The Bunker – News without the nonsense

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

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/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 at the University of Strathclyde 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

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

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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

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

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

Pop culture polemic with guests folk-pop-chanson visionary Kathryn Williams and journo Jude Rogers, whose new book The Sound Of Being Human shows 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

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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

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

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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