Top Stories!

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.

October 2012 today, for Bugle issue 211 the US election was just around the corner. Myself and John pondered over the prospect of life with Mitt Romney in the White House.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.

BECOME A SUBSCRIBER AND GET THIS SHOW AD FREE! SUPPORT THE BUGLE!We’re going back to a more innocent time now. How we laughed over the Lisbon treaty in June 2008. It’s issue 34 You Will Know Us By Our Knobbly Fruit.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 a surprising breakthrough in the fight against Malaria. Nish Kumar and Matt Forde joined Andy for The Reverse Skrillex.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 October 2012 the Bugle turned 5 years old - and what better way to celebrate than with a Top Story looking at some impressive brass balls.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.

Flipping the bird - such a small but satisfying gesture. And in March 2010 the middle finger was the subject of a bizarre legal wrangle - and yes, of course - it was in America. It’s Bugle issue 106.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.

June 2009 now and Prime Minister Gordon Brown was having a bit of a mare. Cabinet resignations were coming in thick and fast as we recorded Bugle issue 77.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 heading back in time now to September 2008 and some very rich bankers had some explaining to do as the world hurtled towards financial armageddon. 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 love a bit of pope news here on the Bugle. And in March 2009 Benedict XVI didn’t disappoint - delivering some classic Pope lines on a trip to Africa.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 get wrapped up in our own lives now and again - but in August 2011 Bashar Al Assad finally went crazy enough for the international community to start taking notice. It’s issue 165 Bashar Goes Madcon 1.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 August 2010 we were beating our samba drums and counting down to the Brazilian election in true Carnival style. It’s issue 124 Brazilliant!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 dedicated a lot of time here on the Bugle to marking the exploits of some very dodgy people. And in November 2012 we had a bonanza on our hands. It’s Bugle 214 a Few Bad Men.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.

June 08 was a big moment for Barack Obama - but Hillary Clinton was taking her time to step aside in the race to be Democratic Presidential candidate. Here are John and Andy with Bugle issue number 32.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 we are in May 2015 - when there was a mere 18 months to go before the next US Presidential election. So of course the democratic machine was already cranking up. It’s issue 293 - Slow Cook Democracy.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 *love* a Presidential race at the Bugle. And in April 2012 Rick Santorum was making the fight for the White House even more entertaining than usual.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 in time now to March 2010, when Andy and John were going back even further - to the 1980s. It’s issue 105 - The Falklands War Part II.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 it's Producer Chris coming to you from the good ship Bugle Mc Bugle face with some top nautical news for you in this issue of Top Stories. It was bugle issue 54, back in November 2008Hear 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.