The John Batchelor Show
Episodes
S8 Ep256: THE ARRIVAL OF THE B-29 AND THE PRESSURE ON HAYWOOD HANSEL Colleague James M. Scott. In November 1944, Brigadier General Haywood Hansel arrived in the Pacific with a mission to destroy Japan's ability to wage war using the B-29 bomber. Hansel, a pioneer o
28 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
THE ARRIVAL OF THE B-29 AND THE PRESSURE ON HAYWOOD HANSEL Colleague James M. Scott. In November 1944, Brigadier General Haywood Hansel arrived in th...
S8 Ep255: POST-WAR REFLECTIONS AND REGRETS Colleague Evan Thomas. In the war's aftermath, Henry Stimson retired feeling guilty, fearing that scientific progress, exemplified by the bomb, had outpaced human morality. General Spaatz was similarly haunted by his role
28 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
POST-WAR REFLECTIONS AND REGRETS Colleague Evan Thomas. In the war's aftermath, Henry Stimsonretired feeling guilty, fearing that scientific progress...
S8 Ep255: THE COUP ATTEMPT AND SURRENDER Colleague Evan Thomas. As the US prepared a third atomic bomb to drop on Tokyo, a military coup unfolded in the Japanese palace to prevent the surrender. Young officers attempted to seize the recording of the Emperor's surre
28 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
THE COUP ATTEMPT AND SURRENDER Colleague Evan Thomas. As the US prepared a third atomic bomb to drop on Tokyo, a military coup unfolded in the Japane...
S8 Ep255: THE EMPEROR INTERVENES Colleague Evan Thomas. Following the bombing of Hiroshima, Emperor Hirohito broke with tradition to support Foreign Minister Togo, urging the deadlocked War Council to "bear the unbearable" and surrender. War Minister Anami, however
28 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
THE EMPEROR INTERVENES Colleague Evan Thomas. Following the bombing of Hiroshima, Emperor Hirohitobroke with tradition to support Foreign Minister To...
S8 Ep255: POTSDAM, STALIN, AND THE COLD WAR Colleague Evan Thomas. At the Potsdam Conference, President Truman initially excluded Henry Stimson from meetings, favoring Jimmy Byrnes, who wanted to use the bomb to intimidate the Soviet Union. Truman wrote in his diar
28 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
POTSDAM, STALIN, AND THE COLD WAR Colleague Evan Thomas. At the Potsdam Conference, President Truman initially excluded Henry Stimson from meetings, ...
S8 Ep255: GENERAL SPAATZ AND THE ETHICS OF BOMBING Colleague Evan Thomas. The conversation turns to General Carl "Tooey" Spaatz, who commanded the air war in the Pacific and demanded written orders before dropping the atomic bomb. Unlike the pragmatic Curtis LeMay,
28 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
GENERAL SPAATZ AND THE ETHICS OF BOMBING Colleague Evan Thomas. The conversation turns to General Carl "Tooey" Spaatz, who commanded the air war in t...
S8 Ep255: SHIGENORI TOGO AND THE JAPANESE WAR COUNCIL Colleague Evan Thomas. Thomas profiles Shigenori Togo, the Japanese Foreign Minister and the only civilian on the Supreme War Council advocating for surrender. Togo navigated a dangerous political landscape defi
28 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
SHIGENORI TOGO AND THE JAPANESE WAR COUNCIL Colleague Evan Thomas. Thomas profiles Shigenori Togo, the Japanese Foreign Minister and the only civilia...
S8 Ep255: TARGETING DECISIONS AND THE ATOMIC BOMB Colleague Evan Thomas. This segment details the "Target Committee" meetings led by General Groves, who initially selected Kyoto as the primary target for the atomic bomb. Henry Stimson intervened, overruling the mil
28 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
TARGETING DECISIONS AND THE ATOMIC BOMB Colleague Evan Thomas. This segment details the "Target Committee" meetings led by General Groves, who initia...
S8 Ep255: THE MORAL BURDEN OF HENRY STIMSON Colleague Evan Thomas. Evan Thomas introduces Henry Stimson, the US Secretary of War, describing him as a 77-year-old "Christian gentleman" and moralist who is simultaneously a realist about the use of power. While Stimso
28 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
THE MORAL BURDEN OF HENRY STIMSON Colleague Evan Thomas. Evan Thomas introduces Henry Stimson, the US Secretary of War, describing him as a 77-year-o...
S8 Ep254: Show 12-26-25 The show begins in doubts of the veneration of Cicero. and the derogation of Aggripina Minor. ROME BEFORE THE EMPERORS: CICERO'S RISE Colleague Josiah Osgood. John Batchelor introduces Josiah Osgood to discuss Marcus Tullius Cicero, a "new
27 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Show 12-26-25 The show begins in doubts of the veneration of Cicero. and the derogation of Aggripina Minor. 1880 SULLA SACKING ROME ROME BEFORE THE E...
253: PERPETUA AND THE RISE OF CHRISTIANITY Colleague Emma Southon. The final segment discusses Perpetua, a young nursing mother and Christian convert in Carthage. Defying the Roman mandate to sacrifice to the emperor, she views suffering as redemptive rather
27 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
PERPETUA AND THE RISE OF CHRISTIANITY Colleague Emma Southon. The final segment discusses Perpetua, a young nursing mother and Christian convert in C...
S8 Ep253: WOMEN OF COMMERCE AND THE FRONTIER Colleague Emma Southon. We meet Julia Felix, a Pompeian entrepreneur who ran a luxury bath and dining complex, offering "bougie" experiences to the middle class before dying in the Vesuvius eruption. The discussion shift
27 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
WOMEN OF COMMERCE AND THE FRONTIER Colleague Emma Southon. We meet Julia Felix, a Pompeianentrepreneur who ran a luxury bath and dining complex, offe...
S8 Ep253: QUEENS OF BRITAIN: CARTIMANDUA AND BOUDICCA Colleague Emma Southon. This segment contrasts two British queens: Cartimandua and Boudicca. Cartimandua, queen of the Brigantes, collaborates successfully with Rome, understanding they are "not to be defeated,
27 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
QUEENS OF BRITAIN: CARTIMANDUA AND BOUDICCA Colleague Emma Southon. This segment contrasts two British queens: Cartimandua and Boudicca. Cartimandua,...
S8 Ep253: JULIA: THE EMPEROR'S REBELLIOUS DAUGHTER Colleague Emma Southon. Augustus uses his daughter Julia as a political tool, marrying her to Marcellus, Agrippa, and finally the reluctant Tiberius to secure an heir. While she had five children with Agrippa, her
27 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
JULIA: THE EMPEROR'S REBELLIOUS DAUGHTER Colleague Emma Southon. Augustus uses his daughter Julia as a political tool, marrying her to Marcellus, Agr...
S8 Ep253: CLODIA: THE PALATINE MEDEA Colleague Emma Southon. The segment focuses on Clodia, a wealthy, independent woman and sister of Clodius. Cicero, feuding with her brother, attacks Clodia's reputation during the trial of Caelius. In his speech Pro Caelio, Cice
27 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
CLODIA: THE PALATINE MEDEA Colleague Emma Southon. The segment focuses on Clodia, a wealthy, independent woman and sister of Clodius. Cicero, feuding...
S8 Ep253: TULLIA AND THE BIRTH OF THE REPUBLIC Colleague Emma Southon. Contrasting Lucretia is Tullia, a figure of female ambition and wickedness. Tullia conspires with her brother-in-law to murder their spouses and her own father, the king, even driving over his b
27 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
TULLIA AND THE BIRTH OF THE REPUBLIC Colleague Emma Southon. Contrasting Lucretia is Tullia, a figure of female ambition and wickedness. Tullia consp...
S8 Ep253: LUCRETIA: VIRTUE AND SUICIDE Colleague Emma Southon. The discussion moves to Lucretia, the model of Roman female virtue. During a contest among husbands, Lucretia is found virtuously weaving wool while others party. This leads to her rape by Sextus Tarqui
27 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
LUCRETIA: VIRTUE AND SUICIDE Colleague Emma Southon. The discussion moves to Lucretia, the model of Roman female virtue. During a contest among husba...
S8 Ep253: THE SABINE WOMEN AND AUGUSTAN HISTORY Colleague Emma Southon. Emma Southon discusses A Rome of One's Own, examining history through women's perspectives. They analyze the myth of the Sabine women, abducted by Romulus to populate Rome. This story, recorded
27 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
THE SABINE WOMEN AND AUGUSTAN HISTORY Colleague Emma Southon. Emma Southon discusses A Rome of One's Own, examining history through women's perspecti...
S8 Ep253: THE DEATH OF CICERO Colleague Josiah Osgood. Following Caesar's death, Cicero returns to politics to oppose Mark Antony, delivering the "Philippics" and allying with young Octavian. This strategy backfires when Octavian reconciles with Antony, leading to
27 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
THE DEATH OF CICERO Colleague Josiah Osgood. Following Caesar's death, Cicero returns to politics to oppose Mark Antony, delivering the "Philippics" ...
S8 Ep253: THE IDES OF MARCH Colleague Josiah Osgood. Cicero returns to a Rome on the brink of civil war, eventually being pardoned by the victor, Caesar. Resenting Caesar's tyranny, Cicero seemingly encouraged Brutus but was not part of the assassination plot. On t
27 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
THE IDES OF MARCH Colleague Josiah Osgood. Cicero returns to a Rome on the brink of civil war, eventually being pardoned by the victor, Caesar. Resen...
S8 Ep253: EXILE AND THE TEMPLE OF LIBERTY Colleague Josiah Osgood. Seeking revenge, Clodius transitions to plebeian status to become a tribune and passes a law punishing anyone who executed citizens without trial, specifically targeting Cicero. Forced into exile, C
27 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
EXILE AND THE TEMPLE OF LIBERTY Colleague Josiah Osgood. Seeking revenge, Clodius transitions to plebeian status to become a tribune and passes a law...
S8 Ep253: THE BONA DEA SCANDAL Colleague Josiah Osgood. A scandal erupts when Publius Clodius infiltrates the women-only Bona Dea ceremony at Caesar's house disguised as a female musician, allegedly to pursue Caesar's wife. Although Cicero initially hesitated, he t
27 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
THE BONA DEA SCANDAL Colleague Josiah Osgood. A scandal erupts when Publius Clodius infiltrates the women-only Bona Dea ceremony at Caesar's house di...
S8 Ep253: THE EXECUTION MISTAKE Colleague Josiah Osgood. Cicero ordered the execution of five high-ranking Roman citizens allied with Catiline without a trial, believing them to be traitors who forfeited citizenship. This decision, made despite Julius Caesar's sugg
27 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
THE EXECUTION MISTAKE Colleague Josiah Osgood. Cicero ordered the execution of five high-ranking Romancitizens allied with Catiline without a trial, ...
S8 Ep253: CICERO VS. CATILINE: THE CONSPIRACY BEGINS Colleague Josiah Osgood. Cicero captivated the jury against Verres by describing the governor partying while pirates raided Syracuse, causing Verres to flee into exile. Later, Cicero achieved the consulship by de
27 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
CICERO VS. CATILINE: THE CONSPIRACY BEGINS Colleague Josiah Osgood. Cicero captivated the jury against Verres by describing the governor partying whi...
S8 Ep253: THE PROSECUTION OF VERRES Colleague Josiah Osgood. Cicero takes on the corruption trial of Gaius Verres, the governor of Sicily who looted art and money from the province. Although Cicero usually defended clients to earn favors, he prosecuted Verres to al
27 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
THE PROSECUTION OF VERRES Colleague Josiah Osgood. Cicero takes on the corruption trial of Gaius Verres, the governor of Sicily who looted art and mo...
S8 Ep252: ROME BEFORE THE EMPERORS: CICERO'S RISE Colleague Josiah Osgood. John Batchelor introduces Josiah Osgood to discuss Marcus Tullius Cicero, a "new man" who rose to political prominence through legal skill in the 1st century BCE. They examine Cicero's debut
27 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
ROME BEFORE THE EMPERORS: CICERO'S RISE Colleague Josiah Osgood. John Batchelor introduces Josiah Osgood to discuss Marcus Tullius Cicero, a "new man...
S8 Ep251: Guests: Captain James Fanell (USN Ret.) and Bradley Thayer. To counter China's conventional superiority, the authors recommend "war fighting proliferation," supporting nuclear capabilities for allies like Japan and South Korea. They advocate for "politic
26 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Guests: Captain James Fanell (USN Ret.) and Bradley Thayer. To counter China's conventional superiority, the authors recommend "war fighting prolifer...
S8 Ep251: Guests: Captain James Fanell (USN Ret.) and Bradley Thayer. Fanell argues the U.S. must "admit failure" regarding China, likening the situation to a patient acknowledging cancer to begin treatment. To combat "threat deflation" and institutional bias in in
26 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Guests: Captain James Fanell (USN Ret.) and Bradley Thayer. Fanell argues the U.S. must "admit failure" regarding China, likening the situation to a ...
S8 Ep251: Guests: Captain James Fanell (USN Ret.) and Bradley Thayer. The authors draw parallels between current U.S. policy and the British Empire's 1919 "10-year rule," which underfunded defense and ignored rising threats. They criticize the U.S. response to the
26 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Guests: Captain James Fanell (USN Ret.) and Bradley Thayer. The authors draw parallels between current U.S.policy and the British Empire's 1919 "10-y...
S8 Ep251: Guests: Captain James Fanell (USN Ret.) and Bradley Thayer. Fanell and Thayer discuss the PLA's "Joint Sword 2024 Alpha" exercises, describing them as an "Anaconda strategy" designed to suffocate Taiwan following President Lai's inauguration. They argue t
26 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Guests: Captain James Fanell (USN Ret.) and Bradley Thayer. Fanell and Thayer discuss the PLA's "Joint Sword 2024 Alpha" exercises, describing them a...
S8 Ep250: PREVIEW Guest: Emma Southon. Southon profiles Julia Felix, a Pompeian business owner who defied Roman gender norms by independently running a sophisticated entertainment complex. Featuring "bougie" baths, bars, and apartments, her establishment catered to
26 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
PREVIEW Guest: Emma Southon. Southon profiles Julia Felix, a Pompeian business owner who defied Romangender norms by independently running a sophistic...
S8 Ep249: PREVIEW Guest: Emma Southon. Southon details the execution of Opia, a Vestal Virgin sacrificed in 483 BCE to appease the gods after disastrous omens. To avoid the stigma of direct human sacrifice, Romans conducted a funeral procession before walling her a
26 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
PREVIEW Guest: Emma Southon. Southon details the execution of Opia, a Vestal Virgin sacrificed in 483 BCE to appease the gods after disastrous omens. ...
S8 Ep238: SHOW 12-25-25 THE SHOW BEGINS WITH DOUBTS ABOUT THE MODERN STORY OF MARY AND HER FAMILY. SEPPHORIS AND THE HISTORICAL CONTEXT OF MARY'S LIFE Colleague James Tabor. Tabor identifies Sepphoris, a Roman capital near Nazareth, as Mary's birthplace. He reimag
26 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
SHOW 12-25-25 THE SHOW BEGINS WITH DOUBTS ABOUT THE MODERN STORY OF MARY AND HER FAMILY. 1868 NAZARETH SEPPHORIS AND THE HISTORICAL CONTEXT OF MARY'S...
S8 Ep248: THE LEGACY OF THE GREAT COMMUNICATOR Colleague Max Boot. Boot reflects on Reagan's legacy, noting his "genial and aloof" personality rooted in childhood trauma. He discusses the superficial nature of Reagan's diaries, his economic record aided by Paul Vol
26 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
THE LEGACY OF THE GREAT COMMUNICATOR Colleague Max Boot. Boot reflects on Reagan's legacy, noting his "genial and aloof" personality rooted in child...
S8 Ep248: COLD WAR DIPLOMACY AND ADMINISTRATIVE SCANDALS Colleague Max Boot. Focusing on foreign policy, Boot details Reagan's shift from "Evil Empire" rhetoric to a constructive partnership with Gorbachev to end the Cold War. He also addresses the administration's
26 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
COLD WAR DIPLOMACY AND ADMINISTRATIVE SCANDALS Colleague Max Boot. Focusing on foreign policy, Boot details Reagan's shift from "Evil Empire" rhetori...
S8 Ep248: ASSASSINATION SURVIVAL AND THE FIRST TERM AGENDA Colleague Max Boot. Boot describes Reagan's survival of the 1981 assassination attempt as his "finest hour," boosting his popularity and legislative agenda. He explains the power dynamics of the White House
26 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
ASSASSINATION SURVIVAL AND THE FIRST TERM AGENDA Colleague Max Boot. Boot describes Reagan'ssurvival of the 1981 assassination attempt as his "finest...
S8 Ep248: THE ROAD TO THE WHITE HOUSE: CAMPAIGNS OF 1976 AND 1980 Colleague Max Boot. Discussing the path to the presidency, Boot analyzes Reagan's close 1976 loss to Gerald Ford and his victorious 1980 campaign. He highlights the firing of campaign manager John Se
26 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
THE ROAD TO THE WHITE HOUSE: CAMPAIGNS OF 1976 AND 1980 Colleague Max Boot. Discussing the path to the presidency, Boot analyzes Reagan's close 1976 ...
S8 Ep248: THE SHIFT TO CONSERVATISM AND THE GOVERNOR'S MANSION Colleague Max Boot. Boot traces Reagan's political evolution from New Deal Democrat to conservative icon while hosting General Electric Theater. He covers Reagan's breakout 1964 speech for Goldwater, hi
26 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
THE SHIFT TO CONSERVATISM AND THE GOVERNOR'S MANSION Colleague Max Boot. Boot traces Reagan's political evolution from New Deal Democrat to conservat...
S8 Ep248: HOLLYWOOD POLITICS, DIVORCE, AND MEETING NANCY Colleague Max Boot. Boot examines the collapse of Reagan's marriage to Jane Wyman as her career outpaced his post-WWII. He discusses Reagan's navigation of the "Red Scare" as SAG president—publicly liberal bu
26 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
HOLLYWOOD POLITICS, DIVORCE, AND MEETING NANCY Colleague Max Boot. Boot examines the collapse of Reagan's marriage to Jane Wyman as her career outpac...
S8 Ep248: FROM IOWA RADIO TO WARNER BROTHERS STARDOM Colleague Max Boot. Boot details Reagan's college romance with Margaret Cleaver and his early career shift from sportscasting in Iowa to acting in Hollywood. He explains Reagan's initial success in B-movies at Wa
26 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
FROM IOWA RADIO TO WARNER BROTHERS STARDOM Colleague Max Boot. Boot details Reagan's college romance with Margaret Cleaver and his early career shift...
S8 Ep248: A MIDWESTERN CHILDHOOD: ROOTS OF OPTIMISM AND DETACHMENT Colleague Max Boot. Biographer Max Boot discusses Ronald Reagan's difficult childhood in Illinois during the Great Depression. He details how Reagan's alcoholic father, Jack, created family instabil
26 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A MIDWESTERN CHILDHOOD: ROOTS OF OPTIMISM AND DETACHMENT Colleague Max Boot. Biographer Max Boot discusses Ronald Reagan's difficult childhood in Ill...
S8 Ep247: THE DEATH OF CLODIUS AND THE REPUBLIC'S END Colleague Douglas Boin. Boin recounts the violent death of Clodius by rival gangs, marking a turning point toward the Republic's collapse. He views Clodia's subsequent disappearance from history as a symbol of t
26 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
THE DEATH OF CLODIUS AND THE REPUBLIC'S END Colleague Douglas Boin. Boin recounts the violent death of Clodius by rival gangs, marking a turning poin...
S8 Ep247: THE TRIAL OF RUFUS AND CICERO'S MISOGYNY Colleague Douglas Boin. Boin describes a trial where Clodia accused her ex-lover Rufus of poisoning. Cicero defended Rufus by launching misogynistic attacks on Clodia, calling her "cow-eyed" and alleging incest. Bo
26 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
THE TRIAL OF RUFUS AND CICERO'S MISOGYNY Colleague Douglas Boin. Boin describes a trial where Clodia accused her ex-lover Rufus of poisoning. Cicero ...
S8 Ep247: THE POLITICS OF TRIBUNES AND REFORM Colleague Douglas Boin. Boin details the divide between the Optimates and Populares. He explains how Clodia and her brother Clodius used the office of Tribune—the "people's protector" with veto power—to enact reforms. T
26 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
THE POLITICS OF TRIBUNES AND REFORM Colleague Douglas Boin. Boin details the divide between the Optimates and Populares. He explains how Clodia and h...
S8 Ep247: CLODIA'S PRIVILEGE AND CICERO'S AMBITION Colleague Douglas Boin. Boin introduces Clodia, a privileged woman from an ancient Roman family on Palatine Hill. He contrasts her aristocratic, independent nature—manifested in her name spelling—with the rise of C
26 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
CLODIA'S PRIVILEGE AND CICERO'S AMBITION Colleague Douglas Boin. Boin introduces Clodia, a privileged woman from an ancient Roman family on Palatine ...
S8 Ep247: ROMAN EXCEPTIONALISM VS. HUMAN TRAGEDY Colleagues Scott McGill and Susanna Wright. They discuss whether the Aeneid justifies Roman empire or tells a human story. McGill argues the poem survives because it creates sympathy for antagonists like Dido and Tur
26 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
ROMAN EXCEPTIONALISM VS. HUMAN TRAGEDY Colleagues Scott McGill and Susanna Wright. They discuss whether the Aeneid justifies Roman empire or tells a ...
S8 Ep247: THE AENEID'S PLOT AND HOMERIC INFLUENCES Colleagues Scott McGill and Susanna Wright. McGill and Wright summarize the plot, from Troy's destruction to the war in Italy. They analyze Virgil's dialogue with Homer, noting how the poem's opening words invoke b
26 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
THE AENEID'S PLOT AND HOMERIC INFLUENCES Colleagues Scott McGill and Susanna Wright. McGill and Wright summarize the plot, from Troy's destruction to...
S8 Ep246: TRANSLATING THE SOUND AND METER OF VIRGIL Colleagues Scott McGill and Susanna Wright. The translators explain choosing iambic pentameter over dactylic hexameter to provide an English cultural equivalent to the original's epic feel. They describe their eff
26 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
TRANSLATING THE SOUND AND METER OF VIRGIL Colleagues Scott McGill and Susanna Wright. The translators explain choosing iambic pentameter over dactyli...
S8 Ep246: VIRGIL'S RURAL ORIGINS AND AUGUSTAN CONNECTION Colleagues Scott McGill and Susanna Wright. The guests discuss Virgil's birth in 70 BCE near Mantua and his rural upbringing, which influenced his poetry. They trace his move to Rome during civil war and his
26 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
VIRGIL'S RURAL ORIGINS AND AUGUSTAN CONNECTION Colleagues Scott McGill and Susanna Wright. The guests discuss Virgil's birth in 70 BCE near Mantua an...
S8 Ep246: THE Q SOURCE AND MARY'S TEACHINGS Colleague James Tabor. Tabor identifies the "Q" source as a collection of ethical teachings shared by Matthew and Luke. He attributes these core values—such as charity and humility—to a family tradition taught by Mary to
26 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
THE Q SOURCE AND MARY'S TEACHINGS Colleague James Tabor. Tabor identifies the "Q" source as a collection of ethical teachings shared by Matthew and L...
S8 Ep246: THE TALPIOT TOMB AND DNA EVIDENCE Colleague James Tabor. Discussing the Talpiot tomb, Tabor details ossuaries bearing names like "Jesus son of Joseph" and "Mariamne." He argues statistical clusters and potential DNA evidence suggest this is the Jesus fami
26 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
THE TALPIOT TOMB AND DNA EVIDENCE Colleague James Tabor. Discussing the Talpiot tomb, Tabor details ossuaries bearing names like "Jesus son of Joseph...
S8 Ep246: THE FLIGHT TO PELLA AND MARY'S DEATH Colleague James Tabor. Tabor discusses the Christian flight to Pella during the Roman revolt. He speculates Mary died before this event, likely around 49–63 CE, and was buried on Mount Zion. Consequently, she disappear
26 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
THE FLIGHT TO PELLA AND MARY'S DEATH Colleague James Tabor. Tabor discusses the Christian flight to Pella during the Roman revolt. He speculates Mary...
S8 Ep246: THE HEADQUARTERS ON MOUNT ZION Colleague James Tabor. Tabor describes excavations on Mount Zion, identifying a first-century house foundation as the "upper room" and headquarters of the early movement. He visualizes Mary as the matriarch in this courtyard
26 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
THE HEADQUARTERS ON MOUNT ZION Colleague James Tabor. Tabor describes excavations on Mount Zion, identifying a first-century house foundation as the ...
S8 Ep246: JAMES THE JUST AS TRUE SUCCESSOR Colleague James Tabor. Tabor asserts James, Jesus's brother, was the movement's true successor, not Peter. Citing Acts and the Gospel of Thomas, he notes James led the Jerusalem council and stood at the cross. Tabor argues
26 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
JAMES THE JUST AS TRUE SUCCESSOR Colleague James Tabor. Tabor asserts James, Jesus's brother, was the movement's true successor, not Peter. Citing Ac...
S8 Ep246: RECLAIMING THE HISTORICAL JEWISH FAMILY Colleague James Tabor. Highlighting the Protoevangelium of James, Tabor contrasts its depiction of a perpetual virgin Mary with historical evidence of a large Jewish family. He argues Mary had numerous children and
25 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
RECLAIMING THE HISTORICAL JEWISH FAMILY Colleague James Tabor. Highlighting the Protoevangelium of James, Tabor contrasts its depiction of a perpetua...
S8 Ep245: INVESTIGATING THE NAME PANTERA Colleague James Tabor. Tabor explores the name "Pantera," found in rabbinic texts and on a Roman soldier's tombstone. He suggests this might be a family name rather than a slur, investigating the possibility that Jesus's fat
25 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
INVESTIGATING THE NAME PANTERA Colleague James Tabor. Tabor explores the name "Pantera," found in rabbinic texts and on a Roman soldier's tombstone. ...
S8 Ep245: SEPPHORIS AND THE HISTORICAL CONTEXT OF MARY'S LIFE Colleague James Tabor. Tabor identifies Sepphoris, a Roman capital near Nazareth, as Mary's birthplace. He reimagines Jesus and Joseph as "tektons" (builders) working in this urban center rather than sim
25 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
SEPPHORIS AND THE HISTORICAL CONTEXT OF MARY'S LIFE Colleague James Tabor. Tabor identifies Sepphoris, a Roman capital near Nazareth, as Mary's birth...
S8 Ep244: PREVIEW Guests: Scott McGill and Susanna Wright. Rice University classicists McGill and Wright discuss their new translation of Virgil's Aeneid, a "Hollywood worthy" epic detailing the origins of Rome. The narrative follows Aeneas leading a band of refuge
25 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
PREVIEW Guests: Scott McGill and Susanna Wright. Rice University classicists McGill and Wright discuss their new translation of Virgil's Aeneid, a "Ho...
S8 Ep243: PREVIEW Guest: Douglas Boin. This discussion centers on Boin's new book regarding Clodia, who was the wealthiest woman in Rome during the tumultuous era of Julius Caesar. The narrative explores why Cicero, the era's most famous lawyer, became obsessed wit
25 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
PREVIEW Guest: Douglas Boin. This discussion centers on Boin's new book regarding Clodia, who was the wealthiest woman in Rome during the tumultuous e...
S8 Ep242: Professor Matthew Longo. Reflecting on the site thirty years later, Longo discusses the philosophical implications of freedom using Isaiah Berlin and Hannah Arendt. He contrasts Western "negative liberty" with the solidarity desired by East Germans, notin
25 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Professor Matthew Longo. Reflecting on the site thirty years later, Longo discusses the philosophical implications of freedom using Isaiah Berlin and...
S8 Ep242: Professor Matthew Longo. Longo describes the tension at the campsite where East German refugees, monitored by Stasi agents, gathered. He recounts the chaotic border breakthrough, highlighting the moral choice of Hungarian guards who allowed refugees to cr
25 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Professor Matthew Longo. Longo describes the tension at the campsite where East German refugees, monitored by Stasi agents, gathered. He recounts the...
S8 Ep242: Professor Matthew Longo. Longo shifts focus to "radical nobodies," specifically activists Ferenc and Maria, who conceived the Pan-European Picnic. He describes their audacious, naive plan to host a party at the lethal Iron Curtain border near Sopron, inte
25 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Professor Matthew Longo. Longo shifts focus to "radical nobodies," specifically activists Ferenc and Maria, who conceived the Pan-European Picnic. He...
S8 Ep242: Professor Matthew Longo. Longo details the geopolitical backdrop of 1989, focusing on Hungarian Prime Minister Miklós Németh. He explains Németh's clash with Romania's Ceaușescu and a pivotal, secret meeting with Gorbachev, where Németh received tacit app
25 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Professor Matthew Longo. Longo details the geopolitical backdrop of 1989, focusing on Hungarian Prime Minister Miklós Németh. He explains Németh's...
S8 Ep241: Professor Barry Strauss. Following the Gallus revolt in 351 AD, Rome eventually renamed Judea to Syria Palaestina to erase Jewish connection to the land. Control shifted to the Byzantines and then the Muslims in the 7th century, significantly altering the
25 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Professor Barry Strauss. Following the Gallus revolt in 351 AD, Rome eventually renamed Judea to Syria Palaestinato erase Jewish connection to the la...
S8 Ep241: Professor Barry Strauss. In 132 AD, Simon Bar Kokhba led a major rebellion, utilizing underground tunnels and guerrilla warfare to ambush Roman forces. Viewed by many, including Rabbi Akiva, as a Messiah, he established a short-lived administration that i
25 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Professor Barry Strauss. In 132 AD, Simon Bar Kokhba led a major rebellion, utilizing underground tunnels and guerrilla warfare to ambush Roman force...
S8 Ep241: Professor Barry Strauss. Hadrian rebuilt Jerusalem as Aelia Capitolina, dedicating it to Jupiter and banning the Jewish Temple to crush rebellious spirits. While Rome viewed Jewish monotheism with confusion, the Parthians maintained good relations with th
25 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Professor Barry Strauss. Hadrian rebuilt Jerusalem as Aelia Capitolina, dedicating it to Jupiter and banning the Jewish Temple to crush rebellious sp...
S8 Ep241: Professor Barry Strauss. During Trajan's campaign against Parthia, a coordinated Jewish revolt erupted across Libya, Egypt, and Cyprus. This massive insurgency threatened Rome's grain supply, forcing Trajan to divert troops. The suppression of this revolt
25 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Professor Barry Strauss. During Trajan's campaign against Parthia, a coordinated Jewish revolt erupted across Libya, Egypt, and Cyprus. This massive ...
S8 Ep241: Professor Barry Strauss. Titus destroyed Jerusalem and the Second Temple in 70 AD, leaving the city in ruins and enslaving survivors. Rome established a permanent legion to ensure security. The revolt concluded with the fall of Masada, where defenders lar
25 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Professor Barry Strauss. Titus destroyed Jerusalem and the Second Temple in 70 AD, leaving the city in ruins and enslaving survivors. Rome establishe...
S8 Ep241: Professor Barry Strauss. Three Jewish factions fought for control of Jerusalem, destroying their own grain supplies and exacerbating the famine. While rebels used guerrilla tactics against Rome, Rabbi Yochanan ben Zakkai escaped in a coffin to preserve Ju
25 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Professor Barry Strauss. Three Jewish factions fought for control of Jerusalem, destroying their own grain supplies and exacerbating the famine. Whil...
S8 Ep241: Professor Barry Strauss. Following Nero's suicide and the chaotic Year of the Four Emperors, Vespasian claimed the throne while his son Titus moved to besiege Jerusalem. The rebels believed their fortifications and supplies made the city impregnable, unaw
25 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Professor Barry Strauss. Following Nero's suicide and the chaotic Year of the Four Emperors, Vespasian claimed the throne while his son Titus moved t...
S8 Ep241: Professor Barry Strauss. Josephus commanded the defense of Jotapata against Vespasian in 67 AD. After the city fell, he survived a mass suicide pact in a cave through luck or manipulation. He saved his own life by prophesying Vespasian would become empero
25 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Professor Barry Strauss. Josephus commanded the defense of Jotapata against Vespasian in 67 AD. After the city fell, he survived a mass suicide pact ...
S8 Ep241: Professor Toby Wilkinson. After their defeat, Antony died in Cleopatra's arms. Cleopatra committed suicide to avoid Roman humiliation, ending the Ptolemaic dynasty. Octavian annexed Egypt, dismissing its religious traditions regarding the Apis Bull and ex
24 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Professor Toby Wilkinson. After their defeat, Antony died in Cleopatra's arms. Cleopatra committed suicide to avoid Roman humiliation, ending the Pto...
S8 Ep241: Professor Toby Wilkinson. Cleopatra seduced Mark Antony with a theatrical entrance as Aphrodite, securing a romantic and political partner. Antony relied on Egyptian wealth for his campaigns but suffered military setbacks, alienating Rome by adopting East
24 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Professor Toby Wilkinson. Cleopatra seduced Mark Antony with a theatrical entrance as Aphrodite, securing a romantic and political partner. Antony re...
S8 Ep241: Professor Toby Wilkinson. Cleopatra VII aligned with Julius Caesar to secure her throne, using her intellect and charisma to win his support. During Caesar's defense against Egyptian forces, he burned ships in the harbor, an inferno that accidentally spre
24 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Professor Toby Wilkinson. Cleopatra VII aligned with Julius Caesar to secure her throne, using her intellect and charisma to win his support. During ...
S8 Ep241: Professor Toby Wilkinson. The Ptolemies practiced sibling marriage, creating complex family rivalries. Powerful queens like Cleopatra I and III emerged as capable rulers who navigated civil wars and stabilized the kingdom. Cleopatra III, in particular, wa
24 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Professor Toby Wilkinson. The Ptolemies practiced sibling marriage, creating complex family rivalries. Powerful queens like Cleopatra I and III emerg...
S8 Ep241: Professor Toby Wilkinson. Egypt's wealth allowed the Ptolemies to hire mercenaries and engage in arms races involving African war elephants against Seleucid Indian elephants. Despite early military successes like the Battle of Raphia, the dynasty began to
24 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Professor Toby Wilkinson. Egypt's wealth allowed the Ptolemies to hire mercenaries and engage in arms races involving African war elephants against S...
S8 Ep241: Professor Toby Wilkinson. The Ptolemies leveraged Egypt's grain and gold to build a prosperous economy. They constructed the Lighthouse of Alexandria and the Museum, which attracted scholars like Archimedes. Zenodotus, the first head librarian, invented b
24 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Professor Toby Wilkinson. The Ptolemies leveraged Egypt's grain and gold to build a prosperous economy. They constructed the Lighthouse of Alexandria...
S8 Ep241: Professor Toby Wilkinson. Ptolemy I Soter, a scholar and general under Alexander, founded a dynasty by integrating Greek and Egyptian traditions. He appointed Egyptian advisors and created the hybrid god Serapis to unify his subjects, successfully establi
24 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Professor Toby Wilkinson. Ptolemy I Soter, a scholar and general under Alexander, founded a dynasty by integrating Greek and Egyptian traditions. He ...
S8 Ep241: Professor Toby Wilkinson. Alexander the Great besieged Gaza, dragging its governor to death to mimic Achilles and signal his dominance. Seeking divine validation, he trekked to the Siwa Oasis, where priests confirmed him as the son of Zeus Ammon. He later
24 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Professor Toby Wilkinson. Alexander the Great besieged Gaza, dragging its governor to death to mimic Achilles and signal his dominance. Seeking divin...
S8 Ep240: PREVIEW THE PTOLEMAIC ARMS RACE: WAR ELEPHANTS AS ANCIENT BATTLE TANKS Colleague Professor Toby Wilkinson. Professor Wilkinson details the military "arms race" between the Ptolemies and Seleucids involving war elephants, the "battle tanks" of the ancient
24 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
PREVIEW THE PTOLEMAIC ARMS RACE: WAR ELEPHANTS AS ANCIENT BATTLE TANKS Colleague Professor Toby Wilkinson. Professor Wilkinson details the military "a...
S8 Ep240: PREVIEW CLEOPATRA III: A FORCE OF NATURE WITHIN THE PTOLEMAIC DYNASTY Colleague Professor Toby Wilkinson, Cambridge University. Wilkinson identifies Cleopatra III as a "force of nature" within the Ptolemaic dynasty. He highlights her strategic ability, ab
24 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
PREVIEW CLEOPATRA III: A FORCE OF NATURE WITHIN THE PTOLEMAIC DYNASTY Colleague Professor Toby Wilkinson, Cambridge University. Wilkinson identifies C...
S8 Ep240: PREVIEW PTOLEMY I: THE GENIUS WHO UNIFIED GREEK AND EGYPTIAN CULTURES Colleague Professor Toby Wilkinson. Wilkinson characterizes Ptolemy I as a genius who unified Greek and Egyptian cultures following Alexander the Great's death. By employing diverse adv
24 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
PREVIEW PTOLEMY I: THE GENIUS WHO UNIFIED GREEK AND EGYPTIAN CULTURES Colleague Professor Toby Wilkinson. Wilkinson characterizes Ptolemy I as a geniu...
S8 Ep239: PREVIEW; In this interview, historian James Tabor discusses his research into the historical identity of Jesus's biological father, as explored in his book The Lost Mary. He examines the ancient name Pantera, which appears in early texts and has been link
24 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
PREVIEW; In this interview, historian James Tabor discusses his research into the historical identity of Jesus's biological father, as explored in his...
S8 Ep238: PREVIEW: This audio excerpt features an interview with Professor Barry Strauss regarding his book, which chronicles the Jewish rebellion against Roman authority during the first century. The discussion focuses on the siege of Jerusalem in 70 AD, led by T
24 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
PREVIEW: This audio excerpt features an interview with Professor Barry Strauss regarding his book, which chronicles the Jewish rebellion against Rom...
S8 Ep237: SHOW 12-23-25 THE SHOW BEGINS WITH DOUBTS F THE EU... EU STRUGGLES WITH RUSSIAN ASSETS AND AID Colleague Judy Dempsey. Judy Dempsey discusses the EU's difficulty in utilizing frozen Russian assets and the "defeat" for Chancellor Merz regarding the fundin
24 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
SHOW 12-23-25 THE SHOW BEGINS WITH DOUBTS F THE EU... 1831 BRUSSELS EU STRUGGLES WITH RUSSIAN ASSETS AND AID Colleague Judy Dempsey. Judy Dempsey disc...
S8 Ep236: THE ACCIDENTAL COLONIZATION OF AUSTRALIA Colleague Professor Richard Bell. Professor Richard Bell concludes, recounting the story of convict William Murray and the accidental selection of Australia as a penal colony following the loss of the American colo
24 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
THE ACCIDENTAL COLONIZATION OF AUSTRALIA Colleague Professor Richard Bell. Professor Richard Bell concludes, recounting the story of convict William ...
S8 Ep236: BENEDICT ARNOLD AND PEGGY SHIPPEN Colleague Professor Richard Bell. Professor Richard Bell continues, discussing Peggy Shippen's influence on Benedict Arnold's defection and their subsequent life in London. NUMBER 15
24 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
BENEDICT ARNOLD AND PEGGY SHIPPEN Colleague Professor Richard Bell. Professor Richard Bellcontinues, discussing Peggy Shippen's influence on Benedict...
S8 Ep236: FRANCE'S GLOBAL STRATEGY IN THE REVOLUTION Colleague Professor Richard Bell. Professor Richard Bell continues, highlighting the role of Foreign Minister Vergennes and how French involvement expanded the war globally. NUMBER 14
24 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
FRANCE'S GLOBAL STRATEGY IN THE REVOLUTION Colleague Professor Richard Bell. Professor Richard Bell continues, highlighting the role of Foreign Minis...
S8 Ep236: THE LEGEND OF THE HESSIANS Colleague Professor Richard Bell. Professor Richard Bell discusses the American fear of Hessian soldiers and Washington's strategic victory at Trenton. NUMBER 13
24 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
THE LEGEND OF THE HESSIANS Colleague Professor Richard Bell. Professor Richard Bell discusses the American fear of Hessian soldiers and Washington's ...
S8 Ep236: KING CHARLES III AND UK POLITICAL TURMOIL Colleague Gregory Copley. Gregory Copley continues, analyzing the challenges King Charles III faces under the Keir Starmer government, which Copley compares to the era of Oliver Cromwell. NUMBER 12
24 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
KING CHARLES III AND UK POLITICAL TURMOIL Colleague Gregory Copley. Gregory Copley continues, analyzing the challenges King Charles III faces unde...
S8 Ep235: THE DECLINE OF LITERACY AND CONTEXT Colleague Gregory Copley. Gregory Copley continues, discussing the decline of literacy and context since the mid-20th century, comparing modern society to the Eloi and Morlocks of H.G. Wells. NUMBER 11
24 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
THE DECLINE OF LITERACY AND CONTEXT Colleague Gregory Copley. Gregory Copley continues, discussing the decline of literacy and context since the mid-...
S8 Ep235: THE MONROE DOCTRINE AND NAVAL POWER Colleague Gregory Copley. Gregory Copley continues, debating whether the US is a naval or continental power in the context of enforcing the Monroe Doctrine and discussing a proposal for new battleships. NUMBER 10
24 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
THE MONROE DOCTRINE AND NAVAL POWER Colleague Gregory Copley. Gregory Copley continues, debating whether the US is a naval or continental power in th...
S8 Ep235: US EXPANSIONISM AND DIPLOMATIC RIFTS Colleague Gregory Copley. Gregory Copley analyzes US foreign policy moves regarding Greenland, Panama, and Venezuela, describing them as a return to "might is right" expansionism. NUMBER 9
24 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
US EXPANSIONISM AND DIPLOMATIC RIFTS Colleague Gregory Copley. Gregory Copley analyzes US foreign policy moves regarding Greenland, Panama, and Venez...
S8 Ep235: REGULATING ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE Colleague Kevin Frazier. Kevin Frazier continues, warning against a "waterfall of regulation" by states and advocating for "regulatory sandboxes" to allow experimentation. NUMBER 8
24 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
REGULATING ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE Colleague Kevin Frazier. Kevin Frazier continues, warning against a "waterfall of regulation" by states and advoca...
S8 Ep235: THE BORING BENEFITS OF AI Colleague Kevin Frazier. Kevin Frazier advocates for the "boring use cases" of AI, such as in healthcare and traffic management, to save costs and improve efficiency. NUMBER 7
24 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
THE BORING BENEFITS OF AI Colleague Kevin Frazier. Kevin Frazier advocates for the "boring use cases" of AI, such as in healthcare and traffic manage...
S8 Ep235: AUSTRALIA'S DEFENSE AND CHINA Colleague Grant Newsham. Grant Newsham warns about Australia's lack of defense capabilities and the erosion of its influence in the Pacific islands due to Chinese political warfare. NUMBER 6
24 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
AUSTRALIA'S DEFENSE AND CHINA Colleague Grant Newsham. Grant Newsham warns about Australia's lack of defense capabilities and the erosion of its infl...
S8 Ep235: STATE DEPARTMENT RECALLS AND STRATEGY Colleague Mary Kissel. Mary Kissel discusses the recall of career ambassadors by the Trump administration and challenges in Panama and Greenland. NUMBER 5
24 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
STATE DEPARTMENT RECALLS AND STRATEGY Colleague Mary Kissel. Mary Kissel discusses the recall of career ambassadors by the Trump administration and c...
S8 Ep235: EU REGULATION VS. US GROWTH Colleague Michael Toth. Michael Toth critiques the European Union's "regulatory imperialism" and contrasts it with the economic growth of the US. NUMBER 4
24 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
EU REGULATION VS. US GROWTH Colleague Michael Toth. Michael Toth critiques the European Union's"regulatory imperialism" and contrasts it with the eco...
S8 Ep235: STALEMATES IN GAZA AND LEBANON Colleague Jonathan Schanzer. Jonathan Schanzer discusses the stalemate regarding the last hostage in Gaza, the fragmented control of the territory, and threats in Lebanon and Syria. NUMBER 3
24 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
STALEMATES IN GAZA AND LEBANON Colleague Jonathan Schanzer. Jonathan Schanzer discusses the stalemate regarding the last hostage in Gaza, the fragmen...
S8 Ep235: THE RISE OF THE AFD IN GERMANY Colleague Judy Dempsey. Judy Dempsey continues, focusing on the rise of the AfD party in Germany and its connections to elements of the US Republican party. NUMBER 2
24 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
THE RISE OF THE AFD IN GERMANY Colleague Judy Dempsey. Judy Dempsey continues, focusing on the rise of the AfD party in Germany and its connections t...