Top Stories!

Every issue of the Bugle is an audio treat - but this top story is, er, out of this world! Issue 29, from May 2008 was titled Adults & Aliens. Sign up for our new premium donation scheme and get this show ad-free here: thebuglepodcast.com/This episode was produced by Chris Skinner and Laura Turner Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A report by Amnesty International is never good news - and in February 2017 the organisation gave a damning verdict on the state of global human rights. Fortunately Nish Kumar was on hand to disect the bad news and come up with witty tennis comparisons.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.

Sometimes the world is just too bleak to contemplate - and that’s when you need a Top Story like this. In November 2013 a man in Russia came to the Bugle’s rescue - by nailing his testicles to Red Square. It’s issue 251: Nailing the truth to the floor.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 population reached a landmark in October 2011. Great news for Bugle listening figures - not such great news for the future of humanity. 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.

Some Bugle episodes have very simple titles that tell you what’s in store. Some don’t. Today for example, it’s Backwang Forever, keep listening to find out what on earth happened there…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.

Issue 44 of the Bugle now and 8 days of some of the most hardcore political grandstanding ever attempted had left both Andy and John feeling somewhat patriotic about good old Blighty. That’s right - it’s the Republican Convention 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.

In January 2017 hopes were high that things couldn’t get much worse than the shit-show that had been 2016. But, you guessed it… those hopes were dashed from the off. Its Bugle issue 4011: George W Bush NostalgiaHear 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.

Penises are like buses… a few top stories ago we had a knob on a rooftop. Now, it’s a penis on Mars. Not the most important story in April 2013 - but nevertheless it is the story we decided to dedicate our show to.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, Bugle 143, where Egypt was in the news. Egypt is less in the news now so does that mean that everything is fine?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.

Who doesn’t love a bit of nuke news? That’s right more international law flouting by North Korea. It was June 09 and Bugle issue 76: Does Kim Jong Il have the grapes to start a war?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 some worrying news for food fans back in April 2008… It’s Bugle issue 26: Food! Nonexistent Food!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 to April 2015 now, with just days to go before the general election. Things were hotting up as the great British public took their usual complete lack of interest in all things democratic. 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 episode that introduced the F**k Dungeon... we all have bad days, even Presidents. And in October 2012 a lack lustre day at the office for President Obama was our top story. It’s bugle issue 208: A Kama Sutra approach to the truth.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 July 2011 now and the News of the World phone hacking scandal was going on…. and on. Prompting one protester to take matters into his own hands. It’s Bugle issue 162: Making a mountain out of a mountain.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.

A momentous day from history is marked. Bugle issue 104 looked back at Nelson Mandela’s release from prison 20 years earlier.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 pay tribute now to one of the best acts of teenage rebellion to ever go down in history. We take our hats off to then-18 year old Rory McInnes - issue 69 in March 2009.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 on top stories the election victory party invite that nobody wanted. As election results go the Iranian election in June 2009 was pretty noteworthy, and for all the wrong reasons. It’s Bugle issue 80, Iran, pick on a country your own size!Hear more of our shows, buy our book, and donate here: thebuglepodcast.com/Introduced by Chris Skinner. 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 October 2008 now and Sarah Palin’s big moment. Bringing folksy to the Vice Presidential debate. It’s issue 47, Sarah Palin- One giant leap backwards for humankind.Hear more of our shows, buy our book, and donate here: thebuglepodcast.com/Introduced by Chris Skinner. This episode was produced by Chris Skinner and Laura Turner Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Enjoying the British summer? Yeah - thought not. Well we’re going back now to one of the many spells of bonkers weather we’ve seen over the life of the Bugle. It’s issue 256 - Troubled Bridge Over Boiling Water.Introduced by Alice FraserGo see Alice live in Edinburgh, including two live editions of The Gargle: https://www.thebuglepodcast.com/live Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today on Top Stories the moment Hosni Mubarek became an ex-dictator. Or did he? Andy and Jon tried to decode the rumours that were swirling in June 2012. Go see Alice live in Edinburgh, including two live editions of The Gargle: https://www.thebuglepodcast.com/live Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We’ve landed in July 2010 - and the Queen is living it large in the USA. Jon Oliver had the stateside view on the regal visit - Alice Fraser introduces Bugle issue 122.Go see Alice live in Edinburgh, including two live editions of The Gargle: https://www.thebuglepodcast.com/live Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We travel back in time now to April 2013 and we find Britain in the depths of mourning. That’s right it was the dark weeks that followed the death of Margaret Thatcher. It’s Bugle issue 231, The Queen should play poker.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.

2011 was a big year for civil disobedience. Riot fever was spreading like a twitter storm. It was the turn of Egypt to overthrow its leader as we recorded Bugle issue 142, Egypt Erupts.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 November 2009 now and Europe was looking for a President. Contenders were throwing their hats in the ring, but before they could be crowned there was a little matter of the Lisbon treaty. It’s Bugle episode 94, Does the EU really want El Presidente Blair?This episode was produced by Chris Skinner and Laura TurnerHear more of our shows, buy our book, and donate here: thebuglepodcast.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hi Buglers, weather is weird, so let's go back to Bugle 63, Foreign snow is invading Britain!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 on Top Stories, a man who managed to stick two fingers to the British establishment, yet still managed come across as a bit of a terrible guy. From 2008 it’s Bugle 23, How Is Mugabe losing a rigged 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.

Now I wouldn’t blame you if you’d had your fill if Prime Ministerial resignations right now. But let’s remind you of one more - a tearful number 10 farewell in May 2019. I was joined by Alice Fraser and Mark Steele for issue 4110 Democramnesia.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.

Things were feeling a little bleak in January 2012 as the boffins in charge of the Doomsday Clock broke some frankly terrifying news. It’s Bugle issue 178 The Final Countdown.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.

Ever daydreamed about quitting your job in dramatic fashion? Well in June 2010 General McChrystal gave us all a lesson in how to leave in style - getting himself sacked from a job I think we can all agree sounds pretty tough - Afghan war commander. Here I am with John Oliver in Bugle issue 120.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 brace yourselves for the scandal of a lifetime. Think luxury duck houses and Branston Pickle. Yep it’s May 2009 and some dark days for our MPs.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 way back into the darkest dustiest corner of the Bugle archive now - for issue number 7, 25 Million People Missing. It was November 2007 and Andy was having an identity crisis.Hear more of our shows, buy our book, and donate here: thebuglepodcast.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We’re going back to August 2011 now - and there was more bad financial news for the world. Debts were racking up for the USA and a little creative accounting was in order. It’s issue 163 Debt To America.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.

Imagine a dystopian world where fire fighters would only help you if you’ve paid a fee on time. Oh hang on - we don’t need to imagine, we just need to listen to Bugle episode 130 Fire Sale. Here I am with John Oliver.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.

Let’s face it British politics doesn’t exactly have the same level of razzmatazz as that mustered up by the Americans. And in October 2009 - the Conservatives didn’t disappoint. Here are myself and John relieving the drama of the Tory Party conference. 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 good political stitch up at the Bugle - and in June 2008 president Bush’s former Press Secretary was on hand to dish the dirt in a new book. Here are Andy and John.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 Jan 09 Washington DC was on tenterhooks as a momentous milestone approached. That’s right President Obama was on his way to save mankind - Andy and John could hardly contain themselves. It’s Bugle issue 59 - Why Obama's inauguration will be like the Rio carnivalHear 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 February 2019 there was some serious insect news. Desiree Burch joined Andy and Alice Fraser to take stock of the looming catastrophe.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.

Yesterday’s Top Story was all about the looming financial crisis facing America at the end of 2008 - now we’re leaping forward 5 years to January 2013 - and the fiscal cliff edge was fast approaching…. Or was it? It’s issue 218 - Cliff Diving.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 2008 the American economy was in crisis - but with President Bush on his way out, and Obama not yet in - let’s just say that there wasn’t exactly a lot of work going on in the White House. It’s Bugle issue 53 - Obama and his not so secret code nameHear 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 all the way back to October 2009 now - and there was panic about the state of oil production in the far off year of… 2020. And surprise, surprise, those in charge were sticking their fingers in their ears. Here are John and Andy in Bugle issue 93 - Oil is running out, bring on the new Stone Age!Hear more of our shows, buy our book, and donate here: thebuglepodcast.com/This episode was produced by Chris Skinner and Laura Turner. It was introduced by Chris Skinner Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Now it might be hard to believe now that Rudy Giuliani once stood a half decent chance of becoming President - but back in 2008 it was an actual possibility. So imagine Andy and John’s glee when the wheels tarted to fall off his campaign. It’s episode 15 - A Message to You, Rudy.Hear more of our shows, buy our book, and donate here: thebuglepodcast.com/This episode was produced by Chris Skinner and Laura Turner. It was introduced by Chris Skinner Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

President Trump never failed to deliver the goods to help a satirical podcast on its way. In Bugle issue 4096 in Sept 2019 myself, Alice and Hari took a look at Trump’s State of the Union address - and as you’d imagine, there was plenty to unpack.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 September 2012 now - and the start of the US Presidential campaign. John was lacking in sympathy for Mitt Romney as he suffered a challenging week, to put it mildly. 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 if there wasn’t already enough people out there denying climate change - in August 2010 the head of the UN’s climate change body found himself at the centre of hiccup that added heat to that fire. It’s Bugle 103 Climate change denial and a Narnia of nutjobs.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.

Remember those hopeful days early on in Obama’s time at the White House? The world felt like a good place - despite the fact that things were not going particularly well over there. But what have the facts got to do with anything? In February 2009 Andy and John Oliver were keen to jump on the optimism band wagon. 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 you might feel like national pride is at a low ebb in the Uk right now. And it’s not a new thing - back in March 2008 Prime Minister Gordon Brown was trying to get us all feeling better about our nation. But let’s face it - that’s just not very British is it? It’s Bugle issue 21 - Swearing at the Queen.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’s Brexit again. And in 2016 the latest twist in the story of our times was London’s apparent bid to escape the rest of the UK. Wyatt Cenac joined Andy for Bugle episode 4007 - Mid Atlantica.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.

Italy, the land of ice cream and snappy dressers, was in the Bugle’s sights in November 2011 - for episode 173, Techno! Techno! Technocrat! We took a look at Prime Minister Mario Monti’s plans for the nation. 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 economy’s faced some turbulent times over the lifespan of The Bugle. So, we’ve tried to do what we can to help. And in August 2010 myself and John had some top tips for dealing with the budget deficit.Find out about all good things Bugle here: thebuglepodcast.com Producer by Laura Turner and Chris Skinner Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We like to take desperate causes to our hearts at the Bugle. Always keen to shine a light on the plight of those less fortunate than ourselves. In Sept 2008 we had an urgent plea to our listeners - to Help Save The Investment Banker. It’s Bugle issue 45.Hear more of our shows, including The Bugle Ashes ZaltzCast, 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.