Top Stories!

40 Episodes
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By: The Bugle

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

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Russia’s Little Counting Problem
Russia’s Little Counting Problem episode artwork
#611
Today at 12:07 AM

Welcome to Top Stories. The show where we delve into the archives of a previous Bugle, this episode, we’re going back to issue 175. As Andy and John report on the revelation of voting fraud in little old Russia, Putin had someone to blame, how things don’t change.


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WE ARE DOOMED
WE ARE DOOMED episode artwork
#610
Last Tuesday at 12:07 AM

Welcome back to Top Stories. The show where we delve into the archives of a previous Bugle issue this episode, we’re going all the way back to Bugle episode 4251. Joining Andy was Mark Steel and Josh Gondelman as they discussed impending Doom, or at least the most impending doom since 1947, following an update to the Doomsday Clock.


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London's Scroogiest Councils
London's Scroogiest Councils episode artwork
#609
11/06/2026

Welcome back to Top Stories. The show where we delve into the archives of a previous Bugle issue this episode, we’re going all the way back to The Bugle Episode 254, Bugle Christmas Special!, released December 19, 2013. As Andy and John Oliver discussed London's Scroogiest Councils.


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One Giant Leap Backwards for Mankind
One Giant Leap Backwards for Mankind episode artwork
#608
11/03/2026

Welcome back to Top Stories! The show where we delve into the archives of a previous Bugle issue this episode, we’re going all the way back to issue 160. As Andy and John Oliver discussed the news, the 135th and final space shuttle mission took off!


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Trump’s Pen Pal Erdoğan
Trump’s Pen Pal Erdoğan episode artwork
#607
10/30/2026

Welcome back to Top Stories. The show where we delve into the archives of a previous Bugle issue this episode, we’re going back to October 19, 2019. Andy was joined by Alice Fraser and Anuvab Pal as they discussed Donald Trump’s infamous letter to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.


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World’s Controversial Leaders Showdown
World’s Controversial Leaders Showdown episode artwork
#606
10/27/2026

Welcome back to TS! We're heading back to issue 4040, Andy was joined by Al Murray and Tom Ballard as they discussed a showdown to assess the world's most notorious and controversial contemporary leaders.


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2017 British General Election Live
2017 British General Election Live episode artwork
#605
10/22/2026

Welcome back to Top Stories! We’re going back to May 19, 2017 and issue 4031. Andy was joined by Nish Kumar and Producer Chris, as they bought you the 2017 British General Election, Live from Soho Theatre!


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A year's worth of Global Controversies
A year's worth of Global Controversies episode artwork
#604
10/19/2026

Welcome back to Top Stories, the show where we dive into the Bugle archives and pluck out an old Top Story, today we’re going all the way back to 2014, as Andy and John, reviewed the year's worth of global controversies and political maneuvers.


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No Sleep Till Brex-time
No Sleep Till Brex-time episode artwork
#603
10/15/2026

Welcome back to Top Stories. The year is 2019, and we’re heading back to the first ever live Bugle on the East Coast. Joining Andy live from Brooklyn for issue 4099, Alice Fraser and Josh Gondelman for rhe Top Story that week, No Sleep till Brex-time, and UK’s exit from Europe. Featuring Robo-Chris


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Suspended Animation
Suspended Animation episode artwork
#602
10/15/2026

Welcome back to Top Stories, we’re heading back November 2019 and issue 4131. Joining Andy that week was Nish Kumar and Jena Friedman as they dived into the huge breakthrough for humanity as scientists manage to put humans in a state of suspended animation.


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May Resigns
May Resigns episode artwork
#601
10/08/2026

Welcome back to Top Stories, the show where we delve into the Bugle archives. This time we head back to May 2019 and from issue 4110, whereAndy, Alice Fraser and Mark Steel discussed the dramatic resignation of UK Prime Minister Theresa May.


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Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee!
Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee! episode artwork
#600
10/05/2026

Welcome back to Top Stories, we’re heading back to issue 4231, joining Andy that week was Anuvab Pal and Alice Fraser, as they dived into Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee!


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Leftovers from 2020
Leftovers from 2020 episode artwork
#599
10/01/2026

Welcome back to Top Stories! We are heading back to January 2021 and issue 4179, where I was joined by Alice Fraser and Nish Kumar to discuss the leftovers from our Bugle review of the jammed packed year of shit that was 2020!


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Crisis in Crimea Continues
Crisis in Crimea Continues episode artwork
#598
09/28/2026

Welcome back to Top Stories! We are heading back to March 2014 where John and I reported on the Top Story that week, as the crisis in Crimea continued.


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US Midterms
US Midterms episode artwork
#597
09/24/2026

Welcome back to Top Stories. This is the show where we dive into the archive and find a Top Story from a previous issue, this time we aren’t going far back as we return to episode 4247 of The Bugle and the Top Story that week, the US midterms and thankfully Trump’s red wave failed to materialise with Hari Kondabolu and Nish Kumar


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...


Isle of Man Horse Taxis are back!
Isle of Man Horse Taxis are back! episode artwork
#596
09/21/2026

Welcome back to Top Stories. The show where we dive into the Bugle archives and find a Top Story from a previous issue, this time we return to episode 4030 of The Bugle as Andy is joined by Bugle debutant Al Murray, Alice Fraser to discuss the Top Story, that the Isle of Man Horse Tram services resumes.


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Misogyny!
Misogyny! episode artwork
#595
09/17/2026

Welcome back to Top Stories, the show where we delve into The Bugle archives. I’m AZ and on today’s episode we’re going back to issue number 4228, where I was joined by Nato Green and my sister Helen to talk the Top Story, Political Misogyny and the report that 56% of MP’s were facing misconduct investigation. 


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Pakistan Election update!
Pakistan Election update! episode artwork
#594
09/15/2026

Welcome back to Top Stories, the show where we delve into the archives of The Bugle and pluck out a Top Story from a previous issue, this episode, we’re heading back to issue 235 where Andy and John Oliver jumped head first into the Pakistan Election! 


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Finland is too HAPPY
Finland is too HAPPY episode artwork
#593
09/10/2026

Welcome back to Top Stories, the show where we dive into the archives of The Bugle and find the Top Story from that week. Today we’re delving back to Episode 4257, Andy was joined by Tiff Stevenson and Josh Gondelman as we broke the Top Story that week that Finland is too Happy! 


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The End of the World As We Know It
The End of the World As We Know It episode artwork
#592
09/07/2026

Welcome back to Top Stories, the show where we go back in time to a previous Top Story this time we’re heading back to the 13th of January 2017, and issue 4014 of the Bugle. Where Andy and Nish Kumar as we discuss the end of the world as we know it following the inauguration of Donald Trump. 


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The Kremlin Gremlin
The Kremlin Gremlin episode artwork
#591
09/03/2026

On this Top Stories, we’re going back to issue 4254 on Pancake Day 2023, when Andy was joined by Nish Kumar and Anuvab Pal as the trio discuss the Top Story that week, the 1 year anniversary of the Kremlin Gremlin, Vladimir Putin invading Ukraine. 


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Parliament’s gone (Pro) Rogued
Parliament’s gone (Pro) Rogued episode artwork
#590
08/31/2026

In this episode of Top Stories, we’re heading back to issue 4119 where Andy was joined by Alice Fraser and Mark Steele as they break the story of Parliament going on a perfectly normal ‘hiatus’. 


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HUMAN's Top Stupidest Species Rankings
HUMAN's Top Stupidest Species Rankings episode artwork
#589
08/21/2026

Welcome back to Top Stories, we’re diving back into the archives, and plucking up old Top Stories from a previous issue of The Bugle. This episode from March 2022, and  issue 4223 and Andy was joined by Nish Kumar and Josh Gondleman, as the Bugle continues its report on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.  


That was another Top Story. Thanks for listening. Now pop over the mothership and listen to the last Bugle podcast. It’s like Top Stories, but longer and newer.


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It’s all happening in Hong Kong
It’s all happening in Hong Kong episode artwork
#588
08/17/2026

Welcome to Top Stories, we’re heading back to the 19th August 2019, and issue 4118, live from New Town Theatre, Edinburgh, where Andy was joined by Alice Fraser and Tom Ballard, the Top Story, the situation in Hong Kong and a football stadium full of tanks 


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Are we really surprised?
Are we really surprised? episode artwork
#587
08/14/2026

Welcome back to Top Stories, the show where we dive into the Bugle archives for previous Top Stories, we’re heading back to issue 4109 now, where Andy was joined by Alice Fraser and Hari Kondabolu and the Top Story that week abortion in the USA, as the Alabama senate vote against abortion.


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LEADERSHIP
LEADERSHIP episode artwork
#586
08/11/2026

Welcome to Top Stories, we’re heading back all the way to issue 129, where Andy and John Oliver ponder what you think of when you think of leadership, is it a brave blooded Terry Butcher, narcissist Kim Jong Il, or an Eastern European with a scar on his face stroking a hairless cat? Well, one of them has appointed their successor. 


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Our Final Times Online Bugle
Our Final Times Online Bugle episode artwork
#585
08/07/2026

Welcome to Top Stories, the show where we flick through the archives and find the Top Stories from a previous Bugle issue, today's episode issue number 178. Where Andy and John Oliver said goodbye to there time with the Times, as issue 178 of The Bugle came 2 short of a perfect darts score. The final Times Bugle Top Story, NUKE news, as the bulletin of atomic scientists have moved their doomsday clock 1 minute forward.  


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Humanity is Being Taken Over
Humanity is Being Taken Over episode artwork
#584
08/04/2026

Welcome back to Top Stories this week we’re heading a few years back to the 17th January 2023, issue 4249. Andy was joined by Alice Fraser and Ian Smith to discuss the Top Story that week that Technology is taking over humanity, it’s inevitable but should it be feared?


That was another Top Story. Thanks for listening. Now pop over the mothership and listen to the last Bugle podcast. It’s like Top Stories, but longer and newer.


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America UPDATE
America UPDATE episode artwork
#583
07/31/2026

Welcome to Top Stories, the show where we dive back into the archives of previous Top Stories, from a past Bugle this week we head back to issue 4033, Almost half a year into Trump’s first term, Hari Kondablolu and I breakdown what’s happened so far including Don’s falling out with FBI head honcho James Comey. 


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FINAL Bugle ever (while UK are in the EU)
FINAL Bugle ever (while UK are in the EU) episode artwork
#582
07/28/2026

Welcome to Top Stories, we’re heading back to issue 4139 where I was joined appropriately by Alice Fraser and James Nokise, for this Brexit special, ahead of UK’s exit from the European Union!


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Presidential Bore-off
Presidential Bore-off episode artwork
#581
07/23/2026

Welcome to Top Stories, the show where we go back in time to relive the Top Stories of the past, this time...we go back to the 8th of October 2012, and issue 208 as Andy and John Oliver, broke the news following the yawn-fest that was the Presidential debate in Denver as Obama took on Mitt Romney.


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Living in Antarctica
Living in Antarctica episode artwork
#580
07/19/2026

Welcome to Top Stories, the show where we dive back into The Bugle archives for previous Top Stories, the Top Story from the past, this week, from issue 189, live from producer Chris’s house, John Oliver and Andy discussed the South Pole and the 100 year anniversary of the death of Captain Scott!


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REVIVAL section
REVIVAL section episode artwork
#579
07/17/2026

Welcome to Top Stories, the show where we dive back into the Bugle archives and pick the Top Story from a previous issue, up next from issue 4006, and 28th November 2016, Andy was joined live from the shed as my sister Helen Zaltzman joined me for the Top Story, the Revival section of The Bugle from Gilmore Girls to Tony Blair!


Thanks for listening, more classic clips soon.  Now go listen to the latest Bugle, in your feed now!


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Last Bugle of the Decade
Last Bugle of the Decade episode artwork
#578
07/14/2026

Welcome back to Top Stories, the show where we revisit the Top Stories from years gone by, this episode issue 4134 as Andy, Alice Fraser, and Hari Kondabolu, see out the decade as Trump’s impeachment is confirmed to be going ahead (just)


That was another Top Story. Thanks for listening. Now pop over the mothership and listen to the last Bugle podcast. It’s like Top Stories, but longer and newer.


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Tough Winter Ahead!
Tough Winter Ahead! episode artwork
#577
07/10/2026

Welcome back to Top Stories…Monday 11th October, issue 4208 of The Bugle, and The Winter of 2021 was set to be a tricky one, as Andy, Tom Ballard, and Neil Delamere discussed the impending stock piling!


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Penis on Roof
Penis on Roof episode artwork
#576
07/07/2026

Welcome to Top Stories, the show where we go back into the Bugle archives and pick the Top Stories from issues yonder, up this time from issue 69, Andy and John Oliver, broke the story of a year long undiscovered 60ft penis graffitied on £1m house, and the culprit, the victim’s own son!


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Update on Syria
Update on Syria episode artwork
#575
07/03/2026

Welcome back to Top Stories. On March 16, 2012, issue 187 John and I updated you the Buglers on Syria and delved into the private lives of the Syrian nation's dictator Bashar al-AssadAssad and his wife, From country music to America’s Got Talent! 


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Royal Round-up
Royal Round-up episode artwork
#574
07/01/2026

In this episode of Top Stories we’re heading back to the 5th of June, 2014, and issue 271, that week’s Top Story. King Juan Carlos hangs up his crown, after the controversial monarch abdicated. 


That was another Top Story. Thanks for listening. Now pop over the mothership and listen to the last Bugle podcast. It’s like Top Stories, but longer and newer.


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Happy Independence Day!
Happy Independence Day! episode artwork
#573
06/26/2026

Welcome back to Top Stories. In this episode we’re going back issue 4114, Friday 5th of July 2019, joining Andy that week were Alice Fraser and Anuvab Pal, the week’s Top Story, Happy Independence Day! And Trump’s overkill celebrations, why aren’t we surprised? 


That was another Top Story. Thanks for listening. Now pop over the mothership and listen to the last Bugle podcast. It’s like Top Stories, but longer and newer.


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Petroleum News Now
Petroleum News Now episode artwork
#572
06/23/2026

In this episode of Top Stories we’re going all the way back to November 2007, near where all this started, and episode 6, where Andy and John discussed the Top Story of that week, the OPEC summit. 


There you go, what a show that was. If you wanna hear more and up to date all be it not exactly new news. Then why not listen at thebuglepodcast.com

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