Top Stories!

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.

We’re going back to March 2010 now and Andy and I checked the pulse of America, as a landmark bill was passed. It’s significance was clear - thanks to an F-bomb from a 'young' Joe Biden.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 June 2008 President George Bush was gracing Europe with his presence. He did an interview with The Times - and voiced a regret, that maybe some feel didn’t quite account for all his behaviour during 8 years at the White House.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.

With just a few days to go until the 2016 US election I was joined by Wyatt Cenac to discuss important issues, like why Rochelle from your local McDonalds would make a great President.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.

Time for a crime roundup for you. That’s right - in February 2013 the courts were very busy. Expect diamonds, killer athletes and dodgy MPs.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 halcyon days of summer 2012. London was awash with good cheer as the Olympics finally got underway. Andy and John couldn’t help but get involved with the beautiful, intoxicating sport-fever.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 July 09 the G8 was putting on its super hero cape and rushing to the rescue of the World - and leading the charge was conference host Silvio Berlusconi - who, as usual, had his own crisis to deal with.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.

Cast yourself way back now to February 2008, and that ‘glorious’ day that seemed like it would never arrive… that’s right, America finally charged six residents of Guantanamo Bay. It’s Bugle issue 17.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.

he great nation of America has given us many hours of content here on the Bugle. June 2017 was one such time, and in Bugle issue 4033 I was joined by Hari Kondabolu to get the latest from Trump Town. 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 2013 and the World acts late on the Mali terror crisis. The French military intervened - albeit rather briefly.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 good news for the male of the species in February 2012 - that’s right it was confirmed that the gender is not going extinct. We celebrated in true Bugle style. 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 2010 the global economy was was a shambling, bloated parody of it’s former self - and in Bugle 102 myself and John noticed its resemblance to non other than the King himself - Elvis Presley.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 day, another act of hostility from Russia. Back in August 2008 it was Georgia coming under fire. And the international community, as always, had a lot of words of support to offer Georgia - if not a lot else. 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 across the world, women were trying to make this crazy planet a better place. So the Bugle doffed it’s hat in solidarity with the most populous gender on the planet.Thanks Buglers, sick of politics, go listen to The Gargle now, where Alice Fraser gives you all the news and none of the politics. 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.

Now, imagine a time before President Trump…. Yep, that’s where we were for issue 4001 in October 2016 - just a few weeks before the world changed forever. Andy was joined by Hari Kondabolu and we tried to fathom out what was going on state-side. 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 more than 9 years now to February 2014 and the start of the Ukraine/Russia conflict. It was a fast-moving situation - and John and I did our best to keep up. 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 July 2011 for issue 127 our Top Story was a little close to home… our then employer, News International, was in the midst of the phone hacking scandal - and fortunately it was keeping the big cheeses so busy that they clearly didn’t have time to listen to 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.