika and Marie Le Conte. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold, Jelena Sofronijevic and Alex Rees. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Robin Leeburn. The Bunker is a Podmasters Production.

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The Wacky Races Begin – Start Your Week with Ros Taylor and Naomi Smith Jul 11, 2022

As the nation heats up, so too does the Conservative leadership race. There are 11 people in the running so far, what can we expect from them? Plus, the nation’s economic woes continue – we look at what more turmoil is to come. And, could we see record-breaking temperatures this week? Ros Taylor is joined by Naomi Smith to lay out the days ahead.

"If I’m not maniacally laughing at the farce of it, I’m just depressed.” – Naomi Smith
“We’ve got Conservative leadership candidates all promising to cut taxes, so how are they going to fund their levelling up agenda?” – Naomi Smith
"New trade deals are not compensating at all for the trade that we’ve lost with the European Union.” – Naomi Smith
“I think we are running into a long hot summer of very hard times for families.” – Naomi Smith
"There are so many female candidates, and so many ethnic minority candidates, and yet everyone is right wing." – Ros Taylor
"Labour's never had a female leader, whilst the Conservative Party might have had three Prime Ministers." – Naomi Smith
"Whoever you want Penny Mordaunt to be, she can be." – Ros Taylor
"Tax cuts on certain groups have no impact on economic growth whatsoever." – Naomi Smith

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Presented by Ros Taylor with Naomi Smith. Producers: Jacob Archbold, Jelena Sofronijevic and Alex Rees. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production: Jade Bailey. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Johnson’s Demise: The Most Shameful End Ever? Jul 10, 2022

Johnson’s going and his emphatic collapse in office was no less shameful than expected. But historically, just how abnormal was it? Jacob Jarvis speaks with Rock & Roll Politics host Steve Richards to discuss endgames of the past and where the latest Prime Minister’s ranks in the grand scheme of things – all recorded immediately in the aftermath of Johnson’s Thursday speech.

“Johnson wants to be a Churchillian figure. Instead he will go down as someone who blew a big majority, and he will hate that.”
“When Johnson lost Javid and Sunak, I knew we were going to reach the end quite quickly.”
“When choosing a Prime Minister, you have to look beyond whether they can win an election.”

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Audio production by Jade Bailey. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Culture Bunker: Thor: Love and Thunder, guests Orbital, Superorganism, and parenthood horror The Baby on Sky TV Jul 09, 2022

THOR BLIMEY! We talk about Taika Waititi’s latest Marvel creation Thor: Love and Thunder, starring Chris Hemsworth. Techno titans Paul and Phil Hartnoll of Orbital join us to discuss their retro-future-spective album 30 Something, plus the latest from London indie trillsters Superorganism, World Wide Pop. And we watch Sky’s new parenthood horror series The Baby. Where’s the kid come from, what’s he doing, and why is disaster never far away?

Hear all the music on our rolling playlists.

Spotify: https://bit.ly/CultBunk

Tidal: https://tidal.com/browse/playlist/1aea7525-7891-4a88-8474-a08c45ea064b

“The Baby is right up our street. An evil baby killing people? That's funny.” – Orbital

“Thor is the most metal Marvel movie yet.” – Andrew Harrison

Presented and produced by Alex Andreou and Siân Pattenden. Audio production by Jade Bailey. Theme music: ‘Bunker Theme (Juntos Mix)’ by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. The Culture Bunker is a Podmasters production.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Trump’s Reckoning? The January 6 Bombshells Explained Jul 07, 2022

Hearings on the Jan 6th attacks have produced some of the most explosive testimony ever heard in Washington – and put Donald Trump in the frame for criminal activity. But what do they actually mean? And what will the fallout be? Dorian Lynskey talks to Julie Norman, co-director of UCL’s Centre on US Politics, about the latest revelations and their potential ramifications.

“We are seeing a person who was not acting in the best interests of the country on that day.”
“I think you’ll start hearing more the question of electability among Republicans.”
“Most people who are watching this with an objective lens are actually quite impressed with what this committee has done.”

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Dorian Lynskey. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Audio production by Jade Bailey. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Nukes of Hazard: 60 Years of Atomic Accidents Jul 06, 2022

As the world looks to alternative sources of energy, are we ready for the growth of nuclear power? Do we understand the risk that comes with atomic technology? Historian and author Serhii Plokhy joins Arthur Snell to discuss his new book Atoms and Ashes: From Bikini Atoll to Fukushima, which looks at six nuclear disasters that shook the world, and the lessons we can learn from them.

“The history of nuclear disasters is very relevant to us today.”
“Every nuclear accident produces a pause in the industry as people get scared.”
“If we are not prepared to tolerate nuclear accidents then we have to look for alternative energy sources.”

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Presented by Arthur Snell. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold, Jelena Sofronijevic and Alex Rees. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Robin Leeburn. The Bunker is a Podmasters Production.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Grope Opera – Weekly Edition Jul 05, 2022

Tory sleaze rumbles on as opera becomes a new frontier in the Culture War and Chris Pincher MP lives down to his name. We unpack the current political turmoil and the latest class row between Raab and Rayner. Plus, the reversal of Roe v. Wade prompts women in the US to delete period tracker apps. What does it tell us about Big Health Data? And as the Fred Perry polo turns 70, we talk about the politics of clothes. Our guest this week is tech journalist and author of Social Warming, Charles Arthur.

“I think it’s quite a safe bet to assume there will be another vote of confidence within a year of the last one.” – Marie Le Conte
“Codes of class are so nuanced in Britain, but if you haven’t grown up here it probably makes no sense.” – Justin Quirk
“I don’t think the Tories have ever been the party of upward mobility.” – Charles Arthur
“Every office in the country has a woman like Angela Rayner in it, but in Westminster she stands out.” – Justin Quirk

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Presented by Andrew Harrison with Marie Le Conte and Justin Quirk. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold, Jelena Sofronijevic and Alex Rees. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. The Bunker is a Podmasters Production.

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Sleazy Come, Sleazy Go – Start Your Week with Alex Andreou and Yasmeen Serhan Jul 04, 2022

Tory sleaze is in focus yet again – how will Boris Johnson handle the backlash this week? Amid the Chris Pincher scandal, can Number 10’s line on the matter stand? Plus, on July 4, we look across to the United States and the latest political fallout there. And what action is needed to tackle the rise in COVID cases? Alex Andreou is joined by Yasmeen Serhan to lay out the week ahead.

"There are a lot of allegations of sexual misconduct involving Tory MPs." – Alex Andreou
"There is a deep desire on the part of Number 10 to say, ‘This matter has been settled.’” – Yasmeen Serhan
"There are so many allegations facing the Conservative Party that you could start to think it was normal." – Yasmeen Serhan
"The Supreme Court has historically been seen as an ahistoric institution, but no longer." – Yasmeen Serhan
“You should brace yourself for running into COVID again." – Yasmeen Serhan

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Presented by Alex Andreou with Yasmeen Serhan. Producers: Jacob Archbold, Jelena Sofronijevic and Alex Rees. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production: Jade Bailey. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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What Westminster Gets Wrong Jul 03, 2022

MPs are increasingly held in contempt by the public. How can Parliament improve its standing? Dr Hannah White, deputy director of the Institute for Government and author of Held in Contempt, joins Ros Taylor to discuss what’s wrong with the House of Commons, and how Westminster can repair its reputation in the wake of recent scandals.

“It only dawned on me over the decade I worked there how Parliament wasn’t a normal workplace.”
“There’s a small minority of MPs who don’t treat staff well, and there are no consequences for that.”
“Most people don’t have much idea of the difference between Parliament and Government.”
“The Prime Minister’s main job was to tell the country the rules, if he didn’t understand them he should’ve sorted that out.”
“Society has changed a lot, but the Palace of Westminster hasn’t.”

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Presented by Ros Taylor. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold, Jelena Sofronijevic and Alex Rees. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Jade Bailey. The Bunker is a Podmasters Production.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Culture Bunker: The Undeclared War, Rolling Stones docs, William Orbit, V**gra Boys and more Jul 02, 2022

Your pop-culture update: Russia hacks the UK in C4’s The Undeclared War. Does the drama bring the software to life? My Life As A Rolling Stone: new takes on Mick, Keith, Charlie and Ronnie? And where’s Bill? Plus we talk to Lord Chancellor of chillout William Orbit, and V**gra Boys’ “brilliantly stupid” new album stands proud against cave-dwelling conspiracists.

Hear all the music on our rolling playlists.

Spotify: https://bit.ly/CultBunk

Tidal: https://tidal.com/browse/playlist/1aea7525-7891-4a88-8474-a08c45ea064b

“It's terribly difficult to dramatise hacking and counterhacking…” – Sian Pattenden

“Cave World is like being on motorway with all the traffic coming towards you.” – Sian Pattenden

Presented and produced by Andrew Harrison and Siân Pattenden. Audio production by Alex Rees. Theme music: ‘Bunker Theme (Juntos Mix)’ by Kenny Dickinson. Co-produced by Jelena Sofronijevic. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. The Culture Bunker is a Podmasters production.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Long Division: The Crises That Splintered Britain Jun 30, 2022

Is Britain entering a new era of crisis? And what can we learn from the previous ones? Phil Tinline, author of The Death of Consensus: 100 Years of British Political Nightmares, talks to Dorian Lynskey about the previous occasions when Britain’s ruling consensus broke down, and if current turmoil will force us to change course once again.

“When it comes to political futures, we always think of the worst-case scenarios.”
“The nature of consensus is that it is a messy compromise.”
“There are things Labour is now prepared to advocate because it has lost four general elections.”
“In America there is such a consensus on support for Ukraine, perhaps more than most European countries.”

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Presented by Dorian Lynskey. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold, Jelena Sofronijevic and Alex Rees. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Jade Bailey. The Bunker is a Podmasters Production.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Fact Fashion: What Happens to the Clothes You Return? Jun 29, 2022

The rise of online clothes shopping has also led to the rise of the return. What actually happens to the items we send back? In the last year, 51% of British shoppers sent back items they purchased online - but these goods don’t always end up back on the shelves. Jelena Sofronijevic talks to Dana Thomas, European Sustainability Editor at British Vogue, host of The Green Dream with Dana Thomas, and author of Fashionopolis, and Dr Mark Sumner, Lecturer in Sustainable Fashion at the University of Leeds.

“Fast fashion is like fast food. We consume it quickly, then we're hungry for more.” - Dana Thomas
“Most brands work hard to get clothes refurbished and back on sale.” - Mark Sumner
“Just because it's more expensive, doesn't mean it's more sustainable.” - Mark Sumner
“I'm an advocate of fast fashion - which might seem perverse, as a sustainability lecturer.” - Mark Sumner
“There is a whole generation of fashion brands that are strictly online.” – Dana Thomas
“Luxury brands will try and retain exclusivity by burning stock, by throwing stock away, ensuring nobody can use those returns.” – Mark Sumner

For more, listen to The Bunker Daily: Wild Wild Waste — How the West litters the world with Ruth Michaelson.

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Presented and produced by Jelena Sofronijevic. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Jade Bailey. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Fashionopolis-Price-Fashion-Future-Clothes/dp/1789546060

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

By By Bojo? – Weekly Edition Jun 28, 2022

Does the fallout from last week’s by-elections show that Boris Johnson is losing touch with reality? Plus, the panel explore what the G7 Summit means for the conflict in Ukraine, how the Supreme Court ruling on abortion will affect American women, and why RMT leader Mick Lynch is the left’s latest pin-up.

“The world's two oldest parliaments are in Iceland and the Isle of Man. Neither have anything to do with the Magna Carta.” - Arthur Snell
“The whole property market is so out of whack that a treehouse to get little Wilf on the ladder might not be a bad thing.” - Ahir Shah
“Johnson has escaped once again, but his problems are far from over.” - Yasmeen Serhan
“Since 2016, America has been embarking on the great backslide.” - Yasmeen Serhan
“It's not theories and ideologies that are clashing here, but fundamental world views.” - Yasmeen Serhan

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Presented by Ros Taylor with Arthur Snell, Ahir Shah and Yasmeen Serhan. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold, Jelena Sofronijevic and Alex Rees. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Robin Leeburn. The Bunker is a Podmasters Production.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Roe Dies, America Divides – Start Your Week with Naomi Smith and Justin Quirk Jun 27, 2022

As the US Supreme Court strikes down abortion rights, what does the ruling mean for women in America? The fallout from last week’s by-elections and rail strikes continue, where next for the Tories? And G7 leaders meet in Germany this week, with Ukraine, climate change and food security on the agenda. Justin Quirk is joined by Naomi Smith to set up the week ahead.

“Abortion access being limited doesn’t stop abortions, it stops safe abortions.” - Naomi Smith
“The right to abortion now sits with state legislators.” - Naomi Smith
“Johnson will cling on, it now depends on if the cabinet move.” - Naomi Smith
“400 million people rely on Ukrainian food supplies, the world will not see an end to rising prices any time soon.” - Naomi Smith

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Presented by Justin Quirk with Naomi Smith. Producers: Jacob Archbold, Jelena Sofronijevic and Alex Rees. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production: Jade Bailey. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Culture Bunker: Festivals Special – Live from Glastonbury 2022, Leisure Festival with HighSchool, plus the new Elvis film Jun 26, 2022

This week is a little bit special, as we are joined by Andrew and Siân live from Glastonbury 2022! Keeping it strictly music, we went along to see Baz Luhrmann’s new biopic Elvis, with our special guest Linda Marric. Could we not help falling in love with it or did we get the G.I. blues? And, staying with the festival theme, Jelena and our producer Jade head to Margate Dreamland Leisure Festival, to catch up with its organisers and line-up stars HighSchool. Was the rollercoaster more highs than lows?

“The trailers for Elvis are quite bland and dead. They do the film a great injustice” - Alex Andreou
“I think Austin Butler was born to play Elvis” - Linda Marric
“Elvis is the apex of Baz Lurhmann’s artistic style” - Jelena Sofronijevic
“The film really tries to tell a wider story of US consumerism in music” - Jelena Sofronijevic

Hear all the music on our rolling playlists.

Spotify: https://bit.ly/CultBunk

Tidal: https://tidal.com/browse/playlist/1aea7525-7891-4a88-8474-a08c45ea064b

Presented and produced by Alex Andreou and Jelena Sofronijevic. Audio production by Jade Bailey. Theme music: ‘Bunker Theme (Juntos Mix)’ by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. The Culture Bunker is a Podmasters production.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

“Write the Book Only You Could Write” – Geoff Dyer on His Career and Endings Jun 25, 2022

Geoff Dyer talks to Dorian Lynskey about his career and new book The Last Days of Roger Federer: And Other Endings. In this, he examines the matter of final performances and pieces, through the tales of artists, sportspeople and writers. The pair also discuss how Dyer’s work takes shape, and how he reflects on his own writing.

“The sense of not being ideally qualified to write about a subject has been quite enabling for me.”
“Write the book only you could write is the mantra I repeat.”
“Some genre defying stuff now feels a comfortable genre in itself.”
“I think I’ve managed to turn the lack of a readership into some sort of freedom.”
“If you can turn your weaknesses into some kind of strength, that’s a very happy outcome.”
“The writing life has gone hand in hand with the continuation of my self-education.”
“If you're able to engage the reader's curiosity and interest they’ll keep on reading.“

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Dorian Lynskey. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Audio production by Jade Bailey. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Last-Days-Roger-Federer-Endings/dp/1838855742

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Reading between the Party Lines – China’s books boom and what it means Jun 23, 2022

Can China control what its authors write as tightly as President Xi might want? Writers have found dazzling ways to sidestep the “literary president”’s clampdown on free expression. China expert and Times book desk veteran Megan Walsh tells Andrew Harrison how the Chinese are reading everything from world-beating subversive science fiction… to lurid pot-boilers with titles like ‘My Dangerous Billionaire Husband'… to anarchic works of online fiction that often run longer than the Bible. What does it tell us about the world’s rising superpower?

“Xi Jinping has put himself forward as literary president.”
“People don't think that fiction from authoritarian regimes is worth reading… but they’re wrong.”
“Chinese readers are very good at reading between the lines.”
“We expect Chinese writers to always be political, but that’s not always why people write.”

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Presented and produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Audio production by Jade Bailey. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Heard This One Before? - How Déjà Vu Works Jun 22, 2022

Have you heard this podcast before? Or are you experiencing Déjà vu? Catherine Loveday, neuroscience professor at the University of Westminster, joins Alex Andreou to explain the strange sensation that you've already experienced something, even when you know you never have, and why for some people it can become a serious problem.

“Déjà vu is the conflict you feel when you don’t remember something but feel that you must.”
“The feeling of familiarity helps us find our way in the world. When it goes wrong it can be quite disturbing.”
”Our brains are fantastic prediction machines.”
“Déjà vu is a temporary aberration of our memory system.”

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Alex Andreou. Producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Assistant producer: Elina Ganatra. Lead producer: Jacob Jarvis. Audio production by Jade Bailey. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Planes, Trains and Awful Deals – Weekly Edition Jun 21, 2022

From ethics to Northern Ireland to the ECHR to a mysterious disappearing story about his wife’s job prospects, Johnson is mired in legal and culture war battles. But why doesn’t anything stick to the PM? Plus, rail strikes: this is the age of the strain. And as Internet Explorer bows out, what are our fondest memories of the early Internet? Law and policy commentator David Allen Green is this week’s guest.

“I don’t think law is a particularly lefty profession, but the work lawyers do is being politicised.” - David Allen Green
“The only reason the Government tried to force this through was performative cruelty.” - David Allen Green
“If you’re younger than 50, there isn’t that reference point that Labour equals strikes.” - Justin Quirk
“I’ve decided to start calling this the Procrastination Madness Government.” - Marie Le Conte
“The Government wants to create division and it wants the strikes to go ahead.” - David Allen Green
“I remember the internet being a tool for checking false claims. That hasn’t quite worked out…” – David Allen Green

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Presented by Alex Andreou with Justin Quirk and Marie Le Conte. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold, Jelena Sofronijevic and Alex Rees. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Robin Leeburn. The Bunker is a Podmasters Production.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

That ’70s Show – Start Your Week with Gavin Esler Jun 20, 2022

With 1970s-style strikes due this week, what can we expect the fallout to be? The Conservatives are trying to shift blame anywhere it might stick, while they also face tests in two by-elections. Plus, we look at the Ukraine latest and unpack France’s election results. Andrew Harrison is joined by Gavin Esler to chart the week ahead.
"We’ve had 12 years now of Conservative government. Are we any better off?” – Gavin Esler
"We are under government by slogan.” – Gavin Esler
"Boris Johnson might be Nicola Sturgeon's greatest weapon." – Gavin Esler

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Presented by Andrew Harrison with Gavin Esler. Producers: Jacob Archbold, Jelena Sofronijevic and Alex Rees. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production: Robin Leeburn. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Sound of Silence: The End of Music in Schools? Jun 19, 2022

Music education in the UK is in a perilous place, with the largest cuts in spending per pupil for 40 years, falling teacher recruitment numbers, and huge drops in GCSE and A-Level uptake. With a new National Plan for Music Education imminent, will it be enough to ensure music matters? Jude Rogers talks to Chrissy Kinsella, Chief Executive of the London Music Fund, about transforming under-served communities, if learning tunes are really less important than science and tech for career prospects, and why some people still think music is more a luxury than a necessity.

“Classical music will always be full of elite, old, white people unless we change it.”
“The problem always is and always will be funding.”
“Wouldn't it be amazing if every primary school had a music teacher?”
“We often focus on academic attainment, but we should also be celebrating music for the joy of music.”
“There's such a lack of joined up thinking from central government.”

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Jude Rogers. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis Producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Audio production by Jade Bailey THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Culture Bunker: Ms Marvel, We Own This City, greatest albums and more Jun 18, 2022

Your pop-culture update: Is the MCU’s first Muslim superhero saga Ms Marvel really a cape-fest or a family comedy in disguise? Will Baltimore crime drama We Own This City match up to its creator’s classic creation The Wire? DJ Colleen ‘Cosmo’ Murphy serves up a Balearic breakfast and on the 40th birthday of ABC’s Lexicon Of Love, guest Clark Collis helps us choose THE greatest albums of all time.

Hear all the music on our rolling playlists.

Spotify: https://bit.ly/CultBunk

Tidal: https://tidal.com/browse/playlist/1aea7525-7891-4a88-8474-a08c45ea064b

“I had to have three vodkas before seeing The Joker. And four afterwards.” – Clark Collis
“Defining Balearic is like trying to define jazz…” – Cosmo
“I can very much empathise with not wanting to go to Comic Con with your parents…” – Clark Collis

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Presented and produced by Andrew Harrison and Siân Pattenden. Audio production by Robin Leeburn. Theme music: ‘Bunker Theme (Juntos Mix)’ by Kenny Dickinson. Co-produced by Jelena Sofronijevic. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. The Culture Bunker is a Podmasters production.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Istanbully: What Does Erdoğan Want? Jun 17, 2022

You can’t discuss Turkey’s politics without mentioning its strongman president, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. What does he want? Gonul Tol, founding director of the Middle East Institute's Turkey program and author of the upcoming book Erdoğan’s War, talks to Alex Andreou about Erdoğan’s journey from reformer to autocrat, how his 19 years in power have changed Turkey, and what the future holds for the country and his leadership.

“When Erdogan came to power in 2002 he was a different man, or so he said.”
“Erdogan appealed to segments of the country that would traditionally be reluctant to support an Islamist leader.”
“Institutions do not matter in today’s Turkey.”
“Turkey is a problematic partner for the West, but important in the Ukraine crisis.”
“If Turkey held free and fair elections today, Erdogan would lose.“

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Alex Andreou. Producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Assistant producer: Elina Ganatra. Lead producer: Jacob Jarvis. Audio production by Jade Bailey. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Painting By Numbers: How Do We Put a Price on Art? Jun 16, 2022

Who decides the value of a piece of art? And how do they come to their conclusions? In May, Andy Warhol’s 'Shot Sage Blue Marilyn' sold at Christie’s for a record £158 million, making it the most expensive painting of the 20th century – but it is merely the biggest wave in an international tsunami of art sales. Jelena Sofronijevic speaks to Mary-Alice Stack, Chief Executive at Creative United, and Erling Kagge, polar explorer, former politician, and author of A Poor Collector's Guide to Buying Great Art, to discuss placing a value on creativity.

“The price is reflective of the market, not the value of the artwork.” – Mary-Alice Stack
“Now, we don't talk about art, we talk about the art market,” – Erling Kagge
“Art fairs are the least best place to buy an artwork.” – Mary-Alice Stack
“There was a time when galleries felt like the preserve of the moneyed classes.” – Mary-Alice Stack
“There's a sense that if you need to ask the price, you can't afford it.” - Mary-Alice Stack
“Fantastic art is being made every day.” – Erling Kagge
“The auction houses are competing against themselves.” – Mary-Alice Stack
“What matters to artists is the creation of the work in the first place.” – Mary-Alice Stack

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Jelena Sofronijevic. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis Producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Audio production by Jade Bailey. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

https://uk.gestalten.com/products/erling-kagge-buying-great-art

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dom Phillips in conversation with Dorian Lynskey, May 2020 Jun 15, 2022

The disappearance of British reporter Dom Phillips and indigenous people’s campaigner Bruno Pereira has shown how serious the threats to journalists in Brazil are. It appears that the worst fears of Dom’s family may be true and he and Bruno will not be found alive.

In tribute to a former colleague of ours and a brave and formidable reporter, here is the podcast that Dom made with Dorian Lynskey in May 2020, at the height of the COVID pandemic. It has not been edited.

To donate to Dom and Bruno’s families please visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-dombruno-missing-in-the-amazon-rainforest

Written and presented by Dorian Lynskey. Producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Lead producer: Jacob Jarvis. Audio production by Alex Rees. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Don't Protocol Us, We'll Protocol You – Weekly Edition Jun 14, 2022

We assess our Groundhog Day Government’s self-imposed Brexit drudgery and unconvincing housing plans. Will the NI protocol wrangling ever end? Are Johnson and his Cabinet of calamity trying to divert from other problems? Plus, we unpack the various aspects of America’s gun violence problems. And, we unpack new cigarette and vape regulations – is the end of smoking nigh?

“If you believe this is going to solve the housing crisis, come walk with me over the Garden Bridge.” – Gavin Esler
“Some of this is just a desperate Boris Johnson trying to come up with clever wheezes.” – Arthur Snell
“This is an English nationalist government." – Gavin Esler
"I could give up avocados and frothy coffees and I still wouldn't be able to afford a house." – Yasmeen Serhan
“When you kill journalists, you kill the truth.” – Andrew Harrison

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Presented by Andrew Harrison with Arthur Snell, Gavin Esler and Yasmeen Serhan. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold, Jelena Sofronijevic and Alex Rees. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. The Bunker is a Podmasters Production

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Just Plane Wrong – Start Your Week with Alex Andreou and Justin Quirk Jun 13, 2022

The Government is courting controversy again with deportations to Rwanda to take place and more NI protocol drama. As legal wranglings continue, deportation flights are due to depart on Tuesday. What will happen next? Plus, as the cost of living crisis worsens, will there be any tangible moves to deal with it? Justin Quirk is joined by Alex Andreou to chart the week ahead.

"I think the Home Office will manage to get that flight to take off, even if it just has two people on it.” – Alex Andreou
"These are emergency moves to ground the flight, not stop the process." – Alex Andreou
"Johnson is so weak that any lever he pulls will damage his position in the party." – Alex Andreou
“There is a really hard year coming ahead.” – Alex Andreou
“The chaos we are experiencing right now is in part deliberately confected.” – Alex Andreou
"How can you claim that the legal mechanism never works if you've never tested it?" – Alex Andreou
"Some will claim that Ukraine is trying to use the emergency to bypass the traditional accession process." – Alex Andreou

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Presented by Justin Quirk with Alex Andreou. Producers: Jacob Archbold, Jelena Sofronijevic and Alex Rees. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production: Jade Bailey. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Taking a Mile: The Politics of Measurement Jun 12, 2022

We refer to measurements almost constantly – but are we truly aware of the power they hold? And why do we accept these rigid measurements of time and space? Ahir Shah speaks to James Vincent about his book Beyond Measure: The Hidden History of Measurement, which looks at how we came to define dimensions.

“We still have a flexible approach to measuring time.”
“You get a lot of measurements that are taken from the human body for example.”
“Over time central authorities take the control to define units of measurement.”
“If we couldn’t measure, we couldn’t trade, we couldn’t build cities and we couldn’t do scientific research.”

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Ahir Shah. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Assistant Producer: Elina Ganatra. Audio production by Jade Bailey. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Culture Bunker: ABBA Voyage, Swan Song, special guest The Waterboys’ Mike Scott, plus Britain’s working men’s clubs, and more Jun 11, 2022

We Super Troop down to East London to witness the ABBA VOYAGE live experience. Have any of us been the same since we saw it? Legendary founder of folk rock titans The Waterboys, Mike Scott joins us to talk about about new album All Souls Hill, plus the importance and history of working men’s clubs with Beer Boffin Pete Brown. And FINAL CUT - we watch Swan Song, an indie pic about a retired hairdresser who must undertake the most important hairdo of his life.

Hear all the music on our rolling playlists.

Spotify: https://bit.ly/CultBunk

Tidal: https://tidal.com/browse/playlist/1aea7525-7891-4a88-8474-a08c45ea064b

Presented and produced by Siân Pattenden and Jelena Sofronijevic. Audio production by Alex Rees. Theme music: ‘Bunker Theme (Juntos Mix)’ by Kenny Dickinson. Co-produced by Jelena Sofronijevic. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. The Culture Bunker is a Podmasters production.

https://harpercollins.co.uk/products/clubland-how-the-working-mens-club-shaped-britain-pete-brown?variant=39584522010702

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Inside the Putin Mafia with Catherine Belton Jun 09, 2022

Putin’s invasion of Ukraine has shone a spotlight onto Russia’s oligarchs. How does the Kremlin exert influence over them? And with sanctions beginning to bite, what does the future hold? Catherine Belton, Russia reporter for the Washington Post, talks to Nick Cohen about the Kremlin’s iron grip on Russia’s elite, and her own run in with oligarchs over her book Putin’s People.

“The state propaganda machine can’t cover up the level of casualties forever.”
“Putin has an inferiority complex. He needs the external trappings of wealth to believe he is Number One.”
“UK newspapers shy away from reporting on these individuals because they know the legal costs are high.”
“These oligarchs are hostages to Putin because he has a monopoly over court decisions.”
“The Yeltsin tycoons have seen 30 years of empire-building undone in one fell swoop.”

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Nick Cohen. Producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Assistant producer: Elina Ganatra. Lead producer: Jacob Jarvis. Audio production by Alex Rees. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Netflix Fights For Its Life Jun 08, 2022

Netflix’s share price plunged after it announced the loss of 200,000 subscribers in Q1 of 2022. What has gone wrong? And how can the platform get people subscribing again? Alex Hern, Technology Editor for The Guardian, talks to Justin Quirk about why Netflix’s growth turned static, and what the streaming service should be doing to get viewers back onboard.

“This is a company and an industry that expects subscriber numbers to go up.”
“The reason Netflix lost those subscribers is because they pulled out of Russia.”
“Other streaming services are now able to compete in areas where Netflix was once miles ahead.”
“A service with adverts could help Netflix recover some market share.”
“Many households don’t even know they have access to Amazon Prime”
“I don’t see a painless way out of the hole Netflix has put itself into.”

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Justin Quirk. Producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Assistant producer: Elina Ganatra. Lead producer: Jacob Jarvis. Audio production by Jade Bailey. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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The Beginning of the End – Weekly Edition Jun 07, 2022

Johnson has clung on to power, but with 148 Tory rebels voting against him how long can he continue as leader? What’s next for him and the Conservative Party? In a late-night recording, the panel assess a dramatic result. Plus, Romeo Kokriatski, co-host of the Ukraine Without Hype podcast, shares the latest from Ukraine amid concerns the war is turning in Russia’s favour. And, after the Jubilee festivities, the panel discusses British eccentricity and the future of the Monarchy.

“It comes back to a fundamental personality problem about Boris Johnson.” – Marie Le Conte
“The booing came from what Johnson could have reasonably expected to be a home crowd.” – Justin Quirk
“The enormous elephant in the room is that a large part of your party has essentially tried to eviscerate you.” – Justin Quirk
“From the country’s point of view, Johnson staying on is disastrous.” – Justin Quirk
“If they keep promising this gigantic reshuffle, who is going to move in order to make space?” – Marie Le Conte
“The bigger issue is that there is a total policy vacuum.” – Justin Quirk
“Things will have to change, the Monarchy will have to change.” – Ayesha Hazarika
“There’s a huge space now for Labour to just say very explicitly, ‘What is it that you actually like about this country?’” – Justin Quirk

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Presented by Andrew Harrison with Ayesha Hazarika, Marie Le Conte and Justin Quirk. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold, Jelena Sofronijevic and Alex Rees. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. The Bunker is a Podmasters Production

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No Confidence Man – Start Your Week with Ros Taylor and Arthur Snell Jun 06, 2022

After being jeered over the Jubilee weekend, will Johnson now be jilted by his party in a no confidence vote? With this due to be held on Monday evening, how will the results play out? Ros Taylor and Arthur Snell give their thoughts as they tee up the week ahead. Plus, they ask what’s next for the monarchy after the weekend’s celebrations, discuss the Ukraine latest and cast an eye over the Atlantic.

“We will know by the end of today whether or not Boris Johnson has survived this round of attempts to get him.” – Arthur Snell
"Surviving a no confidence vote doesn't mean surviving as PM, as Theresa May can tell us." – Arthur Snell
"It wasn't breaking the law in Downing Street, or any other scandals, but being booed at the Jubilee." – Arthur Snell
“Johnson is somebody who will cling on to the absolutely last moment possible.” – Arthur Snell

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Presented by Ros Taylor with Arthur Snell. Producers: Jacob Archbold, Jelena Sofronijevic and Alex Rees. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production: Jade Bailey. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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“We’re All Curating Our Personal Cultures” – Talking to Pulitzer Prize-winner Margo Jefferson Jun 05, 2022

Pulitzer Prize-winner Margo Jefferson tells Dorian Lynskey about her wide-ranging career as a critic. She discusses shedding light on the lives of everyone from Tina Turner to Michael Jackson, being the first Black woman book critic at Newsweek, and writing on race, class and gender at the New York Times. They also discuss her new book, Constructing a Nervous System, and ask can you ever separate art from the artist?

“We're all curating our personal cultures.”
"I felt I had to be impeccable to brilliant... there's a certain high standard you don't slip beneath."
"I realised I could bring the critics tools of questioning and probing to myself."

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Dorian Lynskey. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis Producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Audio production by Jade Bailey. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/602237/constructing-a-nervous-system-by-margo-jefferson/

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Meta-mind: How Cyberspace Will Alter Our Brains Jun 04, 2022

As we move into virtual surroundings able to be anywhere, anyone or anything, how will that affect our minds? As the line between online and offline fades further, we look at how our personalities could shift across spaces. Dr. Alison Attrill-Smith, head of psychology online at the University of Wolverhampton,joins Alex Andreou to discuss the potential psychological impact of the metaverse.

“We've had iterations such as second life, and every time something new establishes itself there seems to be a flocking to it.”
“Who goes online will depend on what they're wanting to achieve.”
“Everything in psychology is about goals and what people want to achieve.”
“There's loads of research that shows that people project online the persona that they aspire to.”
“Whether we'll be able to replicate real life interaction in the digital landscape is really debatable.”
“The Proteus effect happens when people project their online persona offline.”
“We’re already moving towards a world where digital access is a right, whether that becomes a human right, I'm not sure.”
“To some extent we are already living in this virtual world and the metaverse is just an extension of that.”
“I like to think that virtually reality has actually increased acceptance of who we really are.”

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Alex Andreou. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Alex Rees, Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Assistant Producer: Elina Ganatra. Audio production and original music by Jade Bailey. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Enter the Matrix: Are We Living in a Simulation? Jun 03, 2022

How do you know the world is real? How do I know I’m real? As virtual worlds expand, our concepts of reality warp. NYU philosopher David Chalmers – author of Reality+: Virtual Worlds and the Problems of Philosophy – talks to Ros Taylor about the etiquette of virtual living, why video game characters deserve moral rights, and how we can know what we think we know.

“Simulated beings could end up outnumbering non-simulated beings. So the odds that YOU are simulated could be high…”
“If we’re living in a simulation, all this is still real – and our lives are still full of meaning.”

https://uk.bookshop.org/books/reality-virtual-worlds-and-the-problems-of-philosophy-9780241320716/9780241320716

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Ros Taylor. Producers: Jacob Archbold, Jelena Sofronijevic, and Alex Rees. Assistant producer: Elina Ganatra. Lead producer: Jacob Jarvis. Audio production and original music by Jade Bailey. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Does the Metaverse Need Laws? Jun 02, 2022

Can you enforce laws in cyberspace like you can in the real world? Facebook, now Meta, has struggled to moderate its massive platforms for over a decade, battling with national governments over how it should be regulated. Now, it's preparing to be the biggest player in a new arena - the Metaverse. Lorna Woods, professor of Internet Law, joins Ros Taylor:

“The one thing we can say about the metaverse, is that it won't be what we think it is.”
“Have we thought about how this service can be misused? Rather than sitting in a phase of techno-optimism about the whole thing.”
“The transient nature of the content might be good, as you won't have those long shadows cast over you.”
“If we want to see this freeing capacity of the metaverse then we don't want to be tied to one identity.”
“We're going to have to think more broadly about how we're going to safeguard.”

Written and presented by Ros Taylor. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Assistant Producer: Elina Ganatra. Audio production by Alex Rees. Original music by Jade Bailey. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Everything Everywhere: Your Day in the Metaverse Jun 01, 2022

What would a normal day look like inside the metaverse? When would we plug in, and would we ever switch off? Charles Arthur, former technology editor of The Guardian and author of Social Warming: The Dangerous and Polarising Effects of Social Media, joins Ahir Shah to talk about the upsides, downsides and the practicalities of striking a virtual to real-world balance.

“The day in the metaverse will be a lot of meetings, a bit like zoom.”
“Travel might be a lot better than slogging through a train and people generously giving you their colds.”
“Well, everything gets used for work and porn in the end.”
“We’ve all been on Twitter, everyone's all mouth and no trousers.”
“Maybe everyone will want to wear their headset all day long and sit in little cubes.”
“Where we start to blend the real world and cyber, is augmented reality, which is where you put on glasses and you have an overlay for the real world.”
“How much extra value will you get from a metaverse meeting over a zoom meeting? If that gets unlocked, then it'll all start happening.”

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Ahir Shah. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Assistant Producer: Elina Ganatra. Audio production by Jade Bailey. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Sunak Cost Fallacy – Weekly Edition May 31, 2022

We explore whether Rishi Sunak’s cost of living package is enough to address the long term hardship faced by millions. Or was it yet another political manoeuvre amid Tory turmoil? Plus, we unpack the issues faced by democracies across the globe with our guest Yascha Mounk, political scientist and author of The Great Experiment: Why Diverse Democracies Fall Apart and How They Can Endure.

“If Johnson can make it to the long summer break, where MPs have weeks away, that might allow people to calm down a little.” – Arthur Snell
“I think the really difficult economic stuff is going to be next winter. It goes from something you worry about to something that fundamentally changes the way you live your life.” – Arthur Snell
"The government has a tendency to respond too late." - Yasmeen Serhan
“A lot of discourse would be improved if people were forced to watch one focus group per week.” – Yascha Mounk
“You make better arguments when you know what your opponent means as well.” – Yasmeen Serhan
“I would distinguish between the angry minority and the majority of people.” – Yascha Mounk

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Presented by Ros Taylor with Arthur Snell and Yasmeen Serhan. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold, Jelena Sofronijevic and Alex Rees, with research by Elina Ganatra. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. The Bunker is a Podmasters Production.

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Here We Go Again – Start Your Week with Alex Andreou and Naomi Smith May 30, 2022

With yet another party allegation, how will the PM deal with another twist in this neverending scandal? With a further inquiry being called for – how might this play out in the coming days? Plus, America’s gun debate remains at the fore across the Atlantic. And in Northern Ireland, can Stormont break the deadlock and nominate a speaker? Alex Andreou talks to Naomi Smith about what we can expect to happen this week.

“Apparently people are beyond accountability now.” – Naomi Smith
"It doesn’t look like we’re heading anywhere to where the gun lobby doesn’t have a vice-like grip on American politics.” – Naomi Smith
“People are suffering from all sorts of things other than Brexit in Northern Ireland.” – Naomi Smith
“Businesses are crying out for visas to be handed out to people with all skills and none.” – Naomi Smith

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Presented by Alex Andreou with Naomi Smith. Producers: Jacob Archbold, Jelena Sofronijevic and Alex Rees. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production: Jade Bailey. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Why We’re Getting Africa Wrong May 29, 2022

Africa is made up of 54 different countries – so why is it so often talked about as one singular place? Dipo Faloyin, a senior editor at Vice and author of Africa is Not a Country, joins Jelena Sofronijevic to discuss the continent’s diversity and how that’s been erased in everyday discussions. What led to the condensed view of today and how can we properly engage with the region?

“People would rather see the entire region as a singular monolith, instead of a region that can be anything.”
“Too many people have grown up with this idea of Africa as a singular monolith.”
“Often when we talk about Africa we look at it from 1,000 miles up in the air or we look at it through the lens of safari, and that isn’t the reality for people on the ground.”
“It’s always just so sad to hear that people when they think of Africa they see it as a problem.”
“It’s hard to get people to see Africa in a different way when they’re still bombarded with images of babies with flies around their head.”
“The most important thing is that we start to see vast stories of success, failure, love. That’s something that’s really missing across the pop culture landscape.”
“The history of Africa is also the history of the UK.”

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Jelena Sofronijevic. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Assistant Producer: Elina Ganatra. Audio production by Jade Bailey. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Culture Bunker: Top Gun: Maverick, Liam Gallagher, guest Paul Morley on Island Records, The Midwich Cuckoos, International Booker Prize, plus more May 28, 2022

36 years after the original, Tom Cruise returns for Top Gun: Maverick, plus we don our parkas as we listen to the new album from Liam Gallagher, Come On You Know. Legendary music writer and broadcaster Paul Morley, joins us to talk Island Records, Factory Records, and ALL records, and we get comfy in our nests, to watch the latest major Sky adaptation of The Midwich Cuckoos. And Jelena heads out to the Southbank Centre to speak to International Booker Prize shortlister, Mieko Kawakami.

Hear all the music on our rolling playlists.

Spotify: https://bit.ly/CultBunk

Tidal: https://tidal.com/browse/playlist/1aea7525-7891-4a88-8474-a08c45ea064b

Presented and produced by Siân Pattenden and Alex Andreou. Audio production by Jade Bailey. Theme music: ‘Bunker Theme (Juntos Mix)’ by Kenny Dickinson. Co-produced by Jelena Sofronijevic and Elina Ganatra. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. The Culture Bunker is a Podmasters production.

https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Islander/Chris-Blackwell/9781982172695

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Monkeypox: What’s the Deal? May 26, 2022

Monkeypox has hit the headlines with its spread in Europe. What is it? How do we deal with it? And should we be worried? With people on high alert to illnesses due to COVID, we unpack the differences and put context around what’s really going on. Dr. Charlotte Hammer, a fellow in emerging infectious diseases at Downing College Cambridge, explains the virus to Jacob Jarvis.

“Monkeypox actually does not come from monkeys, it comes from rodents in central Africa.”
“The symptoms are pretty unspecific. A fever, backache and muscle pain, progressing onto a rash are all common.”
“In medical terms, monkeypox is a mild but unpleasant disease.”
“At the moment, there is very limited risk to the general population.”

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Assistant Producer: Elina Ganatra. Audio production by Alex Rees. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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First Contact: We'll Meet Aliens Soon, Then What? May 25, 2022

As scientists seek extraterrestrial life, what would we do if we actually found it? How would we manage first contact, and could we even communicate with aliens? Franck Marchis, a senior planetary astronomer from the SETI Institute, unpacks the prospect with Andrew Harrison – and the idea aliens might already know we’re here, but we’re too boring for them to care.

“The most important question is intelligent life.”
“This discovery will not be a big surprise for a lot of humans on this planet.”
“If we find a civilisation slightly more advanced to us, maybe 100 years, they may be much more intelligent in terms of technology.”
“We may not see them because perhaps their technology is invisible to us.”
“We have been visible as a civilisation for at least 100 years, so they know we are here if they have slightly better technology.”
“I believe that there is microbiological life everywhere, but the key thing is the I in SETI - intelligence.”
“It's obvious if you analyse our planet that there is a civilisation there.”
“Maybe the future of our civilisation is purely mechanical or technological rather than biological.”

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Andrew Harrison. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Assistant Producer: Elina Ganatra. Audio production by Jade Bailey. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Case For the Prosecco-tion May 24, 2022

As the Prime Minister is caught red wine handed, we discuss the crises facing Britain alongside the partygate furore. We unpack the further issues looming as the cost of living situation goes from bad to worse. Is there an end in sight? Plus, why do we still pay so much attention to newspaper front pages? Lord Peter Ricketts, former national security adviser and ambassador to France, is this week’s guest.

“I don’t know why you would bring someone along to photograph your crime.” – Ahir Shah
“The only reason I can see for the Government not introducing a windfall tax is that it’s Labour’s idea.” – Ahir Shah
“It’s always popular with the Tory right to cut the Civil Service.” – Peter Ricketts
“There’s one person who sets the culture in Government and that’s the Prime Minister.” – Peter Ricketts
“The world is beset with a whole series of different crises.” – Peter Ricketts
“Those who are going to carry the blame for this are the civil servants, they’ve been lined up as scapegoats here.” – Peter Ricketts
“We’ve got a very rocky few years ahead.” – Peter Ricketts
“The frontpage is a news outlet's way of signalling to its readers what they should be paying attention to.” – Yasmeen Serhan

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Presented by Andrew Harrison with Ahir Shah and Yasmeen Serhan. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold, Jelena Sofronijevic and Alex Rees, with research by Elina Ganatra. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. The Bunker is a Podmasters Production.

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Fade to Gray – Start Your Week with Justin Quirk and Alex Andreou May 23, 2022

Sue Gray’s final partygate report is due, meaning a long week ahead for Boris Johnson. What can we expect it to contain? Meanwhile, the cost of living crisis continues to deepen. Is a windfall tax on energy companies inevitable? Plus, we discuss Australia’s new Prime Minister and the latest from Ukraine. Justin Quirk is joined by Alex Andreou to tee up the days ahead.

“It’s damaging the Government all the time because it has reversed all their soft ratings.” — Alex Andreou
“The charge of dishonesty is really difficult to get out of.’ – Alex Andreou
“A windfall tax is entirely logical.” – Alex Andreou
“Scott Morrison's loss is a blow to Johnson's government." – Alex Andreou
"The notion that you're a shyster getting away with stuff sticks with the public." – Alex Andreou

Presented by Justin Quirk with Alex Andreou. Producers: Jacob Archbold, Jelena Sofronijevic and Alex Rees. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production: Jade Bailey. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Taster: ORIGIN STORY, the new podcast from Ian Dunt and Dorian Lynskey May 23, 2022

NEW PODCAST: In a brand new 6-part series, Ian Dunt and Dorian Lynskey explore the histories of the most misrepresented ideas in politics. Here’s a taster of the first episode: McCarthyism. Was it really a crusade against communists or just a grifter’s opportunity that got out of hand? How did a witch-hunt morph into a way to denounce any critic, no matter who? And did Joe McCarthy really write the rulebook for Trumpism?

Get the full episode here: https://kite.link/OS1McCarthy

Back Origin Story on Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/originstorypod

Written and presented by Dorian Lynskey and Ian Dunt. Audio production by Jade Bailey and Alex Rees. Music by Jade Bailey. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Origin Story is a Podmasters production.

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Injury Time: Sport’s Head Trauma Crisis May 22, 2022

Blows to the head are commonplace in a range of sports – why do the risks often go unspoken? What happens to the brain when athletes take these knocks? Alex Rees speaks to Hana Walker-Brown about her book A Delicate Game: Brain Injury, Sport and Sacrifice, in which she chronicles degenerative brain disease, Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy, and the tragedies which have gone under the radar.

“There are things that are changing, but they’re changing very slowly.”
“The rules need to come from above and be implemented.”
“It’s important to note, concussion is a brain injury.”
“To consider that sport might have to change gets people’s backs up.”
“There’s something about the thrill of watching people get hurt.”
“The brain needs to be protected.”

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Presented by Alex Rees. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold, Jelena Sofronijevic and Alex Rees. Audio production by TBC. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Culture Bunker: Kendrick Lamar, Harry Styles, guest Murkage Dave, Mick Head and more May 21, 2022

Pop culture roundup: Can we plumb the depths of Kendrick Lamar’s dazzling, disturbing Mr Morale & The Big Steppers? Has Harry Styles squared the teen idol/suave-pop circle? UK hip-pop talent Murkage Dave joins us. The songwriting genius of Michael Head. And Night Sky, an Amazon drama about the portal to outer space in Sissy Spacek’s back garden. Really. Journalist Johnny Davis of Esquire and The Face rounds out the panel.

Hear all the music on our rolling playlists.

Spotify: https://bit.ly/CultBunk

Tidal: https://tidal.com/browse/playlist/1aea7525-7891-4a88-8474-a08c45ea064b

Presented and produced by Andrew Harrison and Siân Pattenden. Audio production by Jade Bailey. Theme music: ‘Bunker Theme (Juntos Mix)’ by Kenny Dickinson. Co-produced by Jelena Sofronijevic and Elina Ganatra. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. The Culture Bunker is a Podmasters production.

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Autocratic for the People: How the New Tyrants Rule May 19, 2022

Authoritarian leaders are dominating 21st century politics. How did this new generation of strongmen rise to power? Gideon Rachman, chief foreign affairs commentator for the Financial Times, joins Nick Cohen to discuss his new book The Age of The Strongman, which covers the rise of the modern-day dictator, and what their leadership means for the world.

“There was always going to be a backlash against the ‘end of history’ way of doing things.”
“With the West having gone through the financial crisis, it wasn’t hard for China to say ‘we are the future’.”
“For the key period of getting Brexit done, Boris Johnson did follow the strongman tradition.”
“If Putin had won a quick victory in Ukraine, it would’ve been a huge boost for the strongman ideal.”
”Trump changed the rhetoric of America. He embraced Putin’s arguments.”

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Nick Cohen. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Audio production by Jade Bailey. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Inside the Oxford Clique That Warped Our Future May 18, 2022

Eleven of the fifteen postwar Prime Ministers went to Oxford. How did their privileged upbringing change the U.K? The FT’s Simon Kuper talks to Ros Taylor about how the entitled atmospheres of Oxford and Eton shaped modern Britain, detailed in his latest book Chums.

“Boris Johnson was probably the best known person at Oxford in his day.”
“It’s a great advantage in politics to have a recognisable brand, and Eton encourages that.”
“Johnson learnt all his debating tricks from the Oxford Union.”
“The problem with being Prime Minister is you have to offer substance, and Johnson can’t do that.”
“Daniel Hannan is the Karl Marx of Brexit. He is one of the most important figures in British history.”

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Ros Taylor. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis Producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Audio production by Jade Bailey. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Grocery Incompetence – Weekly Edition May 17, 2022

We look at the Government’s culture war push as people are told to just work harder to beat the cost of living crisis. What bargain bin policies are being used to shift attention from the hardship so many are facing? Plus, as those struggling are told to budget their way out of poverty, we look at the ludicrous money saving advice being dished out. And finally, the panel marks the end of the iPod. Freelance writer and columnist Hannah Fearn is this week’s guest.

“All politicians, no matter how charmed, reach a point where their luck runs out.” – Justin Quirk
“A lot of aspects of poverty have been rendered invisible.” – Justin Quirk
“What I find weird is Britain's fetishisation of poverty.” – Marie Le Conte
“Any government that doesn't care that children are growing up in poverty shouldn't be a government.” – Hannah Fearn
“People are thinking about how to feed their children, not the Brexit election strategy.” – Hannah Fearn "
“Blaming Brexit for what's happening at home won't cut it.” – Hannah Fearn

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Presented by Andrew Harrison with Justin Quirk and Marie Le Conte. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold, Jelena Sofronijevic and Alex Rees, with research by Elina Ganatra. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. The Bunker is a Podmasters Production.

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NATO: It’s Scandinavian For Value – Start Your Week with Yasmeen Serhan May 16, 2022

As Finland and Sweden look to join Nato, we unpack the latest from Ukraine as Putin faces consequences for his invasion. How will the Russian leader react amid signs of defeat? Then at home, we discuss the latest Brexit wranglings over the Northern Ireland protocol. Plus, questions of Keir Starmer’s leadership persist. Is he really in trouble? Ros Taylor is joined by Yasmeen Serhan to tee up the week ahead, and glance back at the weekend’s Eurovision contest.

“Ukraine has exceeded people’s wildest expectations.” – Yasmeen Serhan
“Putin has created a larger and more attractive NATO.” – Yasmeen Serhan
“With the protocol it feels like we are back in 2019 again.” – Yasmeen Serhan
“I was primed for the UK to not win any points because that’s what I’d been told always happens.” – Yasmeen Serhan

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Presented by Ros Taylor with Yasmeen Serhan. Producers: Jacob Archbold, Jelena Sofronijevic and Alex Rees. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production: Jade Bailey. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Under Siege: Can Biden Bear the Onslaught? May 15, 2022

Joe Biden’s poll ratings have been underwater for months. What is the state of his presidency? Dorian Lynskey speaks to Dr. Thomas Gift, founding director of UCL’s Centre on US Politics, to discuss the Democrat’s tenure so far. Is a Trump rematch on the cards, and could Biden win again? And if not him, could anyone else come to his party’s rescue in 2024? Plus, what will the prospect of the Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade mean for the Democratic leader?

“If I look at the democratic field right now, I can't see a very deep bench.”
“If Trump does run again it becomes less of a referendum of the last 4 years, and more about who voters prefer - Trump or Biden?”
“There have also been factors outside of Biden's control that have contributed to his low polling numbers.”
“The notion of Trumpism, and what this represents, is just so strong.”

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Dorian Lynskey. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis Producers: Elina Ganatra. Audio production by Jade Bailey. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Culture Bunker: Eurovision 2022, Everything, Everywhere, All At Once, new music from Florence and the Machine and The Smile, plus Conversations with Friends May 14, 2022

Hear all the music on our rolling playlist: https://bit.ly/CultBunk

This year’s Eurovision is upon us – but is it full of Boom Bang-a Bangers or a bit of a Waterloo? Linda Marric and Michael Hogan join us to chew on this year’s line up, and new albums from Florence and The Machine AND Radiohead offshoots The Smile, and Conversations with Friends, the latest Sally Rooney adaptation from the BBC

Plus, you wait years for a Multiverse and then two turn up at once - we wrap our minds around new reality-bending epic Everything, Everywhere, All At Once, and chat to directors Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, collectively known as Daniels.

Join Siân’s Eurovision Live Draw here: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Sian-Superman-livedraw

More What Does Eurovision Mean To You? here:

https://twitter.com/sturdyAlex/status/1524695837078654976?s=20&t=EuEE-DWL0IZmrA1KU6mN0g

“Scott Mills is like a really bad Graham Norton tribute act and it shouldn’t be allowed.” – Michael Hogan
“How often do we see a film being taken in by younger generations, with a heroine over 40?” – Linda Marric on Everything, Everywhere, All At Once
“I was cracking my knuckles, expecting to get into it and shred it to pieces, but it's annoyingly good.” – Michael Hogan on Dance Fever
“It tasted exactly how you would expect a cocktail with 2/3 Radiohead and 1/3 Sons of Kemet would taste like.” – Alex Andreou on A Light for Attracting Attention

Hear all the music on our rolling playlists.

Spotify: https://bit.ly/CultBunk

Tidal: https://tidal.com/browse/playlist/1aea7525-7891-4a88-8474-a08c45ea064b

Written and presented by Jelena Sofronijevic and Alex Andreou. Audio production by Alex Rees. Theme music: ‘Bunker Theme (Juntos Mix)’ by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. The Culture Bunker is a Podmasters production.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Journeys to the Edge: Conversations with Extremists May 12, 2022

How do we talk to radicals and terrorists who are bent on reshaping society through violence? Charlotte McDonald-Gibson was at Brussels Airport during a terror attack in 2016, and wanted to understand what drives people to such acts. She joins Justin Quirk to discuss her book Far Out: Encounters With Extremists, where she finds out what lures people into fringe groups.

“The human emotions that lead people to these groups are universal across ideologies.”
“Everybody in the book was under 25 when they went through that radicalisation process.”
“The feeling of alienation remained the same, whatever the circumstances were.”
“Self-radicalisation happens online now.”
“We can’t ignore people who’ve been drawn to extremist beliefs.”
“I don’t think we’ve seen the full impact of COVID on extremism.”

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Justin Quirk. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Audio production by Jade Bailey. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

https://granta.com/products/far-out/

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Explained: The War on Roe v. Wade May 11, 2022

With the prospect of Roe v. Wade being overturned, we unpack the movement against abortion rights in the United States. A leaked draft Supreme Court decision indicates the landmark decision is set to be struck down – what would that mean for American society? Iowa-based writer Lyz Lenz joins Ros Taylor to discuss how the country reached this moment of reckoning, and what could happen next.

“Since 1973 we have seen a slow erosion of the ability to access abortion services.”
“There has been a Conservative plan to appoint judges that would overturn Roe v. Wade.”
“The justices are pushing a minority viewpoint in overturning Roe v. Wade.”
“Other rights could be up for debate, such as the right to gay marriage.”
“A lot of Americans were very comfortable and thought this day would never come.”
“Being able to access the pill saved my life and my career.”

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Ros Taylor. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold. Audio production by Jade Bailey. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Keep Korma and Curry On – Weekly Edition May 10, 2022

What was spicier, Starmer’s curry or its aftermath? We discuss the Labour leader’s standing and his bluff-calling gamble. Plus, who were the real local election winners and losers? Then, as the cost of living bites, the panel unpacks just how out of touch the Government is with working people. Jamie Driscoll, the Labour Mayor of the North of Tyne, is this week’s special guest and Belfast-based journalist Amanda Ferguson also drops in to unpack the Northern Ireland assembly results.

“People don’t trust Johnson, but there is also an element of them not trusting anyone at all.” – Jamie Driscoll
“Labour are one-nil up at half time, but the Tories might be about to take their captain off.” – Jamie Driscoll
“Two million people had to skip meals last month, but here we’re talking about a guy having a curry.” – Jamie Driscoll
“The scenarios aren’t all good for Keir Starmer, but they are good for Labour.” - Marie Le Conte
“What people want is some hope, they want a way out.” – Jamie Driscoll
“I heard Boris Johnson is cutting back and he’s only going to have silver wallpaper now.” – Jamie Driscoll
“The alternative to saying ‘try own-brand products’ is telling people ‘you’re on your own’.” – Ahir Shah

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Presented by Alex Andreou with Ahir Shah and Marie Le Conte. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold, Jelena Sofronijevic and Alex Rees. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. The Bunker is a Podmasters Production

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Calm Before the Stormont – Start Your Week with Gavin Esler May 09, 2022

Brexit tensions spike in the wake of Northern Ireland’s assembly elections – what will come of the fallout? Plus, Putin is to address Russia on the nation’s Victory Day – how will he look to reframe his ongoing invasion of Ukraine? Then, back at home, the Queen’s Speech is due this week. Andrew Harrison is joined by Gavin Esler to tee up the days ahead.

“This has all been done as part of Boris Johnson’s Brexit derangement syndrome.” – Gavin Esler
“If you really think Boris Johnson has built 40 hospitals, then come walk with me over the Garden Bridge.” – Gavin Esler
“Starmer didn’t go to Durham to have his eyes tested, like somebody else.” – Gavin Esler
"Culture wars are about creating, not solving, problems." – Gavin Esler
"Putin's regime is rotten to the core." – Gavin Esler
“It would be hardly surprising if whatever Putin says is a pack of lies.” – Gavin Esler

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Presented by Andrew Harrison with Gavin Esler. Producers: Jacob Archbold, Jelena Sofronijevic and Alex Rees. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production: Robin Leeburn. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Free Speech Inc.: Will Musk Break Twitter? May 08, 2022

News of Elon Musk buying Twitter has enraged some users – but what could he actually do with the platform? Could he break it in the ways some fear? Alex Andreou is joined by Charles Arthur, former technology editor of The Guardian and author of Social Warming: The Dangerous and Polarising Effects of Social Media, to discuss what the billionaire tech mogul might do with the site.

“You have to distinguish between the Musk you see on Twitter and the one who's in business.”
“Twitter does have enormous value to it, but no one has found a way to extract that value.”
“Don't listen to what he says, watch what he does.”

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Alex Andreou. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Assistant Producer: Elina Ganatra. Audio production by Jade Bailey. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Culture Bunker: Dr Strange, guests xPropaganda, Soft Cell, Dubstar, The Penteverate May 07, 2022

In our pop culture roundup: Does the new Dr Strange go a multiverse too far? Reunited Deutsche electro legends xPropaganda join us as our special guests. New albums from sophisticates of seediness Soft Cell and the Smiths you can dance to, Dubstar. And does Mike Myers’ conspiracy comedy The Pentaverate hit the spot? And Katie Puckrik of The Word fame joins the panel too…

Hear all the music on our rolling playlists.

Spotify: https://bit.ly/CultBunk

Tidal: https://tidal.com/browse/playlist/1aea7525-7891-4a88-8474-a08c45ea064b

“You need a PhD in Marvel to understand what’s going on in Dr Strange – but luckily I have one.” – Andrew Harrison
“This is the best album Dubstar have made. The production is perfect and feels timeless.” – Siân Pattenden
“I absolutely love this xPropaganda album. I’ve been listening to it non-stop.” – Katie Puckrick

Presented and produced by Andrew Harrison and Jelena Sofronijevic with Elina Ganatra. Audio production by Alex Rees. Theme music: ‘Bunker Theme (Juntos Mix)’ by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. The Culture Bunker is a Podmasters production.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

China's Power Grab? The Truth About Belt and Road May 05, 2022

You may have heard of China’s ‘Belt and Road Initiative’, but what actually is it? And what are Beijing's underlying motivations? Jelena Sofronijevic speaks to Eric Olander, co-founder and managing editor of The China Africa Project, and Raffaello Pantucci, a co-author of Sinostan - China’s Inadvertent Empire, to uncover the truth about Chinese economic investment abroad.

“The BRI, in many respects, is like a Rorschach test, where you can see anything you want into it.” - Eric Olander
“If you had to boil it down to one central idea that defined the BRI, I'd have to say connectivity.” - Eric Olander
“The BRI is China's way of expressing its foreign policy.” - Raffaello Pantucci
“China's saying, let’s all just make money together. And underlying that, there’s an idea that has worked at home, that if we can make everyone rich and prosperous we can all get stability.” - Raffaello Pantucci
“What bothers me a lot about the discourse surrounding Belt and Road, is that we take all the agency out of the host country.” - Raffaello Pantucci
“China looks at Africa in far more political terms than economic terms.” - Eric Olander

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Jelena Sofronijevic. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Assistant Producer: Elina Ganatra. Audio production by Jade Bailey. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Local Votes for Local People – Weekly Edition May 04, 2022

With the Tory tractor bogged down in scandal, can diversion tactics help them at the local elections? We look at the latest Westminster sleaze and whether Boris Johnson’s party is set for a reckoning. Plus, we cast an eye to Russia and unexplained explosions amid their invasion of Ukraine. And, with an open call for new emojis – what does our panel think is needed? This week’s guest is Daily Mirror senior political correspondent Rachel Wearmouth.

“The expectation management from all parties is insane.” – Rachel Wearmouth
“The briefings are all just ridiculously dramatic.” – Rachel Wearmouth
“They’re supposed to be the party of law and order, the Tories, and the Prime Minister broke the law.” – Rachel Wearmouth
“I think Labour will win Wandsworth and that will be the story.” – Rachel Wearmouth
“There is this feeling that ‘they’re all as bad as each other’ and that could cut through.” – Rachel Wearmouth

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Presented by Andrew Harrison with Justin Quirk and Arthur Snell. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold, Jelena Sofronijevic and Alex Rees, with research by Elina Ganatra. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. The Bunker is a Podmasters Production.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Fatal At-Tractor-tion – Start Your Week with Alex Andreou and Yasmeen Serhan May 03, 2022

We assess the latest political rumblings as local elections loom. How will the latest scandals sway public opinion? Will the results be a litmus test of Boris Johnson’s campaigning clout? Plus, certain news outlets’ obsession with Angela Rayner and Keir Starmer, the PM’s upcoming address to Ukrainian parliament and cast an eye to Supreme Court controversy in the United States. Alex Andreou and Yasmeen Serhan tee up the days ahead.

“It’s going to be a performance review on both leaders.” – Yasmeen Serhan
"The local elections will be a big stress test for the Conservatives." – Yasmeen Serhan
"The Conservatives are more vulnerable to lose in cities." – Yasmeen Serhan

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Presented by Alex Andreou with Yasmeen Serhan. Producers: Jacob Archbold, Jelena Sofronijevic and Alex Rees. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production: Jade Bailey. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Disaster Expert: The Woman Who Plans for Catastrophes May 02, 2022

Someone has to pick up the pieces after a disaster. What’s it like to deal with the aftermath of a catastrophe? Siân Pattenden talks to Lucy Easthope about her new memoir When the Dust Settles: Stories of Love, Loss and Hope from an Expert in Disaster. Lucy has been first at the scene of countless major crises over the last twenty years, from 9/11 to the Grenfell fire. She discusses planning for emergencies, and her belief most of the world's tragedies can be prevented.

“I'm not letting people off the hook, disasters are often a source of state or agency failure, and they can be prevented.”
“Grenfell was a return to those dark days, it was a systemic failure that never should have happened.”
“Fukushima was the first time I really saw proper fear in my colleagues' eyes.”
“I am a child of the indomitable city of Liverpool, where tragedy and activism are wired into the blood.”
“Austerity really does start to bite on a service that people don't know about.”
“The world has always been perilous.”

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Siân Pattenden. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold, Jelena Sofronijevic. Assistant Producer: Elina Ganatra. Audio production by Jade Bailey. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

https://www.hachette.co.uk/titles/lucy-easthope/when-the-dust-settles/9781529358247/

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Local Elections: John Curtice on the Key Battles May 01, 2022

Ahead of the local elections, we look at the key political battles across Britain. Could a bad set of results force Boris Johnson out? Sir John Curtice, politics professor atthe University ofStrathclyde and BBC election night expert, joins Ros Taylor to discuss what to keep an eye on, and who the likely winners and losers might be.

“Not all of the England is voting, and that is crucial.”
“If Boris Johnson had to pick a set of elections to defend, this would be it.”
“The Lib Dems principle challenge is to hang onto what they’ve got.”

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Ros Taylor. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis Producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Audio production by Alex Rees and Jade Bailey. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Culture Bunker: Röyksopp, J Dilla, Shining Girls on Apple TV+ plus sci-fi author Adrian Tchaikovsky guests Apr 30, 2022

Our pop culture roundup. This week, time twists in new Apple TV+ thriller Shining Girls with Elizabeth Moss. How hip hop producer J Dilla turned music itself inside out. New cosmic explorations from electronic explorers Röyksopp. And much more. Breakout star of British science fiction Adrian Tchaikovsky is our special guest.

Hear all the music on our rolling playlists.

Spotify: https://bit.ly/CultBunk

Tidal: https://tidal.com/browse/playlist/1aea7525-7891-4a88-8474-a08c45ea064b

Start reading Adrian Tchaikovsky with Dogs Of War.

Buy Dan Charnas’s Dilla Time.

Watch Röyksopp’s ‘Profound Mysteries’ films here.

“This is science fiction music.” – Adrian Tchaikovsky on Röyksopp
“I have no idea where it's going to go, and I absolutely love it.” – Andrew Harrison on Shining Girls
“German hip-hop music videos are having a renaissance of really bizarre, innovative visuals.” – Adrian Tchaikovsky

Presented and produced by Andrew Harrison and Jelena Sofronijevic with Elina Ganatra. Audio production by Alex Rees. Theme music: ‘Bunker Theme (Juntos Mix)’ by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. The Culture Bunker is a Podmasters production.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Daily: Can We Prosecute Putin’s War Crimes? Apr 28, 2022

Atrocities in Ukraine have sparked calls to prosecute Vladimir Putin for war crimes. Could that happen? Dr. Maria Varaki, lecturer in international law at King’s College London, talks to Alex Andreou about what constitutes a war crime, and the complex system of international courts that could bring the Russian president to justice.

“Civilians have immunity from targeting, but in Ukraine they have been targeted.”
“Crimes against humanity can be committed both in peacetime and wartime. This is a major difference with war crimes.”
“What’s going on in Mariupol where civilians are trapped, this is an indication that some war crimes might have been committed.”
“The Ukrainians were extremely active in collecting evidence from the very first moment.”
“This war, like every war, is a victim of disinformation and misinformation.”
"We have to be realistic, but I would expected arrest warrants to be issued.”

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Alex Andreou. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis Producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Election: Why France’s Far Right Isn’t Beaten Yet Apr 27, 2022

Emmanuel Macron may have defeated Marine Le Pen – but that doesn’t mean France’s far right is finished. Where is the nation headed now? Emile Chabal, author of France, dials in from the country’s south to talk to Ros Taylor about why some Brits are so fascinated by the French President, what’s next for his defeated rivals, and what became of the gilet jaunes protests.

“I struggle to imagine a far right in France that isn't attached to the name Le Pen.”
“The gilets jaunes movement has evaporated.”
“The French are very demanding when it comes to their politicians.”
“It's better to think of Mélenchon as a unity left figure, despite himself.”

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Ros Taylor. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis Producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Audio production by Jade Bailey. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

https://www.amazon.co.uk/France-Polity-Histories-Emile-Chabal/dp/1509530029

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Notes on a Small Island Apr 26, 2022

What’s worse about the Mail’s attack on Angela Rayner? The sexism or the clumsy vindictiveness? Plus, Macron squeaks the French presidential election. Should we think twice before ordering Deliveroo? And exactly what sort of country is Britain becoming?

Political journalist Moya Lothian-McLean – who’s written for Gal Dem, the New York Times, the BBC, The Guardian and VICE – is our special guest for the week.

“If Basic Instinct is your sexytime reference, I mean, come on. I’m getting a strong Alan Partridge vibe from this story.” – Ayesha Hazarika
“We’re in the age of cut and paste politics. They can’t even write their own excuses any more.” – Gavin Esler
“We depend on the good chaps theory… but we haven't got good chaps in government.” – Gavin Esler

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Alex Andreou with Ayesha Hazarika and Gavin Esler. Producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Assistant producer Elina Ganatra. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. Lead producer: Jacob Jarvis. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. The Bunker is a Podmasters production.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mightier than Le Pen – Start Your Week with Ros Taylor and Arthur Snell Apr 25, 2022

In France Emmanuel Macron has won again. What challenges will he face in his second term? And what does the result mean for Britain and the rest of Europe? Meanwhile, the UK continues to shirk responsibility over Ukrainian refugees, and the Mail reaches new lows with a disgraceful article about Angela Rayner. Ros Taylor is joined by Arthur Snell to look at the week ahead.

“This is a story about the success of a liberal, internationalist politician in arguably the most important country in Europe.”
“Macron’s big challenge for his second term is to look after those left-behind voters.”

Find resources to help the Ukrainian people here: https://ukrainewar.carrd.co/

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Presented by Ros Taylor with Arthur Snell. Producers: Jacob Archbold, Jelena Sofronijevic and Alex Rees. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production: Jade Bailey. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Daily: Fool Britannia – Our tumultuous path to Brexit Apr 24, 2022

Brexit came as a shocking nadir in British politics for many people – but looking back, was it really a surprise? In his latest book, All In It Together: England in the Early 21st Century, historian Alwyn Turner weaves politics and popular culture from the Millennium through to the EU referendum. He talks to Nick Cohen about the UK’s long hangover after Cool Britannia, why UKIP wielded such influence, and the impact of the internet and social media.

“Often at the beginning of a century there is a sense of confusion and people feel they need a new version of faith.”
“The internet started to create its own identity, social media changed everything.”
“Nigel Farage had a bigger impact than any politician elected to Westminster during this period.”
“Devolution was brought in to buy-off the Scottish nationalists, but it went wrong and has changed the country forever.”
“England is not a Labour country and it never has been.”

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Nick Cohen. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Audio production by Jade Bailey. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Culture Bunker: Russian Doll S2, Let’s Eat Grandma, Steve Coogan in Chivalry and more with guest KATHRYN WILLIAMS Apr 23, 2022

Pop culture polemic with guests folk-pop-chanson visionary Kathryn Williams and journo Jude Rogers, whose new book The Sound Of Being Humanshows how music hardwires our brains. Will Russian Doll Season 2 match its timewarping predecessor? Steve Coogan’s Chivalry sails close to the #MeToo wind. Smart female-powered pop from Let’s Eat Grandma… and a lot more

Hear all the music on our rolling playlists.

Spotify: https://bit.ly/CultBunk

Tidal: https://tidal.com/browse/playlist/1aea7525-7891-4a88-8474-a08c45ea064b

Jude’s book The Sound Of Being Human: https://uk.bookshop.org/books/the-sound-of-being-human-how-music-shapes-our-lives/9781474622929

“I thought I was the first teenager to write songs, read Oscar Wilde and listen to The Smiths in cemeteries” – Kathryn Williams
“Elbow patches at literary events are my niche porn.” – Kathryn Williams
“Chaise Longue is the Culture Bunker’s unofficial anthem.” – Sian Pattenden
“I didn’t hate Chivalry, but it made me feel quite… tired. It got me an hour closer to death.” – Kathryn Williams

Presented by Siân Pattenden and Alex Andreou. Producer Jelena Sofronijevic with Elina Ganatra. Audio production by Alex Rees. Theme music: ‘Bunker Theme (Juntos Mix)’ by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. The Culture Bunker is a Podmasters production.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Daily: How to fix a world wrecked by Putin and Trump Apr 21, 2022

How do we tackle new international threats from terrorism to forced migration as people flee climate change? Does diplomacy still work? How has big tech changed the game for global security? Former British ambassador, Oxford University Principal, and The Naked Diplomat author Tom Fletcher talks to Arthur Snell about his new book, Ten Survival Skills for a World in Flux… and why old school “maps and chaps” won’t cut it any longer.

“The diplomatic system has been orphaned by Trump, and vandalised by Putin.”
“We should stop analysing Putin as some master strategist. He’s just willing to out-kill us.”
“COVID has forced young people to make fewer, but deeper, relationships on campus.”

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Arthur Snell. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Audio production by Alex Rees and Martin Bojtos. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

https://harpercollins.co.uk/products/ten-survival-skills-for-a-world-in-flux-tom-fletcher?variant=39456637714510

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Vice Signalling with Priti Patel Apr 20, 2022

Priti Patel cements her position as honorary Minister for Outrage while Johnson apologises, but doesn’t, once again. We pick apart the Rwanda asylum scheme and assess the PM’s outrageous display in the Commons. And as the cost of living crisis bites, which streaming services will be first to go? Comedy writer Jason Hazeley is our guest this week.

“If everyone had behaved like Downing Street behaved, you’d be looking at another 50,000 people dead.” – Alex Andreou
“As more penalty notices pile up, Johnson just starts to look like the Archbishop of Bullshit.” – Jason Hazeley
“All of these contortions are to do with the UK trying to evade its responsibilities under international law.” – Alex Andreou
“This looks like it will cost an enormous amount of money, and not work.” – Alex Andreou
“Number 10 made me feel like a mug and I’m not the only one.” – Ahir Shah
“We’re in an abusive relationship with our Government.” – Jason Hazeley
“All of these contortions are to do with the UK trying to evade its responsibilities under international law.” – Alex Andreou
“We are going to have elections very soon where I think Boris is going to get a massive electoral kicking.” – Ahir Shah

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Alex Andreou’s review recommendation.

Presented by Ros Taylor with Alex Andreou and Ahir Shah. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold, Jelena Sofronijevic and Alex Rees, with research by Elina Ganatra. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. The Bunker is a Podmasters Production.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Another Fines Mess – Start Your Week with Naomi Smith Apr 19, 2022

The PM faces a partygate reckoning amid the Rwanda refugee plan backlash. What more Government chaos is due this week? Boris Johnson will be in the Commons for the first time since his fine was confirmed, while Priti Patel is yet again courting controversy. Naomi Smith and Andrew Harrison unpack the latest and tee up the days ahead.

“It’s one thing to have attended a party. It’s another to have destroyed evidence about it.”
“Priti Patel is probably pretty close to being reshuffled.”
"Sending refugees to Rwanda is not a value for money policy."

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Bridgen article: https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/dishonest-mp-bridgen-lied-about-conduct-in-family-dispute-hplmlxmmx

Presented by Andrew Harrison with Naomi Smith. Producers: Jacob Archbold, Jelena Sofronijevic and Alex Rees. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production: Jade Bailey. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Daily: Auntie Matter – The BBC’s 100-year battle with government Apr 18, 2022

The BBC: nest of woke lefty propaganda or tame right-wing mouthpiece? Or something more complex? As the BBC marks its 100th birthday and Nadine Dorries tries to kill off the Licence Fee, Simon Potter – author of This Is The BBC: Entertaining The Nation, Speaking For Britain? – talks to Andrew Harrison about the Corporation’s tangled roots, clouded future, much-contested purpose… and why politicians from left, right and centre always seem to hate it.

• “Once you let broadcasting into politics, you’ll never get politics out of broadcasting.”

• “The BBC has a mission to expand its empire into every single media possible.”

Written and presented by Andrew Harrison. Producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Assistant producer: Elina Ganatra. Lead producer: Jacob Jarvis. Audio production by Alex Rees. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Daily: Britain’s Busted Flush - How Gambling Took Over Apr 17, 2022

How did Britain come to be one of the largest gambling markets in the world? Rob Davies, investigative journalist and author of Jackpot: How Gambling Conquered Britain, talks to Nick Cohen about how technology, advertising and liberalised laws combined to target some of the most vulnerable in society, the influence of the gambling lobby in British politics, and the urgent reforms the industry needs to make.

“In a world where technology was evolving rapidly, gambling regulation simply wasn’t fit for purpose.”
“For every person who is a gambling addict, six other people are affected by that.”
“People get huge amounts of hospitality lavished on them when they can be relied on to lose thousands of pounds.”
“For some people, the dopamine rush of putting their money at risk is irresistible.”
“The gambling lobby has MPs in the contact book like you wouldn’t believe.”

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Presented by Nick Cohen. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold, Jelena Sofronijevic and Alex Rees. Audio production by Jade Bailey. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Culture Bunker: Guest WILL YOUNG, Fontaines DC, Catherine Tate on Netflix and Apple’s feminist Black Mirror Apr 15, 2022

On our pop culture round-up: Special guest Will Young tells us about the art of mind maintenance, a life in pop, and more. Plus hard-bitten Dublin rock’n’roll from Fontaines D.C., Catherine Tate’s Netflix prison comedy Hard Cell splits the panel, and futurist feminism in new Apple TV+ sci-fi anthology Roar. Journalist Craig McLean of The Face and the Telegraph joins Siân and Alex in The Bunker.

Hear all the music on our rolling playlists.

Spotify: https://bit.ly/CultBunk

Tidal: https://tidal.com/browse/playlist/1aea7525-7891-4a88-8474-a08c45ea064b

“My desert island mental health advice is don’t expect something from people they're not willing or capable of giving.” - Will Young
“My therapist also said, if I was your boyfriend I’d dump you’ - Will Young
“As a man, watching ‘Roar’ I felt uncomfortable, but in a good way.” - Alex Andreou
“For me, this wasn’t a ‘Roar’, more like a squeak.” - Craig McLean
“I'm a bit disappointed with Skinty Fia as the rattling punk energy in the first two records is gone… maybe they’ve lost some of their spark since moving away from Dublin.” - Craig McLean
“The main thing about ‘Hard Cell’ is that I just didn’t find it funny; it falls a bit flat.”- Siân Pattenden

Presented by Siân Pattenden and Alex Andreou. Producer Jelena Sofronijevic with Elina Ganatra. Audio production by Alex Rees. Theme music: ‘Bunker Theme (Juntos Mix)’ by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. The Culture Bunker is a Podmasters production.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Daily: Navalny the Movie – The truth about the man Putin fears Apr 14, 2022

Anti-corruption activist Alexei Navalny is the man Vladimir Putin fears most. Now a new documentary tells his story. Director Daniel Roher joins Arthur Snell to discuss his latest film Navalny, which tells the story of one man and his struggle with an authoritarian regime, and what the future holds for Russia and Putin in light of the invasion of Ukraine.

“Navalny’s people were just waiting for that knock at the door.”
“How can this guy who does this dangerous work not think about his mortality? The rest of the of the world does.”
“Navalny showed the Russian people that they don’t have to be afraid of Putin.”
“Navalny reminds us that we must not be apathetic. Evil proliferates when good people do nothing.”

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Presented by Arthur Snell. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold, Jelena Sofronijevic and Alex Rees. Audio production by Jade Bailey. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Daily: The Future of Ageing Apr 13, 2022

We live in a culture obsessed with the spectacle of youth. One in five Britons will be over 65 by 2030 – with the fastest-growing age group being the over-85s. What are the implications for us as a country with an increasingly ageing population? What are the issues that need challenging and policies that need changing? And how should we think about ourselves as ageing people? Tim Whitaker, Vice-Chair of Positive Ageing London, talks to Jude Rogers about the future of ageing.

“When you're 100, you normally get a letter from the Queen. That will have to change.”
“Older people contribute to society in different ways than younger people.”
“There's a danger of ghettoising older people by sending them into care homes.”

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Jude Rogers. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis Producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Audio production by Jade Bailey. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Get Rishi Or Die Tryin’ Apr 12, 2022

Is Johnson’s hit job on Sunak distracting from a Tory brand that’s falling apart? Does the West have the stomach for sanctions that will really bite on Russia? New Statesman editor Jason Cowley goes in search of the must mysterious country on Earth: England. And while Channel 4 is still around, what are the C4 programmes we love? Zoe Williams of The Guardian and Justin Quirk join Andrew Harrison for this week’s roundtable Bunker.

“How is it sexist for Akshata Murthy to be asked to pay taxes in our own country? The sexism defence is just a ju-jitsu deployment of our own values against us.” – Zoe Williams
“It was legally correct for Sunak’s wife to have non-dom status, ethically dubious – and politically ridiculous.” – Jason Cowley
“It’s really puzzling what it takes for the British public to riot, and what it takes for the authorities to take it seriously.” – Zoe Williams
“What Gareth Southgate showed is that you don’t have to choose between Englishness and tradition.” – Jason Cowley

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Andrew Harrison with Justin Quirk and Zoe Williams. Producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic . Assistant producer Elina Ganatra. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. The Bunker is a Podmasters production.

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Le Pen: Another victory for Putin? – Start Your Week with Gavin Esler Apr 11, 2022

As the far right’s Marine Le Pen runs off against Macron, could France fall to extreme populism? Plus the briefing war against Sunak, Johnson’s photo op visit to Kyiv and Russia resets its war aims. Gavin Esler sets up the week ahead with Andrew Harrison.

“A Le Pen presidency in France would be another victory for Putin.”
“The real scandal in British politics is not what is illegal, it’s what is allowed.”
“It is possible that Le Pen could win if the French decide, like America did, that they just want a bit of entertainment.”

Presented by Andrew Harrison. Producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Assistant producer Elina Ganatra. Audio production by Jade Bailey. Lead Producer: 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

Daily: Inside Britain’s Broken Care System Apr 10, 2022

Britain now removes more children from their parents than ever before. Is it possible to mend broken families? Polly Curtis, journalist and author of Behind Closed Doors, talks to Ros Taylor about complex factors that lead to families being split up, how the system fails both mothers and fathers, and what can be done to make sure it works for everyone.

“We probably all know someone who has had a brush with the social services system.”
“A lot of these kids don’t want to be separated, they just want their parents to change.”
“There is going to be a new leap in transparency in the family courts, and that will open our eyes to these cases.”
“Being told by the state you’re a failed parent is laden with the most horrific shame.”

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Presented by Ros Taylor. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold, Jelena Sofronijevic and Alex Rees. Audio production by Jade Bailey. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Culture Bunker: Teenage Fanclub’s Norman Blake guests – plus BBC Gazza doc, Horace Andy, Slow Horses Apr 09, 2022

On our pop culture round-up: BBC2’s “genuinely moving” Paul Gascoigne documentary, reggae legend Horace Andy returns, and is Apple TV+ spy drama Slow Horses a Tinker, Tailor for the 21st Century? Teenage Fanclub’s Norman Blake joins us along with legendary beer writer Pete Brown – new book Clubland: How the Working Men’s Club Shaped Britain available for pre-order now.

Hear all the music on our rolling playlists.

Spotify: https://bit.ly/CultBunk

Tidal: https://tidal.com/browse/playlist/1aea7525-7891-4a88-8474-a08c45ea064b

“I found ‘Gazza’ incredibly moving and upsetting. I was watching it in tears.” – Pete Brown on ‘Gazza’

“The best part of ‘Gazza’ is you see that this gift is really a curse.” – Andrew Harrison on ‘Gazza’

“It’s the sound of a band knowing they’re creating something glorious but not sure that they can control it, like the wheels could fall of at any minute” – Pete Brown on New Order’s Temptation

Presented by Siân Pattenden and Andrew Harrison. Producer Jelena Sofronijevic with Elina Ganatra. Audio production by Jade Bailey. Theme music: ‘Bunker Theme (Juntos Mix)’ by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. The Culture Bunker is a Podmasters production.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Daily: The Million Dollar Question - How Does Money Work? Apr 07, 2022

Money makes the world go round, but how does it actually work? With economies across the globe in flux, understanding cash, currencies and crypto has never been more important. Gavin Jackson, lead writer for the Financial Times, joins Ahir Shah to talk about his new book Money in One Lesson: How it Works and Why, which covers the most important questions about money and how it shapes our societies.

“Money is something we all believe in, but we’re not entirely sure why.”
“We didn’t start with barter, the first money was actually made out of clay tablets.”
“Hyperinflation only happens when a government decides something is more important than stopping hyperinflation.”
“Bitcoin is an attempt to opt-out of the banking system we’ve become used to.”
“Deflation, when prices fall, is actually a lot worse than inflation as our debts don’t change.”
“If you’re interested in people, you should be interested in money. It tells us so much about who we are.”

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Presented by Ahir Shah. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold, Jelena Sofronijevic and Alex Rees. Audio production by Jade Bailey. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Daily: The Secret Influencer Economy Apr 06, 2022

For millions of people, social media isn’t a source of entertainment or information, but a way to reinvent themselves. So what if you could stop being a loser of our economic system by winning the internet’s attention? Channel 4 reporter Symeon Brown talks to Justin Quirk about his book Get Rich or Lie Trying, his gripping expose of fraud, exploitation, misogyny, environmental destruction, and the dodgy financial traders of Instagram.

“Anyone promising guaranteed returns is almost certainly a scammer.”
“The Wolf of Wall Street is just hip hop in a film.”
“Influencer traders rule the platforms, and the platforms are almost unable to respond.”

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Justin Quirk. Producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Jade Bailey. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

https://atlantic-books.co.uk/book/get-rich-or-lie-trying/

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Russia’s Atrocities Revealed Apr 05, 2022

Russia’s withdrawal from some areas of Ukraine has unveiled new depths to the atrocities committed under Putin. With horrific images showing civilians’ bodies in the streets of Bucha, the panel unpacks what will come of these revelations. Plus, we look at how the cost of living crisis is biting those who might have been insulated so far. This week’s guest is The Independent’s politicalsketch writer Tom Peck.

“All the cards are not in Putin’s hands. Putin has got immense problems.” – Gavin Esler
“Putin has put himself in a trap of his own making.” – Yasmeen Serhan
“It’s hard to imagine seeing worse images than the ones we saw in recent days.” – Yasmeen Serhan
"The battle for Ukraine is not being won or lost on the front pages of British newspapers." – Tom Peck
“Historically, when things get difficult for the middle classes, things get difficult for the Tories.” – Tom Peck
"When you cut Universal Credit, you clobber the powerless and the voiceless." – Tom Peck

Find resources to help the Ukrainian people here: https://ukrainewar.carrd.co/

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Presented by Andrew Harrison with Gavin Esler and Yasmeen Serhan.

Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold, Jelena Sofronijevic and Alex Rees. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. The Bunker is a Podmasters Production

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

War Crimes and Punishments – Start Your Week with Alex Andreou and Arthur Snell Apr 04, 2022

With Russia accused of massacring civilians in Ukraine, we look at the world’s reaction, and what will come next. How can nations push harder to punish Putin? Plus, we unpack the Hungarian election results, with Viktor Orbán having won a fourth term. And back home, partygate continues to rumble on. Alex Andreou and Arthur Snell look at the week ahead.

"Billions of Euros are sent to Russia for gas. Banning it would have a huge impact on Russia’s economy in the medium term.” – Arthur Snell
“One hoped that Orban’s closeness to Putin might have changed the outcome of the election.” – Arthur Snell
“If you’re in a town which doesn’t vote for Orban, then you’ll find yourself starved of resources.” – Arthur Snell
“I don’t think the British public have moved on over partygate.” – Arthur Snell

Find resources to help the Ukrainian people here: https://ukrainewar.carrd.co/

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Presented by Alex Andreou with Arthur Snell. Producers: Jacob Archbold, Jelena Sofronijevic and Alex Rees. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production: Jade Bailey. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Daily: Detained for Democracy Apr 03, 2022

What is life like for Hong Kong activists detained then forced into exile after daring to defy Beijing? Simon Cheng was imprisoned in 2019, and fled to Britain later that year, establishing the expat group Hongkongers in Britain. He talks to Ros Taylor about his brutal experience in detention, his new life and the threat to democracy in his home city.

“Increasingly the younger generation in Hong Kong don’t think they are Chinese.”
“Provided the regime isn’t changed, I have no chance of going back to Hong Kong.”
“I miss my hometown, my friends and my family, but I need to be able speak out freely.”
“One day if the regime changes, we could be back in Hong Kong with democracy and freedom.”
“I will continue to speak out for those people who can’t speak in Hong Kong.”

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Presented by Ros Taylor. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold, Jelena Sofronijevic and Alex Rees. Audio production by Jade Bailey. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Culture Bunker: Indie pop footballer PAT NEVIN guests plus Wet Leg, Moon Knight, Coda Apr 02, 2022

We welcome indie-rockin’ winger Pat Nevin (Chelsea, Everton, the Camden Falcon) to talk music and his new book The Accidental Footballer. Plus Wet Leg’s long-awaited debut album, Marvel’s Egyptological psycho-drama Moon Knight, Oscar-winning deaf family dramady Coda, an erotically-charged Ruth Wilson in True Things AKA 9½ Weeks In Ramsgate… and much, much more.

Hear all the music on our rolling playlists.

Spotify: https://bit.ly/CultBunk

Tidal: https://tidal.com/browse/playlist/1aea7525-7891-4a88-8474-a08c45ea064b

“I once managed to fit four Camera Obscura references into one sentence of commentary.” – Pat Nevin

“Ruth Wilson’s character feels like a real woman… If not yourself then definitely someone you know.” – Anna Smith

“The truly ignorant person is the one that thinks they know everything.” – Pat Nevin

Presented by Siân Pattenden and Andrew Harrison. Producer Jelena Sofronijevic with Elina Ganatra. Audio production by Jade Bailey. Theme music: ‘Bunker Theme (Juntos Mix)’ by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. The Culture Bunker is a Podmasters production.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Daily: Surviving Auschwitz – A family’s remarkable story Mar 31, 2022

Jacques Peretti’s mother, Alina, survived World War Two in Poland, Siberia, and finally, Auschwitz. They talk to Siân Pattenden about their book, Little Bird of Auschwitz, coming to terms with how Alina understood the Holocaust as a child, finding the courage to put harrowing memories to paper …and how the investigative journalist learned more about the woman who would never let him call her “Mum”.

“My mum took a Zhivago-esque Odyssey across Europe.” - Jacques Peretti
“I wasn't brave enough to write this book myself, but my son gave me the opportunity.” - Alina Peretti
“People assume that the Holocaust was a Jewish experience. But the degenerate category extended to anyone the Nazis didn't like.” - Jacques Peretti
“The debate between Hitler and his officers happened right in front of my mum.” - Alina Peretti

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Siân Pattenden. Producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

https://www.hodder.co.uk/titles/jacques-peretti/little-bird-of-auschwitz/9781473646438/

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Daily: The Secret Power of Being Alone Mar 30, 2022

Loneliness is something we’ve all felt at some point in our lives, particularly throughout COVID. But it can also have great value for society. Philosopher and social human rights expert Professor Kimberley Brownlee guides Ros Taylor through the important questions about being alone. Is solitary confinement an effective form of punishment? Have isolation policies been effective during the pandemic, or have they exposed care homes as “warehouses” for the elderly? And is loneliness really a moral injustice?

“Our social needs are needs with a capital N. We thirst for connection.”
“In China, children have a legal duty to visit and engage with their elderly parents.”
“We risk becoming socially malnourished without even being aware of it.”

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Ros Taylor. Producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Jade Bailey. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Eat the Rish Mar 29, 2022

What a difference a week makes. Rishi Sunak’s stock has plummeted dramatically, how far can it fall? We unpick the Chancellor’s sorry Spring Statement. Plus, while COVID cases are rising, free tests are being ditched in England. What could possibly go wrong? And with three-time grand slam champ Ash Barty retiring from tennis, we weigh up the pros and cons of quitting while you’re ahead.

“Sunak had an absolute shocker. Day one the headlines were awful from both sides.” – Miatta Fahnbulleh
“I don’t think Sunak expected this backlash, which shows how out of step with the country he is.” – Miatta Fahnbulleh
“I think this is worse than the Osborne years.” – Miatta Fahnbulleh
“It’s very easy to get popular shoving money into people’s mouths.” – Ahir Shah
“We’re seeing the real Rishi Sunak, and people are horrified.” – Ahir Shah
“Hospital workers having to pay for their own tests to make sure they’re safe to work is insane.” – Justin Quirk

Presented by Andrew Harrison with Ahir Shah, Justin Quirk and Miatta Fahnbulleh.

Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold, Jelena Sofronijevic and Alex Rees. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. The Bunker is a Podmasters Production

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rishi No Mates – Start Your Week with Ros Taylor and Alex Andreou Mar 28, 2022

As fallout from Rishi Sunak’s Spring Statement boosts tensions in Government, we look at how this might unravel further. And with Zelenskyy suggesting Ukraine could consider Russia’s neutrality demands, is there hope for an end to the war? Plus, rising COVID cases, Prince William’s reflections on his Caribbean tour and a controversial night at the Oscars. Ros Taylor and Alex Andreou look at the week ahead.

“This seems like a very slow-moving war of attrition, that Russia is losing." – Alex Andreou
"Even allies on the same side of a war have different objectives." – Alex Andreou
"The UK still sees itself as the dominant entity in the Commonwealth." – Alex Andreou
"Will Smith's actions have overshadowed the achievements of other people." – Alex Andreou

Find resources to help the Ukrainian people here: https://ukrainewar.carrd.co/

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Presented by Ros Taylor with Alex Andreou. Producers: Jacob Archbold, Jelena Sofronijevic and Alex Rees. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production: Jade Bailey. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Daily: Wild Wild Waste — How the West litters the world Mar 27, 2022

Just 9% of all the plastic ever produced on planet Earth has been recycled. So where does the other 91% go? Despite our demand for disposable goods, the UK is hardly a plastic mountain. From litter on the Turkish littoral, to the second-hand textiles that flood Africa’s markets and South America’s deserts, there’s a chasm between where environmental damage is created, and where its impact is most destructively felt. Istanbul-based journalist Ruth Michaelson tells Jelena Sofronijevic about how we can tackle the West’s problem with waste, without simply outsourcing the climate crisis overseas…

“There is a whole global chain of underpaid labour that suffers when you put your plastic bottle in the recycling bin.”
“If we were not exporting our plastic waste, we would have to think about what we are doing with it.”
“There's a whack-a-mole quest to find new destinations for plastic waste.”
“The countries that claim to recycle the most also export the most waste.”
“Environmental responsibility should fall on individual companies, not countries.”

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Presented and produced by Jelena Sofronijevic. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Culture Bunker: Aldous Harding, Broadcast Signal Intrusion, Super Greed: The Fight For Football Mar 26, 2022

This week’s pop culture review: Aldous Harding’s couture cocoon-pop, bizarre Betamax horror in new movie Broadcast Signal Intrusion, and Sky doc Super Greed charts the fiasco that was the European Super League. Journo, DJ and football fiend Anthony Teasdale helps Siân and Andrew run the VAR van of entertainment.

Hear all the music on our rolling playlists.

Spotify: https://bit.ly/CultBunk

Tidal: https://tidal.com/browse/playlist/1aea7525-7891-4a88-8474-a08c45ea064b

“Somehow the horror is more horrifying because it taps into childhood fears.” – Sian on Broadcast Signal Intrusion
“What’s more rebellious and punk rock than building a warm and furry barrier against the outside world?” – Andrew on Aldous Harding

Written and presented by Siân Pattenden and Andrew Harrison. Producer Jelena Sofronijevic. Audio production by Jade Bailey. Theme music: ‘Bunker Theme (Juntos Mix)’ by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. The Culture Bunker is a Podmasters production.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

DAILY: History Through Fiction Mar 24, 2022

How can historical fiction be relevant to today’s society but faithful to the facts of the past? Author Laura Shepherd-Robinson joins Nick Cohen to discuss her approach, as she talks us through her novel Daughters of Night, a crime thriller set in the brothels of Georgian London.

“When writing my books I choose to focus on issues that still have great resonance today.”
“Many MPs declared that their main reason for going in Parliament was to defend slavery and those who practiced it.”
“An average prostitute in Georgian London could make in one night what a housemaid made in a year.”
“The Georgian period was a time when we were turning our minds towards liberal democracy.”
“Working in politics you see power dynamics close up, and that helped when writing this book.”

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Presented by Nick Cohen. Producers: Jacob Archbold, Jelena Sofronijevic and Alex Rees. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production: Jade Bailey. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

DAILY: Justice Delayed is Justice Denied Mar 23, 2022

The pandemic and a decade of underfunding has ground courts to a halt in England and Wales. How can this be fixed? Joanna Hardy-Susskind, of Red Lion Chambers, joins Ros Taylor to unpack the issues. As criminal barristers prepare to take industrial action over levels of legal aid funding, they address the implications for those in the legal system, and what the Government needs to be doing.

“This is not action criminal barristers want to take, and we don’t take it lightly at all.”
“The backlog in the justice system has created a perfect storm, with many barristers now leaving.”
“It’s a ticking time bomb, this profession could easily slip backwards in terms of diversity.”
“We don’t have enough barristers, there are trials taking place where the defence or prosecution chairs are empty.”
“Sometimes I represent people who are innocent, and the wait for justice is crippling.”

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Presented by Ros Taylor. Producers: Jacob Archbold, Jelena Sofronijevic and Alex Rees. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production: Jade Bailey. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Trust Me, I’m a Dictator Mar 22, 2022

As a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine is discussed, could Vladimir Putin’s word possibly be trusted? Is his sway both in and outside his nation waning? We look at the chances of an agreement and what one might look like. Plus, we assess economic crises and talk about the prospect of more prescriptive healthcare in a world changed by COVID. Dr. Marc Berenson, senior lecturer at King’s Russia Institute, is this week’s guest.

"It’s hard for Ukraine to give anything up because they haven’t done anything wrong.” – Ayesha Hazarika
“Putin has solidified the unity of the EU.” – Ayesha Hazarika
“Ethics don’t pay the bills, and governments around the world are seeing gas prices soar.” – Yasmeen Serhan

Find resources to help the Ukrainian people here: https://ukrainewar.carrd.co/

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Presented by Alex Andreou with Ayesha Hazarika and Yasmeen Serhan. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold, Jelena Sofronijevic and Alex Rees. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. The Bunker is a Podmasters Production

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Caught in the Crunch – Start Your Week with Justin Quirk and Naomi Smith Mar 21, 2022

With ongoing devastation in Ukraine and a biting cost of living crisis here at home, the outlook remains bleak. The Government remains under ever-increasing scrutiny – is there any indication of positive change, or just hints at political manoeuvres? Will those in need continue to face the brunt of the hardship? Justin Quirk is joined by Naomi Smith to look at the week ahead.

“We’re failing refugees the world over, I’m afraid.” – Naomi Smith
“In organisations with a bad culture, a bad output, the fish rots from the head.” – Naomi Smith
“We have seen precisely nothing of a substance that will help to level up the country.” – Naomi Smith
“We need an intervention that isn’t just about tax cuts but also help for those on low incomes.” – Naomi Smith

Find resources to help the Ukrainian people here: https://ukrainewar.carrd.co/

Presented by Justin Quirk with Naomi Smith. Producers: Jacob Archbold, Jelena Sofronijevic and Alex Rees. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production: Jade Bailey. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Daily: Making Sense of Nigel, with Michael Crick Mar 20, 2022

Whatever you think of him, Nigel Farage has been one of Britain’s most influential politicians. His campaign to take the UK out of the EU went from a fringe viewpoint to government policy, but how did he do it? Political journalist Michael Crick joins Dorian Lynskey to discuss his latest book One Party After Another, which takes a deep dive into the life of one of Britain’s most controversial political characters.

“Farage is the most important politician of this century.”
“I wouldn’t write off the idea of this net-zero referendum happening.”
“You can understand why Farage admires Vladimir Putin, he uses many of the same methods.”
“The Conservatives were terrified of Farage getting into the House of Commons.”
“Farage’s GB News contract has meant fewer appearances on other broadcast outlets.”
“Farage is addicted to public attention, he would rarely turn down an interview.”

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Presented by Dorian Lynskey. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold, Jelena Sofronijevic and Alex Rees. Audio production by Robin Leeburn. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Culture Bunker: The Anchoress, Upload Series 2, new music from Jenny Hval, and Balkan buzz film, Hive Mar 19, 2022

Hear all the music on our rolling playlist: https://bit.ly/CultBunk

Dr Catherine Anne Davies, AKA Welsh multi-instrumentalist The Anchoress, joins us on the rerelease of The Art of Losing – and for an album whose central theme is loss, there are as many bangers as you can wave a stick at.

Plus, death on the installment plan - podcast producer Rob Fitzpatrick talks about series two of Upload on Amazon Prime, and Classic Objects, the new album from Norwegian musician and novelist Jenny Hval. And there’s a buzz around Balkan cinema, as Siân and Jelena see award-winning Kosovan post-conflict movie HIVE.

“My songs are not Nick Cave mournful ballads, but Dylan Thomas rages against the dying of the light.” - Catherine Anne Davies
“I thought that rock stars couldn't have PhDs. But I'm also proud of myself for my lyrics rhyming Monopoly and misogyny.” - Catherine Anne Davies
“Amazon Prime series often poke fun at the platform that sustains them.” - Sian Pattenden
“Religion was the way we made sense of life and death, and now we do it with TV.” - Catherine Anne Davies
“I found a sonic freedom and enjoyment in Jenny Hval's Classic Objects.” - Rob Fitzpatrick

Written and presented by Siân Pattenden and Alex Andreou. Audio production by Alex Rees. Theme music: ‘Bunker Theme (Juntos Mix)’ by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. The Culture Bunker is a Podmasters production.

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Daily: How Britain Embraced the Super-Rich Mar 17, 2022

Why is Britain so accommodating to the super-rich? Oliver Bullough, author of Butler to the World talks to Ahir Shah to discuss how our nation came to assist kleptocrats to the extent we see today. As question marks over oligarchs’ riches hit the headlines, we look at how we got here.

“There is this deeply ingrained service industry that helps anyone with money do anything.”
“Whoever they are, if they’ve got money, we’ll take their money and help them solve their problems.”
“We don’t stop people doing things, we help people do things.”
“The problem isn’t Russian money, it’s money. And if it wasn’t Russian money it would be someone else’s money.”

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Presented by Ahir Shah. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold, Jelena Sofronijevic and Alex Rees. Audio production by Jade Bailey. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Daily: Can Art, Sport and Brands Beat Russia? Mar 16, 2022

Cultural organisations are becoming more assertive in boycotting Russia. But how effective are their sanctions? Can these moves compare with economic clampdowns? Jelena Sofronijevic talks to Professor Andrew Bertoli about how sports influences international security, whether sanctions hurt individuals more than states, and whether these actions are really useful for Ukraine.

“The IOC and FIFA have had very cosy relationships with Putin in the past.”
“The three times Putin has launched an invasion have always followed the Olympics.”
“Even weaker or mixed signals from international organisations will be stronger than those sent by individual states.”
“Cultural sanctions don’t stop military action directly, but they do signal support to those affected.”
“For big organisations, the damage that would come from remaining neutral far outweighs the damage that stems from taking a side.”

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Presented and produced by Jelena Sofronijevic. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Jade Bailey. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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An Abdication of Responsibility Mar 15, 2022

The Government has been bounced into doing more for Ukrainian refugees, but are new plans just shifting responsibility? Plus, we discuss how Russia is trying to win the information war – and dissect the facts from fiction. And finally, we take a look at what’s going on with Spotify, after a major outage and dip in subscribers. Mathilda Mallinson, of the Media Storm podcast and co-founder of Refugee Media Centre, is this week’s guest.

"There's such a bad faith approach in the right-wing media reporting on refugees." – Arthur Snell
"This is a very racist lesson as to why we haven't been treating other populations as refugees." – Mathilda Mallinson
“What we have in Calais now is a two-tiered system.” — Mathilda Mallinson
“I imagine a lot won’t be able to go home… for many it will be because the lives that they had are not available for them to return to.” — Arthur Snell
"For all Russia's craziness inside Ukraine, I still don’t think they're crazy enough to do something inside a NATO country." — Arthur Snell

Find resources to help the Ukrainian people here: https://ukrainewar.carrd.co/

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Presented by Andrew Harrison with Arthur Snell and Ahir Shah. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold, Jelena Sofronijevic and Alex Rees. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. The Bunker is a Podmasters Production

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How Can This End? – Start Your Week with Alex Andreou and Gavin Esler Mar 14, 2022

The horror of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine continues to shock the world. Is more involvement from the West inevitable? What might that look like? Meanwhile, the UK’s position on refugees is shifting, while sanctions have also been bolstered. But is the Government doing enough? Alex Andreou is joined by Gavin Esler to look at the week ahead.

“One stray missile lands in Poland and who knows where we’ll be.” – Gavin Esler
“Putin must be asking what success looks like now, and I don’t know the answer to that.” – Gavin Esler
“The Government is hamstrung by its own rhetoric over migrants and channel crossings.” – Gavin Esler
“Russia is a country of incredible cultural riches, and it’s become a money making machine for certain people.” – Gavin Esler
“It seems to be that Putin has lost the international information battle.” – Alex Andreou

Find resources to help the Ukrainian people here: https://ukrainewar.carrd.co/

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Presented by Alex Andreou with Gavin Esler. Producers: Jacob Archbold, Jelena Sofronijevic and Alex Rees. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production: Jade Bailey. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Daily: 21st Century Nuclear War Mar 13, 2022

Nuclear war is back in people’s minds after Vladimir Putin put Russia’s deterrent on high alert. How real is the threat? And if an atomic conflict did break out, what would it look like? Dr Matthew Harries, Senior Research Fellow in Nuclear Policy at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), joins Ros Taylor to discuss the likelihood of atomic warfare, and what Putin’s threat really means.

“Russia is a nuclear armed state, so we have to take escalation very seriously.”
“Vladimir Putin knows nuclear weapons are scary, and talking about them is a tactic designed to intimidate.”
“A no-fly zone would NATO in direct conflict with Russia. They would respond.”

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Presented by Ros Taylor. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold, Jelena Sofronijevic and Alex Rees. Audio production by Jade Bailey. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Culture Bunker: Electribe 101, Telefís, The Adam Project and more with Grant from Feeder Mar 12, 2022

Our pop culture review: Dancefloor existentialists Electribe 101, Microdisney mastermind returns with Telefís, Netflix comedy sci-fi The Adam Project and more with guest Grant Nicholas of Feeder.

Journalist and author of Leaving the Building: The Lucrative Afterlife of Music Estates Eamonn Forde joins Grant of skate-surf rock-punk survivors Feeder to discuss a great lost album of British dance music, “theocratic electropop from the Irish diaspora”, Netflix’s attempt to do Spielberg… and much much more.

Hear all the music on our rolling playlists.

Spotify: https://bit.ly/CultBunk

Tidal: https://tidal.com/browse/playlist/1aea7525-7891-4a88-8474-a08c45ea064b

“Not only did the Catholic Church control the country, but so too did RTÉ…” – Eamonn Forde on Telefís

Written and presented by Siân Pattenden and Andrew Harrison. Producer Jelena Sofronijevic. Audio production by Alex Rees. Theme music: ‘Bunker Theme (Juntos Mix)’ by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. The Culture Bunker is a Podmasters production.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Daily: Wonder Drug or Placebo - Does Social Prescribing Save Lives? Mar 10, 2022

We often hear that laughter is the best medicine. But healthcare providers in Bristol have taken the message seriously and are now prescribing comedy courses to help people recover from PTSD. It’s just one case of “social prescribing” that’s sweeping throughout practices across the country. Jelena Sofronijevic talks to Professor Gurch Randhawa and former service user Debs Teale about what constitutes “social medication,” why there’s no magic pill for long-term problems in politics and big pharma, and how housing and education impact health today.

“Social prescribing will only be successful when it is rolled out in a consistent way.” - Gurch Randhawa
“The beauty of social prescribing is that it can be anything creative.” - Debs Teale
“I get nervous when systems privilege the medical model of becoming unwell and receiving a prescription to manage it.” - Gurch Randhawa
“It's not a National Health Service, it's a National Sickness Service.” - Gurch Randhawa

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Presented and produced by Jelena Sofronijevic. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Special: Despatch from the White Helmets in Northwest Syria Mar 09, 2022

Western coverage of the bloody civil war in Syria might indicate that the conflict is over. But in the northwest, rebels are still fighting back against Bashar al-Assad, and the war crimes against civilians committed by his deadly regime. Ammar al Selmo is a member of the White Helmets. He dials in from northwest Syria to tell Arthur Snell about the organisation’s humanitarian efforts, how working as a first-responder is “like a drug”…and why continued Western support is critical for the region. This edition recorded before the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

“Now that the regime is using drones and laser targeting, they can't claim that attacks on civilian targets like hospitals and schools are accidental.”
“What's happening in Syria affects what's happening in Ukraine. We are connected.”
“Those who physically survive the war in Syria still have psychological rubble.”
“We must remember these war crimes to keep history alive, and hold people accountable.”

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Arthur Snell. Producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Robin Leeburn. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

https://www.whitehelmets.org/en/

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Putin vs. the World Mar 08, 2022

Among Putin’s missteps has been underestimating the support Ukraine would muster. Why is he losing the information war? Meanwhile, Russia faces a raft of sanctions from the West. We analyse the wider impact of those actions, and the moves taken by our Government. Gulnaz Sharafutdinova, of King’s Russia Institute, and Tatton Spiller, the founder of Simple Politics, are this week’s guests.

“Zelenskyy is the most media trained President in history.” - Tatton Spiller
“Since 2014, Putin has portrayed Ukraine as having a fascist government.” - Gulnaz Sharafutdinova
“Where the UK is falling short is sanctions that target individuals.” - Miatta Fahnbulleh
“In Russia, prices on electronics have risen by 30% due to sanctions.” - Gulnaz Sharafutdinova
“Putin is fighting two wars, one in Ukraine and one in Russia.” - Gulnaz Sharafutdinova

Find resources to help the Ukrainian people here: https://ukrainewar.carrd.co/

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Presented by Ros Taylor with Miatta Fahnbulleh. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold, Jelena Sofronijevic and Alex Rees. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. The Bunker is a Podmasters Production

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We Must Do More – Start Your Week with Alex Andreou and Yasmeen Serhan Mar 07, 2022

Harrowing scenes of families fleeing Ukraine have seen the Government pressured to do more for them. Will it? As Russia’s bombardment persists, it emerged the UK had only issued 50 visas to refugees escaping the invasion. Home Secretary Priti Patel has faced pointed criticism – are there any excuses? Will new proposals be enough? Alex Andreou is joined by Yasmeen Serhan to look at the week ahead.

“Kyiv is still standing, it’s still Ukrainian, but it’s an incredibly dire situation.” – Yasmeen Serhan
“People don’t want to leave their homes, people want to go home… but they also want to be safe, they also want to live.” – Yasmeen Serhan
"The resolve of the Ukrainian people and government has been incredible to witness." – Yasmeen Serhan
"The government is underestimating the extent to which Brits would be willing to help." – Yasmeen Serhan

Find resources to help the Ukrainian people here: https://ukrainewar.carrd.co/

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Presented by Alex Andreou with Yasmeen Serhan. Producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production: Alex Rees. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Daily: Weapons of Mass Distraction - Inside Tek Fog Mar 06, 2022

Imagine an app able to dictate social media trends at the click of a button. Digital researcher Ayushman Kaultalks to Alex Andreou about ‘Tek Fog’ – software he reports can do exactly that. They discuss corrosive impacts already seen in India, tracked in a nearly two-year long investigation for The Wire, and worrying implications for democracies the world over.

“Operators who use this app can manipulate social media trends en-mass, including on Facebook and Twitter.”
“There is a global industry emerging in this grey space between tech and politics, where disinformation for profit services are being offered.”
“Using platforms like Tek Fog, you can target people in a way that you could never target them before.”
“I wish there was a silver bullet to cure this disinformation epidemic that we’re facing.”

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Presented by Alex Andreou. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold, Jelena Sofronijevic and Alex Rees. Audio production by Robin Leeburn. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Culture Bunker: Belle and Sebastian’s Stuart Murdoch, The Dropout and The Batman, plus new music from the Weather Station Mar 05, 2022

Hear all the music on our rolling playlist: https://bit.ly/CultBunk

After a sneaky single drop from their new album A Bit of Previous, Scottish indie pop megastar Stuart Murdoch of Belle and Sebastian joins us to talk about making floating music festivals and his Sundance Award-winning film.

Crime writer par excellence William Shaw speaks to Siân and Jelena about The Dropout on Disney Star starring Amanda Siegfried as disgraced biotech billionaire Elizabeth Holmes, and The Weather Station’s latest album, How is It That I Should Look at the Stars, and Andrew Harrison and Linda Marric go to see The Batman.

Plus, we listen to the the new Butcher Boy anthology 'You Had A Kind Face'. It’s available to order at https://needlemythology.tmstor.es/ - and the first ones in get a limited edition postcard set.

“Songwriting is moaning to music - and I've been doing it for 26 years now.” - Stuart Murdoch
“We're in the age of the newsroom drama. It's a new kind of history-making.”- Jelena Sofronijevic
“My Buddhist nun appeared to me in a dream, and helped me pick the songs from the album to turn into singles.” - Stuart Murdoch
“This Weather Station album sounds like it's recorded in a room where's she afraid of waking the neighbours.” - William Shaw

Written and presented by Siân Pattenden and Jelena Sofronijevic. Audio production by Alex Rees. Theme music: ‘Bunker Theme (Juntos Mix)’ by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. The Culture Bunker is a Podmasters production.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Daily: The Cryptocurrency Cult Mar 03, 2022

Cryptocurrencies have boomed in recent years, but are they here to stay? Amy Castor, an independent journalist whose work focuses on cryptocurrency and financial fraud, talks to Justin Quirk to explain some of the myths around crypto, if e-currencies really can work as an alternative to the normal financial system, and the strange world of NFTs.

“Crypto was designed as an e-currency, but it’s mainly used for speculation.”
“There is mind-boggling amounts of money going into this space, in the hope more will come in.”
“Bitcoin is a cult, there are those who believe it will save people in Argentina.”
“The people that will lose in this are the unsophisticated investors who join the game too late.”
“Those who invested in Bitcoin in November have already lost half of their investment.”

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Presented by Justin Quirk. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis Producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Audio production by Jade Bailey. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Daily: Despatch from Kyiv with John Sweeney Mar 02, 2022

What’s the situation like on the ground in Ukraine? Nearly a week after Russia invaded, veteran war correspondent John Sweeney dials in from Kyiv to give Arthur Snell the lowdown on Europe’s first ground war since 1945, and why Putin’s gamble might have backfired.

“From day one I thought Putin had made a mistake, and this invasion is not going well.”
“This feels to me like Twilight of the Gods, Putin has made a miscalculation.”
“Putin is pulling the military levers and they’re not working.”
“Putin is a rational actor, blundering around in a dark bunker of his own making.”
“It feels like this war is very 20th century. Putin is a Tsar, entirely out of touch with his people.”
“I think Putin is finished. His regime has reached the beginning of the end.”

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Presented by Arthur Snell. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis Producers: Jacob Archbold, Jelena Sofronijevic and Alex Rees. Audio production by Jade Bailey. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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A War Putin Can’t Win – But Daren’t Lose Mar 01, 2022

Is a humiliated Putin even more dangerous than a victorious Putin? Can the incredible bravery of the Ukraine and President Zelensky win out? And how many fronts can Putin fight on, at home, globally and in the economic sphere?

In a week where Russia tried to pin a potential nuclear war on Liz Truss, ex-diplomat and security expert Arthur Snell, The Atlantic’s Yasmeen Serhan and former Labour spin doctor Ayesha Hazarika join Alex Andreou to get the latest on the most serious crisis in Europe since the Second World War.

Find resources to help the Ukrainian people here: https://ukrainewar.carrd.co/

“It’s being widely said that Putin can’t win this war without committing atrocities.” – Arthur Snell
“Putin is acting on emotion and that’s really worrying.” – Yasmeen Serhan
“Ironically for someone who funded the Brexit movement, Putin has done wonders for EU integration.” – Arthur Snell
“Liz Truss looking like she’s got under the Russia’s skin will be a huge help for her leadership campaign.” – Ayesha Hazarika

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Alex Andreou with Ayesha Hazarika, Yasmeen Serhan and Arthur Snell. Producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. The Bunker is a Podmasters production.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Swift Retribution – Start Your Week with Arthur Snell and Ros Taylor Feb 28, 2022

Setting up the week ahead: Putin threatens nuclear war, EU sanctions bite Russia, French presidential elections.

Would Putin really use a nuclear weapon to salvage his collapsing war on Ukraine? Will EU sanctions and plans to supply weapons to Kyiv damage the Russian regime’s plans? Plus the French presidential elections, the Policing Bill and more. Arthur Snell and Ros Taylor set up a worrying week.

“Putin has deeply underestimated Zelensky… He has proven to be a formidable wartime leader.”
“If Putin can’t take Kyiv on a small scale, will he simply pulverise the city?”
“Putin is smart enough to know that using nuclear weapons could mean the end of Russia within days”

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Presented by Ros Taylor. Producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Jade Bailey and Alex Rees. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Daily: The Disturbing Past and Present of Eugenics Feb 27, 2022

Eugenics might be considered a horrific relic of the past, but the concept still has its advocates today. Dr Adam Rutherford, science writer and author of Control, talks to Dorian Lynskey about efforts by the powerful to dictate reproduction throughout history, the legacy of eugenics in our language and literature, and present day conversations about tinkering with the DNA of unborn children.

“Winston Churchill drafted numerous bills which included mass sterilisation.”
“If you only engage in science to the point where your political views are reinforced, then you’re not doing science right.”

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Faster-Stronger-Smarter-Troubling-Eugenics/dp/1474622380

Presented by Dorian Lynskey. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Assistant producers: Jacob Archbold, Jelena Sofronijevic and Alex Rees. Audio production by Robin Leeburn. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Culture Bunker: Brit-Metal Babylon, Wuthering Heights, Johnny Marr and more Feb 26, 2022

This week’s pop culture review: Untold tales of British metal, the star of the National Theatre’s astonishing Wuthering Heights, new Johnny Marr and more.

Journalist and author of Denim And Leather: The Rise And Fall Of The New Wave Of British Heavy Metal Michael Hann tells untold tales of rock’s most unfairly despised genre. Actor and cabaret phenomenon Lucy McCormick on her stunning role as Emily Brontë’s original riot grrrl of the moors Cathy in Wuthering Heights. And what’s Johnny Marr’s new album like?

Hear all the music on our rolling playlists.

Spotify: https://bit.ly/CultBunk

Tidal: https://tidal.com/browse/playlist/1aea7525-7891-4a88-8474-a08c45ea064b

"All extreme metal comes from Venom." - Michael Hann

"I love haunting the stage. It feels so goth." - Lucy McCormick

"These metal bands did it all for themselves right up until the record labels signed them." - Michael Hann

"Death and comedy is basically my thing." - Lucy McCormick

Written and presented by Siân Pattenden and Andrew Harrison. Producer Jelena Sofronijevic. Audio production by Alex Rees. Theme music: ‘Bunker Theme (Juntos Mix)’ by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. The Culture Bunker is a Podmasters production.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Daily: The Age of Chaos – Why we live in turbulent times Feb 24, 2022

We live in a world of chaos, with Western democracies facing overlapping geopolitical, economic, and political crises. How did we get here? Professor Helen Thompson is co-host of the Talking Politics podcast – and she was Ahir Shah’s Director of Studies at University. They unpack her new book Disorder, how the fault lines in the Sino-American relationship, NATO, and the EU have all been decades in the making, and the “crisi-tunities” for years to come.

“Most of the commentary on Brexit and Trump was far too superficial.”
“So long as oil has a place in our energy supply, then the geopolitics of oil come with it.”
“There's a genuine political fear in Washington that the geopolitical winner of green energy will be China.”
“We're living in a world where supply and demand is much more complicated.”

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Ahir Shah. Producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Daily: On Thin Ice – Can we green the Olympics? Feb 23, 2022

Beijing 2022 was the first Winter Olympics to rely almost exclusively on fake snow – at great cost to the environment. But is it possible to make sports more sustainable, and will we even be able to have the Winter Olympics in the future? Dr. Madeleine Orr is a sports ecologist at Loughborough University London, and the founder of The Sport Ecology Group. She tells Jelena Sofronijevic about why pollution impacts competition, how international organisations exercise total control over local laws and taxes…and whether 2022 was really the “greenest and cleanest” Games yet.

“When we think about sports, we’re not thinking about the environments where they take place.”
“The more we use artificial spaces, the more original biodiversity loss.”

Written and presented by Jelena Sofronijevic. Producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Real Northern Powerhouse Feb 22, 2022

This edition recorded before Putin’s speech and the Russian incursion into Ukraine. “Levelling up” is a mantra for Boris Johnson, but what is his government actually doing about it? Our special guest Tracy Brabin, the Mayor of West Yorkshire and former MP, joins us to discuss tackling inequalities between regions. Plus, we discuss moves to tackle “legal but harmful” content online. What does that mean? And what career best prepares you for politics? Spoiler alert: it isn’t being a Telegraph columnist.

“The government must stop putting metro mayors into beauty competitions to bid for small pots of money.” – Tracy Brabin
“Michael Gove is a bit of a disruptor who wants to deliver. But his levelling up plan has no new money and the same old story.” – Tracy Brabin
“MPs are completely in the thick of online abuse on every form of social media… they get the worst of the internet every day in their inbox.” – Marie Le Conte

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Presented by Andrew Harrison with Justin Quirk and Marie Le Conte. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold, Jelena Sofronijevic and Alex Rees. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Recorded by Jade Bailey, audio production by Robin Leeburn. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. The Bunker is a Podmasters Production.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Waiting For Someone To Blink – Start Your Week with Yasmeen Serhan and Alex Andreou Feb 21, 2022

The threat of a Russian invasion of Ukraine is still looming. Can further diplomacy prevent war? There are reports of a summit between Vladimir Putin and Joe Biden. What could it achieve? Plus, COVID restrictions are due to be ditched in England, and MPs return to Parliament after a recess. Where will their focus be? Alex Andreou is joined by Yasmeen Serhan to discuss the week ahead.

“It feels like we’re waiting for someone to blink. There’s a lot of mixed narratives.” – Yasmeen Serhan
“Any diplomacy is better than the alternative.” – Yasmeen Serhan
“If you are serious about living with COVID, the monitoring aspect of it is key.” – Alex Andreou
"Johnson has squashed the scandal sombrero by stretching out these inquiries." – Alex Andreou
"The government has to focus on crises closer to home – like the weather." – Yasmeen Serhan

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Presented by Alex Andreou with Yasmeen Serhan. Producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production: Alex Rees. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Daily: From A to Xi - What will China do in 2022? Feb 20, 2022

What will China do in 2022? Cindy Yu, The Spectator’s broadcast editor and host of the Chinese Whispers podcast, joins Alex Andreou to take a look at the direction of travel for the world’s most populous nation. What does a policy of ‘zero-covid’ mean for China? How will relations with America and Russia turn out? And is Xi Jinping lumbering up for conflict with Taiwan?

“Sport has always been a good way for a controversial government in China to build bridges.”
“Zero-covid is another barrier between China and the rest of the world.”
“Putin and Xi share values when it come to how they run their countries.”
“If China is going to invade Taiwan, what’s happening in Ukraine will not affect that.”
“The idea of China overtaking America is too simplistic. Very rarely do you have a unipolar world.”
“The more the West bashes China, the more the Chinese media whip that up into an anti-China narrative.”

Presented by Alex Andreou. The Group Editor is Andrew Harrison. The Lead Producer is Jacob Jarvis. The producers are Jacob Archbold, Jelena Sofronijevic and Alex Rees. Audio production by Jade Bailey. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Culture Bunker: Sea Power live plus Metronomy, Half Man Half Biscuit, Severance on Apple TV+ Feb 19, 2022

Hear all the music on our rolling playlist: https://bit.ly/CultBunk

Lakeland poets of “high church rock’n’roll” Sea Power play songs from their magnificent new album Everything Was Forever and explain how it felt when they dropped the word “British” from their name, to the ire of GB News. And Mojo magazine’s Ian Harrison joins us to discuss new waxings from Half Man Half Biscuit and Metronomy plus new Apple TV+ series Severance – what The Office would be like if created by Aldous Huxley.

“People are pretty sceptical of any band that puts too much thinking into their lyrics…” – Yan from Sea Power

Written and presented by Siân Pattenden and Andrew Harrison. Producer Jelena Sofronijevic. Audio production by Alex Rees. Theme music: ‘Bunker Theme (Juntos Mix)’ by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. The Culture Bunker is a Podmasters production.

Our rolling playlist on Spotify: https://bit.ly/CultBunk

And now Tidal too: https://tidal.com/browse/playlist/1aea7525-7891-4a88-8474-a08c45ea064b

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Daily: The fastest growing religion you’ve never heard of Feb 17, 2022

How did a Christian movement, founded at the turn of the century, become the fastest growing religion today? Pentecostal Christianity has 600 million followers, with 35,000 new adherents a day. So what’s behind the remarkable rise of this religious movement? Elle Hardy, author of Beyond Belief, tells Arthur Snell about her mission to report its rise across twelve different countries, from South America to Africa and Australia, how Pentecostalism provides community to the rootless and marginalised in a fragmenting world…and its toxic connection to populist authoritarianism.

“There will be more Pentecostals than Catholics in Brazil in the next ten years.”
“Anyone can become a prophet in Pentecostalism.”
“You can fit six Vaticans in the biggest Pentecostal church in Nigeria.”
“Pentecostalism is the ideology of the new right in America.”

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Arthur Snell. Producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

https://www.hurstpublishers.com/book/beyond-belief/

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Why accents speak louder than words Feb 16, 2022

A strong accent can lead us to make many assumptions about a person. We ask why, and the impact of these judgements. Linguistics experts Dr. Alex Baratta and Dr. Dominic Watt join Jelena Sofronijevic to explore whether RP has been replaced with a new “standard” accent, why some professions are still demanding flat accents…and if the Queen’s English is really dead.

“Your accent is a flag or badge of your social standing." - Dominic Watt
"We exist in an accentist society." - Dominic Watt
“Right at the top of the social pinnacle we have people who more or less speak the same as each other. - Dominic Watt
“Accent bias is more of an issue in certain professions, the reason is it goes back to certain perceptions.” - Alex Baratta
“I think there’ll always be a perceived need to have a standard accent.” - Alex Baratta

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Presented and produced by Jelena Sofronijevic. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Audio production by Alex Rees. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Russian Roulette Feb 15, 2022

Russia’s threatening moves on the borders of Ukraine have led to a frantic diplomacy blitz. Can Vladimir Putin be urged back from the brink? Plus, as COVID rules are due to be ditched in England, is that the right call? Or simply a distraction for Boris Johnson? And, with Futurama returning to and Neighbours leaving our screens, we choose the TV shows we’d like to resurrect and others to scrap. Financial Times journalist and author of Britain Alone: The Path from Suez to Brexit Philip Stephens joins our weekly panel.

“Nobody knows what Putin wants.” – Arthur Snell
“The City is well-known as the London Laundry, and the Russians are the best users of that.” – Philip Stephens
“There aren't many big beasts left prowling in the Tory forest.” – Philip Stephens
“More Brits have been vaccinated than watched the Euros final.” – Yasmeen Serhan

Support The Bunker on Patreon for early, ad-free episodes and more: https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Presented by Andrew Harrison with Arthur Snell and Yasmeen Serhan. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold, Jelena Sofronijevic and Alex Rees. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Robin Leeburn. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. The Bunker is a Podmasters Production

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The Met’s Commission Impossible – Start Your Week with Naomi Smith Feb 14, 2022

Following Cressida Dick’s resignation, we look at the looming clashes over who will become the next Met police chief. What are the priorities for whoever gets the role? Plus, the threat of a Russian invasion of Ukraine persists. Is war imminent? And after Boris Johnson was handed a police questionnaire over Partygate, what can we expect next? Justin Quirk is joined by Naomi Smith to discuss the week ahead.

“The fish rots from the head and a bad leader… is one that will mean that awful culture pervades and that cascade happens through an organisation.”
“We’ve got to hope and pray that we can have a force we can be proud of.”
“Changing the culture within an organisation can take years, and the Met will be no exception.”
“After Brexit and Trump, Putin knows that the West isn’t as united as it has been.”
“Much of the left in Western politics have a blind spot when it comes to Russian imperialism.”

www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Presented by Justin Quirk with Naomi Smith. Producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production: Alex Rees. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Daily: Slave to the algorithm Feb 13, 2022

We all want control over our lives. But as we make more decisions digitally, the impact of algorithms on our choices grows. They help to sort the information presented to us and limit the options we see – shaping the products we buy, films we watch and even the partners we end up with. Andrew Harrison discusses the future of such technology with Kartik Hosanagar, author of A Human's Guide to Machine Intelligence: How Algorithms Are Shaping Our Lives and How We Can Stay in Control.

“Many people believe that algorithms are just providing us information and we comb through that and make our own choices… research shows otherwise.” – Kartik Hosanagar
“They are not just helping us make the decisions that we would have anyway made… they are also influencing the decisions themselves.” – Kartik Hosanagar
“These algorithms could be making choices in more personal and more important aspects of our lives, and also they could be making them autonomously.” – Kartik Hosanagar
“Let’s make sure that for high stakes decisions, they are made by human beings.” – Kartik Hosanagar
“Individually, it’s hard for us to stop this algorithmic tsunami.” – Kartik Hosanagar

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Presented and produced by Andrew Harrison. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Audio production by Jade Bailey. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Culture Bunker: Director Rikki Beadle-Blair MBE on Riot Act and LGBT+ History Month, This Is Going to Hurt, Bacon and Bourgeois on Beasts, plus Pam and Tommy Feb 12, 2022

Hear all the music on our rolling playlist: https://bit.ly/CultBunk

Writer, director, actor, singer, dancer - THE NOTORIOUS RBB Rikki Beadle-Blair joins us to talk Riot Act, LGBT+ History Month, and a lifetime of activist art.

Jelena, Alex, and Siân don their scrubs for This is Going to Hurt, the BBC’s new med-drama with Ben Wishaw. And the meat goes on with Pam and Tommy on Disney, and two new mega-shows - Francis Bacon and Louise Bourgeois – for this week’s Art Corner special on BEASTS.

“Equality means equality of opportunity to be idiots.” - Rikki Beadle-Blair
“The constant self-portraiture on Instagram is irritating.” - Rikki Beadle-Blair
“This is Going to Hurt makes the NHS feel so fragile. It made me ask what I can do to help the Adam Kays of this world.” – Siân Pattenden
“The talking penis in Pam and Tommy felt weirdly Disney to me, like something out of Beauty in the Beast!” – Alex Andreou

Written and presented by Alex Andreou, Siân Pattenden, and Jelena Sofronijevic. Audio production by Alex Rees. Theme music: ‘Bunker Theme (Juntos Mix)’ by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. The Culture Bunker is a Podmasters production.

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Daily: Thinking Beyond the Sea - A Blue New Deal Feb 10, 2022

With environmental destruction threatening our oceans, what might a fresh plan to protect them look like? Chris Armstrong, political theory professor at the University of Southampton, joins Ros Taylor to discuss his new book A Blue New Deal, which outlines a manifesto for protecting our seas.

“Our reliance on the ocean has diminished, before air travel we had to use it to get to the other side of the world.”
“Although the ocean absorbs most the carbon we emit, it has limits and we are reaching them.”
“We need to engage in radical thinking in order to save our oceans.”

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Presented by Ros Taylor. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Daily: Why the West is complicit in China’s rise to power Feb 09, 2022

Christine Lee’s recent designation as a Chinese agent of influence by MI5 has breathed new life into calls to reassess the country’s influence in Westminster. Yet as the world’s second-largest economy, China is widening its reach across the globe – and democratic nations are complicit. Journalist Joanna Chiu, author of China Unbound, tells Arthur Snell about its murky “United Front” and New Silk Road projects, whether Western ignorance equals wilful involvement in China’s authoritarian regime…and why Chinese immigrants should be better protected overseas.

“Chinese politicians are expected to self-report.”
“You have to feel sympathy for anyone trying to work within the Chinese legal system.”
“China has designed laws to make its businesses complicit in its security regime.”
“Western leaders created a narrative to justify and excuse their engagement with a foreign, authoritarian power.”
“Chinese immigrants aren't welcomed for their expertise. They're treated with suspicion.”

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Arthur Snell. Producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

https://www.hurstpublishers.com/book/china-unbound/

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Big Bills and Bad Energy Feb 08, 2022

Amid a profound and worsening cost of living crisis, we discuss whether the Government is rising to the challenge. Is the public being shortchanged? Plus, with the COVID-19 pandemic leading to a huge courts backlog, Evening Standard courts correspondent Tristan Kirk joins us to talk about the pressures on the justice system. And after Facebook reported its first ever drop in daily users, what’s next for the social media giant?

“It feels like the Chancellor, with all his riches, hasn’t understood the gravity of the situation.” - Miatta Fahnbulleh
“If you want a quick way to solve this issue, increase Universal Credit and don’t raise the cap as much.” - Miatta Fahnbulleh
“If Sunak doesn’t get into Number 10 before the pain arrives, then he might miss his moment.” - Tom Peck
“Myself, and I assume the Downing Street police officers, would think No.10 would be following their own rules.” - Tristan Kirk

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Presented by Ros Taylor with Tom Peck and Miatta Fahnbulleh. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold, Jelena Sofronijevic and Alex Rees. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Robin Leeburn. The Bunker is a Podmasters Production

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No.10 Drowning Street – Start Your Week with Alex Andreou Feb 07, 2022

With Boris Johnson’s senior team in chaos, we discuss what comes next as we brace for yet another calamity-packed week. Letters of no confidence continue to be sent – but will the number hit the 54 needed to spur a vote? Meanwhile, ongoing border check disagreements are causing turmoil in Northern Ireland. And on her Platinum Jubilee, the Queen kept busy, declaring her wish for Camilla to become Queen consort. Andrew Harrison is joined by Alex Andreou to forecast the days ahead.

"February 2022 to February 2022 doesn't look great on a CV."
"Satisfaction will turn into dislike very easily."
"The mess of Downing Street is leaking into the legislature."
"This is political, not constitutional. The DUP are drowning in the polls."
"The Queen is in a process of tidying up the Royal Family."

Presented by Andrew Harrison with Alex Andreou. Producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Givan Take - Inside Northern Ireland’s Political Crisis Feb 06, 2022

Northern Ireland has been plunged into political turmoil following DUP first minister Paul Givan’s resignation over Brexit border controls. What does this mean for Stormont? And how will it affect May’s assembly elections? Belfast-based journalist Amanda Ferguson joins Naomi Smith to explain the crisis, and what could happen next.

“The DUP will say this is about the protocol, the other parties will say this is about the election.”
“The only way Northern Ireland’s position in the UK can be changed is if people vote for it.”
“While some people are supportive of the DUP, a lot of the public are aghast at what they’ve done.”

Presented by Naomi Smith. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis Producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Culture Bunker: Composer Howard Goodall, The Souvenir Part 2, Cate le Bon’s Pompeii plus Van Gogh Self-Portraits Feb 05, 2022

Hear all the music on our rolling playlist: https://bit.ly/CultBunk

EMMY, BRIT and BAFTA award winning composer Howard Goodall tells us about his new remembrance cantata ‘Unconditional Love’, a career of composing pretty much every memorable British comedy theme tune ever, Brexit’s effect on musicians and much more.

Howard joins guest Sophie Harris plus Alex and Jelena (for the first time) to explore the many folds of Joanna Hogg’s The Souvenir Part II – a movie about a movie within a movie about a movie, Cate Le Bon’s latest album, Pompeii, plus we head into the Courtauld to find out what’s behind their new exhibition Van Gogh Self-Portraits.

“Streaming should have democratised music. But there's very few people at the party.” – Howard Goodall
“Cate le Bon’s Pompeii refers to a life interrupted. It's the perfect lockdown album.” – Sophie Harris
“Young people have sacrificed a lot to keep us alive during COVID. Now we must pay them back by listening to them.” – Howard Goodall

Written and presented by Alex Andreou and Jelena Sofronijevic. Audio production by Alex Rees. Theme music: ‘Bunker Theme (Juntos Mix)’ by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. The Culture Bunker is a Podmasters production.

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Daily: Hatchback to the Future - Will the Car Survive? Feb 03, 2022

The car is one of history’s most important inventions, but with changing ownership patterns and the climate crisis, will the vehicle we’ve all grown up with survive the next few decades? The FT’s Motor Industry Correspondent Peter Campbell and futurist Rohit Talwar join Andrew Harrison to discuss the direction of travel for cars, from electric vehicles, to ones that drive themselves, and maybe even some that are capable of flying…

“We’re dealing with completely new technologies, and there’s no guarantee the big manufacturers are going to be the winners.” - Rohit Talwar
“Demand for electric cars is being driven by regulation, rather than consumer choice.” - Peter Campbell
“Last year electric car sales overtook diesel cars. That was unthinkable a couple years ago.” - Peter Campbell
“Changes in the car industry could bring down governments.” - Rohit Talwar
“People say the car industry is at a fork in the road, it’s rather at the entrance to a labyrinth.” - Peter Campbell
“The winners in this new marketplace might be those who can find value in the data, rather than manufacturers themselves.” - Rohit Talwar
“The car that you’ll drive in 20 years time may well be from a Chinese brand you’ve never heard of before.” - Peter Campbell

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Presented and produced by Andrew Harrison. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Daily: Baby Boom or Bust? The new population crisis Feb 02, 2022

With the global population set to hit 8 billion in 2022, are we really in the midst of a new population crisis? Or do climate change and migration mean the problem today is underpopulation, not overpopulation? Jelena Sofronijevic talks to anthropologist Anna Walnycki and Bryan Walsh of Vox’s Future Perfect about the dark, discriminatory debates over birth rates, why governments are cutting migration just when we need more people than ever before…and how pro-natal policies are curbing human rights in Hungary, Poland, and China.

“We're seeing anti-immigration policies at the time when immigration is more important than ever in balancing out the global population.” - Bryan Walsh
“Overpopulation doesn't happen in countries, it happens in cities.” - Anna Walnycki
“Scenes of overpopulation are really scenes of poor planning.” - Anna Walnycki
“Governments should be making it as easy as possible to be a parent with pro-family, not pro-natal policies.” - Bryan Walsh
“Scandinavia is simply a better place to be a parent and a child.” - Bryan Walsh

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Presented and produced by Jelena Sofronijevic. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Sorry, Not Sorry Feb 01, 2022

Boris Johnson’s apology after Sue Gray’s “update” on Downing Street parties was followed by a shameful bout of obfuscation from the Prime Minister. While he dithers and delays, something he’s bemoaned in the past, can his crumbling defences hold? And with the Winter Olympics due to start in Beijing, amid suggestions the event may serve as a “sportswashing” exercise, we look at the collision between the games and politics. Andrew Harrison is joined by Ahir Shah, Justin Quirk and Yasmeen Serhan for a much-needed session of group catharsis.

“I’m continually surprised by quite how low he can go … some of it just seemed deeply, deeply odd.” - Ahir Shah
“Much of Johnson’s strategic calculation seems to be ‘I can stay defiant longer than you can stay angry.’” - Justin Quirk
“China is trying to whitewash Xinjiang as a Winter Wonderland." - Yasmeen Serhan

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Presented by Andrew Harrison with Ahir Shah, Justin Quirk and Yasmeen Serhan. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Audio production by Alex Rees. The Bunker is a Podmasters production.

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Worried About Gray – Start Your Week with Alex Andreou and Gavin Esler Jan 31, 2022

The wait for the Sue Gray report goes on–with the word “imminent” having been redefined of late. If it is finally released, what impact might it have? As Boris Johnson faces consistent pressure and splits within his party, the government wants to shift focus with pledges for so-called “Brexit freedoms.” What’s the reality, compared to the rhetoric? Meanwhile, Russia-Ukraine tensions persist, with further interventions due from the Prime Minister and foreign secretary Liz Truss. What can we expect? Alex Andreou and Gavin Esler take a look at the week ahead.

“This is not a government which does governing, this is a government which does marketing.” - Gavin Esler
“If Sunak were to quit over National Insurance then that would be the end for Johnson.” - Gavin Esler
“Liz Truss does not want to be seen as the one who caused Johnson to fall, as there’s a political price to that.” - Alex Andreou
“The idea that Boris steps in and saves the Ukrainian people from the Russians is nonsense.” - Gavin Esler
“Putin cannot accept a democratic Ukraine becoming richer than Russia.” - Gavin Esler

Presented by Alex Andreou with Gavin Esler. Producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Daily: Follow the Money - How COVID loan fraud spiralled Jan 30, 2022

Conservative minister Lord Agnew’s dramatic resignation due to his dissatisfaction over efforts to tackle COVID loan fraud drew stark focus to the issue last week. Chancellor Rishi Sunak has been forced to defend his handling of pandemic support schemes, amid mounting criticism. Financial journalist and executive director of TaxWatch, George Turner, joins Alex Andreou to explain the problem, the consequences for the Government, and why such concerns need to be taken more seriously.

“HMRC has always had a policy of ‘pay now, check later’, but they didn’t have the capacity to check with Covid.”
“For HMRC, going through with Brexit in the middle of the pandemic was madness.”
“We need to invest a lot more in law enforcement for fraud, and the Treasury has a big role to play in that.”
“We never thought about fraud as a big problem, the pandemic will hopefully change that.”

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Presented by Alex Andreou. The Group Editor is Andrew Harrison. The Lead Producer is Jacob Jarvis. The Producers are Jacob Archbold, Jelena Sofronijevic and Alex Rees. Audio production by Robin Leeburn. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Culture Bunker: The Divine Comedy’s Neil Hannon guests, Nightmare Alley, Eels, Framed Jan 29, 2022

Hear all the music on our rolling playlist: https://bit.ly/CultBunk

A mash-up of Burt Bacharach, Scott Walker and Michael Nyman for the modern day, Neil Hannon of The Divine Comedy tells us about his new best of album Charmed Life, 30 years in pop, and lovely horses.

Neil joins guest Hannah Verdier plus Sîan and Andrew to discuss Guillermo del Toro’s grand guignol fable Nightmare Alley, the joy of angst on the newEels album, and low-key suspense movie Framed on Amazon Prime. And comedy writer David Quantick tells us about his friend and hero Barry Cryer who died this week.

“I started a radio show because I wanted to force my musical tastes down the public’s throats.” – Neil Hannon
“I thought I missed all the fun in the 90s, but I preferred leaving parties after an hour and coming home to a sherry in front of Frasier…” – Neil
“So many films are now like pop videos, but Guillermo del Toro really dwells on his scenes.” – Neil on Nightmare Alley
“Olly Alexander is one of those pop stars who would be great Smash Hits fodder.” – Hannah Verdier
“Who wouldn’t love a song that rhymes ‘Colin Firth’ with ‘earth’?” – Neil on Eels

Written and presented by Siân Pattenden and Andrew Harrison. Producer Jelena Sofronijevic. Audio production by Alex Rees. Theme music: ‘Bunker Theme (Juntos Mix)’ by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. The Culture Bunker is a Podmasters production.

Rolling playlist: https://bit.ly/CultBunk

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Daily: The hidden dirty work that props up our economy Jan 27, 2022

From drone pilots and prison guards, to the undocumented migrants who man industrial slaughterhouses, it takes an army of workers to carry out modern society’s most morally problematic jobs. But where are these hard-to-access workplaces, and who are the people toiling within it? Eyal Press, author of Dirty Work, joins Justin Quirk to discuss his meetings with prison guards from America and Abu Ghraib, why big tech won’t necessarily make the world a more equal place…and the awful conditions facing animals and workers in the food industry today.

“The United States has the largest prison system in the world, but it's pretty much entirely hidden from view.”
“The largest mental health services in the United States aren't hospitals, but prisons.”
“We effectively still have a system where wealthy people can pay poorer people to fight their wars for them.”
“It was easier for me to access prisons than industrial slaughterhouses.”
“Technology alone doesn't clean this work or sort out social inequalities.”

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Justin Quirk. Producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Audio production by Alex Rees. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

ENDS

https://www.hive.co.uk/Product/Eyal-Press/Dirty-Work--Essential-Jobs-and-the-Hidden-Toll-of-Inequality/26073447

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Daily: The Last Supper - Is it the end of restaurants? Jan 26, 2022

Despite Dishy Rishi’s best intentions, restaurant culture has been hit hard by COVID. Lockdowns and cancelled reservations, social distancing and staff absences, have stirred up a toxic cocktail for many businesses - one garnished with post-Brexit labour and supply chain shortages. So has our relationship with restaurants changed forever, and what’s next on the menu? Corey Mintz, author of The Next Supper, and Eater London’s Adam Coghlan join Jelena Sofronijevic to chew on why haute cuisine is cooling off, whether takeaway food is really so democratic…and if COVID has called time on the all-you-can-eat buffet.

“Restaurants were told to diversify and prepare themselves for the rise of takeaways. But they didn't until the pandemic.” - Corey Mintz
“The major delivery companies in the UK are neither economically nor environmentally sustainable.” - Corey Mintz
“Today I discovered, ordered, and ate the food from a new restaurant within 30 minutes. Once you've tasted that, you can't go back.” - Adam Coghlan
“If you hired an architect to build a restaurant today, they'd ask you where you'd like the Instagram wall.” - Corey Mintz
“The £6k given to restaurants which closed over Christmas was mere chicken feed.” - Adam Coghlan

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Presented and produced by Jelena Sofronijevic. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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You’ve Got Blackmail Jan 25, 2022

As we await Sue Gray’s report, the scandals continue to pile up for the Government. With allegations of blackmail and Islamophobia over the weekend, how will this play out for Number 10? Also, as Russian troops amass on the Ukrainian border, are we about to see the first ground war in Europe since 1945? And with Jeff Bezos ploughing money into a new anti-ageing start up, does our panel really want to be forever young?

“Nadine Dorries, who has eaten ostrich anus on TV, has accused Wragg of attention-seeking. The jokes write themselves.” – Alex Andreou
“The 2019 intake have been compared to untrained puppies pissing on the carpet.” – Marie Le Conte
“I was speaking to someone connected to the ERG today, and they said Johnson will be gone by the end of the week.” – Emma Kennedy
“There are shades of Trump with Boris Johnson.” – Emma Kennedy

Presented by Alex Andreou with Gavin Esler and Marie Le Conte. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. The Bunker is a Podmasters Production

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Gray Zones – Start Your Week with Ros Taylor and Arthur Snell Jan 24, 2022

As Russia is accused of plotting to install a pro-Kremlin government in Ukraine, what will NATO’s next move be amid the ongoing standoff? And with the results of Sue Gray’s inquiry looming, will Boris Johnson face a tangible reckoning over the myriad scandals surrounding Downing Street? Or will he persist in clinging on? Ros Taylor and Arthur Snell set up the week ahead.

"No NATO alliance, even the most hawkish, wants to get into Ukraine."
"The EU still has some sanctions on Russia. The question is whether they are effective?"
"I'm not sure how much space there is in the public consciousness for the huge number of scandals around Boris Johnson."
"If aid doesn't flow in major quantities, we're looking at a major famine in Afghanistan."

Presented by Ros Taylor with Arthur Snell. Producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Daily: Wordle Gets Around - Why Tiles Took Over Twitter Jan 23, 2022

If you’ve been on Twitter in the past month, you might have heard of ‘Wordle’, the new Mastermind meets Scrabble game taking the world by storm. Over 300,000 now play everyday, but how did it become such a phenomenon? C. Thi Nguyen, philosophy professor at the University of Utah and author of Games: Agency as Art, talks Alex Andreou about why Wordle has proven such a hit, from its simple design to the joy of shareability.

“A lot of the most interesting games are confined.”
“The thing that makes Wordle so unique is the shareablility.”
“I was seeing people sharing these square stacks and wondered what it was.”
“Games are an activity and a struggle, but they’re a struggle that we shape for our own enjoyment.”
“The real effect of the ‘one-puzzle-a-day’ is the social effect. You can see and feel how others found the puzzle.”

Presented by Alex Andreou. The group editor is Andrew Harrison. The Lead Producer is Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Culture Bunker: Yard Act, Linda Marric’s movies of 2022, plus Japanese drama, The Journalist Jan 22, 2022

Hear all the music on our rolling playlist: https://bit.ly/CultBunk

As Yard Act Overload us with new tunes, Jim Butler and Linda Marric join us to unpack the post-punk rockers’ latest album. Disney’s charming animation, Encanto, has Alex Andreou in a spell, but what will the panel make of it? Plus, Linda shares her top films of 2022, and we unpack Netflix’s new Japanese newsroom thriller, The Journalist.

“Nightmare Alley is del Toro's best film since Pan's Labyrinth.” - Linda Marric
“If you come from a large family with a strong female lead, you will love Encanto.” - Alex Andreou
“Yard Act don't have to paint themselves into a post-punk corner. They could go down an LCD Soundsystem route.” - Jim Butler
“The lyrics on Rich are worthy of Edward Lear.” - Alex Andreou
“You're hammered over the head from the opening scene that The Journalist is important.” - Jim Butler

Written and presented by Siân Pattenden and Alex Andreou. Producer: Jelena Sofronijevic. Audio production: Alex Rees. Theme music: ‘Bunker Theme (Juntos Mix)’ by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. The Culture Bunker is a Podmasters production.

Rolling playlist: https://bit.ly/CultBunk

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Daily: Dubai, Cruel World? The dark side of the UAE Jan 20, 2022

As the Arab Spring rippled across the Middle East, many looked to the relative calm of Dubai and the United Arab Emirates for a roadmap to stability. But how much of a moderniser is Mohammed bin Zayed, crown prince of Abu Dhabi and president of the UAE? Matthew Hedges was arrested, interrogated and sentenced to life imprisonment whilst studying for his PhD in the UAE. He tells Arthur Snell about his harrowing experience, and new book, Reinvented the Sheikhdom, on MBZ’s authoritarian regime and security strategy.

“Sheikh Zayed lived in a world rife in internal conflict. He made the UAE's tribes work together, at the expense of their autonomy.”
“MBZ has an illiberal, undemocratic, and socially conservative worldview that puts the state first and foremost.”
“MBZ and MBS are more similar than they are dissimilar.”
“Your SIM card is linked to your ID, and they have the money to watch you at all times. These are tools of social control.”
“The UAE wants to be seen as forward-looking, not a Bedouin tribe stuck in the past.”

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Arthur Snell. Producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

https://www.hurstpublishers.com/book/reinventing-the-sheikhdom/

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Daily: Hungarian Democracy - One Minute to Midnight Jan 19, 2022

Hungary’s election on April 3rd is seen by many as the last chance to rid the country of autocratic leader Viktor Orbán, and to reverse the democratic backsliding seen during his time in office. Péter Krekó, senior researcher for the Center for European Policy Analysis, and Dávid Dorozs, Atlantic Council fellow and former MP, join Yasmeen Serhan to discuss Orban’s eroding of democracy, and the opposition alliance seeking to usurp him.

“We are into the last minute before midnight for Hungarian democracy.” - Peter Kreko
“If Orban wins again, you can expect an even stronger crackdown on democratic institutions.” - Peter Kreko
“Orban’s media team will use every smear in the book to bring us down.” - David Dorosz

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Presented by Yasmeen Serhan. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Big Dog Goes To Live On A Farm Jan 18, 2022

What will be sacrificed to protect self-designated Big Dog Boris Johnson: the BBC, migrants, a swathe of civil servants or our God-given right to get drunk at work? On the anniversary of Joe Biden’s accession to the US Presidency, has he already blown it? And is Russia really going to invade Ukraine? Special guest and legend of investigative journalism John Sweeney – of Panorama, Newsnight and the Hunting Ghislaine podcast fame – explains it all… and tells us about the time he ate kebabs in a mammoth museum with Vladimir Putin.

“Having a Royal Family puts a lot of dead-end, right wing rubbish in the cul-de-sac. All they need to do is keep their noses clean.”– John Sweeney
“You should throw the red meat to the dog, not the other way around.” – Marie le Conte
“The worst thing about the BBC is that faced with the Bullingdon approach they go straight into pre-cringe, cowering mode.” – John Sweeney
“We’re seeing the Bullingdonisation of British society – where you never get caught and you never pay the consequences.” – Arthur Snell
“When I met Putin his face was plastic, like one of the Autons from Doctor Who.” – John Sweeney
“I thought, Oh God, I’m going to projectile vomit over Vladimir Putin.” – John Sweeney

Written and presented by Ros Taylor with Marie le Conte and Arthur Snell. Producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic . Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. The Bunker is a Podmasters production.

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Red Meat, Blue Murder – Start Your Week with Alex Andreou Jan 17, 2022

So much for Veganuary. It’s Red Meat Week, apparently, as the Government throws the BBC, migrants and their own staff under a hard right bus in order to save Boris Johnson’s flea-bitten skin. Can you pull a workable plan to slash the BBC’s funding out of Nadine Dorries’ ear and expect it to work? Will Red Wall and Blue Shires alike see through Johnson’s desperate pandering? Alex Andreou sets up the week ahead.

“Once the Emperor is naked, it’s very hard to clothe him again.”
“The Conservative Party has already decided that Johnson can't go to the next elections. The only debates are who replaces him, and when?”
“I’ve never seen legislation give such a wide remit to the police. It effectively gives them carte blanche to break up any protest, of any size, anywhere.”
“If we have a system that puts our politicians up for sale, then we can’t get picky about who buys influence.”

Presented by Andrew Harrison. Producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Daily: Paranoid About Androids? - Living with Robots Jan 16, 2022

Robots make our cars, deliver our food, and soon they’ll be commonplace in our homes and at work, but what will this future look like? How will the robot-human dynamic play out? MIT researcher, expert on robot ethics and author of The New Breed Dr Kate Darling talks to Andrew Harrison about the emotional connection between human beings and life-life machines, if we’re going to face a robot rebellion, and why robots will need rights, just like animals…

“People tend to treat robots as if they’re alive, even though we know they aren’t.”
“Robots pull on our heart-strings because we project ourselves and our emotions onto them.”
“Sci-fi loves to create robots that look and act just like humans, but we are not at the stage that yet.”
“We’re gradually starting to see robots come into our workplace and homes which is really exciting.”
“I see lots of problems with integrating robots into our society, but they don’t come from robots rising up against us.”
“There are videos online of robots being treated badly, and quite a strong backlash came from that.”
“R2D2 is this glorified trashcan on wheels and yet they are the most loved robot ever.”

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/309/309409/the-new-breed/9780241352991.html

Presented and produced by Andrew Harrison. Producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Culture Bunker: Guest Bernard Butler on Andy Warhol, Years And Years, new world cinema Jan 15, 2022

Hear all the music on our rolling playlist: https://bit.ly/CultBunk

Guitar hero, super-producer and long-suffering Arsenal fan Bernard Butler tells us about updating his People Move On album and the secret of producing bands. And TV’s Katie Puckrik joins us to talk over the BBC’s marathon Andy Warhol documentary, Years And Years’ bid for the big pop moment, and internet shaming in the remarkable Indonesian movie Photocopier.

“Football managers’ fashion sense has gone rapidly downhill…” — Bernard Butler
“Andy Warhol predicted people as brands and influencers… He invented reality TV.” — Katie Puckrik
“Warhol used to call his tape recorder his wife.” — Katie Puckrik
“Night Call is a pop music panini: bland, smushed together and probably not that good for you.” — Katie Puckrik

Written and presented by Siân Pattenden and Andrew Harrison. Producer Jelena Sofronijevic. Audio production by Alex Rees. Theme music: ‘Bunker Theme (Juntos Mix)’ by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. The Culture Bunker is a Podmasters production.

Rolling playlist: https://bit.ly/CultBunk

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Daily: Why do politicians get stuff wrong? – Demos’s Polly Mackenzie on making better policy Jan 13, 2022

Politicians don’t always give us what we want. So why do they get their decision-making so wrong? Polly Mackenzie is the Chief Executive of Demos and former Director of Policy to Deputy PM Nick Clegg. She talks to Ros Taylor about her report, The Humble Policy Maker, why we always think we’re right, how citizens can participate without dull consultations…and how a mouldy orange reveals what’s wrong with the technocracy today.

“If you tell people not to act in their self-interest, you'll end up with a whole load more policy problems on your hands.”
“The police is not the most important thing in keeping crime down, but our relationships with each other in society.”
“Being a citizen is a big, hard job. It's only by participating that we can build up the democratic skillset that enables us to compromise.”
“It's so easy to spend your life with people who are just like you.”

Presented by Ros Taylor. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers: Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Daily: The Famous Grouse – How the Wealthy Prey on Birds of Prey Jan 12, 2022

Rare, endangered animals are under attack from rich, powerful people who operate above the law. But this isn’t a story about illegal poaching in Africa, nor animals being hunted for Chinese medicines. This is happening in the UK. Arthur Snell talks to environmental activist Mark Avery, former RSPB conservation director, co-founder of Wild Justice,and author of Inglorious, about grouse shooting, who really owns our moorland, and ending the persecution of raptors.

“These grouse moors are wildlife crime hotspots.”
“Grouse shooting is seen as a posh, sexy sport. But it's only a sport if the grouses have guns too.”
“So many birds are being poisoned, shot, or disappeared on grouse moors that it's impossible to ignore anymore.”
“If you ever see someone killing a bird of prey, know that that is illegal.”

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Presented by Arthur Snell. Assistant producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Audio production by Alex Rees. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

https://markavery.info/books/inglorious-conflict-uplands-published-30-july/

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Thwack! Advantage COVID! Jan 11, 2022

Why is the NHS struggling so badly if Omicron is less severe than previous COVID wave? And how come the Government wants to tear up COVID testing and mass vaccination when hospitals are on the verge of being overwhelmed? Health commentator Roy Lilley joins us for a situation report on the pandemic. Plus, can Suella Braverman successfully turn the acquittal of the Colston Four into Culture War fuel? What are we giving up for January? And Michael Gove stars in Die Hard In A Lift.

“The NHS is running up the down escalator… It has no workforce plan, because it doesn’t even get to write its own plan.” – Roy Lilley
“It’s interesting to see who’s raging at Djokovic being kept in the same ‘unacceptable’ conditions that actual refugees are kept in as a matter of course…” – Ahir Shah
“There are more NHS staff sick right now than there are soldiers in the UK army.” – Roy Lilley
“Colston SHOULD set a precedent – that the State should listen to local communities when they want to get rid of these statues.”– Ayesha Hazarika

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Alex Andreou with Ayesha Hazarika and Ahir Shah. Producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic . Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. The Bunker is a Podmasters production.

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Testing Ditch Face – Start Your Week with Naomi Smith and Justin Quirk Jan 10, 2022

The Government toys with pulling free lateral flow tests and mass vaccination. Are they giving in to the hard right CRG without a fight? Plus Liz Truss gets her first threat to trigger Article 16 in early, the horrific costs of Zero COVID in Xi’an in China, and auf wiedersehen to trial by jury. Naomi Smith and Justin Quirk set up the week ahead.

“Johnson being a liar and rule-breaker is completely baked in with voters.”
“The simple fact is, Boris Johnson has lost his power over Cabinet.”
“The story on Johnson is moving from ‘One rule for them, one for us’ to ‘They ain’t levelling us up.’”
“If Liz Truss was your friend at school, you'd be telling her to play a bit harder to get.”
“Who had tennis meets obnoxious populism on their report card for 2022?”

Presented by Justin Quirk and Naomi Smith. Producers Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Daily: Inside ‘Sweet Bobby’ – The most bizarre catfishing story in podcasting Jan 09, 2022

Warning! Major spoilers! DO NOT listen unless you’ve already finished Sweet Bobby. How well do you know the person you love? The huge hit podcast Sweet Bobby charts a barely believable story of catfishing and psychological manipulation, in which a British woman called Kirat Assi discovers that her online romance is not what she thought. In a treat for all Bobby-heads, journalist and presenter Alexi Mostrous talks to Naomi Smith about uncovering this astonishing story. How did THAT PERSON do THAT THING and get away with it? And what did the experience do to the woman who lived it?

“This story read like a novel that would have been rejected for being too unrealistic.”
“It's easy to set up a fake Facebook profile. It's harder to set up 35 different phone numbers.”
“Kirat's community wasn't just close, it was closed off.”

https://www.tortoisemedia.com/listen/sweet-bobby/

Written and presented by Naomi Smith. Producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Audio production by Alex Rees. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Culture Bunker: Guest Omid Djalili, Hillsborough drama Anne, Bowie’s lost album, BBC1’s The Tourist Jan 08, 2022

Hear all the music on our rolling playlist: https://bit.ly/CultBunk

Comedian and actor Omid Djalili joins us to talk about the joy of returning to touring (tickets available now!), taking Iranian visitors to see Chelsea FC when he was only six, and life as TV’s go-to Middle Eastern everyman. Screenwriter Kevin Sampson gives us the story behind his devastating Hillsborough drama Anne, about a mother’s fight for justice for her son. Plus the lost Bowie album Toy, The Tourist on BBC1 and much more.

“When I first saw Bowie, it was like an alien had come down the chimney.” – Kevin Sampson
“When you watch something in a live setting, it has a physiologically different effect on you.” – Omid Djalili
“What TV can do is personalise the experience of human pain.” – Kevin Sampson
“I always thought the ME in BAME must stand for Middle East…” – Omid Djalili

Produced and presented by Siân Pattenden and Andrew Harrison. Assistant producer Jelena Sofronijevic. Audio production by Alex Rees. Theme music: ‘Bunker Theme (Juntos Mix)’ by Kenny Dickinson. The Culture Bunker is a Podmasters production.

Rolling playlist: https://bit.ly/CultBunk

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Daily: Does POWER make BAD PEOPLE? With Brian Klaas Jan 06, 2022

How would you behave as the dictator of Turkmenistan? Are bad people the only ones who get power - or does power make people worse? Host of the Power Corrupts podcast – and friend of ours! – Professor Brian Klaas talks to Alex Andreou about their latest book, Corruptible, learning from ski lessons with the likes of Paul Bremer…and what’s wrong with police recruitment videos.

“Serial killers are not successful psychopaths, because they couldn't hide it. They're the ones in the boardroom and the office.”
“Flat societies are not the answer. Western hierarchical societies are some of the safest places for humans to live.”
“Good governance costs, but it’s a price well worth paying.”
“Power corrupts gradually. The longer someone is in office, the worse they will become.”

Presented by Alex Andreou. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers: Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

https://brianpklaas.com/corruptible

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Your 2022 Cheat Sheet: The Year Ahead In Depth Jan 05, 2022

In the UK the country’s falling out of love with Johnson, the economy’s in crisis and the Conservative government is falling apart. Around the world there are crunch elections in France, Brazil and Hungary… the threat of a nuclear Iran… and in the USA, a battle for the very existence of democracy. Arthur Snell, Justin Quirk and special guest Antonia Jennings from the Centre for Local Economic Strategies join Andrew Harrison to open the Pandora’s Box that is 2022.

Hear our new series DOOMSDAY WATCH here: https://kite.link/doomsday

“It’s been a stockpilers’ pandemic, and the LFT shortage proves they’re still ahead of the crowd.” – Arthur Snell
“It’s time for Government to invest and stop worrying about the debt level.” – Antonia Jennings
"The only thing left for the Democrats after the mid-terms is to save democracy.” – Arthur Snell
“If Brazil runs a fair election, Bolsonaro’s out.” – Arthur Snell

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Andrew Harrison with Arthur Snell and Justin Quirk. Assistant producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic . Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. The Bunker is a Podmasters production.

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Brace yourself for 2022 – Start Your Year with Ros Taylor and Gavin Esler Jan 04, 2022

What does 2022 have in store? It’s crunch year for three massive British institutions that have defined our lives: the BBC, the NHS and the Monarchy. Putin seems determined to exploit the West’s disarray to invade Ukraine. And if Donald Trump makes a comeback, could American democracy itself fall? Ros Taylor and Gavin Esler look ahead to a nerve-wracking year.

• “The challenge for BBC News is, how do you balance people who simply won’t tell the truth?”

• “Russia and Ukraine could mean a ground war in Europe for the first time since 1945.”

• “We’ve underestimated the way that Putinism and the lies have infected our own democracies… Trump and Trumpism are still here.”

Presented by Ros Taylor and Gavin Esler. Assistant producers Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Daily: Enter Stage Left – Playwright James Graham on drama, politics and presidential debates Dec 22, 2021

From 1970s Westminster, to the Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? scandal, James Graham is one of the UK’s most successful playwrights today. As Best of Enemies opens at the Young Vic, he talks to Dorian Lynskey about dramatising the brutal Buckley vs. Vidal debates of the 1968 US presidential elections, how art engages audiences and tackles polarization, composing playlists in the pub after rehearsals …and why COVID-threatened theatres have to work even harder to “drag people” away from TV, Netflix and Disney Plus.

“I feel a personal responsibility to the story to make it as meaningful and impactful as possible.”
“I don't know what it's like to be in 1960s America, but I do know what it's like to get into an argument on live TV.”
“Queer and Nazi weren't slurs politician had used before on US television.”
“The most radical thing a playwright can do is celebrate the idea of empathy towards different points of view.”
“I was surprised by the resistance from the progressive left to showing Dominic Cummings on TV.”
“Democracy depends on theatre. The Greeks made sense of difficult things by putting people in a theatre and telling stories.”

Presented by Dorian Lynskey. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers: Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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One Lord Frost A-Leaving – plus 2021 in Review Dec 21, 2021

Anyone for cheese and whine? The noble Lord Frost scuttles away from his Brexit mess as it emerges that real hardworking meetings require a chilled Chablis and an agreeable Comte in an exclusive garden. Plus, as 2021 staggers to its ignominious end, we pinpoint the lasting images and a few rays of hope in a year of misgovernance – and highlight what to look out for in 2022. Marie le Conte, Ahir Shah and Gavin Esler are your panel.

Have a fantastic Christmas and thanks for your support. We’ll be back in the first week of January. Until then, have a safe and a happy one.

Hear our new series DOOMSDAY WATCH here: https://kite.link/doomsday

“There’s nothing funnier in the Nadine Dorries story than Steve Baker sending his Bitmoji as he kicked her out.” – Marie le Conte
“The big surprise of the yer was rediscovering that most of us, most of the time, just want to get on with our neighbours.” – Gavin Esler
“Boris Johnson is a person who loves actions, but not their consequences.” – Marie le Conte
“The French presidential elections are currently a bin on fire - but Frenchly.” – Marie le Conte

Written and presented by Andrew Harrison with Marie le Conte, Ahir Shah and Gavin Esler. Assistant producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Robin Leeburn. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. The Bunker is a Podmasters production.

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Frost Bitten, Truss Shy – Start Your Week with Alex Andreou and Naomi Smith Dec 20, 2021

It’s going to be a cold Christmas at No 10, as Lord Frost resigns as Brexit Minister, Simon Case recuses himself over Christmas party investigations - and Nadine Dorries gets booted out of WhatsApp chats. Is jetsetter Liz Truss ready to take up her new position? And what will all this mean for popular compliance with new COVID rules? Naomi Smith and Alex Andreou look at the week ahead, in the last SYW of 2021.

“Is this what purgatory feels like?” - Naomi Smith
“The bookies still have Sunak as favourite to replace Johnson. The bookies don't know their history.” - Naomi Smith, Alex Andreou
“Frost's resignation has strong Steve Baker energy.” - Naomi Smith
“Truss is trying to style herself as a modern day Margaret Thatcher.” - Naomi Smith
“2022 might give you a nasty populist treat in the US midterms.” - Naomi Smith

Presented by Alex Andreou and Naomi Smith. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Daily: Season’s Brie-Eatings! Christmas cheese’n’crackers with Ned Palmer Dec 19, 2021

A festive homage to the fromage… Nothing says Christmas like cheese, so in a sequel to Ros’s insect-eating special she goes for something a little more festive. Cheesemonger Ned Palmer of the Cheese Tasting Company joins her in the studio to chew over Britain’s long history of dairy production, what constituted the “metropolitan elite” cheeses of the 18th century, why a little blue mould goes a long way… plus a live tasting from his festive dinner table.

“We've been making cheese for 6,000 years. We've got lots to be proud of.”
“Philadelphia is the most authentic cheese in the world.”
“Eating this cheddar is like licking the cool stone of an old country church.”
“This cheese is even older than COVID…”
“We were at war with the French when Stilton and Port became trendy.”

The cheeses that Ned and Ros tried were:

Edmund Tew. Made by Dave Holton and his team in Kent. Unpasteurised cow’s milk, animal rennet.

Baron Bigod. Made by Jonny Crickmore and his team in Norfolk, England. Unpasteurised cow’s milk, animal rennet.

Westcombe Cheddar. Made by Tom Calver and his team in Somerset, England. Unpasteurised cow’s milk, animal rennet.

Stichelton. Made by Joe Schneider and his team in Nottinghamshire, England. Unpasteurised cow’s milk, animal rennet.

Support your local cheesemongers by buying these cheeses here:

England: Neal’s Yard Dairy, The Courtyard Dairy and The Fine Cheese Co

Wales: The Welsh Cheese Company

Scotland: I.J. Mellis

Northern Ireland: Indie Füde

Ireland: Sheridan’s Cheesemongers

Written and presented by Ros Taylor. Assistant producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Audio production by Robin Leebrun. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Culture Bunker: More Best of 2021 feat. Self Esteem, Bicep, Tyler the Creator Dec 18, 2021

Hear all the music on our rolling playlist: https://bit.ly/CultBunk

We round off 2021 with more picks of the best of the year. Entertainment journalists Laura Barton of The Guardian and Ted Kessler of indispensable music newsletter The New Cue join Siân and Andrew to choose the best albums, TV, films, tracks and ones that got away.

Produced and presented by Siân Pattenden and Andrew Harrison. Assistant producer Jelena Sofronijevic. Audio production by Robin Leeburn. Theme music: ‘Bunker Theme (Juntos Mix)’ by Kenny Dickinson. The Culture Bunker is a Podmasters production.

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Daily: Harsh Reality – How TV shaped modern Britain Dec 16, 2021

We treat TV as the most disposable art form – but for decades it has shaped our world more than we know. From Big Brother to Shameless to Little Britain and Benefit Street, television chose the winners and losers of consumer capitalism, made it OK to sneer at the underclass, and then allowed that underclass a token comeback or two. Author Phil Harrison explores television’s innate cruelty, class dynamics and political subtext in The Age Of Static: How TV Explains Modern Britain. Has TV made our politics worse? And should it just give up on live political interviews altogether?

“A show called Britain’s Hardest Worker pitted benefit claimants against one another. You wouldn’t have written that in a dystopian fantasy.”
“Maybe the BBC needs to be in that permanent state of conflict or it’s not doing its job of challenging what we think.”
“When Mentorn took over Question Time they promised ‘adrenaline-fuelled Thursday nights’. Is that the purpose of a serious news show?”
“Nadine Dorries as a kamikaze Culture Secretary scares the hell out of me.”

Written and presented by Justin Quirk. Assistant producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Audio production by Alex Rees. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Daily: Great Expectations – How Your Mindset Can Change Your Life Dec 15, 2021

We’ve all heard of the placebo effect, but what about the Expectation Effect? What we think will happen can change what does happen. David Robson, science journalist and author of The Expectation Effect: How Your Mindset Can Change Your World, talks to Alex Andreou about how our way of thinking shapes our everyday lives. Does believing stress is beneficial make you more creative under pressure? And can associating ageing with wisdom really add seven years to your life?

“There’s a lot of pseudoscience that says positivity can solve your problems. This is not that at all.”
“The expectation of becoming ill can actually increase your chances of becoming ill.”
“People who have a positive view of ageing are more likely to live longer than those who have a negative view.”
“Our expectations can shape our perceptions of food.”

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Presented by Alex Andreou. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Audio production by Alex Rees and Robin Leeburn. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Quizzee Rascal Dec 14, 2021

As the leaks about illicit parties and quizzes pile up, and the Tory right wing fly into a rage about COVID passports, is Boris Johnson finally running out of road? And is the Torysphere getting bored with their boy? Plus we talk to Jolyon Maugham of the Good Law Project about the many deep-running scandals behind the day-to-day headlines. And what’s worse, the pressure to be happy all the time – or performative negativity from professional cynics?

Hear our new series DOOMSDAY WATCH here: https://kite.link/doomsday

• “The Government wants to do with the judiciary what it’s done with the BBC. It wants to keep them frit – and remind them of where they are in the hierarchy.” – Jolyon Maugham

• “You can never tell if Johnson’s close to physical collapse or if he’s just spent ten minutes backstage mussing up the outfit.” – Justin Quirk

• “Social media is a negative space. You don't exist on there until you say something.” - Alex Andreou

• “The Met’s refusal to investigate has nothing to do with evidence, and everything to do with avoiding an embarrassing confrontation with Number 10.” – Jolyon Maugham

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Alex Andreou with Marie le Conte and Justin “Buff Nuff” Quirk. Assistant producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Robin Leeburn. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. The Bunker is a Podmasters production.

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Omi-shambles – Start Your Week with Ros Taylor Dec 13, 2021

It’s Crunch Week (again) for Boris Johnson as he tries to get Plan B Corona restrictions past a mob of increasingly rebellious and COVID-sceptic Tory MPs. Meanwhile the party-that-wasn’t and the world’s most unwise Christmas quiz continue to dog our unfortunate PM. Oh, and there’s the North Shropshire by-election on Thursday too. New PM by Christmas? Ros Taylor alerts you to what’s coming in the week ahead.

• “Johnson can’t bring himself to cancel Christmas – even though for lots of people, Christmas is cancelled already.”

• “If you see a pack of LFTs around, I would grab it now.”

• “Johnson isn't in immediate trouble but honestly, who would want to take over at this point?”

Presented and produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Robin Leeburn. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Daily: Libya and our Global Disorder Dec 12, 2021

Our world is no longer governed by international coordination, with superpowers instead promoting ‘Enduring Disorder’. Jason Pack, non-resident fellow at the Middle East Institute and author of Libya and the Global Enduring Disorder, talks to Arthur Snell about why the West has stopped collaborating internationally, and why Libya’s Civil War constitutes the ideal microcosm in which to view today’s geopolitics.

“I see the 21st century world order as characterised by disorder.”
“Were there not the implosion of Syria and Libya, there would be no Brexit.”

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

https://www.hurstpublishers.com/book/libya-and-the-global-enduring-disorder/

Presented by Arthur Snell. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Culture Bunker: Special guest NIGELLA LAWSON plus Succession Series 3 Dec 11, 2021

Hear all the music on our podcasts in full on our rolling playlist: https://bit.ly/CultBunk

The holidays are almost upon us, and we’ve got a gift of a guest – doyenne of the dinner party, Navratilova of the pavlova, NIGELLA LAWSON. As we wait for the final episode of Succession Series 3, we discuss Nigella’s favourite music, books, TV and culture of 2021 – plus what we should be giving each other for Christmas.

“It's A Sin was one of the most wonderful series of the year.” - Nigella Lawson
“Alex, you only love me for my jug of silicon spatulas.” - Nigella Lawson
“My dad being a butcher is like Sadiq Khan's dad being a bus driver.” - Andrew Harrison

Presented by Andrew Harrison, Siân Pattenden and Alex Andreou. Assistant producer Jelena Sofronijevic. Audio production by Alex Rees. Theme music: ‘Bunker Theme (Juntos Mix)’ by Kenny Dickinson. The Culture Bunker is a Podmasters production.

Rolling playlist: https://bit.ly/CultBunk

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Daily: Islamic Thought - A Short History with Dr Fitzroy Morrissey Dec 09, 2021

Nearly a quarter of the world’s population is Muslim, so if we are to fully understand the modern world, we need to know about Islam. Dr Fitzroy Morrissey, Examination Fellow at All Souls College, University of Oxford, talks to Alex Andreou about his book A Short History of Islamic Thought, which traces through fourteen centuries of Islamic history to discuss questions of interpretation, legacy, the lives of Muslims and how they relate to others.

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

https://headofzeus.com/books/9781789545654

Presented by Alex Andreou. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Daily: France’s Far-Right Firebrand Dec 08, 2021

Last week far-right TV pundit Eric Zemmour announced he was running in next year’s French Presidential election, but who is he? And what does his candidacy mean for Macron and Marine Le Pen? Normandy-based journalist John Lichfield gives Ros Taylor the lowdown on France’s new far-right contender, as well as Valérie Pécresse of the centre-right, the woman who could take down Macron.

“Zemmour is a convicted racist and he rewrites French history to suit his own agenda.”
“Zemmour argued that France fought on the wrong side of the First World War, as they would’ve done better under a German-led Europe.”
“There would be a very aggressive policy of forced assimilation if Zemmour were to win.”
“A lot of the policies that Zemmour wants to implement would destroy the EU.”
“The core of Marine Le Pen’s voters are working class and disaffected, Zemmour’s supporters are more bourgeois.”
“The default position in France is to get rid of who is in power, but I think Macron is more likely to get back in than not.”

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Presented by Ros Taylor. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Corridors of Powder: Cocaine in the Commons Dec 07, 2021

The Government announces a performative war on middle class drug users just as cocaine traces are discovered in the Commons buildings. Coincidence? Plus, can tennis really stand up to China over the whereabouts of missing player Peng Shuai. Boris Johnson puts off a decision on Christmas to the very last minute, again. And why do we still put up with people winging it in positions of power?

Hear our new series DOOMSDAY WATCH here: https://kite.link/doomsday

• “Cocaine at work is a much bigger problem amongst the Tories than the Labour Party.” – ZOE WILLIAMS

• “I don’t care that Michael Gove did cocaine in his 20s. If someone in Government is doing it, that’s different.” – AHIR SHAH

• “The only way Boris Johnson could get into Liverpool is by wearing a police outfit.” – ANDREW HARRISON

• “Peng Shuai has exposed China’s elite, and that is something they want to bury.” – GAVIN ESLER

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Andrew Harrison with Ahir Shah and Gavin Esler. Assistant producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER IS A PODMASTERS PRODUCTION

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PCR & R – Start Your Week with Alex Andreou and Arthur Snell Dec 06, 2021

Omicron cases continue to rise, but will new travel rules actually stem the tide of infections, or is it too late? Plus, as ‘crime week’ begins, traces of drugs have been found in Parliament toilets. Will the PM’s hard-hitting announcements fall on deaf ears? And the latest on last years Number 10 party, which did break Covid rules, but it was in the past so it doesn’t matter, right Mr Raab?

“There are so many hurdles to get over in order to travel, this will put a lot of people off.” - Arthur Snell
“The Science of dealing with pandemics has come on leaps and bounds in the last two years.” - Arthur Snell
“If you talk about drug use and the Conservatives, you can list a whole host of names who have taken them.” - Arthur Snell
“My hunch is that Yvette Cooper knows Priti Patel’s brief better than Priti Patel.” - Alex Andreou
“These attacks on ‘lefty lawyers’ are straight out of the populism playbook.” - Arthur Snell

Presented and produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Daily: Into The Time Machine – Biographer Claire Tomalin on H. G. Wells Dec 05, 2021

With The War of The Worlds, H. G. Wells catapulted to international literary success. But how did his adolescence shape the father of science fiction? Journalist and biographer Claire Tomalin talks to Dorian Lynskey about her latest book, The Young H. G. Wells, the author’s complicated love affair with socialism, telling Stalin he was wrong…and how Wells predicted the moonwalk seventy years before it happened.

“The Fabians were thrilled to accept young Wells - then dismayed to find he wanted to revolutionise them.”
“From Lenin to Stalin, Wells knew how to be a literary celebrity.”
“Wells was writing 7000 words a day. But he took a long time off too.”

Presented by Dorian Lynskey. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers: Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/288/288884/the-young-h-g--wells/9780241239971.html

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Culture Bunker: Guest Jane Weaver plus Best of 2021 Dec 04, 2021

Hear all the music on our rolling playlist: https://bit.ly/CultBunk

It’s the first of two Best Of 2021 editions where we choose the best music, TV and films of a turbulent year. Our special guest is cosmic explorer of northern psychedelia Jane Weaver, whose album ‘Flock’ was one of our favourites this year. Plus journalist, DJ and editor of Umbrella magazine Anthony Teasdale joins us to help Siân and Andrew select the best stuff of the year.

Produced and presented by Siân Pattenden and Andrew Harrison. Assistant producer Jelena Sofronijevic. Audio production by Alex Rees. Theme music: ‘Bunker Theme (Juntos Mix)’ by Kenny Dickinson. The Culture Bunker is a Podmasters production.

Rolling playlist: https://bit.ly/CultBunk

Features ‘Disco Pregnancy (Tonal + Rhythmical)’ by Laima

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Daily: Inside the Channel Crisis Dec 02, 2021

Last week 27 people tragically drowned trying to cross the Channel from France, and 2021 has seen a record number of migrants attempt to the treacherous journey. Why is this? And how can we prevent more lives needlessly being lost? Zoe Gardner, policy and advocacy manager at the Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants, talks to Justin Quirk about why more people than ever are trying to cross the Channel, and how we can make our asylum system work for everyone.

“We knew this disaster was coming, and we could have prevented it.”
“The UK will never have a fair and decent asylum system in isolation. We need this to be an international effort.”
“There is currently a bill in Parliament which will throw refugee protection out the window.”
“We need to change the narrative that the UK is happy with having deadly borders.”

Presented by Justin Quirk. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Daily: Clean Hands, Dirty Money – Transparency International’s Frank Vogl on Corruption Dec 01, 2021

Laundering the dirty cash of kleptocrats is labour-intensive work. So who are the Western bankers, lawyers, accountants, and realtors enabling corruption across the world? Frank Vogl, co-founder of Transparency International, talks to Alex Andreou about his latest book, The Enablers, cleaning up the City of London, how cash launderers still lurk in the least corrupt countries …and why stunning artworks often conceal the ugliest of transactions.

“We never have petty corruption without widescale corruption in place.”
“The art market is the most opaque of all markets.”
“Enablers aid and abet the kleptocrats to make their investments.”
“The amount of money that Denmark has laundered through Estonia is larger than Estonia's entire economy.”
“Even in countries that are perceived not to be corrupt, the enablers are at work.”

Presented by Alex Andreou. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers: Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Omicron And On And On Nov 30, 2021

This week’s panel show out early for Patreon people…

Oh good, there’s a new variant in town. Is this really the way we wanted to learn the Greek alphabet? Special guest Christina Pagel of independent SAGE takes us through what we know about COVID: The Next Generation. Plus, the horrific drownings in the Channel. And how can we clear up the terrible crimewave caused by a female Doctor Who?

Hear our new series DOOMSDAY WATCH here: https://kite.link/doomsday

• “If your family’s not in the UK and you have plans to see them for Christmas, go sooner rather than later.” – CHRISTINA PAGEL

• “These are serious times and we have a very unserious Government.” – ARTHUR SNELL

• “No-one gives up the best years of their lives for £40 a week.” – CHRISTINA PAGEL

• “Relations with France are now at the lowest point in my lifetime.

• “South Africa announced the new variant knowing there would be travel restrictions against them. That is the definition of global citizenship.” – CHRISTINA PAGEL

• “Pointless needling of the French is a default Government position.” – ARTHUR SNELL

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Alex Andreou with Marie le Conte and Arthur Snell. Assistant producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic . Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER IS A PODMASTERS PRODUCTION

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Omicron: Christmas Cancelled Again? - Start Your Week with Ros Taylor and Yasmeen Serhan Nov 29, 2021

The new Omicron variant is here in Britain, but how worried should we be about it? Will the Government be forced to curb Christmas for a second year running? Plus, as the Channel crisis worsens, will Number 10 take serious action to fix things? And Germany has a new government, what should we expect from Europe’s biggest economy in the coming years? Ros Taylor and Yasmeen Serhan take you through the week ahead.

“It’s a very anxious time for a lot of people and it doesn’t help that the holidays are just around the corner.” - Yasmeen Serhan
“While wealthy nations continue to dominate vaccines, new variants emerging will not be surprising.” - Yasmeen Serhan
“I don’t think people think of unaccompanied children as being on these boats, but sadly they are.” - Yasmeen Serhan

Presented by Ros Taylor with Yasmeen Serhan. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Daily: Charlotte Raven on Life with Huntington’s Disease Nov 28, 2021

Charlotte Raven was in her mid-30s when she discovered her father was suffering from Huntington’s disease. For her and her family, life would never be the same again. Joined by her doctor Ed Wild, Charlotte talks to Nick Cohen about her memoir Patient 1: Forgetting and Finding Myself, a candid account ofher coming to terms with an inherited neurodegenerative disease, how it changed her as a person, and the hope that one day we can eliminate it altogether.

“Everyone in my family insulated me from the brutal reality of Huntington’s”- Charlotte Raven
“I felt like facing this head on would minimise it’s impact later” - Charlotte Raven
“I was exploited by a culture that wanted me to be a controversialist” - Charlotte Raven
“Huntington’s comes on so slowly the first symptoms are often unnoticed” - Ed Wild
“My children have become a recognisable anchor for me” - Charlotte Raven

Presented by Nick Cohen. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Culture Bunker: Special guest SUGGS from Madness plus House of Gucci, The Beatles: Get Back and Hawkeye Nov 27, 2021

Hear all the music on our podcasts in full on our rolling playlist: https://bit.ly/CultBunk

In this week’s show, Madness frontman SUGGS joins us to talk about everything Nutty Boys. Journalist MICHAEL MORAN gives their take on Get Back, the Peter Jackson’s new epic on The Beatles’ Twickenham sessions, and Marvel’s latest series, Hawkeye. Plus THE ITALIAN JOB – film critic LINDA MARRIC unwraps Ridley Scott’s House of Gucci, the new release with Adam Driver, Lady Gaga and Al Pacino.

“We liked dressing up, but when it becomes your full time job, it loses its novelty.” - Suggs
“Property has become a commodity, not somewhere to live. It has damaged the soul of London.” - Suggs
“The two things I love in the world are Marvel Comics and Christmas, so Hawkeye was made for me.” - Michael Moran
“House of Gucci's script isn't up to the story. It feels like a telenovela.” - Linda Marric

Presented by Siân Pattenden and Alex Andreou. Assistant producer Jelena Sofronijevic. Audio production by Alex Rees. Theme music: ‘Bunker Theme (Juntos Mix)’ by Kenny Dickinson. The Culture Bunker is a Podmasters production.

Rolling playlist: https://bit.ly/CultBunk

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Daily: Are the Balkans on the brink of war? Nov 25, 2021

Over 130,000 people were killed in the Yugoslav Wars of the 1990s, with most deaths concentrated in Bosnia. But 26 years after the Dayton Peace Agreement, nationalist tensions are re-emerging between Bosnian Serb leader Milorad Dodik and Bosniak President Bakir Izetbegovic. So are we on the brink of another war in the Balkans - and did it ever end in the first place? Jelena Sofronijevic talks to journalist Una Hajdari and Professor James Ker-Lindsay about what we get wrong on ethnicity, peacekeeping, and Serbia’s “strongman” siblingship with Vladimir Putin.

“The ethnic differences that are taken into account by Bosnia's constitution are the same ones that will cause its downfall.” – Una Hajdari
“Russia is playing a spoiling tactic in the Balkans.” - James Ker-Lindsay
“Dodik is clever enough to know an overt declaration of independence would fail. He'd need to rely on Serbia - but they'd avoid supporting him outright.” - James Ker-Lindsay
“This is Bosnia's curse - all levels of its government have an ethnic quota, so it's hard to stray from any politics outside of that path.” - Una Hajdari
“Both Bosnian Serbs and Bosniaks see each other as a fundamental threat to each other's existence.” - James Ker-Lindsay

Written and presented by Jelena Sofronijevic. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Daily: Fighting for Hong Kong in Exile Nov 24, 2021

Around the world democratic values have been in decline, with Hong Kong’s struggle against Beijing one of the clearest examples. Pro-democracy activist Nathan Law was Hong Kong’s youngest legislative councillor, until he was arrested for speaking his mind. Now living in exile here in Britain, he talks to Arthur Snell about his new book Freedom: How we lose it, and how we fight back, the reasons for our recent democratic recession, and how he’s fighting for Hong Kong from afar.

“The 2019 protests saw over 2 million people marching, over a quarter of Hong Kong’s population”
“When mainland China wanted Hong Kong back in 1997, people were fearful of a return to autocracy”
“I had to continue to speak up for Hong Kong, which meant I had to leave the place I consider home”
“Hong Kong is just one example is the democratic recession we’ve seen across the world”

Presented by Arthur Snell. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Isle of Dogs: Has Britain gone Barking Mad? Nov 23, 2021

This week’s panel show out early for Patreon people… And you can hear our new series DOOMSDAY WATCH here: https://kite.link/doomsday

The sleaze revelations may be ebbing, but the PM is still under sustained attack from his own MPs. Will a bouncing new Johnson baby save Christmas for the Conservatives? Jelena Sofronijevic joins to discuss what it’s like to graduate into a post-COVID job market and generational tensions in the workplace. Plus, the panel unpack the phenomenon of lockdown pets - vital for our mental health or a CAT-astrophe for the planet?

Hear our new series DOOMSDAY WATCH here: https://kite.link/doomsday

“If I was a member of the Conservative Party at the moment, I'd be keeping my nose dry between factions.” - Marie le Conte
“Can you imagine if Tony Blair had sent his dad on Newsnight to explain on his behalf?” - Justin Quirk
“We make 17 year olds enter extraordinary financial commitments. No wonder they expect a job at the end of it.” - Ahir Shah
“This generation is acutely aware of the power, and the value, of their identity.” - Justin Quirk

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Presented by Ros Taylor with Marie le Conte, Ahir Shah and Justin Quirk. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER IS A PODMASTERS PRODUCTION

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Integrated FAIL Plan - Start Your Week with Alex Andreou and Naomi Smith Nov 22, 2021

Northern Powerhouse trains might be derailed, but as the CBI convenes across the country, levelling up is back on the agenda. Could Keir Starmer be on track to dismantle the Government’s shoddy Integrated Rail Plan? And Austria returns to COVID lockdown, what will this mean for booster shots and mandatory vaccination at home? Plus Priti Patel faces pressure over the rise in dinghys in Dover, and do English Channel crossings really constitute a migrant crisis? Naomi Smith and Alex Andreou take you through the week ahead.

“Johnson hasn't got Brexit done, and he hasn't levelled up the country.” - Naomi Smith
“We needed an Integrated Rail Plan. We got a failure.” - Naomi Smith
“Johnson has done a lot to push people away. Starmer has to try and pull them.” - Alex Andreou
“You're always one step ahead of the next variant if you're not vaccinating the world.” - Naomi Smith
“If you construct a crisis that isn't actually there, it becomes quite difficult to solve.” - Alex Andreou

Presented by Alex Andreou with Naomi Smith. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Daily: Marathon Man - Paul Tonkinson on Breaking the 3-Hour Mark Nov 21, 2021

Running a marathon is no easy feat, but to run one in under 3 hours puts you in the top 5% of runners worldwide. Comedian Paul Tonkinson details his gruelling yet moving journey to break the 3-hour mark in his book 26.2 Miles to Happiness: A Comedian’s Tale of Running, Red Wine and Redemption. He sits down with fellow runner Nick Cohen to talk about the trials and tribulations of beating one of running’s milestone times.

“I wanted to be as honest as possible about the process of running a marathon”
“Running a marathon runs nicely along the line of being really difficult, but also achievable”

Presented by Nick Cohen. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers: Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Culture Bunker: Adele’s 30, plus The Power of the Dog, Freakscene, and Slade in Flame Nov 20, 2021

Hear all the music on our podcasts in full on our rolling playlist: https://bit.ly/CultBunk

What a difference Adele makes. As Adele’s new album 30 comes out, music journalist EAMONN FORDE joins us to discuss “daydreamers” and “divorce, babes”. Plus film critic ANNA SMITH on THE POWER OF THE DOG, GRUNGE music doc FREAKSCENE, the story of Dinosaur Jr. - and with the re-release of SLADE IN FLAME on deluxe vinyl, we return to the 1974 film.

“Adele is my musical football. Enormously popular, but something I will never ever fathom.” - Eamonn Forde
“Power of the Dog is one of those films where you are absolutely gripped from start to finish.” - Anna Smith
“Slade got famous, but they never wanted to be.” - Eamonn Forde
“Glam rock is as British as boiled meat.” – Alex Andreou

Presented by Siân Pattenden and Alex Andreou. Assistant producer Jelena Sofronijevic. Audio production by Robin Leeburn and Alex Rees. Theme music: ‘Bunker Theme (Juntos Mix)’ by Kenny Dickinson. The Culture Bunker is a Podmasters production.

Rolling playlist: https://bit.ly/CultBunk

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Daily: “Democracy isn’t just about voting” – Politics in a Pandemic Nov 18, 2021

COVID may have suspended parliamentary debate, but important decisions were still being taken behind the scenes. So how did we do politics during the pandemic, and how can we do better? Ros Taylor talks to Aveek Bhattacharya, chief economist of the Social Market Foundation, about co-editing his new book, Political Philosophy in a Pandemic, “zombie governments,” and whether COVID shaming is ever acceptable.

“Even if you think you know the COVID guidelines, you might not know the rules around a particular case.”
“We have a zombie government, but we have had no option to vote it out.”
“Democracy isn't just about voting. It's about experience and debating.”
“The rise in tuition fees is a tax on younger people.”
“The boom has only benefitted those who got on the property market in time.”
“We normally think of children as the most vulnerable. But COVID has shown that that isn't always the case.”
“We haven't seen economies behave like this before, so we've have to take calculated risks.”

Presented by Ros Taylor. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers: Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Daily: The End of America’s Parties? Nov 17, 2021

The Republican Party might be the party of Donald Trump, but how did it get to this place of uncompromising groups with irreconcilable demands? And is something similar about to hit the Democrats? Professor Samuel L. Popkin, academic, consulting analyst in five Democratic Presidential campaigns and author of Crackup: The Republican Implosion and the Future of Presidential Politics, chats to Dorian Lynskey about the rise of Trump, and what it means for the future of American politics.

“The great divide between the two parties is caused by failures of leaders to curb the extremes of their party.”
“It was made clear to John McCain that he wouldn’t get any money until he changed his position on global warming.”
“If Ted Cruz had acted differently, we might never had seen the emergence of Donald Trump.”

Presented by Dorian Lynskey. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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COPITULATION: Did Glasgow Deliver? Nov 16, 2021

The curtain has fallen on Glasgow’s climate conference, but is the overtime pact agreed enough to steer the world away from disaster? Plus, as allegations of sleaze continue to pile up, political writer STEVE RICHARDS joins us to discuss whether this is the Government Britain has ever seen. And with stories and hot takes coming at us from every angle these days, how can we best deal with news fatigue?

Hear our new series DOOMSDAY WATCH here: https://kite.link/doomsday

• “These are pledges not policies, and the legislation being passed by countries is not as strong as the pledges made.” - Yasmeen Serhan

“It is impossible for China and India to continue with the growth they have made without coal power.” - Arthur Snell
“Historians will look back and say we didn’t do enough, fast enough” - Yasmeen Serhan
“If you want to do a sleaze-o-meter, this Government is right at the top.” - Steve Richards
“Johnson might have a majority of 80, but he has u-turned more than an other Prime Minister.” - Steve Richards

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Presented by Alex Andreou with Yasmeen Serhan and Arthur Snell. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic . Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER IS A PODMASTERS PRODUCTION

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A COP Out? – Start Your Week with Naomi Smith and Ros Taylor Nov 15, 2021

COP26 came to a close at the weekend, but did India and China scupper an opportunity for real progress on climate change? Does the Glasgow pact go far enough? Plus, a horrific terror attack in Liverpool mars Remembrance Day, what do we know so far? And as sleaze allegations continue to come out, is the Johnson premiership now on a downward trajectory? Naomi Smith and Ros Taylor take you through the week ahead.

“India and China are struggling to understand a future without coal.”
“Alok Sharma was quite devastated, he had invested a huge amount into getting rid of coal.”
“It does feel as though the shine has come off Johnson, but there isn’t an alternative they’re excited to go to yet.”
“Sleaze could be something that is very difficult for the Government to shake off.”
“In terms of levelling-up, cancelling the HS2 link to Leeds does not look good.”

Presented by Ros Taylor with Naomi Smith. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Daily: England’s Lost Land Nov 14, 2021

In England, 50% of the land is owned by just 1% of the population, but how did such a small minority come to control such a large amount of countryside? And what can we do about it? Guy Shrubsole, policy coordinator at Rewilding Britain and author of Who Owns England, chats to Nick Cohen about England’s dark past when it comes to land ownership, and his manifesto for how to open up our countryside once again.

“Land ownership is one of England’s deepest, darkest secrets.”
“50% of England is owned by just 1% of the population.”
“Ultimately, we all should have a greater stake in who owns England.”
“We think we live in a capitalist society, but we actually still have a lot feudalism.”
“Such a vast area of our land is given to the sport of grouse shooting.”
“To hold onto more red wall voters, something has to give on the issue of home ownership.”

Presented by Nick Cohen. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers: Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Culture Bunker: Guests Peter Capaldi, Dr Robert and Cold War Steve Nov 13, 2021

Hear all the music on our podcasts in full on our rolling playlist: https://bit.ly/CultBunk

The artist otherwise known as Malcolm Tucker and the Twelfth Doctor Who, PETER CAPALDI, makes an album with pal DR ROBERT of The Blow Monkeys. The Hogarth of the iPhone COLD WAR STEVE joins us to discuss his bleakly hilarious visions of Plague Island. And new albums from DAMON ALBARN and upcoming psychedelic soul star CURTIS HARDING.

Buy Cold War Steve’s Journal Of The Plague Year: https://amzn.to/3wFV5sV.

Produced and presented by Siân Pattenden and Andrew Harrison. Assistant producer Jelena Sofronijevic. Audio production by Alex Rees. Theme music: ‘Bunker Theme (Juntos Mix)’ by Kenny Dickinson. The Culture Bunker is a Podmasters production.

Rolling playlist: https://bit.ly/CultBunk

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Daily: Albanian Rhapsody – Fighting for freedom in Stalinism's last bastion Nov 11, 2021

Albania in the 1980s was the last bastion of Stalinism in Europe. It was difficult to visit, and a place of poverty, executions and secret police, but for LSE politics professor Lea Ypi it was also home. She talks to Alex Andreou about her astonishing memoir Free: Coming of Age at the End of History, which details her childhood in one of Europe’s most repressive countries, what came afterwards, and what it truly means to be free.

“The fall of the Berlin Wall was brushed aside as something that didn’t concern Albania”
“At some point the state slogan was gone and was replaced by a coca-cola advert”
“I’ve spent half my life under socialism, half my life under liberalism… neither of these systems delivered what they set out to”
“To live in real democracy means to have a real say in the laws that are made”
“What we have is not a democracy, but rather a liberal representative system”

https://amzn.to/3HcK7Qw

Presented by Alex Andreou. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers: Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Daily: “Cheat codes for capitalism” - Is the GIG ECONOMY fit for purpose? Nov 10, 2021

When you think about the gig economy, you probably imagine an Uber driver. But one in seven Brits are part of the gig economy, including some teachers and doctors. So what’s behind this global phenomenon? Ros Taylor talks to Rest of World editor Peter Guest about their vast report on how workers in the global South get a worse deal, why women get lower ratings than men, and giving a meaningful platform to platform workers.

“There is a great imbalance of power between the platform and the worker.” - 04:00
“You can't be hired and fired in the usual way.”
“There's a ready supply of people waiting to work on these platforms, so the power is always in the company's hands.”

Presented by Ros Taylor. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers: Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Against the Trump Machine: Guest Fiona Hill on power and populists Nov 09, 2021

British-born US intelligence analyst FIONA HILL, America’s top Russia expert, became an overnight hero when she demolished Donald Trump’s Ukraine hoax before the House Intelligence Committee in 2019. In a fascinating conversation she tells us what it’s like to go up against a strongman’s political machine – and why Trumpism is still dangerous. Plus, is the tide of populism starting to ebb? And what pop songs changed our minds about politics?

Hear our new series DOOMSDAY WATCH here: https://kite.link/doomsday

• “I felt I had to stand up against Trump. Would I just stand on the sidelines and watch all this happen?” – FIONA HILL

• “Elections come and go, but grievances are forever.” – YASMEEN SERHAN

• “My favourite text message from a Tory MP last week just read ‘Christ’.” – MARIE LE CONTE

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written, presented and produced by Andrew Harrison with Yasmeen Serhan and Marie le Conte. Assistant producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic . Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER IS A PODMASTERS PRODUCTION

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Sleazy Like A Monday Morning – Start Your Week with Alex Andreou Nov 08, 2021

As Johnson scuttles away from the Owen Paterson debacle and fresh sleaze oozes out, will new Commons regulations mean that MPs have to get by on just the one job like some sort of cave dwellers? Plus, brace yourself for trade war as Lord Frost (no doubt with great regret) prepares to trigger the Article 16 he’s been gagging for since December. And is your poppy leaf at the right angle? Alex Andreou flags up the week ahead.

• “The entire Paterson mess is simply because Johnson hates people bothering his Brexiteer mates.”

• “What is there to prevent paramilitary violence flaring up in Northern Ireland?”

• “Triggering Article 16 will only show that trade power lies with Europe, because it’s seven times the size of the UK.”

Presented and produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Daily: The Nature Behind Orwell’s Politics Nov 07, 2021

George Orwell was a keen gardener, but did his love of nature influence his politics? Inspired by her encounter with the surviving roses planted at his Hertfordshire cottage, writer Rebecca Solnit talks to Dorian Lynskey about her new book Orwell’s Roses, which looks at howOrwell’s involvement with plants was a catalyst for his work as a writer and antifascist.

“When I was young non-fiction was not treated as artwork… Orwell provided a great model for essayism”
“Animal farm is a book that Orwell couldn’t have written if he wasn’t aware of their behaviours”
“I found 1984 very different after discovering Orwell the gardener, Orwell the cheerful even”

Presented by Dorian Lynskey. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers: Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Culture Bunker: Guest GUY GARVEY of Elbow plus Abba, Passing, Spencer Nov 06, 2021

Hear all the music on our podcasts in full on our rolling playlist: https://bit.ly/CultBunk

The Wordsworth of Bury GUY GARVEY of Elbow joins us to talk about their transcendent new album ‘Flying Dream 1’, the remarkable story of how he and his wife nursed his mother-in-law Diana Rigg through her last months, and how music fixes everything. And JUDE ROGERS helps us examine that ABBA album, remarkable Netflix drama of racism and identity PASSING, and that weird Princess Di movie SPENCER.

• “When people came back to our gigs, there was a sense of release.” – GUY GARVEY

• “When I’m off to bed drunk, the band play Just A Gigolo and watch me spin on my heel.” – GUY GARVEY

• “ABBA’s new album sounds like they’ve cleared out their hard drive.” – JUDE ROGERS

Presented by Siân Pattenden and Alex Andreou. Assistant producer Jelena Sofronijevic. Audio production by Alex Rees. Theme music: ‘Bunker Theme (Juntos Mix)’ by Kenny Dickinson. The Culture Bunker is a Podmasters production.

Rolling playlist: https://bit.ly/CultBunk

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COP26: Your Day at Net-Zero Nov 04, 2021

The phrase ‘Net Zero’ has become increasingly prominent in our discourse around climate change, with most countries and businesses pledging to be carbon neutral by 2050. But what will a day in a net zero world look like? What sort of jobs will we be doing? What kind of food will we eat? And how will nights out change?

Journalist Jonn Elledge, editor of New Food Magazine Bethan Grylls and Leeds University research fellow Andrew Sudmant join Naomi Smith for a look into our net-zero future.

“The weekly big shop is dying out because of food waste” - Bethan Grylls
“We’re in this post-pandemic moment where we don’t know how much we’ll be working from home” - Jonn Elledge
“Lots of foods are in danger, we’re going to see a return to seasonality” - Bethan Grylls
“We could witness the end of fridges” - Bethan Grylls

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Presented by Naomi Smith. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers: Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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COP26: Live From The End Of The World Nov 03, 2021

As the world banks its hopes on COP26, we talk live from the conference to the FT’s SIMON MUNDY about his astonishing and sobering book ‘Race For Tomorrow’ – a tour of the frontline of the climate struggle that reads like a thriller. Meanwhile the UK Government concentrates on the far bigger issue of fighting France over FISH. Of course he does! And we watch the BBC’s shocking documentary about the Washington insurrection of Jan 6, ‘Four Hours At The Capitol’.

• “For any reporter, this is the biggest story of the century” – SIMON MUNDY

• “How do you fix a country’s climate when international travel is its biggest earner – and its biggest threat?” – ALEX ANDREOU

• “If you’re Johnson you make it about the French, not the deal you signed that’s now falling apart.” – MIATTA FAHNBULLEH

• “The old climate war was simply denying the science. The new climate war is subtly arguing against any measures to mitigate climate change.” – SIMON MUNDY

Buy ‘Race For Tomorrow’: https://www.hive.co.uk/Product/Simon-Mundy/Race-for-Tomorrow--Survival-Innovation-and-Profit-on-the-/25601978

Watch ‘Four Hours At The Capitol’: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0010tff

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Written and presented by Alex Andreou with Miatta Fahnbulleh and Arthur Snell. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER IS A PODMASTERS PRODUCTION

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COP26: The Greenwash Conspiracy Nov 02, 2021

As climate change becomes a bigger issue, more companies are trying to prove they’re eco-friendly, but are they actually as green as they claim? Alice Bell, climate campaigner and author of Our Biggest Experiment: A History of the Climate Crisis, tells Yasmeen Serhan about the shady practice of greenwashing, where firms mislead consumers about their climate credentials. Which companies are the worst offenders? And what can we do about it?

“Greenwashing has become a developed art… it’s all designed to make the consumer feel good.”
“One person’s greenwash will be someone else’s acceptable strategy.”
“The oil industry has to invest in PR because their reason to exist is in question.”
“The phrase ‘Net-Zero’ has offered huge opportunities to greenwashers.”
“Britain talks about how we’ve stopped using coal, but we import goods made using coal.”

Presented by Yasmeen Serhan. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers: Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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COP26: Untold Tales from The Edge of Climate Science Nov 01, 2021

Climate change is the existential challenge of our time – but do we fully understand the depth and complexity of human influence over the planet’s temperature? In today’s COP26 special, Dr ELLA GILBERT, climate scientist from the University of Reading, takes Justin Quirk into the aspects of global heating that the media seldom foreground, from the cataclysmic impact of the cement industry to the strange and puzzling meaning of… clouds?

“The non-CO2 impacts of aviation may be up to twice as harmful as the CO2 impacts.”
“Ice is melting much more slowly in Antarctica than in the Arctic.”
“Adding in climate pressures can cause tensions to boil over into conflict.”
“Clouds at the tropics have a different impact to those in polar regions.”
“If the cement industry was a country, it would be third biggest emitter of C02.”

Presented by Justin Quirk. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers: Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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COP26: What You Need to Know Oct 31, 2021

As COP26 kicks off in Glasgow, what do you need to know about a summit that’s being described as the “last chance” for global action on climate change? New Scientist chief reporter Adam Vaughan joins Andrew Harrison to talk all about Britain’s biggest event since the Olympics, from the key players and attendees, to the thorny issues and major sticking points.

“COP is very different from other diplomatic meetings like the G7, they are quite chaotic affairs”
“We’re currently have pledges just under 3 degrees which is disastrous, we need around 1.5 degrees”
“This is the biggest event the UK has hosted since the Olympics”
“It would be good if Xi showed up, but the Chinese delegation will be huge, they’re taking it seriously”
“Australia has become a huge outlier on climate change because it relies so heavily on fossil fuels”

Produced and Presented by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers: Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Culture Bunker: Guest BILLY BRAGG plus Last Night In Soho, The War On Drugs, French psychedelic pop Oct 30, 2021

Hear all the music on our podcasts in full on our rolling playlist: https://bit.ly/CultBunk

Original Essex Man BILLY BRAGG joins us to discuss how the pandemic changed pop, politics and his haircut, on the very day his new album The Million Things That Never Happened comes out. Plus film critic Linda Marric joins us to look at Edgar Wright’s bizarre West End horrorfest LAST NIGHT IN SOHO, new music from THE WAR ON DRUGS, well-aged psychedelic pop from France, and more.

Presented by Siân Pattenden Andrew Harrison. Assistant producer Jelena Sofronijevic. Audio production by Alex Rees. Theme music: ‘Bunker Theme (Juntos Mix)’ by Kenny Dickinson. The Culture Bunker is a Podmasters production.

Rolling playlist: https://bit.ly/CultBunk

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Daily: Steven Pinker on the Rationality Trap Oct 28, 2021

As the human race reaches new heights of scientific understanding, why then does it seem to be losing its mind? Are humans inherently irrational beings? Professor Steven Pinker, cognitive scientist and author of thenew book Rationality: What It Is, Why It Seems Scarce, Why It Matters, talks to Alex Andreou about how irrationality occurs within our society, and why we need to embrace the notion that humans are naturally rational.

“I wanted to explain why a species as rational as ours is vulnerable to so much nonsense”
“There are stupid people who are rational and smart people who are irrational”
“The reason that persuasion is still called for is that not everyone is a dyed-in-the-wool true believer”
“The successful politicians are the ones that have ideas, but also know how to reach people”
“If people are unaware progress has taken place, they could look to turn the clock back”

Presented by Alex Andreou. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers: Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Daily: Inside the ‘Data-Demic’ with Professor David Spiegelhalter Oct 27, 2021

The COVID pandemic has seen us bombarded with statistics like never before, - case numbers, excess deaths and vaccination rates. But behind the numbers, is there another story waiting to be told? Professor David Spiegelhalter joins Ros Taylor to talk about his new book COVID By Numbers, which shines a new light on the pandemic from the hardest hit countries, to the benefits of different vaccines, and the effect of lockdown on our mental health and the economy.

“Statisticians try to make sense of what’s going on, and there is a lot of demand for that”
“The perpetual daily updates have kept numbers in people’s minds”
“There has been a systematic change in the pattern of deaths, people aren’t going to hospital to die”
“COVID has shone light on big gaps on our knowledge of other people’s lives”
“When the media call out u-turns, it stops people making changes based on new evidence”
“Statistics have been incredibly important, the PHE dashboard had 76 million hits within 24 hours during the 3rd lockdown”

Presented by Ros Taylor. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers: Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Mislaid Plans and Anti-Social Media Oct 26, 2021

Is Plan B really happening or what? Does the Government grasp the magnitude of the NHS crisis that’s coming? And is there any way to get the performatively unmasked to mask up again? Plus, as the wheels continue to fall off Facebook, is there any fixing social media? And we look at next year’s Unboxed event, the rebadged, don’t-mention-leaving-the-EU Festival of Brexit. Special guest ZOE WILLIAMS of The Guardian to dig into this week’s political misery.

• “The row over GPs is completely confected… The problem isn’t of face-to-face appointments, it’s that they’re overworked and worn out.” – ZOE WILLIAMS

• “Choosing social media villains and giving them a kicking in front of committees is not going to fix this.” – ZOE WILLIAMS

• “Very politicised people don’t WANT the platforms fixed. They’re there for the fight.” – MARIE LE CONTE

• “You can’t put a picture of yourself breastfeeding on Facebook, but fascist hate is fine?” – ZOE WILLIAMS

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Presented by Ros Taylor with Marie Le Conte and Ahir Shah. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic . Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER IS A PODMASTERS PRODUCTION

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The Effluent Society: Budgets, Beaches and Plan B – Start Your Week with Alex Andreou Oct 25, 2021

Metaphor time! Rishi Sunak strains over a painful Budget while Conservative MPs are hammered for voting to allow raw sewage to be released into the sea. What’s coming in the Budget and will Johnson’s aversion to bad news push Plan B back – meaning that, yet again, the Government acts too late on a rising COVID wave? Alex Andreou starts your week.

“Imagine if raw sewage became the defining issue of your government…”
“Boris Johnson has become invisible, which indicates the Budget will not be a good one.”
“This Budget includes straight-up bribe pots for Conservative Party donors.”
“Sunak, Truss, and Barclay’s constituencies have all done very well from the Levelling Up Fund.”

Presented and produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Daily: The Bored Middle Class that's Destroying Democracy from Within Oct 24, 2021

t’s often said that the crisis in Western democracy is caused by those left-behind, but is the greatest threat to security actually a bored middle-class? University Professor and author of Our Own Worst Enemy Tom Nichols talks to Arthur Snell about why unchecked narcissism is to blame for rising illiberalism, which factors are accelerating our democratic demise, and why building coalitions is our only way out.

“We’ve become used to being hyper-connected to each other, which turns out to be a pretty bad thing for maintaining democracy.”
“The people who vote for populists are overwhelmingly white, middle-class and well-off.”
“In the US anti-immigration feeling is sky-high in areas where there are no immigrants, it’s driven by television.”
“We now have millions of people who have become so detached from reality that it’s impossible to have a rational conversation with them.”

Presented by Arthur Snell. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers: Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Culture Bunker: Special guest STEVE DAVIS, Dune, Self Esteem, French Dispatch, Beatles Oct 23, 2021

Hear all the music on our podcasts in full on our rolling playlist: https://bit.ly/CultBunk

This week: Snooker star turned cosmic DJ STEVE DAVIS tells about his love for out-there avant garde rock and the time he took Frank Warren to see Magma. We review spice’n’sandals epic DUNE and Wes Anderson’s paean to the golden age of magazines, THE FRENCH DISPATCH – and speak to star LÉA SEYDOUX. John Harris explains why ‘Let It Be’ is THE BEATLES’ least-understood record. And a thrilling new album from one-woman pop revolution SELF ESTEEM.

Presented by Siân Pattenden and Andrew Harrison. Assistant producer Jelena Sofronijevic. Audio production by Alex Rees. Theme music: ‘Bunker Theme (Juntos Mix)’ by Kenny Dickinson. The Culture Bunker is a Podmasters production.

Rolling playlist: https://bit.ly/CultBunk

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Daily: Plan B panic stations on COVID Oct 22, 2021

It’s COVID Groundhog Day with cases spiking, the Government dithering and the NHS under critical pressure all over again. As Sajid Javid warns of 100,000 cases a day soon, health commentator Roy Lilley tells us why the Government’s“ Plan B” is in disarray. How fast should they move to tighter restrictions? And can they make it stick with a population that believes the pandemic is done?

“What is it going to take for someone in the cabinet to say ‘Yes, we need Plan B’?.”
“Sajid Javid standing up and lecturing the nation with a Union Jack behind him was absolutely ridiculous.”
“Who actually runs the NHS? Is it Sajid Javid or the Daily Mail?”
“Let’s have that firebreak and let’s enjoy Christmas.”

Presented and produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Daily: Gene Genius? The pros and cons of DNA modification Oct 21, 2021

Is gene-editing – replacing sections of DNA to make plants and animals more fertile or resistant to disease – really our escape route from the threats of climate change and population growth? Since Brexit the British Government has been tearing up tight EU legislation on the practice, with DEFRA now allowing it for crops. But do we really understand the difference between gene editing and modification (GMO), or its complex environmental and social implications?

Alex Andreou chews over gene editing with two experts from both sides of the debate, agriculturalist and member of the Food Ethics Council Patrick Mulvany and Professor Nick Talbot,Executive Director of The Sainsbury Laboratory.

“We need to do something about farming and food production in the face of the climate emergency.” - Professor Nick Talbot
“The status quo in agriculture cannot be maintained.” - Professor Nick Talbot 17:00
“Gene editing should be part of our panoply of food innovations that we need to feed people by 2050.” - Professor Nick Talbot
“We need smaller farmers to have access to these technologies. Agriculture is still dominated by the big multinationals.” - Professor Nick Talbot
“There's no shortage of innovation. Placing all our emphasis on gene editing is not sustainable.” - Patrick Mulvany

Presented by Alex Andreou. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers: Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Are MPs Safe? Oct 21, 2021

The horrific murder of Sir David Amess has put MPs’ personal security into sharp relief. But should the Government tighten rules for online speech which, however ugly, seems to have little to do with this outrage? Plus, climate change deniers the Global Warming Policy Forum rebrand as Net Zero Watch. Will claiming that carbon reduction is too expensive succeed where denying it outright failed? And why can’t Britain stop harping on about the Blitz Spirit?

“Two MPs have been killed in last five years. We simply cannot say that MPs are safe to do their job.” – Justin Quirk
“Prevent was never designed as a predictive programme… Just because this person was referred doesn’t mean their name would go straight to MI5.” – Arthur Snell

Presented by Andrew Harrison with Yasmeen Serhan, Arthur Snell and Justin Quirk. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic . Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. The Bunker is a Podmasters Production

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Daily: The Kids Aren’t Alright – Why children need a post-COVID plan Oct 21, 2021

Children lost an average of 115 days of schooling under last year’s lockdowns, but that doesn’t capture the scale of trauma and dislocation caused to children by the Government’s bungled handling of the pandemic. Former Children’s Commissioner for England Anne Longfield tells Ros Taylor about the hidden consequences of COVID policy for kids – how the pandemic was an opportunity to exploiters including county lines drug dealers – and why we have to stop seeing the pandemic through the adult-centric prism of shopping, holidays, offices and pubs.

“These school closures will have an effect for years and decades – and for some kids, forever.”
“After the pandemic, children’s mental health has plummeted.”
“I never thought I’d ever have to say ‘Kids need to be in school’. But everything we knew crumbled in a very short time.”
“We’re never going to have real levelling up until we get it right for kids.”
“When you’ve only got a couple of crap phones to work on, that doesn’t even scratch the surface of what you need to learn.”

Presented by Ros Taylor. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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The Killing of Sir David Amess MP – Start Your Week with Ros Taylor Oct 18, 2021

A second MP in five years is killed during the performance of constituency duties. Will the death of Sir David Amess change the temperature of political debate? Plus Dominic Raab’s plan to overrule independent courts, the brewing PCR test scandal, and coal-funded senator Joe Manchin destroys Joe Biden’s clean energy programme. Ros Taylor starts your week.

“Police protection at surgeries is all very well, but marginalised people can be very afraid of the police – with good reason.”
“People will always exploit tragedies like these for their own political ends.”
“Kids are still paying the price for adults' failure on COVID.”

Presented and produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Daily: 660 AD and All That: The Anglo-Saxon Mystique Oct 17, 2021

The Anglo-Saxons represent one of the most vital and important periods in English history, but then why do we know so very little about them? Marc Morris, historian and author of The Anglo-Saxons: A History of the Beginnings of England, takes Nick Cohen on a journey though one of England’s most fascinating chapters, and how their influence is still felt today.

“We’re taught about the Anglo-Saxons as young children, which means we only learn about them in basic terms.”
“Only by the 18th century was Alfred the Great idolised, but there was a lot of the original Alfred which is worthy of admiration.”
“English counties are basically as they were in the 10th century, and a great many villages and towns were founded by the Anglo-Saxons.”

Presented by Nick Cohen. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers: Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Culture Bunker: Succession Series 3, Duran Duran, Chilean horror on Netflix Oct 16, 2021

We’ve got a bit less music on this week’s podcast than we’d like but you can hear it in full on our rolling playlist: https://bit.ly/CultBunk

This week: As the third season of dynastic epic Succession begins on Sky, what makes it the most compelling thing on TV? After 40 years in the game, Duran Duran make a genuinely fantastic album: we listen to Future Past. And a real find on Netflix in unreal Chilean horror movie Fever Dream. Entertainment Weekly’s Clark Collis is our guest.

Presented by Siân Pattenden, Alex Andreou and Andrew Harrison. Assistant producer Jelena Sofronijevic. Audio production by Alex Rees. Theme music: ‘Bunker Theme (Juntos Mix)’ by Kenny Dickinson. The Culture Bunker is a Podmasters production.

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Daily: The city that never sleeps? – Waking up urban spaces after COVID Oct 14, 2021

Cities are slowly coming back to life after COVID. But has the pandemic permanently changed our urban spaces, and how we live within them? Co-author of Survival of the City and Harvard University Professor Edward L. Glaeser talks to Ros Taylor about how commuting has always been defined by class divides, whether fifteen minute cities could work…and why we need a “NATO of healthcare”.

“Once we’re healthy again, there’s little chance cities will atomise.”
“There's no Democratic or Republican way to clean the streets. The same should go for fighting pandemics.”
“Teleworking makes cities up their game on cost and quality of life.”

Presented by Ros Taylor. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers: Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/669805/survival-of-the-city-by-edward-glaeser-and-david-cutler/

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Daily: Supervillain Billionaire – Peter Thiel wants to reshape the world Oct 13, 2021

Enigmatic Californian tech investor and libertarian Peter Thiel is best known for his controversial ‘spy tech’ company Palantir and for enabling Hulk Hogan to sue gossip site Gawker out of business. But as new book The Contrarian shows, Thiel has always had bigger ambitions to use tech to sideline government itself. Author Max Chafkin tells Andrew Harrison about the Randian ideas that propelled Thiel from the “Paypal Mafia” to Trump’s White House – and why we should worry about ‘Thielism’.

“Thiel is both a superhero and supervillain, like Ayn Rand crossed with… Ayn Rand.”
“Thiel is the one person aside from Mark Zuckerberg who is responsible for Facebook’s success.”
“He named Palantir after this all-seeing orb from Lord of the Rings. And Sauron is not the good guy.”

Presented and produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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No Raabs Before Marbs – or, Where In The World Is Boris Johnson? Oct 12, 2021

As Britain surges forward into the 1950s, the Prime Minister goes on holiday – again. Will fuel costs, supply chains, staff shortages and reskilling just, you know, sort themselves out? Or do we need to reacquaint ourselves with stagflation? Plus, can the fallout from the sentencing of Sarah Everard’s murderer and the increasing focus on misogyny in society really become a moment of change? Special guest Emma Kennedy joins us to gaze into this week’s political abyss.

“We’re culling perfectly good pigs and importing pork from the EU? This is making Britain self-sufficient?” – Emma Kennedy
“We’ve been expecting disaster for so long that if it doesn’t arrive, the government can fall back on, Hey, the doomsters were wrong again…” – Justin Quirk
“If there was a shortage of baguettes in Paris, the French would burn the place to the ground. The British, sadly, are not like that.” – Emma Kennedy
“The notion of rebalancing the economy by market shock is quite insane.” – Alex Andreou
“Violence against women will never change until we make it as utterly unacceptable as drink-driving… Men have got to step up.” – Emma Kennedy

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Presented by Alex Andreou with Ayesha Hazarika and Justin Quirk. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic . Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. The Bunker is a Podmasters Production

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Sausage War II, Spies and Polexit – Start Your Week with Arthur Snell Oct 11, 2021

Unelected Brexit panjandrum David Frost gets ready to blow up the Northern Ireland deal that he and Johnson sold to the public. Is Poland really shaping up to leave the EU? The first ‘Covid: Lessons Learned’ report looms into view. Plus bizarre elections in the Czech Republic, Facebook in the dock and an old-fashioned nuclear spy scandal. Arthur Snell starts your week.

“Frost and Johnson’s strategy has been to pretend it’s someone else’s deal and that it needs to be renegotiated."
“From a very dark tactical perspective, the return of the threat of violence in Ireland would be to Johnson and Frost’s advantage.”
“Facebook has run out of road, it doesn’t really have any political friends anymore.”

Presented and produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Daily: Bond On The Run – Does Britain still need 007? Oct 10, 2021

DANGER, SPOILERS! James Bond finally returns to cinemas in a world where questions about sexism, racism and Britishness have seldom been more pointed. Is there a place for a suave, womanising emissary of British power in the modern world? Is it time to reassess the role of Bond in British culture? Regulars and Bond fiends Ros Taylor and Arthur Snell talk to Ian Kinane, editor of the International Journal of James Bond Studies and a senior lecturer in English literature, about their first Bonds and where 007 should go next. Do not listen unless you’ve seen the film.

“Bond offers a parallel universe in which Britain always wins.” - Arthur Snell
“Bond probably has many fatherless children all over the world.” - Ian Kinane
“James Bond is so far from the boring reality of intelligence work, like people staring at databases.” - Arthur Snell
“Shirley Bassey is seen as singing an anthem of Britain's glory days of Empire.” - Ian Kinane
“Bond seems to embody what is properly British, but more often he’s played by actors who aren't British themselves.” - Ian Kinane

Presented by Ros Taylor and Arthur Snell. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers: Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Culture Bunker: Squid Game, Beatles in India and more with Public Service Broadcasting’s J Willgoose Oct 09, 2021

Remember you can hear the music from every Culture Bunker in full on our rolling playlist.

Joining us for this week’s tour de pop culture are guests J. Willgoose, leader of avant pop band Public Service Broadcasting, and author Jenny Colgan. On the agenda: Could you play the Squid Game? We look at the Netflix breakout hit. Does new documentary The Beatles And India turn the tablas on our ideas of Western pop? And new music from Mancunian electro explorers W.H. Lung.

Produced and presented by Andrew Harrison and Alex Andreou. Assistant producer Jelena Sofronijevic. Audio production by Alex Rees. Theme music: ‘Bunker Theme (Juntos Mix)’ by Kenny Dickinson. The Culture Bunker is a Podmasters production.

Rolling playlist:https://bit.ly/CultBunk

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Daily: Jews and the Left – Why antisemitism isn’t over Oct 07, 2021

Antisemitism remains one of the Labour Party’s most painful problems. It’s an issue with deep roots, dragged up by Corbyn, and left to Starmer to deal with. Trade unionist Daniel Randall, author of Confronting Antisemitism on the Left, and sociologist Keith Kahn-Harris, join Dorian Lynskey to discuss what distinguishes left from right wing anti-Jewish racism, and what can be done about it.

“The 2007 financial crisis brought antisemitism on the left to the fore.” - Daniel Randall
“Gaslighting and denial is just as harmful as antisemitism itself.” - Keith Kahn-Harris
“In some analyses, capitalism is coded as a specifically Jewish endeavour.” - Daniel Randall
“Antisemitism has a complicated ideology. It's not just, 'Jews bad, non-Jews good.'“ - Daniel Randall
“There's a moralistic element to Corbyn's politics, and it's difficult to situate Jews within that.” - Daniel Randall
“Anti-racism is a lifelong struggle. But Corbyn treated it like a journey where one could arrive.” - Keith Kahn-Harris

Presented by Dorian Lynskey. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers: Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

https://www.nopasaran.media/confronting-antisemitism-on-the-left/

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Daily: Why public schools warp children’s futures — and ours Oct 06, 2021

Should we feel more compassion towards men who are send to public schools? And what do boarding school books reveal about the emotions of society’s elites? With fellow students like Boris Johnson and David Cameron, Richard Beard’s latest book, Sad Little Men, exploreshis time at school. He tells Ros Taylor why private school only gives kids a partial education, how sexist attitudes linger beyond the school gates…and why years of emotional suppression makes private school boys very good spies.

“You're supposed to leave your time at school behind and go on and be successful.”
“When you arrive as a small child, your instinct is to run away back home.”
“There is a conflict between what adults are telling you is good for you, and your emotional experience.”
“This confidence applies to a limited area of life - but one where power resides.”
“It was male opinion that mattered to us, and it remained so when we left school.”
“Parents and children are drawn into this delusion that boarding school is for the best.”

Presented by Ros Taylor. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers: Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

https://www.hive.co.uk/Product/Richard-Beard/Sad-Little-Men--Private-Schools-and-the-Ruin-of-England/25942336

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From Panic Buying to Panic Lying Oct 05, 2021

Britain staggers into another Winter of Discontent but the atmosphere in the Conservative Party Conference is serenely unworried, says our woman on the spot Marie le Conte. Can anything penetrate Boris Johnson’s reality-distortion field? Plus special guest Annette Dittert, London bureau chief of Germany’s TV channel ARD, explains what the German elections really mean – and how Germany thinks Brexit is going. And is the BBC’s schmaltzy Ridley Road really the best way to dramatise real political events?

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Presented by Andrew Harrison with Marie le Conte and Gavin Esler. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic . Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. The Bunker is a Podmasters Production

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Manchester, So Much To Answer For – Start Your Week with Naomi Smith Oct 04, 2021

As the Conservatives convene for their Manchester conference, are there sufficient supplies of Churchillian cosplay, blather about levelling up and performative woke-bashing to cover up their failings on supply lines, fuel, COVID and the economy? Will anyone dare mention the “B” word? Plus the Pandora Papers lift the lid on big money chicanery, anger over police misogyny grows, and who will win the Nobel Peace Prize? Naomi Smith starts your week.

“There's petrol in Kabul, but there’s no petrol in Brighton."
“Johnson’s performance on Marr was so embarrassing. He's trying to gaslight the nation.”
“How many appalling situations does Cressida Dick have to preside over before something is done?”

Presented and produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Daily: The Artificial Brain and What It Means Oct 03, 2021

In a groundbreaking study, a team of scientists at the University of Dusseldorf have grown mini brains, each with their own sets of “eyes” that can detect light. Dr Jay Gopalakrishnan, the leader of the project, spoke to Alex Andreou about the extraordinary research going on the field of these “organoids”, miniature versions of organs that scientists can grow in the lab from stem cells, and where this remarkable study could lead us in the years ahead.

“In the last 10 years my lab has made brains, livers, lungs… every human organ type has been made from stem cells”
“My guess is that in 10 years you’ll be able to generate your own cell type for transplants”

Presented by Alex Andreou. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers: Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Culture Bunker: John Cooper Clarke, Foundation, Y: The Last Man, Trunk Records, Shep Pettibone’s 80s bangers Oct 02, 2021

Remember you can hear the music from every Culture Bunker in full on our rolling playlist.

On this week’s pop culture roundtable we meet John Cooper Clarke, the William Blake of Salford, on the occasion of his new collection of poems – and he reads us one too. Plus, have Apple TV+ successfully filmed the unfilmable with their adaptation of Isaac Asimov’s Foundation? Is “all the men are dead” comic book adaptation Y: The Last Man any good? The genius of 80s remixer Shep Pettibone. And Jonny Trunk of Trunk Records on the out-thereness of library music.

Produced and presented by Siân Pattenden and Andrew Harrison. Assistant producer Jelena Sofronijevic. Audio production by Robin Leeburn. Theme music: ‘Bunker Theme (Juntos Mix)’ by Kenny Dickinson. The Culture Bunker is a Podmasters production.

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Daily: Road-trip to the Red Wall – Sebastian Payne and Nick Cohen on Labour’s lost direction Sep 30, 2021

The Red Wall has been the backbone of Labour's vote in the Midlands and the North of England. But in 2019, it dramatically turned blue for the first time in living memory. So what do we get wrong about the Red Wall? Nick Cohen talks to the Financial Times’ Sebastian Payne about his new book, Broken Heartlands, his time in ten constituencies across the North, and what Labour needs to do to recover regional electoral support.

“The collapse of the Red Wall has been gradual, then sudden.”
“Brexit broke the umbilical cord between collectivised communities.”
“I couldn't tell you a single soundbite from Ken Clarke's career. But he told a convincing narrative.”
“There is nothing inevitable about demographics in this country.”

Presented by Nick Cohen. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers: Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

https://www.hive.co.uk/Product/Sebastian-Payne/Broken-Heartlands--A-Journey-Through-Labours-Lost-England/25842557

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Daily: Why “Hobby Politics” is failing us all Sep 29, 2021

For many of us, politics is a hobby. We soak in the gossip, eat up the statistics and tweet our outrage when an unpopular decision is made. But if we want to make change, should we get off our sofas and start to mobilise? Tufts University politics professor and author of Politics Is for Power, Eitan Hersh tells Ros Taylor why we should stop treating politics like entertainment, and the steps we can take for more effective political participation.

“For decades we’ve seen the decline of in-person civic participation.”
“After the 2016 election students were in tears about the result, but they didn’t lift a finger during the campaign.”
“If more people understood how power flowed in their community, they’d know what to do when there was conflict.”
“White Americans are less likely to spend their political time on volunteering than minority communities.”
“Well-educated people know that political engagement is something they should do, but they still don’t do it.”

Presented by Ros Taylor. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers: Jelena Sofronijevic, Jacob Archbold and Nat Amos. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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That Petrol Commotion Sep 28, 2021

Out early for Patreon people…

When a government fails to deliver the basics – like getting petrol to the pumps – can it ever win back the confidence it has lost? Is Keir Starmer pulling off the relaunch he needed at the Labour conference? We ask special guest Stephanie Lloyd, former deputy director of Blairite think tank Progress, if the Party’s centrists have enough to offer beyond “Not Corbyn Any More.” And can James Bond still be a fantasy of omnicompetent Britishness in an age when Britain is falling apart?

“The Army and the public quite like it when crises like this happen. The military enjoy being the people who clean up the mess.” – Arthur Snell
“We are eighteen months into the pandemic, and five years into Brexit. Where was the planning?” – Stephanie Lloyd
“James Bond allows Britain to see itself as bigger than it really is.” – Arthur Snell

Presented by Andrew Harrison with Yasmeen Serhan and Arthur Snell. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic . Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. The Bunker is a Podmasters Production

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Malice Aforecourt – Start Your Week with Alex Andreou Sep 27, 2021

They cancel Christmas earlier every year, don’t they? As petrol queues swamp Britain, will the EU lorry drivers we told to get out come back now we need them? (Spoiler: non, nein, όχι). Plus the German election results, Keir Starmer’s big moment at the Labour Conference, and phone hacking is back back back! Alex Andreou starts your week.

“HGV drivers are not short of work in Europe. Offering them a visa is far too little, far too late.”
“We’re now being told that Brexit means we can solve the problems created by Brexit…”
“As Labour voters, we've come too good at punching ourselves in the face.”
“So it’s OK in politics to be a lying scumbag, but it’s not OK for people to say it?”

Presented and produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Daily: Power To The People - Inside the Energy Crisis Sep 26, 2021

With gas prices soaring, and energy companies going bust, is it time for the Government to intervene? And while the Business and Energy Secretary described events as a “perfect storm”, how much of that storm was warned about, and even self-inflicted? Former energy trader and co-founder of one of the UK’s largest green energy suppliers, Amit Gudka tells Alex Andreou why Britain is so exposed to volatile prices, what the Government should be doing to solve the crisis, and if Brexit is to blame.

“This is a sector where there have been very low margins for a while, putting a cap on prices only increases the pressure.” - Amit Gudka
“If you nationalise the supply sector, with the UK being a net importer of gas, you do put yourself at risk to global price rises.” - Amit Gudka
“Moving investment into batteries is the big challenge, but it’s also a big opportunity.” - Amit Gudka

Presented by Alex Andreou. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers: Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Culture Bunker: The Specials’ Lynval Golding, The Farewell on Netflix, plus Public Service Broadcasting Sep 25, 2021

Hear the music from every edition on our rolling playlist.

Our new weekend pop culture roundtable returns with special guest Lynval Golding of The Specials, and their latest album, Protest Songs. Journalist Ian Harrison joins us to chew on new films The Farewell and Sweetheart, and we all listen to Bright Magic, the latest offering from Public Service Broadcasting.

"The history of music can almost be seen as one long protest song." - Sian Pattenden.
"I was born in Jamaica, I am living in America, but England is my home." - Lynval Golding
"Gay men get films set in Lombardy. Gay women get the caravan park in Dorset." - Alex Andreou.

Because of licensing issues we’ll have to use fewer music clips than usual in the main release – but Patreon people, rest assured you’ll get “a few extras” in this version. And all the music is on The Culture Bunker’s rolling playlist: https://bit.ly/CultBunk

Produced and presented by Siân Pattenden and Alex Andreou. Assistant producer Jelena Sofronijevic. Audio production by Alex Rees. Theme music: ‘Bunker Theme (Juntos Mix)’ by Kenny Dickenson. Bigmouth is a Podmasters production.

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Daily: Chasing Status – Are we hard-wired to fight for glory? Sep 23, 2021

Are humans really driven by desire for power, money, sex and comfort – or is something even deeper at play? Beneath greed, acquisitiveness, and even altruism and self-sacrifice is an even more fundamental motivation, says science writer Will Storr: the scramble for status. He tells Andrew Harrison about his new book The Status Game: On Social Position And How We Use It, and the hidden social systems that program us to perform acts of great benefit to our fellows, deeds of heroism… and some of the most infamous crimes in human history.

“We're a tribal animal. And once we’ve connected with our tribe, the jostling for position begins.”
“The brain’s basic rule is ‘connect with people and go for status’.”
“Morality is just a way we play for status.”
“Humans are at their worst when they’re deprived of status.”
“Even people who complain about virtue signalling are virtue signalling themselves.”

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

https://www.hive.co.uk/Product/Will-Storr/The-Status-Game--On-Social-Position-and-How-We-Use-it/25325652

Presented and produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Daily: WFH or WTF? Where women lose out from flexible working Sep 22, 2021

COVID has transformed the way we work. But not everyone’s a winner, especially women, with many in jobs that make working from home is impossible, undertaking twice as much unpaid overtime, or being pushed back into the office at risk of potential pay cuts. So what can be done to support working women? Naomi Smith talks to Maya Jeyabraba and Rose Lasko-Skinner from DEMOS, who have just published Distanced Revolution, a report all about how COVID caused a revolution in home working - and what needs to happen next.

“Lots of people were excited about the flexibility without recognising the risks of working from home.” - Rose Lasko-Skinner
“Flexible working can help with levelling up. But that too needs a legislative framework.” - Rose Lasko-Skinner
“Even before the pandemic, women were taking on the second shift at home.” - Maya Jeyabraba

Presented by Naomi Smith. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers: Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

https://demos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Distanced-Revolution.pdf

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Power Struggle: Is Britain Heading For a Winter of Discontent? Sep 21, 2021

As gas prices soar and energy providers go out of business, is Britain heading for another winter of discontent? Plus, how is the Republic of Ireland finding Brexit? Is there any sympathy for the UK in Brussels? Tony Connelly, Europe editor for Irish state broadcaster RTE, joins us to discuss. And are the French right to be angry about the new AUKUS alliance?

“On gas providers the Government sounds like Lord Farquaad, ‘some of you may die”' - Marie Le Conte
“Europe is worryingly dependent on Russian Gas, and that is all part of a big geopolitical game” - Tony Connelly
“It doesn’t matter how political you are, if the pound in your pocket gets you less, people will be angry” - Marie Le Conte
“The entire UK political system did not understand the gravity of leaving the single market” - Tony Connelly
“There is little sympathy in Brussels and Dublin for this idea that the UK was bullied” - Tony Connelly

Presented by Alex Andreou with Marie Le Conte and Arthur Snell. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers: Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Robin Leeburn. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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The Only Liz n Boris in New York – Start Your Week with Ros Taylor and Yasmeen Serhan Sep 20, 2021

As Johnson and Truss head stateside, what will their New York trip mean for the UK’s environment strategy? Could AUKUS prove awkward at the international dinner table? And: why have so many people stopped wearing their COVID face coverings? Ros Taylor and Yasmeen Serhan chew on the new cabinet appointments, gas shortages, and the Great British Bake Off stars to watch.

• “A lot of Johnson's New York trip is about making COP26 a success.” - Yasmeen Serhan

• “The AUKUS is a direct challenge to China, but it seems to have angered the French the most.” – Yasmeen Serhan

• “Wearing masks is such a small thing that we can all do to cut transmission.” - Yasmeen Serhan

Presented by Ros Taylor and Yasmeen Serhan. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Daily: EMBRACE THE BASE — RAF Greenham Common protests 40 years on Sep 19, 2021

Nuclear anxiety was an everyday emotion in the 1980s, sparking atomic pop culture and peace camps across the world. September 2021 marks 40 years since the RAF Greenham Common protests, when a handful of Welsh women left their homes to march against the arrival of US nuclear warheads at the base in Berkshire. Professor Jane Holgate and Stephanie Davies, author of Other Girls Like Me, are both former Greenham women. They tell Ros Taylor about their time at the camp, why Greenham was a vital space for women, and what’s next for the anti-nuclear movement.

“We came for the peace, and we stayed for the feminism.” - Stephanie Davies
“You could break UK law to prevent a greater crime. I was trying to protest apartheid in another country,” - Stephanie Davies
“Horrible, smelly lesbians was a phrase used against Greenham women.” - Jane Holgate
“People supported the peace movement and getting rid of the missiles. But as women, we were seen as part of the threat.” - Stephanie Davies
“A lot of women left the camp because they feared losing custody of their children.” - Jane Holgate

Presented by Ros Taylor. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers: Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

http://binkbooks.bedazzledink.com/books/books-n/other-girls-like-me/

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Culture Bunker: Everybody’s Talking About Jamie’s Dan Gillespie Sells, Sex Education Series 3, horror films Sep 18, 2021

Hear the music from every edition on our rolling playlist.

Welcome to the debut of our new weekend pop culture roundtable, as the podcast formerly known as Bigmouth joins The Bunker. This week, special guest Dan Gillespie Sells, composer of Everybody’s Talking About Jamie joins us to talk over the musical’s transition to Amazon Prime film. Critic Michael Hann helps us unpack Sex Education Series 3 on Netflix, and The North Water. Plus friend of the podcast Naomi Smith joins to share her pick of the horror flicks out in cinemas now.

"Pop music is something you have on when you're dropping the kids off swimming. Writing for musical theatre is very different." - Dan Gillespie Sells.
"Drag queens are superheroes." - Alex Andreou.
"When I came out, I wore a white wedding dress and sang Don't Cry for Me, Argentina in the town square." - Alex Andreou.
"Sex Education is for people to reminisce about the sex they didn't have as teenagers." - Michael Hann.

Because of licensing issues we’ll have to use fewer music clips than usual in the main release – but Patreon people, rest assured you’ll get “a few extras” in this version. And all the music is on The Culture Bunker’s rolling playlist: https://bit.ly/CultBunk

Produced and presented by Siân Pattenden and Alex Andreou. Assistant producer Jelena Sofronijevic. Audio production by Alex Rees. Theme music: ‘Bunker Theme (Juntos Mix)’ by Kenny Dickenson. Bigmouth is a Podmasters production.

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Daily: EPIC APP BATTLES of history – why Apple Inc.’s monopoly matters Sep 16, 2021

If Apple Inc. was an economy, it would be the eighth largest in the world. But facing huge lawsuits across the world, it is finally starting to encounter the weight of its success. Has the company abused its market monopoly position in tightening its technological grip? Alex Andreou talks to Brooke Masters, Chief Business Correspondent at the FT, and Reuters Tokyo’s Tim Kelly about big tech battles in India, Japan, and South Korea…and why Epic has merely taken a byte out of the Apple Store.

“Apple generally has a principle that whatever it does applies globally.” - Brooke Masters
“The revenue from Apple's App Store is a huge source of revenue for the company.” - Brooke Masters
“Technology has moved on, but the law hasn't moved as fast.” - Tim Kelly
“Apple's business model is to keep people in their universe and buying stuff.” - Brooke Masters
“If Apple is the subject of anti-trust action, then what does that mean for Google?” - Tim Kelly

Presented by Alex Andreou. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers: Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Daily: POLES APART – How to HEAL divided societies Sep 15, 2021

Parties are the engines of democratic politics. But they also pit us apart as people and polities. So what are the new ways of political polarization, and what can we do to tackle them? Alison Goldsworthy, CEO of the Depolarization Project and former Lib Dem deputy chair, and behavioural scientist Alexandra Chesterfield are two of the authors of Poles Apart and the brains behind the Changed My Mind podcast. They talk to Ros Taylor about deconstructing confirmation bias, why facts and stats can cause unintentional polarization - and how Jewish family dinners helped deradicalize a member of the KKK…

“Polarisation isn't always about the extremes. It's about how radically you hold on to your identity.” - Alison Goldsworthy.
“It makes us feel psychologically uncomfortable, even pained, to change our minds.” – Alexandra Chesterfield.
“Reputationally, it doesn't fit the perception of a leader to be inconsistent.” – Alexandra Chesterfield.
“In this government, people are promoted on the basis of loyalty, not talent.” - Alison Goldsworthy.
“The odds are that you change your opinions based on feelings and allegiances, not facts.” - Alison Goldsworthy.
“There's an awful lot you can hold Nick Clegg and the coalition government responsible for. The decision to hold a referendum is not one of them.” - Alison Goldsworthy.
“We saw a member of the KKK, exposed to so-called scientific education, changed his mind.” – Alexandra Chesterfield.

Presented by Ros Taylor. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers: Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/111/1119814/poles-apart/9781847942951.html

https://www.opendemocracy.net/en/changed-my-mind-a-republicans-journey-to-backing-criminal-justice-reform/

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Lorry Seems To Be The Hardest Work Sep 14, 2021

As we brace ourselves for “permanent” shop shortages and price hikes, we hear from lorry driver and transport expert Tom Reddy and Food and Drink Scotland’s James Withers on what’s behind the HGV driver shortages. Plus: how did hapless Education Secretary Gavin Williamson get to where he is today, and what does it take to make a sporting hero? And from the States, Joanna Walters unpacks Texas’ constitutional battle over abortion.

"The margins in hauling are next to nothing." - Tom Reddy
"I'm only 36, and I'm already tired of lorry driving. Nothing is changing in the conditions of the job." - Tom Reddy
"Eastern European lorry drivers work a lot harder than we do." – Tom Reddy
"It suits Boris Johnson to have an Education Secretary like Gavin Williamson - someone who won't slag him off, or make him look incompetent." - Ayesha Hazarika
"We always think of Texas as being solidly Republican. But the game is still in play." - Justin Quirk
"I still think Gareth Southgate should be Prime Minister." - Ayesha Hazarika
"Women's sports is only now coming anywhere near gender parity." - Ayesha Hazarika

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Presented by Ros Taylor with Justin Quirk and Ayesha Hazarika. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic . Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. The Bunker is a Podmasters Production

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Unforced Errors in Cabinet – Start Your Week with Alex Andreou and Arthur Snell Sep 13, 2021

As the Government pushes ahead with plans to vaccinate children, is their COVID strategy only guided by the science when convenient? Plus: could Emma Raducanu’s stunning US Open success strike back against Priti Patel’s oppressive immigration policies? Alex Andreou and Arthur Snell unpack Afghanistan’s new cabinet, whether the latest lobbying scandals will affect Johnson’s rumoured cabinet reshuffle, and what Westminster will do to quell Sturgeon’s demands for Scottish independence.

“We may be vaccinating people to protect them from catching COVID, not to stop them getting seriously ill from it.” - Alex Andreou.
“If you've already clearly broken the ministerial code and gotten away with it, it will give you a green light to go ahead with it.” - Arthur Snell.
“17 out of the 33 members of the Taliban cabinet are on the UN Sanctions list.” - Arthur Snell.

Presented by Alex Andreou and Arthur Snell. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Daily: The Making of America’s Fury with Evan Osnos Sep 12, 2021

When award-winning author and journalist Evan Osnos returned home to America after a decade away, he found a nation gripped by fear and anger, with democratic norms under attack. But how did this happen?

Evan talks to Dorian Lynskey about his latest book,Wildland: The Making of America’s Fury, which chronicles two decades of political fury and disfunction, from the September 11th attacks right up to the January 6th Capitol Siege, by following ordinary people in the places he grew up, as they navigate 21st century America.

“There has been so much deception in U.S. politics, people discount the truth of anything.”
“For most of American history, people were disadvantaged because of who they were. We’re talking about that more now.”
“The effect of the pandemic has been to make more Americans at the top of society aware of those at the bottom.”
“Donald Trump has not been banished from the system by any means, in fact he still holds huge sway over it.”
“In trying to be bipartisan, Biden is appealing to Republican’s interests, not their sensibility.”
“January 6th felt like the inevitable result of cynicism at the top of the GOP, and Trump’s time in charge.”

Presented by Dorian Lynskey. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers: Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Culture Bunker: Saint Etienne’s Sarah Cracknell, Steve Martin’s Only Murders In The Building, new albums Sep 11, 2021

Hear the music from every edition on our rolling playlist.

Welcome to the debut of our new weekend pop culture roundtable, as the podcast formerly known as Bigmouth joins The Bunker. This week, special guest Sarah Cracknell of pop couturiers Saint Etienne joins us to talk over their new album I’ve Been Trying To Tell You. Plus critic John Mullen helps us dissect the new Steve Martin/Selena Gomez/Martin Short crime caper Only Murders In The Building plus new albums from Antipodean punks Amyl & The Sniffers and Art School Girlfriend, the ambient sound of Wrexham.

Because of licensing issues we’ll have to use fewer music clips than usual in the main release – but Patreon people, rest assured you’ll get “a few extras” in this version. And all the music is on The Culture Bunker’s rolling playlist: https://bit.ly/CultBunk

Produced and presented by Siân Pattenden and Andrew Harrison. Assistant producer Jelena Sofronijevic. Audio production by Alex Rees. Theme music: ‘Bunker Theme (Juntos Mix)’ by Kenny Dickenson. Bigmouth is a Podmasters production.

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Daily: THE FIRST SEARCH ENGINE – In Praise of the Index Sep 09, 2021

The book index might be an unassuming tool, yet it has a remarkable history - not least because it has shaped the modern world. Author, English professor and book historian Dennis Duncan talks to Alex Andreou about his latest novel Index, A History of the, which tells the remarkable story of our first search engine, from its invention (twice) in the 14th century, to preventing someone from becoming Speaker of the House, right up to our current love for Ctrl-F.

“When we started to use books rather than read them, we needed to navigate them in a different way. that’s where the index came in”
“An index actually prevented someone from being Speaker of the House of Commons”
“It’s an unwritten rule that fiction books don’t have an index, but it hasn’t always been that way”

Presented by Alex Andreou. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers: Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

https://www.hive.co.uk/Product/Dennis-Duncan/Index-A-History-of-the/25605199

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Daily: BUZZ FEED – Why eating insects will save the world Sep 08, 2021

Chances are you haven’t willingly eaten an insect. But two billion people are already bugging out on this sustainable source of protein. Could insects offer the perfect solution for our post-Brexit and pandemic supply chain problems?

Entomologist Brian Fisher and Imperial College London’s Dr. Tilly Collins join Ros Taylor to chew on how we can change perceptions about insects in the West, how health clinics are battling for cricket powder, and why Welsh schools are already using mealworm mince in their insect bolognaise….plus Ros and Tilly snack on crickets live in the studio.

“With big animals, we only eat a bit of them. With insects, you eat the whole thing…” – Tilly Collins
“Insects are the glue that holds the world together… If we could introduce the Bacon Bug, everyone would love it.” – Brian Fisher
“Do you eat prawns? Why not eat a woodlouse?” – Tilly Collins
“Eating sushi was a huge cultural change. But now it's a popular component of easy, fast food.” – Tilly Collins

Presented by Ros Taylor. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers: Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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9/11: THE AUDIT OF WAR Sep 07, 2021

You couldn’t make it up: the 20th anniversary of the September 11 attacks coincides almost perfectly with the fall of Afghanistan and the West is left wondering what it was all for. Gavin Esler, former diplomat Arthur Snell and terrorism expert Dr Maria Norris recall where they were on the day the world changed, and ask if we’ve learned the right lessons. Plus, will climate change plus conflict create a new kind of crisis in Afghanistan? And how did 9/11 change pop culture.

“We were told we’d seen the end of history. Then 9/11 happened.” – Gavin Esler
“All war is about resources.” – Maria Norris
“You can draw the cynical politics of the Trump era right back to 9/11.” – Arthur Snell

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Presented by Andrew Harrison with Gavin Esler and Arthur Snell. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. The Bunker is a Podmasters Production

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Malice in Blunderland – Start Your Week with Alex Andreou Sep 06, 2021

Parliament returns to a family-sized party pack of Government cruelty and ineptitude: a National Insurance hike that hits the lowest-paid the hardest, an end to the £20 Universal Credit bonus for the neediest families, and an Elections Bill that makes it harder for us to vote them out. Business as usual, then. Plus: the Texas Taliban’s war on abortion, the 20th anniversary of 9/11, and where in the world is Andrew Neil? Alex Andreou starts your week.

“The message to backbenchers is, stop opposing us and we might just cancel those vaccine passports you hate.”
“Cancelling the extra Universal Credit isn’t just unjust, it’s economically illiterate.”
“If I'd have said 'drink bleach, it's good for acne', I'd have been bundled into the back of a van. So why are the police ignoring COVID sceptics?”

Presented and produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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The Prime Ministers We Never Had: Steve Richards talks to Nick Cohen Sep 05, 2021

What stopped Heseltine, Ken Clarke, Dennis Healey and Kinnock from taking the top slot? Why didn’t Barbara Castle become Britain’s first female PM? The Observer’s Nick Cohen talks to the political columnist and podcaster Steve Richards about his new book The Prime Ministers We Never Had… the intriguing factors that prevented these politicians from reaching power… the tragedy of the Miliband Brothers… and the alternate futures we could have seen if these flawed talents had won.

“Those with a formidable past tend not to take the crown BECAUSE of that past.”
“If Heseltine had won the leadership contest in 1990, he would have redefined the Tories as a pro-EU party.”
“The Dennis Healeys and RAB Butlers were TOO good. They alienated their own parties.”
“Ken Clarke used to say ‘My hobby is standing in Tory leadership contests and losing.’”
“Ed Miliband destroyed David – but David destroyed Ed too. Because Ed then lost all sense of who he was.”

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

https://www.hive.co.uk/Product/Steve-Richards/The-Prime-Ministers-We-Never-Had--Success-and-Failure-from-Butler-to-Corbyn/26113646

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Daily: MEDIEVAL GENIUS – Historian DAN JONES on the Middle Ages you don’t know Sep 02, 2021

The Middle Ages are an unloved tract of history, by turns alien and baffling – but these thousand years of violence, crisis and conquest set the foundations for our modern world in the most unexpected ways. Historian, TV presenter and journalist Dan Jones tells Alex Andreou how his new book Powers and Thrones unveilsa medieval world few of us understand, the parallels between Millwall and the Middle Ages, and why Dick Whittington deserves more than his panto fame…

“The real Dick Whittington was an oligarch – and a mayor in France.”
“We treat ‘medieval’ as an insult but the medieval world is not that different to our own.”
“The things that animated people in the Middle Ages like climate change and plagues still animate us now.”
“Unlike Empress Theodora, Dominic Cummings won't be that important in twenty years.”
“The Crusades was more than a clash of civilisations – and you don’t learn that at school.”

Presented by Alex Andreou. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers: Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

https://www.hive.co.uk/Product/Dan-Jones/Powers-and-Thrones--A-New-History-of-the-Middle-Ages/25535694

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Crazy Little Thing Called Gove Sep 01, 2021

The sight of Michael Gove getting his rave on in Aberdeen is the only cheering moment in a week of unremitting grimness. As the collapse of Afghanistan gives way to a growing refugee crisis, why is the UK Government doing the bare minimum for those who helped us? And what will the debacle mean for relations between government and military? Plus the Pen Farthing fiasco and the tyranny of TripAdvisor.

“I am a Dog Fiend, but this Pen Farthing story made me so angry.” – Marie Le Conte
“The Taliban don’t want the world looking too closely. Then they can start their culture war.” – Arthur Snell

Presented by Andrew Harrison with Marie Le Conte, Yasmeen Serhan and Arthur Snell. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic . Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. The Bunker is a Podmasters Production

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High School COVID-ential – Start Your Week with Ros Taylor Aug 31, 2021

Schools are back. Will the decision not to vaccinate 12-15 year olds turn classes into superspreader factories – or do we actually want school-age kids to catch COVID and build up immunity? Plus, why the Government won’t provide the catch-up funds that education needs. What the Pen Farthing episode tells us about sentimental Britain. And the shame of Afghanistan is just beginning. Ros Taylor starts your week.

“It’s simple – the Government is pursuing de facto herd immunity by not vaccinating children.”
“The problem with education goes beyond our woeful Education Secretary… We have a perfect storm of public spending”
“It’s hard not conclude that some of the British public care more about a dog than they care about a brown person.”

Presented and produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

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Daily: ALAN JOHNSON on Mods, Murder and Momentum Aug 30, 2021

For many he’s the great leader that Labour should have had. Now that he’s left frontline politics, Alan Johnson is trying his hand at writing fiction with his debut thriller The Late Train to Gipsy Hill out now. In a wide-ranging interview, hetalks to Andrew Harrison about his love of suspense novels, whether the book’s plot alludes to the Litvinenko murder, Starmer’s first year in charge, Labour’s Brexit turmoil… and that infamous election night monologue against Jon Lansman.

Also featuring mod talk, with a special playlist chosen by Alan.

• “I never wanted to be Labour leader… neither did Corbyn and it showed”

• “I was part of the history of the Labour Party. 2010 was not my time”

• “The public are still unsure if we’re in the Corbyn mould. Keir needs to assure them that we’re not”

• “If Theresa May’s deal had gone through the Tory Party would’ve torn themselves apart”

• “Nobody should go into politics without some real-life experience under their belt”

Produced and presented by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers: Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3q8577kzcw3HVN6XvabFtw?si=4BNgYsoTQTWzVSeRGDfirg&dl_branch=1

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Daily: Author ELIF SHAFAK – “Empathy is like a muscle. The more you use it, the stronger it becomes.” Aug 29, 2021

British-Turkish novelist and academic Elif Shafak is an international feminist icon followed by legions of passionate readers. She tells Dorian Lynskey about her latest novel The Island of Missing Trees, a story of identity, belonging and love that takes place between Cyprus and London – and how she too finds comfort in two places, her home city of Istanbul and her adopted home in the UK. Listen for a fascinating exploration of the power of fictional escapism and what it means to a citizen of the world.

• “Cyprus is a place where the wounds of division are still not healed.”

• “Putting yourself in the shoes of another person is a humbling experience, even if just for a few hours.”

• “Fiction was my way of belonging, of tasting a sense of freedom.”

• “Emotionally I’m very attached to Turkey, but it’s a difficult place to exist when you need freedom to make fun of those in power.”

• “I would like to see myself as a citizen of the world, of humanity. That doesn’t make me a citizen of nowhere.”

Presented by Dorian Lynskey. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers: Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Daily: MIND THE AGE GAP – Why the War of the Generations is a myth Aug 26, 2021

Does the year we were born really shape us people? Are Gen X Snowflakes really battling Baby Boomers in an intergenerational war? Friend of the podcast Professor Bobby Duffy returns with Ros Taylor to discuss his latest book Generations, why age cohorts aren’t so consistent, and how COVID has changed Gen Z forever…

“The cliches around generations are presented as cohort characteristics. But Gen Z are more materialistic just because they’re young.”
“It’s simply a myth that Gen Z are more risk averse.”
“Gen Z are probably having less sex because they're drinking less.”
“Intergenerational separation - not conflict - is the problem.”
“Gen X got a cool name, and some cool bands and films. That's about all we have going for us.”

Presented by Ros Taylor. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers: Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Daily: Much To Do Gets You Nothing – Oliver Burkeman on the cult of productivity Aug 25, 2021

If we stopped trying to do everything, would we finally get chance to do what counts? Do to-do lists create anything but meaningless pressure? Can we ever really get everything done? Journalist Oliver Burkeman talks to Dorian Lynskey about how to answer the ultimate time management problem – the question of how best to use our brief moment on the planet – in his new book Four Thousand Weeks.

“We’re all drawn to things that we struggle with.”
“There shouldn't be anything embarrassing about the concept of self-help. It has developed a bad reputation on the basis of bad approaches.”
“The action of clearing the decks just adds to the decks."
“Time used to be a medium, not a resource.”

Presented by Dorian Lynskey. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers: Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Robin Leeburn. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

https://www.hive.co.uk/Product/Oliver-Burkeman/Four-Thousand-Weeks--Time-and-How-to-Use-it/25942066

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We Shall Fight Them From The Beaches – plus jihadism expert SHIRAZ MAHER Aug 24, 2021

What sort of psychological shock with the fall of Afghanistan cause to the British establishment’s self-image? Will the country again became an incubator of terrorism? And how the hell is Dominic “Sun Lounger” Raab still in a job? Special guest SHIRAZ MAHER is the world authority on militant jihadism. He joins us to explain what the Taliban conquest of Afghanistan means.

“We have a culture from the top down where nothing is a resignable offence.” – Justin Quirk
“A belief set in that the US was the head of the snake. That is when jihad goes global.” – Shiraz Maher
“America is edging away. We have burnt our bridges with Europe. There is no rabbit to pull out of a hat.” – Justin Quirk

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Presented by Andrew Harrison with Marie Le Conte and Justin Quirk. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic . Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. The Bunker is a Podmasters Production

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Goodbye, Special Relationship… Start Your Week with Naomi Smith Aug 23, 2021

Recriminations worsen over the US withdrawal from Afghanistan and the UK’s indolent response to the refugee crisis. Can Dominic Raab survive as Foreign Secretary – and what does the debacle mean for Joe Biden’s presidency? Plus, get ready for COVID at the centre of healthcare forever. And does the Brexit-COVID logistics crisis mean that Christmas is already cancelled? Naomi Smith starts your week.

“Johnson doesn't want to hold Raab to any standards that he might have to face himself.”
“Afghanistan is an enormous dent in Biden's ability to hold the anti-Trump coalition together.”
“A quick glance at Farage's Twitter feed shows he's thrilled with the refugee situation.”

Presented and produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Daily: THE GREAT BRITISH MUSLIM – Sarfraz Manzoor on how to bridge a chasm in the UK Aug 22, 2021

Journalist, filmmaker and author Sarfraz Manzoor grew up in two worlds, a son of working-class Pakistani immigrants who told him he’d never be accepted by the white English – yet he immersed himself in Western pop culture and built a life in it. By 2016 he’d become anxious that the multicultural Britain that made him was falling apart. He talks to Alex Andreou about his powerful new book THEY: What Muslims and Non-Muslims Get Wrong About Each Other, and how to dispel the fears that divide us.

“I was expected to have an arranged marriage and stay in Luton. I didn’t end up doing either of those things”
“I don’t want my kids to feel relaxed with their white mum’s heritage but uncomfortable with their Muslim dad’s heritage.”
“In 2016 I got really low. I thought, this doesn’t feel like the country I want to live in.”
“If dating apps existed, I might have married someone that didn’t mean my family boycotted my wedding”
“I might not live like a working class Muslim now, but it will never stop being part of me”

Written and presented by Alex Andreou. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers: Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Intern: Nat Amos. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

https://www.hive.co.uk/Product/Sarfraz-Manzoor/They--What-Muslims-and-Non-Muslims-Get-Wrong-About-Each-Other/25681127

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Special:‌ ‌Despatch‌ ‌from‌ ‌Kabul‌ ‌ ‌ Aug 19, 2021

What is the situation really like on the ground in Afghanistan, after the Taliban’s astonishingly swift takeover? Our panelist Arthur Snell talks to one of his contacts, presently in hiding in Kabul. We have chosen not identify them for their own safety.

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

“Kabul has been left without anything.”
“Everything is closed down. You would think it is the Stone Age in Kabul. You wouldn't have seen this a week ago.”
“This was a win-win for Russia.”
“The Taliban have made fake promises to the international community. Of course they have not changed.”

Presented by Arthur Snell. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

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Daily: How REAGANISM still ruins America – with historian Rick Perlstein Aug 18, 2021

World War II seemed to mark the end of American conservatism, and a new liberal age. Then Reagan came along – and we’re still living with the consequences. What explains the dominance of conservatism in modern American politics? Historian Rick Perlstein talks to Dorian Lynskey about his new book, Reaganland, the finale of a three-part saga about the cutthroat strategies of the conservatives behind America’s rightwards shift…

“Reagan’s inauguration was a hinge in American history.”
“Before Reagan, conservatism was seen as irrelevant in America.”
1970s America was looking for a hero. They were looking for Superman, not moral ambiguity.”
“Reagan wanted to write a book about how he fought the Reds of Hollywood…he was living a fantasy in his own head.”
“It’s the difference between the dog whistle and the train whistle.”

Presented by Dorian Lynskey. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers: Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Robin Leeburn. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

https://www.hive.co.uk/Product/Rick-Perlstein/Reaganland--Americas-Right-Turn-1976-1980/25991906

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New World Disorder: After Afghanistan Aug 17, 2021

The fall of Kabul to the Taliban has placed thousands of people in mortal danger and traumatised the entire Western security establishment. How did we get it so wrong, and what happens next? Also, the future of COVID: Leeds University Global Health Professor Garrett W. Brown joins us to set out the next pandemic and why the “Pasteurian Paradigm” won’t save us. Plus Labour expels Ken Loach, what would Immanuel Kant make of Brexit Britain… and should we stop referring to curry as “curry”?

Apologies for the all-male panel this week, which is down to late changes of circumstance. We do all we can to avoid the “manel” and will restore a more reasonable gender ratio next time.

“There’s a 100% chance we’ll see another pandemic in the next ten to twenty years.” – Prof. Garrett Brown
“It’s as black and white as ‘These people helped us and if we don’t help them they will be killed’.” – Ahir Shah
“Afghanistan shows what happens when we concentrate on the wrong things… We’ve poured all our energy into self-made disputes.” – Justin Quirk
“The selfish nature of the international order today will be its own demise.” – Prof. Garrett Brown
“As an Englishman, they can prise my mild korma from my cold dead hands.” – Justin Quirk

Presented by Alex Andreou with Ahir Shah and Justin Quirk. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic . Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. Produced by Andrew Harrison. The Bunker is a Podmasters Production

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Daily: The Afghanistan Debacle with Arthur Snell Aug 16, 2021

The Afghan Government’s sudden collapse and the return of Taliban rule have both shocked the international community. What happens next? What can Afghan civilians and women especially expect from their new rulers? And just how big a catastrophe is this for the Biden administration? Arthur Snell, who has spent time in Helmand Province himself, lays out the consequences of a day of brutal reverse for the West – and shame for Britain.

Presented and produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Daily – ARMANDO IANNUCCI: “At least Malcolm Tucker had a plan” Aug 15, 2021

Will it take a satirist to fix Britain’s busted politics? Armando Iannucci – writer of The Thick Of It, The Day Today and Veep – is looking for emergency fixes in the new podcast series Westminster Reimagined. He and producer Anoosh Chakelian talk to former SPAD Ayesha Hazarika about the forces that are breaking our politics. Why are things so bad? What will it take to fix them? And does Malcolm Tucker seem like an idealist by today’s standards?

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

“The Thick Of It charted the rise of the SPAD – now it’s all about the rise of the NEDs, the Non-Executive Director”
“Malcolm Tucker was the control freak at the centre of Government… but at least he had a plan.”
“Cummings proclaimed that the Civil Service were idiots and had to be replaced by freaks and weirdoes… But all he can do it tear things down.”
“All the mockery is inside politics now. The fake news, the lies… In The Thick Of It we show rules being bent. But what if there are no rules?”

Presented by Ayesha Hazarika. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Daily: TURKEY AND GREECE – Bad Blood and Lots Of It, with author Defne Suman Aug 12, 2021

Aegean neighbours Greece and Turkey have been rivals for centuries – and both countries are prone to forgetting the “unfortunate episodes” in their relations with the other. Can they ever get past their infamous regional enmity? Alex Andreou talks to Turkish author and columnist Defne Suman –whose latest novel, The Silence of Scheherazade, looks at a flashpoint of the Greek-Turkish relationship, the Great Fire of Smyrna – about historical silences, lost cultures and the way forward.

“It's hard to remove the word ‘invasion’ from the heads of Turkish people.”
“I talk about the Greek ‘administration’, not the Greek invasion.”
“Turkey today is actually not as cosmopolitan as it was during the Ottoman period.”
“Nationalism is the disease of our century.”
“If you don't talk about the past, that wound will kill you.”
“Turkey needs a lot of healing. And culture and storytelling lets us heal ourselves from the wounds of the past.”

Presented by Alex Andreou. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers: Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Daily: LOST IN THE SUPERMARKET – Britain’s fragile food supply Aug 11, 2021

For many of us, the warm light of the fridge was one of the few consolations of lockdown. But now we’re living in a harsh new reality of intermittently empty supermarket shelves and farms that are struggling to adapt to Brexit, COVID, and climate change. So how do we make our food supply chains healthier and more secure? Sarah K Mock, agriculture journalist and author of Farm: And Other F Words, and Cambridge University researcher Dolly Theis join Ros Taylor to chew on the myth of conscious consumerism, why climate change means less healthy crops, and how to sweeten the deal of cutting sugar and meat.

• “The whole idea of conscious consumerism has been boiled down to a marketing ploy.” – Sarah K Mock.

• “It's code red for humanity right now…our crops are less nutritious because of climate change.” – Sarah K Mock.

• “We live in a world where being healthy is hard.” – Dolly Theis.

• “The pandemic has showed how vulnerable having poor food has made our country.” – Dolly Theis.

• “The fact that food is making us sick should serious alarm bells.” – Dolly Theis.

Presented by Ros Taylor. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers: Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Robin Leeburn. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Bored of Boris? – The Tory Party starts to lose patience Aug 10, 2021

As pandemic politics start to ebb away, Johnson’s ratings are down among the Tory faithful and his MPs are growing restive. Is this a time to pick a fight with Rishi Sunak? Plus, will Apple’s photo-scanning tech trap more than child abusers? Spain makes glorifying Franco a crime. And why do we let polls lead politics? Adam Payne, Westminster and Brexit reporter for PoliticsHome, is our guest.

“We have a Government which is absolutely obsessed with public opinion, and a PM obsessed with being popular ” – Adam Payne
“The problem with polls is that the people who don’t answer them in the first place.” – Yasmeen Serhan
“Liz Truss has this incredible ability to block out grim reality and tell everyone it’s all fine.” – Justin Quirk

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Presented by Andrew Harrison with Yasmeen Serhan and Justin Quirk. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Robin Leeburn. Produced by Andrew Harrison. The Bunker is a Podmasters Production

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THIS WORLD’S ON FIRE – Start Your Week with Alex Andreou Aug 09, 2021

This week’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report could signal our last chance to stop the global climate running out of control. Will the world take it? Plus: vaccine passports continue to go round in circles. We try to talk about GCSE and A-level results without saying “grade inflation”. And Labour starts its traditional pre-conference programme of beating itself up. Alex Andreou flags up the big issues in the week ahead.

“In what world are The Telegraph defending working class northerners?”
“The person tipped to replace Sunak is – Lord help us – Liz Truss.”
“The reason we don't have enough HGV drivers is because we’ve spent six years sending them back home.”

Presented and produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Robin Leeburn. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Daily: THE WEIRDEST OLYMPICS EVER with FT Sport Editor Murad Ahmed Aug 08, 2021

Recorded at 11pm on Saturday night and already our GB medals toll is out of date… At the end of the most controversial Olympics in almost a century, Financial Times Sports Editor MURAD AHMED calls us from Tokyo to lift the curtain on what it all means. Is the International Olympics Committee finally getting the message on athletes’ mental health and political commitments? Did the “Russian Olympic Committee” successfully pull a fast one on the anti-dopers? Is Britain’s commitment to medals all it seems? And did the Japanese people learn to love the games they wanted to cancel?

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

“The sport has been fantastic, but the pandemic has taken away the Olympics atmosphere”
“People would wave at me on the bus thinking I was an athlete”
“For me, Simone Biles choosing to focus on her mental health was the biggest moment of the games”
“If you think you’ve been watching clean sport, then you haven’t watched the Olympics. This goes well beyond Russia”

Presented and produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Audio production by Robin Leeburn. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Daily: PAUL MASON on how to stop fascism Aug 05, 2021

From Modi’s India to Bolsonaro’s Brazil and Erdogan’s Turkey, the far right is on the rise around the world. Are we really on the brink of resurgent fascism? And if so, how do we fight it? Political journalist Paul Mason tells Dorian Lynskey about his radical blueprint for defeating the extreme right, outlined in his new book How to Stop Fascism. Why is trust in democracy collapsing around the world, and can what progressives do to win it back?

“People like Trump and Bolsonaro don’t want to play the globalisation game and they don’t want to play the democracy game either”
“We’re not dealing with a tribute band to Nazism. We’re dealing with a new form of Nazism”
“Fascism is always violent. It’s now become obsessed with ethnicity rather than nation”
“One in five people serving jail for terrorism in the UK are from the far-right. Soon that could be one in two”
“Very little is taught about how the Nazis came to power. That is something we need to get our head around”

Presented by Dorian Lynskey. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers: Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Daily: CATCH A DRAGON BY ITS TAIL – China’s money, Britain’s folly Aug 04, 2021

Cameron and Osborne’s “Golden Era” of cosying up to China turned out to be a golden error, as Beijing dug deep into British life, politics, and technology. Investigative journalist Sam Dunning tells Arthur Snell how the Conservatives’ strings-free get-rich-quick strategy turned into a trap for British business and academia. While the Tories trumpet free speech on campus, students who want talk about the Uyghurs are being silenced at Jesus College Cambridge. Is it too late to curb China’s disturbing influence at the highest levels of British life?

“For Osborne, the Golden Era was seen a problem-free get-rich-quick-scheme for Britain after the economic crash.”
“How can a Chinese student in the UK contest what’s happening in Hong Kong when Chinese ambassadors are attending university events?”
“Huawei is creating surveillance in China that’s beyond Orwellian. Jesus College just received money from them to publish a paper on global governance.”
“Even if Johnson did have a roadmap for our relations with China, he’d probably steer off and crash into a tree.”

Presented by Arthur Snell. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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UNIVERSITY CHALLENGED – Should youth pay the bill for COVID, climate and college? Aug 03, 2021

Now that the pandemic may be abating, the Government decides that the best people to pay the bill are… those pesky, hard-up young people. Climate change and student activist Phoebe Hanson joins us to explain what it’s like to be mis-sold the student experience by universities that act like businesses but won’t treat you like a customer. Plus, how the planned changes to the Official Secrets Act will treat journalists like spies. And the truth behind those supply chain nightmares.

“It's hard to feel like part of your university when it is constantly working against you… ” – Phoebe Hanson
“My lectures now are like glorified podcasts” – Phoebe Hanson
“There’s a big difference between what young people think and what older people THINK they think.” – Phoebe Hanson

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Presented by Andrew Harrison with Arthur Snell and Ahir Shah. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic . Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. Produced by Andrew Harrison. The Bunker is a Podmasters Production

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Cattus mortuus est – START YOUR WEEK with Ros Taylor Aug 02, 2021

Will bribes for Deliveroo and Uber be enough to persuade recalcitrant youth to get their jabs? Are we nearing herd immunity on COVID? Is Tony Blair to blame for food shortages because his university drive produced a generation of egghead boffins who can’t drive an HGV? And with thousands of kids catastrophically behind on their schooling, the Government has the solution: bring back Latin. Ros Taylor nobis narrat de septem praemisit.

“A Deliveroo voucher isn't going to turn a hardcore anti-vaxxer.”
“You should see Gavin Williamson's ratings. They are off the scale bad.”
“The Government's Latin announcement is a bauble for fans of The History Boys.”

Presented and produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Daily: “The Police couldn’t get arrested!” – MILES COPELAND’s maverick life in music Aug 01, 2021

What if you discovered that your Dad was living a double life, and really worked in the CIA? Does managing The Police prepare you for advising the Pentagon? From his chateau in France, maverick music manager Miles Copeland chats to Dorian Lynskey about his memoirs Two Steps Forward, One Step Back, moving from the Middle East and London, and how his record label IRS launched the careers of The Go-Gos, The Bangles, and R.E.M.

“I already knew my Dad was in the CIA when I was fourteen years old.”
“If you don't LIKE the music, how can you really sell it?”
“When I heard Roxanne, I knew it was a song that would change our lives.”
“Most bands think once they've made it, then they’ve made it. But what goes up must come down.”
“There are many Iraqi women who preferred life under Saddam Hussein.”

Presented by Dorian Lynskey. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Daily: A STAGGERING INJUSTICE – Inside the Post Office scandal Jul 29, 2021

The wrongful conviction of hundreds of subpostmasters for false accounting was so shocking that even Boris Johnson as called it one of the biggest miscarriages of justice in our history. Why did Post Office management cover up the truth about its flawed software, even after innocent people went to prison? As the Government sets aside £233m in interim compensation, criminal law expert Dr Hannah Quirk untangles a Kafkaesque nightmare that led innocent people to be ruined, jailed, shamed and pushed to suicide. Could anything stop something like this from happening again?

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

“Many innocent people pleaded guilty in the hope of avoiding prison.”
“The Post Office knew there were flaws in its system. They hid that evidence from people they knew were wrongfully convicted.”
“You can imagine the terror people felt of being imprisoned for crimes they did not commit.”
“Somehow it didn’t occur to anyone that hundreds of corrupt subpostmasters were coming to light where previously there were none.”

Presented by Alex Andreou. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Daily: The Hammer and the Dance – Overnight COVID expert Tomas Pueyo Jul 28, 2021

COVID is a paradise of hindsight – a world of self-appointed experts who tell us what should have happened – and sometimes rewriting what did happen to suit themselves. But what about those people who could see what was going to happen?

On March 10 2020, writer Tomas Pueyo posted an article called Coronavirus: Why You Must Act Now – it made strong argument for rapid lockdowns at a time when Boris Johnson was still arguing that washing our hands was enough. 40 million views later, he joins Justin Quirk to discuss what he got right, what he got wrong – and where countries need to go next.

“Once you use the hammer, you can't use it over and over again.”
“Credentials are only one source of trustworthiness.”
“COVID has exposed how decision making in Western democracies is broken.”
“You know the system is broken when every country failed.”
“You can fulfil your needs for storytelling by watching Netflix.”
“The media's goal is to grab your attention, not to get your insights.”
“There's more hours of work per word in a book, than a newspaper article.”
“The easiest thing is to remove the stimulus. If you don’t go on Facebook, you wouldn't fall into that black hole of content.”

Presented by Justin Quirk. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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THANGAM STYLE: A Debbonaire special guest Jul 27, 2021

It’s time for Parliament’s end of term report card. Does anyone at all get an A, or should everyone be forced to repeat the year in disgrace? Special guest Thangam Debbonaire MP, Shadow Leader of the Commons, joins us to explain the meaning of Dawn Butler calling Boris Johnson a liar in the House; whether Rees-Mogg actually casts a shadow; what Labour is doing right and wrong… and her as-yet unpublished novel ‘Murder In The Whip’s Office’.

“People in space know that Boris Johnson tells lies. I know toddlers who are more honourable than the Prime Minister…” – Thangam Debbonaire
“The Olympic committee is like a deeply inconsiderate flatmate hosting a house party at a deeply inconsiderate time.” – Ahir Shah
“Johnson has managed to alienate all of his own MPs… and when you’ve rebelled once, it’s so much easier to do it again.” – Marie le Conte
“Speaker-watchers will know that Lindsay’s been quite shirty with the Government lately…” – Thangam Debbonaire

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Presented by Alex Andreou with Marie le Conte and Ahir Shah. Assistant producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic . Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. Produced by Andrew Harrison. The Bunker is a Podmasters Production

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Pinged people can’t pull pints: START YOUR WEEK with Arthur Snell Jul 26, 2021

New COVID infections are trending downwards. Has Johnson’s Freedom Day gamble paid off, or are we just in a moment of calm before a new wave breaks? Plus pingdemic panic, vaccine passports, the Government gives up on students (again), Lord Frost tries to bore the EU into submission, and why the Taliban probably won’t take all of Afghanistan. Arthur Snell joins Andrew Harrison to lay out what’s coming in the week ahead.

• “Johnson no longer has a team in Number 10 to manage the political landscape for him.”

• “Students are never going to vote Conservative. The Tories have given up on them.”

• “It’s clear that Cummings was running the show, because Johnson himself isn't capable of running anything.”

Presented and produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Daily: “Give technology a soul” – How to build a TECH UTOPIA Jul 25, 2021

With new technology, if you’re not part of the steamroller, you become part of the road. What are the big topics in tech that we should be talking about – for our own prosperity and survival? King’s College Professor Mischa Dohler tells Alex Andreou how a real plan for tech can use hyperfast Wi-Fi to create an “internet of skills”. Are there any insurmountable barriers between us and technological nirvana? And how close are we to building an actual working Iron Man?

“We should use technology to automate jobs – but humanise work”
“Building a kilometre of road costs lots of money – adding digital fibre cost pennies. So every infrastructure investment needs a digital dimension.”
“At some point we’ll hit a limit of, why do we actually need petabytes of data per second? Who’s watching this stuff?”

Presented by Alex Andreou. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers: Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Daily: TRANSYLVANIAN FAMILIES – Why Romania rules Jul 22, 2021

It’s astonishingly beautiful, fiercely independent, full of mystery and a crossroads of jaw-dropping historical events – so why do we still think of Romania as a backwater? Paul Kenyon, author of Children of the Night: The Strange and Epic Story of Modern Romania, tells Arthur Snell how this sensational state has survived multiple coups, fascist death cults, dictators, and Cold War spies…and why Dracula doesn’t enjoy such a bad rep among his fellow Romanians.

“Romania’s fascist movement was led by a rock star mystic who looked like Hugh Grant.”
“Romania’s fascist leader was so patriotic, he wore a sack of Romania’s blood-soaked earth around his neck.”
“Everybody thought that one in three members of their family were part of the Secret Police.”
“All the leading Romanian football clubs have seen their owners go in and out of prison.”

Presented by Arthur Snell. Assistant producers Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. Produced by Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

https://www.hive.co.uk/Product/Paul-Kenyon/Children-of-the-Night--The-Strange-and-Epic-Story-of-Modern-Romania/25376753

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Daily: THE MODI POLITIC – India’s deadly descent into despotism Jul 21, 2021

India’s brutal second wave of COVID is now receding, leaving behind intensified poverty, economic carnage, a staggering estimated 400-700m infections and a death rate of approximately 2%. But things were already going catastrophically wrong in the world’s largest democracy thanks to the rule of science-denying populist Narendra Modi. Ros Taylor talks to journalist Debasish Roy Chowdhury and Professor John Keane about their latest book, To Kill A Democracy: India’s Passage To Despotism – and what Modi tells us about how democracies collapse.

“India is perceived as the world's largest democracy. But there are only grains of truth in this India Story.” – John Keane
“It takes seven generations for the Indian to reach the average income level. In Denmark, it only takes one.” – Debasish Roy Chowdhury
“The strongman in a state of demagogues.” – John Keane
“In Delhi, you can inhale half a pack of cigarettes in air pollution on a good day.” – Debasish Roy Chowdhury
“India is a warning to the rest of the democratic world.” – John Keane

Presented and Ros Taylor. Assistant producers Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

https://www.hive.co.uk/Product/Debasish-Roy-Chowdhury/To-Kill-A-Democracy--Indias-Passage-to-Despotism/26292160

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I Don’t Want Your “Freedom” Jul 20, 2021

As Boris Johnson and Sajid Javid roll the dice with the health of millions, healthcare commentator Roy Lilley takes us on a deep dive into what’s in store for the NHS. Plus, the Cuban uprising and the Labour Left, the Pegasus spyware scandal, and do universities really need a Free Speech Enforcer? (Spoiler: no). Plus… are you on a pilot scheme? If not, why not?

“I’ve been around politics for a long time, and this is the worst situation I’ve ever seen.” – Roy Lilley
“The problem with making irreversible promises is that when you have to reverse them, you look like a shambles even to people who agree with you.” – Yasmeen Serhan
“Two hours of Twitter and Johnson reverses himself. We appear to be governed by jellyfish.” – Gavin Esler
“The NHS is holding its breath… it’s high wire time.” – Roy Lilley

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Presented by Andrew Harrison with Yasmeen Serhan, Gavin Esler and Arthur Snell. Assistant producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic . Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. Produced by Andrew Harrison. The Bunker is a Podmasters Production

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The Freedom Gamble: Start Your Week with Naomi Smith Jul 19, 2021

As Johnson opens “Freedom Day” with a classic one-rule-for-us flip-flop (hey, he was in a pilot scheme!) what does England’s first week without restrictions mean for ordinary people who aren’t in the Cabinet? Plus the NI protocol reaches crunch point, Keir Starmer prepares for war on Labour’s far Left, and what the Pegasus Spyware scandal means. Naomi Smith joins Andrew Harrison to set out the week ahead.

• “The government is coming for immigrants, people seeking sanctuary and our democratic rights.”

• “The so-called Sausage War wasn’t even handbags at dawn compared to what’s coming for Northern Ireland.”

• “I get the temptation to escape Earth right now… but wouldn’t we just be taking Covid to the aliens?”

Presented and produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Daily: ANOTHER KIND OF HUMAN – Why Neanderthals were more like us than you think Jul 18, 2021

“Neanderthal” is a common term of abuse but should we stop feeling so superior towards our close evolutionary relatives? Did they think like us, even at the abstract level? Rebecca Wragg Sykes, author of the “insanely fascinating” Kindred: Neanderthal Life, Love, Death And Art tells Ian Dunt what we know about the astonishing sophistication of Neanderthal mind, manufacturing and material culture… and why there are traces of Neanderthal in us today.

“If we could scan a Neanderthal brain it’s very possible we’d see they didn’t think so differently from us.”
“We assume we’re ‘better’ than Neanderthals because we dominated them… That doesn’t fit with the idea of different human groups meeting and interbreeding.”
“We shouldn’t be surprised that we could breed with Neanderthals. They are another kind of human”
“Homo sapiens are weird in the evolutionary tree, with our big balloon heads.”
“Neanderthal women were highly muscled. You wouldn’t want to arm-wrestle them.”

Presented by Ian Dunt. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Daily: BRIT-TECH – The real levelling up? Jul 15, 2021

The pandemic has stress-tested Britain’s tech sector for flaws and strengths. Does it have the capacity to overcome the damage caused by Brexit? Alex Andreou talks to Professor Richard A. L. Jones, Manchester University expert in Materials Physics and Innovation Policy, about whether COVID restored the value of experts, and what the NHS Digital health data sell-offs mean for our personal privacy…

• “Science is a very international industry – but Brexit and COVID have damaged that.”

• “The idea that we can visas for the superstars but nobody else doesn’t help anyone.”

• “If you don’t have an industrial strategy on purpose, you get one by accident.”

• “Science isn’t a recipe for instant correct answers. It’s a start towards getting a better understanding.”

• “People do trust UK biotech – but the government has done a lot to erode that trust.”

Presented and produced by Alex Andreou. Assistant producers Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Daily: YOU’RE LISTENING TO THE STREETS – Inside ‘Anywhere But Westminster' with John Harris and John Domokos Jul 14, 2021

The video series Anywhere But Westminster by John Harris and John Domokos is one of the Guardian’s most acclaimed strands and now a winner of the Orwell Prize. What makes it work? The Two Johns tell Dorian Lynskey about why we need more reportage and fewer pundits, how they talk to real voters without falling into vox pop stereotypes, the value of uncertainty… and why we are all Walsall now.

“I cried on camera when a group of Liverpool mums described life without a Sure Start Centre.” – John Harris
“We ask people about their lives, not who they're going to vote for.” – John Domokos
“The world is full of commentary and punditry. To increase knowledge, you have to report.” – John Harris
“I can't remember what it was like to be certain of stuff… Making this series has changed my mind and values.” – John Domokos
“Although I’ll never vote Conservative in my life, now I understand why people do.” – John Harris

Presented by Dorian Lynskey. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers: Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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England: Every Loser Wins Jul 13, 2021

Has the heroic, nearly-there performance of Gareth Southgate’s England team shown that politics and sport do mix – if the politics is about young players stand up for what’s right? Boris Johnson sets his sights on unlocking regardless of rising COVID figures. And which politicians could we stand to go on holiday with? And who would we avoid?

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Presented by Andrew Harrison with Marie le Conte, Ahir Shah and Yasmeen Serhan. Assistant producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic . Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. Produced by Andrew Harrison. The Bunker is a Podmasters Production

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England: Pride and Penalties – Euro 2020 in review Jul 12, 2021

After all that, penalties again. England’s Euros end in defeat in the Final but how has this tournament changed the relationship between the team and the nation – and football itself? BBC and Premier League football journalist Lynsey Hooper of The Offside Rule podcast and Philippe Auclair, England correspondent for France Football magazine, join Andrew Harrison to commiserate and work out what it all means.

• “Why would you go to the pub at eight in the morning? I would want to be lucid for every single minute…” – Lynsey Hooper

• “This country has a unique problem with toxic masculinity.” – Philippe Auclair

Presented and produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Daily: FROM CATWALK TO TIGHTROPE Fashion after Coronavirus Jul 11, 2021

What has lockdown done to Britain’s £26bn fashion business? What will the post-pandemic High Street look like? Will we all wear posh pyjamas for the rest of our lives? And what on earth is “phygital” fashion – a mix of physical and digital shopping? Guardian fashion writer Lauren Cochrane, the author of The Ten: The Stories Behind The Fashion Classics, talks to Justin Quirk about how socio-political earthquakes shape what we wear – and why jeans, Breton shirts, stilettos and the colour black never seem to go out of fashion.

“Fast fashion moves so fast now that we should call it sprint fashion.”
“It’s astounding how much attention the Government will pay to the comparatively tiny fishing industry while ignoring the vastly bigger fashion business.”
“Johnson and Trump are performatively badly dressed… Their populist base is as suspicious of fashion as they are.”
“Economics play out in what we wear. Jeans were for poor people until the Depression – then Levi’s and Wranglers made them fashion items.”
“The closest thing we’ve had to a political statement on fashion was Carrie Symonds renting her wedding dress.”

Presented by Justin Quirk. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Daily: CYBER-STING – The FBI’s fake app that toppled criminal conspiracy Jul 08, 2021

In Operation Trojan Shield an FBI-led alliance of national security services used ANOM, a fake EncroChat-style communication network, to capture 800 criminals in possibly the biggest undercover cyber-sting ever. They netted over 32 tons of drugs and more than $148 million in cash. But why could this coup be a bit of an own goal for the authorities? International security expert Dr Binoy Kampmark of RMIT University in Melbourne tells Nina Schick what the sting means – and how US law enforcement tours the world for countries with “back doors” into private data.

“The problem is that these criminals will now go back to Apple – because Apple fights for privacy.”
“Governments want to control the tech companies – but they also like the way those companies act.”

Presented by Nina Schick. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Daily: DOUBLE OUR WOODLAND or we’re in trouble Jul 07, 2021

The row over trees cut down for HS2 is trivial next to a far bigger crisis of deforestation that’s damaging Britain’s agriculture, destabilising our environment and making us vulnerable to extreme weather, says Phil Sturgeon, trustee of climate charity Protect Earth. He tells Ros Taylor about why it’s in our urgent self-interest to plant more trees, why deforestation literally means colder cows and less efficient farming… and why our fears around HS2 are wildly misplaced.

“We need to double our woodland”
“The things we farm and the way in which we farm them needs to change for the sake of the environment”
“HS2 is removing just 0.01% of the UK’s ancient woodland. The figures quoted are wildly exaggerated”
“We’re worried about 30-60 hectares being lost from HS2, yet 10-15 million hectares are lost worldwide each year”

Presented by Ros Taylor. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Mission: Kim Possible – with guest John Rentoul Jul 06, 2021

Did the Batley and Spen result rescue Labour from a death spiral? The Independent’s political commentator John Rentoul joins us to ask whether Starmer really has pulled off a great escape. Meanwhile, as Sajid Javid loudly announces the end of COVID restrictions, will masks become the latest marker of the culture war? And why was that Princess Diana statue so bad?

“Dominic Cummings' blog reads like the diary of a teenage girl scorned.” – Ayesha Hazarika
“Boris Johnson seems like a clown on the outside but the surprise from Cummings is, he actually does have hidden depths.” – John Rentoul
“The pandemic has shown up just how minging we were before. Nobody washed their hands!” – Ayesha Hazarika
“Javid hasn’t said anything different from Hancock, he’s just said them in a different order.” – John Rentoul

NOT FOR PATREON UPLOAD

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Presented by Andrew Harrison with Arthur Snell and Ayesha Hazarika. Assistant producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic . Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. Produced by Andrew Harrison. The Bunker is a Podmasters Production

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JAVID’S BIG GAMBLE: Start Your Week with Alex Andreou Jul 05, 2021

Sajid Javid wants to “trust common sense” and tear up COVID restrictions just as we’re reaching the highest infections since January. Are Jo and Josephine Public being lined up as Third Wave fall-guys? Plus the school isolations mess, and why parasitical politicians can’t hitch themselves to the England team’s success. Alex Andreou sets out the week ahead with Andrew Harrison.

• “The England football team are very easy to love but difficult for politicians to claim.”

• “The Government may try to individualise responsibility for COVID. But when things go wrong, the blame will lie with them.”

Presented and produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Daily: SAVING A PLANET ON FIRE – Climate change’s secret history Jul 04, 2021

As the heatwave in the Pacific North West puts climate change into even sharper focus, it’s easy to feel powerless before the enormity of global warming. But should we? Do ordinary people have the tools to fix this? Climate campaigner Dr Alice Bell is the author of Our Biggest Experiment: A History of the Climate Crisis. She talks to Justin Quirk about the hidden story of climate science, how we’ve been ignoring climate warnings since the 1850s… and why you need to know about heat pumps, electric ships and electric planes.

“We’ve been left an almighty climate mess by our ancestors. But it doesn’t mean it’s a disaster and there’s nothing we can do.”
“Renewable energy has outperformed even the most optimistic predictions – and that’s heartening.”
“Frightening people doesn’t work. We have to think hard about when we use fear and when we use hope.”
“All the big discoveries about climate science were already known in the 1970s. That’s when we knew we should be worried.”

Presented by Justin Quirk. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Daily: DISCO RETURNO – Why Britain needs nightclubs Jul 01, 2021

No one looks back and remembers the nights they got plenty of sleep. But beyond a mere boogie, nightclubs play a vital role in shaping our collective and individual identity. Alex Andreou assembles an all-star spinning a-roundtable to chew on how COVID closures have impacted nighttime industries, why the pandemic has deprived us from more than a good party, and how culture goes beyond theatres and museums…

Mairi Mackenzie is a cultural historian and consultant curator for the V&A Dundee exhibition Night Fever: Designing Club Culture. Bay Sisouphanh is Head of Event Sales at London’s Village Underground. Mark Wood is one half of the London Readers Wifes who DJ at Vauxhall institution Duckie.

“You find your tribe at nightclubs.” – Mark Wood
“People will always find an outlet for that need for pleasure.” – Mairi Mackenzie
“Forget about children going back to school. When can we send the gays back to nightclubs?” – Mark Wood
“There's a lack of perception around the value of nightclubs to the gaiety and the mental health of the nation.” – Mark Wood

Presented and produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

https://www.vam.ac.uk/dundee/exhibitions/night-fever-designing-club-culture

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Daily: HEADLINE NEWS – The power of FONTS Jun 30, 2021

Words shape the world – but typefaces shape the words. In a world where fonts subtly engineer how we think, should we be more conscious of the lore of the letter? Andrew Harrison talks to giant of typography Gail Anderson – graphic designer, former Rolling Stone art director and co-author of Type Speaks: A Lexicon Of Expressive, Emotional, And Symbolic Typefaces – about the politics and hidden powers of fonts, how digital media is making designers of us all, and her merciless war on widows, orphans and rivers. (It’s not as cruel as it sounds).

“Type has been democratised, even if people don't make the best choices with it.”
“Look at the Hillary and Obama campaigns – they just had classier fonts than Trump.”

Presented and produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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We Consider The Matt Closed Jun 29, 2021

Pity about Matt Hancock. He was a real hands-on Minister. But the story isn’t the hapless ex-Health Secretary’s office affair, it’s the serious implications of leaked CCTV, off-books emails to “collaborators” and Boris Johnson’s self-serving role in this mess. Plus: How do we future-proof the economy? Lib Dem treasury spokesperson Christine Jardine is our special guest.

• “You can't be a Health Secretary in a pandemic if everyone's making knob jokes about you.” – Marie le Conte

• “You cannot level on up on the cheap.” – Miatta Fahnbulleh

• “This government keeps coming up with sticking plasters, not long-term solutions to get away from low wages and fossil fuels.” – Christine Jardine

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Presented by Andrew Harrison with Miatta Fahnbulleh and Marie le Concte. Assistant producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic . Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. Produced by Andrew Harrison. The Bunker is a Podmasters Production

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TRYST AND TRACE: Start Your Week with Ros Taylor Jun 28, 2021

As we clear away the bunting and empty bottles after Hancock Humiliation Weekend, how will the story — of leaked CCTV, secret email addresses and backhanders — develop? What sort of Health Sec will Sajid Javid be, and will he give Dido Harding the NHS job? And the small matter of England vs Germany. Ros Taylor joins Andrew Harrison to set out the week ahead.

• “Boris Johnson doesn’t have to pretend to have moral standards. He doesn’t have them, and lots of voters like him for that.”

• “Hancock said he was resigning to focus on his family life, after leaving his wife and kids in the middle of the night.”

• “Whoever wins Batley and Spen, nobody is going to be happy with the result.”

Presented and produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Daily: PUPPET MASTERS, LOST GOLDEN AGES – The myths that hold Labour back, with Nick Cohen Jun 27, 2021

Your opponents are lower than vermin. Politics is a righteous battle of absolute good against absolute evil. A secret cabal controls everything. And only a return to a past Eden can solve our problems. Why do these simplistic myths grip the Left so strongly, and can Labour ever free itself from them? Nick Cohen talks to Chris Clarke, author of The Dark Knight And The Puppet Master, about these fantasies of hidden power and betrayal are not just a Corbynist trait, how they lead Labour zealots to look for traitors not converts, and what the paranoid style on the Left shares with the populist far Right.

“The Dark Knight myth stops you understanding other people. The Puppet Master myth stops you understanding power. And the Golden Age myth stops you understanding change.”
“Both right- and left-wing populists depend on these myths of golden ages and puppet masters.”
“The idea of a glorious socialist past of banners and brass bands that was usurped by evil men in shiny suits is just not true.”
“When you talk about never kissing a Tory, you’re writing off huge swathes of the voters you need.”

Presented by Nick Cohen. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Daily: ED MILIBAND – “Big forces not bacon sandwiches decide elections” Jun 24, 2021

Former Labour leader Ed Miliband has reinvented himself since 2015 as a podcaster with his hit series Reasons To Be Cheerful, and re-entered frontbencher politics as Shadow Business Secretary. But he has big ideas. He talks to Dorian Lynskey about his new book Go Big: How To Fix Our World, why the real issues that shape the future are bigger than Westminster, plus the “Preston Revolution”, the future roads that Labour should take… and his encyclopaedic knowledge of (wait for it) Dallas.

“COVID showed that our institutions and the way our country is run is so at odds with who we are as a people.”
“As Labour leader you’re constantly thinking, is what I say going to blow up into a story? I think I was too cautious.”
“Brexit was a big idea. You can say it wasn’t the RIGHT idea. But people responded to it. People do want big change.”

Presented by Dorian Lynskey. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Daily: SECRET WAR – Freedom of Information under attack Jun 23, 2021

Press freedom is under attack from Priti Patel’s draconian plans to tighten the Official Secrets Act, which would criminalise the “onward disclosure” of leaked material, putting journalists at increased risk of imprisonment. Meanwhile the Government routinely stonewalls Freedom of Information requests – making it harder to hold them to account.

How did our rights to freedom of information become so eroded, with government able to skirt the law by simply blacklisting journalists? Former BBC journalist and FOI expert Martin Rosenbaum tells Alex Andreou about the need for strong FOI rights, the infamous ‘Clearing House’ where FoI requests go to die – and the dangers of “outsourcing” scrutiny of government to hard-up pressure groups.

“Blair introduced the FOI Act and later said he was a complete idiot for doing so.”
“There's no enthusiasm for Freedom of Information in central government at all.”
“There's no law saying you have to appear on the Today Programme. But there is a law that you have to respond to an FOI request.”

Presented by Alex Andreou. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Biden’s Russian Roulette Jun 22, 2021

Joe Biden’s frosty first summit with Putin was designed to put the Russian leader on notice that the days of manipulating America are over. But are they? Special guest Luke Harding – former Guardian Moscow Correspondent and author of Shadow State: Murder, Mayhem and Russia’s Remaking of the West – tells us what Bad Vlad really wants and if Biden can stop him getting it. Plus as we get deeper into the Euros, how will the results shape politics in England, Scotland and Wales? And why we should ensure that everyone lives no more than 15 minutes away from the things they need.

Luke Harding from today’s podcast:

• “Whatever Biden says, Putin will do what he’s always done: meddling, hacking, and sometimes murdering his enemies.”

• “We’ve been in a new cold war since 2008… Russia has effectively chewed up a chunk of Eastern Europe.”

• “Putin is now this venerated figure with the Republican base, simply because he was Trump’s buddy.”

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Presented by Andrew Harrison with Yasmeen Serhan and Arthur Snell. Assistant producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic

. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Robin Leeburn. Produced by Andrew Harrison. The Bunker is a Podmasters Production

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VAXX AND SPEND: Start Your Week with Naomi Smith Jun 21, 2021

As the fallout from the Lib Dems’ victory in Chesham and Amersham continues to descend, is Boris Johnson about to get mugged by the newly liberal shires – or old school nimby Toryism? Is the Sunak-Johnson confrontation over the PM’s free spending finally on? Plus more Classic Dom internet fan exclusives, the DUP in a mess, and how will England and Scotland’s final Euro group games shape politics? Naomi Smith joins Andrew Harrison to set out the week ahead.

• “The test for Sunak will be when he has to stop spending.”

• “At every door I knocked in Chesham, they mentioned HS2…”

• “The Lib Dems are good at winning by-elections, but not necessarily holding them”

Presented and produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Robin Leeburn. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Daily: Is MERITOCRACY a myth? Jun 20, 2021

When people end up in a job or position they love, was it because they worked hard in school, or did they just get lucky? Why is the idea of progressing on merit under threat? Is there a way we can modernise it for the 21st century? Should we we even try?

Adrian Wooldridge, Political Editor of the Economist and author of its Bagehot column, talks to Ros Taylor about his new book The Aristocracy of Talent: How Meritocracy Made the Modern World, why Britain is becoming less meritocratic… and how we can make meritocracy work in today’s world.

“While America claims to be the ultimate meritocracy, they are fascinated by our own aristocracy”
“You need competent people to do the work of the world, and aristocrats are quite often born stupid and lazy”
“The Davos class of people at the top are divorced from the rest of society, floating above our meritocratic mechanisms”

Presented by Ros Taylor. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Daily: SHUT UP AND PLAY? Why sport is always political Jun 17, 2021

As footballers take the knee and culture warriors try to whip up a minority to boo, and the Tokyo Olympics teeter on the edge of cancellation, should we just accept that sport has always been inherently political? Jules Boykoff, former footballer, politics lecturer at Pacific University in Oregon and author of four books on the history of the Olympics, talks to Alex Andreou about the politics of sport’s showpiece event, whether the Tokyo Games will happen… and if it’s right to contact out politics to inexperience sportspeople.

“Rule 50 outlaws expressions of politics at the Olympics… it’s a rule rooted in both power and hypocrisy”
“The IOC are totally happy to have a made-for-TV event with no fans, as long as money heads into their coffers”
“In major sports leagues 45-60% of the revenues to go to the athletes. At the Olympics it’s just 4.1%”
“I don’t believe that every athlete should be an activist… but when it comes to athlete activism, now is a really exciting time to be alive”
“The Olympic Committee is a profit-gobbling cartel… and one of the least accountable sports bodies in the world.

Presented by Alex Andreou. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Robin Leeburn. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Daily: PEACEBUILDERS – Fixing war zones by thinking different Jun 16, 2021

Repairing the damage of war and cementing peace is a huge challenge for countries and international organisations. So why are big players so bad at fixing the consequences of civil and national strife? Award-winning academic Séverine Autesserre has worked as a “peacebuilder” in Kosovo, Afghanistan and the DR Congo. She talks to Arthur Snell about her book The Frontlines of Peace, why the typical “trickle-down” approach to repairing war damage doesn’t work – and how lasting peace comes from thinking outside the box.

“Handshakes between presidents and abstract peace agreements make no difference on the ground.”
“I started reading my first book about the Balkans on my flight to Kosovo.”
“I was the outsider, so I was in charge.”
“I found pockets of peace in even the most violent places.”
“In post-conflict zones only 2.1% of aid goes to local organisations who know the area.”

Presented by Arthur Snell. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Extra: “INSTITUTIONALLY CORRUPT” – The Daniel Morgan report with David Allen Green Jun 15, 2021

A bonus Daily… The Met Police was “institutionally corrupt” and failed the family of Daniel Morgan, the private investigator killed with an axe outside a South London pub in 1987, an independent panel found today. In a follow-up to our podcast on the case from May, David Allen Green talks Alex Andreou through what the report means for the police force, Morgan’s family, and Priti Patel’s autocratic policies.

• “The Met did everything it could to make this report as slow and as painful as possible for the panel.”

• “The report mentions the word ’corruption’ over 700 times. It cannot be argued that this was one or two bad police officers.”

Presented by Alex Andreou. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Robin Leeburn. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Brillo Talk Jun 15, 2021

Andrew Neil’s GB News launches in a blaze of technical problems. Is Britain really ready to watch Channel Brillo? Plus Northern Ireland and the Sausage Wars overshadow the G7, NHS Digital is about to sell your health data to private concerns… and how old does an offensive tweet have to be before we can write it off as “youthful indiscretion”?

• “Johnson having a good old row with the EU over the Great British Banger won’t do him any harm with the public at all.” – Ayesha Hazarika

• “Trolling just doesn't work when everyone agrees with you.” – Justin Quirk

• “Slag off Megan Markle, tick. Slag off BLM, tick. For something new, GB News is awfully predictable.” – Ayesha Hazarika

https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast

Presented by Andrew Harrison with Ayesha Hazarika, Justin Quirk and Ahir Shah. Assistant producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Robin Leeburn. Produced by Andrew Harrison. The Bunker is a Podmasters Production

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BORIS’S CORNISH PASTING: Start Your Week with Alex Andreou Jun 14, 2021

Whatever the triumphalist G7 headlines, the “Sausage War” fiasco left Global Britain looking as shifty, isolated and untrustworthy as its Prime Minister. How will the intractable Northern Ireland Protocol issue shake out? Plus unlocking gets put back (to nobody’s surprise), birth pangs for new regimes in Israel and Northern Ireland, and what will Friday’s England-Scotland fixture in the Euros mean for both countries’ nationalist leaders? Alex Andreou lays it all out.

• “The EU will create some sort of fudge on Northern Ireland where it gets 99% of what it wants. And Britain will claim that as a victory.”

• “The sceptics think that ‘learning to live with COVID’ means going back to exactly the way things were before. And it doesn’t.”

• “Football is the only occasion where it is universally okay to be nationalist.”

Presented and produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Robin Leeburn. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Daily: CRUDE AWAKENING – How oil shaped Britain Jun 12, 2021

From public transport to plastic and even the vinyl in your record collection, petrochemicals don’t just pervade our daily life. They’ve shaped our national culture. James Marriott, co-author of Crude Britannia: How Oil Shaped a Nation, tells Alex Andreou about the pipelines, people, and pop culture behind Britain’s petro-obsession – and how it impacted politics from Benn to Blair to Brexit.

• “The UK oil industry was a kind of offshore colony in the North Sea.”

• “If we hadn't had the IMF crisis in the 1970s, we would have kept strong state control over oil.”

• “As soon as Thatcher came in, the game was over and the oil companies won.”

• “£26 million in oil is being pumped from Aberdeen as we speak, but the tax income for the state is minimal.”

• “You see Nicola Sturgeon being photographed more in front of windfarms than oil distilleries.”

Presented by Alex Andreou. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Daily: MAGIC MIC – Clive Tyldesley on football at the crossroads Jun 10, 2021

The European Championships begin this week against a backdrop of more political turmoil than the game has seen in years, from taking the knee to fans booing England’s own black players to the reverberations of the Super League. Clive Tyldesley, ITV’s lead football commentator for over 20 years, talks to Andrew Harrison about football at the crossroads, and brushes with legends from Dalglish to Ferguson in his new book Not For Me, Clive: Stories From the Voice of Football.

“Football is the greatest meritocracy in the world. You can buy a football club. But you can’t buy your way into a team”
“The famous Fergie hairdryer just doesn’t work on modern-day footballers”
“If a political party could harness what we see in football every Saturday, they could take over Europe”

Produced and presented by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Daily: Taking down the Porn King Jun 09, 2021

Adult video site Pornhub is the tenth most popular website in the world, with seven million clips uploaded every year. It’s also been accused of actively profiting from the abuse of women and young girls via its shady “amateur” videos. How can anyone hold Pornhub to account when its owner is all but anonymous? Tortoise’s Alexi Mostrous and Patricia Clarke tell Ros Taylor how they exposed the identity of Bernd Bergmair – chasing him down from China to New York City to just around the corner from their London offices.

• “Victims of abuse often have to get images of themselves taken down themselves.”

• “Not only does Pornhub allow abusive content on their site, they fail to get rid of it quickly enough.”

• “Pornhub’s model is inherently inconsistent with preventing abusive content."

• “There’s a gap between the bubbly image Pornhub portrays and the anonymity of its owners.”

Presented by Ros Taylor. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

https://open.spotify.com/episode/2Lqt3kIsFJBoxM1HBtCUxn

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This is a Global Britain, for Local People! Jun 08, 2021

As the Government rushes to sign trade deals with some countries (just not our nearest neighbours), special guest Bridget Phillipson, Labour MP and Shadow Treasury Secretary, joins us to work out exactly what Global Britain really means. Have we left the real EU just to join the EU of the 1970s? Plus the “Lab Leak” theory of COVID’s origins seems to be gaining credence. What does this bulletin from the conspiratorial fringe mean for those of us who believe in science and stuff?

• “I don’t think any of us have any idea what the Government means by levelling up.” – Bridget Phillipson MP

• “We’re being sucked into a hugely competitive trading bloc where our society can’t compete… and then we’ll spend the next 20 years trying to get out of it.” – Arthur Snell

• “The Government is talking about solving problems that they themselves caused over the past 10 years.” – Bridget Phillipson MP

• “There’s nothing there in Liz Truss’s Global Britain. It’s just words.”– Marie Le Conte

Presented and produced by Alex Andreou with Arthur Snell and Marie Le Conte. Assistant producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic . Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. The Bunker is a Podmasters Production

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Rebels Without A Clause: START YOUR WEEK with Arthur Snell Jun 07, 2021

What’s left of the Sensible Tory MPs finally, finally find something to rebel on: the Government’s decision to slash international aid and potentially leave thousands to die. Plus will Johnson get strong-armed at the G7 over Northern Ireland and the taxing of multinationals? And England go to a major football tournament for the first time since the Culture Wars were declared. What could possibly go wrong? Arthur Snell explains it all.

• “If international development funds are cut, hundreds of thousands of people really could die.”

• “£4bn might seem like a lot – but Dido Harding blasts through that in a week on her useless Test and Trace.”

• “Neither Johnson nor Sunak want to be the man who switched off furlough.”

Presented and produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Daily: How to CANCEL CANCEL CULTURE with Matthew D’Ancona and Nick Cohen Jun 05, 2021

With the new populist Conservatives stoking culture wars, is identity politics becoming progressives’ self-inflicted weakness? Friend of the podcast and former editor of The Spectator, Tortoise’s Matthew d’Ancona joins Nick Cohen to discuss why populism is destined to fail, his new book, Identity, Ignorance, Innovation: Why The Old Politics Is Useless And What To Do About It, and leaving the cinema to find fifteen missed calls from Boris Johnson…

“In every generation, there is a progressive moment – and this is it.”
“There are always new elites, and there is going to be a Boris elite.”
“The kind of conservatism I was suggesting in the 1990s doesn't really exist anymore.”

Presented by Nick Cohen. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

https://www.hive.co.uk/Product/Matthew-dAncona/Identity-Ignorance-Innovation--Why-the-old-politics-is-us/25426615

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Daily: Why Labour needs to love our country, with Dan Jarvis Jun 03, 2021

Labour lost swathes of working class votes in 2019. Is “progressive patriotism” the answer to getting them back? And what does it even look like?

Dan Jarvis, Labour MP for Barnsley Central, Mayor of the Sheffield City Region and author of the memoir Long Way Home Love, Life, Death and Everything in Between, talks to Alex Andreou about why love of country could be Labour’s route back to power, why the left are so reluctant to be patriotic… and how his extraordinary life has shaped his political outlook.

• “On numerous occasions in 2019 I prepared myself for a physical altercation, such was the anger on the doorstep.”

• “In 100 years of the Labour Party, nobody has inherited a more difficult situation than Keir Starmer.”

• “People want their MPs to have had real life experiences. I’m a better MP and Mayor because I’ve done other things.”

• “COVID provides us with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to for radical change. I really hope we take it”

• “It’s entirely consistent to love your country, but also to want it to be better. And we haven’t reached our potential.”

Presented by Alex Andreou. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

https://www.littlebrown.co.uk/titles/dan-jarvis/long-way-home/9781408710708/

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June’s Not Happening Jun 02, 2021

As the Delta Variant continues to spread, is it time for the Government to give up on a grand reopening on June 21 – and for the press to stop calling it “Freedom Day”? And if Dominic Cummings’ revelations are proving to be a bit of a damp squib in the polls, what will it take to move an electorate that’s not interested in the truth? Special guest MUSA OKWONGA – author of One Of Them: An Eton Memoir and host of the amazing Stadio football podcast – joins us to mull these matters and football’s worrying future too.

• “Johnson promising fidelity? He’s probably had mistresses called Fidelity.” – Alex Andreou

• “You can forgive the British public for not thinking Cummings is the most trustworthy • person.” – Yasmeen Serhan

• “A lot of people are very comfortable – and happy to sit back and watch the world burn.” – Musa Okongwa

• “Lord Geidt has fulfilled his job as Lord Chief Whitewasher.” – Alex Andreou

Presented and produced by Andrew Harrison with Yasmeen Serhan and Alex Andreou. Assistant producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic . Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. The Bunker is a Podmasters Production

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DELTA SKELTER: Start Your Week with Ros Taylor Jun 01, 2021

As COVID cases rise again, do we need to brace for a full Third Wave? Has the Government learned anything from the disastrous consequences of their last two late lockdowns? And do we really need to rename the variants? Plus the Tories’ polling takes a post-Cummings hit, and the Pentagon prepares to reveal its UFO research. ROS TAYLOR sets up your week ahead.

• “Don’t worry about mixing on beaches. Worry about mixing in homes.”

• “We don't even know if the Kent variant started in Kent.”

• “People will be shocked by how much travel has changed when they can travel again.”

Presented and produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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EXTRA: The DANIEL MORGAN murder scandal - with David Allen Green May 31, 2021

Daniel Morgan’s murder in 1987 exposed a toxic nexus between the police, private investigators, and top politicians. And over thirty years later, Priti Patel is putting her foot down on the release of the public report. Friend of the podcast and Financial Times columnist David Allen Green joins Alex Andreou to join the dots between cabinet and cop corruption, and why the Home Office’s excuses nothing but “codswallop”…

"The police, private investigators, and government have all worked together since 1987."
"Each of the parties involved had an ultimate weapon."
"The Home Office had three motivations - delay, forewarn, retract."
"The report could reveal that this goes far into the Met, and very far into Fleet Street and private industry."
"This is the Home Secretary trying to bully an independent panel."
"This is just government intolerance of anyone outside of the central government having power."
"Conspiracies are used to cover cock-ups…the Home Office just did not like the idea of learning about this at the same time as everyone else."

Presented by Alex Andreou. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Daily: HOW TO MAKE NOW BETTER with Ece Temelkuran May 29, 2021

It’s an increasingly cynical, unequal, unpredictable and worrying world. So what are we going to do about it? Turkish journalist and author Ece Temelkuran, talks to Dorian Lynskey about her new book Together: 10 Choices For a Better Now, howwe can rebuild faith in humankind,the journalistic experiences which shaped her worldview, and why we should focus our anger on those in power rather than on social media.

“Hopelessness is a timid code for the loss of people’s faith in their own kind.”
“I try to talk about politics without the political discourse, and it’s not a piece of cake.”
“What you do as a journalist is to witness the extraordinary.”
“Anger is a commodity on social media, and we are selling our most intimate emotions.”

Presented by Dorian Lynskey. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Daily: How TRUMP’S BIG LIE could still destroy American democracy May 27, 2021

Trump’s Big Lie that Democrats stole the Presidential election is poisoning Republican minds against democracy itself. Could a future Republican Congress simply refuse to confirm an elected Democrat as President in 2024? Would Democrats willingly hand power to a victorious Republican – possibly Trump himself – who was openly committed to curtailing democracy? Georgetown public policy professor Donald Moynihan looks at these nightmare scenarios and explains why American democracy is in critical danger.

• “The Big Lie is not a marginal idea… Some 55 to 70% of Republicans believe that Trump won the election.”

• “If these ideas remain dominant it could lead to the end of democracy as we know it in the United States.”

• “The Republican Party hasn’t bothered with a sensible autopsy like in 2012 because it’s committed to this Big Lie.”

• Presented and produced by Andrew Harrison with Ayesha Hazarika and Justin Quirk. Assistant producers Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Daily: THE NEW MEANING OF WORK – Ian Dunt meets Jon Cruddas MP May 26, 2021

While Labour agonises over whether it can reclaim working class votes, one question gets lost: what is work for? What do we get from it? If “good work” can give life meaning in an automated world, can Labour capture the post-working class world? Jon Cruddas, Labour MP for Dagenham and Rainham, talks to Ian Dunt about his new book The Dignity of Labour, why the somewhere-anywhere mantra is “wretched”, what Starmer can take from FDR… and if the dream of “automated luxury communism” is just Get Out Of Jail politics.

• “Dignity today is often more about how you die than how you live.”

“The work that we value most in society – caring for one another - is the work that we value least in pay.”
“I fear that the Right want the Left to choose between Somewhere and Anywhere, so they can lock in their power forever.”

• “Progressive politics is being outmanoeuvred at every turn. We need to turn the tide.”

Presented by Ian Dunt. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

https://www.hive.co.uk/Product/Jon-Cruddas/The-Dignity-of-Labour/25421083

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Brexit Britain: Nul Points May 25, 2021

As Conservative Britain batters the BBC with a Diana-shaped club, is this latest attack more serious than a customary Mail-on-Broadcasting-House punishment beating? Special guest Liz Saville Roberts MP, Plaid Cymru’s Westminster leader, explains the grim truth behind Britain’s trade future and tells us why English people should support Welsh independence. And why can’t Brexit Britain stop coming bottom in Eurovision?

• “We had a huge market on our doorstep, and now we’re trying to replace it with one thousands of miles away” – Liz Saville Roberts

• “If you love the BBC, you should want it to be held to a high standard than the tabloids.” – Ayesha Hazarika

• “Can you imagine the headlines if Diana were around now? ‘Look at this woke virtue-signaller.’” – Justin Quirk

Presented and produced by Andrew Harrison with Ayesha Hazarika and Justin Quirk. Assistant producers Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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PrisonAir plus Dom’s Day Preppers – Start Your Week with Naomi Smith May 24, 2021

What can European countries do about Belarusian tyrant Alexander Lukashenko’s bizarre “air piracy” move to divert a RyanAir flight and make a dissident disappear? What does Dominic Cummings have in store for his Westminster appearance on Wednesday? And the BBC haters scent blood. NAOMI SMITH sets up another glorious week in politics.

• “Lots of popcorn shall be consumed this week.”

• “Why on earth are we having to rely on Cummings for COVID scrutiny? Where are the opposition parties?”

• “The BBC row is manna from heaven for Tories who want to stoke the culture wars.”

Presented and produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Extra: WHAM, BAM, TANK YOUR LAMB – Australian trade deal with Dmitry Grozoubinski May 23, 2021

A surprise weekend extra edition, because there’s just too much news… Apparently we’re doing a “gradual” tariff-free deal with Australia. What exactly does that mean? Will it really wipe out the Welsh lamb industry and Scottish hill farmers? And have Johnson and Truss given away Britain’s negotiating advantage just for a headline? International trade expert and former negotiator Dmitry Grozoubinski explains how one deal could come back to bite Brexit Britain in painful places.

• “When you look at what Britain has just given away for a modest deal, the precedent is remarkable.”

• “The Americans will be asking, why can’t we have the same very favourable terms as Australia? And the US is a much, much bigger and stronger economy than Australia.”

Presented and produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Daily: How to SAVE LABOUR — A blueprint for a winning machine with economist James Meadway May 22, 2021

With Labour still longing for victories past, where should the party go next? And why are the Tories so much better at dealing with defeat? Former Shadow Economic Advisor and Director of the Progressive Economy Forum James Meadway talks to Dorian Lynskey about prioritising concrete concerns over culture wars, whether Labour will ever win a majority again, and why working in the Shadow Cabinet was one of his worst jobs…

• “The Tories are very good at dusting themselves down and working out what to do next.”

• “Labour needs to say to voters, ‘This is how your life would be better if you voted Labour’.”

• “The focus should be on how you get middle class voters to vote Labour instead of Tory.”

• “If you try to reproduce policy tricks and electoral victories, you get negative returns.”

Presented by Dorian Lynskey. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Daily: Why Jews don’t count – DAVID BADDIEL talks to Nick Cohen May 20, 2021

Why do people who consider themselves anti-racist have a blind spot when it comes to antisemitism? Why don’t we automatically think of antisemitism as racism, or Jews as an ethnic minority? Writer and comedian David Baddiel talks to Nick Cohenabout his new book ‘Jews Don’t Count’, how social media nourished a new antisemitism among some progressives… and why British Jews shouldn’t have to answer for Benjamin Netanyahu.

• “Israel-Palestine is a situation that most Jews are not responsible for… It’s racist to imagine that all Jews have to have an opinion either way”

• “The idea that there would be no anti-Semitism without the State of Israel is a myth.”

• “Our notion of identity politics just doesn’t apply to Jews.”

• “My atheism has no bearing on whether or not I would have been killed by the Nazis. It’s racism. I don’t have a choice to be Jewish.”

Presented by Nick Cohen. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Daily: BELFAST AND FURIOUS – Northern Ireland explainer with Naomi Long MLA May 19, 2021

Peace in Northern Ireland has not looked this fragile in decades. Violence erupted in Belfast and elsewhere with both Brexit and resurgent gangs to blame. The duped DUP have replaced their leader with a creationist evangelical. And it’s all happening against the backdrop of increasing support for a United Ireland. In a Two Naomis special, leader of the Alliance Party and MLA for East Belfast Naomi Long talks to Naomi Smith about Northern Ireland’s precarious peace – and how it might fall apart.

• “Boris Johnson never listened to Northern Ireland as a collective. He only listened to the DUP”

• “A United Ireland is more likely than at any point in my lifetime, and Brexit has been a big driver in that”

• “Northern Ireland is like a child caught up in a very difficult divorce”

• “Poots is in the soul of Paisley’s DUP… whoever leads the party, it will not be moving forwards”

Presented by Naomi Smith. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. The Bunker is a Podmasters Production

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COVID: New Scariant Detected May 18, 2021

As the Indian coronavirus variant takes a foothold, is the UK’s grand unlocking on June 21st under threat? And as foreign holidays return, will Brits head for the airports or stay grounded? Plus, we speak to solicitor and human rights activist Tawseef Khan about his new book The Muslim Problem: Why We’re Wrong About Islam and Why It Matters. Plus: Could a one-off wealth tax pay the world’s hefty COVID bill?

“I hope the red list delay was for a trade deal, because at least that makes Johnson cynical rather than hopelessly incompetent.” - Ian Dunt
“The crisis in India proves we need action right now, and the most obvious way is for rich countries to donate vaccines.” - Yasmeen Serhan
“There is no Islam aside from the one that we choose to interpret.” - Tawseef Khan

Presented by Dorian Lynskey with Ian Dunt and Yasmeen Serhan. The producer is Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic . Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. The Bunker is a Podmasters Production

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Hugs’n’Pubs And Bellyaches: START YOUR WEEK with Arthur Snell May 17, 2021

Britain greets the latest milestone of indoor pubs and restaurants with trepidation, not celebration. Is Boris Johnson preparing to shift the blame for another surge – possibly from the India Variant – onto the public? Plus, what’s driving the terrifying violence in Israel and Palestine, and how will that play out? ARTHUR SNELL is here to start your week.

• “People who gave the Government a chance will be a LOT more critical now we’re near the end of this.”

• “A lot of long-term trends in Israel and Palestine have come together in this moment of combustion.”

• “I’ll be holding back on going to the pub. It’s Monday. You’ve got to pace yourself…”

Presented and produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Daily: Ian Dunt meets FLEET STREET FOX May 15, 2021

Infamous anonymous blogger FLEET STREET FOX lifted the lid on the seedy world of tabloid journalism in the Leveson years – then in 2013 unmasked herself as Mirror columnist Susie Boniface. She tells Ian Dunt how being a total pain in the arse is the way to get into journalism, where the loathing of hacks really comes from… and why the credibility of print goes all the way back to Babylonian tax inspectors. Audio note: features guest appearance by a dog.

• “I started in journalism because I couldn’t stand the idea of other people doing it and getting it wrong”

• “Is journalism a dying industry? It’s been dying since the first newspaper was printed!”

• “The human mind has been bred to think that if something is in black and white print, it’s fact”

https://www.susieboniface.com

Presented by Ian Dunt. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Daily: PRESCRIPTION FOR DISASTER – The drug dynasty behind America’s opioid crisis May 13, 2021

The vastly wealthy Sackler family are known as respectable patrons of the arts, but the story behind their philanthropy is a dark one. The Sacklers made their billions from OxyContin or “Hillbilly Heroin”, the $35m prescription drug that precipitated America’s opioid crisis – an epidemic that has killed half a million people.

Patrick Radden Keefe, author of Empire of Pain: The Secret History of the Sackler Dynasty, tells Ros Taylor about the corruption and influence that turned a deadly addictive drug into a medical staple, how the Sacklers insulated themselves from what they’d done, and how racism in medicine – surprisingly – spared many African Americans while devastating poor whites.

• “The truth has caught up with the Sacklers. I don’t know that justice ever will.”

• “This story is a slow-moving disaster. It took a quarter of a century to get to a quarter of a million deaths.”

• “Many people hooked on OxyContin just switched to heroin when they reformulated it in 2010.”

• “The question is, What did the Sacklers know about the harm OxyContin caused? And evidence shows that they DID know.”

Presented by Ros Taylor. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Daily: “Why Johnson is the guilty dirty takeaway of politics” – Elections ’21 wrap-up May 12, 2021

As the dust settles, what are these bizarre elections really telling us about how British politics work? Electoral consultant Kenny Campbell, a former journalist and editor of the Metro newspaper, goes deep into the entrails of Elections ’21 with Alex Andreou. Does Labour have to wean itself off its attachment to the shattered Red Wall? Might levelling up the North provoke a backlash in vulnerable southern Conservative seats? And do we have to face up to the fact that England is becoming a one-party democracy?

• “The pandemic has come good for Johnson at exactly the right time… If anything, voters were voting simply not to mess things up.”

• “We know what Johnson, Sturgeon and Drakeford stand for. Starmer is struggling to articulate what Labour stands for.”

• “When Johnson does blow up, it will be because of a monumental catastrophe.”

Presented by Alex Andreou. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Rayn Stops Play May 11, 2021

As Labour find a way to make a bad week worse, we look at the long-term consequences of Starmer vs. Rayner. Plus, we might be on the eve of the biggest economic boom since 1948 but will the boom play in Hartlepool? The Five Eyes Intelligence Alliance in trouble. And would it be better for Britain if we stopped worrying and let London balloon until it becomes Mega-City N1 (and other postcodes)?

“Mark my words, the person who’ll undo Boris Johnson will be Boris Johnson.” – Alex Andreou
“Starmer’s main selling point has been competence, but this reshuffle has been a total mess.” – Miatta Fahnbulleh
“Global Britain is trying to find its place in the world and for Brexiters, the Anglosphere is their happy place.” – Arthur Snell

Presented and produced by Andrew Harrison with Arthur Snell, Miatta Fahnbulleh and Alex Andreou. Assistant producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic . Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. The Bunker is a Podmasters Production

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Red Wall, Red Wedding: IAN DUNT starts your week May 10, 2021

How will Labour’s post-election Hell Weekend and the sacking-not-sacking of Angela Rayner play out this week? How badly is Starmer damaged? And what sort of a Queen’s Speech can we expect from a Government that has no reason to fear opposition? IAN DUNT ruins… sorry, starts your week.

• “Starmer has come out of these elections absolutely savaged.”

• “If you’re an urban voter, it looks like Labour is almost embarrassed of your support.”

• “Voter ID is pure voter suppression. There are many problems in this country, but voter fraud is not one of them.”

Presented and produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Daily: TAX EVASION ISLAND – How Britain became the tax dodgers’ favourite place May 08, 2021

Tax havens aren’t all desert islands with palm trees. One of the worst offenders is rainy Britain. So are we wrong focus on offshore tax chicanery? And what can we do about it at home as well as away? Chair of the Tax Justice Network Alex Cobham tells Arthur Snell about how tax injustice goes beyond beaches and palm trees – and the implications for businesses in post-Brexit Britain.

www.taxjustice.uk

www.taxwatchuk.org

https://fairtaxmark.net/

• “When it comes to tax havenry, Britain is the biggest actor out there.”

• “We think we know what tax haven means… but it’s actually quite slippery.”

• “You can avoid tax on a sunny beach with a palm tree, but you can also do it in London and Amsterdam.”

• “The UK and its network is the biggest single actor in tax avoidance.”

• “Every single second, one nurse’s salary is lost to tax havens – mostly to multinational companies.”

Presented by Arthur Snell. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Logo and branding by Mark Taylor. Music: Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. The Bunker is a Podmasters production

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Living With A Crooked Johnson May 05, 2021

What if the Prime Minister was corrupt, and nobody cared? As Labour steels itself for a tough election day, we look at where sleaze is and isn’t cutting through. Plus, as the COVID horror in India worsens, Ahir Shah tells us what his friends and family in India are experiencing – and the extend of Modi’s culpability.

And a Wild Idea for the future: Universal Basic Capital. Rather than tinkering with inequality through a complex benefits system, why don’t we just give everyone £10,000 on their 18th birthday?

“The country is so fucking broken that Johnson will put himself on sale for a pair of curtains.” – Alex Andreou
“If you’re asking ‘If Labour can’t win now, when can it?’, you’re asking the wrong question.” – Ros Taylor
“If someone gives you a shit-ton of money, surely you’re beholden to them?” – Ahir Shah
“We’ve somehow decided that old people deserve state handouts during this pandemic, and young people don’t. That’s a really poisonous point of view.” – Ros Taylor

Presented and produced by Andrew Harrison with Ahir Shah, Ros Taylor and Alex Andreou. Assistant producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic . Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. The Bunker is a Podmasters Production

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Daily: CRISIS IN COVID CASINO – How problem gambling exploded in the pandemic May 05, 2021

Enforced isolation, powerlessness, boredom, even emasculation – lockdown was the perfect petri dish to create a pandemic of online gambling which affects young people worse than most. The Director of Clean Up Gambling Matt Zarb-Cousin was a problem gambler himself and betting almost destroyed his life. He talks to Andrew Harrison about how sponsorship and ads normalise dangerous betting behaviour, how the gambling industry capitalises on toxic masculinity, his personal experience with addiction, and what we need to do about this growing problem.

“We’ve created a generation who believe that betting obsessively on football is all part of supporting your team.”
“These are highly addictive products… I found myself missing sixth form classes to go to the bookies.”
“Gambling offers the illusion of control but people end up feeling subordinated to it.”
“By advertising on football shirts, gambling companies can bypass advertising laws.”

Presented and produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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STARMY WEATHER – Start Your Election Week with Ros Taylor May 04, 2021

As votes loom in Hartlepool, Scotland, Wales and in local authorities and metro mayor regions across England, is Keir Starmer’s message on Government sleaze finally cutting through? And what will it all mean for independence in Scotland and Wales? Ros Taylor is here to start your week.

“When the media just hang on the Prime Minister’s every word the result is this decrepitude of politics.”.
“It’s a wonderful time for an incumbent government to have an election.”

Presented and produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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GODS AND MONSTERS: How Aristotle explains the Marvel Cinematic Universe May 01, 2021

Can the classics tell us the truth about Captain America, Thor, Iron Man, Black Widow and the Marvel pantheon? Robert Eaglestone, Professor of Contemporary Literature and Thought at Royal Holloway, University of London, uses the Marvel Cinematic Universe to explain Aristotle’s Poetics to his students. He sits down with fellow Marvelite Andrew Harrison to discuss the mythic resonances of the MCU. Face front! Warning: many spoilers here.

“What Aristotle says about Greek tragedy and drama fits the Marvel Universe perfectly.”
“Captain America and Iron Man’s moral choices come right out of their characters. And Aristotle would really appreciate that.”
“Fighting Thanos is fighting the inevitability of death. We’re all going to lose – but what is a good death?”
“Aristotle’s Lyceum was a kind of counter-school to Plato’s X-Men.”

Presented and produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Daily: COME TOGETHER RIGHT NOW – Why we’re not as divided as we think Apr 29, 2021

Is Britain really the hopelessly split society that we fear? The good news is that as the Brexit rubble settles, our common ground is growing, and Britain is more up for serious political change than almost any other Western democracy. Tim Dixon, co-founder of pro-consensus pressure group More In Common and former advisor to Kevin Rudd and Julia Gillard in Australia, talks to Ros Taylor about the weird online and offline dynamics that over-represent vocal extremes, and why Brexity nationalists agree with progressives more than you think.

“We’ve lived off the capital of past generations in terms of the glue that holds society together. Now we need to reinvest in it.”
“People’s identities as Remainer or Leaver is still a lot stronger than their identification with a political party.”
“We tend to forget that most people don’t see the world through a political lens.”
“If politics can come back into people’s lives, and be useful again, then it can be really transformative.”

Presented by Ros Taylor. Produced Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Daily: MASSIVE ATTACK – Why the Cuban Missile Crisis matters today Apr 28, 2021

The Cuban Missile Crisis of 1963 might be the closest the world has ever come to actual nuclear war – but do we really understand what went on between Kennedy, the USA and Kruschev’s USSR? Ukraine-born Harvard Professor of History Serhii Plokhy tells Jude Rogers about his new book Nuclear Folly: A New History of the Cuban Missile Crisis – and what this fatal moment in the confrontation between East and West can tell us about today’s unspoken second Cold War.

“Diplomatic telegrams were so slow that Kruschev thought the best way to communicate with Kennedy was openly, through Radio Moscow.”
“The technology has changed since the Cuban Missile Crisis but human nature hasn’t.”
“Today we’re back in the uncharted waters of the nuclear arms race before the Cuban Crisis.”

Presented by Jude Rogers. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Logo and branding by Mark Taylor. Music: Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. The Bunker is a Podmasters production

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Bozilla vs King Dom – with special guest Emma Kennedy Apr 27, 2021

Whoever wins, we lose… As Dominic Cummings takes a wrecking ball to the Prime Minister he made, writer Emma Kennedy joins us to ask who will win this particular Battle of the Bastards. Plus, if social media is so toxic that Premier League footballers are boycotting it, should we end anonymity online? And are quiz shows to blame for the state of politics?

“Let’s all grab a sun lounger and enjoy the weapons-grade spite from Dominic Cummings.” – Emma Kennedy
“My main emotional response to all of these leaks is hilarity and joy.” – Ian Dunt
“Carrie Symonds’ flat decor is like a Home Counties version of Trump Tower” – Emma Kennedy
“Number 10 was once our version of The West Wing. Now it’s like the Tweenies have taken over.” – Ayesha Hazarika
“The old producer of HIGNFY told me that putting Boris Johnson on TV was the biggest regret of his life.” – Emma Kennedy

Presented and produced by Andrew Harrison with Ayesha Hazarika and Ian Dunt. Assistant producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic . Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. The Bunker is a Podmasters Production

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DOM DROPS THE BOMB – Start Your Week with Alex Andreou Apr 26, 2021

It’s a classic Alien vs Predator scenario as disgruntled supervillain Dominic Cummings resurfaces with the receipts on Johnson’s squalid behaviour over lockdown, leaks and the No.11 flat. What will go down worse for the embattled Prime Minister? The news that he’d rather see “bodies piled high in their thousands” than a third lockdown, or Carrie’s taste in gold wallpaper? Alex Andreou is here to start your week.

“Cummings won’t release snippets. He’ll want to make his committee appearance big box office.”
“The message is, Don’t go after me, mate. I know where all the bodies are buried.”
“Johnson’s glove puppet turned around and bit him in the face.”

Presented and produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Daily: SORTED FOR SLEAZE AND BIZ – Inside the Greensill omniscandal Apr 24, 2021

From Cameron to cabinet, the Greensill Capital scandal has spiralled into corruption chaos. But now numerous instances of shady practice are joining hands. Special guests Cynthia O’Murchú and Andy Bounds who cover Greensill and more for the Financial Times join us to connect the dots between Greensill, Sanjeev Gupta’s GFG/Liberty Steel empire and the surprise approval of a new deep coal mine in Cumbria. What’s really going on and how do we fix it?

“The transparency rules don’t work. Where are you supposed to log a private drink with Matt Hancock?” – Cynthia O’Murchú
“We call it the Private Eye test. Would you want to see this in the paper?” – Andy Bounds
“I’ve lost count of how many inquiries there have been into Greensill’s connections with government.” – Cynthia O’Murchú
“Cameron wasn’t shy about Greensill. He touted them as the future of Government finance. But his involvement has become tawdry.”– Andy Bounds
“Transparency rules didn’t reveal these meetings, it was the ABSENCE of transparency.” – Cynthia O’Murchú
“If a Civil Servant is already working for a private company when they leave government, they don’t have to declare the new job. That is gobsmacking.” – Alex Andreou

Presented by Alex Andreou. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Daily: WHY MARS MATTERS with The Economist’s science correspondent Alok Jha Apr 22, 2021

The Perseverance Rover is bringing us stunningly detailed images of Mars, but do we really need to go there? Are we anywhere nearer proof of life on other worlds? And is Elon Musk’s dream of a million-person Mars base by the end of the century feasible – or desirable? Alok Jha, The Economist’s Science Correspondent and host of The Jab podcast talks space-sceptic Ros Taylor through the pros and cons of Martian exploration, and ponders whether interstellar objects are proof of extraterrestrial tech.

“If you’re interested in life on earth, you should be interested in life in Mars.”
“We’ve never sent an astronaut to Mars, let alone a million people.”
“Before COVID, we didn’t think you could develop a vaccine in twelve months. It shows what you can do with willpower and money.”
“We’ve never had people sitting in a tin can to Mars for six months before. Would they just destroy one another?”
“If there are one million planets in the universe, that’s a lot of opportunities for life to start.”

Presented by Ros Taylor. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Daily: THE MURDER OF FOOTBALL – Inside the Superleague scandal Apr 20, 2021

THIS PODCAST WAS RECORDED BEFORE CHELSEA AND MAN CITY LEFT THE COMPETITION: English football clubs triggered shockwaves of revulsion at the weekend when they announced their plans to join a €4bn breakaway ‘Super League’. Is the plan starting to crack, and can English football be saved? The man who broke the story, Chief Sports Reporter for The Times Martyn Ziegler, tells Andrew Harrison how a greed-fuelled vanity project came about, why the owners are unwise to discount “legacy fans”, and if there’s anything fans can do to stop it.

“This has gone beyond sabre rattling, this is civil war”
“These owners simply don’t care about the tradition and community that surrounds their football clubs”
“There is no doubt that the clubs have been taken aback by the reaction from fans, the media and even politicians”
“The Premier League’s success is built on the fact that Leicester can win the title, and ‘Super League’ clubs can have a bad season”
“In 30 years of reporting on sport I have never known the Government behave like this towards football”

Produced and presented by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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New Cronyvirus Variant Detected – plus special guest David Aaronovitch Apr 20, 2021

The Greensill scandal continues to leak dodginess like a busted fridge. Is lobbying really the issue, or is it really about the corrupt Old Boys’ Network? Joe Biden withdraws US troops from Afghanistan after 20 years: what does it mean? And we look at the new Carey Mulligan movie Promising Young Woman, an intense and provocative rape revenge fantasy, and what it says about Hollywood after #MeToo. David Aaronovitch of The Times is this week’s special guest

“People love a story of sex sleaze, but the thing is, they won’t always condemn the perpetrator for it.” – David Aaronovitch
“ACOBA isn’t just toothless, it’s gumless and mouthless too.” – Arthur Snell
“The problem with sleaze is that it’s easy to end up painting it on ALL politicians.” – David Aaronovitch
“If you have to keep affirming that you’re a nice guy, you’re probably not.” – Yasmeen Serhan on Promising Young Woman
“Why should withdrawing troops somehow mean ‘the end of America’s longest war’? The troops might be gone but the war isn’t.” – David Aaronvitch

Presented by Dorian Lynskey with Yasmeen Serhan and Arthur Snell. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic . Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. The Bunker is a Podmasters Production

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SUPER LEAGUE OF SLEAZE – Start Your Week with Naomi Smith Apr 19, 2021

As the sleaze scandal spreads, will the rising tide of corruption start lapping at Boris Johnson’s feet? Beer Garden Britain thinks COVID is done but as cases rise alarmingly in India and Brazil, will we need to think again? Alexei Navalny faces death in prison for opposing Putin. And will that revolting European Super League actually kill football? Naomi Smith is here to start your week.

“We need to stop calling this chumocracy, and start calling it corruption.”
“The football terraces could be somewhere we can begin to win the culture war.”
“Johnson is the master of Teflon. He’s deflected this onto the mandarins.”

Presented and produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Daily: THE EMPIRE, STRUCK BACK – Prof Kehinde Andrews on Britain’s race reckoning Apr 17, 2021

When there’s a “heated debate” about racism on Good Morning Britain, you’ll often see Kehinde Andrews, Professor of Black Studies at Birmingham City University, tussling with Toby Young and Nigel Farage and bringing uncomfortable arguments about white supremacy into Middle England’s living rooms. What does he get from it? He talks to Jude Rogers about the Sewell Report, his book The New Age Of Empire: How Racism and Colonialism Still Rule The World and the value of being the “bad black guy who gets invited on TV to wind up the Daily Mail.”

“This is the most diverse cabinet, yet racist government of my lifetime.”
“I can say things on Good Morning Britain that I can’t say in The Guardian.”
“The reason why people love the Monarchy and the British Empire is that they don’t really understand what it is.”
“The problem isn’t that black people don’t trust the police. The problem is the police.”
“A culture war is going to happen whether I’m on TV or not.”
“Diversity doesn’t mean that racism is over. The British Empire couldn’t have functioned without countless black and brown people helping to administer it.”

Presented by Jude Rogers. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Daily: How Britain’s Wolf of Wall Street crashed and burned Apr 15, 2021

What kind of person crashes a £3.6bn business, shattering the life savings of 400,000 people? When Britain’s most famous fund manager Neil Woodford went down in flames in 2019 it was a personal humiliation for a “rock star investor” that the City thought was infallible. Owen Walker, the FT’s European Banking Correspondent and author of Built On A Lie: The Rise And Fall Of Neil Woodford And The Fate Of Middle England’s Money tells Andrew Harrison how Woodford’s arrogance lost his clients millions – and asks whether the City has learned any lessons from the debacle.

“This was a guy who could get the biggest CEOs to do his bidding”
“Journalists loved Woodford. They could create stories around him. And yes, they’re to blame for hyping him up”
“When Woodford rang up, even major CEOs would take a seat and prepare for a rollicking”

Produced and presented by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Daily: Bulletproof Confidence, Blunted Empathy – How boarding schools produce warped leaders Apr 14, 2021

The English public school is one of the country’s strangest and often most sinister institutions. James Scudamore, author of the moving and gripping novel of memory, friendship and abuse English Monsters, talks to Arthur Snell about his own experience with the mad and petty regime of the English boarding school. How did this culture spread the “profound damage” of men who’d seen true horror in war down to generations of pupils? And why do public schools produce an emotionally damaged elite?

“There’s a special toxicity in that closed world of elitism and privilege.”
“That blend of extremely rigid rules and the psychopathy of the punishments… it’s incredible that these things were still going on as late as the 80s.”
“One thing you have to do to survive is to completely shut down your empathy. And another is to fall into extreme flippancy.”

Presented by Arthur Snell. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Pass Out To Help Out? Apr 13, 2021

The pubs are back! Can the Great British Public drink the county back to economic health? Plus, did the deeply strange Prince Philip memorial weekend give us any pointers to the future fate of the Monarchy? Should we give up hoping for ‘normal’ politics to come back? And why shouldn’t there be a black James Bond?

“AstraZeneca? I’d have taken a North Korean vaccine if they offered me.” – Justin Quirk
“Brits treat the Royal Family as both superhuman and somehow subhuman too.” – Alex Andreou
“If there’s one thing that Labour hates, it’s Labour.” – Marie le Conte

Presented and produced by Andrew Harrison with Alex Andreou, Marie le Conte and Justin Quirk. Assistant producers: Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. The Bunker is a Podmasters Production

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The 2021 HAIRCUT RIOTS – Start Your Week with Yasmeen Serhan Apr 12, 2021

As England scratches at the doors of pubs and hairdressers like a starving cat, Yasmeen Serhan joins Andrew Harrison to set out the week’s news stories. Are we on for a retail superspreader event? Plus the Cameron-Greensill scandal gets worse, London decides to let Northern Ireland stew, Prince Philip is still dead… and Ramadan for dummies (i.e. Andrew).

“If you guys want this change to be permanent, you need to make sure your queues outside Primark are socially distanced.”
“Advice for non-Muslims: if you’re going to annoy your friends, do it today while they’re still allowed to swear.”

Presented and produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Daily: Out of tragedy, a video game against extremism Apr 09, 2021

When digital artist Dan Hett tragically lost his brother Martin in the 2017 Manchester bombings, he turned to the world of interactive fiction to help him understand what had happened – and ultimately he produced the game ‘Closed Hands’, which examines the causes and effects of a terrorist attack in a fictional UK city.

Dan talks to Arthur Snell about the fascinating world of interactive fiction novels, how he turned his painful experience into a piece of art, and the role it could play in tackling extremism.

“There is a route through the game that reflects my reality, but I’m the only one who knows what it is”
“This game is me questioning society and us as a population, rather than my individual experience”
“Closed Hands was difficult to write, difficult to research, and for some people it’s difficult to play”
“Sometimes the decisions you make during the game are not black and white, and there isn’t a correct way of doing things”
“If can reach one person through games, who hadn’t thought about this, then I’ve succeeded”

Presented by Arthur Snell. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Daily: How an “activist prosecutor” took on Britain’s broken justice system Apr 08, 2021

Content warning: Includes discussion of sexual violence and abuse. What is it like being an “activist prosecutor” in a legal system hampered by institutional prejudice and often indifference? Former chief prosecutor Nazir Afzal tells The Observer’s Nick Cohen about his memoirThe Prosecutor: One Man’s Pursuit for Justice for the Voicelessand what it reveals about British justice. Why are marginalised young women so badly served by our justice system? How might COVID transform that system? And is “cultural sensitivity” a cover for failures on racial and class prejudice?

“Police and prosecutors often use excuses to cover the fact that ‘This is really difficult, why are we bothering?’”
“The idea of ‘working in the interests of justice’ got changed to ‘working in the interest of just us’.”
“Our legal system is stuck in the past and isn’t updating with any speed.”
“One police station has been sold to a pizza restaurant. And do you know who owns it? Organised crime.”

Presented by Nick Cohen. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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“Treat this race report like climate change denial” Apr 07, 2021

Good news, everyone! Institutional racism is over, at least according to the Government-sponsored Sewell Report into racial disparity in the UK. As the report falls to pieces in plain sight, special guest Matthew Ryder QC (former London Deputy Mayor for social integration) joins Ayesha Hazarika, Ahir Shah and Ros Taylor to discuss a textbook example of selecting your conclusion before looking for evidence. Plus: Populism’s endgame in Brazil, the joy of blue plaques, and is Britain less divided than we thought?

“The Sewell Report is a huge backwards step.” – Matthew Ryder
“This should be a wake up call for Labour. The party just doesn’t trust people of colour with the big jobs.” – Matthew Ryder

Presented and produced by Andrew Harrison with Ayesha Hazarika, Ahir Shah and Ros Taylor. Assistant producers: Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. The Bunker is a Podmasters Production

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Insane In The Ukraine – Arthur Snell starts your week Apr 06, 2021

Russia is massing troops on the Ukrainian border. Does Putin just want to hand Biden his first test, or is there more to it? Plus: the tangled mess that is vaccine passports. Why your foreign holiday is probably off this year. Keir Starmer under a cloud on his first anniversary as Labour leader. And what’s going on in Jordan? Arthur Snell sets out the week ahead.

“It’s a bad look for an opposition leader if you can’t win a by-election in the North of England.”

Presented and produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Daily: ETON ALIVE – Being black among Britain’s elite Apr 01, 2021

What is it like being one of the few black people at Eton and Oxford? And what do they actual teach our future rulers? Musa Okwonga is the author One of Them: An Eton College Memoir, and host of the Stadio football podcast. He talks to Alex Andreou about imperial pride in private schools, why Brexit led him to move to “the heart of Europe”, and whether Spurs will make it to the Champions League…

“MPs would learn more about the world by getting off the train one stop earlier, not going on a gap year.”
“Schtick only works when people buy into it.”
“It’s easier to name Henry VIII’s six wives than the six biggest colonial massacres.”
“A lot of the people at Eton didn’t know black people. I felt like I was representing all black people.”
“Eton is the kind of school where you can be a kind of Gatsby.”

Presented by Alex Andreou. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Daily: Why DEATH should be a party Mar 31, 2021

When writer Erica Buist had the traumatic experience of finding her partner’s father dead in his home, it led her to ask why we respond to death with fear and sadness – and ultimately to travel from Mexico to Nepal and beyond to research the surprisingly uplifting book This Party's Dead: Grief, Joy And Spilled Rum At The World's Death Festivals.

She talks to Arthur Snell about greeting the dead and dancing with corpses, feasts where dead bodies are “invited to the party”, the true meaning of Voldemort… and why Westerners need to get over the idea that talking about death is “rude”.

“We leave this incredibly important thing to your highest moment of trauma. Why would you do that?”
“I got hit on the head with a corpse at one of these festivals. They were dancing with it…”
“We’re happy to look at the blue corpse of a girl in a movie, but somehow not in real life.”
“In the West, when you die you lose your powers. But in a lot of these cultures, death is where you GAIN your power.”
“Hanging out with a dead body sounds bizarre. But after a couple of minutes, it’s so normal.”
“The idea that teaching kids about death will traumatise them? No. Kids LOVE death. It’s their favourite.”

Presented by Arthur Snell. Produced Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Once Upon A Time In Holyrood – with guest Kate Forbes of the SNP Mar 30, 2021

What will the Sturgeon/Salmond stand-off mean for the SNP’s make-or-break bid for re-election and a second independence referendum? And can an independent Scotland pay its way? SNP Cabinet Secretary for Finance Kate Forbes is our special guest. Plus: What’s behind Johnson’s defence plans for fewer soldiers and more nukes? And Alan Turing is on the £50 note but will the Queen be on our banknotes for much longer?

“If Scotland goes independent, England would lose an unruly neighbour, and gain a close ally.” – Kate Forbes
“By repeatedly saying ‘No’, it’s almost as if Boris Johnson has given up on making the case for the Union.” – Kate Forbes

Presented and produced by Andrew Harrison with Yasmeen Serhan and Arthur Snell. Assistant producers: Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. The Bunker is a Podmasters Production

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“Essentially a new epidemic?” IAN DUNT starts your week Mar 29, 2021

Outdoor “mingling” is back but as the Government bets all on the vaccine, are they ignoring the danger of new COVID variants? And if/when it all goes wrong, will it somehow be Europe’s fault again? Plus the possible Labour reshuffle, the SNP vs the Alba Party and what Johnson’s affair with Jennifer Arcuri really means. Ian Dunt explains the week ahead.

“The only Government strategy is the vaccine, and praying that no variants blow it to smithereens”
“The only way the Government can countenance giving vaccines to Ireland is under a narrative of sticking it to Europe”
“If anything good can come from Boris Johnson being PM, it will be a modernisation of life in Number 10”.”

Presented and produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Special: The Last Days of The UK? GAVIN ESLER and NICK COHEN on Britain’s breakup Mar 28, 2021

With Brexit opening a Pandora’s Box of irrational nationalism in England, and Scotland and Northern Ireland heading to the exit door, the break-up of the United Kingdom is no longer a weird fantasy but a real possibility. Nick Cohen talks to the writer, broadcaster and card-carrying Scot Gavin Esler about his new book How Britain Ends, and the forces that could pull Britain apart. Can the Union be saved? Would an independent Scotland really be welcomed into the EU? And is Britain in danger of becoming a failed state?

“I’ve had people telling me ‘We English aren’t nationalistic – that’s why we’re BETTER than other people’…” – Gavin Esler
“The central role of British foreign policy since the Spanish Armada was to stop Europe uniting against us. And Brexit has achieved exactly that.” – Nick Cohen
“What would post-imperial Britain’s role be? It wouldn’t BE post-Imperial Britain. It would be England alone.” – Gavin Esler
“Brexit has led to the collapse of an English myth that we’re a tolerant, pragmatic people not given to wild ideas.” – Nick Cohen
“Thatcher said Northern Ireland was as British as Finchley. Under Boris Johnson, in customs terms it’s as British as France.” – Gavin Esler

Presented by Nick Cohen. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Daily: FRANKENSTEIN IN DIGITAL – The coming AI revolution Mar 26, 2021

Are we ready to live alongside artificial minds? And why do we still harbour a Terminator-style fear of vengeful machines? Oxford University Professor of Computer Science Michael Wooldridge, author of The Road to Conscious Machines, says we are on the brink of a great transformation in artificial intelligence. He talks to Alex Andreou about deepmind superhuman gamer bots, debunking our fear of Frankenstein’s creation, and why automation means more than robot butlers.

“We are with AI where nuclear physicists were in the early 1900s… There is so much unexplored territory.”
“We’re nothing special in the universe. We’re just a bunch of atoms bumping up against each other.”
“I don’t lose sleep over the Skynet scenario. We don’t need AI to make mistakes with nuclear weapons.”
“The Frankenstein story embodies our deep-rooted fear of creating something, and then losing control of it.”

Presented by Alex Andreou. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Daily: BORN IN CRISIS How constitutions are created Mar 25, 2021

Constitutions are the rulebooks of government, but how does each country get its own peculiar arrangements? Linda Colley, author of The Gun, The Ship, And The Pen: War, Constitutions And The Making Of The Modern World, tells Ros Taylor about the extraordinary circumstances – from Napoleon to Catherine the Great to America’s Founding Fathers – that produced the operating systems for states. Why was America’s sacred Constitution less of a high-minded document and more of “a grimly necessary plan by a group of men who felt themselves under siege”? And does a British Constitution even really exist?

“The US Constitution was driven by short-term necessity rather than highfalutin’ ideas.”
“One Law Lord once described the British Constitution as a trackless desert.”

Presented by Ros Taylor. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Logo and branding by Mark Taylor. Music: Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. The Bunker is a Podmasters production

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Daily: The City trader who fought ISIS Mar 24, 2021

What makes someone give up a lucrative job in the City of London to risk their life fighting ISIS in Syria – with no prior military training? In one of our most astonishing interviews, Macer Gifford describes how he left the UK to spend three long tours fighting with the Kurdish YPG militia against the brutal terror group Islamic State. He tells Arthur Snell what it’s like to cross into a warzone, his book Fighting Evil: The Ordinary Man Who Went To War Against ISIS (£2 on Kindle!)and the shocking, inspiring and sometimes tragic stories of his fellow foreign fighters.

“It wasn’t about fighting, it was about standing in solidarity”
“Volunteers aren’t all left-wing activists. I’m a card carrying member of the Conservative Party.”
“The Kurds are talking about amazing things like women’s rights and gay rights – and it’s all off the back of the most brutal conflict”

Presented by Arthur Snell. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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CSI: Westminster Mar 23, 2021

Which flavour of police overreach do you like least: COVID regulations if you’re on the right, or the Police Bill if you’re centre-left? Special guest Emily Benn joins us to disentangle the worsening mess of civil rights under this government. And with Line Of Duty returning as British policing is in the spotlight as seldom before, do we need a conversation about “Copaganda” entertainment in the UK, as America had over George Floyd? Plus: what Joe Biden’s New Deal really means.

“The fact that this is an emergency isn’t an excuse for poor legislation and poor scrutiny.” – Emily Benn
“Biden is ripping up an economic consensus that has stood for 40 years since Reagan.” – Miatta Fahnbulleh
“I don’t know what Centrist is supposed to mean, apart from claiming that someone is boring and lacks ideas… and that’s obviously rubbish.” – Emily Benn

Presented and produced by Dorian Lynskey with Miatta Fahnbulleh and Naomi Smith. Assistant producers: Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. The Bunker is a Podmasters Production

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PER ARDUA, NO ASTRA – Start Your Week with Alex Andreou Mar 22, 2021

The EU:UK vaccine export row: who’s in the right and will a friendly phone call from Boris Johnson sort it all out like it always does? On the anniversary of Lockdown 1, will the pandemic regulations face a rocky renewal? And Christmas comes early for lucky Priti Patel as the Bristol rioters breathe life back into her illiberal Police Bill. Alex Andreou sets up the week ahead.

“The danger of the Bill is that if peaceful protest is outlawed, then you might as well riot.”
“Priti Patel must be absolutely delighted at what she saw in Bristol. She will put rocket boosters on the Police Bill.”

Presented and produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Extra: ISOLATION INSPIRATION with author Francis Spufford Mar 21, 2021

A bonus weekend edition… Finding inspiration in the midst of pandemic can be difficult, but how hard is it to write a book about a city you can’t visit because of lockdown? And how has the Church fared during this period of enforced isolation? Author and practising Christian Francis Spufford talks to Ros Taylor about his new novel Light Perpetual, the “incredibly natural” failure of imagination in the midst of this pandemic, and how COVID has left the Church “smaller and wobblier” than ever before.

“The ordinariness of the Blitz leaps out at me… people woke up having survived the night, dusted themselves down and went to work”
“People will sit in cafes and ride on trains again… they’ll regard this as the weird glitch of 2020”
“COVID has been catastrophic for the church… it will emerge smaller and wobblier than before the pandemic started”

Presented by Ros Taylor. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Daily: Roofless People – How we COULD solve the Housing Crisis Mar 19, 2021

The Grenfell tragedy exposed the worst of a housing crisis which affects some 8 million people and leaves one in seven people in unaffordable or unsuitable homes. How did we get into this mess and how do we get out of it? Why can’t we build enough houses in the right places? Alex Andreou talks to Catherine Ryder, Director of Policy and Research at the National Housing Federation, and Steve Cole of the country’s largest social landlord the Clarion Group, about beating a huge challenge that has defeated successive governments.

“Housing Minister is THE big churn post in government. Everyone comes in with one big thing they want to do…” – Steve Cole
“I know only a handful of people in the UK who live where they did ten years ago, and only a handful of people in Greece who DON’T.” – Alex Andreou
“There’s been a huge flip from government building supply to supporting demand… The housing benefit bill is £23bn.” – Steve Cole

Presented by Alex Andreou. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Daily: THE RUSSIAN SPY AND I — Up close with Britain’s worst traitor Mar 18, 2021

For British intelligence, Soviet mole George Blake was possibly the most damaging traitor of the whole Cold War. Towards the end of Blake’s life the FT’s Simon Kuper met the ageing defector for “the most extraordinary interview of my life.” He tells Arthur Snell about his book The Happy Traitor, which sets out Blake’s astonishing journey from comically patriotic British citizen through his time of treachery in an unbelievably complacent British intelligence service to an escape from justice that came straight from a cartoon story. Why did Blake do it? And did he in some sense get away with it?

“For a decade, every secret of British intelligence was handed over to the Soviets by Blake.”
“By his own reckoning Blake betrayed several hundred British agents, many of whom were executed.”
“I was told that Blake detested Putin’s gaudy KGB capitalism… but he depended on Putin for his dacha.”

Presented by Arthur Snell. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Daily: TWO TRIBES GO TO WAR? The strange truths behind the culture clash Mar 17, 2021

Is Britain as divided over COVID as we were over Brexit? Do people really think that if you lost your job during the pandemic, it’s your fault? And if Brexity pundits are so anti-lockdown, why are Leave voters largely in favour of restrictions? Bobby Duffy (Director of the Policy Institute at King’s College ) and Paula Surridge (Deputy Director of the UK in a Changing Europe) have researched our changing attitudes with surprising results. They tell Ros Taylor about the deep impulses driving politics – and whether Leave vs Remain identities might finally be breaking down.

“Even though we’ve seen a transfer of wealth from young to old, we just don’t see people saying Let’s take from the old and give to the young” – Bobby Duffy
“Leave/Remain is often seen as a generation gap but it’s more to do with education.” – Paula Surridge
“There is an opportunity to reimagine our economy… but it won’t come easy.” – Bobby Duffy
“Real lockdown scepticism is actually a rarity… It doesn’t bring people together across the political spectrum, it splits them up” – Bobby Duffy

Presented by Ros Taylor. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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ILL MET BY MOONLIGHT: Police vigil fiasco – plus guest Alex Massie on Scottish politics Mar 16, 2021

The Metropolitan Police’s brutal intervention during Saturday’s vigil Sarah Everard leaves the country aghast. What really happened? What needs to change if British cities are to be safe for women? Special guest Alex Massie of The Times and The Spectator joins us to look at the “fantastically illiberal” Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill, and give his personal crash course on Scottish politics for the inattentive English.

“A lot of forces who are no friend of women are jumping on this issue for their own motives.” – Ayesha Hazarika
“Just as Independence was underpriced in 2014, Unionism is underpriced in 2021.” – Alex Massie
“In politics, success is sweet but it’s not half as sweet as your enemy’s failure.” – Alex Massie

Presented and produced by Andrew Harrison with Yasmeen Serhan and Ayesha Hazarika. Assistant producers: Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. The Bunker is a Podmasters Production

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WILL PROTEST SURVIVE? Start Your Week with Ros Taylor Mar 15, 2021

The Met’s outrageous clampdown on the Sarah Everard vigil on Clapham Common has put Priti Patel’s draconian Police, Crime, Sentencing And Courts Bill under a harsh spotlight. Could a bill that effectively outlaws public protest blow up in the Government’s face this week? Ros Taylor explains.

“Public protest has become illegal, and we didn’t seem to notice that.”
“A protest looks very different when it’s women doing it.”

Presented and produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Extra: The DIGITAL FLOOD that drowns democracy – Nick Cohen talks to Peter Pomerantsev Mar 14, 2021

“Peter explains better than anyone I know the new world of Putinesque, Trumpian propaganda.” In a weekend bonus, Nick Cohen of The Observer talks to Peter Pomerantsev, author of This Is Not Propaganda : Adventures in the War Against Reality, about how demagogues warp free speech into a weapon against democracy.

Why is the modern information battle less of a New Cold War and more a New Thirty Years War? Do we even understand the devil’s bargain that tech giants are offering? We can have perfect lives and perfect homes – as long as we don’t mind giving up our information and our freedoms.

“Every aspect of freedom of speech has been used against us, to swamp the world and drown out the truth”
“However much we’d like to blame these pathologies on Mark Zuckerberg, we can’t.”
“It’s no longer about censorship, it’s about overloading democracies with trolls, bots and conspiracies… it’s about swamping us with information”
“When you have an economy based on likes and shares, that’s going to reinforce tribal identities”
“Extremism is about demonising the other. What we’re seeing is something eternal”

Presented by Nick Cohen. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Daily: From shogun to Sony, JAPAN explained Mar 12, 2021

Few countries exercise such world-wide fascination while being as little understood outside their own borders as Japan. Christopher Harding, author of The Japanese: A History In 20 Lives, talks to Ros Taylor about the key figures who shaped Japan over the centuries, from princesses and samurai to pop culture visionaries.

“A British delegate who visited Japan in the 1990s said ‘If this is a recession, then I want one’”
“Japan needs more babies, more immigrants, more robots.”
“People fall in love with some element of Japan… but we don’t have a joined up sense of Japanese history.”

Presented by Ros Taylor. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Daily: ARABIAN VORTEX – Understanding Yemen’s nightmare Mar 11, 2021

Yemen is suffering the world’s worst humanitarian crisis, a conflict that has killed some 100,000 people since 2015 and left 24m in peril. Now it’s dragging countries across the region into its vortex. How did we get here? Exactly how are Saudi Arabia and Iran involved? Will the election of Joe Biden make a difference? Arthur Snell talks to Laura Cretney, a PhD student at Durham University who works with charities in the region, to disentangle a nightmare confrontation between Houthi rebels, the Yemeni government and multiple foreign interests.

“For many young men, the best and most lucrative way to provide for their families is to take up arms.”
“This isn’t just a proxy conflict between Saudi and Iran. There are a LOT of regional rivalries here.”

Presented by Arthur Snell. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Logo and branding by Mark Taylor. Music: Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Robin Leeburn. The Bunker is a Podmasters production

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Daily: How the fantasy religion VALKISM powers the Far Right Mar 10, 2021

Amid the chaos of the Capitol Invasion of January 6, keen observers could spot the iconography of Valkism, a weird confected “religion” born out of video game culture that’s now empowering QAnon and far right politics. Former Government advisor and BBC and Reuters correspondent Amil Khan tells Arthur Snell about the crossover of video games, 4Chan, 8Chan and far right politics which produced Valkism and what it means for the fight against extremism.

“Some of these people want to create an alternative reality where their political fantasies can play out.” – Amil Khan
“If you’re inspired by the idea of a Nazi alternative universe in a video game, you may well be attracted to far right politics.” – Arthur Snell
“We like think that we’re stable, rational people and the nutters must be from somewhere else. Well, the US Capitol riots disproved that.” – Amil Khan
“We tend to see extremism as a foreign problem... But this is a British problem, because it feeds off our problems at home.” – Amil Khan

Presented by Arthur Snell. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers: Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. The Bunker is a Podmasters Production

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Back In The Jug Agane – Britian’s skools reopen Mar 09, 2021

It’s the end of an era! As parents collapse weeping to their knees in a fug of gin, has home schooling changed how we teach kids? Will in-school testing stick? And will the experience shine a light on the God-awfulness of the National Curriculum? PLUS: After that derisory nurses’ pay offer, how long ’til the U-Turn? Porklife as the Government shovels “levelling up” money to Tory constituencies. Farage retires! Again! And why can’t we stop collecting stuff?

Ros Taylor, Ahir Shah and Arthur Snell join Alex Andreou for this week’s panel edition.

“Perhaps forcing a young woman to dress up and endure whatever hatred the press want to throw at her is inhuman. And perhaps we should stop doing it.” – Ros Taylor
“Even the most loving and caring parents are saying OK, please take this away from me, I don’t know what a quadratic is.” – Ahir Shah
“It’s fair to say that parents trust the heads rather more than they trust Gavin Williamson.” – Ros Taylor
“Like a lot of parents I thought, how hard can teaching be? Turns out it’s QUITE difficult…” – Arthur Snell
“What’s a fronted adverbial? Trust me, you’re happier not knowing.” – Ros Taylor
“If I have to do a spreadsheet for a pint, I will do a spreadsheet for a pint.” – Ahir Shah

Presented by Alex Andreou with Ros Taylor, Ahir Shah and Arthur Snell. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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International Women’s Day Special: A Bunker Of One’s Own Mar 08, 2021

What does today’s International Women’s Day stand for when we’re in the middle of a new wave of feminism? What can women expect from government when its fill-in Equalities Minister thinks there ought to be a Minister for Men? Naomi Smith presents a special edition with regulars Nina Schick and Minnie Rahman plus special guest Jude Kelly, former artistic director of the Southbank Centre and founder of the WOW – Women of the World – Foundation.

“It always irritates me when a man says ‘I’m interested in feminism because of my daughter’. Well, didn’t you care before?” – Jude Kelly
“It’s no good just having someone like Priti Patel in cabinet, unless there’s a matching political will for gender equality.” – Minnie Rahman
“Having to persuade and listen for centuries has given women fantastic negotiating skills – and men can really learn from that.” – Jude Kelly

Presented by Naomi Smith with Nina Schick and Minnie Rahman. Produced by Jelena Sofronijevic. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Daily: BACK IN THE USSR? Author Sergei Lebedev on Russia’s unquiet past Mar 05, 2021

Novelist Sergei Lebedev writes forensically detailed books which uncover how Soviet history still exerts its power on modern Russians. According to the New York Review of Books he’s “the best of Russia’s younger generation of writers.” He talks to Alex Andreou about his latest novel, the COVID-relevant thriller Untraceable; precarious life in the new Russia; and how the Soviet Union might be dead but it’s never truly buried.

“I’m witnessing my country returning to its past. And I wouldn’t want to be a person who does nothing about it”

Presented by Alex Andreou. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Daily: TRUST ISSUE – Why are minorities avoiding the COVID jab? Mar 04, 2021

Why are so many minority patients rejecting the COVID vaccines and what can healthcare do about it? Vaccine hesitancy in minority communities is threatening to turn the pandemic into a specific crisis for marginalised and non-white populations. Ayesha Hazarika talks to Dr Salman Waqar, GP and General Secretary of the British Islamic Medical Association, about a problem with deep roots in the historic marginalisation of BAME people.

“When we tell BAME communities that this vaccine will save your life, many of them won’t take what you say at face value”
“I’ve seen elderly vaccination patients crying because it was the first time they’d been out since March 2020”
“A lot of the NHS’s non-white workforce has struggled to get its voice heard… We’re still not seeing that workforce represented in NHS management”
“The biggest killer in COVID is economic deprivation – and minority communities happen to be more poor”

Presented by Ayesha Hazarika. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Daily: LITTLE ENGLAND vs GLOBAL BRITAIN – with ex-ambassador Peter Westmacott Mar 03, 2021

Just how global can Britain be if we’re becoming ever-more insular after Brexit? Naomi Smith talks to Peter Westmacott, former ambassador to Turkey, France and the USA, about the hidden prejudices that influence international relations, whether the advent of Biden will turn back the tide of populist nationalism, and his new book They Call It Diplomacy.

“A French colleague once asked me point-blank, Why do you English hate us so much? I don’t believe we do – but there is definitely a Little Englander mindset.”
“There was an old Iranian joke that if you hold up Khomeini’s beard you’d see MADE IN ENGLAND underneath.”
“Leaving the EU was never a legitimate way of dealing with immigration from places outside the EU.”
“I remember saying Be very careful when you call a referendum because you might get an answer that’s nothing to do with the question on the ballot papers.”

Presented by Naomi Smith. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Logo and branding by Mark Taylor. Music: Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Robin Leeburn. The Bunker is a Podmasters production

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THE FAKE NEWS FIGHTBACK with guest Alan Rusbridger Mar 02, 2021

Would you get get a vaccine passport if it meant you could go out to eat, drink and dance? Even if it created a two-tier Britain? Special guest Alan Rusbridger joins us to talk about his new book News And How To Use It, the crisis in journalism and how we fix it. And Frasier is coming back. Is this a good idea? Hardcore fangirl Yasmeen has thoughts.

“Journalism is as essential as ambulances or the police…” – Alan Rusbridger
“Vaccine passports? This is the Government wasting time thinking of solutions to problems that don’t exist” – Ian Dunt
“You don’t want Mark Zuckerberg regulating your speech. But you don’t want Government regulating your speech either.” – Alan Rusbridger

Presented by Andrew Harrison with Yasmeen Serhan and Ian Dunt. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Will Sunak bring the pain? – Start Your Week with Arthur Snell Mar 01, 2021

Will Wednesday’s Budget see the end of Sunshine Sunak or will the Chancellor put off the reckoning with financial Armageddon again? How will you spend the last week of home schooling? And what about that new Brazilian variant? Arthur Snell sets out the coming week for Andrew Harrison.

“Margaret Thatcher is the divinity all the old Tories worship, but this party’s agenda couldn’t be further from hers.”

Presented and produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Weekend extra: ROBERT MAXWELL’s cash from chaos Feb 28, 2021

Bully, liar, tyrant, fantasist, thief on a monumental scale – just ask the Mirror pensioners – and narcissist of an even greater magnitude, Robert Maxwell was a villain for whom the term “disgraced newspaper tycoon” seems pitifully small. Yet as former Evening Standard and Telegraph journalist John Preston’s new book Fall: The Mystery Of Robert Maxwell shows, the horror of Maxwell’s early life explains (if not excuses) the monster he became. How did Maxwell fool, and then fleece, the publishing world?

“If you worked in Fleet Street in the 80s there was no escaping Maxwell…”
“You have to seen Maxwell through the prism of what happened to his family in the Holocaust. There was enormous rage and guilt there.”
“Robert Maxwell was gripped by a simultaneous desire to sit at the top table, and also to kill everyone else at that top table.”
“Maxwell was both ridiculed and feared, often by the same people.”

Presented and produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Daily: Life after Mutti? GERMANY’s post-Merkel future Feb 26, 2021

After an initial COVID response that was lauded as an example to the world, Germany has experienced an unexpectedly harsh second wave. What will that mean for the twilight of the Merkel Era? Is Germany’s strange opposition coalition of libertarians, alt.rightists and anti-vaxxers just fringe politics or something more serious? And what comes after Merkel? The Economist’s Berlin bureau chief Tom Nuttall explains all to Justin Quirk.

“When the COVID numbers are totted up, Germany will still turn out to be one of the places in Europe where you wanted to be”
“When the pandemic hit, support for Merkel’s Christian Democrats shot up.”
“The Green Party in Germany really wants power. It craves it. And it’s positioned itself very much as a centrist party.”
“The big question is, how big is the Merkel Bonus for the CDU?”

Presented by Justin Quirk. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Daily: THE ACCIDENTAL PRESIDENT – The disasters that made Trump Feb 25, 2021

Was the Trump Presidency just a publicity stunt that got out of hand? Film-maker James Fletcher’s new documentary on the 2016 campaign The Accidental President is streaming now on Amazon and Apple TV. He talks to Dorian Lynskey about what fed the Black Swan event of the Trump presidency, how Trump’s freestyle campaign left his Republican rivals with nothing to say, and how it could be that – even after four years of chaos and corruption – Trump increased his popular vote in 2020.

“This was an insane conflagration of events”
“The Republicans slept-walked into the 2016 election and a complacent Hillary Clinton thought it was in the bag.”
“This was a freestyle, open-mic campaign… Any professional campaign advisor would have told Trump to do exactly the opposite of what he did.”
“Hillary Clinton just could never convincingly explain why she wanted to be President.”
“Democrats just laughed at Trump without understanding what a serious danger he posed.”
“Has Trump really changed the system forever? Are we really that shallow and ridiculous?”

Presented by Dorian Lynskey. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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MICHAEL HESELTINE talks to Ian Dunt: “Keep the faith. Brexit is a disaster.” Feb 24, 2021

Our 250th edition! In the Thatcher governments of the 80s Michael Heseltine was the loudest voice for embattled One Nation Toryism. In later years he’s become a hero to Remainers, eventually paying for his Europhilia with expulsion from the party. Ian Dunt talks to him about the future of Toryism, what it was like to work with Margaret Thatcher, what he makes of Keir Starmer… and whether circumstances will force Boris Johnson back to the One Nation Toryism we thought he’d driven out of the party.

“The most sensible thing for Britain is to reapply to join the EU. It won’t happen soon – but it should.”
“Yes, Margaret Thatcher would have pandered to popular opinion. She was a politician. But she would never do anything as reckless as leaving the Single Market.”
“The words of the Levelling Up agenda are fine. What’s completely missing is the deeds.”

Presented by Ian Dunt. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Logo and branding by Mark Taylor. Music: Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. The Bunker is a Podmasters production

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Weekly: Guest DAVID BLUNKETT on Johnson’s unlocking gamble and Starmer’s “nightmare job” Feb 23, 2021

As the Roadmap to Unlocking is unveiled, are Johnson’s plans over-cautious, reckless, unrealistic or maybe… reasonable? Special guest former Home Secretary David Blunkett joins us to explain what it’s like to make decisions in a crisis, what he thinks of Keir Starmer’s performance so far, and whether he rates Priti Patel. Plus, do we need a deradicalisation programme for angry white males?

“If opposition leaders are constantly calling for people to resign and then they don’t, it tends to make them look a bit weak.” – Ayesha Hazarika
“If Governments want to show how tough they are, they should choose opponents their own size – and maybe not misguided young women.” – David Blunkett on the Shamima Begum case
“One type of extremism breeds another. You can’t counter one extreme group by creating another.” – Ayesha Hazarika
“On 9/11 there wasn’t a single person in Cabinet that panicked. I was amazed.” – David Blunkett
“Starmer’s got a nightmare job because Labour can’t get a hearing… and because the Government are being forced to enact a social democratic programme.” – David Blunkett

Presented by Dorian Lynskey with Ayesha Hazarika and Arthur Snell. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Remember “outside”? Start Your Week with Ros Taylor Feb 22, 2021

Will Boris Johnson’s “schools first” plan for unlocking England placate the headbangers of the CRG? What about those desperate for a beer that’s not from a can? Can Keir Starmer out-caution the PM? And what’s going on with Johnson’s latest wheeze, a subterranean roundabout under the Isle of Man? Ros Taylor sets up the week ahead.

“This is bad news if you’re a pub landlord – and good news if you’re an off-license flogging cheap tinnies.”
“Starmer’s moment is not now. He’ll never prosper in the middle of a successful vaccine rollout.”

Presented and produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Daily: “If you can’t see it, you can’t be it” – Fixing history’s woman problem Feb 19, 2021

After decades of feminist thought, why is history still a parade of men and the things they’ve done? The writers, poets and teachers behind the Twitter initiative @OnThisDayShe are putting women back into history, one day at a time – and they’re not leaving out the serial killers. Jo Bell, Tania Hershman and Ailsa Holland of @OnThisDayShe talk to Jude Rogers about why history leaves women out, their new book, why women don’t have to be heroes… and how your best ideas can come on a day out at the local treacle market.

“If you can’t see it, you can’t be it.”– Tania Hershman
“The way we talk about history is revealing. A man is said to have done something. A women is always ‘reputed’ to have done something.” – Jo Bell
“Even if women are recognised in their own time, they’ll often be forgotten by history afterwards.” – Ailsa Holland
“Women’s history is always expected to be somehow uplifting. But it’s not history’s job to be inspiring.” – Jo Bell
“If I’d know at school about some of the women we’ve featured it would have changed my whole outlook on life.” – Tania Hershman
“This isn’t women’s history. It’s everyone’s history, with women put back in.” – Jo Bell

Presented by Jude Rogers. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers: Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. The Bunker is a Podmasters Production

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Daily: The man who ran Britain Feb 18, 2021

What does it mean to be indispensable? From Major through New Labour to the Coalition, the late Civil Service giant Jeremy Heywood was to a key advisor to four Prime Ministers, and Cabinet Secretary to two. Theresa May described him as “the greatest public servant of our age”. His widow Suzanne tells Ros Taylor about her new book What Does Jeremy Think?, what it took for Jeremy Heywood to manage crises from Black Wednesday to Brexit, and how he handled the duty of pushing through policies he himself feared were wrong.

“Jeremy had been in training to get the best result out of Brexit for Britain for almost all his professional life…”
“It was only while writing the book that I realised how close the UK came to a total banking collapse during the Financial Crisis.”

Presented by Ros Taylor. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Logo and branding by Mark Taylor. Music: Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. The Bunker is a Podmasters production

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Daily: Will the Gulf end up owning sport? Feb 17, 2021

From the ownership of Manchester City and Paris St. Germain to motor sport in the Middle East to the Beijing Olympics, questionable regimes are laundering their reputations by association with elite sport. Does “sportswashing” work, and what can fans do about it?Murad Ahmed, Sports Editor of the FT and host of their Business of Football Summit, gives Andrew Harrison the inside track on sport’s dirty secrets.

“No fan of a sports team thinks of themselves as a consumer of a global brand. But that’s exactly what marketing directors think.”
“The sports market has been completely distorted by ownership by Middle Eastern states.”
“The weaponising of fans to go after critics of your country is really worrying.”

Presented and produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Logo and branding by Mark Taylor. Music: Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. The Bunker is a Podmasters production

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Corona Calamities and Climate Emergencies with guest CAROLINE LUCAS MP Feb 16, 2021

Britain’s COVID policy has failed women so badly that organisations from Amnesty to the Fawcett Society have called for the EHRC to intervene. Why can’t our blokey-bloke Cabinet understand that more than half the population is being hit harder by the virus – and getting less help? Plus special guest Caroline Lucas MP explains the radical, cross-party Climate and Ecological Emergency Bill. And as Samira Ahmed (possibly) takes over Mastermind, what are our panel’s specialist subjects and starters for ten?

“Three million and more people have had no support since March. That’s unforgivable. And it hits women disproportionately.” – Caroline Lucas
“We need a lot more bolshy, aggressive, assertive policies if we’re going to get gender parity around COVID and beyond.” – Miatta Fahnbulleh
“To be fair to the Government’s sense of imagination, they have found imaginative ways to spread COVID” – Ahir Shah
“When you have a PM who uses terms like ‘girly swot’ and ‘big girl’s blouse’, that’s not someone who’s very interested in gender equality.” – Caroline Lucas

Presented by Naomi Smith with Miatta Fahnbulleh and Ahir Shah. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Start Your Week: HEY, MR QUARANTINE MAN with Ian Dunt Feb 15, 2021

As enforced hotel quarantine kicks in, will closed borders mollify the increasingly restive Covid Recovery Group? And brace yourself for an entirely unnecessary War on Woke as the Government invents the Free Speech Champion – the worst superhero ever. Ian Dunt sets out the coming week for Andrew Harrison.

“You’d imagine that closed borders and quarantine would be exactly what the CRG want.”
“We won’t see much of Labour on the war on woke. But we haven’t seen much of Labour on anything lately.”

Presented and produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Daily: PUTIN’S NEMESIS? Navalny’s Big Gamble, with Luke Harding Feb 12, 2021

When opposition figurehead and recovered Novichok target Alexei Navalny flew back to Russia to lead democracy protests, he took an enormous personal risk, of which instant imprisonment was only a part. Could Navalny’s mix of street demos and slick social media mockery really destabilise Putin’s regime? Luke Harding, author of Shadow State : Murder, Mayhem and Russia's Remaking of the West, explains the background to Navalny’s gamble… and the meaning of the casino, nightclub and “aqua-discotheque” in ‘Putin’s Palace’.

“Navalny shone a light on corruption – not just by Putin, but his friends.”
“Navalny’s return to Russia was one of the bravest things I’ve ever seen.”
“Putin is a dictator. It’s a tired old show that Russians are tired of watching.”
“Navalny’s popularity is clearly growing. If you can get people to protest in minus fifty, you must be cutting through.”

Presented and produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers: Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. The Bunker is a Podmasters Production

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Daily: Read fiction to save democracy, with writer George Saunders Feb 11, 2021

The American writer George Saunders won the 2017 Booker Prize with Lincoln In The Bardo and is an award-winning author of short stories. His new book A Swim In A Pond In The Rain explains how short stories work with the aid of Chekhov, Turgenev, Tolstoy, and Dorian Lynskey is a fan. George Saunders talks to Dorian about his “shovel in the fictive graveyard”, being a working class writer in a middle class world, the value of “looming catastrophe” in life and art… and why reading fiction is the best training for spotting lies in loved ones, colleagues and politicians.

“I had the idea that literature was a beautiful gilded mansion and I had to leave all my real shit at the door. And it’s not true.”
“Our basic storytelling gland has to do with curiosity”
“My job as a writer is to get to a place where the world doesn’t surprise me.”
“A story isn’t a monolithic whole that comes from the writer’s moral qualities. It’s a magic trick made out of fragments of language.”
“When you’ve got an administration that rejects enlightenment values they’re not susceptible to satire. And I found that with Trump.”

Presented by Dorian Lynskey. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers: Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. The Bunker is a Podmasters Production

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Daily: Death Trap Homes – The post-Grenfell cladding scandal Feb 10, 2021

Even after the horror of the Grenfell Fire, millions of people are still living in homes with cheap, inflammable cladding – and the effort to fix it has stalled. Steve Cole, head of corporate strategy at the housing association Clarion, and Inside Housing’s award-winning editor Peter Apps tell Naomi Smith about a scandal that’s been inexcusably neglected, how austerity paved the way for this tragedy, and how to force the Government to take action before another disaster.

“There are up to 4.6m flats affected by dangerous cladding and that’s 11m people. That’s equivalent to the entire population of London.” – Peter Apps
“British homes are like US cars. They’re only energy efficient because they run on cheap fuel.” – Steve Cole
“Why should the taxpayer pay to fix a problem of the construction industry?” – Peter Apps
“Regulation isn’t worth much of it’s not enforced… Austerity took a lot of expertise and enforcement out of local government.” – Steve Cole

Presented by Naomi Smith. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofrenijevic. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. The Bunker is a Podmasters Production.

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Whose Flag Is It Anyway? Feb 09, 2021

Can Keir Starmer re-energise Labour by connecting it to the symbols its old voters admire? And why are progressives so neurotic about patriotism? Plus, with Russia and China distributing Sputnik and Sinovac around the world, are COVID vaccines a surprisingly hard tool of soft power? And why is supposedly ‘Global’ Britain giving up on learning foreign languages? Ahir Shah, Yasmeen Serhan and Arthur Snell join Andrew Harrison for this week’s panel edition.

“To a lot of us the Union Jack only means two things: the World Cup, or fear.” – Ahir Shah
“Rich countries need to understand that they may have all the vaccines, but it doesn’t mean they’re more immune.” – Yasmeen Serhan
“What the outside world doesn’t realise is, Putin’s popularity in the polls is dropping fast.” – Arthur Snell

Presented and produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Logo and branding by Mark Taylor. Music: Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. The Bunker is a Podmasters production

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Start Your Week: Every Port’s In A Storm – with Alex Andreou Feb 08, 2021

What to watch out for in the next seven days: Trumpeachment II and the Republicans’ Faustian bargain with their own fantasists, worsening import-export crisis in Britain’s Brexit-battered ports, Labour exposes the Government’s crony contracts and more. Alex Andreou marks your card for the week ahead.

“The in and out valves to this country are jammed.”
“Haulage is not a curve, it’s a tipping point. At some point, it will become unprofitable for these businesses to trade in the UK.”
“Covid-19 is no longer an emergency, it’s a fact of life.”

Presented and produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Logo and branding by Mark Taylor. Music: Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. The Bunker is a Podmasters production

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Daily: LEADERS OF THE NEW SCHOOL – How leadership is changing Feb 05, 2021

Are the rules that make powerful people powerful changing? Can they still bank on the old myth of the superhuman CEO or political leader? Business journalist from the Telegraph, Evening Standard and beyond James Ashton has just published The Nine Types Of Leader: How The Leaders Of Tomorrow Can Learn From The Leaders Of Today. He talks to Alex Andreou about how leadership is changing.

“The pendulum has swung from alpha dominated populists to diplomats – from Trump to Biden.”
“I hate these words like passion and authenticity – but a leader has to be believable.”
“There are still plenty of arrogant thin-skinned leaders around, who need to be surrounded by people who just say the right thing”

Presented by Alex Andreou. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Time to end the disastrous democratic experiment? Nick Cohen talks to Jason Brennan Feb 04, 2021

If democracy is so great why does it keep producing such terrible results? Nick Cohen of The Observer talks to Georgetown University political philosopher Jason Brennan, author of Against Democracy, about what it means when sweeping democratic mandates arise from underinformed voters. Do people really vote on the basis of policy or simply to be part of the gang? Should you have to pass a test before you can vote? Would Jason criticise our system in front of a Belorussian protestor? And what can Iron Maiden teach us about what’s wrong with democracy?

“A key problem is, the average voter basically knows nothing about politics…”
“For most people, the act of voting is a little like kicking your dog because you’ve had a bad day at work.”
“The average citizen in a democracy is much more authoritarian than the societies they live in. What’s checking them is the elites.”
“Why is it so good to live in liberal democracies? Is it because they’re democracies – or because they’re liberal?”
“Voters aren’t stupid. It’s more a question of, Is it even worth my while for me to know this stuff?”

Presented by Nick Cohen. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofrenijevic. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Daily: JOBS FOR THE DROIDS – the future of work with Dr Carl Benedikt Frey Feb 03, 2021

Technology will displace 47% of all jobs, said Dr Carl Benedikt Frey in a study he co-wrote called The Future Of Employment – a paper so influential that it’s at the centre of jobs policy for governments across the world. But what will replace those jobs? Will anything replace them?

In his new book The Technology Trap Dr Frey describes how the same job destruction and extremes of poverty and great wealth that took place in the Industrial Revolution are happening all over again thanks to artificial intelligence and Big Data. So how will we work in the future? Should we celebrate the end of boring, repetitive jobs? And how can we plan for jobs of tomorrow when we can’t even conceptualise them?

“The scale of jobs that are replaceable by technology – but that’s only a part of the question”
“Machines perform poorly in creative or social tasks. That’s where most new jobs will be created.”

Presented by Alex Andreou. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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The NHS’s moment of truth – with guest Roy Lilley Feb 02, 2021

Britain’s vaccination programme is undoubtedly working. Do we have to grit out teeth and admit our political opponents have done at least one thing right? Healthcare commentator Roy Lilley tells us the mood among NHS workers. Plus: small business goes under the political bus, the murky world of doses for data, will we ever travel for fun again – and what the hell is happening in Italy? Ros Taylor and Ayesha Hazarika join Andrew Harrison for the weekly Bunker panel show.

“The NHS is on the ragged edge. It’s hanging on by its fingernails” – Roy Lilley
“The vaccine rollout will be a powerful argument in favour of paying more tax for the NHS” - Ros Taylor
“Labour was always associated with red tape. Now the Conservatives are strangling business with it” - Ayesha Hazarika

Presented and produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Start Your Week: VACCINE PEAKS with Yasmeen Serhan Feb 01, 2021

Vaccination steps up, Trump’s legal shenanigans, Paul Dacre to OFCOM, Myanmar, Navalny and the fallout from the EU’s terrible decision on vaccine exports. Yasmeen Serhan of The Atlantic tells Andrew Harrison what to watch out for in the coming week.

“Myanmar will reveal whether the US is going to be the country that stands up for democracy again.”
“The emerging COVID variants are a warning that we aren’t safe until we’re all safe.”
“Trump authorised the Capitol insurrection. There was merch, for God’s sake.”

Presented and produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Special: The SPANISH FLU and You – with Nick Cohen and Laura Spinney Jan 31, 2021

What can the Spanish Flu of 1918 tell us about coping with Coronavirus – and maybe the next pandemic too? Nick Cohen of The Observer talks to Laura Spinney, author of Pale Rider: The Spanish Flu Of 1918 And How It Changed The World, about the lessons from possibly the greatest public health disaster in history.

Did populations weakened by the First World War provide a fertile breeding ground for the Spanish Flu? Is democracy really at a disadvantage when dealing with pandemics? Will post-COVID generations have to face up to the inherent viral dangers of eating meat? And the myth of a new Roaring Twenties: will we go from a new Spanish Flu to a new Wall Street Crash without a an intervening Jazz Age?

“What matters is the level of trust in a society. If it’s not there when the outbreak happens it’s very hard to create it.”
“Populations tend to bounce back rapidly from pandemics for the simple reason that pandemics tend not to destroy your capital cities.”
“This is the first digitally-witnessed pandemic. Every detail has been tracked and traced.”
“Every strain of flu that has ever circulated began as a pandemic. But the Spanish Flu was at least 25 times as virulent than most strains.”

Presented by Nick Cohen. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofrenijevic. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Daily: Northern Powerhouse – MAXÏMO PARK’s Paul Smith rocks down in lockdown Jan 29, 2021

How does a band make widescreen, forward-thinking communal rock music when they’re suddenly locked down miles away from one another? And when your keyboard player has moved to Australia? Paul Smith of Newcastle postpunk adventurers Maxïmo Park tells Dorian Lynskey about finding inspiration in strange places, recording an album on WhatsApp and jerky FaceTime calls, writing about Brexit and Grenfell… and the myth of levelling up the North.

“Whatever we might do to try and conceal it, our true nature always comes up through the cracks.”
“My faith in Boris Johnson to roll out the vaccine and save the live industry is low – and it wasn’t high to begin with.”
“I don’t want to be the North East guy with a chip on his shoulder… but it’s going to take a lot of levelling up to level up Stockton.”
“The live music industry is worth a lot to the Chancellor, whether he knows it or not”

Presented by Dorian Lynskey. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Logo and branding by Mark Taylor. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters production

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Daily: “This is battlefield medicine” – Frontline COVID Doctor Rachel Clarke Jan 28, 2021

How does it feel to work in the thick of the pandemic and spend time with patients you know will die? Rachel Clarke is a doctor in Oxfordshire who works in palliative care and her new book is Breathtaking: Inside The NHS In A Time Of Pandemic. She talks to Ros Taylor about the incredible personal stress of frontline medicine in the pandemic, the price Britain has paid for Boris Johnson’s “unforgivable” refusal to take the hard decisions, the death threats she’s had for telling the truth about COVID, and why we’re still so determined to look away from Britain’s appalling death toll from Coronavirus.

“I feel murderous with rage and blind with fury when I hear the Prime Minister trot out his glib claims of success.”
“I never in a million years thought we’d ever let things get as bad as 2020 again. Yet now we’re in worse conditions than that first peak.”
“Boris Johnson knows he promised to protect the NHS and he has manifestly failed.”
“The cruelest aspect of this pandemic is that all the ways we show our love are the ways that COVID spreads.”
““The unforgivable thing is not learning from your mistakes, and in Britain we’ve had a litany of mistakes”
“If our Prime Minister wasn’t being given the science, or worse decided to juggle it for his own political imperatives, then that’s inexcusable”

Presented by Ros Taylor. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Daily: “A death sentence for live music” – FISH ex-Marillion on the Brexit red tape nightmare Jan 27, 2021

The Government’s shoddy EU Deal means the live music business will have to cope with mountains of red tape it thought was in the past. Singer FISH, ex- of prog rock legends Marillion and now a successful solo touring artist, set out the details of this nightmare in a blistering social media post at the weekend. Now he talks to Andrew Harrison about how the strangling complexity of permits and visas will choke off emerging British talent even when COVID lifts, and why the Government isn’t even pretending to help small businesses I one of Britain’s true global industries.

Find out more about Fish and buy aptly-titled new album Weltschmertz at fishmusic.scot

“This will kill new bands wanting to establish themselves in Europe.”
“We could be playing seven cities in ten days before we know someone is infected.”
“Most Europeans learned English through rock and pop songs.”
“Our albums are three times more expensive now – they cost 31 euros on the continent”
“I was supposed to retire in 2022. That’s out the window.”

Presented and produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Shadows Of The Empire with guest Sathnam Sanghera – plus VACCINE NATION Jan 26, 2021

Is the UK’s vaccination effort finally an actual British success story… for the NHS, not the Government? Exactly how are the vaccines different and how do they work? Special guest Sathnam Sanghera joins us to talk about his new book Empireland: How Imperialism Has Shaped Modern Britain, how the British Empire still haunts our present, and the unsurpassable joys of blanking Julia Hartley-Brewer. Plus should we all stop saying woke?

Miatta Fahnbulleh and Arthur Snell join Dorian Lynskey for the weekly Bunker panel show.

“In the middle of a pandemic, Robert Jenrick takes time to talk about defending statues? That’s Imperial thinking.” – Sathnam Sanghera
“There are loads of reasons to be totally disappointed with this government… but we shouldn’t fall into the trap of saying everything they do is a failure.” – Arthur Snell
“We’ve never confronted the British Empire simply because it’s so painful. Massacres, wars… and a few railways. It’s not fun.” – Sathnam Sanghera
“Churchill said the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre was a crime. Was HE woke?” – Sathnam Sanghera

Presented by Dorian Lynskey. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Start Your Week: LOCKDOWN SHOWDOWN with Naomi Smith Jan 25, 2021

As Britain approaches the horrific landmark of 100,000 COVID deaths, will lockdown hawks force the Government to reopen the economy too soon – again? Plus the worsening mess in customs, import and export. Best for Britain launches a campaign to get COVID support to the 3m workers that Sunak forgot. And it’s bad news for hedgehogs as Chris Grayling takes up their case. Naomi Smith sets out the week ahead with Andrew Harrison.

“The Covid Recovery Group is no more interested in our recovery from Covid than the European Research Group was in researching Europe.”
“The best things in life are free, but for everything else there’s ‘sovereignty’.”
“People won’t wake up until they have to pay customs via chip-and-pin at the doorstep.”
“Rollback of workers’ rights is a Brexiteers’ wet dream.”

Presented and produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Special: England’s divided soul – Nick Cohen talks to JAMES HAWES Jan 24, 2021

What does Englishness even mean in a land so splintered by class, geography, language and even post-colonial neuroses that it barely understands itself? And how far back would you draw the North-South divide? To 1066? Or maybe to the Jurassic period? James Hawes, novelist and author of the riotously readable Shortest History Of England, talks to The Observer’s Nick Cohen about England’s murky past and murkier future in a new occasional series of one-to-one conversations.

“The Norman Conquests were a long, grinding and demeaning process for the English. It was the slow annihilation of a culture.”
“England hasn’t existed as a separate state since 1707… Instead you had a polyglot empire of different nations.”
“When English people stand up and say ‘We’ve lost our Empire’, well you never had one in the first place, mate.”
“We were able to beat the French because we’d created this extraordinary combination of aristocrats and businessmen that we call ‘gentlemen’.”
“Even now, we automatically fall back into Northern gits and Southern bastards. This stuff runs deep.”
“It’s been so long since the English have had to look at the problems of being English that I can’t see it ending peacefully.”

Presented by Nick Cohen. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofrenijevic. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Daily: CAPTAIN AMERICA – Biden vs the Four Horsemen Jan 22, 2021

America’s new President faces four overlapping crises – the COVID pandemic, the teetering economy, festering racial inequality and looming climate change. Does Joe Biden have the political resources to turn them around? And what about the fifth crisis, the poisoning of American democracy under Trump? The FT’s Associate Editor Edward Luce – Author of The Retreat of Western Liberalism – tells Andrew Harrison about the horrors in Biden’s in-tray.

“The left wants heads on pikes – but Biden will resist that.”
“Biden is inheriting low hanging fruit with Trump’s poor vaccine policy.”
“Expect an information war, as much as anything else.”
“Rejoining Paris on day one is very symbolic. But Biden’s environmental policies are more ambitious than that.”

Presented by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Daily: Will the real GEORGE ORWELL please stand up? DJ Taylor talks to Dorian Lynskey Jan 21, 2021

Few writers’ words and ideas are abused daily on the Internet as much as George Orwell’s – and now most of his work is out of copyright. On the anniversary of Eric Blair’s death, we present a champion Orwell-off. Dorian Lynskey, author of The Ministry Of Truth, talks to DJ Taylor, author of Orwell: The Life, about Blair’s underrated works and over-cited quotes, David Bowie’s 1984: The Musical, and why Orwell would have baulked at the modern misuse of “Orwellian”.

“Orwell’s life and legend now fit perfectly the roles we’ve created for them.” – DJ Taylor
“Words have been so redefined now that ‘Orwellian’ is routinely used as the opposite of everything that Orwell stood for.” – DJ Taylor
“Orwell was an imperfect man of his time, and very good at dramatising his own life.” – DJ Taylor
“Orwell hated writing film reviews so much that he paid his friend Inez Holden to go and watch the plays for him.” – DJ Taylor
“Anthony Powell used to say ‘How George would have loved to be a poet killed in the war…’.” – DJ Taylor

Presented by Dorian Lynskey. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Daily: Donald Trump – The Final Word with Mary Trump Jan 20, 2021

On the last day of Donald Trump’s warped presidency, his niece Mary Trump – psychologist and author of Too Much And Never Enough: How My Family Created The World’s Most Dangerous Man – reflects on the making of a man who impressed his psychopathologies on a nation. How does a person get like this? What is it like when a family member places the entire world in peril? And could a defeated Trump represent an even worse danger to American democracy?

“For the first time in his life he can’t spin a loss into a win. And it’s driving him crazy.”
“At a very deep level, Donald knows he’s never been truly successful and has no skills.”
“When Donald was elected I knew he would do to my country what he and his father had done to my family.”
“What shocks me is that there are people on this planet who are weaker than Donald. I didn’t think that was possible”
“In the election, if he was going down, he would try to take the rest of us with him. And that’s exactly what he did.”
“Failure to live up Fred Trump’s demands got you destroyed. And that’s what happened to my dad.”
“If the cameras disappear, Donald ceases to exist.”

Presented by Jude Rogers. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Republic Enemy: Trumpeachment And Beyond Jan 19, 2021

As the Trump Presidency finally, finally ends, will the Republican Party be forced to choose between American democracy and the madness of the Trump-enraged base? Can Biden convince the world that America’s holiday from reason is over? Plus COVID spikes in Ireland, Singapore uses virus tracking to erode human rights, and Wikipedia is turns 20 [citation needed]. Ayesha Hazarika, Brian Klaas and Ahir Shah join Andrew Harrison for the weekly Bunker panel show.

“Trump got more criticism from Meryl Streep than Vladimir Putin.” – Brian Klaas
“Trump’s legacy is that we are permanently high on the sugar rush of dramatic news.” – Ayesha Hazarika
“Should we call Trump a fascist? If there’s a boot stamping on my face I don’t care about the brand of the boot.” – Ahir Shah
“Trump was a useful idiot to Putin, and every despot around the world.” – Ayesha Hazarika

Presented and produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Start Your Week: TRUMP SEASON FINALE with Alex Andreou Jan 18, 2021

As America prepares to inaugurate Joe Biden as President, can his predecessor squeeze any more crookedness into his remaining days in power? And will the feared violence in American state capitols materialise? Plus as lockdown reacts its first mandatory review, the Government tries to cut benefits and working people’s rights. Alex Andreou sets up the week ahead.

“Trump isn’t unusual. He’s every bully – every Biff from Back to the Future – I’ve ever met.”
“This episode of Trump is over. But there are seasons more to come.”

Presented and produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Bonus: JOHN CURTICE on politics after the pandemic Jan 17, 2021

In a special extra edition we ask, what will our politics be like after COVID (eventually) lifts? Will we find, like in 1945, that suddenly everything has changed? John Curtice, politics professor at Strathclyde University and senior fellow at think tank UK in a Changing Europe, tells Naomi Smith about the new economic consensus that could emerge from the post-Corona wreckage; how Labour should differentiate themselves from the Tories in a radically changed country; and whether education, welfare and the governance of the country itself could be transformed.

“Johnson is a meddler, an intervener, he wants to use the power of the state to get things done”
“Do not presume that COVID is going to change attitudes”
“The arrival of Boris Johnson as Prime Minister marked the end of the neoliberal project in Britain”
“There are plenty of centre-right voters in Scotland, they just don’t necessarily vote for the Conservatives”

Presented by Naomi Smith. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Daily: The ARAB SPRING ten years on Jan 15, 2021

“Rarely have people sacrificed so much for so little.” The great uprisings across the Arab world in 2010-12 began in hope and ended in bitter disappointment, with hardline rule strengthened in many Arab countries. On the tenth anniversary of the event that began the Arab Spring, the overthrow of the Tunisian government, we talk to two experts – journalist for the BBC, Vice and LA TimesZahra HankirandKhaled Diab, author of Islam For The Politically Incorrect – about what this great rebellion really achieved, how the pandemic has shown the weakness of these supposed strong regimes, and where the spirit of the Arab Spring could rise again.

“When people say the Arab Spring ‘failed’, it’s just a way to take the thunder out of the idea that people can make change happen.” – Khaled Diab
“The Arab Spring is not done, as long as people and activists are still trying to make change happen. That spirit is still alive.” – Zahra Hankir
“In the Arab world, it’s not the people who don’t get democracy – it’s the leaders.” – Khaled Diab
“They couldn’t kill the idea, so they locked up or silenced everyone who advocated that idea.” – Khaled Diab

Find out more about developments in the fight for freedom in the Arab world at:

Presented by Dorian Lynskey. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Daily: ¡Populista! The deadly allure of Latin America’s left wing strongmen Jan 14, 2021

Before right wing populists set about ruining the world, it was Latin America’s left wing populists – the likes of Chávez, Ortega and Castro – who rattled the West and threw their own countries into tumult. Why is the strongman’s hold on his country’s politics so unyielding? Will Grant, BBC Latin America correspondent and author of Populista!, joins us from Mexico City to explain how the people’s representatives became authoritarians and despots, what it’s like as a journalist targeted by a real-world army of footsoldiers as well as online trolls, and certain dictators’ early fondness for Blairism…

“It was a real baptism of fire living under Chávez. As the media, you were always in his line of fire.”
“We saw godlike status being bestowed on some very fallible men”
“Some of these men are frighteningly militaristic and conservative… They created the conditions for the likes of Bolsonaro.”
“Reagan’s obsession with Ortega was huge… His fixation fuelled a war that killed thousands.”
“There’s a real appeal of the caudillo, the strongman who will come in and sort it all out.”
“Living and working in these environments, it stretches you as a journalist like nothing else.”

Presented by Dorian Lynskey Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Daily: The “BLACK WAVE” that engulfed the Middle East Jan 13, 2021

From the Iranian Revolution to the invasion of Afghanistan, events in 1979 turned the tides on decades of liberalisation across the Middle East. Kim Ghattas, journalist and author of Black Wave: Saudi Arabia, Iran, and the Forty-Year Rivalry That Unraveled Culture, Religion, and Collective Memory in the Middle East tells Alex Andreou about our misconceptions of the Middle East and her journey as a reporter. Have Iran and Saudi Arabia, and Sunnis and Shias, always been at each others’ throats? Was Bin Laden a “naïve revolutionary”? And what Biden can take from Trump’s policies on Iran…

“I couldn’t believe that no-one had written a book that brings the story of the whole region together before – but no-one had”
“My parents were more concerned about my safety and gun crime in the US than in Lebanon.”
“Not every Iranian woman wore a miniskirt, but before 1979, they had the freedom to choose.”
“The book’s for a Western audience – but it’s also for us in the region, to understand what happened to us, where we went wrong. And how we can undo some of it.”
“Today, we only talk about religion at the extremes. But Iran’s progressive, liberal, pluralistic core were often devout Muslims.”
“Trump’s renewed pressure on Iran has actually been welcomed by many Iranians”

Presented and produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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AMERICAN PSYCHO: Trump tries to burn it all down Jan 12, 2021

Can the Democrats win the race to impeach Donald Trump before he wreaks irreparable damage on American democracy? Will Trump’s expulsion from social media neuter him or drive his base even crazier? And did that rioter REALLY taser himself to death, in the balls? Plus: Britain thinks MUSIC IS GREAT but not great enough to support. How the travel industry will resurrect itself. And why Joe Biden has China over a barrel… really.

Alex Andreou, Naomi Smith and Arthur Snell join Andrew Harrison for the weekly Bunker panel show.

“Every outrageous act by Trump is cover for the previous one” – Alex Andreou
“America needs a domestic deradicalisation programme.” – Alex Andreou
“Governments bail out banks, not Banksy” – Naomi Smith
“In his own way, Xi Jinping is making China great again.” – Arthur Snell

Presented and produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Start Your Week: CANCELLING THE TRUMP SHOW with Ros Taylor Jan 11, 2021

Can Democrats impeach Trump fast enough to prevent more damage to American democracy – or would that enrage his base further? And what will his ejection from social media mean? Plus, Government failures to plan on COVID and freight exposed, and Keir Starmer wobbles on the EU. Ros Taylor sets up the week’s coming events.

“Never mind long-term… the Government lacks even medium-term planning on Covid.”
“There are only 100,000 police in this country. It’s impossible to enforce strict lockdown and maintain police by consent.”
“Starmer has succeeded in making Labour electable again. But now, people need a reason to vote for Labour that isn’t ‘he’s not that fucker Johnson’.”

Presented and produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Daily: Why post-COVID abortion rights must stay Jan 08, 2021

It took a global pandemic to revolutionise Britain’s outdated abortion provision but the changes need to be made permanent. Quality-controlled termination “pills by post” have been made available during the pandemic– but under current law, GPs still can’t provide abortion medication without clinical advice too.

Katherine O’Brien, Associate Director at the British Pregnancy Advisory Service, tells Naomi Smith why we need to expand the “telemedicine” provision, drop the “completely unnecessary” requirement for women who need abortions to attend clinics, and bring abortion law into the 21st century on a permanent basis. Otherwise the most vulnerable women and girls could be forced back in to accessing high risk, unregulated black market pills via the internet.

“It’s 2021 but any woman who obtains an abortion without the advice of two doctors can still face imprisonment under a law from 1861.”
“Sadly, it took a global pandemic to modernise a healthcare service that one in three women will require in their lifetime.”
“If you believe women should have safe access, you should back these changes.”

Presented by Naomi Smith. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Emergency: The Siege of Washington DC Jan 07, 2021

In scarcely believable scenes, a mob goaded by Donald Trump invades America’s Capitol building, trashing Congress offices, shooting into the debating chamber and forcing senators and staff to flee. Four people die. What does this unprecedented assault on democracy mean for Joe Biden’s presidency and for America’s future? UCL Politics Professor and host of the Power Corrupts podcast Brian Klaas explains.

“Coups try to remove presidents from power. This one tried to keep one in power”
“The Republican Party has created a monster they can’t control”
“Trump leaves on January 20th, but the Trumpian voter base does not.”
“Today’s Republican Party are arsonists dressing up as firefighters.”
“Trump isn’t deemed fit to Tweet – but he’s in control of the world’s biggest nuclear arsenal for the next thirteen days.”

Presented and produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Daily: Hitler’s long shadow Jan 07, 2021

Why does Hitler still cast a shadow on our politics? How do you re-examine the Nazis’ record without inadvertently fuelling Holocaust denial? Historian Prof. Frank McDonough, author of new book The Hitler Years: Disaster 1940-1945, explains why we still don’t understand the enormity of the Third Reich’s crimes, why the unstoppable German Blitzkrieg was a myth generated for home consumption, and why a Britain obsessed with the War really does need another book about Hitler.

“Hitler still casts a long shadow over the present. The Third Reich is a lesson on how democracy can be destroyed from within.”
“People say, don’t we know enough about the Third Reich already? And the answer is no, far from it.”
“There’s an old saying: The Russians gave the blood. The Americans gave the money. And Churchill gave the speeches.”
“We in Britain badly need a grown-up attitude understanding of the Second World War as an alliance, not as Britain standing alone.”

Presented and produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Daily: What’s in it for me? Why SELF-INTEREST isn’t so bad Jan 06, 2021

Why has self-interest become such a dirty word (or words) in politics? Why do we always assume the worst motives in our opponents? And if voters keep on disappointing progressives by voting against their supposed economic interests, do we need to revise our idea of what self-interest really is? Thomas Prosser, author of What’s In It For Me? Self-Interest And Political Difference explains why we should stop worrying and learn to love the concept of self-interest.

“Reflecting on self-interest takes the sting out of politics.”
“Progressives – unlike conservatives – aren’t so good at recognising the validity of self-interest.”
“Self-interest isn’t just economic, it’s cultural. That’s where Remainers went wrong on Brexit.”
“There’s an argument that the 2017 Labour manifesto was the least redistributive ever.”
“Awareness of self-interest makes us more tolerant.”

Presented and produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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On Her Majesty’s Sidelined Service Sector – with guest Dmitry Grozoubinski Jan 05, 2021

Britain’s £80bn trade sector was left out of Johnson’s vaunted Brexit deal. Why, and what does that mean? With Lockdown III (or is it IV, V or VI?) about to be launched, has No.10 definitively lost control of the Pandemic? And what should we keep an eye out for in 2021?

Yasmeen Serhan, Ian Dunt and special guest Dmitry Grozoubinski – international trade expert and former WTO negotiator for Australia – join Andrew Harrison for the first BUNKER of the new year.

“Ironically enough, in the end it turned out Johnson wasn’t the ‘cake and eat it’ guy at all.” – Ian Dunt
“You’ve got a President on record ordering officials to re-calculate votes in his favour? I’m still capable of being surprised by Trump” – Yasmeen Serhan
“The idea that the Government isn’t in control is a truism amongst the public” – Ian Dunt

Presented and produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Logo and branding by Mark Taylor. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters production

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Start Your Year: What’s coming in 2021 with Arthur Snell Jan 04, 2021

Joe Biden’s in-tray is packed but will the 46th President’s energies be consumed by repairing the damage of Trumpism instead of his own agenda? What lies in store in flashpoints around the world from Taiwan to Turkey to the Western Sahara? And will the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks see the Taliban restored to power in Afghanistan? Arthur Snell plots out the year ahead.

“Are we really in a place when many American voters don’t believe in democracy, or is it just when Trump is on the ballot paper?”
“It’s extraordinary that we could get to the end in Afghanistan almost where we began, with the Taliban back in government.”
“By the end of the year, there’ll be a new cast of people that we don’t recognise in control of politics.”

Presented and produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Halfway Between The Sex Shop And The Crematorium: The 20 Worst Moments of 2020 Dec 22, 2020

From Barnard Castle to bleach injections to ward off COVID, from Matt Hancock trying to cry on TV to “will you just shut up, man?” it’s been a year of ignominy and idiocy – as well as twelve months of pain, failure and tragedy. But what were the worst bits? Yasmeen Serhan, Arthur Snell and Ahir Shah join Andrew Harrison to remember the most shameful moments of a year everyone wants to forget.

“What a fantastic afternoon of television that Cummings press conference was…” – Ahir Shah
“Johnson’s fatal flaw isn’t overpromising. It’s that he doesn’t give a fuck about anything.” – Arthur Snell
“Every government announcement should be followed by an asterisk – subject to change, terms and conditions may apply.” – Yasmeen Serhan

Presented and produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Logo and branding by Mark Taylor. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters production

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2020 Hindsight: The Tories’ year of living dangerously, with DAVID GAUKE Dec 21, 2020

How it started, how it’s going… This was a year that blew up Boris Johnson’s plans for post-Brexit Britain and forced the Conservatives into uncharacteristic economic intervention. What has 2020 done to a newly-purified party of true believers? Former Conservative MP David Gauke tells Ros Taylor about the state of the New Tories, what would have happened if Cameron hadn’t called a referendum on the EU, and how the Conservatives have become “a party of protest, not government”.

“It’s a discontented party. It’s uncomfortable. And it’s rebellious.”
“It’s now hard to see that there’ll ever be pro-European advocacy in the Conservative party again.”
“There’ll be a gravitational pull towards those socially conservative Red Wall voters… Anyone who’s expecting a return to Cameron-style government will be disappointed.”
“The Tory Party has taken on the personality of a newspaper columnist, rather than a traditional party of government.”

Presented by Ros Taylor. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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2020 Hindsight: LABOUR’s Report Card with NICK COHEN Dec 18, 2020

The Labour Party has just endured its most self-torturing year since, well, last year. Is Keir Starmer beginning to turn the party’s fortunes around? Is the Left’s guerrilla war against the Leadership all noise or is Labour truly in a civil war? Does Corbyn even want to come back into the Labour fold? And above the infighting, is the Opposition doing enough opposing? Nick Cohen of The Observer gives his End of Term Report for the Labour Party to Dorian Lynskey.

“Britain is not a conservative nation – whenever Labour wants to win an election, it wins an election.”
“Oppositions do lose elections, and they do it when people can’t imagine them as a government.”
“Being next to the EU is like being in bed with an elephant. It might not notice you, but you notice everything it does.”
“Of all the hills the Left has chosen to die on, it’s this Trumpian denial of Corbyn’s record on antisemitism.”

Presented by Dorian Lynskey. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Logo and branding by Mark Taylor. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters production

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2020 Hindsight: Inside BLACK LIVES MATTER with Imarn Ayton Dec 17, 2020

How did it feel to be at the centre of protests for racial justice that shook Britain and the world? Imarn Ayton, an actor and drama teacher from Peckham, found herself on front covers and news bulletins across the world after she was given a megaphone at a protest in London – and decided to speak into it. She tells Jude Rogers what BLM has achieved, what was behind the infighting in the movement since the summer, and what needs to happen next.

“Black people have been marching for decades. The real turning point was seeing people of all colours marching in the streets.”
“The litmus test for society is overt racism, not covert racism. But covert racism is what causes the most damage.”
“Most people who adopt and love black culture don’t believe that they are covertly racist.”
“We need to have the most awkward conversations. We are still very much in denial about systemic racism.”

Presented by Jude Rogers. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Logo and branding by Mark Taylor. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters production

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2020 Hindsight: How LOCKDOWN SCEPTICS went to war with reality Dec 16, 2020

Angry, irrational rejection of key public health measures like lockdowns and masks was one of the ugliest aspects of 2020. How did lockdown deniers give scepticism such a bad name? Did the Brexiters’ war on experts make it harder to fight COVID? And deep down, do some lockdown deniers have a point? Alex Andreou talks to Queen Mary University politics professor Tim Bale and FT writer, honorary fellow of the Royal Statistical Society and author of How To Make The World Add Up Tim Harford about the power of wilful ignorance.

“Over the past few years. middle finger, up-yours politics is what has resonated with many, many people.” – Tim Bale
“Many sceptics didn’t go for the principled argument. They just argued that lockdowns kill more people or even that the virus isn’t all that dangerous.” – Tim Harford
“How can the BBC allow business people to act as armchair epidemiologists?” – Tim Bale
“The virus didn’t go away of its own accord. It went away because of the incredible sacrifice that so many people made.” – Tim Harford
“The person in the street probably trusts experts MORE after the experience of COVID than they did beforehand.” – Tim Bale
“Sweden was the poster boy for lockdown scepticism. But when you look at the infection and death figures – and the economy – Sweden is not that different from Britain.” – Tim Harford

Presented by Alex Andreou. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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RORY STEWART on why “Politics is bad for you” Dec 15, 2020

What psychodrama is driving No Deal? Can the Tory Party be rescued from its embrace of nationalist unreason? And what is Boris Johnson like to work for? Former Cabinet Minister and power-walker Rory Stewart joins us Ayesha Hazarika, Arthur Snell and Andrew Harrison for this week’s panel edition.

“Churchill desperately cared about detail… but I couldn’t get Boris to engage in the Foreign Office at all.” – Rory Stewart
“Boris’ Brexit Deal is all about the drama, not the detail.” – Ayesha Hazarika
“International politics is about local wisdom. On Iraq, Labour was too centralised and bureaucratic.” – Rory Stewart
“We’ll still be negotiating with the EU by 2040” - Arthur Snell
“Politics was deeply damaging for my mind, soul, and body… Ultimately, politics is bad for you.” – Rory Stewart

Presented and produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Start Your Week: Johnson’s Dithering Heights – with Ros Taylor Dec 14, 2020

It’s the final, final week where everything definitely goes down to the wire… again. As Boris Johnson ends Brexit as he began it, choosing between two alternatives he doesn’t really believe in or care about, Ros Taylor sets out the week ahead. Plus: Will London go ti Tier 3, will schools close and will Donald Trump ever shut up, man? Also, bidets!

“Johnson is a man hovering on the edge of indecision… He simply cannot make up his mind”
“We cannot seem to let go of him. As long as we remain obsessed with Johnson, we will be trapped in this situation.”
“I guarantee you that Johnson is agonising right now. This is more important than any of his other bad decisions that have ruined this country.””

Presented and produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Daily: Crossing swords with GEOFF NORCOTT, conservative comedian Dec 11, 2020

Never let it be said we don’t mix it up… We lure Geoff Norcott, famously the only* right of centre comedian out there, into The Bunker and attempt a civilised conversation. How does a working class son of a trade unionist end up on the political right? Why does right wing comedy reiterate the same tired punchlines about “wokeness”? And how does he think Brexit – which he voted for – is going?

* Not really, but listen and find out.

“I’m not the ONLY right-wing comedian… but when we have the Christmas party, we don’t have to hire a big room.”
“The idea of a room full of people agreeing with each other doesn’t appeal to me, whoever they are.”
“Every wing of politics has trashed their own brand.”
“Stewart Lee always makes me laugh even though I’m the person he’d probably hate the most.”
“As a straight, white, middle-aged man, yeah I’ve taken advantage of BBC diversity quotas.”
“I’m not anti-woke. I’m anti- bad ideas.”
“I voted for a Deal and if there isn’t one, I’ll be angry.”

Presented and produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Daily: Driving home for COVID? A risky Christmas… Dec 10, 2020

Our 200th edition. Everyone wants to go home and visit their folks for Christmas, right? And the Government is fine with it… right? Christina Pagel of Independent SAGE and UCL’s Clinical Operational Research Unit tells Ian Dunt why packing yourself into unventilated homes with aged relatives, school kids and students might not be a very good idea. What are the best ways to have a safer Christmas? How dangerous is public transport? And what’s worse, hurting your family’s feelings – or damaging their health?

“People are pretty clear about what they OUGHT to do. What they WILL do is another matter.
“It’s really hard to think of home as a dangerous place.”
“The idea that I might give my parents COVID month before they could get vaccinated? I don’t know if I could live with that.”
“We’re all good at social distancing from strangers. But when you’re out with your mum, it’s a different matter.”
“What are the worst things you can do at Christmas? Singing and shouting.”

Presented by Ian Dunt. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofrenijevic. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Daily: Is there LIFE AFTER POWER? Tales of the ex-leaders Dec 09, 2020

One day you’re one of the world’s most powerful people, the next you’re out of work. So what do ex-leaders get up to when they leave office? And are they ever any good at it? BBC Radio producer and author of The Ex-Men: How Our Former Presidents and Prime Ministers are Still Changing the World Giles Edwards takes Ros Taylor behind the closed doors of members-only clubs – and reveals how these ex-men (and women) still shape public life without us even knowing.

“You can get more done in fifteen minutes as Prime Minister than fifteen months as a former Prime Minister.”
“Clinton touched something in the Democratic Party soul that Obama didn’t.”

Presented by Ros Taylor. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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A Fish Called Blunder – plus guest MAGID MAGID Dec 08, 2020

Fishing, level playing fields… as the scales tip the EU Trade Deal, will an arrogant Boris Johnson choose No Deal for the hell of it? The COVID vaccine is here but do we need to brace ourselves for “vaccine nationalism”? Special guest Magid Magid – former Lord Mayor of Sheffield and Green MEP – tells us about generational changes in politics, the green future, and what it’s like when you’re a migrant kid playing “cultural bridge” for your parents. And what do MPs’ Spotify Wrapped lists tell us about the next generation of politicians?

“If the Government don’t get a deal, it will be a point of honour for Johnson not to return to the negotiating table next year.” – Ros Taylor
“People in Brussels are sick and tired of this… They’re in despair with the UK.” – Magid Magid
“Brexit has changed European countries’ attitude to the EU. We’re not exactly bracing for a Frexit or a Swexit.” – Yasmeen Serhan
“We’ve now arrived in a place where nothing short of No Deal will satisfy the Brexit ultras.” – Ros Taylor

Presented by Alex Andreou with Yasmeen Serhan and Ros Taylor. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Logo and branding by Mark Taylor. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters production

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Start Your Week: One Minute to Midnight with Naomi Smith Dec 07, 2020

Audio issues now fixed. “The Deal’s not oven ready – and Johnson isn’t govern ready.” Will the No Deal Doomsday Clock finally tick down to zero before Thursday’s EU summit? Plus, why we need to worry about the mysterious Taxation (Post Transition Period) Bill rather the Internal Market Bill. And is Keir Starmer heading for High Noon with the angry Left? Naomi Smith sets up your week ahead.

“The irony is, this is the most socialist government we’ve ever lived under…”

Presented and produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Daily: How Putin picks his poisons Dec 06, 2020

The Salisbury poisonings were an infamous example of Russian interference in British security. But were they really the first time Novichok was used on British soil? Former US Army chemical warfare specialist and author of Toxic: A History of Nerve Agents From Nazi Germany to Putin's Russia Dan Kaszeta talks to Arthur Snell about assassination, clandestine state conflict, Navalny, and the psychological side of chemical warfare.

“Running alongside the nuclear arms race was a lesser known, but equally important chemical arms race.”
“The method is the message. People who don’t like the Russian regime end up dead.”

Presented by Arthur Snell. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Daily: Social Media Satire with ROSIE HOLT Dec 04, 2020

With comedy venues closed by COVID, comedians are turning to social media to carry out the essential public service of mocking politicians and politics. One person taking the twittersphere by storm during lockdown is award-winning actor and stand-up Rosie Holt. She speaks to Minnie Rahman about the transition from the stage to social media, the inspiration behind her humour, and why this Government is so easy to parody.

“You have these politicians who rush to defend Boris Johnson, and then they look pretty stupid when he u-turns”
“The culture war videos are easy to do because they are so reactionary”
“I don’t think the Government has any understanding of the arts industry”
“It’s a really exciting time for satire, but only because the Government is awful”

Presented by Minnie Rahman. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers: Jelena Sofrenijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Daily: FUTURE IRELANDS – Northern Ireland special edition Dec 03, 2020

Will Brexit really lead to Ireland reunifying and leaving the Union, in a final irony for English nationalism? In a special edition on the future of the island of Ireland we talk to Neale Richmond (Fine Gael TD for Dublin Rathdown), Ulster Unionist Party MLA and former leader Mike Nesbitt, and Claire Hanna (SDLP MP for Belfast South). Is the rancour finally leaching out of Northern Irish politics? Will a European identity trump a British one?Is a border poll really coming? And what do people in the Irish Republic really think of Boris Johnson?

“Sinn Fein are the greatest force against a united Ireland.” – Neale Richmond

“I am an Ulsterman, but I’m also Irish, British, and European…if you were to deny me any part of that mixture, you will diminish who I am.” – Mike Nesbitt
“It’s not the territory that’s divided, it’s the people.” – Claire Hanna
“The UK leaving the EU means the greatest vehicle for co-operation on the island of Ireland is ending.” – Neale Richmond
“The government in Westminster wants to possess Northern Ireland like a toddler wants to possess a toy.” – Claire Hanna
“Sinn Fein are the greatest force against a united Ireland.” – Neale Richmond
“We need to get away from the idea that we're pure Brit or pure Gael, because very few of us are.” – Mike Nesbitt

Presented by Naomi Smith. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Daily: Will LYING LEADERS destroy liberalism? Dec 02, 2020

In the age of “reactionary populism”, larger-than-life characters trump competence. Can liberal democracies survive the age of the performative strongman? Political economist and author of This is Not Normal: The Collapse of Liberal Britain William Davies tells Dorian Lynskey about Trump, truth, and television politics – and why the death of neoliberalism might be a win for democracy.

“Competence implies something governmental and administrative. That’s not Trump.”
“The character of Boris has been cultivated over time. He’s a promises, not policy, politician.”
“Neoliberalism colonises the political sphere with economics, and makes it a sham. That’s damaging for popular participation.”

Presented by Dorian Lynskey. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Have Yourselves A Mini Little Christmas Dec 01, 2020

Patreon people get the podcast early… As Boris Johnson unlocks Britain for the tiniest Christmas ever, is he just admitting that the public no longer listens to government? What will hacking back the overseas development budget mean for ‘Global Britain’? (Spoiler: it’s bad). Has COVID made Universal Basic Income more likely? And why do we want a “normal” Christmas anyway? Miatta Fahnbulleh, Naomi Smith and Alex Andreou join Andrew Harrison to open the Advent Calendar of Aaaaargh.

“We’ve gone from being a country that others trust, to one eyed with suspicion.” – Naomi Smith
“Good politics isn’t following the polls, it’s doing the right thing and then convincing people that it’s the right thing“ - Alex Andreou
“If Covid-19 has shown anything it’s that when a human sneezes halfway around the world, the whole world coughs.” – Naomi Smith

Presented and produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Start Your Week: SUBSTANTIAL MEALS, INSUBSTANTIAL DEALS with Alex Andreou Nov 30, 2020

Are we in for the first parliamentary crisis of the pandemic? Will Boris Johnson have to rely on Labour votes to get his post-lockdown tiers-based restrictions past rebellious Tory MPs? Is the EU deal really going to fall apart over fish, a mere 0.1% of the economy? And will these negotiations with the EU ever end? Alex Andreou sets out the week ahead.

Presented and produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Daily: Can a TRILLION TREES save Earth’s biodiversity? Nov 27, 2020

The climate emergency brings a nightmare threat to biodiversity, with disastrous knock-on effects to human economies as well as the natural world. Are governments doing enough to protect and restore threatened ecosystems? Ecologist and chief scientific advisor to the UN’s Trillion Tree Campaign Thomas Crowther tells Jude Rogers about the urgent need to reverse global deforestation – starting at the grassroots.

“The loss of ecosystems is not just essential for climate change. It’s essential for our ongoing livelihoods.”
“It’s not just putting trees in the ground. We need to recreate and reintegrate nature.”
“Global restoration does not happen from the top-down decisions. It happens from an immense bottom-up movement.”
“Tree restoration is not enough… we need thousands of solutions to tackle climate change.”

Presented by Jude Rogers. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Daily: Can Biden remake Trump’s Middle East? Nov 26, 2020

From Israel to Iran, Donald Trump thought he could reset the Middle East. His fixation on the region defined the last four years of US foreign policy. But what will Biden’s presidency mean for America and the Middle East? Senior policy fellow at the Foreign Policy Research Institute Michael Stephens talks to Arthur Snell about oil, oligarchs, and outbreaks – and if Trump’s unorthodox approach has actually secured some wins…

“Arab states are recognising Judaism as part of their cultural identity. You wouldn’t have seen that ten years ago.”
“How Biden deals with Iran will set the tone in the Middle East for the next four years. From there, all else flows.”
“Al Qaeda and ISIS have not gone away. People forget that there’s still war in Syria.”

Presented by Arthur Snell. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Daily: FAREED ZAKARIA on Trump’s twilight and the post-COVID dawn Nov 25, 2020

CNN’s Fareed Zakaria is one of the best-known journalists on the planet, reaching 200m people weekly with Fareed Zakaria’s GPS. He talks to Ros Taylor about the aftermath of Trumpism, Biden’s prospects for changing the West’s trajectory on climate change… and why the COVID aftermath might lead to a release of hedonism on a par with the Jazz Age.

“Trump is playing brilliant politics with the small side effect of destroying democracy.”
“The defence budget is the only non-controversial jobs programme in the United States. It’s a jobs programme disguised as a defence programme.”
“My fear is that the next pandemic will come from factory farming.”
“It’s absolutely fair to describe what Trump is doing as an attempted coup. It’s just going to fail.”
“Our biggest mistake is to imagine that nature is fond of humans.”

Presented by Ros Taylor. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Along Came A Pfizer Nov 24, 2020

The Labour grief-fest won’t abate. What do the Labour Left actually want? Victory, or just to burn the party down? Now that we’re moving into the pick-up-the-pieces phase of COVID, what have we learned and what should we do with it? Special guest Christina Pagel of UCL and Indie SAGE has thoughts. And what should a Minister for Men look like? Long-lost regular Ahir Shah returns – with exciting dinosaur news!! – to join Ian Dunt and Dorian Lynskey for this week’s political crime scene reconstruction.

“The more you look at the behaviour of the left, it shows a psychological process rather than a political one” – Ian Dunt
“At least you can now explain that the Democrats are called the Democrats because they’re the ones who believe in democracy…” -– Dorian Lynskey
“What would we do different? I don’t know, EVERYTHING?” – Christina Pagel”
“I’m hesitant to get excited about vaccines until I have Pfizer in one arm, Moderna in the other, and I’m doing a line of Astra-Zeneca.” – Ahir Shah
“The depressing thing about COVID is that the Government doesn’t seem to have learned anything from it at all.” – Christina Pagel

Presented by Dorian Lynskey with Ahir Shah and Ian Dunt. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Logo and branding by Mark Taylor. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters production

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Start Your Week: Winter Blunderland with IAN DUNT Nov 23, 2020

With lockdown about to give way to “it’s not lockdown, it’s tiers,” is it worth another superspreader event to “save” Christmas? Will Rishi Sunak’s spending review be the free-spending Chancellor’s last hurrah? Will this Brexit deal ever be decided? Ian Dunt breaks down the week with Andrew Harrison.

Presented by Ian Dunt. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Daily: PAYE Up For Freelancers, Sunak Nov 20, 2020

When Chancellor Rishi Sunak doled out taxpayers’ money on free Wagamamas, he failed more than 3 million people who have received no financial support from the Government whatsoever. Broadcaster turned campaigner Ellie Phillips tells Naomi Smith about the plight of PAYE freelancers who are ineligible for furlough, and the work she’s doing with campaign group Forgotten PAYE who want parity for the self employed.

“This goes through every single profession in the country.”
“Nearly 2.5 million have fallen through the gaps in income support.”
“The Government talks about levelling-up, but this is the ultimate levelling-down”
“Sunak is pushing people into poverty and punishing those who create jobs… it just makes no sense.”

Presented by Naomi Smith. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers: Jelena Sofrenijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Daily: What makes a great PM? IAIN DALE talks to Ian Dunt Nov 19, 2020

Who’s number one in No.10? And which governmental loser is tandem inter pares? Commentator, LBC broadcaster, author and “not a fan of Boris Johnson” Iain Dale tells our own Ian Dunt what makes Prime Ministers succeed and fail – and how Boris Johnson’s Churchillian fantasies match up to reality.

“Clement Attlee is among our greatest Prime Ministers but he wouldn’t have a hope in today’s intense environment.”
“Boris won’t go down as the Brexit Prime Minister. He’ll go down as the COVID Prime Minister.”
“Twitter is blogging on acid, isn’t it?”
“Boris Johnson will enjoy being an ex-Prime Minister a lot more than being Prime Minister.”
“Every Prime Minister wants to be a Churchill… but can you really compare coronavirus with 1940?”

Presented by Ian Dunt. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Daily: Brexit vs The Law with Joelle Grogan Nov 18, 2020

The last four years have seen British politics turned upside down in ways unthinkable in normal times, so much so that constitutional law has become a sticking point. Joelle Grogan, lecturer at Middlesex University and creator of StickyTrickyLaw, talks to Ros Taylor about the clash between Brexit and our courts, what COVID has done to our constitution, and if Biden’s plan to pack the Supreme Court will come off.

“We don’t have the same separation of powers as the US – here, Government and Parliament are synonymous to most people”.
“I found it difficult myself to navigate the laws of the tiers – I even forgot their names”.
“Covid has exposed how health is a devolved responsibility”.
“We’ve seen many governments use the guise of judicial review to strengthen their power”.

Presented by Ros Taylor. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers: Jelena Sofrenijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Carrie On Downing Street Nov 17, 2020

Will the demise of Dominic Cummings clear the air in No.10? How can you stop QAnon and 5G anti-maskers from radicalising your auntie? Is the BBC really in danger from the Government’s public sector broadcasting review? And what is the true meaning of that Mary Woolstonecraft statue – sexist monstrosity, artistic vision, crowdfunding disaster or a bit of all three? Yasmeen Serhan, Alex Andreou and Naomi Smith join Andrew Harrison to sort it all out.

“The BBC overcompensates its liberal bias by overplatforming right-wingers” -– Alex Andreou

Presented and produced by Andrew Harrison with Yasmeen Serhan, Alex Andreou and Naomi Smith. Assistant producers: Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Logo and branding by Mark Taylor. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters production

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START YOUR WEEK: Boris tries it without his Con Dom Nov 16, 2020

Will disposing of Dom enable Johnson to reset as a kindler, gentler government? Will Deal Week turn into Deferment Week yet again? And what will the next seven days mean for the next steps on lockdown? Alex Andreou sets out your week ahead.

“The Government frittered away their post-election honeymoon, and set a tone of snideness and nastiness”
“I’m willing to bet Hancock has threatened to resign multiple times over lockdown in the last few months”
“Carrie Symonds reflects the school of Conservatives who want the old Boris back, not this joyless apparatchik.”

Presented and produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Daily: Pains, Trains and Automobiles Nov 13, 2020

COVID19 has caused the biggest shake-up in transport in over thirty years – with huge bailouts, U-Turns and financial crunches piling up as passenger numbers plummet. Transport writer and broadcaster Christian Wolmar spoke to Justin Quirk what state the sector will be in after the pandemic, and if we can afford the investment we used to take for granted.

“Transport has been forced into a completely new world”
“I can’t see the public transport network reaching 2019 heights for 20 years”
“When you look at the detail of HS2, it’s really not worth it”
“It is the less-sexy, smaller schemes that make the biggest difference to our transport system”
“The idea you could let TFL go bust is fanciful, Sadiq Khan has the Government over a barrel”

Presented by Justin Quirk. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers: Jelena Sofrenijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Daily: DAVID DIMBLEBY on the Iraq War and more, with Ian Dunt Nov 12, 2020

Broadcasting legend and former Question Time host DAVID DIMBLEBY dives into the undiscovered weeds of the Iraq War on his new podcast The Fault Line. He talks to Ian Dunt about the fatal relationship between Bush and Blair, how Iraq began the poisoning of western politics – plus what it’s like presenting election nights, and whether the QT audience really was biased.

“When the facts turn against you as a politician, it’s very difficult to abandon the course you’ve set yourself.”
“Fatally, Bush and Blair accepted the evidence of a charlatan.”
“Social media provides the megaphone, and you have to speak up all the time…doubt, hesitation, and moderation aren’t relevant”

Presented by Ian Dunt. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producer Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Daily: Inside the SPYCOPS bill Nov 11, 2020

The Covert Human Intelligence Sources (Criminal Conduct) Bill known as SpyCops is one of the most controversial pieces of legislation before Parliament – and the Labour Party is only timidly opposing it. Is a bill that permits state agents to break the law defensible? Where do we draw the line? Scottish Labour MSP Neil Findlay explains why he’s campaigning against the CHIS Bill, where Keir Starmer is falling short, and the deeper background of the Undercover Policing Inquiry into 40 years of undercover surveillance.

“We’ve seen appalling crimes committed against ordinary people by agents of the state… ”
“There’s no fascist groups on the list, no extreme right groups. Everyone investigated is on the Left.”
“In Scotland we had the police investigating the police. Surprise surprise, they found there’s nothing to see here, guv.”
“To raise a child and then discover that the father wasn’t who you thought they were… Some of these women consider that they’d been raped by the State.”
“How did a union activist know their phone was being tapped? They wouldn’t pay the bill for two years and never got cut off…”

Presented by Ros Taylor. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producer Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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CLOWNFALL: Donald Trump’s demise – plus Scottish independence Nov 10, 2020

Where were you when the Don went down? And what does Trump’s end mean for Britain? Plus, as COVID, No Deal and general incompetence drive Scotland further away from Westminster, could independence really happen? SNP MP Alyn Smith and pro-union (OR IS SHE?) Scot Ayesha Hazarika thrash it out. And who would our panel most like to spend lockdown with?

“The left is good at laughing at the right – but not at winning power from them.” – Ayesha Hazarika
“This groundswell for Scottish independence is not about Boris Johnson.” – Alyn Smith MP
“The European Parliament is set up to be productive. Westminster is showbiz for ugly people” -– Alyn Smith MP

Presented and produced by Andrew Harrison with Ros Taylor and Ayesha Hazarika. Assistant producers: Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Logo and branding by Mark Taylor. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters production

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START YOUR WEEK: Joe vs the Shapeshifting Creep Nov 09, 2020

Will Trump concede and what happens if he won’t? Can Boris “Britain Trump” make amends to a new President who remembers his “slavish devotion” to his predecessor? Plus: Dido Harding up before the beak in Parliamentary Committee and the small matter of a new civil war in Ethiopia. Arthur Snell sets up the week ahead.

Presented and produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Bonus: America’s next leaders in BOYS STATE on Apple TV+ Nov 08, 2020

A weekend bonus edition: Since 1935 the American Legion has organised summer camps for high school students to learn about US Government, by forming their own political parties and state legislatures. Filmmakers Jesse Moss and Amanda McBaine documented the programme in Austin, Texas, and the resulting film Boys State won a prize at the Sundance Film Festival. They told Dorian Lynskey what they learned about America’s next generation of leaders. Is this really a “conservative indoctrination camp”?

“The American Legion feels like it has one foot in the 1950s and one foot in the 21st century” – Jesse Moss
“We had an incredible window into boyhood and masculinity” – Amanda McBaine
“Some people see politics as a game, win at all costs” – Jesse Moss
“This polarisation we have is not going anywhere” – Amanda McBaine

Presented by Dorian Lynskey. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers are Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Theme tune by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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US ELECTION: One day, like a miracle, he will disappear Nov 06, 2020

As Biden slowly erodes Donald Trump’s leads in the final swing states, we convene our favourite expert regulars for an all-star postmortem of Election 2020. Former Obama staffer Amy Pope, UCL politics professor Brian Klaas and Steve Schmidt of never-Trump Republican political action committee The Lincoln Project look at what Trump has done to American democracy – and how Biden could fix it.

“Democracy doesn’t function in societies where there is no ability to distinguish between the truth and lies” – Steve Schmidt
“There were two elections – one moral, and one political emergency, to remove Trump. We only had the latter” – Brian Klaas
“Trump has already lost. We just have to wait this out.” – Steve Schmidt

Presented and produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Daily: The cult of GUY FAWKES Nov 05, 2020

Was Guy Fawkes really “the last honest man to enter Parliament”, as we keep hearing on Twitter? Or a fore-runner of today’s religiously radicalised terrorists? Why is a villain of the Gunpowder Plot acclaimed as a hero by some in 2020? Nick Holland, author of The Real Guy Fawkes, tells Jude Rogers why Guy Fawkes persists as a symbol… and what we misunderstand about a man who almost murdered thousands in a 17th century atrocity.

“Guy Fawkes is a complicated figure – so both political sides can claim him”
“It’s estimated he’d gathered enough gunpowder to destroy Parliament 25 times over”

Presented by Jude Rogers. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producer Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Daily: US ELECTION on a knife edge Nov 04, 2020

Been to bed yet? Thinking about going straight back? Yasmeen Serhan gives Andrew Harrison her morning-after interim report on the dismal deadlock in the Presidential Election. How has Trump done so well? Can Biden still scrape it? Did the polls get it wrong? And has America just given brutal populism a vote of confidence?

“This election was a test for whether populist politics will stay or not… the fact it’s so close shows that it will.”
“My fear is that millions of Americans will come away from this believing that our system is corrupted.”
“There are other Trumps waiting in the wings”

Presented and produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Wake Me When November Ends Nov 03, 2020

National lockdown, Labour Party breakdown… Trump takedown? As the US election reaches its nightmare final confrontation, small-c conservative and Never Trumper James Kirchick joins us to argue that American democracy won’t end if Trump wins. Plus, what does Jeremy Corbyn’s rejection of the EHRC report mean for fighting antisemitism and fixing the Labour Party? And where were we all – and what did we feel – back in November 2016 when all this started?

“The only way in which Pete Buttigieg’s sexuality really mattered was people on the Left complaining that he wasn’t gay ENOUGH…” – James Kirchick
“I’m torn.Trump is an ogre and a monster but a landslide would endorse many things that the Democrats that I can’t agree with. I don’t want a Great Awokening in America.” – James Kirchick
“Trump has revealed the power of celebrity” – James Kirchick

Presented by Dorian Lynskey with Miatta Fahnbulleh and Nina Schick. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers: Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Logo and branding by Mark Taylor. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters production

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Start Your Week: TRUMP/BIDEN ENDGAME with Brian Klaas Nov 02, 2020

The most expensive Presidential election in history ends tomorrow. BRIAN KLAAS, Associate Professor in Global Politics at UCL, host of the Power Corrupts podcast, and author of How to Rig an Election tells Andrew Harrison about the states to watch, the Red Mirage vs the Blue Shift, voter suppression, the debasement of the Republican Party… and what it means if Trump wins.

“There is no other democratic country in the world where a major party relies solely on driving down the vote.”
“What Trump is talking about is illegitimate beyond belief.”
“If Trump wins, his team has executive orders prepared that could not be countenanced if he had to face election again.”

Presented and produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers: Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Logo and branding by Mark Taylor. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters production

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Daily: A COVID escape route for Britain? Nov 01, 2020

Lockdown II: If the Government can’t come up with a COVID exit strategy, could a coalition of MPs, experts and campaigners provide one? And can Britain cope even if we never get a vaccine? March for Change director Tom Brufatto tells Naomi Smith about the the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Coronavirus’s plan for an independent COVID plan, and why we can’t squander the next full lockdown… which is coming whether we like it or not.

This podcast recorded before Saturday’s announcement of the November Lockdown.

“We are trapped in a cycle of locking down and opening up. It’s means we can’t function as an economy.”
“Either you see it as leaving lives versus the economy – or you accept that you can’t save the economy without saving lives first.”
“We may not have a vaccine next year, or ever. This is about setting Britain up to cope with it.”

Presented by Naomi Smith. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Logo and branding by Mark Taylor. Assistant producers: Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters production

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Daily: CTRL-ALT-DISINFO Oct 30, 2020

When you go online the mildest disagreements can spin out of control into real anger, but why is our internet behaviour so bad? And how is this affecting democracy and public discourse? David Babbs, project lead at the campaign group ‘Clean Up The Internet’ and formerly of 38 Degrees, talks to Arthur Snell about why the online environment has become so hostile, the issues posed by anonymity, and how we can clean up our internet behaviour.

“Anonymity is subject to a lot of misuse”
“Abuse from anonymous accounts has the potential to be even more frightening, you don’t know where that person is lurking”
“MPs are victims in this, they’re on the receiving end of a lot of online abuse”

Presented by Arthur Snell. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers: Jelena Sofrenijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Daily: Our Chemical Romance – Ending the WAR ON DRUGS Oct 29, 2020

With a decades-long failed War on Drugs behind us, is it finally time to accept the inevitable – and let the state regulate illegal substances? Steve Rolles, author and policy analyst at Transform Drug Policy Foundation, tells Ian Dunt how we can break a destructive deadlock. What would public health-oriented drugs policies look like? And what can we learn about what not to do from the commercialisation of alcohol and tobacco?

“There is a growing consensus that the War on Drugs has failed…but no one agrees on what’s next.”
“Prohibition encourages risky drug use. Regulation reverses that.”
“We’re not talking about Ecstasy World Snooker. We’re talking about a strictly regulated market.”
“A state monopoly model, with pharma-style vending. It’s not that difficult.”

Presented by Ian Dunt. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers: Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Eat Nowt To Help Out – plus special guest JESS PHILLIPS MP Oct 28, 2020

The free school meals fiasco sends the Conservative Party right back to its happy place: being mean to poor kids. Special guest JESS PHILLIPS, Labour MP for Birmingham Yardley, joins us to discuss Labour’s future, Starmer’s report card so far, how Birmingham is leading the country, and Aston Villa beating Liverpool 7-2. And our panel reveal the political music that changed them.

“When I first stood for election I didn’t expect hunger to be one of the most important parts of my job” – Jess Phillips
“Behind the scenes, Tories are saying this is an absolute fiasco. ‘We’ve managed to turn the whole country against us.’” – Ayesha Hazarika
“Because of COVID, I feel like I’m going cold turkey from the parts of being an MP that I love.” – Jess Phillips
“I know Johnson wants us to lose weight, but targeting nine-year-olds is a bit harsh.” – Ayesha Hazarika
“I cannot believe how little rebellion has gone on within the Conservatives” – Jess Phillips
“People need to be reminded that Rishi Sunak isn’t spending his own money, he’s spending our money” – Jess Phillips

Presented by Alex Andreou with Yasmeen Serhan and Ayesha Hazarika. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Logo and branding by Mark Taylor. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters production

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Daily: Are BREXIT IDENTITIES still our masters? Oct 27, 2020

Nearly four years after the Referendum, are Leave vs Remain attitudes still driving our politics? Are we stuck with them forever? And how do they map onto other issues like masks, authoritarianism or social liberalism? Paula Surridge, a political sociologist at the University of Bristol, talks to Naomi Smith about what the tumult of the past half-decade has done to British politics, and whether we’re still vulnerable to a hellish US-style polarisation.

“Around half of people say they have a ‘very strong’ Brexit identity… but that means that half don’t.”

“The idea of ‘Culture War’ misrepresents people in the Red Wall. They don’t actually want all these cultural arguments.”

Presented by Naomi Smith. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producer Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Daily: Start Your Week with Ros Taylor Oct 26, 2020

Will the Special Boat Service raid on a hijacked tanker take the country’s minds off the Government’s continued mishandling of COVID? Why are we shortening quarantine periods when people aren’t even observing the existing rules? Has No.10 successfully stonewalled the free school meals fiasco? And will Dido Harding make it to Friday? Ros Taylor sets up the week ahead.

Presented and produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers: Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Daily: TRUMP-BIDEN debate – Crazy Uncle’s Last Stand? Oct 23, 2020

The last confrontation between Donald Trump and Joe Biden avoided the shame of the first debate, but did it change the dynamic of the race? And how come we didn’t discover a mute button back in 2016? Thomas Gift, Associate Professor of Political Science at UCL, gives Dorian Lynskey the verdict on the election’s final stand-off.

“This was Trump’s last chance to speak to America… and he needed to flip the script.”
“For Trump, some days Biden is a secret agent of the Far Left and on others, he’s Washington Establishment.”
“Campaigns are poetry, but politics is prose.”
“In the first debate, Donald Trump set a bar so low it’s not surprising Joe Biden cleared it.”

Presented by Dorian Lynskey. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers: Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Daily: WALES vs. COVID – How clean are my valleys? Oct 22, 2020

Is Wales really setting the COVID agenda for the rest of the UK? As the “firebreak” comes down, former special advisor to First Minister Mark Drakeford turned political consultant Cathy Owens talks to Jude Rogers. Is Wales responding better to lockdowns than England? What is the pandemic doing to support for Welsh nationalism? And why it’s not all about trying to keep English tourists out.

Audio note: Includes sound effects live from Cardiff!

“This is a time for boring competent leadership, not Churchillian speeches and promising the moon.”
“We don’t want Boris and his chums to be in charge of Wales.”
“Wales leading Westminster? That’s the opposite of what we see happening here.”
“People in Wales voted for Ukip just like the English. We do get the Daily Mail here…”

Presented by Jude Rogers. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producers: Jelena Sofronijevic and Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Will the King In The North bend the knee? Oct 21, 2020

Recorded before No.10 imposed a solution on Manchester. With Manchester refusing to accept Government terms to enter Tier 3, and Wales heading for a ‘circuit-breaker’, what does rebellion in the regions mean for the Government’s lockdown strategy? Have Senate Republicans left it too late to stop themselves going down with the Donald? And our panelists travel back in time to discuss their formative political experiences.

“The Government doesn’t understand the needs of these communities and the people there” - Minnie Rahman
“Westminster is an old boys club, and even a pandemic doesn’t seem to have changed that” - Minnie Rahman
“People don’t trust Westminster to get COVID right” - Arthur Snell
“Ever since Brexit, London has been out-of-kilter with the people in power” - Arthur Snell
“Trump has destroyed the traditional Republican Party” - Arthur Snell

Produced and presented by Andrew Harrison with Nina Schick, Arthur Snell and Minnie Rahman. Assistant producers are Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Theme tune by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Daily: Inside New Zealand’s Ardern of Eden Oct 20, 2020

Are progressives right to get so excited about Jacinda Ardern? She’s won admiration for her handling of the COVID crisis and the massacre in a Christchurch mosque – and for crushing New Zealand’s equivalent of Ukip. Toby Manhire, editor of The Spin-Off in NZ and former Guardian comment editor, joins us from Auckland to explain what New Zealand has got right and wrong – and what Britain can learn from Ardern’s “relentlessly positive” Kiwi revolution.

Presented by Ros Taylor. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producer Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Start Your Week: The North hits back with ALEX ANDREOU Oct 19, 2020

As Boris Johnson falls out with everyone – Manchester, Brussels, scientists, his own Northern MPs – what can we expect for the biggest crisis week since last week. Alex Andreou tells us what to expect from the EU talks-that-aren’t talks, Westminster’s stand-off with the North, and Donald Trump’s last stand.

Presented and produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producer Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Daily: Turning misogyny into terror Oct 16, 2020

A poisonous online culture of misogyny is radicalising young men to hate women – producing terrifying consequences from routine rape and death threats against female politicians to actual violence and murder. Author of Men Who Hate Women and founder of the Everyday Sexism project Laura Bates posed as a young boy to infiltrate these online worlds and discover how they groom kids as young as 11 into misogyny. She tells Naomi Smith how the paranoid worlds of Men’s Rights Activists, Incels and “MGTOW”s create a conveyor belt to the extreme right – and what we have to do about this growing threat.

“This is terrorism. We just don’t call it that because the victims are women”
“You can trace the paths of men who made their name through GamerGate to the extreme right.”
“We need to give young men a sense of purpose and value in the real world so they don’t get it from these extremist digital communities.”

Presented by Naomi Smith. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Logo and branding by Mark Taylor. Music is "Systematic" by Lee Rosevere. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters production

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Daily: On Your Bike, Britain! Oct 15, 2020

More bikes and fewer cars on the road has turned out to be one of the unexpected dividends of COVID. But can Britain ever get to an Amsterdam-style paradise of bikes? And will Britons ever stop raging about cyclists? Coventry’s Cycling Mayor Adam Tranter – he’s all bike chain, no gold chain – tells Justin Quirk what’s needed to get Britain into the saddle.

“Most people don’t know this but Coventry practically invented the modern bicycle.”
“Paris has transformed into a bike-friendly city in less than a year. If you build it, they will come.”
“If we’re not careful we could lose this moment to change our streets and cities for good.”
“With lockdown, people felt like they could use bike safely with the family for the first time in decades.”

Presented and produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producer Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Weekly: It’ll End In Tiers Oct 14, 2020

Has the Government’s emergency tier strategy broken the short-lived compact between the Conservatives and the North? Is new government spokesperson Allegra Stratton more than just a human shield for former communications genius Boris Johnson? And does the Government really want us all to retrain as boxers, cake decorators and DJs? Special guest Oli Dugmore, Head of News and Politics at joe.co.uk, joins us for Britain’s umpteenth national restart interview.

“What nobody mentions about Rishi Sunak is that he’s probably the richest person in the history of British politics.” – Ayesha Hazarika
“When mayors find out what’s happening in their towns through a blog from Peston, that’s a communications disaster.” – Ian Dunt
“I challenge you to find a Government that has supported the rave scene” – Oli Dugmore
“You’re only as good as your boss, and unfortunately Stratton’s boss is Dominic Cummings” – Ayesha Hazarika

Presented by Naomi Smith with Ian Dunt and Ayesha Hazarika. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Music by Kenny Dickenson. Logo and branding by Mark Taylor. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters production

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Daily: Why strongmen fail the leadership test Oct 13, 2020

If we’re living in an era of strongmen, why are so many (male) leaders failing us all over the world? How do our ideas of leadership need to change? Dr Pippa Malmgren, co-author with Chris Lewis of The Infinite Leader and former economic advisor to President George W Bush, tells Alex Andreou why leaders need to lead differently – why we have to stop rewarding psychopaths – and what we can all learn from Donald Trump.

“We’re seeing leadership failures in every category of the economy. Leaders are failing us everywhere.”
“We’re training people to exercise psychopathic leadership, not empathetic leadership.”
“You might see better leadership skills from a single parent than from the CEO of a major company.”
“The media want certainty – but the public is very tolerant of leaders who say ‘We don’t know – let’s try and find out.’”
“Trump’s delivery is provocative and obnoxious – but he’s very good at creating an emotional response, and emotions move the audience.”
“Some leaders are all about ME and some are all about WE. And we need more WE.”

Presented by Alex Andreou. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producer Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Start your week: Tiers Are Not Enough Oct 12, 2020

Does the Government’s latest, three-tier COVID system make sense – and is the North of England out of patience with Westminster? Will the Agriculture Bill put hormone beef on your plate? And will we finally, finally see an end to the EU Trade Talks saga? Naomi Smith sets up the week ahead.

Presented and produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producer Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Daily: Black barrister, white system Oct 09, 2020

Junior barrister Alexandra Wilson made the news when she revealed how she’d repeatedly been mistaken for a defendant in court simply because she is black. She tells Dorian Lynskey about life as a black barrister in an overwhelmingly white system, what the courts need to do about criminalising people of colour, and what drove her new book In Black and White: A Young Barrister's Story Of Race And Class In A Broken Justice System.

“I’ve had a lawyer tell me that ‘black people are good for business - because they keep killing one another.”
“Until it affects you, people don’t really know how the court system works”
“From the outside, our profession looks as elite as it can get”
“Institutions are only going change if there is a culture shift”
“There has been a misunderstanding of the role of lawyers, our job is to fight for our clients”

Presented by Dorian Lynskey. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producer Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Daily: MASKS under the scientific spotlight Oct 08, 2020

If there’s one symbol of the COVID fight it’s the face mask – but do we understand the consequences of a masked society? Professor Graham Martin, Director of Research at the Healthcare Improvement Studies Institute, tells Ros Taylor why the issue of masks isn’t as clear-cut as we think, why the social dynamic of masks is so important, and how we can improve the quality of debate surrounding COVID-19.

“Science is about debate – it’s about disagreement.”
“What we’re seeing now is science under the spotlight”
“It’s not so much scientific debate that breeds conspiracy theories, but any effort to suppress debate”
“If you see anyone who isn’t wearing a mask, don’t assume they’re doing it out of bloody-mindedness”
“I would say to anyone, if you can wear a mask, do so”

Presented by Ros Taylor. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producer Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Orange Hawk Down – plus Dirty Data Returns Oct 07, 2020

Don’t mask, don’t tell. Will Trump’s bizarre bout with COVID make, break or fatally contaminate the US presidential race? The directors of a shocking new documentary People You May Know join us to explain how US churches used Cambridge Analytica-related data targeting to reach and radicalise vulnerable people – and they reveal the people who want to use this tech to literally rewrite the US constitution. Plus, tips on surviving Lockdown II, guaranteed banana-bread free.

“With 300 data points, a data modeller can predict your behaviour better than your spouse.” – Charles Kriel
“Using Excel to manage a pandemic is like trying to make Toy Story 5 using PowerPoint.” – Alex Andreou
“You find the person who’s suffering the most and you tell them there’s a place for them in your politics.” – Charles Kriel
“He’s trying to inject positivity at a time when there isn’t really any.” - Yasmeen Serhan

You can stream People You May Know on Sundance Now via Amazon – free 7-day trial.

Presented by Ros Taylor with Yasmeen Serhan and Alex Andreou. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Music by Kenny Dickenson. Logo and branding by Mark Taylor. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters production

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Daily: SCIENCE strikes back Oct 06, 2020

How did evidence-based science end up playing second fiddle to demagoguery and populism? And what can we do about it? Prof Luke O’Neill, professor of biochemistry and COVID immunologist at Trinity College Dublin, has written a book with the admirably direct title Never Mind the Bollocks, Here’s the Science. He tells Justin Quirk why we need to fight a rearguard action for science’s primacy in politics, the dirty history of antiscience agitation, and why COVID could be the best thing in decades for the march of reason.

“Science should never be an opinion. It should be a conclusion.”

“Once the data becomes a roar, you can’t ignore it.”

Presented by Justin Quirk. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producer Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Daily: IAN DUNT starts your week Oct 05, 2020

As promised, here's our new thing! What’s coming up this week? IAN DUNT tells us what to watch out for as Conservative Conference ends in a welter of COVID incompetency news, Priti Patel gets nastier, and Matt Hancock prepares to face the music in Parliament.

Presented and produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producer Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Telling the stories of COVID’s victims Oct 02, 2020

Uncovering the personal stories of people who died from COVID-19, Sirin Kale’s Guardian series Lost To The Virus has become one of the most moving reporting feats of the year. She tells Dorian Lynskey about the truth behind the biggest human story of our generation, the special challenges of reporting at a distance, why the “carnage” in our care homes still isn’t understood, and why so many COVID deaths were avoidable.

“I hadn’t expected just how callous some decision-making from central government could be.”
“A clear decision was made that some lives were worth saving and some weren’t.”
“The only way you can make sense of the pandemic is through the individual”
“I get to tell these stories with the depth and humanity that they deserve.”
“111 is going to be one of the scandals of this pandemic. It was nakedly obvious that it was not fit for purpose.”
“I hope there won’t be a need for Lost To The Virus part 2 – but I’m not optimistic”

Presented by Dorian Lynskey. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producer Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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COVID in the courts: The future of Britain’s justice system Oct 01, 2020

Arbitrary Coronavirus regulations and the Government’s brinkmanship over international law are putting the justice system under unprecedented strain. Criminal barrister JOANNA HARDY tells Nina Schick about the impact of COVID on our justice system, the future of the judiciary in a post-pandemic world, and what breaking international law would mean for Britain’s standing on the global stage.

“It’s a very interesting time to be a lawyer, but perhaps not the best time”
“For the justice system, coronavirus has been a spotlight rather than a dam breaking”
“Coronavirus has exposed how out-of-date our court system is with technology”
“It damages Britain’s standing, it damages our ability to criticise other countries and it damages this Government”
“The first role of a government must be to keep order and a sense of justice”

Presented by Nina Schick. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producer Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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The Art of the Steal: Trump’s Tiny Tax Returns Sep 30, 2020

As The New York Times exposes Donald Trump’s microscopic tax returns, will the revelations have any impact on November’s election? With barmy conspiracy theory QAnon making inroads into the UK, will Britain have to get used to a future of totally irrational politics? And if University has been reduced to a distance learning battery farm, will 2020 warp the very notion of youth itself out of shape?

“If you’re a part-time childminder, you paid more tax than the President.” – Justin Quirk
“America is culturally very hard on losers.” – Justin Quirk
“If you hate Trump, this’ll make you hate him more. If you love him, you’ll justify it.” – Ayesha Hazarika
“If you’re looking for normality, a theory of massive paedophile ring is a strange place to look…” – Dorian Lynskey on QAnon

Presented by Dorian Lynskey with Ayesha Hazarika, Arthur Snell and Justin Quirk. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Music by Kenny Dickenson. Logo and branding by Mark Taylor. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters production

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Imperial Hangover: Dr SAMIR PURI on the legacy of Empire Sep 29, 2020

Although it’s over 50 years since most colonies achieved their independence from Britain, on these shores we still seem to living in the shadows of the Empire. Dr SAMIR PURI, author of ’The Great Imperial Hangover: How Empires Have Shaped the World’ talks to Arthur Snell about why Britain is so obsessed with its imperial past, what the ‘Anglosphere’ is, and whether the EU is the modern day empire.

"For all the talk of globalisation, it's what we inherit from our immediate past that still has the greatest traction in setting us in motion."

"Arguing for and against the benefits of empire is a circle that cannot be squared"

"The imperial age is over, but its influence hangs over us, and sometimes threatens to darken our future"

Presented by Arthur Snell. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producer Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Why does GERMANY do everything better? JOHN KAMPFNER knows Sep 28, 2020

Britain might enjoy a (worsening) love-hate relationship with Germany but the UK still can’t understand why they’re so much better than us in industry, political debate and social cohesion. Former BBC, FT and Telegraph reporter JOHN KAMPFNER’s new book is entitled Why The Germans Do It Better: Notes From A Grown-Up Country. He talks to Andrew Harrison about the German political miracle, life after Merkel… and whether Britain will ever get over winning the War.

Presented and produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producer Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Is competition killing us? Sep 25, 2020

Whatever else they argue about, most politicians agree on one thing: competition just makes everything better. But does it? In her new book Competition is Killing Us: How Big Business is Harming Our Society and Planet, Michelle Meagher describes why she quit a job as a market regulator – literally promoting competition – to argue that companies should be made to stop offloading their costs on society, give up obsessing over shareholder value, and make capitalism work for people and the planet.

Presented and produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producer Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Will we be OK? Facing the Climate Emergency Sep 24, 2020

Could there be cause for optimism on climate change? Do individuals have power over our planet’s future? Paul Behrens, author of new book The Best Of Times The Worst Of Times, tells Ros Taylor about the best and worst climate scenarios, why women’s rights are the key to a manageable future, meat, flying, renewables… and how to avoid falling into impotent despair about tomorrow.

“We might have been able to save ourselves with minor changes once. Now we need a complete overhaul in the way we live our lives.”

“The carrying capacity of a planet of carnivores is very different from a planet of vegetarians.”

“There’s a clear path from eco-anxiety to hope, through action.”

Presented by Ros Taylor. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producer Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Lockdown: The Sequel Sep 23, 2020

As COVID cases are back on the rise another lockdown looks likely, but has the Government blown its pandemic response? And how will Britain react to an autumn trapped indoors? Plus, following a scathing report by the Public Accounts Committee, is the Home Office ever going to change its nasty ways? And after Priti Patel called on the nation to dob-in their neighbours for breaking lockdown rules, we ask the panel if they’re likely to snitch anytime soon.

• “Every school and workplace is implementing different measures because there is no clarity” - Minnie Rahman

• “Johnson has lost the country and I’m not sure there is a way of fixing it” - Alex Andreou

• “I don’t think anyone has anything positive to say about the Home Office” - Minnie Rahman

• “We’re going to deter people from coming to Britain who we badly need here” - Naomi Smith

Produced and presented by Andrew Harrison with Naomi Smith, Alex Andreou and Minnie Rahman. Assistant producer Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Testing Times: Dr DAN POULTER MP on Britain’s COVID long haul Sep 22, 2020

COVID has developed from a short-term emergency into a public health crisis that could define the next half century. As Lockdown II looms, Conservative MP Daniel Poulter, former junior Health Minister and chair of the the All Party Parliamentary Group on Global Health, explains the long-term outlook to Naomi Smith – his own experience of fatigue from COVID – and what Brexit might mean for our battle against the pandemic.

Presented by Naomi Smith. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producer Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Power Chords: TOM MORELLO of Rage Against The Machine Sep 21, 2020

Rage Against The Machine’s TOM MORELLO is one of the most charismatic and energising figures in rock’n’roll and politics. He tells Dorian Lynskey about the role of radicalism in rock, protofascism, AOC, Trump, the Presidential Election, cancel culture, and his political journey from a super-progressive childhood – via arguing with teenage Trotskyists at Harvard and working for a US Senator – to spearheading rock’n’roll’s most righteous band.

Tom Morello’s photo memoir Whatever It Takes is available to pre-order now at www.TomMorelloBook.com.

“There’s only two positions when it comes to free speech. You’re either for ALL of it or you’re against ANY of it.”
“If I was in a job where I couldn’t call a damn racist a damn racist, I knew I was in the wrong job.”
“Injustice met me head on in the playground when I was three or four years old.”
“Taking anyone’s ideas off the board is very dangerous – because I know there are people in office who would like to take MY ideas off the board, permanently.”
“Everything is at stake right now. So someone better be singing or rapping about it.”
“Trump vs Biden is not the lesser of two evils. It’s the evil of two lessers.”
“Why do I vote? Because THEY don’t want me to.”

Presented by Dorian Lynskey. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producer Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Nudge dread: Does Behavioural Science really work? Sep 18, 2020

Can we really guide and control human activity by constructing networks of carrots, sticks and semi-invisible hints? Behavioural science AKA “nudge” is key to the UK Government’s COVID response yet, as tech journalist and sceptic Andrew Orlowski says, its roots are questionable and its efficacy debatable. He tells Andrew Harrison why we humans stubbornly refuse to behave like herd animals… … and why Malcolm Gladwell has a lot to answer for.

“If you want to get people fit, it’s expensive to build more playing fields. It’s a lot cheaper just to send out tweets about Mars bars.”
“Behavioural science doesn’t tell you anything about people’s deep motivations which are gradually being erased from the picture.”

Presented and produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producer Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Street Life: Why Britain’s homeless need their stories told Sep 17, 2020

There’s an unseen epidemic of people dying while homeless, and journalist MAEVE McLENAGHAN tells their stories in No Fixed Abode: Life and Death Among the UK's Forgotten Homeless, out this week. She tells Dorian Lynskey what she learned, how there was more to the 2010s explosion in rough sleeping than just austerity… and a radical solution to homelessness: give people places to live.

“From attending the funerals of homeless people I discovered how loved these people were”

“Dehumanisation drives the violence which homeless people experience”

Presented by Dorian Lynskey. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producer Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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The Infernal Market Bill Sep 16, 2020

Boris Johnson wants to blow up the Brexit talks with an Internal Market Bill that shatters international law. Will it blow up in his face?

And on the six-month anniversary of Britain locking down for the first time, we’re joined by Miatta Fahnbulleh of the New Economics Foundation to discuss how the Government got COVID so very wrong.

Presented by Andrew Harrison with Ros Taylor and Alex Andreou. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Music by Kenny Dickenson. Logo and branding by Mark Taylor. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters production

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At War in the Information Battlespace Sep 15, 2020

Digital disinformation from hostile powers is attacking our democracies, but do our politicians even want to stop it? Disinformation expert, security specialist and former US intelligence officer MATTHEW FERRARO talks to Nina Schick about the evolving threat of information pollution, who’s next on the fakers’ hitlists, and why Russia hates 5G.

“To fight back against Russian propaganda, you need to think like a spy”

Presented by Nina Schick. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producer Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Learning from the Germans: SUSAN NEIMAN on how Germany confronted its past Sep 14, 2020

What can you do when your society is responsible for racist atrocities? What should you do? One country trying to atone for their past is Germany. Susan Neiman, moral philosopher and author of ‘Learning from the Germans’, told Ros Taylor about what the U.S. can learn from the way Germany deals with its past, and why the English have been even slower than America in facing up to their national crimes.

“The Germans saw themselves as the worst victims of the war”
“No two pieces of history are exactly alike”
“Every nation would like to see its people as heroes”

Presented by Ros Taylor. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producer Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Khanspiracies: AMIL KHAN on our post-truth COVID world Sep 11, 2020

According to recent polls, half of Britain would not trust a COVID vaccine, and a majority of Republican voters in the US believe in the bizarre QAnon theory. So why are these crazy notions becoming so widespread? Political communications specialist AMIL KHAN told Arthur Snell all about how these theories start, the role social media plays in making them mainstream, and the psychology of those behind them.

“It’s a brave new world but it’s not entirely new”
“Social media platforms are designed to push content out which is nasty and divisive”

Presented by Arthur Snell. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producer Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Just Walk Away, Renege? DAVID ALLEN GREEN on Britain’s international lawbreaking Sep 10, 2020

As the Government tears up its own promises on Northern Ireland with its Internal Markets Bill, the don of legal experts David Allen Green explains the enormity of this breach of international law, why the Government has provoked constitutional crisis on not one but four fronts… and how it could play out. Spoiler: “This will not end well.”

Presented and produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producer Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Fall backwards: Johnson's tricky autumn Sep 09, 2020

After a summer filled with u-turns and policy failures galore, and with the road to 2021 looking incredibly treacherous, will Boris survive the Autumn? Plus, did Extinction Rebellion undermine their cause by blocking everyone’s Saturday papers being delivered? And will we see ‘Mock The Weak’ on our screens as the new BBC Director General Tim Davie promises more right-wing comedy?

“The Government is failing us on health and on wealth” - Naomi Smith
“The Government is only comfortable with people meeting in closed spaces if they’re fuelling the economy” - Ros Taylor

Produced and presented by Andrew Harrison with Naomi Smith, Ros Taylor and Nina Schick. Assistant producer Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Shot in the arm: Professor HEIDI LARSON on the anti-vaxxer movement Sep 08, 2020

A vaccine is seen as the primary route out of the COVID19 crisis, but only half of Brits surveyed by Kings College London say they would be likely to get one. Professor HEIDI LARSON, director of The Vaccine Confidence Project, tells Ros Taylor the reasons people give for not wanting a vaccine, and how we can build public trust in health interventions.

“If Facebook closed their doors tomorrow, these sentiments would not go away”
“We need a more diverse group of entities to embrace vaccines”
“I’m constantly struck at how little people really understand vaccines”

Presented by Ros Taylor. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producer Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Make Votes Matter: Inside the campaign for proportional representation Sep 07, 2020

Britain’s woeful electoral system wastes millions of votes and consistently enables minority rule. KLINA JORDAN, joint CEO of the ‘Make Votes Matter’ campaign, tells Naomi Smith why Labour should make implementing proportional representation their first priority in Government, and offers some key rebuttals to common PR myths.

“People have been campaigning on this issue for 130 years”

“Labour have only gotten into power when there was electoral coordination going on”

“There’s no reason why coalition deals should be done in smoked-filled rooms”

Presented by Naomi Smith. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producer Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Pandemic Stations: DR DOMINIC PIMENTA talks life on the NHS frontline Sep 04, 2020

Coronavirus has changed life as we know it, especially for those who work in our health service. Dr Dominic Pimenta resigned from the NHS over Dominic Cummings’ lockdown trip to Durham, and his new book ‘Duty of Care’, describes the brutal experience of working on the COVID-19 frontline. Dominic tells Alex Andreou about his work in the NHS during the pandemic, from the initial murmurings coming out of China to full-throated lockdown here in Britain. His story, along with many others in the NHS, is one of heroism and sacrifice.

“Everyone was doing double time and taking on duty after duty.”

“When needs must, the NHS was there.”

“How do we get people to believe in the same facts?”

“As a doctor, you’re not taught particularly well how to deal with your patient’s grief, or your own.”

Presented by Alex Andreou. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producer Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Can’t see the wood OR the trees: Prof SIMON LEWIS on deforestation Sep 03, 2020

Last week the Government introduced legislation aiming to curb the ruinous practice of deforestation, but how will this fit in with Brexit trade policy? What more should the Government be doing on environmental matters? And how damaging have populists Trump and Bolsonaro been in the battle against climate change? UCL professor of global change science SIMON LEWIS talks to Justin Quirk about the future of our planet.

“It’s good that the Government is talking about this, but the devil is in the detail”
“We need much bigger action to get to net zero”
“Trump has been incredibly damaging to evidence-based policy over the last four years”
“The Conservatives would not be so fast and loose with the facts if it weren’t for Trump”
“The impact of Bolsonaro will be felt for a long time”

Presented by Justin Quirk. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producer Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Donald’s Trump Card: Could the President secure a second White House term? Sep 02, 2020

With the polls seemingly stacked against him, what dirty tactics will Donald Trump need to deploy if he’s to triumph in November’s election? And what will his victory, or demise, mean for the Western world? UCL Politics Professor Dr Julie Norman joins us to discuss the upcoming campaign. Plus - what the does the poisoning of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny mean for Russia’s fight for democracy? And following anti-lockdown protests in London at the weekend, we take a look at how the far right is using COVID to bolster its ranks.

“Trump is trying to frame himself as the law and order President” - Dr Julie Norman
“2016 was an existential level trauma for the Democratic Party” - Justin Quirk
“In Russia, an opponent of Vladimir Putin is a dangerous thing to be.” - Arthur Snell

Presented by Nina Schick with Arthur Snell and Justin Quirk. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producer Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Johnson on the couch: RAFAEL BEHR talks political psychology with Ian Dunt Sep 01, 2020

What is an obsession with politics doing to our psychology – and vice versa? Which weird psychology drives the Johnson Government’s mix of belligerence and incompetence? The Guardian’s Rafael Behr talks to Ian Dunt about the deep, unconscious roots of solidarity, polarisation, anger and ideological commitment, and the contents of the government’s subconscious engine room. If Dominic Cummings wants to burn everything down, what exactly does he want to replace it with?

“If you can make people afraid, you can activate a fight or flight response that makes it harder to form dispassionate intellectual judgments.”
“There’s a lot more bad news on the horizon so Johnson might as well use Gavin Williamson as his trouble-sponge for a bit longer.”
“This cabinet has ended up like the USSR, when your elite is selected for two qualities: stupidity and thuggery.”
“Some time soon Cummings is going to find that the flames are too hot – and there is no phoenix.”

Rafael's new podcast, Politics on the Couch, is available wherever you get your podcasts.

Presented by Ian Dunt. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producer Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Scrambled Breggxit: DANIEL ZEICHNER MP on the threat to Britain’s food Aug 28, 2020

On top of COVID, a No Deal Brexit could push Britain’s already dire food poverty situation into crisis. And if we fall onto a Global Tariff for foodstuffs it will mean drastically limited kitchen staples and increased prices all round. The Shadow Food, Farming and Rural Affairs Minister, Labour MP Daniel Zeichner, joins Naomi Smith to explain the danger of a twin crisis in food supply and food poverty. How did Britain get it so wrong on food security?

“We all salute the work of food banks but we shouldn’t need them in this country.”
“It’s not about a lack of food in this country, it’s lack of income.”
“It would be very foolish to assume that because we got through COVID, we could get through a No Deal scenario.”
“The number of adults who are food insecure has quadrupled in lockdown”
“Our food system is essentially broken”
“Is there a risk that food just won’t get into the country? Absolutely.”

Presented by Naomi Smith. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producer Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Blue-Sky Drinking: The future of BEER with PETE BROWN Aug 27, 2020

We were living in a golden age of craft beer… and then COVID hit. Will the pandemic tally wound Britain’s independent beer makers? Or are government ignorance and Big Brewing more of a threat to this life-enhancing industry? Britain’s leading beer writer PETE BROWN – author of Craft: An Argument: Why The Term 'Craft Beer' Is Completely Undefinable, Hopelessly Misunderstood And Absolutely Essential – tells Andrew Harrison how we got here, and how to Make Craft Beer Great Again.

Presented and produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producer Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Fear and Trumping in North Carolina – Make America Great Again, Again Aug 26, 2020

As Republicans gather (virtually) to anoint the Great Helmsman, how will Trump’s warnings of an American apocalypse play outside his radicalised base? UCL Global Politics professor Brian Klaas and The Atlantic’s Yasmeen Serhan join us to decide who’s the weirdest and most worrying at the Trump Family Telethon. Plus, your package was left in a safe place! Has the pandemic ended consumerism as we know it?

“The Democrats’ tactic seems to be, let Trump incinerate himself.”

Presented by Andrew Harrison with Yasmeen Serhan and Alex Andreou. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Script and assistant production by Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickenson. Logo and branding by Mark Taylor. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters production

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The Great Health Data Grab: How COVID privatised your information Aug 25, 2020

The COVID pandemic has given unscrupulous data traffickers the opportunity they needed to hoover up vast quantities of private patient data, with Government connivance – and often with Government funding. Investigative journalist Nafeez Ahmed tells Alex Andreou what is happening to our private information, and what we need to do to stop an information grab that the Government is concealing from us.

“We’re faced with a monolith of huge transnational power with access for the first time to private health data.”
“You’re seeing tiny front companies with no track record getting contracts with responsibility for life and death.”
“This is a danger to our democracy and a danger to the NHS.”
“At this point, being paranoid about what Dominic Cummings is doing with data is absolutely important.”
“When the Government says data will remain private, how much confidence can we realistically have that it will be?”

Presented by Alex Andreou. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producer Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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“Parliament is a breeding ground for bullying”: Tara Jane O’Reilly talks to Ian Dunt Aug 24, 2020

Bullying and sexual harassment are a blight on Parliament – and Westminster has been slow to deal with it. Cofounder of Women in Westminster and campaigner on the winning Starmer and Sadiq Khan campaigns Tara Jane O’Reilly talks to Ian Dunt about the measures women have to take to stay safe in Westminster; and whether the new independent complaints procedure will make a positive difference.

“When you call out sexual harassment in Westminster, you’re not just complaining about your boss. You’re complaining about the people who run the country.”
“You’re expected to be grateful and feel lucky to be in Westminster at all. And that’s used to silence people.”
“There are whisper networks where women talk to one another – but seldom does anything get done.”
“Every party, including Labour, has been dismal about supporting women in politics.”
“Do I think I’m burning down my future career by speaking out? Every single time.”

Presented by Ian Dunt. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producer Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Robin Leeburn. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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War On The Bullsh*t: How to spot when DATA is lying to you Aug 21, 2020

Why do we believe lies just because there’s a graph attached? How can we develop a sixth sense to detect statistical disinformation? Data scientist and University of Washington professor Jevin D West, co-author of Calling Bullsh*t: The Art Of Scepticism In A Data Driven World, talks to Ros Taylor about the warping of COVID statistics by selection bias… how our brains are built to fall victim to false correlation… Sigmund Freud on cocaine… and why sharing information as soon as you see it is like picking a sweet up of the street and eating it.

“It’s almost as if data falls from the skies and lands on our desk, and we can’t question it. But we can.”
“If there’s a rule, it’s share less, think more.”
“If I wanted to gauge the average height of the population I wouldn’t go to an NBA game. That’s selection bias.”

Presented by Ros Taylor. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producer Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Superpower vs Futurepower: The coming CHINA-INDIA clash Aug 20, 2020

What should we watch out for in the impending confrontation between India and China, the world’s largest democracy and the world’s largest autocratic superpower? And how does Pakistan fit in? Prof GUY BURTON of Vesalius College in Brussels joins Arthur Snell to explain the sources of these tensions between the world’s two most populous countries, what leaders Xi and Modi want, why they’re ignoring the Europeans – and what post-colonialism means for the reality of 21st century power politics.

Presented by Arthur Snell. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producer Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Robin Leeburn. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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I Spit On Your Grades, or: Get Gavin Gone Aug 19, 2020

A-Levelling down: can the Government just style out a total betrayal of hardworking strivers? And will Gavin Williamson stay unsacked before you finish this paragraph? Former MEP Caroline Voaden joins us to channel the rage of parents and teenagers everywhere. Plus: Will the shine go off the Chancellor as Sunakmania gives way to the Rishicession? And what are we going to eat when Hard Brexit strips the shelves of food? It’s the full-length panel edition of The Bunker.

Presented by Andrew Harrison with Naomi Smith, Ahir Shah and Alex Andreou. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Script and assistant production by Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickenson. Logo and branding by Mark Taylor. Audio production by Robin Leeburn. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters production

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Revolting Developments: Why the Govt’s plans won’t solve the HOUSING CRISIS Aug 18, 2020

The Government’s new planning ideas hand a huge advantage to developers, with no-question greenlights for permissions in new “growth” and “renewal” areas. Is this a real fix for the housing crisis or just another free market free-for-all? STEVE COLE of Clarion Group – the UK’s largest housing association and also a developer – tells Naomi Smith why our housing crisis is so entrenched, and why the Johnson-Jenrick plans could well mean fewer affordable houses are built.

“People love a smoking gun – but this is a massively complex crisis that has been a generation in the making.”
“Housing is one of the most unstable government departments. By the time someone gets their head around it, they usually leave office.”

Presented by Naomi Smith. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producer Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Daily: RORY BREMNER at the Speed of Thought Aug 17, 2020

What makes comedy happen? Our most celebrated impressionist RORY BREMNER talks to Alex Andreou about how his ADHD drives his own work – plus tracking and tracing Boris Johnson’s offspring, how hard it is to pin down a take on today’s political mediocrities, Brexit, and of course the loss to COVID of his great friend and colleague Tim Brooke-Taylor. And yes, there WILL be impressions…

“Fire, bank crashes, plague… We’re living a box set life now and you wonder, Who is writing this?”
“Johnson isn’t a leader, he’s a cheerleader. His skillset is bluster and bombast.”

Presented by Alex Andreou. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producer Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Jobless Britain? Fighting the return of mass unemployment Aug 14, 2020

Job losses are surging, but the next wave of mass unemployment won’t be like the ones in the 80s, the 90s or the financial crisis of 2008. The Institute for Government’s GILES WILKES – economist and past special advisor to Vince Cable and Theresa May – tells Andrew Harrison why the old remedies for joblessness won’t work, how COVID has robbed the Government of room to manoeuvre, and what sort of industries might emerge from this once-in-a-century crisis.

Presented and produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producer Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Belarus: Rebelling against a “democratic” dictatorship Aug 13, 2020

Belarus is convulsed by pro-democracy demonstrations, the opposition leader has fled in fear and the EU is threatening to reimpose sanctions. Yet pig-farmer turned strongman Alexander Lukashenko shows no sign of relinquishing his 26-year grip on power. Professor Andrew Wilson of UCL, the author of Belarus: The Last European Dictatorship, talks to Dorian Lynskey about how Lukashenko rigs elections, the prospects for bringing real democracy to Belarus, and who’s keeping “Batka” in power.

“There’s YouTube video of someone shouting ‘Just swap the votes!’”
“Lukashenko was shocked by Putin’s attack on Crimea. Even dictators want to stay in power.”
“Lukashenko hasn’t done anything clever. It’s just the police vs the demonstrators.”

Presented by Dorian Lynskey. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producer Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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DIRTY CASH: How to stop dark money destroying our politics Aug 12, 2020

Since before the Referendum, rivers of untraceable money have flowed through our politics, washing away accountability and benefiting secretive and powerful people. Peter Geoghegan of openDemocracy joins us to discuss the revelations of his new book Democracy for Sale: Dark Money and Dirty Politics – and explore what we need to do when technology outpaces the law. Plus: Which zone is your home? Why the Government’s plans for planning won’t solve the housing crisis. And the future of Lebanon.

Presented by Andrew Harrison with Nina Schick and Arthur Snell. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Script and assistant production by Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickenson. Logo and branding by Mark Taylor. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters production

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Going Underground: Paranoia, prepping and the world beneath our feet Aug 11, 2020

There’s a world going on underground. Ethnographer, archaeologist and author of the eerily prescient Bunker: Building For The End Times BRADLEY GARRETT is fascinated by tunnels, chambers and hidden realms – and what drives people to populate them. He tells Ros Taylor about the allure of the subterranean, the hidden city under Wiltshire – and the Doomsday Preppers who wanted to buy it – and the cocktail of modern dreads that make humans refuge underground.

Hold tight for Bunker on bunker action… with a Rees-Mogg connection too.

“COVID has revealed how fragile the society we’ve built over the past 30 years is. We created COVID’s pathways around the world.”
“The city is archaeology in reverse… the newest has to be the deepest.”
“If you’re heavily invested in societal collapse, and you’re in power, you might want to bring that collapse about.”

Presented by Ros Taylor. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producer Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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IMMIGRATION: Reasons to be cheerful? Ian Dunt talks to Jonathan Portes Aug 10, 2020

Priti Patel might be trying to stoke fears with her ludicrous ‘Clandestine Channel Threat Commander’ but as the Brexit madness recedes, is the environment for immigrants moving in an inexorably more liberal direction? Professor Jonathan Portes of KCL takes Ian Dunt on a deep dive into the economic realities of immigration and finds that not only will we need more immigrants to deal with the post-COVID challenges… but that we may have passed the high point of xenophobia in Britain.

Listen up for what Dunt is calling “my first-even optimistic Bunker Daily…”

Presented by Ian Dunt. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producer Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Creasy’s the word: STELLA CREASY MP on making misogyny a hate crime Aug 07, 2020

Some good stuff DID get done during the chaotic COVID Parliament that’s just ended. Walthamstow MP STELLA CREASY tells Ayesha Hazarika about her fight to get misogyny reclassified as a hate crime as part of the Domestic Abuse Bill, why women have been left out of the Government’s COVID response… and all the gigs that the Right Honourable Member for Indie Rock missed because of the Pandemic.

“The Chancellor hasn’t got a Scooby about how COVID affects pregnant women. He started telling me about self-employment instead.”
“We’re trying to get people back into pubs, but we’re not getting three-year olds back into childcare.”
“One MP told me not to worry about coming back to work after having a baby because there’ll be a nanny. Well there ain’t.”

Presented by Ayesha Hazarika. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producer Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Daily: What we owe to JOHN HUME, with Claire Hanna MP Aug 06, 2020

When JOHN HUME died earlier this week, presidents and political leaders across the spectrum eulogised him as nothing less than the father of peace in Northern Ireland. How did this quiet, determined man find a way to bring about the impossible, and sideline violence within Irish nationalism? South Belfast MP Claire Hanna tells Naomi Smith why John Hume is her political hero, and what we can still learn from him.

“People used to joke about John Hume’s ‘single transferable speech’… but he used to say the problem hasn’t changed so the solution hasn’t changed.”

Presented by Naomi Smith. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producer Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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For Services To Brexit, I Mean Cricket… plus guest DAVID GAUKE Aug 05, 2020

With the Grand Reopening leading inevitably to the Great Re-Locking, is No.10’s rule-by-snappy-slogan no longer fit for purpose? Has Boris Johnson’s back-scratching Dissolution Honours finally made Lords Reform inevitable – and should we fear a shake-up if it happens? And our special guest, former minister and rebellious leader of the Gaukward Squad David Gauke, gives perhaps the most entertaining account of losing an election we’ve heard… and speculates if we’ll ever see one-nation Conservatism ever again.

“On COVID, the British public seem to be far more sanguine than writers for mid-market tabloids.” – Ian Dunt
“If you’re a Muslim, your mum starts cooking for Eid three days ahead… And that late lockdown made Muslims feel really unvalued.” – Ayesha Hazarika
“There’s been too many occasions where the Prime Minister has been too keen to deliver good news that turns out not to be correct… and that undermines trust.” – David Gauke
“Everybody talks about Lords reform until they become leader.” - Ayesha Hazarika
“Even as an ex-MP I was bombarded with angry emails saying Dominic Cummings should go.” – David Gauke

Presented by Dorian Lynskey with Ayesha Hazarika and Ian Dunt. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Script and assistant production by Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickenson. Logo and branding by Mark Taylor. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters production

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“The Banksy of money”: Is CRYPTOCURRENCY out of control? Aug 04, 2020

Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin were supposed to overturn the tyranny of the banks and give consumers new power over their money. This financial Wild West is still plagued with fraud, scams, pyramid schemes and doomed start-ups. But as entrepreneur, investor and follower of the crypto/blockchain market PHILLIP NUNN explains, the “Internet of Money” is coming whether governments like it or not. Can it become a force for good in the economic revival?

“When people say if Pablo Escobar were around now he’d be using Bitcoin, that’s just not true.”
“At first crypto was kids in their bedrooms just trying stuff. Now it’s got billions and billions of market cap.”
“To hack one chain of Bitcoin you’d need 30 times the power of Google’s servers.”

Presented and produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producer Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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How Not To Waste The Next Four Years: MIATTA FAHNBULLEH explains Aug 03, 2020

If we’re stuck with a hard right government for the next four years, how should progressives best use this time? Chief Executive of the New Economics Foundation MIATTA FAHNBULLEH talks to Alex Andreou about the opportunities amid the chaos, how it’s impossible to triangulate where the Johnson government is going, and what Starmer needs to do right now to build the platform that can win in 2024.

“It’s just not clear what the ideology of Johnson is. They’re more opportunistic than anything.”
“These moments come up once in a couple of generations, where everything is thrown up in the air.”
“We need to come together and say we need change. When people come together, politicians will have to listen.”

Presented by Alex Andreou. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producer Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Probing the Pandemic: LAYLA MORAN on MPs’ independent COVID inquiry Jul 31, 2020

Britain can’t wait for the Government’s Public Inquiry into COVID. The All-Party Parliamentary Group on Coronavirus is seizing the initiative and examining every aspect of the crisis. Its chair, Lib Dem MP and leadership candidate LAYLA MORAN, explains to Naomi Smith how MPs are outpacing the government in understanding the virus, why mental health is the neglected aspect of COVID, and how we can prepare for a second wave.

“I’d love Boris Johnson to come before us and answer our questions. I very much doubt that he will.”
“There are some things more important than the Lib Dem leadership contest, would you believe…”

Presented by Naomi Smith. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producer Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Private Investigations: BELLINGCAT and open source inquiries Jul 30, 2020

From unmasking suspects in the Salisbury poisoning to exposing money laundering and Russian involvement in the shooting down of flight MH-17, investigative collective Bellingcat is at the forefront of a new kind of investigative journalism. Founder ELIOT HIGGINS explains to Dorian Lynskey how “open source” investigations work – why conventional media still doesn’t understand the reach of state disinformation – and how to deal with “vicarious trauma” when you have to watch multiple videos of horrific acts in the pursuit of truth.

“I’ve seen so much terrible stuff from across the world that I can prepare myself. You learn what not to look at.”

Presented by Dorian Lynskey. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producer Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Oh My Darling, Quarantine Jul 29, 2020

Is the summer tourist season already a write-off for Europe – and will the traditional foreign holiday become history? Are you ready to start paying more tax from the age of 40 to fund your own social care? And as COVID continues to hollow out city centres, is urban living on the way out? Ros Taylor, Ahir Shah and special guest Yasmeen Serhan of The Atlantic join Andrew Harrison for this week’s full-length Bunker. Listen closely for live interventions from Andrew’s cat.

“The summer months are the lungs of Europe.” – Yasmeen Serhan
“When the people who make decisions about health and social care can opt out with private insurance, they don’t experience the consequences of their own decisions.” – Ros Taylor

Produced by Andrew Harrison. Script and assistant production by Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickenson. Logo and branding by Mark Taylor. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters production

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“The Golden Age of Incompetence”: Ian Dunt meets TV comedy writer Jason Hazeley Jul 28, 2020

“We’ve been kettled with our own thoughts.” Comedy writer and friend of the podcast JASON HAZELEY – Screenwipe writer and co-creator of everything from the grown-up Ladybird books to Philomena Cunk – talks to Ian Dunt about what the pandemic has done to TV, the live sitcom that is Great Britain, and the dismal poverty of Boris Johnson’s terrible, feeble jokes.

“Have I Got News For You in lockdown just looks like a series of hostage videos.”
“The last thing the world needs right now is a golden age of monologue.”
“Boris Johnson is an ambassador of the trivial and inconsequential… but your Prime Minister should not be a figure of fun.”

Presented by Ian Dunt. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producer Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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The Great Deceleration is coming, says DANNY DORLING Jul 27, 2020

We’re conditioned to think that economic development will get faster and faster. But it turns out that many key indicators from population growth to GDP expansion are slowing down. DANNY DORLING, social geographer and author of Slowdown: The End Of The Great Acceleration and Inequality And The 1%, talks to Ros Taylor about the coming Great Deceleration – why inequality is clearly the strongest indicator of mental wellbeing – why most of we hear about the Brexit-hungry “left behinds” is nonsense – and why our slow future was already taking shape before the COVID lockdown.

“Important indicators like population are rising – but not as fast we think they are.”
“Acceleration was so lauded in the past because we were improving living standards… but we’ve gone way past that. Simply consuming more won’t make us happier.”
“Half of the British population is on the edge of being financially insecure and in fact destitute in the near future.”
“If your told since birth that you’re the best in the world, then seeing your kids incapable of supporting or housing themselves is hard to accept.”
“We’re living under a misconception that this is an age of acceleration. Compared to our grandparents’ time, it’s an age of slowdown.”

Presented by Ros Taylor. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producer Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Daily: JARVIS COCKER is born again Jul 24, 2020

A pop career is for life. Art explorer, national treasure and former Pulp frontman JARVIS COCKER talks to Andrew Harrison about his return to the music fray with new band Jarv Is… and new album Beyond The Pale. On the agenda: the musical concerns of the mature gentleman, what celebrity does to the unwary mind, the legacy of ‘Common People’, and how pop is a way of asking yourself the questions you really ought to answer.

“Celebrity is like pornography. It takes something great, like sex, and grosses it out.”
“The post-war dream was a classless society… and now that seems to have totally disappeared.”

Presented and produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producer Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Building back better with MOLLY SCOTT CATO of the Greens Jul 23, 2020

Can Europe really build back better after the pandemic? How does the EU’s response to COVID look when you’re one of Britain’s former MEPs? Molly Scott Cato, former Green Party MEP and the party’s current Brexit and Finance spokesperson, joins Alex Andreou to talk over plus the Russia Report, the financial conduits that make corruption possible, and what we do now that Vote Leave runs the country

“These people drove the Brexit boat and are now in government, and we don’t really know where their loyalties lie.”
“In British society we hide our dirty laundry – but the laundry is still dirty.”
“The main problem of the Eurozone is that some countries can tell others how to spend their money.”

Presented by Alex Andreou. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producer Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Russia Report: It’s A Vladi Disgrace Jul 22, 2020

“In Moscow, inquiry closes YOU.” As the Russia Report confirms the Conservatives’ wilful blind eye to Putin’s interference in UK elections, where do we go from here? If we rage about the Russians supposedly tipping the Referendum or the General Election, are we looking at the wrong things? Plus, why the left needs to stop gloating over The Guardian’s money woes… and hands off Bill Gates. Can’t a guy just be a munificent billionaire without everyone getting on his case?

Naomi Smith subpoenas Helen Lewis, Ian Dunt and Alex Andreou to give evidence on this week’s full-length Bunker. Also – sirens!

“We can’t have another election with half of the country believing they’re going to be cheated” – Alex Andreou
“Russia is trying to encourage wedge issues and the Vote Leave government is exacerbating that.” – Ian Dunt
“The same backbenchers who are losing their shit about a Chinese wire in their phone are completely relaxed about Russia running electoral interference.” – Alex Andreou
“Russian influence has become so embedded in the UK that the intelligence community can only shrug.” – Alex Andreou
“The new elitism is packing the Lords with your mates.” – Ian Dunt

Produced by Andrew Harrison. Script and assistant production by Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickenson. Logo and branding by Mark Taylor. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters production

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Why Corona is a feminist issue Jul 21, 2020

Coronavirus has put women out of work more frequently than men, led to a spike in domestic violence, pushed women’s healthcare down the list of priorities, and set the scene for a mental health crisis for women. Yet politicians appear blind to the pandemic’s gendered consequences. Dr Clare Wenham, Assistant Professor of Global Health Policy at the LSE, talks to Helen Lewis about how the pandemic has hit women hardest, and what we will need to learn from it.

“We’re seeing exactly what happened with Zika and Ebola – but on a global scale.”
“Female-dominated industries are the ones hardest hit by pandemics. What it means is, women lose their jobs.”
“British exceptionalism means we haven’t learned from what happened during pandemics in the rest of the world.”

Presented by Helen Lewis. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producer Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Oh, Those Russians: IAN DUNT on Russia Report Week Jul 20, 2020

The Intelligence report into Russian interference in British elections and the Referendum is finally published this week – but what will it mean? Why are Brexiters so keen to discredit it? And are Tory backbenchers finally growing a spine? Ian Dunt sets the scene for what looks like a momentous week in British politics.

“Eskimos supposedly have a thousand words for snow – and the Russian government has a thousand words for lie.”
“The Russians are banking on domestic tribalism to prevent any serious response to their interference.”
“The Tories are up to their necks in Russian donations.”
“The Raab leak shows how inept and cynical the Government’s response to Russian interference has been.”

Presented and produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producer Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Troll: LUKE HARDING on Russia’s new Code War Jul 17, 2020

Hold the front podcast page! The infamous Russia Report could well come out next week. What will it reveal? The Guardian’s Russia correspondent LUKE HARDING, author of Shadow State: Murder, Mayhem And Russia’s Remaking Of The West and first British journalist to be expelled from Russia since the end of the Cold War, joins Dorian Lynskey to look at what Putin really wants. How did Russia influence Brexit? Why did Robert Mueller’s investigation into Trump’s Russian collusion flop so badly? Whatever happened to the classy, erudite KGB of old? Oh, and the Secret Plot against Chris Grayling.

“You have to ask, why have Johnson and Cummings burnt so much political capital on suppressing this report?”
“Donald Trump is seen in Moscow as the greatest success in Russian espionage history.”
“The message of Salisbury was, You may forget about us but we will never forget about you.”
“Robert Mueller was like a boy scout going into Trump’s gambling den.”
“Russian interference in Brexit definitely happened – whether you believe it was determinant or not.”

Presented by Dorian Lynskey. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producer Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Dirty deals with demagogues: ANNE APPLEBAUM on democracy’s betrayers Jul 16, 2020

Why do former democrats and intellectuals so often make the squalid journey from liberalism to hardline nationalism? Historian ANNE APPLEBAUM’s new book Twilight Of Democracy: The Failure Of Politics And The Parting Of Friends describes why once-liberal people make deals with devils of demagoguery. She talks to Nina Schick about the revenge of the second-raters, the lure of performative rage, how toxic nostalgia feeds authoritarianism and worse… and what we can do about it.

“If you despair that your society is coming to an end, you will embrace desperate measures.”
“When Trump tweets ‘LAW AND ORDER’ what he’s saying is, I can shut these people up.”
“Brexit was a coup carried out by one part of the elite against another part of the elite.”
“The defeat of Donald Trump is absolutely the most important thing that needs to happen for the world to move forward.”

Presented by Nina Schick. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producer Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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“A Season Of Insanity”: Republicans against Trump Jul 15, 2020

As America faces the dire prospect of a Trump second term, the hardest-hitting, most brutal and effective anti-Trump ads come from the rebel Republicans of Super PAC the Lincoln Project. Former George W Bush and John McCain strategist Steve Schmidt of The Lincoln Project joins us to explain the scale of the stakes, the depths of Trump’s betrayal, and what British listeners can do to unseat America’s worst president. Plus, fun with cancel culture! Ayesha Hazarika and Alex Andreou join Andrew Harrison for this week’s full-length Bunker roundtable.

“In a choice between a sociopath and a socialist, in America the sociopath is going to win seven days a week.”
“We have gone full Banana Republic in the US in the past four years.”
“Democracies can’t flourish when the truth and a lie are indistinguishable.”
“It took 240 years to discover the design flaw in the American system.”
“Grievance is the high-octane fuel of Trumpism. No grievance, no Trumpism.”

Produced by Andrew Harrison. Script and assistant production by Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickenson. Logo and artwork by Mark Taylor. Audio production by Robin Leeburn. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters production

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Peak Hour: How Corona will change TRAVEL IN CITIES Jul 13, 2020

How will transport in cities change after the COVID wave subsides? Will financial worries make high-frequency public transport a thing of the past, just when we need it most? And will we even WANT to live in cities any more? Jonn Elledge of urban nerdery site CityMetric talks to Ros Taylor about the future of trains, buses and bikes… and why we might have missed the COVID opportunity to rethink transport.

“Uber isn’t even good for Uber drivers. The company clearly wants to phase them out.”
“The Government is going to have to subsidise London’s transport again. If it doesn’t the city will grind to a halt.”
“If London life no longer exists as it once did, what’s the point of spending a fortune to live there?”
“I do worry that anything we were going to do about traffic, the moment has now passed.”

Presented by Ros Taylor. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producer Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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“Long COVID” – A new and hidden crisis Jul 13, 2020

Not everyone with COVID ends up in hospital. Sufferers are beginning to report a disturbing post-viral syndrome of deep, extended fatigue, weakness, “brain fog”, anxiety and weird physical sensations that they’re calling “Long COVID”. Paul Garner of the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine tells Naomi Smith about his own strange and debilitating ten-week experience with Long COVID – and explains why employers and medical professionals need to take it seriously.

“I felt very fatigued, with brain fogs, my heart was racing… it felt like my life was draining out of me.”
“I used to do an hour of intense yoga regularly. Now I do 15 minutes and I’m floored for two days.”
“This disease messes with your head. I’ve woken up in a very low mood, in tears… then later in the day I’ll be fine.”
“This is very similar to ME and long-term fatigue… And patients are not being believed by employers and health professionals.”

Presented by Naomi Smith. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producer Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Daily: COVID, MS and the coming charity crash Jul 10, 2020

COVID’s impact on people with multiple sclerosis has been cruel beyond even the privations experienced by the rest of us. Our panelist Ros Taylor has never spoken about her own MS diagnosis before. In conversation with David Martin, CEO of the MS Trust, she discusses the astonishing hardships faced by people with MS during the pandemic, why all charities are facing a potential extinction event… and what listeners can do to rescue essential charities that face total ruin.

Presented by Ros Taylor. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producer Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Daily: MASHA GESSEN on Trump, Putin and the Power Lie Jul 09, 2020

Donald Trump annihilates the language of democracy even as he campaigns to destroy its institutions – and in this, he’s just like Putin. In a podcast unlike any we’ve recorded (complete with live thunderstorms), the author of Surviving Autocracy MASHA GESSEN talks to Dorian Lynskey about the lies designed to purely to bully, the perils of the next Trump… and why we might come out of the populist mess better than we went in.

Produced and presented by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producer Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Karma for Police? UK cops in the spotlight Jul 08, 2020

As #BlackLivesMatter puts law enforcement under microscope worldwide, policing expert and former Met officer Peter Kirkham gives the view from inside British policing. Plus, what does Beijing’s draconian crackdown on free speech mean for Hong Kong citizens – and will Britain’s offer of BNO passports make any difference? And what are you going to spend your £500 government stimulus voucher on?

Nina Shick and Arthur Snell join Dorian Lynskey for this week’s full-length Bunker podcast.

“Lockdown isn’t a policing issue. It’s a government and a health issue. Portraying it as a policing issue just shows how shambolic the Government’s response has been.” – Peter Kirkham
“Any organisation put together by white males will put the interests of white males first. We have to ask ourselves how we deal with that.” – Peter Kirkham

Produced by Andrew Harrison. Script and assistant production by Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickenson. Logo and artwork by Mark Taylor. Audio production by Robin Leeburn. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters production

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Protest and Survive with guest PETER TATCHELL Jul 07, 2020

From Bermondsey to Zimbabwe to Moscow and beyond, PETER TATCHELL has been fighting for human rights for over 50 years… and the LGBT rights that got him pilloried by the tabloids in 1983 are now the stuff of the mainstream. As we enter the most dangerous moment for democracies since the end of WWII, what should we be fighting for – and how? Peter talks to Andrew Harrison about populism’s crisis moment, the failure of Corbynism, and how we can still follow the COVID crisis with a once-in-a-century renewal.

Produced and presented by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producer Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Carry On COVID with stand-up comic CARL DONNELLY Jul 06, 2020

Recorded before the Government’s announcement on support for the arts… Last Friday Naomi Smith talked to stand-up comedian and host of the Two Vegan Idiots podcast CARL DONNELLY about the battered state of comedy and the arts under the COVID onslaught. Then on Sunday Rishi Sunak announces £1.57bn of aid to the arts. Who says The Bunker doesn’t get things done, eh? Listen in as Naomi and Carl discuss what’s needed to fix crisis that has cost the arts £74bn and threatens 400,000 jobs.

“The arts isn’t just left-wing comedians banging on about Nigel Farage… These venues employ thousands of people.”

Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producer Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Arias of concern: Can OPERA come back from Corona? Jul 03, 2020

Extended culture upgrade special! Like all live music, opera has been floored by COVID-19. Can an art form that thrives on crowds and projecting your voice (and your breath) survive this game-changing crisis? Will opera houses face bankruptcy? How is the industry negotiating the nightmares of rescheduling, social distancing and insurance companies that won’t pay up? And when will audiences finally get to experience the thrill of live opera again?

Alex Andreou raises the curtains on an all-star Corona Crisis special from the opera world, featuring Michael Moody, co-founder of the Grange Festival, Hampshire; Australian lyric soprano and multiple competition winner Kiandra Howarth; and National Symphony Orchestra Principal Guest Conductor John Andrews (whose Very Brief History of Opera on YouTube has been a blessing on lockdown).

The music for this special edition is Kiandra performing Crepusculo at The Royal Opera House, Covent Garden.

“As sins go, bringing a respiratory disease to an opera festival is right up there.”
“As opera buffs, we’re always dealing with tragedy…”

Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producer Jacob Archbold. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Dine Another Day? JAY RAYNER on restaurants’ COVID reckoning Jul 02, 2020

GRAVE RESERVATIONS: Britain’s restaurants will unlock this weekend in a life or death moment for an industry that employs almost a million people. Will diners embrace their freedom or will FOGO keep them away? How has the COVID lockdown changed our relationship with eating out? Which restaurants will innovate their way out of trouble? And if a No Deal Brexit happens, will it all have been for nothing? The Observer’s renowned food critic JAY RAYNER joins Andrew Harrison to talk about the most momentous meals we may ever eat.

Presented and produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producer Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Leadership lessons from Keir and Klopp Jul 01, 2020

Was Keir Starmer right to defenestrate Rebecca Long-Bailey and will this reset the DAYS SINCE LABOUR BUST-UP clock to zero? Special guest Philip Seargeant, author of The Art of Political Storytelling, explains how narrative crowded out truth in politics and what we can do about it. And what can everyone learn from Liverpool FC’s Jürgen Klopp – even if they hate football? Helen Lewis and Ahir Shah join Andrew Harrison for this week’s full-length Bunker podcast.

“The thing about the Labour Left’s anger on social media is, Twitter is what they’ve got left.” – Helen Lewis
“It's hard to find models of masculinity that aren’t brittle or blokey. But Klopp is authoritative and also quite caring too.” – Helen Lewis

Presented and produced by Andrew Harrison. Script and assistant production by Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickenson. Logo and artwork by Mark Taylor. Audio production by Robin Leeburn. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters production

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Censors Working Overtime: How NO PLATFORM became culture war catnip Jun 30, 2020

Is there a real free speech crisis in universities or is it just another confected Culture War squabble? With people like Amber Rudd banned from speaking simply for having been in government, is No Platform overreaching itself? And how did a bunch of defrocked Marxists end up the main advocates of a very conservative vision of free speech? British-Australian academic EVAN SMITH, author of No Platform, talks to Dorian Lynskey about the tangled roots and “mission creep” inherent in the practice of shutting people up.

“Nigel Farage was exposed to the sunlight of debate pretty regularly. How well did that work out?”

Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producer Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Communication Breakdown: The MEDIA vs Coronavirus with Raymond Snoddy Jun 29, 2020

Is the pandemic an extinction event for news media, or a strange opportunity? Is trust in journalism really collapsing in the age of populism? And is the BBC still top of Dominic Cummings’ To Destroy list? Don of media analysts RAYMOND SNODDY – ex media editor at the Times and FT – talks to Andrew Harrison about the media’s COVID-born existential crisis.

Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producer Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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The COVID cost of the Hostile Immigration Environment – with MINNIE RAHMAN of the JCWI Jun 26, 2020

Immigration is the topic most guaranteed to drive good sense out of the room. Will opinions be changed by COVID’s sobering reminder of the irreplaceable work that immigrants do? Has Black Lives Matter shown us the progress we’ve made – or the progress we haven’t? And will the Government use COVID quarantine as cover for even more repressive immigration rules? MINNIE RAHMAN of the Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants talks to Alex Andreou about the myth of the immigrant freeloader and the unforeseen cruelties of the Hostile Environment.

“Let’s face it, any migrant is just one lost document away from becoming a victim of the Hostile Environment.”
“You can’t have a two-tier system where some people can access services and some can’t. We’re only as healthy as our neighbours.”

Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producer Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Daily: Why can’t we go SWIMMING yet? Jun 25, 2020

If shops and pubs can reopen, why can’t pools? Swimming saves the NHS and social care some £357m a year, yet the Government’s mishandling of community sport is a microcosm of its muddled approach across Coronavirus. How badly will this affect young swimmers? And how does COVID-19 fare in chlorinated water anyway? Swim England chief exec JANE NICKERSON explains as enthusiast swim fan Ros Taylor goes off the deep end.

“If we’re working on science, what makes a cinema or a pub better to open than a swimming pool?”
“The children who are missing swimming lessons now could become a lost generation.”
“We talk about protecting the NHS. Well keeping people fit and healthy IS protecting the NHS.”

Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producer Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production

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Mask Hysteria! plus We’re Only Quarantining Nigel Jun 24, 2020

Are you wearing your facemask? If not, WHY NOT? Plus: Has Britain’s shambolic response to COVID exposed something worse than bad leadership: a deep-seated rot in the British state itself? What’s going to happen when mass unemployment hits the sharp-elbowed, politically-engaged middle classes? And most importantly, when can we finally, finally get our highlights done?

Ros Taylor welcomes Ayesha Hazarika, Nina Schick and Alex Andreou into our specially-hardened Bunker for this week’s panel show. Stay tuned for Alex’s deep-dive on anti-COVID “moustache and beard snoods” and PPE niche porn…

“There are people now who’ve only heard of older people as a burden… We wheel out our veterans and then let them drown with COVID.” – Alex Andreou
“The infamous Red Wall is a blessing and a curse for Boris Johnson.” – Ayesha Hazarika
“Britain needs to complain more and whinge less.” – Alex Andreou

Presented by Ros Taylor. Script and assistant production by Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickenson. Logo and artwork by Mark Taylor. Audio production by Alex Rees. Produced by Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters production

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Gigs might fly: LIVE MUSIC’s last chance? Jun 23, 2020

Hundreds of thousands of people should be heading to Glastonbury right now. Instead the live music industry is hanging on by its fingernails, hundreds of venues are threatened with closure, and the Government hasn’t included music in its ‘Cultural Renewal Taskforce’. Music agent JAMES WRIGHT of United Talent Agency talks to Andrew Harrison about what this multi-billion pound industry needs to survive.

“Music is this country’s cultural background. And it’s being taken away from people.”
“Our business just doesn’t work with ANY social distancing in place.”

Presented and produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producer Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Daily: HONG KONG rages against the machine Jun 22, 2020

As China tries to impose its authority on Hong Kong, can the former British colony retain some semblance of independence? What’s behind the creeping authoritarianism of Beijing’s Fugitive Offenders Bill? And are Britain’s moves on British National Overseas passports anything more than a gesture? Professor KERRY BROWN, Professor of Chinese Studies at King’s College London and Director of the Lau China Institute, talks to Naomi Smith about Hong Kong’s moment of truth.

“China’s definition of ‘what is terrorism?’ can be incredibly extensive.”

Presented by Naomi Smith. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producer Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Daily: INDIA’s twilight of democracy Jun 19, 2020

In India, Narendra Modi’s populist BJP government has stripped back rights further than in almost any advanced democracy. The country’s COVID response has caused nightmarish problems for the world’s most populous country. And now we’ve seen a bizarre hand-to-hand clash with Chinese troops on the Himalayan border. Is India on the verge of historic trouble? The Guardian’s southern Asia correspondent HANNAH ELLIS-PETERSEN explains the BJP’s mix of religious fanaticism and 21st century troll politics to Dorian Lynskey.

“Modi’s COVID response has caused one of the worst humanitarian crises in 50 years.”
“COVID has been branded a ‘Muslim disease’… The BJP are calling it ‘Corona Jihad’.”
“The BJP is accusing democracy protestors of being terrorists.”
“Even before Coronavirus, India’s healthcare was already on the brink of collapse.”

Presented by Dorian Lynskey. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producer Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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“We don’t need another racism inquiry. We need action.” MARSHA DE CORDOVA MP speaks Jun 17, 2020

What will it take to translate the unprecedented debate on racism and bias into action? Battersea Labour MP and Shadow Secretary of State for Women and Equalities MARSHA DE CORDOVA talks to Naomi Smith about a moment that could change Britain.

“Each of us has a responsibility to ensuring that this moment is a catalyst for change.”
“Don’t call it Black History. It’s just history.”
“No-one could look at that video of George Floyd and be the same again.”
“We don’t need any more reviews. I am reviewed out. We need action.”

Presented by Naomi Smith. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producer Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Spike Island Jun 17, 2020

As Britain zealously unlocks its shops and zoos (but not its schools), are we knocking over the norms that we’ll need to deal with a second wave of COVID? What are we going to do after the pandemic when AI and automation take all the jobs? Guest Daniel Susskind, author of A World Without Work, joins us to look at what all these people are going to do all day. Plus the torrid secret life of George Eliot. “Defending” statues with the Jacamo Freikorps. And who’s really behind the purging of problematic TV comedy?

Ahir Shah and Helen Lewis join Andrew Harrison for this week’s full-length BUNKER.

“The Government are like, Exercise your judgment… but not like THAT.” – Ahir Shah
“History is a process. It’s about what we choose to remember. It’s not an objective science at all.” – Helen Lewis

Presented by Andrew Harrison. Script and assistant production by Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickenson. Logo and artwork by Mark Taylor. Audio production by Alex Rees. Produced by Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters production.

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Liberté, Egalité, Acrimonie: FRANCE’s Coronavirus comedown Jun 16, 2020

Emmanuel Macron continues to suffer from France’s traditional disdain for its leader. How has the pandemic affected France’s notorious febrile politics? Why is France so unhappy with Macron? Will Black Lives Matter finally force change on the notoriously racist French police? And whatever happened to the Gilets Jaunes? JOHN LICHFIELD, former France correspondent for the Independent, explains all to Ros Taylor.

“In my 20 years in France, every French leader has been instantly unpopular.”
“It’s the fate of centrists everywhere to be hated by both sides.”
“Everyone’s claiming to be De Gaulle without ever stopping to consider how De Gaulle would have reacted to today’s problems.”
“There’s a visceral dislike of Macron in France that in many ways is unfair. But that’s normal French politics.”

Presented by Ros Taylor. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producer Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Injury time: FOOTBALL’s risky return with Phillippe Auclair Jun 15, 2020

The country’s hunger for football has become desperate during lockdown – but will we even recognise the game when it returns this week? What have ten weeks of isolation done to the minds and bodies of top players? And will the game’s elite finally accept that they need to support the game’s desperately-threatened grassroots? France Football’s England correspondent PHILIPPE AUCLAIR talks to strung-out Liverpool fan Andrew Harrison as we enter the riskiest and most unpredictable weeks in football’s history.

“If we don’t ensure that the world outside of the Premier League is taken care of, the consequences could be really dire.”
“We don’t know how players’ bodies will react to an enforced rest of three months – which they have never, ever done.”
“The whole fabric of English football is in danger now. The whole fabric.”

Presented and produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producer Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Daily: The coming COVID reckoning with Dr Sarah Wollaston Jun 12, 2020

The British Government’s COVID response has been assessed as literally the joint-worst in the world. How did we get here? DR SARAH WOLLASTON, former Chair of the Health and Social Care Select Committee and ex-Conservative, TIG and Liberal Democrat MP for Totnes, gives Naomi Smith a righteous take on the Government’s stubborn refusal to accept it could have done anything wrong… on the streams of misleading data… the looming medical supplies crisis… and what needs to happen to restore public trust.

“There’s no sign of the Government admitting that anything could have been done differently.”

Presented by Naomi Smith. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producer Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Daily: The truth about SYRIA with Oz Katerji Jun 11, 2020

The nine-year civil war in Syria is among the most atrocious yet misunderstood and neglected conflicts in human history, with many westerners flatly ignorant of what happened and why. Writer, film-maker and Middle East expert OZ KATERJI explains how deliberate misinformation, Western complacency and realpolitik created a humanitarian catastrophe – and where we go from here.

Produced and presented by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producer Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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A Rolling Ball of Chaos with special guest AMY POPE Jun 10, 2020

From Washington to Whitehall to Bristol harbour, Black Lives Matter protests are dramatically reshaping politics across the world before our eyes. Former Obama homeland security advisor and US senate counsel AMY POPE joins us to discuss what this tumultuous fortnight means for Trump, Biden, American policing and American democracy. Plus, Britain grows a spine in its dealings with China. With a No Deal Brexit looking, is Johnson storing up trouble for our free-booting free trade future?

Ian Dunt and Arthur Snell join Dorian Lynskey for this week’s full-length BUNKER.

“It’s hard to observe social distancing when you’re pushing a statue into a harbour.” – Dorian Lynskey
“I’ve prosecuted cases across the United States and I can tell you that the problem of police brutality is endemic.” – Amy Pope
“Trump isn’t interested in solutions. He’s interested in abuse.” – Arthur Snell

Presented by Dorian Lynskey with Arthur Snell and Ian Dunt. Script and assistant production by Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickenson. Logo and artwork by Mark Taylor. Audio production by Alex Rees. Produced by Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters production.

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Daily: ILL MANNERS with comic Sindhu Vee Jun 09, 2020

What’s it like to actually have COVID-19? Stand-up comedian SINDHU VEE tells Ian Dunt about the experience of being laid out by the virus – how to be an “Indian Mum Bad Cop” in trying circumstances – and what she learned along the way.

“When you can’t really breathe, your body is like, HOLY SHIT.”
“I totally reached my target weight with COVID, though. And it lasted about two weeks.”
“When you’re Indian, you have doctor friends coming out of your ears.”

Presented by Ian Dunt. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producer Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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DEBORAH MEADEN: Escape from Downturn Abbey Jun 08, 2020

Which businesses could dig Britain out of the COVID recession? What will industry need to do to adapt to a new, socially-distanced reality? What are all those people involved in hospitality, services and entertainment going to do for a living? And is this a good time to start a business? Entrepreneur, investor and original mother of dragons DEBORAH MEADEN talks to Alex Andreou about the blank slate that is post-COVID business.

“There are very few moments in business where everything changes. And this is one of them.”
“We might find that we’ve changed forever how we go out and socialise in pubs or restaurants.”
“My businesses have been through a scary moment. But now it’s become an exciting moment for us.”
“You NEVER do everything at once in business. And with Brexit the Government is trying to do exactly that.”
“There’s no point in having your money sitting in the bank right now. Get it out. Get it working.”

Presented by Alex Andreou. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producer Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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The Fire This Time: Inside America’s week of chaos Jun 05, 2020

The death of George Floyd has triggered an outpouring of protest in the US and a surge of unprecedented violence from police. Could these astonishing events really change the direction of politics and race in America? Journalism teacher and ex-Washington Post writer and editor MARCIA DAVIS reported on Ferguson and the nascent Black Lives Matter movement. From Washington DC she talks to Dorian Lynskey about a tumultuous week in the United States – and what needs to happen next.

“It’s got to be more than a hashtag this time.”
“This has been time of fear and worry but also joy and excitement for many of us – because maybe things are changing”
“There’s nothing good about the death of George Floyd… but it has galvanised people of all races in an unprecedented way.”
“Many young people are saying yes, Biden IS better than Trump… but they want more.”

Presented by Dorian Lynskey. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producer Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Matthew Parris: “Boris Johnson is afraid of Parliament” Jun 04, 2020

We love Parris in the springtime. Times columnist, much-admired old school Tory and now Conservative exile MATTHEW PARRIS talks to Ros Taylor about the extraordinary place the Government has got itself into. What’s left of old-fashioned Toryism? Have we got to a place where people are happy for Government to make their decisions for then? And will the existential shock of the pandemic finally draw the Brexit poison out of Britain?

“It’s going to be harder and harder to make the case that there isn’t a magic money tree.”
“Boris Johnson is afraid of Parliament. I think he suffers from imposter syndrome.”
“Boris Johnson is having to behave like a schoolmaster when he doesn’t even do his own homework.”

Presented by Ros Taylor. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producer Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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We Shall Fight Ourselves On The Beaches – Special guest MARK WATSON Jun 03, 2020

Comedian Mark Watson is this week’s special guest as Britain sacrifices public health for sunbathing and access to flatpack furniture. Are we mentally ready to get back out and be normal? Will FOMO be replaced by FOGO – Fear Of Going Out? What is the meaning of masks? Who’s behind the attacks on “Scum Media” and what are they trying to achieve? And what is ‘British Common Sense’ anyway? Ayesha Hazarika and Helen Lewis join Ros Taylor for this week’s full-length BUNKER.

“What you’re allowed to do seems like a blokey charter… football, fishing, cars…archery?” – Ayesha Hazarika
“Opening car showrooms should be very good for the nation’s optical health.” – Mark Watson
“Dominic Cummings promised to unite the country and to be fair, he did achieve that. Everyone hates him.” – Ayesha Hazarika
This government feels like people with gardens making rules for people who live in tower blocks.” – Helen Lewis

Presented by Ros Taylor with Helen Lewis and Ayesha Hazarika. Script and assistant production by Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickenson. Logo and artwork by Mark Taylor. Audio production by Alex Rees. Produced by Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters production.

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Don’t cry for me Academia, with Glen O’Hara Jun 02, 2020

When term starts in autumn, universities won’t look like what we’re used to. What will “bubble learning” look like? What sort of hole will the pandemic knock in University finances? Will there be a socially-distanced bar and/or Animal Rights Soc disco? And will Government bail out colleges – or let some fail in an orgy of academic Darwinism? Dorian Lynskey talks to Oxford Brookes History professor and commentator Glen O’Hara about higher education’s upcoming crisis – and why even that £9,000 per term fee doesn’t cover the cost of tuition.

“I wouldn’t use the term belt-tightening. I’d say blood-letting.”
“Blended learning is definitely the new black.”
“The biggest hit will be felt at the biggest institutions like Leeds or King’s… The big boys will really suffer.”
“Universities are large-scale businesses with cafes, accommodation, bars and so on… In terms of income this is a perfect storm.”

Presented by Dorian Lynskey. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producer Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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The future is unionised says FRANCES O’GRADY of the TUC Jun 01, 2020

There’s a nightmare economic downturn on the cards, but unions were deeply involved in the emergency bailout plans. Is organised Labour about to re-enter policymaking for the first time in over 40 years? What can unions do for women workers in an economy in turmoil? And how can we rebuild better? TUC General Secretary FRANCES O’GRADY tells Ayesha Hazarika about the role unions can play not just in fixing the economy, but in transforming it.

“Seven in ten care workers are on less than £10 an hour. What has gone wrong?”
“Women are realising their own value. And that public support has been really important.”
“Let’s be ambitious for ordinary working people.”
“The public mood has changed, when we’ve got so many so-called self-employed delivery drivers who don’t have those key rights.”
“This can’t all end with the clapping on Thursday nights.”

Presented by Ayesha Hazarika. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producer Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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THE MIGHTY THAW? How to wake up a frozen economy May 29, 2020

What buttons can government push to wake up a comatose economy, and will they work this time? Will this formerly Conservative government need to go full Keynesian with a bonanza of giveaways to stimulate activity? Or if fear of persistent virus stops us returning to “normal”, might Government withdraw its support measures to force us back to work? Alex Andreou talks to DR GEMMA TETLOW, Chief Economist at the Institute for Government, about the fiendishly complex task of bringing the economy back from suspended animation.

“Ten years of focus on greater efficiency drove out some of the resilience that might have been there.”
“If we come out of this with people holding on to their money then Government may need to stimulate the economy even more.”

Presented by Alex Andreou. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producer Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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DAILY: Anand Menon and Ian Dunt on the COVID-Cummings Clusterfiasco May 28, 2020

Where does this week of chaos leave the Government’s authority? Will it affect our staggering progress towards the cliff edge of a failed negotiation with the EU? Ian Dunt talks to ANAND MENON of UK In A Changing Europe about the Johnson government’s self-inflicted problems. This podcast recorded on Tuesday 26 May.

“With unemployment and a recession coming, will people finally stop thinking about politics and say just fix the sodding economy?” – Anand Menon
“When cut-through REALLY cuts through, it becomes the emotional framework that everyone remembers. And that’s what’s happened to Cummings.” – Ian Dunt
“It suits the Government to walk from the talks in November, so that sense of outrage can carry us through the first queues at Dover.” – Anand Menon

Presented by Ian Dunt. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producer Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Mini-Daily: Troublesome tides for BRITISH FISH May 27, 2020

Got a bonus one for you: Britain’s fishing industry has long been an emotional hot button for Brexiters and a seaborne sticking point for our trade negotiators. What exactly is going on in Britain’s coastal waters? And what would a No Deal Brexit mean for fishermen who’ve been promised so much – and used as symbols – over the past five years? Ros Taylor talks to IAIN SPEAR of Devon scallop suppliers Coombe Fisheries about the fate of the Great British Fish.

Audio production by Alex Rees. The Bunker is a Podmasters production.

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Herd Impunity May 27, 2020

Dom Under Siege, Day Five: Has the Prime Minister’s incomprehensibly immovable Rasputin done enough to save his skin? And is a 60-mile car trip really the best way to test your eyesight? Plus guest John Appleby of health think tank the Nuffield Trust joins us to scope out how the NHS will change after COVID lifts. And why does the Government’s “Cultural Renewal Taskforce” contain no-one from the music, books, museum, heritage or fashion industries? Ahir Shah and Ros Taylor join Andrew Harrison for this week’s full-length BUNKER.

“This is not going away as long as you know what a Zoom funeral is.” – Ahir Shah
“This won’t be what breaks the Johnson Government. But the doubts have now been sown.” – Ros Taylor
“In terms of lockdown, anyone can cite the Cummings Caveat now.” – John Appleby

Produced and presented by Andrew Harrison with Naomi Smith and Alex Andreou. Script and assistant production by Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickenson. Logo and artwork by Mark Taylor. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters production.

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PRICE GOUGING – Who’s cashing in on COVID? May 26, 2020

Coronavirus has provided a golden opportunity for unscrupulous online and offline retailers to jack up their prices on essential goods. Who are the worst culprits for COVID price gouging? Who are the victims? And what should government be doing to stop them? ADAM FRENCH, Senior Consumer Rights Editor at the consumer advocate Which?, talks to Andrew Harrison about pandemic profiteering.

Audio production by Alex Rees. The Bunker is a Podmasters Production.

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Emergency DomCast: Requiem for a MegaMind? May 24, 2020

Should he stay or should he go now? Audio of our Emergency Dominic Cummings podcast, recorded on Zoom at 1pm today, Sunday 24 May with Dorian Lynskey, Ros Taylor, Alex Andreou and Andrew Harrison. You can just about get it listened to before the PM’s press conference at 5pm when, gosh, who know who’ll get sacked? Video of this podcast is coming soon on our Patreon page too. Sign up for full access.

Audio production by Alex Rees. The Bunker is a Podmasters Production.

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CSI: Coronavirus with DAVID ALLEN GREEN and Ayesha Hazarika May 22, 2020

The Government’s emergency measures to keep public places empty are proving to be a rat’s nest. Even senior police officers and prosecutors don’t fully understand the law. Prosecutions are falling apart. And civil liberties groups are calling for a review of all penalties. Constitutional expert and Remainiacs regular DAVID ALLEN GREEN talks to Ayesha Hazarika about bad law made in haste, and what we can look forward to in the inevitable Public Inquiry.

“We’ve enforced public health legislation as if it were public order emergency.”
“The regulations that created perhaps the widest-ranging prohibitions in peacetime never had a parliamentary vote.”
“It may well be that the litigation will go on longer than the virus did.”
“We’re supposed to nod along in a public health emergency… but how much are we nodding along?”

Presented by Ayesha Hazarika. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producer Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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There’s something RIGHT with human nature, says historian Rutger Bregman May 21, 2020

There’s only one problem with the widely-held belief that humans are fundamentally amoral and selfish, says Dutch historian RUTGER BREGMAN: it’s rubbish. His new book Humankind: A Hopeful History argues that the record shows humanity’s superpower is its unique aptitude for altruism and co-operation. He tells Andrew Harrison why everything from Lord Of The Flies to the story of the Blitz is teaching us to draw the wrong conclusions about the human race – and explains who benefits from spreading the myth of human selfishness.

“Catastrophes bring out the best in people”
“Individual humans are not all that smart or strong – but we can cooperate on the level no other species can match.”
“The idea that most people are pretty decent is actually a revolutionary idea.”
“Cynicism is a form of laziness.”

Presented and produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producer Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Pin the Blame on the Donkey Farmer May 20, 2020

On this week’s full-length podcast: Keir Starmer, Donkey Farmer. Be a hero, or else: The Government frogmarches teachers to the frontline. Futurist Mark Stevenson joins us for some big ideas on how to change everything when the COVID mess starts to abate. Corona-ing up the Culture Wars. Should we give in to travel guilt? And which of the panel will defend David Cameron?

Naomi Smith and Alex Andreou join Andrew Harrison for this week’s full-length BUNKER.

“THE WORLD HAS JUST BEEN GIVEN A CRASH COURSE IN SYSTEMS CHANGE.”
“If you want to see real innovation, go to the places where the world is broken.”
“Every nation has been given an exam called COVID. And the grades are coming in.”
“Being vindicated about something you always knew was going to be a shit show is not a great feeling.”

Produced and presented by Andrew Harrison with Naomi Smith and Alex Andreou. Script and assistant production by Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickenson. Logo and artwork by Mark Taylor. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters production.

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Daily: HILARY BENN on the UK’s dash to No Deal May 19, 2020

FROST/BARNIER: As Britain’s negotiators issue ultimatums out of thin air and the EU’s chief negotiator Michel Barnier pronounces the talks “very disappointing”, is there anything to save Britain from the catastrophic No Deal we were promised would never happen? We talk to HILARY BENN, Chair of the Commons Committee on the Future Relationship with the European Union, about the Brexit brinksmanship that could blow up in Britain’s face.

Presented by Naomi Smith. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producer Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Daily: The last picture show? COVID vs CINEMA May 18, 2020

Hollywood bowled over: Coronavirus has thrown the entire movie industry into suspended animation. Are the studios strong enough to withstand this unprecedented shock? Will smaller movies become collateral damage in the shutdown? Will straight-to-streaming become the new norm for even blockbuster movies? And anyone for Tenet? Is Christopher Nolan’s mind-scrambler really going to save the movies business? Nick de Semlyen of EMPIRE magazine explains the industry’s travails to Dorian Lynskey.

“I don’t think the cinema experience is going to die. But it’s definitely under threat.”

Presented by Dorian Lynskey. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producer Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Daily: FABLES OF THE RECONSTRUCTION with economist Dr Garry Young May 15, 2020

The Government’s emergency measures have saddled Britain with levels of debt unseen outside wartime – and a possible future of mass unemployment. How can we rebuild the economy for a post-COVID future? What’s the scale of the task? And which industries could thrive after the shutdown and which are doomed? DR GARRY YOUNG, co-Deputy Director of the National Institute of Economic and Social Research, sets out our possible futures to Andrew Harrison.

Assistant producer Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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DAILY: Into the Uncanny Valley with video games writer EDWARD STERN May 14, 2020

As we disappear deeper into virtual worlds both for work and relaxation, what are the political dimensions of the technologies we depend on to connect? Videogame scriptwriter Edward Stern, who has worked on Dirty Bomb, Gears Of War and other “shooty bang” games, explains to novice Ros Taylor why games will be increasingly important in our distanced future… what makes a good game tick… why they aren’t as gendered as you thought … what their ascendancy can teach us about our modern world… and how to present yourself on Zoom.

“For people with disabilities, a game that lets you fly when you can’t walk is quite a big deal. That’s existentially redefining.”
“Reality is quite badly written at the moment. The characters are bad. You have very few actions available to you. And you’re stuck in one place for far too …”

Presented by Ros Taylor. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producer Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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“We shall fight them in the garden centres” May 13, 2020

Are YOU staying alert? If not, WHY not? We look at the Government’s confusing (and possibly self-serving) re-do of its COVID advice. UCL Global Politics professor and presenter of the Power Corrupts podcast Brian Klaas explains why we’re asking the wrong questions about Trump’s shambolic Corona response. And is this the most disappointing apocalypse ever if you happen to be a guy visiting Subway with a bazooka?

Ros Taylor and Ahir Shah of The Mash Report join Dorian Lynskey for this week’s full-length BUNKER.

“Socially-distanced congas are at least preferable to eating the neighbours.” – Ahir Shah
“Blithering on about garden centres is not a sensible way to run a country.” – Ros Taylor
“This virus really doesn’t listen to the will of the people at all…” – Dorian Lynskey
“Every time you don’t directly say ‘Don’t do this’, a portion of the population is going to do that thing.” – Brian Klaas

Presented by Dorian Lynskey with Ros Taylor and Ahir Shah. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Script and assistant production by Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickenson. Logo and artwork by Mark Taylor. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters production.

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DAILY: After the end of the world, with historian ALWYN TURNER May 12, 2020

Coronavirus has changed everything – and maybe inaugurated a strange new era of history that nobody anticipated. What can we learn from past existential crises, from the oil shock to the world financial emergency of 2008? Will 2020 be a turning point like 1945 or 1979? And what good could come from this great upheaval? Historian ALWYN TURNER, author of Rejoice! Rejoice!: Britain in the 1980s, Crisis? What Crisis?: Britain in the 1970s and the upcoming All In It Together, talks to Andrew Harrison about life on the hinge of history.

“Whether we like it or not, this is the dawning of a new era.”

Presented and produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producer Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Never mind the Bolsonaro: Could COVID push Brazil over the edge? May 11, 2020

Meanwhile, in Brazil… Extreme populist President Jair Bolsonaro’s dismissive response to the Corona crisis makes even Trump’s look vaguely reasonable. Could the anti-lockdown sentiment he’s fomenting push Brazil into real crisis? And how does this homophobic, military fetishist, formerly marginal far-right figure maintain power? Rio-based British journalist DOM PHILLIPS talks to Dorian Lynskey about wild times in the world’s sixth-largest country.

“A professor in Rio once described Bolsanaro as just a troll… but he has a very popular touch. And he’s very, very extreme.”
“The stuff I saw during the elections, it’s absolutely staggering that a mainstream politician would say these things.”

Presented by Dorian Lynskey. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producer Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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DAILY: Give me liberty AND give me death? May 08, 2020

Who’s up for some philosophy? COVID is shaping up as a crucible for the very idea of freedom – and an ultimate test for populism and libertarianism. Ian Dunt talks to TOBY BUCKLE of the Political Philosophy Podcast about what freedom means, who owns it, what the lockdown is doing to international notions of liberty, and whether Boris Johnson is, if possible, even worse than Trump.

“Look at the evidence. Don’t look at your intuition. What seems obvious to you won’t be obvious to someone from another part of the country.”

“Politics isn’t about policies. It’s about disagreements about the meaning of words.”

Presented by Ian Dunt. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producer Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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DAILY: Home School Never Ends May 07, 2020

How is the Great Home Schooling Experiment going? Is distance learning exposing the holes in Conservative eduction policy – and the gulf between wealthy pupils and state students without laptops and iPads? Do we need to stop treating schools as a national childcare service? And will we see the end of traditional summer holidays? Education journalist LAURA MCINERNY who runs Teacher Tapp talks to Dorian Lynskey about the ongoing class struggle.

“Nine in ten vulnerable children are now NOT at school.”
“Those in the poorest areas are reporting that their children are doing the least and have the least resources.”
“Motivation is a massive issue. If something you’ve spent five years working towards is taken away, you might just think ‘I’m never going to work for anything again’.”

Presented by Dorian Lynskey. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producer Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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“The most serious science policy failure in a generation” May 06, 2020

Britain’s COVID response is now officially the worst in Europe – yet somehow Boris Johnson is getting away it. How? Plus: The NHS triumphant. Health policy expert Roy Lilley on how the service must change after the Corona ordeal. And what have we learned on our enforced retreat into inner space? Gavin Esler and Ayesha Hazarika join Andrew Harrison for this week’s full-length BUNKER.

“Everyone’s an epidemiologist nowadays.”

Produced and presented by Andrew Harrison. Script and assistant production by Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickenson. Logo and artwork by Mark Taylor. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters production.

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HARD REBOOT: Turning the economy off and on again? May 05, 2020

After an economic shock that’s unique in human history, how can we rebuild Britain’s businesses and public finances? How are we going to pay off a national debt unseen outside of wartime? Ian Mulheirn, Chief Economist of Renewing the Centre at the Tony Blair Institute, tells Naomi Smith about the hard choices ahead in a world without rules.

“This is the first time ever that governments have actively decided to switch the economy off.”
“We won’t be as worried about paying this debt off as we might have been in the past. We’ll just have to live with it.”
“This is what the State is for. It’s for safeguarding livelihoods and lives in times of crisis.”

Presented by Naomi Smith. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producer Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Law versus Justice: Is POLAND’s democracy self-destructing? May 04, 2020

Donald Tusk is telling Poles to boycott their presidential elections out of “basic human decency”. Is Poland’s ruling Law And Justice using COVID to intensify its anti-liberal direction? How are ordinary Poles coping with Corona? And could Law And Justice really get Poland expelled from the EU even though Poles are the most pro-EU people in Europe? Sociologist ROCH DUNIN-WĄSOWICZ of the LSE explains the crisis in democracy in the EU’s seventh-largest country.

“If the Presidential elections were to take place they would not fulfil the democratic conditions of being free, open and transparent.”
“This amounts to the complete control of the judiciary by the executive.”
“In Poland the UK is being showcased as Europe’s worst case of handling COVID. And that makes the Polish community in the UK worried.”
“A lot of promises were made to Britain’s Polish community, and those promises were broken.”

Presented by Ros Taylor. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producer Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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DAILY: Standing Zoom Only with comedian ATHENA KUGBLENU May 01, 2020

Zoom fatigue, virtual pubs, the Baby Johnson… Standup comic and comedy writer ATHENA KUGBLENU purges all her lockdown neuroses while Ian Dunt hides behind the microphone. Is Captain Tom being politicised? Why do we have to see everything through the prism of the Second World War? And why do we still treat posh upper class white guys with such respect?

“A lot of stuff is going on under our noses while we’re all, y’know, juggling for the NHS.”
“Congratulations to Boris Johnson, babies are wonderful… but he’s a politician who’s come back to work. So he’s fair game.”
“I wouldn’t have put it has Boris Johnson to time this kid so he got an extended Easter break.”

Presented by Ian Dunt. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producer Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Daily: The COVID mental health challenge Apr 30, 2020

The lockdown is impacting everyone differently but it’s hitting people with pre-existing mental health issues especially hard. Demand for help with depression and anxiety are up by 30% worldwide, and the impending once-in-a-century recession is likely to make it worse. Will Higham of the charity Rethink Mental Illness talks to Naomi Smith about the post-COVID crisis in mental wellbeing – and how it affects young people especially.

Presented by Naomi Smith. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Script and assistant production by Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickenson. Logo and artwork by Mark Taylor. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters production.

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The Laissez-Failure Edition Apr 29, 2020

As Boris Johnson returns to work, will we see a chastened lockdown hawk or will he revert to his laissez-faire instincts? With trust in journalists plummeting, who decided that it’s the media’s job to ask “helpful questions” of government? Plus Conservative MP Robert Largan joins us to discuss whether infrastructure is the silver bullet to fix the Corona-hit economy.

“We are watching unprecedented deaths… To talk about ‘success’ right now is obscene.” – Ian Dunt

Presented by Ros Taylor with Naomi Smith and Ian Dunt. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Script and assistant production by Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickenson. Logo and artwork by Mark Taylor. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters production.

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Daily: Leaves mean leaves! LOCKDOWN GARDENING with James Wong Apr 28, 2020

Put that sourdough starter away… Lockdown is the perfect opportunity to enrich the soul by discovering the mystery and magic of gardening. Superstar ethnobotanist JAMES WONG tells Alex Andreou how to start growing at home, and the hacks that can make it work for you. Why is being around stuff that’s growing so good for our mental wellbeing? What’s the gateway drug to horticulture? And which of the 400,000 plants on Planet Earth should you be planting right now?

“We don’t know how or why gardening is so good for us. All we know is, it works.”
“We’ve got time on our hands now that we may never have again.”
“Supergluing plants? Are you kidding me?”

Presented by Justin Quirk. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producer Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Daily: REBELS WITHOUT A CLUE The psychology of Corona rage Apr 27, 2020

Bleach! 5G! Bats! Why would anyone march with a banner that reads “Sacrifice the Weak”? Is the political reaction to COVID really being influenced by conspiracy theory? And can a democracy function when many voters simply reject facts in favour of comforting delusion? Political psychologist STEPHAN LEWANDOWSKY talks to debut presenter Justin Quirk about the irrational energies driving the Corona crisis.

“Whenever people feel they’ve lost control they invariably resort to conspiracy theory.”

“People take lies from a politician as a nudge and wink that they are on their side. That’s what happens with Trump.”

Presented by Justin Quirk. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producer Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Daily: Can AVIATION survive isolation? Apr 26, 2020

The airline and travel industries are suffering the most serious crisis in their history: worse than 9/11, the 2008 financial slump and the Icelandic volcano combined. Can air travel survive COVID? And given its carbon footprint, do we even want it to? Aviation writer JOHN WALTON tells Andrew Harrison how airlines will have to change, why the industry can’t operate on a financial knife edge any longer… and if it’s right for bearded billionaires with private islands to get the begging bowl out.

Presented and produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producer Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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DAILY: What are we going to do about TAX? Apr 24, 2020

Britain’s tax system was already a mess before the COVID-19 emergency sent the public finances into a crisis of wartime proportions. Is this a moment to radically re-engineer government revenue? Are we taxing the right things, activities… or people? Will those who got off lightly in 2008 have to pony up rather more this time around? And in the post-Corona world, does even a Tory government have any choice about moving us to a European-style high tax economy? GILES WILKES of the Institute for Government explains all to baffled layman Andrew Harrison.

Presented and produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producer Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Daily: Sweden’s Corona gamble Apr 23, 2020

While the rest of Europe locked down, Sweden took a different and much looser path on dealing with COVID. Is their controversial approach working? Is Sweden right to measure itself against a longer-term tally of suffering caused by the virus’s economic consequences, and not just the immediate death toll? Andrew Brown, author of Fishing in Utopia: Sweden and the Future that Disappeared talks to Ros Taylor about the biggest COVID gamble in Europe.

“There’s a view that everyone is pursuing the Swedish strategy, whether they know it or not.”
“This is a fairly brutal way of doing it. But Sweden’s view is that the facts are brutal.”
“Swedish opinion is like a shoal of herring. They all head in the same direction together – but that direction can change suddenly.”
“The Swedish government can be extremely bossy – but part of the technique of social control was to deny that it existed.”

Presented by Ros Taylor. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producer Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Nothin’ But A 5G Thang Apr 22, 2020

After the Sunday Times exposé of Johnson’s indolent initial response to the COVID crisis, is the Government’s infantile “rebuttal” an attempt to rewrite the facts of what happened? Hard Lockdown vs Soft Open: economics writer Frances Coppola joins us to scope out the far future of post-plague Coronanomics. Gove-building and Hancock-smashing. And it’s high times for conspiracy theorists. What are we going to do about Bill Gates’s 5G weaponised virus bats?

“Who’s giving up on market-led economics right now? The markets themselves.” – Frances Coppola

“Eamonn Holmes might think he’s ‘just asking questions’. But they’re asking the wrong questions.” – Nina Schick

“With Johnson indisposed they’re terrified of creating a rival. What if Rishi Sunak becomes the face of Government?” – Alex Andreou

Presented by Dorian Lynskey with Nina Schick and Alex Andreou. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Script and assistant production by Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickenson. Logo and artwork by Mark Taylor. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters production.

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Daily: SCIENCE VS POLITICS. The Empirical Strikes Back? Apr 21, 2020

After years of rubbishing expertise, politicians are now turning to science in humble desperation. Buzzfeed and Telegraph science writer TOM CHIVERS, author of The AI Does Not Hate You, talks to Ian Dunt about the uneasy alliance between science and politics… why immunity passports are probably a non-starter… and why we should have a sliver of sympathy for Matt Hancock and even Boris Johnson.

“The hardest thing in writing about science? Explaining uncertainty.”

Presented by Ian Dunt. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producer Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Daily: Will COVID take meat off your plate? Apr 20, 2020

We’ve all heard about the “wet markets” in Wuhan. How connected are COVID-19 and dangers of future pandemics to the world meat trade? JULIET GELLATLEY of vegan charity Viva! explains how indiscriminate mixing of species and neglect of hygiene in meat markets creates the perfect breeding ground for another viral emergency. Is giving up meat – or eating less of it – no longer a matter of personal choice but world public health?

“More and more diseases are emerging from animals and crossing over to human beings… Three in four new diseases come from animals.”

Presented by Naomi Smith. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producer Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Daily: Can MUSIC survive Corona? Apr 17, 2020

Music makes life worth living for some of us, and live shows are the only way many artists make a living. As Corona puts the music industry in an induced coma, TOM GRAY of Gomez talks to Dorian Lynskey about the monumental challenges that music faces. Will we see the return of concerts in 2020? Will we even want to get together in large numbers? If streaming your favourite band all night is not the answer, what is? And should we nationalise Ed Sheeran?

“There are people who are not going to be able to survive this. Their income is going to be annihilated.”
“Recorded music went away in the Noughties. Touring was the lifeblood, and now it’s gone.”
“There will people in the couple of months who’ll be wondering what they’re going to do with the rest of their lives.”

Presented by Dorian Lynskey. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producer Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Daily: CHINA CRISIS with Dr Yu Jie Apr 16, 2020

How did China really perform in the biggest global health disaster in 100 years? Chatham House China and diplomacy expert DR YU JIE gives Alex Andreou the inside story on the PRC’s response to Corona. What was behind the infamous silencing of warnings about the virus from local doctors? Will the Crisis threaten the Party’s rule? What it’s like to live with China’s stringent, ultra-personal monitoring programme? And how do things feel different for a Chinese person in the West now?

“China needs to let the scientific evidence speak for itself, rather than orchestrating a propaganda campaign to tell its narrative.”
“Chinese social media is not particularly kind about Chinese people returning home. They say ‘Why are you bringing the virus home to us?”
“The 100th anniversary of the Chinese Communist Party comes in 2021. China will need an economic success story to tell its population.”

Presented by Alex Andreou. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producer Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Labour’s bin-fire reignites Apr 15, 2020

The Labour antisemitism leak: what does it mean and is anyone going to jail for a data breach? Plus, how long can lockdown continue? Why herd immunity isn’t a scare phrase but in fact the only way we’ll beat COVID. The magical, corporeally-fixated incantations of the Johnson fan-press. And how Corona is changing technology. Who’ll win out if the emergency forces the battle of the streaming titans to a grand season finale?

Ian Dunt, Helen Lewis and special guest Stuart Dredge, tech writer for The Guardian, convene to sort it all out.

“At no point did [the Labour Left] confront the idea that people didn’t like their candidate or their policies… If it’s always someone else’s fault, what are you going to change next time?” – Helen Lewis

“People talk about how good Hong Kong’s response was. But in Hong Kong, if you test positive they take you away and put you in Covid Butlins.” – Helen Lewis

Presented and produced by Andrew Harrison. Script and assistant production by Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickenson. Logo and artwork by Mark Taylor. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters production.

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Daily: Can POETRY help us handle the Plague? Apr 14, 2020

Who knew that poetry would join videoconferencing and sourdough-making as one of the key ways we got through the COVID lockdown? SARAH CROWN, Director of Literature at the Arts Council and senior reviewer for the Guardian and the TLS, talks to Ros Taylor about why poetry’s stillness and conciseness is perfect for pressured times. Plus, how to find the right poetry for your lockdown experience. And do poets cope better with solitude – or does solitude turn you into a poet?

“Poetry isn’t about escape. It’s about recognition, and achieving meaning in your life.”

“In a pandemic we don’t look for happiness. We look for meaning. And poetry really delivers on that.”

The poem that Sarah reads on this episode is Spring by Edna St. Vincent Millay

Presented by Ros Taylor. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producer Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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DAILY: Among the Apocalypse Addicts with author Mark O’Connell Apr 13, 2020

It’s the end of the world as we know it and… some people are quite into that, it seems. Why are so many people so keen on the end of everything? What do doomsday preppers, alt.right catastrophists and billionaire plutocrat antidemocrats like Peter Thiel have in common? And is the communal response to COVID proving their worst ambitions wrong? We talk to Mark O’Connell – author of new book Notes From An Apocalypse: A Personal Journey The End Of The World And Back – about the dark fantasy of the End Times.

Presented and produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producer Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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DAILY: Corona Fraud and how to beat it – with ALEXIS CONRAN Apr 10, 2020

The COVID lockdown has provided scammers, fraudsters and cybercriminals with a golden opportunity to find new ways to steal. Now ALEXIS CONRAN, presenter on The Real Hustle and talkRadio, tells Naomi Smith about the new scams they’re using, and how to defeat them. What are the telltale signs of a con? What are the worst counterfeit products out there? How can you spot fake Coronanews? Plus why the Cabinet ought to be worried about their Zoom chat logs – and why you should bin passwords for passphrases,

“When there’s panic and fear, people stop using logic and they’ll try anything.” – Alexis Conran

Presented by Naomi Smith. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producer Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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DAILY: “This is the NHS’s day and this is its hour” with health expert ROY LILLEY Apr 09, 2020

COVID-19 has put the NHS under the spotlight as never before but how many of us really understand the true state of this national treasure? ROY LILLEY is one of the most influential voices in the world of public health. Today he explains the catastrophic errors on the road to Corona, what the outpouring of love and respect for NHS workers means for its future, how the NHS compares to other health systems worldwide… and what must happen if the NHS is to survive.WARNING: Andrew Lansley should probably not listen to this podcast.

“I travel the world and the one thing everyone says to me is, We wish we had your system.”
“The NHS is holding its collective breath as to what’s to come.”
“This is the biggest challenge since 5 July 1948 when the NHS was born. This is its day and this is its hour.”
“That round of applause changed the status of the NHS forever. There is no politician who can touch it now.”

Presented and produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producer Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Crisis management with DAVID LAMMY, Shadow Justice Secretary Apr 08, 2020

Newly-promoted Shadow Justice Secretary DAVID LAMMY joins us in an unprecedented week in British politics. Has Boris Johnson’s hospitalisation finally brought home the seriousness of COVID-19 to the hosts of secret barbecues and birthday parties? Does new Labour leader Keir Starmer’s cabinet re-do amount to socialist distancing? What needs sorting in the criminal justice system? And why all Bunker guests get immediate promotions…

“If you’re in a war, the time to question the generals is not in the middle of the battle.” – David Lammy

Presented by Naomi Smith with Ayesha Hazarika and Alex Andreou. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Script and assistant production by Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickenson. Logo and artwork by Mark Taylor. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters production.

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DAILY: Work-life balance on steroids with GABY HINSLIFF Apr 07, 2020

WFH? WTF! As the world adjusts to flexible working, will we ever go back to offices, meetings and “presenteeism”? GABY HINSLIFF, Guardian writer and author of Half a Wife: The Working Family's Guide to Getting a Life Back, talks to Ros Taylor about COVID’s seismic changes to working life. Will the crisis change our attitude to screentime for children? Will it be a wrench to go back to “normal”? And what happens when your kids wander into that critical Zoom conference with the CEO of Omni Consumer Products?

NB This podcast was recorded before the news about Boris Johnson’s hospitalisation.

“For women, WiFi has been as revolutionary as the pill.”
“Adults are using Houseparty, Zoom and FaceTime… we’ve stolen all the teenagers’ apps.”
“I never imagined this situation in my wildest dreams, or nightmares.”

There’s a BUNKER DAILY every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday and the main full-length panel show every Wednesday morning. Lockdown conditions mean we’re having to use available audio tech, so please bear with our variable sound quality. We’re working on it.

Presented by Ian Dunt. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producer Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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Daily: NIGELLA LAWSON’s lockdown kitchen Apr 06, 2020

Domestic Goddess NIGELLA LAWSON comes to the nation’s aid in a Lockdown Kitchen conversation with our own Alex Andreou. What’s her emergency back-of-the-cupboard recipe for when the chips are down (and there aren’t any chips)? Is isolation reminding us to value our food culture a little more? Plus top kitchen tips – yes, it turns out you can freeze cheese – and a titanic clash of potato-peel crisp techniques between Nigella and Alex.

“They say the Italians are extravagant with food but not wasteful. I’m a lot like that.” – Nigella Lawson

“For someone like me, not having lots of people to cook for is strange. But it does make you reflect on exactly what cooking means to you.” – Nigella Lawson

Presented by Alex Andreou. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. The Bunker is a Podmasters Production.

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DAILY: Inside apocalypse fiction with NAOMI ALDERMAN Apr 03, 2020

What’s so seductive about the end of everything? What happens when you’re writing a novel about an apocalyptic future, and then an apocalyptic future arrives? NAOMI ALDERMAN, author of bravura sci-fi gender reversal novel The Power and now showrunner for its upcoming TV adaptation, talks to Dorian Lynskey about the appeal of Armageddon fiction in the midst of an actual global disaster. Plus, a guide to the end-of-the-world novels that are really worth reading… and why our best guide to the current crisis is Groundhog Day.

“Every Utopia is a dystopia for somebody”

“Every death is a tragedy, and this is a serious time. But it’s worth remembering that many of us are going live through the most luxurious plague humanity has ever experienced.”

“Maybe it’s time for the return of the Utopia. I could certainly use one now.”

Presented by Dorian Lynskey. Audio production by Alex Rees. Produced by Andrew Harrison. The Bunker is a Podmasters production.

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DAILY: Extend EU transition, says Tory exile LORD COOPER Apr 02, 2020

Exiled Tory moderniser LORD ANDREW COOPER talks to Naomi Smith about the grave consequences of ignoring Brexit because of COVID-19, why the crisis government is neither “socialist” nor “conservative” but populist nationalist, and why Johnson’s stubborn refusal to extend Transition would devastate an economy already enfeebled by the Coronavirus.

“Brexit turned the party from a mainstream project into a sort of cult. They’ve become an English Nationalist party… and they know the crisis has transformed the landscape on which they have to govern.” – Andrew Cooper

We’re recording remotely and still working on our sound, so please excuse our audio quality for the moment. Presented by Dorian Lynskey with Helen Lewis and Arthur Snell. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Script and assistant production by Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickenson. Logo and artwork by Mark Taylor. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters production.

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Coronanomics and Intensive Keir Apr 01, 2020

As the Corona Age sets in, will it change our politics and economy more fundamentally than your average here-today-gone-tomorrow World Existential Crisis? What does the outpouring of national gratitude towards the NHS mean for its future? And will the Government’s fumbling of the EU ventilator bulk-buy develop into a full-blown scandal? Plus special guest Darren Jones, MP for Bristol North West, joins us to explain what the Keir Starmer’s Labour Party will look like.

“We’ve seen a lot of self-defeating austerity in recent years, where things that were supposed to save money ended up costing vast amounts more elsewhere. That’s what we need to stop.” – Helen Lewis

“Everyone’s talking about the Second World War, but we’re not trying to mobilise people. We’re trying to demobilise them.” – Arthur Snell

We’re recording remotely and still working on our sound, so please excuse our audio quality for the moment. Presented by Dorian Lynskey with Helen Lewis and Arthur Snell. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Script and assistant production by Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickenson. Logo and artwork by Mark Taylor. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters production.

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BUNKER DAILY: Horrible Historian GREG JENNER on crisis, Corona and celebrity Mar 31, 2020

He advises on the BBC’s Horrible Histories and now he’s podcasting to keep kids from going stir-crazy on lockdown. Historian GREG JENNER tells Ian Dunt what the Plague in 17th Century Florence can tell us about public emergencies, why past crises are no guide to what could happen in this one, and his new book Dead Famous: An Unexpected History Of Celebrity From Bronze Age To Silver Screen. It seems political celebrity is 300 years old, and one Dr Henry Sacheverell was the incendiary Nigel Farage of 1709…

“I’ve seen people on Twitter asking ‘Is this how socialism arrives?’ Are these the test conditions for things like Universal Basic Income? This is not a normal crash.”

“As a historian I’m fascinated, but as a person I have no idea what’s going to happen next.”

There’s a BUNKER DAILY every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday and the main full-length panel show every Wednesday morning. Lockdown conditions mean we’re having to use available audio tech, so please bear with our variable sound quality. We’re working on it.

Presented by Ian Dunt. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producer Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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BUNKER DAILY: Post-Corona and post-Corbyn with guest ELLIE MAE O’HAGAN Mar 30, 2020

Guardian columnist ELLIE MAE O’HAGAN talks to Dorian Lynskey about how the Corona wrecking ball will reshape society, the big changes coming in the Labour Party, and her upcoming book The New Normal. What does Labour need to jettison from the Corbyn era and what should it keep? What will people want from politics after the end of the Crisis? Plus, why baking sourdough is the new “writing your King Lear”…

“The material circumstances of this era show that we can’t go back to the supposed stability of the past.” – Ellie Mae O’Hagan

Subscribe for a BUNKER DAILY every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday plus the main full-length panel show every Wednesday morning.

Presented by Dorian Lynskey. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producer Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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BUNKER DAILY: Wigan warrior LISA NANDY on Corona’s consequences Mar 27, 2020

“Corona has shown us that weakness anywhere is weakness everywhere.” Labour leadership candidate LISA NANDY tells Naomi Smith how the crisis has utterly transformed politics in Britain. Do we need a National COBRA drawing on talent from outside party politics? Plus this former opponent of a second EU referendum says refusal to extend transition will devastate British companies. And how did last night’s amazing national round of applause for the NHS feel in Wigan?

“This is a moment when we could go either way as a country. We could pull together as a country or will we decide to go it alone?” – Lisa Nandy

Presented by Naomi Smith. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producer Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.

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New BUNKER DAILY: The Corona Bill and your rights Mar 26, 2020

NEW: A daily Bunker mini-cast for the duration of the lock-in, and maybe beyond.

On today’s debut edition, the emergency Corona Bill changes our rights in ways unthinkable in normal times, with extra ministerial powers, suspension of protections for mental health patients and “huge, swingeing powers” for police to disperse gatherings and detain people for testing. Ros Taylor talks to human rights barrister ADAM WAGNER about the grave implications of this necessary but daunting legislation.

“When we see major crises, societies tend to turn in and look for strong and decisive action. There’s often universal approval for restrictions on the way we live… For me, that rings alarm bells.” – Adam Wagner

Presented by Ros Taylor. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producer Jacob Archbold. Audio production by Alex Rees. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER DAILY is a Podmasters production.

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Corona My House – plus a climate change reset? Mar 25, 2020

How’s your lockdown? What tipped Johnson and Cummings over the edge from “herd immunity” to total shutdown? Why is the Government that spent £100m on Brexit adverts not committing a penny to public health advertising on social media? And what is Rishi Sunak going to do now he’s Prime Minister? Plus, is Corona the unexpected reset moment we needed on climate change? Campaigner Natalie Fee has thoughts. And will culture and creativity be COVID-19’s collateral damage?

“If any other party were in power it would not be getting off as lightly for their failure to get to grip with this.” – Naomi Smith

We’re recording remotely and still knocking the kinks out of the system so please excuse our sound quality. Produced and presented by Andrew Harrison with script and assistant production by Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickenson. Logo and artwork by Mark Taylor. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters production.

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COVID-19: Life during wartime Mar 18, 2020

LO-FI REMOTE RECORDING, completed right before Sunak’s £330bn announcement… Corona bites harder. Can Boris Johnson persuade us to trust the science after so many years of telling us not to trust experts? What’s more likely to motivate people to self-isolate: a sense of duty or outright fear? Should the British government’s go-it-alone approach provoke confidence? And have we inadvertently trained people to stockpile?

Plus, will the eventual reconstruction of the world economy mean the much-criticised Utopian ideal of Universal Basic Income will become mainstream policy? Campaigner Jonny Ross-Tatam of Basic Income North thinks so.

“Johnson has abused and broken down people’s trust in him. And now he wants it, I’m not surprised that the reaction is, why the hell should we listen to you now?” – Ros

“This is making us all nostalgic for Brexit. I’d kill for the Malthouse Compromise now, and not a real-life scene from ‘Contagion’.” – Ayesha Hazarika

Presented by Dorian Lynskey with Ayesha Hazarika and Ros Taylor. Produced by Andrew Harrison. Assistant producer: Jacob Archbold. Audio production: Alex Rees. The Bunker is a Podmasters production.

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I Can See Keirly Now – plus football’s murky future Mar 11, 2020

If Keir Starmer’s victory is a done deal, what battlegrounds should Labour’s new leader choose? Standard/Buzzfeed/Telegraph journo Marie le Conte and former Labour MEP Rory Palmer debate the future of Starmerism. Plus Marie explains what the hell’s happening in France – and the don of football writing Philippe Auclair explains why despite a frenzy of busts and exposés, world football’s corruption problems are worse than ever.

Produced and presented by Andrew Harrison with script and assistant production Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickenson. Logo and artwork by Mark Taylor. Audio production by Robin Leeburn. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters production.

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The Coronavirus Conundrum – plus Bernie vs Biden vs Bloomberg Mar 04, 2020

Wily virus comes in like a wrecking ball… Are poor leadership and bad information hampering the UK and US fight against the Coronavirus? Bernie, Biden, or Bloomberg on Super Tuesday. To beat Trump do you need someone as crazy as, well, Trump? Or will any shouty billionaire do? Priti Patel’s nasty regime. And was South Park the Nirvana to the alt.right’s Nickelback?

Self-isolating in The Bunker this week with Dorian Lynskey are Ayesha Hazarika, Ian Dunt and special guest Brian Klass, political scientist at UCL, Washington Post columnist and host of the Power Corrupts podcast.

“Most of the things America has gotten away with are simply because Trump’s own stupidity hadn’t caught up with him.” – Brian Klaas

Presented by Dorian Lynskey with Ayesha Hazarika and Ian Dunt. Audio production by Alex Rees. Assistant producer Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickenson. Logo and artwork by Mark Taylor. Produced by Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters production.

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Wrong arm of the law? Roughing up the justice system Feb 26, 2020

With Dom’n’Priti at the controls, is Britain’s failing justice system ready to be reformed within an inch of its life? Inside points-based immigration for the world’s unemployed Mandarin-speaking violinists. And with Starmer on course to lead Labour, we play Shadow Cabinet Fantasy Football to predict who’ll make the team – and who’s leaving on a free.

Oh, and we have some exciting news from the live arena too… This week’s panel is Helen Lewis of The Atlantic (new book Difficult Women out this week) and Ros Taylor of LSE “B”-word blogs, with special guest Sashy Nathan of Commons Legal and 89Up.

“If you want to get involved in men’s rights then get into prison reform. It is the biggest male-based injustice in the country.” – Helen Lewis

Produced and presented by Andrew Harrison with Ros Taylor and Helen Lewis. Audio production by Alex Rees. Assistant producer Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickenson. Logo and artwork by Mark Taylor. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters production.

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“YES in my back yard?” A housing revolution Feb 18, 2020

“Here are we living in a tin can…” If NIMBY helped create Britain’s housing nightmare, is YIMBY the answer? We talk to the grassroots disrupters who are trying to turn Britain’s development-phobia on its head with the battlecry “yes in my backyard.”

Plus: the Democrat Primaries. Is the party about to make the same mistake as Labour and nominate a kindly old grandpa who just can’t get the votes? And what the hell is TikTok? Why is every 12 year old in your life using it to hog the broadband? All this and more on the Brexit-free* podcast from the makers of Remainiacs.

This week’s panel is comedian Ahir Shah (on tour now, fans of fun) and Best For Britain CEO Naomi Smith with special guest John Myers of London YIMBY.

“The unfortunate truth is that if don’t build flats that bankers want to live in, then bankers are going to price YOU out of that affordable home YOU wanted to live in.” – John Myers

* Mostly

Produced and presented by Andrew Harrison with Naomi Smith and Ahir Shah. Audio production by Alex Rees. Assistant producer Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickenson. Logo and artwork by Mark Taylor. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters production.

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Rough Trade: Can Britain bully its way to an EU commerce deal? Feb 11, 2020

As Michael Gove dumps the frictionless trade we were promised into the memory hole, will good old-fashioned belligerence get the Government the EU commerce settlement it wants? And what DOES it want anyway? Trade expert Dmitry Grozoubinski explains it all.

Plus, Cath Haddon of the Institute for Government on Classic Dom’s preparations to reform the British Constitution (with an axe?). And why does the rest of Britain hate London? All on the (mostly) Brexit-free podcast from the makers of Remainiacs.

“From the very moment Boris Johnson entered No.10 it’s been very hard to work out the objective truth on what’s going on. And that’s a strategy.” – Ian Dunt

“No conversation that begins with ‘The thing about trade is…’ will ever get you a telephone number at the end of the night.” – Dmitry Grozoubinski

Produced and presented by Andrew Harrison with Ian Dunt. Audio production by Alex Rees. Assistant producer Jacob Archbold. Music by Kenny Dickenson. Logo and artwork by Mark Taylor. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters production.

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Did Boomers steal tomorrow? Feb 04, 2020

This week on the Brexit-free podcast from the makers of Remainiacs… What are Baby Boomers so angry about? And will they always hoard the lion’s share of political power? Vladimir Putin, Original Populist: how he remade Western democracies in his own image. Marie Stopes sends her poetry to Hitler. And when is it right to deprive someone of the most sacred right of all: a Twitter account?

Crammed into the bunker this week areHelen Lewis of The Atlantic magazine, ex-diplomat and foreign policy expert Arthur Snell, and good old Ian Dunt of politics.co.uk.

“Especially in America, populists’ argument is that private enterprise is great and government is useless. So by getting into government and being useless, they get to prove their own point.” – Helen Lewis

Produced and presented by Andrew Harrison with Ian Dunt, Helen Lewis and Arthur Snell. Audio production by Alex Rees. Music by Kenny Dickenson. Logo and artwork by Mark Taylor. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters production.

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Impeachment for Dummies (and Presidents) Jan 28, 2020

Welcome to THE BUNKER, the new weekly politics podcast from the makers of Remainiacs. This week we’re joined by former Obama homeland security advisor Amy Pope to discuss the Trump Impeachment latest and the suddenly pivotal role of “Evil Ned Flanders” John Bolton.

Plus: If Keir Starmer wins the Labour leadership, will his first big fight be with Boris Johnson or with Continuity Corbynism? And can the BBC survive a Dominic Cummings-inspired hit on the TV licence fee?

“[The Senate Trial] suggests that America is so polarised that people are unwilling to look at the facts as they come in… There’s not even a pretence of a fair hearing here.” – Amy Pope

Produced and presented by Andrew Harrison with Ros Taylor and Ian Dunt. Audio production by Alex Rees. Music by Kenny Dickenson. Logo and artwork by Mark Taylor. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters production.

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