The Bunker

Sue Gray's final partygate report is due, meaning a long week ahead for Boris Johnson. What can we expect it to contain? Meanwhile, the cost of living crisis continues to deepen. Is a windfall tax on energy companies inevitable? Plus, we discuss Australia's new Prime Minister and the latest from Ukraine. Justin Quirk is joined by Alex Andreou to tee up the days ahead. “It's damaging the Government all the time because it has reversed all their soft ratings.” — Alex Andreou  “The charge of dishonesty is really difficult to get out of.' – Alex Andreou  “A windfall tax is entirely logical.” – Alex Andreou  “Scott Morrison's loss is a blow to Johnson's government." – Alex Andreou "The notion that you're a shyster getting away with stuff sticks with the public." – Alex Andreou Presented by Justin Quirk with Alex Andreou. Producers: Jacob Archbold, Jelena Sofronijevic and Alex Rees. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production: Jade Bailey. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

NEW PODCAST: In a brand new 6-part series, Ian Dunt and Dorian Lynskey explore the histories of the most misrepresented ideas in politics. Here's a taster of the first episode: McCarthyism. Was it really a crusade against communists or just a grifter's opportunity that got out of hand? How did a witch-hunt morph into a way to denounce any critic, no matter who? And did Joe McCarthy really write the rulebook for Trumpism? Get the full episode here: https://kite.link/OS1McCarthy Back Origin Story on Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/originstorypod Written and presented by Dorian Lynskey and Ian Dunt. Audio production by Jade Bailey and Alex Rees. Music by Jade Bailey. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Origin Story is a Podmasters production.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Blows to the head are commonplace in a range of sports – why do the risks often go unspoken? What happens to the brain when athletes take these knocks? Alex Rees speaks to Hana Walker-Brown about her book A Delicate Game: Brain Injury, Sport and Sacrifice, in which she chronicles degenerative brain disease, Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy, and the tragedies which have gone under the radar.  “There are things that are changing, but they're changing very slowly.”  “The rules need to come from above and be implemented.”  “It's important to note, concussion is a brain injury.” “To consider that sport might have to change gets people's backs up.” “There's something about the thrill of watching people get hurt.”  “The brain needs to be protected.”  https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast Presented by Alex Rees. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold, Jelena Sofronijevic and Alex Rees. Audio production by TBC. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pop culture roundup: Can we plumb the depths of Kendrick Lamar's dazzling, disturbing Mr Morale & The Big Steppers? Has Harry Styles squared the teen idol/suave-pop circle? UK hip-pop talent Murkage Dave joins us. The songwriting genius of Michael Head. And Night Sky, an Amazon drama about the portal to outer space in Sissy Spacek's back garden. Really. Journalist Johnny Davis of Esquire and The Face rounds out the panel.  Hear all the music on our rolling playlists. Spotify: https://bit.ly/CultBunk Tidal: https://tidal.com/browse/playlist/1aea7525-7891-4a88-8474-a08c45ea064b Presented and produced by Andrew Harrison and Siân Pattenden. Audio production by Jade Bailey. Theme music: ‘Bunker Theme (Juntos Mix)' by Kenny Dickinson. Co-produced by Jelena Sofronijevic and Elina Ganatra. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. The Culture Bunker is a Podmasters production.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Authoritarian leaders are dominating 21st century politics. How did this new generation of strongmen rise to power? Gideon Rachman, chief foreign affairs commentator for the Financial Times, joins Nick Cohen to discuss his new book The Age of The Strongman, which covers the rise of the modern-day dictator, and what their leadership means for the world. “There was always going to be a backlash against the ‘end of history' way of doing things.” “With the West having gone through the financial crisis, it wasn't hard for China to say ‘we are the future'.” “For the key period of getting Brexit done, Boris Johnson did follow the strongman tradition.” “If Putin had won a quick victory in Ukraine, it would've been a huge boost for the strongman ideal.” ”Trump changed the rhetoric of America. He embraced Putin's arguments.” https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast Written and presented by Nick Cohen. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Audio production by Jade Bailey. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Eleven of the fifteen postwar Prime Ministers went to Oxford. How did their privileged upbringing change the U.K? The FT's Simon Kuper talks to Ros Taylor about how the entitled atmospheres of Oxford and Eton shaped modern Britain, detailed in his latest book Chums. “Boris Johnson was probably the best known person at Oxford in his day.” “It's a great advantage in politics to have a recognisable brand, and Eton encourages that.” “Johnson learnt all his debating tricks from the Oxford Union.” “The problem with being Prime Minister is you have to offer substance, and Johnson can't do that.” “Daniel Hannan is the Karl Marx of Brexit. He is one of the most important figures in British history.” https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast Written and presented by Ros Taylor. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis Producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Audio production by Jade Bailey. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We look at the Government's culture war push as people are told to just work harder to beat the cost of living crisis. What bargain bin policies are being used to shift attention from the hardship so many are facing? Plus, as those struggling are told to budget their way out of poverty, we look at the ludicrous money saving advice being dished out. And finally, the panel marks the end of the iPod. Freelance writer and columnist Hannah Fearn is this week's guest.  “All politicians, no matter how charmed, reach a point where their luck runs out.” – Justin Quirk “A lot of aspects of poverty have been rendered invisible.” – Justin Quirk  “What I find weird is Britain's fetishisation of poverty.” – Marie Le Conte “Any government that doesn't care that children are growing up in poverty shouldn't be a government.” – Hannah Fearn “People are thinking about how to feed their children, not the Brexit election strategy.” – Hannah Fearn " “Blaming Brexit for what's happening at home won't cut it.” – Hannah Fearn https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast Presented by Andrew Harrison with Justin Quirk and Marie Le Conte. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold, Jelena Sofronijevic and Alex Rees, with research by Elina Ganatra. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. The Bunker is a Podmasters Production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As Finland and Sweden look to join Nato, we unpack the latest from Ukraine as Putin faces consequences for his invasion. How will the Russian leader react amid signs of defeat? Then at home, we discuss the latest Brexit wranglings over the Northern Ireland protocol. Plus, questions of Keir Starmer's leadership persist. Is he really in trouble? Ros Taylor is joined by Yasmeen Serhan to tee up the week ahead, and glance back at the weekend's Eurovision contest.  “Ukraine has exceeded people's wildest expectations.” – Yasmeen Serhan  “Putin has created a larger and more attractive NATO.” – Yasmeen Serhan  “With the protocol it feels like we are back in 2019 again.” – Yasmeen Serhan “I was primed for the UK to not win any points because that's what I'd been told always happens.” – Yasmeen Serhan  www.patreon.com/bunkercast  Presented by Ros Taylor with Yasmeen Serhan. Producers: Jacob Archbold, Jelena Sofronijevic and Alex Rees. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production: Jade Bailey. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Joe Biden's poll ratings have been underwater for months. What is the state of his presidency? Dorian Lynskey speaks to Dr. Thomas Gift, founding director of UCL's Centre on US Politics, to discuss the Democrat's tenure so far. Is a Trump rematch on the cards, and could Biden win again? And if not him, could anyone else come to his party's rescue in 2024? Plus, what will the prospect of the Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade mean for the Democratic leader? “If I look at the democratic field right now, I can't see a very deep bench.” “If Trump does run again it becomes less of a referendum of the last 4 years, and more about who voters prefer - Trump or Biden?” “There have also been factors outside of Biden's control that have contributed to his low polling numbers.” “The notion of Trumpism, and what this represents, is just so strong.” https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast Written and presented by Dorian Lynskey. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis Producers: Elina Ganatra. Audio production by Jade Bailey. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hear all the music on our rolling playlist: https://bit.ly/CultBunk This year's Eurovision is upon us – but is it full of Boom Bang-a Bangers or a bit of a Waterloo? Linda Marric and Michael Hogan join us to chew on this year's line up, and new albums from Florence and The Machine AND Radiohead offshoots The Smile, and Conversations with Friends, the latest Sally Rooney adaptation from the BBC   Plus, you wait years for a Multiverse and then two turn up at once - we wrap our minds around new reality-bending epic Everything, Everywhere, All At Once, and chat to directors Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, collectively known as Daniels.  Join Siân's Eurovision Live Draw here: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Sian-Superman-livedraw More What Does Eurovision Mean To You? here: https://twitter.com/sturdyAlex/status/1524695837078654976?s=20&t=EuEE-DWL0IZmrA1KU6mN0g “Scott Mills is like a really bad Graham Norton tribute act and it shouldn't be allowed.” – Michael Hogan “How often do we see a film being taken in by younger generations, with a heroine over 40?” – Linda Marric on Everything, Everywhere, All At Once “I was cracking my knuckles, expecting to get into it and shred it to pieces, but it's annoyingly good.” – Michael Hogan on Dance Fever “It tasted exactly how you would expect a cocktail with 2/3 Radiohead and 1/3 Sons of Kemet would taste like.” – Alex Andreou on A Light for Attracting Attention Hear all the music on our rolling playlists. Spotify: https://bit.ly/CultBunk Tidal: https://tidal.com/browse/playlist/1aea7525-7891-4a88-8474-a08c45ea064b Written and presented by Jelena Sofronijevic and Alex Andreou. Audio production by Alex Rees. Theme music: ‘Bunker Theme (Juntos Mix)' by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. The Culture Bunker is a Podmasters production.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How do we talk to radicals and terrorists who are bent on reshaping society through violence? Charlotte McDonald-Gibson was at Brussels Airport during a terror attack in 2016, and wanted to understand what drives people to such acts. She joins Justin Quirk to discuss her book Far Out: Encounters With Extremists, where she finds out what lures people into fringe groups.  “The human emotions that lead people to these groups are universal across ideologies.”  “Everybody in the book was under 25 when they went through that radicalisation process.”  “The feeling of alienation remained the same, whatever the circumstances were.”  “Self-radicalisation happens online now.”  “We can't ignore people who've been drawn to extremist beliefs.”  “I don't think we've seen the full impact of COVID on extremism.”  https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast Written and presented by Justin Quirk. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Audio production by Jade Bailey. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production https://granta.com/products/far-out/  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With the prospect of Roe v. Wade being overturned, we unpack the movement against abortion rights in the United States. A leaked draft Supreme Court decision indicates the landmark decision is set to be struck down – what would that mean for American society? Iowa-based writer Lyz Lenz joins Ros Taylor to discuss how the country reached this moment of reckoning, and what could happen next. “Since 1973 we have seen a slow erosion of the ability to access abortion services.” “There has been a Conservative plan to appoint judges that would overturn Roe v. Wade.” “The justices are pushing a minority viewpoint in overturning Roe v. Wade.” “Other rights could be up for debate, such as the right to gay marriage.” “A lot of Americans were very comfortable and thought this day would never come.” “Being able to access the pill saved my life and my career.” https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast Written and presented by Ros Taylor. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold. Audio production by Jade Bailey. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What was spicier, Starmer's curry or its aftermath? We discuss the Labour leader's standing and his bluff-calling gamble. Plus, who were the real local election winners and losers? Then, as the cost of living bites, the panel unpacks just how out of touch the Government is with working people. Jamie Driscoll, the Labour Mayor of the North of Tyne, is this week's special guest and Belfast-based journalist Amanda Ferguson also drops in to unpack the Northern Ireland assembly results.  “People don't trust Johnson, but there is also an element of them not trusting anyone at all.” – Jamie Driscoll “Labour are one-nil up at half time, but the Tories might be about to take their captain off.” – Jamie Driscoll “Two million people had to skip meals last month, but here we're talking about a guy having a curry.” – Jamie Driscoll  “The scenarios aren't all good for Keir Starmer, but they are good for Labour.” - Marie Le Conte “What people want is some hope, they want a way out.” – Jamie Driscoll  “I heard Boris Johnson is cutting back and he's only going to have silver wallpaper now.” – Jamie Driscoll “The alternative to saying ‘try own-brand products' is telling people ‘you're on your own'.” – Ahir Shah https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast Presented by Alex Andreou with Ahir Shah and Marie Le Conte. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold, Jelena Sofronijevic and Alex Rees. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. The Bunker is a Podmasters Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Brexit tensions spike in the wake of Northern Ireland's assembly elections – what will come of the fallout? Plus, Putin is to address Russia on the nation's Victory Day – how will he look to reframe his ongoing invasion of Ukraine? Then, back at home, the Queen's Speech is due this week. Andrew Harrison is joined by Gavin Esler to tee up the days ahead.  “This has all been done as part of Boris Johnson's Brexit derangement syndrome.” – Gavin Esler “If you really think Boris Johnson has built 40 hospitals, then come walk with me over the Garden Bridge.” – Gavin Esler  “Starmer didn't go to Durham to have his eyes tested, like somebody else.” – Gavin Esler  "Culture wars are about creating, not solving, problems." – Gavin Esler "Putin's regime is rotten to the core." – Gavin Esler “It would be hardly surprising if whatever Putin says is a pack of lies.” – Gavin Esler www.patreon.com/bunkercast  Presented by Andrew Harrison with Gavin Esler. Producers: Jacob Archbold, Jelena Sofronijevic and Alex Rees. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production: Robin Leeburn. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

News of Elon Musk buying Twitter has enraged some users – but what could he actually do with the platform? Could he break it in the ways some fear? Alex Andreou is joined by Charles Arthur, former technology editor of The Guardian and author of Social Warming: The Dangerous and Polarising Effects of Social Media, to discuss what the billionaire tech mogul might do with the site.  “You have to distinguish between the Musk you see on Twitter and the one who's in business.” “Twitter does have enormous value to it, but no one has found a way to extract that value.” “Don't listen to what he says, watch what he does.” https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast     Written and presented by Alex Andreou. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Assistant Producer: Elina Ganatra. Audio production by Jade Bailey. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In our pop culture roundup: Does the new Dr Strange go a multiverse too far? Reunited Deutsche electro legends xPropaganda join us as our special guests. New albums from sophisticates of seediness Soft Cell and the Smiths you can dance to, Dubstar. And does Mike Myers' conspiracy comedy The Pentaverate hit the spot? And Katie Puckrik of The Word fame joins the panel too… Hear all the music on our rolling playlists. Spotify: https://bit.ly/CultBunk Tidal: https://tidal.com/browse/playlist/1aea7525-7891-4a88-8474-a08c45ea064b “You need a PhD in Marvel to understand what's going on in Dr Strange – but luckily I have one.” – Andrew Harrison “This is the best album Dubstar have made. The production is perfect and feels timeless.” – Siân Pattenden “I absolutely love this xPropaganda album. I've been listening to it non-stop.” – Katie Puckrick Presented and produced by Andrew Harrison and Jelena Sofronijevic with Elina Ganatra. Audio production by Alex Rees. Theme music: ‘Bunker Theme (Juntos Mix)' by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. The Culture Bunker is a Podmasters production.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You may have heard of China's ‘Belt and Road Initiative', but what actually is it? And what are Beijing's underlying motivations? Jelena Sofronijevic speaks to Eric Olander, co-founder and managing editor of The China Africa Project, and Raffaello Pantucci, a co-author of Sinostan - China's Inadvertent Empire, to uncover the truth about Chinese economic investment abroad.    “The BRI, in many respects, is like a Rorschach test, where you can see anything you want into it.” - Eric Olander “If you had to boil it down to one central idea that defined the BRI, I'd have to say connectivity.” - Eric Olander “The BRI is China's way of expressing its foreign policy.” - Raffaello Pantucci “China's saying, let's all just make money together. And underlying that, there's an idea that has worked at home, that if we can make everyone rich and prosperous we can all get stability.” - Raffaello Pantucci “What bothers me a lot about the discourse surrounding Belt and Road, is that we take all the agency out of the host country.” - Raffaello Pantucci “China looks at Africa in far more political terms than economic terms.” - Eric Olander https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast     Written and presented by Jelena Sofronijevic. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Assistant Producer: Elina Ganatra. Audio production by Jade Bailey. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With the Tory tractor bogged down in scandal, can diversion tactics help them at the local elections? We look at the latest Westminster sleaze and whether Boris Johnson's party is set for a reckoning. Plus, we cast an eye to Russia and unexplained explosions amid their invasion of Ukraine. And, with an open call for new emojis – what does our panel think is needed? This week's guest is Daily Mirror senior political correspondent Rachel Wearmouth.  “The expectation management from all parties is insane.” – Rachel Wearmouth  “The briefings are all just ridiculously dramatic.” – Rachel Wearmouth  “They're supposed to be the party of law and order, the Tories, and the Prime Minister broke the law.” – Rachel Wearmouth  “I think Labour will win Wandsworth and that will be the story.” – Rachel Wearmouth “There is this feeling that ‘they're all as bad as each other' and that could cut through.” – Rachel Wearmouth https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast Presented by Andrew Harrison with Justin Quirk and Arthur Snell. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold, Jelena Sofronijevic and Alex Rees, with research by Elina Ganatra. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. The Bunker is a Podmasters Production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We assess the latest political rumblings as local elections loom. How will the latest scandals sway public opinion? Will the results be a litmus test of Boris Johnson's campaigning clout? Plus, certain news outlets' obsession with Angela Rayner and Keir Starmer, the PM's upcoming address to Ukrainian parliament and cast an eye to Supreme Court controversy in the United States. Alex Andreou and Yasmeen Serhan tee up the days ahead.  “It's going to be a performance review on both leaders.” – Yasmeen Serhan "The local elections will be a big stress test for the Conservatives." – Yasmeen Serhan "The Conservatives are more vulnerable to lose in cities." – Yasmeen Serhan  www.patreon.com/bunkercast  Presented by Alex Andreou with Yasmeen Serhan. Producers: Jacob Archbold, Jelena Sofronijevic and Alex Rees. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production: Jade Bailey. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Someone has to pick up the pieces after a disaster. What's it like to deal with the aftermath of a catastrophe? Siân Pattenden talks to Lucy Easthope about her new memoir When the Dust Settles: Stories of Love, Loss and Hope from an Expert in Disaster. Lucy has been first at the scene of countless major crises over the last twenty years, from 9/11 to the Grenfell fire. She discusses planning for emergencies, and her belief most of the world's tragedies can be prevented.  “I'm not letting people off the hook, disasters are often a source of state or agency failure, and they can be prevented.” “Grenfell was a return to those dark days, it was a systemic failure that never should have happened.” “Fukushima was the first time I really saw proper fear in my colleagues' eyes.” “I am a child of the indomitable city of Liverpool, where tragedy and activism are wired into the blood.” “Austerity really does start to bite on a service that people don't know about.” “The world has always been perilous.” https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast Written and presented by Siân Pattenden. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold, Jelena Sofronijevic. Assistant Producer: Elina Ganatra. Audio production by Jade Bailey. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production https://www.hachette.co.uk/titles/lucy-easthope/when-the-dust-settles/9781529358247/  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ahead of the local elections, we look at the key political battles across Britain. Could a bad set of results force Boris Johnson out? Sir John Curtice, politics professor at the University of Strathclyde and BBC election night expert, joins Ros Taylor to discuss what to keep an eye on, and who the likely winners and losers might be. “Not all of the England is voting, and that is crucial.” “If Boris Johnson had to pick a set of elections to defend, this would be it.” “The Lib Dems principle challenge is to hang onto what they've got.” https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast Written and presented by Ros Taylor. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis Producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Audio production by Alex Rees and Jade Bailey. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our pop culture roundup. This week, time twists in new Apple TV+ thriller Shining Girls with Elizabeth Moss. How hip hop producer J Dilla turned music itself inside out. New cosmic explorations from electronic explorers Röyksopp. And much more. Breakout star of British science fiction Adrian Tchaikovsky is our special guest.  Hear all the music on our rolling playlists. Spotify: https://bit.ly/CultBunk Tidal: https://tidal.com/browse/playlist/1aea7525-7891-4a88-8474-a08c45ea064b Start reading Adrian Tchaikovsky with Dogs Of War. Buy Dan Charnas's Dilla Time.  Watch Röyksopp's ‘Profound Mysteries' films here.  “This is science fiction music.” – Adrian Tchaikovsky on Röyksopp “I have no idea where it's going to go, and I absolutely love it.” – Andrew Harrison on Shining Girls “German hip-hop music videos are having a renaissance of really bizarre, innovative visuals.” – Adrian Tchaikovsky Presented and produced by Andrew Harrison and Jelena Sofronijevic with Elina Ganatra. Audio production by Alex Rees. Theme music: ‘Bunker Theme (Juntos Mix)' by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. The Culture Bunker is a Podmasters production.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Atrocities in Ukraine have sparked calls to prosecute Vladimir Putin for war crimes. Could that happen? Dr. Maria Varaki, lecturer in international law at King's College London, talks to Alex Andreou about what constitutes a war crime, and the complex system of international courts that could bring the Russian president to justice. “Civilians have immunity from targeting, but in Ukraine they have been targeted.” “Crimes against humanity can be committed both in peacetime and wartime. This is a major difference with war crimes.” “What's going on in Mariupol where civilians are trapped, this is an indication that some war crimes might have been committed.” “The Ukrainians were extremely active in collecting evidence from the very first moment.” “This war, like every war, is a victim of disinformation and misinformation.” "We have to be realistic, but I would expected arrest warrants to be issued.” https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast Written and presented by Alex Andreou. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis Producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Audio production by Alex Rees. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Emmanuel Macron may have defeated Marine Le Pen – but that doesn't mean France's far right is finished. Where is the nation headed now? Emile Chabal, author of France, dials in from the country's south to talk to Ros Taylor about why some Brits are so fascinated by the French President, what's next for his defeated rivals, and what became of the gilet jaunes protests.  “I struggle to imagine a far right in France that isn't attached to the name Le Pen.”  “The gilets jaunes movement has evaporated.”  “The French are very demanding when it comes to their politicians.”  “It's better to think of Mélenchon as a unity left figure, despite himself.”  https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast Written and presented by Ros Taylor. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis Producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Audio production by Jade Bailey. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production https://www.amazon.co.uk/France-Polity-Histories-Emile-Chabal/dp/1509530029  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week's panel show out early for Patreon people… What's worse about the Mail's attack on Angela Rayner? The sexism or the clumsy vindictiveness? Plus, Macron squeaks the French presidential election. Should we think twice before ordering Deliveroo? And exactly what sort of country is Britain becoming? Political journalist Moya Lothian-McLean – who's written for Gal Dem, the New York Times, the BBC, The Guardian and VICE – is our special guest for the week.  “If Basic Instinct is your sexytime reference, I mean, come on. I'm getting a strong Alan Partridge vibe from this story.” – Ayesha Hazarika “We're in the age of cut and paste politics. They can't even write their own excuses any more.” – Gavin Esler “We depend on the good chaps theory… but we haven't got good chaps in government.” – Gavin Esler https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast Written and presented by Alex Andreou with Ayesha Hazarika and Gavin Esler. Producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Assistant producer Elina Ganatra. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. Lead producer: Jacob Jarvis. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. The Bunker is a Podmasters production.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In France Emmanuel Macron has won again. What challenges will he face in his second term? And what does the result mean for Britain and the rest of Europe? Meanwhile, the UK continues to shirk responsibility over Ukrainian refugees, and the Mail reaches new lows with a disgraceful article about Angela Rayner. Ros Taylor is joined by Arthur Snell to look at the week ahead. “This is a story about the success of a liberal, internationalist politician in arguably the most important country in Europe.” “Macron's big challenge for his second term is to look after those left-behind voters.” Find resources to help the Ukrainian people here: https://ukrainewar.carrd.co/  www.patreon.com/bunkercast  Presented by Ros Taylor with Arthur Snell. Producers: Jacob Archbold, Jelena Sofronijevic and Alex Rees. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production: Jade Bailey. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Brexit came as a shocking nadir in British politics for many people – but looking back, was it really a surprise? In his latest book, All In It Together: England in the Early 21st Century, historian Alwyn Turner weaves politics and popular culture from the Millennium through to the EU referendum. He talks to Nick Cohen about the UK's long hangover after Cool Britannia, why UKIP wielded such influence, and the impact of the internet and social media. “Often at the beginning of a century there is a sense of confusion and people feel they need a new version of faith.” “The internet started to create its own identity, social media changed everything.” “Nigel Farage had a bigger impact than any politician elected to Westminster during this period.” “Devolution was brought in to buy-off the Scottish nationalists, but it went wrong and has changed the country forever.” “England is not a Labour country and it never has been.” https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast Written and presented by Nick Cohen. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Audio production by Jade Bailey. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pop culture polemic with guests folk-pop-chanson visionary Kathryn Williams and journo Jude Rogers, whose new book The Sound Of Being Human shows how music hardwires our brains. Will Russian Doll Season 2 match its timewarping predecessor? Steve Coogan's Chivalry sails close to the #MeToo wind. Smart female-powered pop from Let's Eat Grandma… and a lot more  Hear all the music on our rolling playlists. Spotify: https://bit.ly/CultBunk Tidal: https://tidal.com/browse/playlist/1aea7525-7891-4a88-8474-a08c45ea064b Jude's book The Sound Of Being Human: https://uk.bookshop.org/books/the-sound-of-being-human-how-music-shapes-our-lives/9781474622929 “I thought I was the first teenager to write songs, read Oscar Wilde and listen to The Smiths in cemeteries” – Kathryn Williams “Elbow patches at literary events are my niche porn.” – Kathryn Williams “Chaise Longue is the Culture Bunker's unofficial anthem.” – Sian Pattenden “I didn't hate Chivalry, but it made me feel quite… tired. It got me an hour closer to death.” – Kathryn Williams Presented by Siân Pattenden and Alex Andreou. Producer Jelena Sofronijevic with Elina Ganatra. Audio production by Alex Rees. Theme music: ‘Bunker Theme (Juntos Mix)' by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. The Culture Bunker is a Podmasters production.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How do we tackle new international threats from terrorism to forced migration as people flee climate change? Does diplomacy still work? How has big tech changed the game for global security? Former British ambassador, Oxford University Principal, and The Naked Diplomat author Tom Fletcher talks to Arthur Snell about his new book, Ten Survival Skills for a World in Flux… and why old school “maps and chaps” won't cut it any longer. “The diplomatic system has been orphaned by Trump, and vandalised by Putin.” “We should stop analysing Putin as some master strategist. He's just willing to out-kill us.”  “COVID has forced young people to make fewer, but deeper, relationships on campus.” https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast Written and presented by Arthur Snell. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Audio production by Alex Rees and Martin Bojtos. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production https://harpercollins.co.uk/products/ten-survival-skills-for-a-world-in-flux-tom-fletcher?variant=39456637714510  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Priti Patel cements her position as honorary Minister for Outrage while Johnson apologises, but doesn't, once again. We pick apart the Rwanda asylum scheme and assess the PM's outrageous display in the Commons. And as the cost of living crisis bites, which streaming services will be first to go? Comedy writer Jason Hazeley is our guest this week.  “If everyone had behaved like Downing Street behaved, you'd be looking at another 50,000 people dead.” – Alex Andreou “As more penalty notices pile up, Johnson just starts to look like the Archbishop of Bullshit.” – Jason Hazeley  “All of these contortions are to do with the UK trying to evade its responsibilities under international law.” – Alex Andreou “This looks like it will cost an enormous amount of money, and not work.” – Alex Andreou “Number 10 made me feel like a mug and I'm not the only one.” – Ahir Shah “We're in an abusive relationship with our Government.” – Jason Hazeley “All of these contortions are to do with the UK trying to evade its responsibilities under international law.” – Alex Andreou “We are going to have elections very soon where I think Boris is going to get a massive electoral kicking.” – Ahir Shah https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast Alex Andreou's review recommendation. Presented by Ros Taylor with Alex Andreou and Ahir Shah. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold, Jelena Sofronijevic and Alex Rees, with research by Elina Ganatra. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. The Bunker is a Podmasters Production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The PM faces a partygate reckoning amid the Rwanda refugee plan backlash. What more Government chaos is due this week? Boris Johnson will be in the Commons for the first time since his fine was confirmed, while Priti Patel is yet again courting controversy. Naomi Smith and Andrew Harrison unpack the latest and tee up the days ahead.  “It's one thing to have attended a party. It's another to have destroyed evidence about it.”  “Priti Patel is probably pretty close to being reshuffled.” "Sending refugees to Rwanda is not a value for money policy."  www.patreon.com/bunkercast  Bridgen article: https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/dishonest-mp-bridgen-lied-about-conduct-in-family-dispute-hplmlxmmx Presented by Andrew Harrison with Naomi Smith. Producers: Jacob Archbold, Jelena Sofronijevic and Alex Rees. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production: Jade Bailey. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The BBC: nest of woke lefty propaganda or tame right-wing mouthpiece? Or something more complex? As the BBC marks its 100th birthday and Nadine Dorries tries to kill off the Licence Fee, Simon Potter – author of This Is The BBC: Entertaining The Nation, Speaking For Britain? – talks to Andrew Harrison about the Corporation's tangled roots, clouded future, much-contested purpose… and why politicians from left, right and centre always seem to hate it.  • “Once you let broadcasting into politics, you'll never get politics out of broadcasting.” • “The BBC has a mission to expand its empire into every single media possible.” Written and presented by Andrew Harrison. Producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Assistant producer: Elina Ganatra. Lead producer: Jacob Jarvis. Audio production by Alex Rees. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How did Britain come to be one of the largest gambling markets in the world? Rob Davies, investigative journalist and author of Jackpot: How Gambling Conquered Britain, talks to Nick Cohen about how technology, advertising and liberalised laws combined to target some of the most vulnerable in society, the influence of the gambling lobby in British politics, and the urgent reforms the industry needs to make. “In a world where technology was evolving rapidly, gambling regulation simply wasn't fit for purpose.” “For every person who is a gambling addict, six other people are affected by that.” “People get huge amounts of hospitality lavished on them when they can be relied on to lose thousands of pounds.” “For some people, the dopamine rush of putting their money at risk is irresistible.” “The gambling lobby has MPs in the contact book like you wouldn't believe.” https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast Presented by Nick Cohen. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold, Jelena Sofronijevic and Alex Rees. Audio production by Jade Bailey. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On our pop culture round-up: Special guest Will Young tells us about the art of mind maintenance, a life in pop, and more. Plus hard-bitten Dublin rock'n'roll from Fontaines D.C., Catherine Tate's Netflix prison comedy Hard Cell splits the panel, and futurist feminism in new Apple TV+ sci-fi anthology Roar. Journalist Craig McLean of The Face and the Telegraph joins Siân and Alex in The Bunker.  Hear all the music on our rolling playlists. Spotify: https://bit.ly/CultBunk Tidal: https://tidal.com/browse/playlist/1aea7525-7891-4a88-8474-a08c45ea064b “My desert island mental health advice is don't expect something from people they're not willing or capable of giving.” - Will Young  “My therapist also said, if I was your boyfriend I'd dump you' - Will Young “As a man, watching ‘Roar' I felt uncomfortable, but in a good way.” - Alex Andreou “For me, this wasn't a ‘Roar', more like a squeak.” - Craig McLean “I'm a bit disappointed with Skinty Fia as the rattling punk energy in the first two records is gone… maybe they've lost some of their spark since moving away from Dublin.” - Craig McLean “The main thing about ‘Hard Cell' is that I just didn't find it funny; it falls a bit flat.”- Siân Pattenden  Presented by Siân Pattenden and Alex Andreou. Producer Jelena Sofronijevic with Elina Ganatra. Audio production by Alex Rees. Theme music: ‘Bunker Theme (Juntos Mix)' by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. The Culture Bunker is a Podmasters production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Anti-corruption activist Alexei Navalny is the man Vladimir Putin fears most. Now a new documentary tells his story. Director Daniel Roher joins Arthur Snell to discuss his latest film Navalny, which tells the story of one man and his struggle with an authoritarian regime, and what the future holds for Russia and Putin in light of the invasion of Ukraine.  “Navalny's people were just waiting for that knock at the door.” “How can this guy who does this dangerous work not think about his mortality? The rest of the of the world does.” “Navalny showed the Russian people that they don't have to be afraid of Putin.” “Navalny reminds us that we must not be apathetic. Evil proliferates when good people do nothing.” https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast Presented by Arthur Snell. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold, Jelena Sofronijevic and Alex Rees. Audio production by Jade Bailey. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We live in a culture obsessed with the spectacle of youth. One in five Britons will be over 65 by 2030 – with the fastest-growing age group being the over-85s. What are the implications for us as a country with an increasingly ageing population? What are the issues that need challenging and policies that need changing? And how should we think about ourselves as ageing people? Tim Whitaker, Vice-Chair of Positive Ageing London, talks to Jude Rogers about the future of ageing.  “When you're 100, you normally get a letter from the Queen. That will have to change.” “Older people contribute to society in different ways than younger people.” “There's a danger of ghettoising older people by sending them into care homes.” https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast Written and presented by Jude Rogers. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis Producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Audio production by Jade Bailey. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is Johnson's hit job on Sunak distracting from a Tory brand that's falling apart? Does the West have the stomach for sanctions that will really bite on Russia? New Statesman editor Jason Cowley goes in search of the must mysterious country on Earth: England. And while Channel 4 is still around, what are the C4 programmes we love? Zoe Williams of The Guardian and Justin Quirk join Andrew Harrison for this week's roundtable Bunker.  “How is it sexist for Akshata Murthy to be asked to pay taxes in our own country? The sexism defence is just a ju-jitsu deployment of our own values against us.” – Zoe Williams “It was legally correct for Sunak's wife to have non-dom status, ethically dubious – and politically ridiculous.” – Jason Cowley “It's really puzzling what it takes for the British public to riot, and what it takes for the authorities to take it seriously.” – Zoe Williams “What Gareth Southgate showed is that you don't have to choose between Englishness and tradition.” – Jason Cowley https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast Written and presented by Andrew Harrison with Justin Quirk and Zoe Williams. Producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic . Assistant producer Elina Ganatra. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. Group editor: Andrew Harrison. The Bunker is a Podmasters production.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As the far right's Marine Le Pen runs off against Macron, could France fall to extreme populism? Plus the briefing war against Sunak, Johnson's photo op visit to Kyiv and Russia resets its war aims. Gavin Esler sets up the week ahead with Andrew Harrison.  “A Le Pen presidency in France would be another victory for Putin.”  “The real scandal in British politics is not what is illegal, it's what is allowed.” “It is possible that Le Pen could win if the French decide, like America did, that they just want a bit of entertainment.” Presented by Andrew Harrison. Producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Assistant producer Elina Ganatra. Audio production by Jade Bailey. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Britain now removes more children from their parents than ever before. Is it possible to mend broken families? Polly Curtis, journalist and author of Behind Closed Doors, talks to Ros Taylor about complex factors that lead to families being split up, how the system fails both mothers and fathers, and what can be done to make sure it works for everyone. “We probably all know someone who has had a brush with the social services system.” “A lot of these kids don't want to be separated, they just want their parents to change.” “There is going to be a new leap in transparency in the family courts, and that will open our eyes to these cases.” “Being told by the state you're a failed parent is laden with the most horrific shame.” https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast Presented by Ros Taylor. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold, Jelena Sofronijevic and Alex Rees. Audio production by Jade Bailey. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On our pop culture round-up: BBC2's “genuinely moving” Paul Gascoigne documentary, reggae legend Horace Andy returns, and is Apple TV+ spy drama Slow Horses a Tinker, Tailor for the 21st Century? Teenage Fanclub's Norman Blake joins us along with legendary beer writer Pete Brown – new book Clubland: How the Working Men's Club Shaped Britain available for pre-order now.  Hear all the music on our rolling playlists. Spotify: https://bit.ly/CultBunk Tidal: https://tidal.com/browse/playlist/1aea7525-7891-4a88-8474-a08c45ea064b “I found ‘Gazza' incredibly moving and upsetting. I was watching it in tears.” – Pete Brown on ‘Gazza' “The best part of ‘Gazza' is you see that this gift is really a curse.” – Andrew Harrison on ‘Gazza' “It's the sound of a band knowing they're creating something glorious but not sure that they can control it, like the wheels could fall of at any minute” – Pete Brown on New Order's Temptation  Presented by Siân Pattenden and Andrew Harrison. Producer Jelena Sofronijevic with Elina Ganatra. Audio production by Jade Bailey. Theme music: ‘Bunker Theme (Juntos Mix)' by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. The Culture Bunker is a Podmasters production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Money makes the world go round, but how does it actually work? With economies across the globe in flux, understanding cash, currencies and crypto has never been more important. Gavin Jackson, lead writer for the Financial Times, joins Ahir Shah to talk about his new book Money in One Lesson: How it Works and Why, which covers the most important questions about money and how it shapes our societies. “Money is something we all believe in, but we're not entirely sure why.” “We didn't start with barter, the first money was actually made out of clay tablets.” “Hyperinflation only happens when a government decides something is more important than stopping hyperinflation.” “Bitcoin is an attempt to opt-out of the banking system we've become used to.” “Deflation, when prices fall, is actually a lot worse than inflation as our debts don't change.” “If you're interested in people, you should be interested in money. It tells us so much about who we are.” https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast Presented by Ahir Shah. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold, Jelena Sofronijevic and Alex Rees. Audio production by Jade Bailey. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For millions of people, social media isn't a source of entertainment or information, but a way to reinvent themselves. So what if you could stop being a loser of our economic system by winning the internet's attention? Channel 4 reporter Symeon Brown talks to Justin Quirk about his book Get Rich or Lie Trying, his gripping expose of fraud, exploitation, misogyny, environmental destruction, and the dodgy financial traders of Instagram. “Anyone promising guaranteed returns is almost certainly a scammer.” “The Wolf of Wall Street is just hip hop in a film.” “Influencer traders rule the platforms, and the platforms are almost unable to respond.” https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast Written and presented by Justin Quirk. Producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Jade Bailey. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production https://atlantic-books.co.uk/book/get-rich-or-lie-trying/  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Russia's withdrawal from some areas of Ukraine has unveiled new depths to the atrocities committed under Putin. With horrific images showing civilians' bodies in the streets of Bucha, the panel unpacks what will come of these revelations. Plus, we look at how the cost of living crisis is biting those who might have been insulated so far. This week's guest is The Independent's political sketch writer Tom Peck.  “All the cards are not in Putin's hands. Putin has got immense problems.” – Gavin Esler  “Putin has put himself in a trap of his own making.” – Yasmeen Serhan  “It's hard to imagine seeing worse images than the ones we saw in recent days.” – Yasmeen Serhan  "The battle for Ukraine is not being won or lost on the front pages of British newspapers." – Tom Peck “Historically, when things get difficult for the middle classes, things get difficult for the Tories.” – Tom Peck  "When you cut Universal Credit, you clobber the powerless and the voiceless." – Tom Peck Find resources to help the Ukrainian people here: https://ukrainewar.carrd.co/  https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast Presented by Andrew Harrison with Gavin Esler and Yasmeen Serhan.  Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold, Jelena Sofronijevic and Alex Rees. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. The Bunker is a Podmasters Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With Russia accused of massacring civilians in Ukraine, we look at the world's reaction, and what will come next. How can nations push harder to punish Putin? Plus, we unpack the Hungarian election results, with Viktor Orbán having won a fourth term. And back home, partygate continues to rumble on. Alex Andreou and Arthur Snell look at the week ahead.  "Billions of Euros are sent to Russia for gas. Banning it would have a huge impact on Russia's economy in the medium term.” – Arthur Snell  “One hoped that Orban's closeness to Putin might have changed the outcome of the election.” – Arthur Snell  “If you're in a town which doesn't vote for Orban, then you'll find yourself starved of resources.” – Arthur Snell  “I don't think the British public have moved on over partygate.” – Arthur Snell Find resources to help the Ukrainian people here: https://ukrainewar.carrd.co/  www.patreon.com/bunkercast  Presented by Alex Andreou with Arthur Snell. Producers: Jacob Archbold, Jelena Sofronijevic and Alex Rees. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production: Jade Bailey. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What is life like for Hong Kong activists detained then forced into exile after daring to defy Beijing? Simon Cheng was imprisoned in 2019, and fled to Britain later that year, establishing the expat group Hongkongers in Britain. He talks to Ros Taylor about his brutal experience in detention, his new life and the threat to democracy in his home city. “Increasingly the younger generation in Hong Kong don't think they are Chinese.” “Provided the regime isn't changed, I have no chance of going back to Hong Kong.” “I miss my hometown, my friends and my family, but I need to be able speak out freely.” “One day if the regime changes, we could be back in Hong Kong with democracy and freedom.” “I will continue to speak out for those people who can't speak in Hong Kong.” https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast Presented by Ros Taylor. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold, Jelena Sofronijevic and Alex Rees. Audio production by Jade Bailey. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We welcome indie-rockin' winger Pat Nevin (Chelsea, Everton, the Camden Falcon) to talk music and his new book The Accidental Footballer. Plus Wet Leg's long-awaited debut album, Marvel's Egyptological psycho-drama Moon Knight, Oscar-winning deaf family dramady Coda, an erotically-charged Ruth Wilson in True Things AKA 9½ Weeks In Ramsgate… and much, much more.   Hear all the music on our rolling playlists. Spotify: https://bit.ly/CultBunk Tidal: https://tidal.com/browse/playlist/1aea7525-7891-4a88-8474-a08c45ea064b “I once managed to fit four Camera Obscura references into one sentence of commentary.” – Pat Nevin “Ruth Wilson's character feels like a real woman… If not yourself then definitely someone you know.” – Anna Smith “The truly ignorant person is the one that thinks they know everything.” – Pat Nevin Presented by Siân Pattenden and Andrew Harrison. Producer Jelena Sofronijevic with Elina Ganatra. Audio production by Jade Bailey. Theme music: ‘Bunker Theme (Juntos Mix)' by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. The Culture Bunker is a Podmasters production.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jacques Peretti's mother, Alina, survived World War Two in Poland, Siberia, and finally, Auschwitz. They talk to Siân Pattenden about their book, Little Bird of Auschwitz, coming to terms with how Alina understood the Holocaust as a child, finding the courage to put harrowing memories to paper …and how the investigative journalist learned more about the woman who would never let him call her “Mum”. “My mum took a Zhivago-esque Odyssey across Europe.” - Jacques Peretti “I wasn't brave enough to write this book myself, but my son gave me the opportunity.” - Alina Peretti “People assume that the Holocaust was a Jewish experience. But the degenerate category extended to anyone the Nazis didn't like.” - Jacques Peretti “The debate between Hitler and his officers happened right in front of my mum.” - Alina Peretti https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast Written and presented by Siân Pattenden. Producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production https://www.hodder.co.uk/titles/jacques-peretti/little-bird-of-auschwitz/9781473646438/  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Loneliness is something we've all felt at some point in our lives, particularly throughout COVID. But it can also have great value for society. Philosopher and social human rights expert Professor Kimberley Brownlee guides Ros Taylor through the important questions about being alone. Is solitary confinement an effective form of punishment? Have isolation policies been effective during the pandemic, or have they exposed care homes as “warehouses” for the elderly? And is loneliness really a moral injustice?  “Our social needs are needs with a capital N. We thirst for connection.” “In China, children have a legal duty to visit and engage with their elderly parents.”  “We risk becoming socially malnourished without even being aware of it.” https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast Written and presented by Ros Taylor. Producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Jade Bailey. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

 What a difference a week makes. Rishi Sunak's stock has plummeted dramatically, how far can it fall? We unpick the Chancellor's sorry Spring Statement. Plus, while COVID cases are rising, free tests are being ditched in England. What could possibly go wrong? And with three-time grand slam champ Ash Barty retiring from tennis, we weigh up the pros and cons of quitting while you're ahead. “Sunak had an absolute shocker. Day one the headlines were awful from both sides.” – Miatta Fahnbulleh “I don't think Sunak expected this backlash, which shows how out of step with the country he is.” – Miatta Fahnbulleh “I think this is worse than the Osborne years.” – Miatta Fahnbulleh “It's very easy to get popular shoving money into people's mouths.” – Ahir Shah “We're seeing the real Rishi Sunak, and people are horrified.” – Ahir Shah “Hospital workers having to pay for their own tests to make sure they're safe to work is insane.” – Justin Quirk Presented by Andrew Harrison with Ahir Shah, Justin Quirk and Miatta Fahnbulleh. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold, Jelena Sofronijevic and Alex Rees. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. The Bunker is a Podmasters Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As fallout from Rishi Sunak's Spring Statement boosts tensions in Government, we look at how this might unravel further. And with Zelenskyy suggesting Ukraine could consider Russia's neutrality demands, is there hope for an end to the war? Plus, rising COVID cases, Prince William's reflections on his Caribbean tour and a controversial night at the Oscars. Ros Taylor and Alex Andreou look at the week ahead.  “This seems like a very slow-moving war of attrition, that Russia is losing." – Alex Andreou  "Even allies on the same side of a war have different objectives." – Alex Andreou  "The UK still sees itself as the dominant entity in the Commonwealth." – Alex Andreou  "Will Smith's actions have overshadowed the achievements of other people." – Alex Andreou Find resources to help the Ukrainian people here: https://ukrainewar.carrd.co/  www.patreon.com/bunkercast  Presented by Ros Taylor with Alex Andreou. Producers: Jacob Archbold, Jelena Sofronijevic and Alex Rees. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production: Jade Bailey. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Just 9% of all the plastic ever produced on planet Earth has been recycled. So where does the other 91% go? Despite our demand for disposable goods, the UK is hardly a plastic mountain. From litter on the Turkish littoral, to the second-hand textiles that flood Africa's markets and South America's deserts, there's a chasm between where environmental damage is created, and where its impact is most destructively felt. Istanbul-based journalist Ruth Michaelson tells Jelena Sofronijevic about how we can tackle the West's problem with waste, without simply outsourcing the climate crisis overseas… “There is a whole global chain of underpaid labour that suffers when you put your plastic bottle in the recycling bin.” “If we were not exporting our plastic waste, we would have to think about what we are doing with it.”  “There's a whack-a-mole quest to find new destinations for plastic waste.”  “The countries that claim to recycle the most also export the most waste.” “Environmental responsibility should fall on individual companies, not countries.” https://www.patreon.com/bunkercast Presented and produced by Jelena Sofronijevic. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Audio production by Alex Rees. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices