Top Stories!

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Celebrating 15 years of The Bugle, this daily show takes us back through the some of the greatest stories The Bugle has deemed newsworthy. Featuring the best moments from Andy Zaltzman, John Oliver and guest Co-hosts We are listener funded, support what we do here This is a Bugle Podcasts production. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Bugle


    • Jun 24, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekdays NEW EPISODES
    • 10m AVG DURATION
    • 467 EPISODES

    Ivy Insights

    The Top Stories! podcast is an absolute delight for anyone who enjoys revisiting older stories and reminiscing about a bygone era. As a longtime listener and occasional commenter, I have found immense joy in reliving these past highlights and reflecting on how they no longer hit as hard as they once did. It's a surreal experience to laugh even harder at the mental plight of my past self who had to navigate through the garbage world of the annoyingly linear present. Plus, the return of John Oliver's velvet intonations is truly endearing, and I can't help but wonder where he ended up after The Leaving. Wherever it may be, I sincerely hope he's finding a way to laugh again.

    One of the best aspects of The Top Stories! podcast is undoubtedly John Oliver's presence on many episodes. His wit, charm, and ability to deliver intelligent humor make each episode a joy to listen to. As a latecomer to The Bugle, I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity to delve into past episodes and experience John Oliver's comedic brilliance firsthand. Additionally, the podcast offers a look back at some of the most memorable moments from the show, allowing listeners to relish in the nostalgia while enjoying fresh laughter.

    While The Top Stories! podcast offers plenty of entertainment value, there are a few aspects that could be improved upon. One potential downside is that it may not resonate as strongly with new listeners who are unfamiliar with The Bugle or John Oliver's work. Without prior knowledge of the show's history or context, some jokes and references may fall flat. However, this drawback can easily be mitigated by starting from earlier episodes or familiarizing oneself with The Bugle beforehand.

    In conclusion, The Top Stories! podcast is an excellent choice for anyone seeking both entertainment and intellectual stimulation. With its clever humor and insightful commentary on current events from different time periods, it caters well to ADHD intellectuals looking for a dopamine hit. While it's important not to forget how we got here to this seemingly unpleasant world, The Top Stories! podcast allows us to go out happily cackling, thanks to its ability to evoke laughter and provide a fresh perspective on the past. Moreover, the podcast showcases Andy Zaltzman's brilliant talent for unearthing fascinating stories and discovering great comedic talent. Overall, it is a must-listen for fans of intelligent comedy and those who appreciate a good trip down memory lane.



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    Latest episodes from Top Stories!

    Message To You Rudy

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 24, 2025 9:21


    In November 2020 Andy was joined by Nish Kumar and Felicity Ward to talk Rudy Giuliani, The US elections and bullying in British politics. It's Bugle issue 4173 - A Message To You Rudy.Hear more of our shows, buy our book, and help keep us alive by supporting us here: thebuglepodcast.com/This episode was produced by Chris Skinner and Laura Turner Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    New Year's Revelations

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 20, 2025 11:41


    In January 2018 Donald Trump was far from starting afresh for the New Year. Instead opting to stay with his tried and tested approach to leadership. Alice Fraser and Hari Kondabolu joined Andy for Bugle issue 4055 – New Year's Revelations.Hear more of our shows, buy our book, and help keep us alive by supporting us here: thebuglepodcast.com/This episode was produced by Chris Skinner and Laura Turner Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Black Holes and Brexit

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 17, 2025 9:25


    Let's go back now to April 2019. Alice joined Andy for a Brexit heavy live Bugle. Thankfully there was also some Unicorn news to lighten the mood.Hear more of our shows, buy our book, and help keep us alive by supporting us here: thebuglepodcast.com/This episode was produced by Chris Skinner and Laura Turner Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Does Boris think he's Scarface?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 13, 2025 13:25


    We're visiting July 2022 now, and there was only one story in town as Alice Fraser and Mark Steel joined Andy for Bugle issue 4236 - Does Boris think he's Scarface?Hear more of our shows, buy our book, and help keep us alive by supporting us here: thebuglepodcast.com/This episode was produced by Chris Skinner and Laura Turner Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Five Year Piggiversary

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 10, 2025 10:16


    In September 2020 Andy, Josh and Tiff turned their attention to Trump's trampling of RBG's legacy. It's Bugle issue 4166 - Five Year Piggiversary.Hear more of our shows, buy our book, and help keep us alive by supporting us here: thebuglepodcast.com/This episode was produced by Chris Skinner and Laura Turner Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Nazi Game Shows

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 6, 2025 9:35


    We're visiting June 2022 now. Nish Kumar and Neil Delamere joined Andy as democracy took a beating, at the hands of the French. It's Bugle issue 4234 - Nazi Game Shows.Hear more of our shows, buy our book, and help keep us alive by supporting us here: thebuglepodcast.com/This episode was produced by Chris Skinner and Laura Turner Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Not Enough Boffins

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2025 10:32


    April 2020 now, and a momentous occasion in Bugle history. Chris Addison made his Bugle debut - joining Alice Fraser, as we attempted to make the best of a bad week. It's Bugle issue 4191 - Not Enough Boffins.Hear more of our shows, buy our book, and help keep us alive by supporting us here: thebuglepodcast.com/This episode was produced by Chris Skinner and Laura Turner Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Putin The Tooth In

    Play Episode Listen Later May 30, 2025 9:32


    In July 2020 Tiff Stevenson and James Nokise joined Andy to discuss President Putin's eternal reign. It's Bugle issue 4159 - Putin The Tooth In.Hear more of our shows, buy our book, and help keep us alive by supporting us here: thebuglepodcast.com/And you can hear more of Producer Chris on the latest podcast from the Bugle family - Mildly Informed https://www.thebuglepodcast.com/mildlyinformedThis episode was produced by Chris Skinner and Laura Turner Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Joe Biden's Solution

    Play Episode Listen Later May 27, 2025 10:53


    Let's visit June 2020 now. America was going through a tough time thanks to the actions of some white police officers. We tried to make sense of events - and some of the suggested solutions. Hari Kondabolu and Tom Ballard were with Andy for Bugle issue 4155 - Joe Biden's Solution.Hear more of our shows, buy our book, and help keep us alive by supporting us here: thebuglepodcast.com/This episode was produced by Chris Skinner and Laura Turner Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Space Jam

    Play Episode Listen Later May 23, 2025 9:49


    We're travelling back to July 2021 now, and a top story that would be at home right now. Donald Trump's relationship with Europe was in the spotlight as Nish Kumar and Alex Edelman joined Andy for Bugle issue 4076 – Space Jam.Hear more of our shows, buy our book, and help keep us alive by supporting us here: thebuglepodcast.com/This episode was produced by Chris Skinner and Laura Turner Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Evolution Special

    Play Episode Listen Later May 20, 2025 10:56


    October 2020 now, and The Bugle was live from the Unmute Podcast Festival. Alice Fraser and Nish Kumar were with Andy as we discussed some important evolution news, and crabs.Hear more of our shows, buy our book, and help keep us alive by supporting us here: thebuglepodcast.com/This episode was produced by Chris Skinner and Laura Turner Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Nationalise Human Trafficking

    Play Episode Listen Later May 16, 2025 8:27


    We're going back to June 2022 now. Josh Gondelman and Ria Lina joined Andy to focus on the latest nonsense from lawmakers in the USA. It's Bugle issue 4233 - Nationalise Human Trafficking.Hear more of our shows, buy our book, and help keep us alive by supporting us here: thebuglepodcast.com/This episode was produced by Chris Skinner and Laura Turner Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Below the Belt

    Play Episode Listen Later May 9, 2025 11:51


    Alice Fraser and Nish Kumar were with Andy in September 2020 to explore the British government's attempts to break the law. It's Bugle issue 4165 - Below the Belt.Hear more of our shows, buy our book, and help keep us alive by supporting us here: thebuglepodcast.com/This episode was produced by Chris Skinner and Laura Turner Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    The Valentines Special

    Play Episode Listen Later May 6, 2025 11:19


    Jena Friedman and Tiff Stevenson joined Andy in February 2020 for a look at a new viral sensation. It's Bugle issue 4141.Hear more of our shows, buy our book, and help keep us alive by supporting us here: thebuglepodcast.com/This episode was produced by Chris Skinner and Laura Turner Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Read the bible, capeesh?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 2, 2025 10:48


    In May 2018 Nish Kumar was with Andy to look at the latest wang swinging from the US and North Korea. It's Bugle issue 4069 – Read the bible, capeesh?Hear more of our shows, buy our book, and help keep us alive by supporting us here: thebuglepodcast.com/This episode was produced by Chris Skinner and Laura Turner Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    A vector of disease

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 29, 2025 11:06


    There was some serious cricket news in June 2020. Hari and Alice joined Andy as he attempted to come to terms with the impact of Covid on the most important game in the World. It's Bugle issue 4158 - A vector of disease. Hear more of our shows, buy our book, and help keep us alive by supporting us here: thebuglepodcast.com/This episode was produced by Chris Skinner and Laura Turner Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Love Letters

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 25, 2025 12:30


    We're going back 10 years now to March 2015. Republican senators in the US were in the midst of an unusual pen pal relationship with the Iranian regime. It's Bugle issue 290 – Love Letters.Hear more of our shows, buy our book, and help keep us alive by supporting us here: thebuglepodcast.com/This episode was produced by Chris Skinner and Laura Turner Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Mourning Has Broken

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 22, 2025 11:25


    We're going back to September 2022 now… Tiff Stephenson and Anuvab Pal joined Andy to try and make sense of the UK's extended period of mourning in tribute to the Queen. It's Bugle issue 4240 - Mourning Has Broken.Hear more of our shows, buy our book, and help keep us alive by supporting us here: thebuglepodcast.com/This episode was produced by Chris Skinner and Laura Turner Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Terra Firma Warriors

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 18, 2025 10:46


    In May 2020 we were very happy for any news that took us away from a Covid based Top Story. Cue much excitement at the prospect of an Indo/China war. Alice Fraser and Anuvab Pal joined Andy for Bugle issue 4154 - Terra Firma Warriors.Hear more of our shows, buy our book, and help keep us alive by supporting us here: thebuglepodcast.com/This episode was produced by Chris Skinner and Laura Turner Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    The Future Is The Past

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 15, 2025 10:42


    In June 2021 Nish Kumar and Josh Gondelman joined Andy as the World faced an unexpected twist in the future of the USA. It's Bugle issue 4198 - The Future Is The Past.Hear more of our shows, buy our book, and help keep us alive by supporting us here: thebuglepodcast.com/This episode was produced by Chris Skinner and Laura Turner Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Arm all the drag queens

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 11, 2025 10:55


    Let's visit June 2022 now, and Hari Kondabolu and Nato Green teamed up on The Bugle for the first time ever. US gun laws were in the spotlight for issue 4232 - Arm all the drag queens.Hear more of our shows, buy our book, and help keep us alive by supporting us here: thebuglepodcast.com/This episode was produced by Chris Skinner and Laura Turner Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Ketchup!

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 8, 2025 9:04


    In April 2021 we were preparing to record the latest Bugle, when the death of the Duke of Edinburgh was announced. But fortunately there was also Ketchup news to discuss. Andy was joined by Felicity Ward and Nato Green for Bugle issue 4190.Hear more of our shows, buy our book, and help keep us alive by supporting us here: thebuglepodcast.com/This episode was produced by Chris Skinner and Laura Turner Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Ross and Rachel

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 4, 2025 11:20


    In March 2019 Andy was in the USA and this Top Story comes from a Brooklyn show featuring Josh Gondelman, in his Bugle debut, and the usual family fun from Alice Fraser. It's Bugle issue 4099 - Ross and Rachel.Hear more of our shows, buy our book, and help keep us alive by supporting us here: thebuglepodcast.com/This episode was produced by Chris Skinner and Laura Turner Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    The President is not a gremlin

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 1, 2025 7:30


    Now we have a listener's request for you. Veronika emailed us to suggest we visit September 2012 and episode 206 of the Bugle - The President is not a gremlin. The top story was all about US Presidential candidate Mit Romney - and Veronika writes that she has one particular section of this episode saved for whenever she needs a lift… so if you don't enjoy this - blame Veronika.Hear more of our shows, buy our book, and help keep us alive by supporting us here: thebuglepodcast.com/This episode was produced by Chris Skinner and Laura Turner Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Good guys win elections!

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 28, 2025 12:16


    In October 2020 Andy was joined by Tiff Stevenson and James Nokise, with hot news from the New Zealand election. It's Bugle issue 4170, Good guys win elections!Hear more of our shows, buy our book, and help keep us alive by supporting us here: thebuglepodcast.com/This episode was produced by Chris Skinner and Laura Turner Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Space Force

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 25, 2025 11:31


    We're visiting August 2018 now, and Andy was joined at the Edinburgh Fringe by Alice Fraser and Alex Edelman as the US government moved to win support from Stars Wars fans. It's Bugle issue 4077 – Space Force. Hear more of our shows, buy our book, and help keep us alive by supporting us here: thebuglepodcast.com/This episode was produced by Chris Skinner and Laura Turner Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    A Dutch Village

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 21, 2025 11:50


    In May 2020 Nish Kumar and Alice Fraser joined Andy as we all slowly unravelled in the midst of Covid restrictions, and embraced the brave new world of podcasts with video. It's Bugle issue 4153 - A Dutch Village.Hear more of our shows, buy our book, and help keep us alive by supporting us here: thebuglepodcast.com/This episode was produced by Chris Skinner and Laura Turner Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Celebrate Forgery

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 18, 2025 11:16


    Let's go back to May 2018 now, when Andy was joined by Anuvab Pal to discuss global cheating, forgery and misrepresentation. It's Bugle issue 4067 - Celebrate Forgery.Hear more of our shows, buy our book, and help keep us alive by supporting us here: thebuglepodcast.com/This episode was produced by Chris Skinner and Laura Turner Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Falwell That Ends Well

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 14, 2025 12:21


    In August 2020 the fish were fighting back. Yep, it was runaway salmon news in the Top Story slot for Bugle issue 4164 - Falwell That Ends Well.Hear more of our shows, buy our book, and help keep us alive by supporting us here: thebuglepodcast.com/This episode was produced by Chris Skinner and Laura Turner Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Boris Babies

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 11, 2025 10:46


    We're visiting May 2020 now for Bugle issue 4151, Boris Babies. Alice Fraser and Josh Gondelman joined Andy for a round up of Covid kids news.Hear more of our shows, buy our book, and help keep us alive by supporting us here: thebuglepodcast.com/This episode was produced by Chris Skinner and Laura Turner Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Kashmir versus Brexit.

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 7, 2025 9:58


    In August 2019 the Bugle was live from Edinburgh, joined by Nish Kumar and Aditi Mittal. The Kashmir crisis made it to the Top Story spot. It's Bugle issue 4117, Kashmir versus Brexit.Hear more of our shows, buy our book, and help keep us alive by supporting us here: thebuglepodcast.com/This episode was produced by Chris Skinner and Laura Turner Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    The Bots Have Won

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 4, 2025 11:19


    In March 2018 Andy was joined by Nish Kumar and Helen Zaltzman for an education in social media. It's Bugle issue 4063, The bots have won.Hear more of our shows, buy our book, and help keep us alive by supporting us here: thebuglepodcast.com/This episode was produced by Chris Skinner and Laura Turner Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Smelly Death Birds

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 28, 2025 8:38


    In August 2019 Andy was joined by Tom Ballard and Alice Fraser to discuss protests in Hong Kong and the definition of terror. It's Bugle issue 4118, Smelly Death Birds.Hear more of our shows, buy our book, and help keep us alive by supporting us here: thebuglepodcast.com/This episode was produced by Chris Skinner and Laura Turner Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Trump Too Nasty Even For Covid

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 25, 2025 11:40


    We're going back to October 2020 now and that moment in time where, for a second, there was a vague feeling of hope…. the moment it was revealed that Donald Trump had Covid. Anuvab Pal and Helen Zaltzman joined Andy for Bugle issue 4168, Trump too nasty even for Covid.Hear more of our shows, buy our book, and help keep us alive by supporting us here: thebuglepodcast.com/This episode was produced by Chris Skinner and Laura Turner Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    So Many Holes

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 21, 2025 9:26


    In June 2019 Andy was joined by Nish Kumar and Alice Fraser for a Bugle live from London's Southbank. Conservatives and golf courses made the Top Story. It's Bugle issue 4113 - So Many Holes.Hear more of our shows, buy our book, and help keep us alive by supporting us here: thebuglepodcast.com/This episode was produced by Chris Skinner and Laura Turner Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Mad Mike Versus Science

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 18, 2025 7:17


    In March 2018 Andy indulged himself with a Top Story close to his heart…. Yes, you guessed it - cricket news. Alice Fraser joined him for Bugle issue 4064 – Mad Mike Versus Science.Hear more of our shows, buy our book, and help keep us alive by supporting us here: thebuglepodcast.com/This episode was produced by Chris Skinner and Laura Turner Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Mature Grown Up Politics

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 14, 2025 10:00


    We're visiting March 2019 now, and Prime Minister Theresa May was grappling with her Brexit deal. Alice Fraser joined Andy from Australia for a live Bugle titled Mature Grown Up Politics.Hear more of our shows, buy our book, and help keep us alive by supporting us here: thebuglepodcast.com/This episode was produced by Chris Skinner and Laura Turner Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Fart The Police

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 11, 2025 7:56


    In June 2020 we were all in need of a diversion - here at the Bugle we were happy to oblige with a fragrant Top Story from Austria. Alice and Helen joined Andy for Bugle issue 4157 - Fart the Police.Hear more of our shows, buy our book, and help keep us alive by supporting us here: thebuglepodcast.com/This episode was produced by Chris Skinner and Laura Turner Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Truth isn't Truth

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 7, 2025 11:10


    We're going back now to a live show recorded at the Edinburgh Festival in August 2018. Nish Kumar and Anuvab Pal joined Andy to discuss a wonderfully ludicrous week in Trumpland. It's Bugle issue 4078, Truth isn't Truth.Hear more of our shows, buy our book, and help keep us alive by supporting us here: thebuglepodcast.com/This episode was produced by Chris Skinner and Laura Turner Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Ecuadoh!

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 4, 2025 8:29


    We're visiting February 2015 now. John Oliver and Andy were trying to get their heads round a tricky ceasefire in Ukraine. It's Bugle issue 287, Ecuadoh!Hear more of our shows, buy our book, and help keep us alive by supporting us here: thebuglepodcast.com/This episode was produced by Chris Skinner and Laura Turner Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Britain in Crisis (Live!)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 31, 2025 11:54


    Mark Steel made his Bugle debut in January 2018 - joining Andy and Alice Fraser for a live show at London's Leicester Square theatre. It's Bugle issue 4057, Britain in Crisis.Hear more of our shows, buy our book, and help keep us alive by supporting us here: thebuglepodcast.com/This episode was produced by Chris Skinner and Laura Turner Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Megotiations

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 28, 2025 11:12


    In May 2018 Andy delivered the first ever Bugle live from San Francisco. Alice Fraser and Helen Zaltzman joined him for midi jingles and end-of-days news.Hear more of our shows, buy our book, and help keep us alive by supporting us here: thebuglepodcast.com/This episode was produced by Chris Skinner and Laura Turner Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Bullwinkle

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 24, 2025 12:24


    Hari Kondabolu was with Andy in March 2018, as the sleepy English city of Salisbury found itself at the centre of a real life spy thriller. It's Bugle issue 4062, Bullwinkle.Hear more of our shows, buy our book, and help keep us alive by supporting us here: thebuglepodcast.com/This episode was produced by Chris Skinner and Laura Turner Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    On the wAI Out

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 21, 2025 13:10


    Now you might think AI was one of the hot topics of 2024. But in December 2014 we at the Bugle were way ahead of our time. Andy and John Oliver took a peek into the future in issue 280, On the wAI out.Hear more of our shows, buy our book, and help keep us alive by supporting us here: thebuglepodcast.com/This episode was produced by Chris Skinner and Laura Turner Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    That's a Big Cow!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 17, 2025 10:54


    In November 2018 Tom Ballard and Anuvab Pal joined Andy, as a six foot cow named after underwear took over Australia. It's Bugle issue 4089, That's a Big Cow!Hear more of our shows, buy our book, and help keep us alive by supporting us here: thebuglepodcast.com/This episode was produced by Chris Skinner and Laura Turner Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    A Long Tradition of Sedition

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 14, 2025 11:20


    January 2020 now and Anuvab Pal and Al Murray joined Andy as India's government took part in a bit of time travel. It's Bugle issue 4138, A Long Tradition of Sedition.Hear more of our shows, buy our book, and help keep us alive by supporting us here: thebuglepodcast.com/This episode was produced by Chris Skinner and Laura Turner Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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