Top Stories!

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.

We love an election here at the Bugle. A chance to see democracy in motion - and so in Nov 2007 Andy and John were revelling in an announcement by Pakistan’s Pervez Musharraf.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.

Moon news was first on the agenda for Bugle issue 4098 in February 2019. And if rich guys firing large rockets isn’t enough for you. Andy and Alice couldn’t leave out some very important Jesus fish news. 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.

In June 2012 the world was preparing for another half-arsed attempt to save itself. That’s right the Rio Earth Summit was having another shot at what it failed to do previously. It’s Bugle issue 198, Warm Up and Melt Down.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.

Excitement levels were off the scale in November 2010 - when all the world’s ills were fixed with one mega announcement. That’s right - a royal wedding was on the way to make everything ok. Of course Andy and John were keen to join the celebrations.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.

Colonel Gaddafi provided us with plenty of material over the years - not least in Sept 2009, when he addressed the UN General Assembly for a full 90 minutes - and he wasn’t the only one trying to steal the limelight. 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.

We’re going back now to may 2008, episode Dead Hill Walking. Jon and Andy cast an eye over the state of the US Presidential election - and the Hill in question’s flagging campaign.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.

Sometimes the world just doesn’t deliver the comedy goods. Britain was looking pretty bleak in February 2019. In a desperate attempt to distract ourselves from Brexit, the Bugle turned to homelessness for Top Story in issue 4095 - Why the dolphins keep leaping.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.

We love a rousing speech here at the Bugle. So imagine Andy and Jon’s joy in January 2013, as America’s first black President was sworn in for the second time. It’s Bugle issue 221.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.

A royal baby soiling it’s nappy in New Zealand, or a momentous election in India… a tough call for top story in Bugle issue 266 in April 2014 FKA Flip Modi Squad.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 May 2011 the death of one bad guy wasn’t enough for the world. Hot on the heels of Osama Bin Laden’s death, a Nato-led coalition had Muammar Gaddafi in it’s sights. John and Andy had some suggestions to help them achieve their goal.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.

March 2009 saw the world spiralling into the depths of a financial crisis - but at the Bugle there was bigger news… That’s right - monkeys, and more specifically monkey tantrum news. It’s Bugle issue 67 Instead of recession news, let's talk chimps.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.

Hari Kondabolu and Alice Fraser joined me in November 2019 for Bugle issue 4130, and a tri-continental look at President Trump’s impeachment inquiry.Hear more of our shows 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.

To India now and in November 2016 Anuvab Pal filled the Bugle in on Narendra Modi’s shock and awe tactics on tax evasion.Hear more of our shows 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 of 2012 Andy was mourning the end of the London Olympics - but thankfully the forthcoming US election was a great distraction.Hear more of our shows 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 2010 Obama supporters were coming to terms with the end of the warm and fuzzy feeling they’d been enjoying since his electoral victory. Andy Z and John Oliver had some advice to get them through the tough times. Hear more of our shows 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 most wanted man in Europe was captured in July 2008. Radovan Karadzic’s hiding place was rumbled despite his best efforts - if you can call growing a beard any type of effort at all. It’s Bugle issue 38.Hear more of our shows 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.

If anything sums up the car crash that is Brexit it ’s Theresa May’s approach to getting it done in January 2019. Andy and Anuvab Pal discussed the merits of starting with Plan B.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.

Politicians deliver again and again for us - helping to make the Bugle the satirical behemoth that we know and love today. In December 2008 there was political corruption a plenty to keep Andy and John going.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.

David Cameron - remember him? Well in December 2011 the then Prime Minister caused a bit of a stir in Europe - setting the tone for the next 12 years of pain.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’re going back nearly a decade now to March 2014 - but this Top Story sounds eerily like it could be taking place in 2023. Crimea, Russia, and referendums that the international community refuses to recognise. It’s Bugle issue 263.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’ve been delving around in the Bugle archive for a while now - and in Bugle issue 30 in May 2008 Andy and John went even further back in time - to imagine the embryo that went on to become… me - as abortion was subject to political argument on both sides of the Atlantic.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 Nov 2016 we were left reeling by the result of the US election. Hari Kondabolu and I tried to make sense of a world that had allowed President Trump to come into being. 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 Nov 2013 both the British and US Government’s reached the halfway point of their administrations. Cue much naval gazing on both sides of the Atlantic. And of course Andy and John were also very happy to give our verdicts.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’re going back now to May 2010 and a seismic shift in British politics. It was bye bye Labour and hello to… well, it was yet to be seen as we recorded issue 114 of The 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.

How innocent we were in April 2009 as we panicked over the swine flu pandemic. We joked about face masks and nervous coughs - if only we’d known… Here Andy is with John Oliver.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.

Who could forget that monumental moment in recent British history… a natural disaster that rocked the nation… that’s right, we’re taking you back now to February 2008, and the aftermath of the Market Rasen Earthquake.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’re heading to February 2019 now and I was joined by Al Murray and Mark Steel in the week Britain decided to go back to the polls - although maybe on the wrong thing.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.

Some issues are never far from the front pages - and in August 2013 it was immigration policy making headlines for the gazillionth time - on both sides of the Atlantic.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 May 2010 for Bugle Issue 121 we dedicated the top spot to a group of suspected Russian spies - although their methods of espionage seemed a little lacklustre.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.

November 2008 now and there was only one story in town. Yep - the election of one Barack Obama as the 44th President of the USA. An historic moment definitely worthy of the Top Story slot on issue 51 of The 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.

We’re delving way back into the deepest darkest dustiest corners of the archives now… to bring you the Top Story from Bugle issue 2 in October 2007. Some stories never get old - in this case, the future of the British Empire. Here, Andy is with John. 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 Dec 2018 I surrounded myself with nu-skool Buglers Nish Kumar, Tiff Stevenson and Matt Forde to look at a baffling week in a baffling year in a baffling decade for UK politics. It’s Bugle 4091, Brexray SpecsHear 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 lead on Popus Benedictus Sextus Decimus, who in Feb 13 has a slightly uncertain future. It’s Bugle 224, Papal Proton PacksHear 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 when Colonel Muamar Gadaffi was alive? Well in Aug 2011 it was pretty easy to as he was. Just. This is bugle 166, Gaddafi’s Last bugleHear 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.