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This week, Andy Zaltzman is joined by Josh Gondelman and Anuvab Pal for an episode bursting with chaos, tangents, and stories so random they feel algorithmically generated.As Andy prepares to fly to Australia for The Ashes, the big question is: is he even slightly focused? The evidence suggests no.
Every weekday during the 2025-26 Ashes, comedian and statistician Andy Zaltzman poses new a cricketing conundrum. It won't be easy though. You might want to take it away, share in your group chats and challenge your friends. Andy will reveal the answer the following day.Test Match Special has live commentary on BBC Sounds with a team including Jonathan Agnew, Simon Mann and Jim Maxwell. England's 2005 Ashes-winning captain Michael Vaughan, legendary Australia seamer Glenn McGrath and ex-England spinners Phil Tufnell and Alex Hartley will be part of the punditry team.
Every weekday during the 2025-26 Ashes, comedian and statistician Andy Zaltzman poses new a cricketing conundrum. It won't be easy though. You might want to take it away, share in your group chats and challenge your friends. Andy will reveal the answer the following day.Test Match Special has live commentary on BBC Sounds with a team including Jonathan Agnew, Simon Mann and Jim Maxwell. England's 2005 Ashes-winning captain Michael Vaughan, legendary Australia seamer Glenn McGrath and ex-England spinners Phil Tufnell and Alex Hartley will be part of the punditry team.
This week, Andy Zaltzman is joined by Helen Zaltzman and Josie Long for an episode awash with political upheaval, mild optimism, and existential dread.
The Bugle turns 18 — and we're not done celebrating yet! In Part 2 of our birthday special, Andy Zaltzman is joined by Alice Fraser and Nish Kumar to take a sideways look at some of the week's more alternative headlines.
Alasdair Beckett-King, Laura Lexx, Ahir Shah and Ava Santina join Andy Zaltzman for this week's quiz.Brace yourselves for stories about the stripping of both Royal Titles and Royal Crown Jewels as well as the big question of the moment, are things better or worse than they used to be?Written by Andy Zaltzman Additional material by: Milo Edwards, Cameron Loxdale, Ruth Husko and Marty Gleeson Producer: Gwyn Rhys Davies Exec Producer: Richard Morris Production Coordinator: Giulia Lopes Mazzu Sound Editor: Marc WillcoxA BBC Studios Production for Radio 4.
In a week of budget talks, IMF forecasts of Inflation on the British horizon, flood risk reports and approval of solar farms, Andy Zaltzman is joined by Adam Kay, Zoe Lyons, Ria Lina and Stephen Bush to break down this weeks news.Written by Andy Zaltzman.With additional material by: Daman Bamrah, Ruth Husko, Christina Riggs and Peter Tellouche. Producer: Rajiv Karia Executive Producer: Pete Strauss Production Coordinator: Giulia Lopes Mazzu Sound Editor: Marc WillcoxA BBC Studios Production for Radio 4.
This week, Andy Zaltzman is joined by Tom Ballard and Ria Lina for another round of international nonsense.
At hip east London brewery Signature Brew, Nish joined us on nepo babies, late stage capitalism, crying in toilets and how a company he worked for could have made COVID-19 a whole lot easier if it hadn't been shut down. Plus mentions of TV on the Radio, Broken Bells (The Shins' James Mercer and Danger Mouse), Big Thief, Adrianne Lenker, Geese, The Bugle, John Oliver, Andy Zaltzman, WTF with Marc Maron. This is our 498th episode! Get yourself some top class Shure microphone gear: https://shu.re/3YhV7p2 DistroKid makes music distribution fun and easy with unlimited uploads and artists keeping the ENTIRETY of their revenue. Get 30% off the first year of their service by signing up at https://distrokid.com/vip/101pod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In the week where Trump brokered a peace deal in the Middle East, buzz was generated at the Conservative Party Conference (honestly), the Home Office announces greater restrictions on protests, and the world's first footballer billionaire is crowned, Andy Zaltzman is joined by Scott Bennett, Ayesha Hazarika, Kate Cheka and Ian Smith to break down this weeks news.Written by Andy Zaltzman.With additional material by: Jain Edwards, Ruth Husko and Alfie Packham Producer: Rajiv Karia Executive Producer: Pete Strauss Production Coordinator: Giulia Lopes Mazzu Sound Editor: Marc WillcoxA BBC Studios Production for Radio 4.
This week, Andy Zaltzman is joined by Hari Kondabolu and Alice Fraser for another round of global absurdity and barely contained disbelief.
At this week's Labour Conference, Kier Starmer warned that Britain faces a 'fork in the road'. Helping Andy Zaltzman decide which way to turn are Ian Smith, Celya AB, Hugo Rifkind and Zoe Lyons.Written by Andy Zaltzman.With additional material by: Cody Dahler, Eve Delaney and John Tothill Producer: Georgia Keating and James Robinson Executive Producer: Pete Strauss Production Coordinator: Jodie Charman Sound Editor: Marc WillcoxA BBC Studios Production for Radio 4.
This week, Andy Zaltzman is joined by Helen Zaltzman for a transcendental episode of The Bugle — one that's proudly, intentionally, and gloriously Trump-free.
In the week where Trump addressed the UN, Lib Dems conferred on the beaches of Bournemouth, and a Seagull Summit came to Inverness, Andy Zaltzman is joined by Simon Evans, Neil Delamere, Tiff Stevenson and Cindy Yu to break it all down. Expect talk of the Burnham from behind, the Boriswave, and the wettest generation since the floods.Written by Andy Zaltzman.With additional material by: Jade Gebbie, Miranda Holms, Ruth Husko and Peter Tellouche. Producer: Rajiv Karia Executive Producer: James Robinson Production Coordinator: Jodie Charman Sound Editor: Marc WillcoxA BBC Studios Production for Radio 4.
This week, Andy Zaltzman is joined by Josh Gondelman and James Nokise for a satirical sprint through the week's most surreal headlines.
Andy Zaltzman is joined by Hugo Rifkind, Pierre Novellie, Sara Barron and Lucy Porter to break down the week in news. The panel unpack Trump's second state visit, the reserve banquet of seat fillers, foreign investment from the US, Ed Davey's Ancient Greek punishment, chimps drunk on fruit, and why Penny Mordaunt thinks it's no fun to be a Conservative anymore.Written by Andy Zaltzman.With additional material by: Cody Dahler, Ruth Husko, Sam Lake and Laura Major. Producer: Rajiv Karia Executive Producer: Richard Morris Production Coordinator: Jodie Charman Sound Editor: Marc WillcoxA BBC Studios Production for Radio 4.
This week, Andy Zaltzman is joined by Nish Kumar and Sara Barron for a globe-spanning episode of satire, scandal, and despair.
Andy Zaltzman is joined by Daliso Chaponda, Susie McCabe, Geoff Norcott and Ash Sarkar to break down the week in news. Expect discussion on the Labour Deputy Leader Election, the return of the Mandelson, strikes on Qatar, Russian drones in Poland and telepathic Google searches. Written by Andy Zaltzman. With additional material by: Simon Alcock, Carwyn Blayney, Ruth Husko and Alex Kealy. Producer: Rajiv Karia Executive Producer: James Robinson Production Coordinator: Caroline Barlow Sound Editor: Marc Willcox A BBC Studios Production for Radio 4.
This week, Andy Zaltzman is joined by Anuvab Pal and Tiff Stevenson for a global sweep of OH GOD NOT ANOTHER WEEK LIKE THIS. At least we have a fun top story...
Andy Zaltzman is joined by Alasdair Beckett-King, Andrew Maxwell, Lucy Porter and Coco Khan to break down the week in news. Topics include Angela Rayner skipping out on stamp duty, Xi Jinping's summit, the decline in cement, a new leader for the Green Party, and the rapid multiplication of St George's flags. Written by Andy Zaltzman. With additional material by: Rebecca Bain, Milo Edwards, Ruth Husko and Mike Shephard. Producer: Rajiv Karia Executive Producer: Richard Morris Production Coordinator: Jodie Charman Sound Editor: Marc Willcox A BBC Studios Production for Radio 4
This week, Andy Zaltzman is joined by Alice Fraser and Nato Green for a world tour through...
Ahead of our 18th birthday (tickets on sale now: http://thebuglepodcast.com), we celebrate some classic live Bugles, with Andy, Nish, Alice and Alex Edelman.The Bugle can only exist if you support us: donate, follow us on YouTube, spread the word.Introduced by Andy Zaltzman and Chris Skinner. Produced by Laura Turner. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jonathan Agnew is alongside former England captains Michael Vaughan and Sir Alastair Cook, and Test Match Special statistician Andy Zaltzman to discuss who plays for England in the first Ashes Test down under in Perth. Does the top seven pick itself, which bowlers are picked, and which players currently not in England squad could make a late charge for selection?
Tickets for our 18th birthday live show are on sale now! thebuglepodcast.comThis week, Andy Zaltzman is joined by Nato Green and Sara Barron for a jam-packed episode featuring geopolitics, golf, and pharmaceutical-powered transformations.
Jonathan Agnew is joined by Michael Vaughan, Sir Alastair Cook, Prakash Wakankar and Andy Zaltzman to analyse the final day and reflect on India's draw against England. We will hear from both captains Ben Stokes and Shubnam Gill. And we are joined by our journalist panel to discuss whether Bazball is maturing and whether events in this series make us more or less confident about England's Ashes chances.
Jonathan Agnew presents reaction to England's dramatic Test victory over India at Lord's. Hear the thoughts of England captain Ben Stokes, Joe Root, and Jofra Archer has he hit the ground running in his red-ball return. India captain Shubman Gill also looks back on the loss.Former England captains Sir Alastair Cook and Michael Vaughan, Prakash Wakankar, and Andy Zaltzman analyse the performances of both sides.Plus, the BBC's chief cricket reporter Stephan Shemilt, The Times' Simon Wilde, and ESPN Cricinfo's Sidharth Monga discuss the needle between England & India.
We profile India's new test captain Shubnam Gill who could become one of cricket's superstars. Simon Mann is joined by Cheteshwar Pujara, Deep DasGupta, Michael Vaughan, Prakash Wakankar and Andy Zaltzman. They ask if Gill could be the player to follow in the footsteps of Sunil Gavaskar, Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli.
Jonathan Agnew presents reaction from Headingley where England win late on in a dramatic day of Test cricket.Hear analysis of the day's play from former England captains Michael Vaughan & Sir Alastair Cook, as well as Andy Zaltzman.England captain Ben Stokes reflects on the momentous win, and century-hitter Ben Duckett gives his thoughts on the game. Plus, India captain Shubman Gill looks back on his first Test as captain.Former England coach, and now Nottinghamshire head coach, Peter Moores about the rise of Ben Duckett. And, should Test cricket be cut down to four days?
Andy Zaltzman is joined by Glenn Moore, Felicity Ward, Athena Kugblenu and Marie Le Conte to break down the week in news. The panel discuss Musk and Trump's messy break up, getting Britain ready for a war and why children shouldn't be trusted to do town planning.Written by Andy Zaltzman.With additional material by: Eve Delaney, Jade Gebbie, Cameron Loxdale and Alexandra Haddow. Producer: Pete Strauss Executive Producer: Richard Morris Production Coordinator: Jodie Charman Sound Editor: Marc WillcoxA BBC Studios Audio Production for Radio 4
Andy Zaltzman is joined by Armando Iannucci, Ria Lina, Ian Smith and Cindy Yu for more topical comedy quizzing. This week they explore Trump's tariff turmoil, the King's Canadian holiday, mixed messages in the Middle East and how the Department of Justice is having trouble finishing its sentences.Written by Andy Zaltzman.With additional material by: Mike Shephard, Peter Tellouche, Sascha LO and Eve Delaney. Producer: James Robinson Executive Producer: Pete Strauss Production Coordinator: Jodie Charman Sound Editor: Marc WillcoxA BBC Studios Audio Production for Radio 4
Andy Zaltzman is joined by Andrew Maxwell, Ian Smith, Alex Kealy and Times columnist, Cindy Yu. They cover a triumph or a surrender (depending on who you ask) as well as reflecting on where you're most likely to spot a billionaire in the wild and the death of the semi-colon.Written by Andy Zaltzman.With additional material by: Christina Riggs, Laura Major and Christian Manley. Producer: Gwyn Rhys Davies Executive Producer: Richard Morris Production Coordinator: Jodie Charman Sound Editor: Marc WillcoxA BBC Studios Audio Production for Radio 4.
Andy Zaltzman is joined by Alasdair Beckett-King, Sara Barron, Daliso Chaponda and ITV Deputy Political Editor Anushka Asthana. Discussion points include this week's immigration White Paper, tighter controls on international students looking for gainful employment, the elusive definition of a 'skilled job', chimpanzees utility in medical emergencies, and the returns policy on a returns hub.Written by Andy Zaltzman.With additional material by: Samira Banks, Catherine Brinkworth, and Cody Dahler. Producer: Rajiv Karia Executive Producer: Pete Strauss Production Coordinator: Jodie Charman Sound Editor: Marc WillcoxA BBC Studios Audio Production for Radio 4.
Andy Zaltzman is joined by Geoff Norcott, Ria Lina, Ava Santina and Alasdair Beckett-King to break down the week in news. The panel discuss the results of the UK local elections, the reaching of a US-UK trade deal, the storm of online misinformation surrounding the India-Pakistan border stand-off, the statutes of statues, and the conclusion of the Conclave as we meet the world's first American Pope.Written by Andy Zaltzman.With additional material by: Eve Delaney, Jade Gebbie, John Tothill and Peter Tellouche. Producer: Rajiv Karia Executive Producer: James Robinson Production Coordinator: Jodie Charman Sound Editor: Marc WillcoxA BBC Studios Audio Production for Radio 4.
This week, Andy Zaltzman is joined by elite-tier Bugler and guest producer Belinda (as well as Nish Kumar and Tom Ballard) delivering a show so saucy it might get you banned from the Vatican gift shop.
Andy Zaltzman is joined by Geoff Norcott, Lucy Porter, Ed Byrne and Marie Le Conte to unpack the week in news. Topics include the loss of power in the Iberian Peninsula, the gaining of power in the Canadian election, the US-Ukraine mineral deal, cyberattacks on M&S, and the medical benefits of Champagne.Written by Andy Zaltzman.With additional material by: Ruby Clyde, Eve Delaney, Cameron Loxdale and Laura Major. Producer: Rajiv Karia Executive Producer: James Robinson Production Coordinator: Jodie Charman Sound Editor: Marc WillcoxA BBC Studios Audio Production for Radio 4.
Andy Zaltzman is joined by Andrew Maxwell, Zing Tsjeng, Jessica Fostekew and Pierre Novellie to unpack the upcoming local elections, the Conclave in the Vatican, Trump's planned UK visit, and Yorkshire Gladiators.Written by Andy Zaltzman.With additional material by: Chris Ballard, Cody Dahler, Eve Delaney and Alice Fraser. Producer: Rajiv Karia Executive Producer: Richard Morris Production Coordinator: Jodie Charman Sound Editor: Marc WillcoxA BBC Studios Audio Production for Radio 4.
Support The Bugle! Get exclusive video editions, bonus episodes, and fine smugness: thebuglepodcast.comThis week, Andy Zaltzman is joined by Hari Kondabolu and Anuvab Pal for a turbo-charged tour through history, politics, and questionable phone etiquette.
Andy Zaltzman is joined by Zoe Lyons, Mark Steel, Athena Kugblenu and Hugo Rifkind to unpack bin workers strikes in Birmingham, pop stars popping to the stars, talks of tariffs, steeling oneself in Scunthorpe, and how Toby took his carvery one step too far.Written by Andy Zaltzman.With additional material by: Mike Shephard, Christina Riggs, Eve Delaney and Ben Pope. Producer: Rajiv Karia Executive Producer: Pete Strauss Production Coordinator: Jodie Charman Production Coordinator: Beanna Olding Sound Editor: Marc WillcoxA BBC Studios Audio Production for Radio 4
Support The Bugle, we only exist because you make it happen: http://thebuglepodcast.com/donate. Our first Elite Tier Buglers will be co-producing episodes in the next month!This week we look back at the arrival of Pope Francis, and the end of Osama Bin Laden - as revealed by John Cena. Includes a clip from Realms Unknown, which is in your pod feed now!A new Bugle is in your feed next week.This episode was produced by Chris Skinner and Laura Turner.Presented by Andy Zaltzman, with John Oliver, Alice Fraser and James Colley. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This week, we investigate the happiest nations on Earth and ask: How?! Finland is officially joyful, the UK is redefining disability, and the bizarre love-hate triangle of Trump, Putin, and Zelenskyy—does anyone in that mess feel happy? Meanwhile, in Dublin, Molly Malone is getting groped… but why?Plus, we take a trip back in time to when a British Prime Minister found himself in an actual duel (yes, with real guns), and Andy treats us to his latest, highly scientific, bear impressions.