The Bugle

This week, Andy Zaltzman is joined by Josh Gondelman and Anuvab Pal for an episode bursting with chaos, tangents, and stories so random they feel algorithmically generated. As Andy prepares to fly to Australia for The Ashes, the big question is: is he even slightly focused? The evidence suggests no. 🎯 TOP STORY – RANDOM NEWS ROUND-UP: Cheating Pub Quiz NewsAmerican Coin NewsRussian Robot NewsTrump News A dizzying tour of the world’s oddest headlines — just another day at The Bugle. 🎧 Support The Bugle! Become a Team Bugle subscriber for bonus episodes, exclusive video editions, and a warm sense that you’ve chosen the correct timeline: thebuglepodcast.com 📺 Watch Realms Unknown on YouTube. Produced by Chris Skinner and Laura Turner. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Andy Zaltzman is joined by Helen Zaltzman and Josie Long for an episode awash with political upheaval, mild optimism, and existential dread. 🌊 The Blue Wave: Across the US, progressives are making surprising gains — including Zohran Mamdani’s win in NYC. But how long before the wave meets the usual breakwater of bureaucracy? 🎙️ Trump vs the BBC: In a glorious meltdown that will echo through press rooms for decades, Donald Trump loses it live on air. Andy brings us a world-exclusive “interview” with The Don himself — because if you can’t get him in person, you can always get him in parody. 🔥 The End of the World (Slowly): Climate, conflict, capitalism — the apocalypse is on layaway, but it’s still coming. Don’t worry, there’s time to panic later. 🎄 Christmas Is Coming! Celebrate the festive season with irony and warmth by grabbing your official Bugle Christmas jumper at thebuglepodcast.com. Perfect for hiding your despair in style. 🎧 Support The Bugle! Get bonus episodes, exclusive videos, and the moral superiority of Team Bugle membership at thebuglepodcast.com. 📺 Watch Realms Unknown on YouTube. Produced by Chris Skinner and Laura Turner. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Bugle turns 18 — and we’re not done celebrating yet! In Part 2 of our birthday special, Andy Zaltzman is joined by Alice Fraser and Nish Kumar to take a sideways look at some of the week’s more alternative headlines. 🚆 UK News: Double-decker trains could be coming to Britain — but is it a great leap forward, or just a taller disaster waiting to happen? 🛰️ Australian News: Space junk keeps falling from the sky. Should we be worried, or is this just nature’s way of redecorating the Outback? 📚 Online News: Wikipedia turns out to be even stranger than you remember — and possibly more reliable than your uncle’s Facebook feed. 🥔 Bugle Hot Potato: Producer Chris Skinner finally reveals the results of our first-ever Bugle audience survey, and the findings are… troubling, hilarious, and statistically unsound. 🎉 It’s been 18 years of world events, weird news, and questionable analysis — and somehow we’re still here. 🎧 Support The Bugle! Become a Team Bugle subscriber for bonus episodes, exclusive videos, and the smug glow of loyalty: thebuglepodcast.com 📺 Watch Realms Unknown on this YouTube channel. Produced by Chris Skinner and Laura Turner Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Andy is joined by special guest John Oliver for a very special reunion episode of The Bugle. 🏛️ From the White House: The latest updates from the most powerful building in the world — still home to confusion, scandal, and policy made via impulse tweet. 🎨 The Louvre Heist: Art! Intrigue! Security guards on lunch! We break down the most stylish theft of the year and ask the big question: if you steal art ironically, does it count? 📻 Bugle Nostalgia: Andy and John take a stroll down Bugle memory lane, reminiscing about the early days of international nonsense, awkward satire, and moments that aged about as well as a banana in the sun. Expect high-brow theft, low-brow politics, and top-tier Bugle chemistry. Bugle Christmas Jumpers/Sweaters are now on sale - this is a one time thing: thebuglepodcast.com Produced by Chris Skinner and Laura Turner. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Andy Zaltzman is joined by Tom Ballard and Ria Lina for another round of international nonsense. 👑 TOP STORY: Prince Andrew has officially been fired. We look at what happens when a royal loses his job — and his headed notepaper. 🇬🇧 OTHER UK NEWS: China has threatened the UK following the collapse of a major trial and some truly diplomatic chaos. But why are they targeting dweebs called Chris? And does this extend to The Bugle’s own producers? (We hope not, Chris.) 🇺🇸 US NEWS: No Kings! Americans are once again protesting monarchy — real, imagined, and symbolic. It’s a weird time to love liberty and hate coronations. 🤸 SPORTS NEWS: Indonesia has banned Israel from gymnastics competition, sparking debates that require some serious mental gymnastics to follow. 🎟️ Don’t miss The Bugle Live Stream! Join us on 26th October for a live Bugle you can watch in real time. Grab your tickets now at thebuglepodcast.com. 🎧 Support The Bugle! Become a Team Bugle subscriber for bonus episodes, exclusive videos, and a smug sense of global awareness: thebuglepodcast.com 📺 Watch Realms Unknown on YouTube Produced by Chris Skinner and Laura Turner. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Andy Zaltzman is joined by Hari Kondabolu and Alice Fraser for another round of global absurdity and barely contained disbelief. 🕊️ We begin in the Middle East, where “peace” has apparently broken out — at least according to the press releases. But what’s Trump’s role in it all, and can a man who once tried to buy Greenland really solve millennia of conflict? 🤖 Then we dive into the weird world of AI, where influencer Tilly Norwood is reshaping tech headlines, ethics, and possibly humanity’s sanity. 🦁 In animal news, we meet pescatarian lions — proving that even apex predators can try a new diet (or are just really bad hunters). 👮‍♂️ And in South Korea, a holographic police officer is now on duty. Finally, a cop who can’t arrest you but can give you nightmares. 🎧 Support The Bugle! Get bonus episodes, exclusive video editions, and moral superiority at thebuglepodcast.com 📺 Watch Realms Unknown on YouTube, and pick up A Passion for Passion - The Audiobook on our site. Produced by Chris Skinner and Laura Turner. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Andy Zaltzman is joined by Helen Zaltzman for a transcendental episode of The Bugle — one that’s proudly, intentionally, and gloriously Trump-free. 👼 We turn our attention to higher beings — spiritual, celestial, and possibly bureaucratic. Are they watching us? Guiding us? Or just muting Earth’s notifications? 🐒 In animal news, we ponder what our furry co-inhabitants might think of humanity’s latest efforts at intelligence — artificial or otherwise. 💘 And speaking of which… relationships with AI. Love in the time of algorithms: when your soulmate’s a chatbot and your toaster knows too much. Expect enlightenment, existential dread, and at least one argument about whether your phone is judging you. 🎧 Support The Bugle! Get bonus episodes, exclusive videos, and the smug serenity of a Team Bugle subscription: thebuglepodcast.com 📺 Watch Realms Unknown on YouTube, and pick up the audiobook for A Passion for Passion here: thebuglepodcast.com Produced by Chris Skinner and Laura Turner. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Andy Zaltzman is joined by Josh Gondelman and James Nokise for a satirical sprint through the week’s most surreal headlines. 🇺🇸 Trump at the UN — the world’s most chaotic diplomat-in-chief takes his brand of bluster to the global stage. What did he say this time, and did anyone manage to stay awake? 🐒 In Palau, macaques are making mischief—proof that not all international crises involve humans (though these monkeys are giving it a good go). ⛳ And at the Ryder Cup, golf’s most polite competition turns into a not-so-polite chaos-fest. Who lost their cool? Who lost their balls? And how did it all go so very wrong? 🎧 Support The Bugle! Get bonus episodes, exclusive video editions, and a warm glow of smug satisfaction: thebuglepodcast.com 📺 Watch Realms Unknown on YouTube Produced by Chris Skinner and Laura Turner. Herded by macaques. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Andy Zaltzman is joined by Nish Kumar and Sara Barron for a globe-spanning episode of satire, scandal, and despair. 💻 Don’t miss our live stream! Join us on 26th October for a Bugle you can watch in real time. Tickets available now at thebuglepodcast.com. 🇺🇸 In the US, late-night comedy takes a hit as Jimmy Kimmel gets cancelled—we unpack what it says about culture, politics, and the endless churn of outrage. 🇬🇧 Across the pond, Donald Trump visits the UK, oh please. 🇵🇸 And Palestine, what a state. 🎧 Support The Bugle! Subscribe for bonus episodes, exclusive videos, and smug satisfaction: thebuglepodcast.com Produced by Chris Skinner and Laura Turner. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Andy Zaltzman is joined by Anuvab Pal and Tiff Stevenson for a global sweep of OH GOD NOT ANOTHER WEEK LIKE THIS. At least we have a fun top story... 🤖 In Albania, the government now has an AI Minister. Is this the future of politics, or just the first step toward being ruled by ChatGPT in a suit? 🇺🇸 In America, chaos reigns yet again—scandals, dysfunction, and a national mood that can best be described as “existential shrug.” 🇬🇧 Meanwhile in the UK, the far right edges further into the conversation. We ask: what does this mean, and will they sue if you call them far right? 🧭 And in history news: Marco Polo. Explorer? What exactly did he do? 🎧 Support The Bugle! Come to our live stream. Get bonus episodes, exclusive videos, and the smugness of a Team Bugle subscription: thebuglepodcast.com 📺 Watch Realms Unknown on YouTube Produced by Chris Skinner and Laura Turner. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Andy Zaltzman is joined by Alice Fraser and Nato Green for a world tour through... 🇨🇳 In China, the latest “conference” brings together a rogues’ gallery of global strongmen. At least it’s nice to see Men Having Friends—even if those friends are terrifying. 🇺🇸 In the US, the rebranded Department of War makes a bold statement, and bad rhymes. 🇬🇧 Meanwhile in the UK, the government is serving up yet another omnishambles ⚽ And in sport: once again, Trump nearly ruined it. Because of course he did. Plus we announce major guests for our live show...exciting! #JohnnyShowbiz 🎧 Support The Bugle! Get bonus episodes, exclusive videos, and that smug Team Bugle glow: thebuglepodcast.com 📺 Watch Realms Unknown on YouTube, and pick up A Passion for Passion here: Bookshop.org Produced by Chris Skinner and Laura Turner. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello Buglers, we are back with a spectacular new Bugle next week. Until then let’s celebrate this most premier of autumnal months… with a look back at September from years gone by. And don't forget to get your tickets for our live show at the Leicester Square Theatre in October. Or your ticket to watch the live stream. Buy them here: https://www.thebuglepodcast.com/live Hear more of our shows, buy our book, and help keep us alive by supporting us here: thebuglepodcast.com/ This episode was produced by Chris Skinner and Laura Turner Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ahead of our 18th birthday (tickets on sale now: http://thebuglepodcast.com), we celebrate some classic live Bugles, with Andy, Nish, Alice and Alex Edelman. The Bugle can only exist if you support us: donate, follow us on YouTube, spread the word. Introduced by Andy Zaltzman and Chris Skinner. Produced by Laura Turner. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tickets for our 18th birthday live show are on sale now! thebuglepodcast.com This week, Andy Zaltzman is joined by Nato Green and Sara Barron for a jam-packed episode featuring geopolitics, golf, and pharmaceutical-powered transformations. 🇬🇧 Trump hits the UK — but not for diplomacy. No, he’s here for the golf, naturally. We unpack the weirdness of a man under multiple indictments taking celebratory swings on foreign soil. 🇵🇸 In Gaza, the human cost continues to mount. The team discusses what’s happening, what isn’t, and why outrage fatigue is very, very real. 💉 Meanwhile, in the world of image, insecurity, and injections: we tackle the rise of men on Ozempic. Who are they doing it for? Themselves? The algorithm? Their golf swing? Plus: a healthy dose of righteous fury, despair-laced laughs, and a side of fairway hypocrisy. 🎧 Support The Bugle! Subscribe for bonus episodes, exclusive video content, and moral superiority: thebuglepodcast.com 📺 Watch our fantasy-comedy series Realms Unknown on YouTube, and grab A Passion for Passion at: Bookshop.org Produced by Chris Skinner and Laura Turner. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🎧 Support The Bugle! Become a Team Bugle subscriber for bonus episodes, exclusive videos, and that warm fuzzy feeling that you’re funding nonsense: thebuglepodcast.com This week, Andy Zaltzman is joined by Jena Friedman and Ria Lina for an episode full of sub-zero headlines. With Trump's ICE on the loose, shifting climate cycles and unruly vandalism the trio plod their way through a bombardment of moral twist and turns. 📺 Watch Realms Unknown, our visual fantasy-comedy show, on YouTube Produced by Laura Turner, Chris Skinner and Ross Ramsey-Golding. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🎧 Support The Bugle! Become a Team Bugle subscriber for bonus episodes, exclusive videos, and that warm fuzzy feeling that you’re funding nonsense: thebuglepodcast.com This week, Andy Zaltzman is joined by Alice Fraser and Anuvab Pal as the trio plunge head first into a whirlwind of headlines, from irritable emojis and French public holidays to comets and judgemental pets. And of course the team check-in to the land of Trump only to find a disappointed Donald celebrating the FIFA Club World Cup. 📺 Watch Realms Unknown, our visual fantasy-comedy show, on YouTube Produced by Chris Skinner and Ross Ramsey-Golding. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🎧 Support The Bugle! Become a Team Bugle subscriber for bonus episodes, exclusive videos, and that warm fuzzy feeling that you’re funding nonsense: thebuglepodcast.com This week, Andy Zaltzman is joined by Ian Smith and Nish Kumar for a global dive into activism, absurdity, and the only sport where selflessness still exists (sometimes). 🗺️ Palestine Action — protestors, direct action, and is this chat even legal? Andy, Ian and Nish break down who’s doing what, why, and whether it makes a difference. 🏅 Meanwhile, in a move that absolutely no one saw coming (except everyone), Donald Trump has been nominated for a Nobel Prize. Yes, really. What next? A sainthood? 🏏 And in sports, meet the world’s most selfless cricketer—proof that somewhere, deep in the heart of cricket, the spirit of the game is still alive. 📺 Watch Realms Unknown, our visual fantasy-comedy show, on YouTube Produced by Chris Skinner and Laura Turner. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🎧 Support The Bugle! Become a Team Bugle subscriber for bonus episodes, exclusive merch, and the unmatched pleasure of elite-tier status: thebuglepodcast.com This week, Andy Zaltzman is joined by Josie Long and Josh Gondelman for a turbulent episode stacked with big beautiful bills, endless Norwegian funds and outrageously rich pets. Produced by Chris Skinner, Laura Turner and Ross Ramsey-Golding Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There has been so much news lately that we've had to hold back on some killer stories, so here they are - from Matcha chaos, to Jeff Bezos's wedding to female religious leaders. Andy is with: Tiff Stevenson, Hari Kondabolu, Felicity Ward, Neil Delamere, Alice Fraser, Tom Ballard and James Nokise. Produced by Chris Skinner and Laura Turner 🎧 Support The Bugle! Get bonus episodes, exclusive videos, and a Team Bugle subscription at thebuglepodcast.com 📺 Watch our visual fantasy-comedy show Realms Unknown on YouTube. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🎧 Support The Bugle! Get bonus episodes, exclusive videos, and the smug self-righteousness of a Team Bugle subscription at thebuglepodcast.com This week, Andy Zaltzman is joined by Tiff Stevenson and Tom Ballard to untangle a world that's somehow too serious and too stupid—often at the same time. 🔥 Top Story: Iran & Israel — tensions escalate, missiles fly, and peace remains as elusive as a rational online comment section. 🐕 Also in Iran: forget cats with attitude—dog walking is now banned. We unpack the leash-tightening madness. ☀️ Meanwhile, the summer solstice brings light and… an AUKUS defence deal? Yes, nothing says sunshine like submarines. 🎺 And in the USA, Trump’s latest parade blares its way through logic and decency—again. 💬 Expect sharp satire, international nonsense, and at least one excellent pun. 📺 Watch our visual fantasy-comedy show Realms Unknown on YouTube. Produced by Chris Skinner and Laura Turner. And Chris's dog Daphne. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.