In 2017 I decided that I could no longer watch actual US news - no need to offer justification, I think most people can relate to ostrichizationalism.

Initially my rubber-necker curiosity was quenched by watching late night comedians, but I began to worry that Colbert's barely contained rage at the existence of Mar-a-Lardo would lead to a stroke (his, and ultimately my own), and I quickly went from peering through the cracks between my fingers, to shoving my eyes brainward with increasing force, to watching even the shittiest Netflix in order to avoid any US newsiness (even with the laughs).

But participation and interest in progressive politics that started with the '68 election (oh George, we hardly knew ye) cannot be so easily abandoned, and simultaneously I really needed to hear native English being spoken (by someone other than myself… to myself… with both sides of the conversations being aloud). And so during COVID somehow I found The Bugle Podcast.

Initially started by John Oliver and his mate Andy Zaltzman, The Bugle is an almost-weekly comedic discussion of the politics of English-speaking-countries. While John (Eddie Murphy to Zaltzman's Arsenio) has moved on to other things, Andy (of the Ronald McDonald hair) has since modified The Bugle’s format to include himself plus two other comedians (guest appearing from the UK, the US, India, Australia, New Zealand and whichever of those Irelands isn't in the UK but remains in the EU - I don't recall any Canadians or South Africans but don't quote me on it). Plus Producer Chris - fuck you, Chris.

And with the introduction of COVID into our global lifestyle, came the introduction of the Zoom podcast, and several episodes being available on Youtube.

I've learned a lot about the global political scene of English speakers - and Cricket statistics and Cricket players, though nothing actually about the rules of Cricket (sadly? luckily? the jury's still out). Most importantly I've learned that we are not the only ones crying into the blizzard of blatant gaslighting..... And I've learned that Boris really is just like T****, except he can read........

And as a bonus usually I come away with a busted gut from laughter.

I find The Bugle on Apple Podcasts, and can no longer find it on Spotify. But remember, I'm outside the US, so my outlets may be different than yours. I think you'll like it.