Top Stories!

In October 2011 we were bowing our heads and paying a fitting tribute to Colonel Gaddafi - after his game of hide and seek drew to a dramatic close.Hear more of our shows, buy our book, 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 all need a holiday from time to time. Well in Sept 2009 myself and John returned from a Bugle break to find that despite our time away - nothing much had changed in the world. It’s issue 89 The Bugle finally returns.Hear more of our shows, buy our book, 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 had serious concerns in October 2018 about the future of happiness. It started with smiling being banned. Where would it end? Alice Fraser and Aditi Mittal were with me to contemplate a world without joy. It’s issue 4085 Pocket Gods.Hear more of our shows, buy our book, 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 still settling into the White House in February 2017. But he was already helping to forge some interesting new alliances around the world. Wyatt Cenac joined me for Bugle issue 4015 Tolerance is just laziness.Hear more of our shows, buy our book, 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.

Environmental protesters were making their voices heard in September 2014. Record numbers took to the streets in New York - leaving John’s dog feeling a little miffed. It’s issue 274 Beard means business.Hear more of our shows, buy our book, 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 2013 now and homophobia was having a moment. Former British MP Lord Norman Tebbit was leading the charge. And we named Bugle issue 236 “Tennis racquet marries guinea pig”.Hear more of our shows, buy our book, 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 was the end of an era in January 2011 as Tunisia’s Ben Ali was ousted from power - in a manner perfectly befitting his tenure. It’s Bugle issue 141 Tunisia is Revolting.Hear more of our shows, buy our book, 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.

September 2017 now and the diplomatic tit for tat between the US and Russia was reaching a crescendo. Alice Fraser joined Andy for Bugle issue 4041 A flood of news, and floods.Hear more of our shows, buy our book, 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.

America’s widening wealth gap was up for discussion in December 2013 - with some bad news for the great American Dream. It’s Bugle issue 253 Lenin in a Dress.Hear more of our shows, buy our book, 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.

Democracy fans had a real treat in the Spring of 2012. The US, Mexico, Russia, Greece and France were all going to the polls. So it was only right that Bugle issue 194 should be a Global Election Round Up.Hear more of our shows, buy our book, 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.

September 2010 now and the 65th UN General assembly was underway in New York. Of course John was there to give his analysis.Hear more of our shows, buy our book, 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.

Aung San Suu Kyi’s house arrest was given a bizarre extension in August 2009. Andy and John tried to their heads round the legal wrangling. Its Bugle issue 86 Burma triumphs at made-up crime prevention.Hear more of our shows, buy our book, 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’ve been on a real roll in Britain in recent years when it comes to Prime Ministers. In December 2017 Andy was joined by Anuvab, Alice and Mark Steel as we digested the general election. Mark inparticular had some frustrations to vent. It’s issue, 4133 Brelectageddon.Hear more of our shows, buy our book, 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 June 2017, the British public once again let themselves down at the polling booths. The day after the landmark vote Andy was joined by Helen and Aparna Nancherla to unpick what had just happened. Hear more of our shows, buy our book, 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 G8 were getting together for their annual jolly in June 2013. Ireland was playing host to the diplomatic dance. It’s issue 239, Goodness Gracious G8 Balls Of Tennis.Hear more of our shows, buy our book, 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 only one inquiry in town in April 2012. That’s right Leveson. Ring any bells? Well let us remind you. It’s Bugle issue 192, Uncle Rupert is the real victim.Hear more of our shows, buy our book, 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, a look back at when white smoke bellowed from the heavens. No, not the Vatican, Iceland. Hear more of our shows, buy our book, 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 world's biggest democracy was going to the polls in May 2019. We took a deep dive into Indian democracy with Anuvab Pal for issue 4107 - Look at this Massive Election! Hear more of our shows, buy our book, 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’re going back To February 2017 now - and I was joined by Helen for a major update on the future of planet Earth. It’s issue 4017 - Evolution special.Hear more of our shows, buy our book, 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.

Britain’s long and messy divorce from Europe was just beginning in May 2013. In Bugle issue 234 we were coming to terms with UKIP and making ourselves familiar with one Mr Nigel Farage. Hear more of our shows, buy our book, 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 spring 2011 we had a little break here on the Bugle. Putting our feet up for a few weeks. But of course that meant there was no shortage of bonkers behaviour to catch you up on for Bugle issue 148 - Mayhem Update.Hear more of our shows, buy our book, 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.

Iran was giving us all a lesson in democracy in June 2009 - with a shock victory that left Andy and John reeling for Bugle issue 79 - Iran's Theocracy: Letting God decide the election.Hear more of our shows, buy our book, 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 April 2017 Andy was in Australia and there were debut appearances for two new Buglers - welcome David O'Doherty and Tom Ballard. It’s issue 4023 - World turned upside down.Hear more of our shows, buy our book, 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’re taking you back in time now to Kiev in December 2013 - and a new challenger for the title of toughest world leader. It’s Bugle issue 252.Hear more of our shows, buy our book, 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 2012 marked one year since the death of one of the most wanted men in the World. It was causing John to feel poetic - launching his exclusive greetings card line. It’s issue 193 - Happy Deathiversary!Hear more of our shows, buy our book, 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 November 2011 the people were fighting back. So of course - so were the powers that be. It’s Bugle issue 171 - A Greek Tragedy.Hear more of our shows, buy our book, 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.

Britain was reaching new heights of democracy in May 2010 as we recorded Bugle issue 113 - Countdown to Vote-ageddon. And a political blooper from Gordon Brown gave Andy and John plenty to analyse.Hear more of our shows, buy our book, 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 January 2017 The White House had a new resident - Donald J Trump. Straight off the back of the inaugaration - Hari joined me to try and make sense of what had just happened. It’s Bugle issue 4013 American Carnage. Hear more of our shows, buy our book, 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.

Syria’s electronic army got the better of the West in May 2013 with the power of a single Tweet - but on the upside it allowed us to give Bugle issue 233 the title Baby Got Hack.Hear more of our shows, buy our book, 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 March 2012 there was one of those oh so British moments of panic. Of course it involved a queue and some dim-witted politicians. It’s issue 188 Gentlemen, start your engines!Hear more of our shows, buy our book, 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 news was so bleak in March 2011 that John Oliver admitted something truly shocking about himself. It’s Bugle issue 147 Man Versus Nature - and Andy joined John on the phone from Chennai.Hear more of our shows, buy our book, 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 countdown was on in April 2010, as the UK learnt it was to go to the polls. A general election was afoot - and the Tories had a secret weapon up their sleeve. It’s Bugle issue 110 Britain Holds its Breath.Hear more of our shows, buy our book, 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.

At some points in Bugle history there has only been one top story in town. April 2020 is one of those times… Yes, that’s right… Covid has infected Top Stories. It’s issue 4149 William The Bonquerer.Hear more of our shows, buy our book, 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 March 2014 the Russian invasion of Crimean peninsula was high in the headlines. So which element of this crisis did myself and John Oliver decide to focus on? Dolphins of course. It’s issue 264 Making nothing out of something.Hear more of our shows, buy our book, 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.

Silvio Berlusconi makes another appearance in Top Stories now. The Italian stallion surpassed himself in September 2011 with a particularly passionate rant. It’s issue 167 Berlusconi: Hard to swallow.Hear more of our shows, buy our book, 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.

An icon of an episode! Cast your mind back now to September 2010 and those exciting days in the UK when the Pope graced us with his presence. It’s Bugle issue 127 12 Friends and 1 Champion.Hear more of our shows, buy our book, 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 Top stories we like to take you back in time to Bugle’s past… but for this issue, we’re messing with the space-time continuum - it’s Bugle issue 84 Will China rule the world in the future?Hear more of our shows, buy our book, 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 2019 now and Greta Thunberg was in the UK. Andy was joined by Nish Kumar and Nato Green for the issue 4106 Swede Dreams are Made of Trees.Hear more of our shows, buy our book, 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.

Get out your star spangled banner - it was celebration time in Bugle issue 213. Yes, it was November 2012 and Barack Obama was re-elected as US President. But as the title Free At Last suggests - it wasn’t so much the result that John was celebrating.Hear more of our shows, buy our book, 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 shock revelation in Jan 2012 regarding the British habit of telling porkies. And a warning that the nation could be heading towards a crisis. It’s issue 180 The truth about lies.Hear more of our shows, buy our book, 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 like to shine a light on some of the most deplorable humans on the planet. For issue 107 in March 2010 we were spoilt for choice - it’s The Bugle Ethics Special.Hear more of our shows, buy our book, 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.

John McCain was on the campaign trail in October 2008, and some back peddling was underway - after some serious mud-slinging in Barack Obama’s direction. It’s issue 48 How Low Will They Go?Hear more of our shows, buy our book, 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 our 250th Top Story we’re going back in time to a highlight in America’s great history of the patriarchy. Judge Kavanaugh was the hot topic for issue October 2018.Hear more of our shows, buy our book, 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 UK was gripped by a referendum as we recorded Bugle issue 273 - and no, not THAT referendum. This was September 2014 - before Brexit was even in our lexicon. Yep, it was the Scottish referendum keeping myself and John on the edge of our seats. Hear more of our shows, buy our book, 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.

Hurricane Sandy swept through New York in November 2012. Cue plenty of finger pointing by those hoping to use the weather to their political advantage. It’s issue 212 - Wind of Change.Hear more of our shows, buy our book, 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.

Capitalist fat cats were shaking in their boots in October 2011. Occupy Wall Street was raging against the machine for issue 168.Hear more of our shows, buy our book, 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.

As we welcomed in 2009 Andy and John looked back in time to try and find a happier new year for the Middle East. It’s a suitably festive Bugle issue 58.Hear more of our shows, buy our book, 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 May 2019 Alice and Hari joined me for issue 4109 The News Stinks - and we tried to get out head round some particularly grim news from the US. Hear more of our shows, buy our book, 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’s democratic system was under the Bugle’s scrutiny in March 2012. That’s right President Putin was celebrating another victory. It’s issue 186 An Insult to Civic Society.Hear more of our shows, buy our book, 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.

Now as far as top stories go, this one might get the prize for the most obscure. Yep, in November 2009 for Bugle issue 95 - we were talking all things “Walls”.Hear more of our shows, buy our book, 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.