Top Stories!

President Obama’s ambitious healthcare plans were the hot topic of discussion for issue 83, in July 2009. But despite his heroic goals - the President was snubbed by the US TV networks, who had far more important issues on their agendas.Hear more of our shows, go to the march sale, and donate here: thebuglepodcast.com/This episode was produced by Chris Skinner and Laura Turner Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

April 2008 and the then Pope - Pope Benedict XVI - made a visit to the USA. President Bush went out of his way to give him a warm welcome. It’s Bugle issue 125.Hear more of our shows, go to the march sale, and donate here: thebuglepodcast.com/This episode was produced by Chris Skinner and Laura Turner Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

New Year - the moment when we all get to start over, be our best selves…. And in January 2019 the company Seaborne Freight made a resolution to reinvent itself as a ferry company… with no ships. Andy was joined by Alice Fraser. Hear more of our shows, go to the march sale, and donate here: thebuglepodcast.com/This episode was produced by Chris Skinner and Laura Turner Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In February 2012 the Syrian civil war reached a grim level of violence. And, just 10 months after it all began The UN leapt in to action Hear more of our shows, go to the march sale, and donate here: thebuglepodcast.com/This episode was produced by Chris Skinner and Laura Turner Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A festival of democracy was underway in Europe in June 2009. It was complete electageddon as 27 states elected 736 MEPs - what could possibly go wrong? Hear more of our shows, go to the march sale, and donate here: thebuglepodcast.com/This episode was produced by Chris Skinner and Laura Turner Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After almost half a decade in power, Fidel Castro stepped down as president of Cuba in February 2008. Cause for celebration at the White House - who, seemed to have sourced their assault on him from whoever wrote Looney Tunes.Hear more of our shows, go to the march sale, and donate here: thebuglepodcast.com/This episode was produced by Chris Skinner and Laura Turner Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

December 2018 and it was that old faithful Brexit gracing the Top Story spot. Helen Zaltzman and Hari Kondabolu joined Andy as Britain took back control. Hear more of our shows, go to the march sale, and donate here: thebuglepodcast.com/This episode was produced by Chris Skinner and Laura Turner Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Another top story and another world leader bites the dust. In March 2013 Hugo Chavez was no more. The Venezuelan leader had already accused the CIA of trying to bump him off - and his death sparked no end of conspiracy theories. Hear more of our shows, go to the march sale, and donate here: thebuglepodcast.com/This episode was produced by Chris Skinner and Laura Turner Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, an iconic episode, welcome to May 2011, Osama Bin Laden was no more, and John and I delivered a heartfelt f*ckeulogy…Hear more of our shows, go to the march sale, and donate here: thebuglepodcast.com/This episode was produced by Chris Skinner and Laura Turner Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A truly historic moment now, an indisputable top story - President Barack Obama’s elected the 44th President of the USA. Yes his family was beautiful, yes the speech was a masterpiece, but, but, think of poor Oprah being left out in the cold Hear more of our shows, go to the march sale, and donate here: thebuglepodcast.com/This episode was produced by Chris Skinner and Laura Turner Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

January 2008 and President Bush finally got around to trying to fix the Middle East, what a champ. With photo-opps a plenty and bringing Bethlehem to a standstill - the US President was full of optimism.Hear more of our shows, go to the march sale, and donate here: thebuglepodcast.com/This episode was produced by Chris Skinner and Laura Turner. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join us now as we hung up our stockings on Brexit-eve. New Year 2020 and we were bracing ourselves for life outside of the EU. Alice Fraser and James Nokise joined Andy for a fond farewell. Hear more of our shows, go to the march sale, and donate here: thebuglepodcast.com/This episode was produced by Chris Skinner and Laura Turner Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Russia invades Ukraine - but part 1 - yep, March 2014 and Russian troops occupy Crimea. That is unless you asked President Putin.Hear more of our shows, go to the march sale, and donate here: thebuglepodcast.com/This episode was produced by Chris Skinner and Laura Turner Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Europe was rolling out the red carpet for Barack Obama in July 2008. The soon-to-be-President’s blossoming love affair with the media was keeping Andy and John entertained.Hear more of our shows, go to the march sale, and donate here: thebuglepodcast.com/This episode was produced by Chris Skinner and Laura Turner Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Back in December 2007 there was some disappointing news for the Bush administration, but great news for humanity - as Iran’s nuclear threat was downgraded after the US released it’s own report into Tehran’s weapons programme. An actual good news Bugle!Hear more of our shows, go to the march sale, and donate here: thebuglepodcast.com/This episode was produced by Chris Skinner and Laura Turner Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 2010 and … yes that’s right - Vladimir Putin being a bad guy. Allegations of voter fraud were dismissed by the Russian President - and you can probably guess who he blamed instead. Hear more of our shows, go to the march sale, and donate here: thebuglepodcast.com/This episode was produced by Chris Skinner and Laura Turner Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In October 2018 the Bugle made it’s first trip to Ireland. Live from the Sugar Club in Dublin Andy was joined by Alice Fraser and David O'Doherty - and we were concerned about the steps needed to save the earth environmental armageddon.Hear more of our shows, donate and see our live dates here: thebuglepodcast.com/This episode was produced by Chris Skinner and Laura Turner Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In March 2013 we were all fixated on the Vatican City - waiting for that holy white smoke that signals the arrival of a new Pope. The appointment of Pope Francis marked several firsts for the Catholic Church - much to the delight of John and Andy.Hear more of our shows, go to the march sale, and donate here: thebuglepodcast.com/This episode was produced by Chris Skinner and Laura Turner Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For today’s top story we’re visiting the Maldives - a tropical paradise - well for some people anyway. And in February 2012 the wealthy holidaymakers may have missed the coup going on away from the perfect beaches and turquoise seas. It’s Bugle number 182.Hear more of our shows, go to the march sale, and donate here: thebuglepodcast.com/This episode was produced by Chris Skinner and Laura Turner Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Where would we be at the Bugle without unscrupulous leaders? In April 2009 the morals of torture were up for debate as America got its self into a pickle about whether or not it was a pastime the great nation participated in. Hear more of our shows, go to the march sale, and donate here: thebuglepodcast.com/This episode was produced by Chris Skinner and Laura Turner Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Let’s take you back to November 2007 when we were all gripped by happenings at the third OPEC summit. Saudi Arabia hosted - and didn’t exactly do their green credentials much good. Hear more of our shows, go to the march sale, and donate here: thebuglepodcast.com/This episode was produced by Chris Skinner and Laura Turner Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sun, sand and…. fiscal bailouts. The mediterranean island of Cyprus was having a tough time in March 2013 - and it all got a little out of hand, and not just because of the British expats drowning their sorrows in Ayia Napa. For issue 229 I was joined by John and Producer Chris.Hear more of our shows, go to the march sale, and donate here: thebuglepodcast.com/This episode was produced by Chris Skinner and Laura Turner. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We love a reason to celebrate here at the Bugle. Cake, candles and missiles were on the agenda in October 2009 as John and I raised a glass to 60 years of communist China, for Bugle number 91.Hear more of our shows, go to the march sale, and donate here: thebuglepodcast.com/This episode was produced by Chris Skinner and Laura Turner Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How would you feel if your browser history was published in a national newspaper? Well if you were the President of Syria - you might be even more worried. That’s right, in March 2012 we got a glimpse into the down-time of Bashar al-Assad. It’s Bugle 187.Hear more of our shows, go to the march sale, and donate here: thebuglepodcast.com/This episode was produced by Chris Skinner and Laura Turner Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Scallops might sound like an unlikely cause of war - but I’m sure you’ll remember, not that long ago - these innocent creatures of the sea almost pushed Britain and France to the brink. It’s Bugle 4079 - I’m joined by Alice Fraser, and of course - we couldn’t miss the opportunity for some seafood based puns. Hear more of our shows, go to the march sale, and donate here: thebuglepodcast.com/This episode was produced by Chris Skinner and Laura Turner. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Olympic flame’s a symbol of peace and friendship - but in April 2008 ahead of the Beijing Games, the torch relay teetered on the brink of a diplomatic crisis. In Bugle number 24 John and Andy were concerned for the future of this ancient tradition. Hear more of our shows, go to the march sale, and donate here: thebuglepodcast.com/This episode was produced by Chris Skinner and Laura Turner. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A few Top Stories ago we bid a fond farewell to Silvio Berlusconi. We thought he was done for back in November 2011, but fast-forward just 8 months to Bugle number 200, and yes - he’s back.Hear more of our shows, go to the march sale, and donate here: thebuglepodcast.com/This episode was produced by Chris Skinner and Laura Turner. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There was a major breakthrough in the war on Terror in August 2008. Well that’s if you rank a taxi driver as being up there with the biggest threats to civilisation. We’re going way back - to Bugle number 40.Hear more of our shows, go to the march sale, and donate here: thebuglepodcast.com/ This episode was produced by Chris Skinner and Laura Turner Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

D*nald Tr*mp’s presidency was a gift - to the Bugle at least. And his reaction to events in Virginia in August 2017 just couldn’t be ignored for Bugle 4039. Hear more of our shows, go to the march sale, and donate here: thebuglepodcast.com/This episode was produced by Chris Skinner and Laura Turner Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ah, the monarchy… they are so great. And in June 2014 for Bugle 271 it was Spain’s King Juan Carlos keeping us entertained. Hear more of our shows, go to the march sale, and donate here: thebuglepodcast.com/This episode was produced by Chris Skinner and Laura Turner Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Here at the Bugle we’d be lost without certain World leaders who provide us with endless amounts of content through their somewhat questionable actions - and in Bugle 135 we give thanks to non-other than Kim Jong Il.Hear more of our shows, go to the march sale, and donate here: thebuglepodcast.com/This episode was produced by Chris Skinner and Laura Turner Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Bugle has often tried to shine a light on our increasingly hot and messy planet… and we’re not the kind of show to be afraid of a highly technical UN report. So enjoy Bugle 265 for some in depth jokes on climate bureaucracy. Hear more of our shows, go to the march sale, and donate here: thebuglepodcast.com/This episode was produced by Chris Skinner and Laura Turner Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It turns out that countries are often lead by bad bad guys… and in Bugle 4050 we focused on a few of them - starting with Robert Gabriel Mugabe. Hear more of our shows, go to the march sale, and donate here: thebuglepodcast.com/This episode was produced by Chris Skinner and Laura Turner Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We return to Pakistan today to see how they get elections done. It's complicated.Hear more of our shows, go to the march sale, and donate here: thebuglepodcast.com/This episode was produced by Chris Skinner and Laura Turner Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The US election cycle has been the backbone of this beast, but just 50 years in we were already tiring of the 2008 election. Here’s Andy and John with Bugle 50 - US Election nearly over!Hear more of our shows, go to the march sale, and donate here: thebuglepodcast.com/This episode was produced by Chris Skinner and Laura Turner Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today: Do you miss Silvio Berlusconi? Then this is the show for you! Here’s when he was seemingly done for, in November 2011, it’s Bugle 172 - Berlusconi bows out.Hear more of our shows, go to the march sale, and donate here: thebuglepodcast.com/This episode was produced by Chris Skinner and Laura Turner Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sometimes The Bugle also gave exclusive updates on events happening *off* of planet earth, like when Space Shuttle finally shuttled off into wherever shuttles go. What a time, as captured in 160 - News Out Of This World.Hear more of our shows, go to the march sale, and donate here: thebuglepodcast.com/This episode was produced by Chris Skinner and Laura Turner. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we turn our attention to Snowden, Putin and global espionage controversies. In Bugle 250 - No one is madder than Obama.Hear more of our shows, go to the march sale, and donate here: thebuglepodcast.com/This episode was produced by Chris Skinner and Laura Turner Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Let’s go back to another sport heavy Bugle classic. It's a 2012 Olympics update from John and Andy in Bugle 203 - No medals for Syria…Hear more of our shows, donate and see our live dates here: thebuglepodcast.com/This episode was produced by Chris Skinner and Laura Turner Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Time for Bugle 4020 - Gender War, where Andy and sister Helen celebrated International Women’s Day.Hear more of our shows, go to the march sale, and donate here: thebuglepodcast.com/This episode was produced by Chris Skinner and Laura Turner Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we go back to chaotic times, in Bugle 66 - where Barack Obama gave Gordon Brown a rubbish present.Hear more of our shows, go to the march sale, and donate here: thebuglepodcast.com/This episode was produced by Chris Skinner and Laura Turner. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today it’s a live special from 2018 with Andy, Nish Kumar, Alice Fraser, and naive optimism for the many great things Brexit would bring, It’s Bugle 4060 - What's that Aunt Doing?Hear more of our shows, donate and see our live dates here: thebuglepodcast.com/This episode was produced by Chris Skinner and Laura Turner Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today on Top Stories it's Bugle 129, where we turned our attention to the latest brilliant golfer in the Kim dynasty - Kim Jong UnbelievableHear more of our shows, go to the march sale, and donate here: thebuglepodcast.com/This episode was produced by Chris Skinner and Laura Turner. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Donald Trump was president elect In Bugle 4012 and Anuvab Pal kicked off The Bugle with some questions about the way the US was run. Why he asked Andy in anyone’s guess… It’s Bugle 4012 - Bashfulness and Shame.Hear more of our shows, go to the march sale, and donate here: thebuglepodcast.com/This episode was produced by Chris Skinner and Laura Turner. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Remember the Taliban, they ruled Afghanistan until the west came and saved everyone. Things are fine now. In 2009 we focused on the diplomacy between the US and the afghan leadership From Bugle 73 - Are the Taliban skiing down the Swat Valley?Hear more of our shows, donate and see our live dates here: thebuglepodcast.com/This episode was produced by Chris Skinner and Laura Turner Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we remember the time when it turned out that the USA had serious plans to blow up the biggest piece of cheese known to man, in bugle 215 - Let's Nuke The Moon!Hear more of our shows, donate and see our live dates here: thebuglepodcast.com/This episode was produced by Chris Skinner and Laura Turner Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Let’s cheer ourselves up with a 2nd dip into UK elections, this time, when David Cameron teamed up with future Meta Legend Nick Clegg and kicked Gordon Brown out of his home. It’s Bugle 115 - Five More Years of This.Hear more of our shows, go to the march sale, and donate here: thebuglepodcast.com/This episode was produced by Chris Skinner and Laura Turner Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Thank goodness we don’t have to spend too much time thinking about Syria these days, I am sure everything there is all fine. This wasn’t the case in Bugle 245 our episode was titled Syria, too complicated for 5 year olds.Hear more of our shows, go to the march sale, and donate here: thebuglepodcast.com/This episode was produced by Chris Skinner and Laura Turner Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Buglers, sometimes we exclusively report the news, sometimes we live it. Sometimes we book a live show when we know news will happen but aren’t sure what it is yet. Like in Bugle 4031, when Andy was joined by Nish Kumar and Producer Chris, on election night where two heavyweights of politics Theresa May and Jeremy Corbyn entered the ring.Hear more of our shows, go to the march sale, and donate here: thebuglepodcast.com/This episode was produced by Chris Skinner and Laura Turner Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today it’s Bugle 65 and where we lead with the UKs attempt to get their house in order with the EU. Things clearly went well.Hear more of our shows, go to the march sale, and donate here: thebuglepodcast.com/This episode was produced by Chris Skinner and Laura Turner Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.