The John Batchelor Show
Episodes
S1 Ep100: CONTINUED The rebels utilized successful asymmetrical warfare, operating from underground tunnel systems and ambushing Roman forces. The conflict was so severe that Hadrian deployed reinforcements from across the empire, including Britain, and the Roman
18 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
CONTINUED The rebels utilized successful asymmetrical warfare, operating from underground tunnel systems and ambushing Roman forces. The conflict was...
S1 Ep100: CONTINUED 3/4 srajan's successor, Hadrian, revered the war against Parthia but recognized the Jews' disloyalty. Starting in 117 AD, Hadrian planned to rebuild Jerusalem as a pagan city named Aelia Capitolina to demonstrate that the Temple would never be
18 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
CONTINUED 3/4 srajan's successor, Hadrian, revered the war against Parthia but recognized the Jews' disloyalty. Starting in 117 AD, Hadrian planned t...
S1 Ep100: CONTINUED 2/4 During Emperor Trajan's campaign against the Parthian Empire, a widespread and coordinated "diaspora revolt" erupted in 115–117 AD, beginning in Libya and spreading to Egypt, Cyprus, and Mesopotamia. This was a major challenge, forcing Traja
18 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
CONTINUED 2/4 During Emperor Trajan's campaign against the Parthian Empire, a widespread and coordinated "diaspora revolt" erupted in 115–117 AD, be...
S1 Ep99: 1/4 Jews Versus Rome: Two Centuries of Rebellion and the Cost of Diaspora Revolts Professor Barry Strauss of Cornell University, Professor Emeritus and Senior Fellow at the Hoover Institution, discusses the history of Jewish resistance against the Roman
18 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
1/4 Jews Versus Rome: Two Centuries of Rebellion and the Cost of Diaspora Revolts Professor Barry Strauss of Cornell University, Professor Emeritus a...
S1 Ep99: CONTINUED Venezuela Crisis: Potential Maduro Exit and Shifting Political Tides in Latin America Guests: Ernesto Araújo and Alejandro Peña Esclusa Alejandro Peña Esclusa and Ernesto Araújo discussed the crisis in Venezuela, noting a powerful US fleet gath
18 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
CONTINUED Venezuela Crisis: Potential Maduro Exit and Shifting Political Tides in Latin America Guests: Ernesto Araújo and Alejandro Peña Esclusa ...
S1 Ep99: Venezuela Crisis: Potential Maduro Exit and Shifting Political Tides in Latin America Guests: Ernesto Araújo and Alejandro Peña Esclusa Alejandro Peña Esclusa and Ernesto Araújo discussed the crisis in Venezuela, noting a powerful US fleet gathered nearby
18 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Venezuela Crisis: Potential Maduro Exit and Shifting Political Tides in Latin America Guests: Ernesto Araújo and Alejandro Peña Esclusa Alejandro P...
S1 Ep99: CONTINUED Syria's Complex Geopolitics: Air Bases, Sanctions, Accountability, and Great Power Mediation Guest: Ahmad Sharawi Ahmad Sharawi discussed the non-transparent situation in Syria, focusing on reports of potential US air bases (Mezzeh and Dumayr),
18 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
CONTINUED Syria's Complex Geopolitics: Air Bases, Sanctions, Accountability, and Great Power Mediation Guest: Ahmad Sharawi Ahmad Sharawi discussed th...
S1 Ep99: Syria's Complex Geopolitics: Air Bases, Sanctions, Accountability, and Great Power Mediation Guest: Ahmad Sharawi Ahmad Sharawi discussed the non-transparent situation in Syria, focusing on reports of potential US air bases (Mezzeh and Dumayr), with denia
18 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Syria's Complex Geopolitics: Air Bases, Sanctions, Accountability, and Great Power Mediation Guest: Ahmad Sharawi Ahmad Sharawi discussed the non-tra...
S1 Ep99: x China's Role in Global Drug Epidemics: Meth Precursors and Weaponizing Chemicals. Guests: Kelly Currie and Gordon Chang.xaxca Kelly Curry and Gordon Chang detailed China's crucial role in the global drug trade, asserting that China's chemical exports ar
18 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
China's Role in Global Drug Epidemics: Meth Precursors and Weaponizing Chemicals. Guests: Kelly Currie and Gordon Chang. Kelly Curry and Gordon Chan...
S1 Ep99: China's Economic Slump: Export Decline, Policy Failures, and Property Market Stagnation Guests: Anne Stevenson-Yang and Gordon Chang Anne Stevenson-Yang and Gordon Chang discussed the unprecedented slump in China's economic activity, noting cooled investm
18 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
China's Economic Slump: Export Decline, Policy Failures, and Property Market Stagnation Guests: Anne Stevenson-Yang and Gordon Chang Anne Stevenson-Y...
S1 Ep99: CONTINUED Pakistan's Military Dominance: Field Marshal Munir's Power and US Relations Guest: Ambassador Husain Haqqani Ambassador Husain Haqqani detailed the institutional dominance of Pakistan's military, noting that Parliament recently granted Field Ma
18 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
CONTINUED Pakistan's Military Dominance: Field Marshal Munir's Power and US Relations Guest: Ambassador Husain Haqqani Ambassador Husain Haqqani deta...
S1 Ep99: Pakistan's Military Dominance: Field Marshal Munir's Power and US Relations Guest: Ambassador Husain Haqqani Ambassador Husain Haqqani detailed the institutional dominance of Pakistan's military, noting that Parliament recently granted Field Marshal Asim
18 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Pakistan's Military Dominance: Field Marshal Munir's Power and US Relations Guest: Ambassador Husain Haqqani Ambassador Husain Haqqani detailed the i...
S1 Ep98: PREVIEW John Hardie discusses how poor weather, including fog, rain, snow, and cold, fundamentally impacts military operations around Papovsk and the Donbass. Poor weather is often a boon to Russians, as they time assaults during rain and fog to impede Uk
17 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
PREVIEW John Hardie discusses how poor weather, including fog, rain, snow, and cold, fundamentally impacts military operations around Papovsk and the...
S1 Ep98: PREVIEW Ahmad Sharawi explores current Russian interests in Syria, noting that Russia previously assisted Assad in brutalizing the Syrian people. Recent discussions included defense agreements, military ties, and the status of two Russian bases in Western
17 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
PREVIEW Ahmad Sharawi explores current Russian interests in Syria, noting that Russia previously assisted Assad in brutalizing the Syrian people. Rec...
S1 Ep98: PREVIEW Anne Stevenson-Yang focuses on the decline of China's economic miracle, which was fueled by borrowing and falsehoods and is potentially headed toward japanification or worse. The idea that China was continuously rising and overtaking the United St
17 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
PREVIEW Anne Stevenson-Yang focuses on the decline of China's economic miracle, which was fueled by borrowing and falsehoods and is potentially heade...
S1 Ep98: PREVIEW Janatyn Sayeh highlights the severe, unacceptable air quality and pollution crisis in Tehran, where she grew up. The pollution is described as poison, with carbon dioxide levels reported to be ten times higher than the World Health Organization's
17 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
PREVIEW Janatyn Sayeh highlights the severe, unacceptable air quality and pollution crisis in Tehran, where she grew up. The pollution is described a...
S1 Ep97: PREVIEW Kelly Curry discusses the chain of poison where China is the driver and controller of dangerous drug production out of Myanmar. China supplies precursors but demands the resulting methamphetamines be diverted away from China, flooding markets acro
17 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
PREVIEW Kelly Curry discusses the chain of poison where China is the driver and controller of dangerous drug production out of Myanmar. China supplie...
S1 Ep97: PREVIEW Professor Barry Strauss discusses the Bar Kokhba Revolt, which occurred in the 130s to 140s, long after the Temple fell in 70 AD. The main thing motivating the revolt was the Roman declaration that the Temple would never be rebuilt and that Jerusa
17 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
PREVIEW Professor Barry Strauss discusses the Bar Kokhba Revolt, which occurred in the 130s to 140s, long after the Temple fell in 70 AD. The main th...
S1 Ep96: Londinium 91 AD: The Aging Emperor's Urgency. Gaius and Germanicus discuss the physical and mental state of emperor Trump, noting his senior age and frantic, restless pace as potentially signs of an aging brain or alternatively adrenaline and confidence.
17 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Londinium 91 AD: The Aging Emperor's Urgency. Gaius and Germanicus discuss the physical and mental state of emperor Trump, noting his senior age and ...
S1 Ep96: Londinium 91 AD: Corruption and the Imperial Slip. Gaius and Germanicus shift attention to Washington, observing that wealth has grown more powerful than government in the U.S., similar to Rome's path into empire. Evidence includes Washington insiders lik
17 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Londinium 91 AD: Corruption and the Imperial Slip. Gaius and Germanicus shift attention to Washington, observing that wealth has grown more powerful ...
S1 Ep96: Londinium 91 AD: The Debate Over Venezuela. Gaius and Germanicus of the Friends Mystery Debating Society discuss at a cold wine bar by the choppy Thames the potential decision by emperor Trump to invade Venezuela, noting the presence of a sizable, powerfu
17 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Londinium 91 AD: The Debate Over Venezuela. Gaius and Germanicus of the Friends Mystery Debating Society discuss at a cold wine bar by the choppy Tha...
S1 Ep95: Legacy, Loyalty, and the Nationalist Leader. Joseph Turigian concludes with Xi Zhongxun's death in 2002 after suffering cancer, noting his epitaph speaks of a life of struggle and happiness. Xi Jinping wrote to his father, listing qualities he wished to e
17 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Legacy, Loyalty, and the Nationalist Leader. Joseph Turigian concludes with Xi Zhongxun's death in 2002 after suffering cancer, noting his epitaph sp...
S1 Ep95: Princlings, Grassroots, and the Politics of Restoration. Joseph Turigian discusses how Xi Jinping gained entry to Qinghua University based on political reliability rather than merit in 1975, although his father remained un-rehabilitated. While princlings
17 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Princlings, Grassroots, and the Politics of Restoration. Joseph Turigian discusses how Xi Jinping gained entry to Qinghua University based on politic...
S1 Ep95: Xi Jinping's Exile and Family Betrayal. Joseph Turigian describes how political torment extended to Xi Zhongxun's family, forcing Xi Jinping's mother to denounce her teenage son when he fled incarceration, a difficult moral judgment made to protect the re
17 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Xi Jinping's Exile and Family Betrayal. Joseph Turigian describes how political torment extended to Xi Zhongxun's family, forcing Xi Jinping's mother...
S1 Ep95: The Purge by a Novel and Mao's Fear of Revisionism. Joseph Turigian explains that Xi Zhongxun's 1962 downfall stemmed from supporting the publication of a fictionalized biography of his deceased mentor, Liu Zhidan. Mao Zedong saw the novel as a counter-re
17 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Purge by a Novel and Mao's Fear of Revisionism. Joseph Turigian explains that Xi Zhongxun's 1962 downfall stemmed from supporting the publication...
S1 Ep95: Xi Zhongxun's Radical Youth and Peasant Roots. Joseph Turigian introduces Xi Zhongxun's biography, emphasizing the Confucian view that a father explains the son. Xi Zhongxun was born into a poor peasant family in Shaanxi province in 1913, an area marked b
17 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Xi Zhongxun's Radical Youth and Peasant Roots. Joseph Turigian introduces Xi Zhongxun's biography, emphasizing the Confucian view that a father expla...
S1 Ep95: Loyalty, Loss, and the Shadow of Mao. Joseph Turigian focuses on Mao's famous phrase about Xi Zhongxun, emphasizing his unwavering loyalty despite repeated suffering at the party's hands. Following the 1949 victory, Xi moved to Beijing, where his son Xi J
17 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Loyalty, Loss, and the Shadow of Mao. Joseph Turigian focuses on Mao's famous phrase about Xi Zhongxun, emphasizing his unwavering loyalty despite re...
S1 Ep95: Mao, Purges, and Ideological Jargon. Joseph Turigian explores Mao Zedong's description of Xi Zhongxun: "The Party Interests Come First." The segment recounts Xi Zhongxun's detention in 1935, nearly facing execution before Mao's Long Marchers arrived. The
17 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Mao, Purges, and Ideological Jargon. Joseph Turigian explores Mao Zedong's description of Xi Zhongxun: "The Party Interests Come First." The segment ...
S1 Ep95: Revolutionary Loyalty and Early Family Tensions. Joseph Turigian discusses the life of Xi Zhongxun, a devoted but persecuted revolutionary communist, emphasizing his deep loyalty to the party, reminiscent of Arthur Koestler's Darkness at Noon. The segment
17 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Revolutionary Loyalty and Early Family Tensions. Joseph Turigian discusses the life of Xi Zhongxun, a devoted but persecuted revolutionary communist,...
S1 Ep95: Starship and Super Heavy: The Fully Reusable Mars Vehicle. Eric Berger details the development of Starship and Super Heavy at Starbase in Boca Chica, Texas. Starship is the culmination of SpaceX's efforts: a fully reusable, super heavy rocket much larger
17 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Starship and Super Heavy: The Fully Reusable Mars Vehicle. Eric Berger details the development of Starship and Super Heavy at Starbase in Boca Chica,...
S1 Ep95: Crew Dragon and Commercial Human Spaceflight. Eric Berger discusses NASA's Commercial Crew Program, initiated after the Space Shuttle retired. Boeing's entry legitimized the program, securing crucial congressional funding for competitors like SpaceX. Spac
17 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Crew Dragon and Commercial Human Spaceflight. Eric Berger discusses NASA's Commercial Crew Program, initiated after the Space Shuttle retired. Boeing...
S1 Ep95: Starlink: Funding the Mars Vision through LEO Constellations. Eric Berger discusses Starlink, a constellation of Low Earth Orbit satellites designed to fund Musk's Mars vision. While the idea wasn't new, deploying thousands of satellites for global intern
17 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Starlink: Funding the Mars Vision through LEO Constellations. Eric Berger discusses Starlink, a constellation of Low Earth Orbit satellites designed ...
S1 Ep95: Achieving Reusability and Navigating Launch Failures. Eric Berger reports that in December 2015, SpaceX demonstrated reusability with the successful launch and vertical landing of the Falcon 9 Full Thrust at Landing Zone 1. The launch utilized densified p
17 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Achieving Reusability and Navigating Launch Failures. Eric Berger reports that in December 2015, SpaceX demonstrated reusability with the successful ...
S1 Ep95: Falcon 9 Full Thrust: Densification and Barge Landings. Eric Berger describes how, following a 2015 failure, SpaceX developed the Falcon 9 Full Thrust, version 3.0/4.0. Driven by the Mars vision, they adopted densification—chilling liquid oxygen to boost
17 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Falcon 9 Full Thrust: Densification and Barge Landings. Eric Berger describes how, following a 2015 failure, SpaceX developed the Falcon 9 Full Thrus...
S1 Ep95: Dragon Spacecraft Development and Reusability Focus. Eric Berger explains that SpaceX needed NASA contracts to fund its Mars ambition. NASA provided critical funding in 2006 and 2009 for the Dragon spacecraft to deliver cargo to the International Space St
17 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dragon Spacecraft Development and Reusability Focus. Eric Berger explains that SpaceX needed NASA contracts to fund its Mars ambition. NASA provided ...
S1 Ep95: Developing and Launching the First Falcon 9. Eric Berger recounts the difficult summer of 2009 preparing the first Falcon 9 booster, featuring nine Merlin engines housed in an octagonal web. Engineers endured intense 100-hour weeks handling complex wiring
17 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Developing and Launching the First Falcon 9. Eric Berger recounts the difficult summer of 2009 preparing the first Falcon 9 booster, featuring nine M...
S1 Ep95: Musk's Audacious Mars Colonization Vision. Eric Berger discusses Elon Musk's remarkable September 2016 speech in Guadalajara outlining the colonization of Mars. Musk proposed building a self-sustaining colony requiring landing a million tons of equipment
17 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Musk's Audacious Mars Colonization Vision. Eric Berger discusses Elon Musk's remarkable September 2016 speech in Guadalajara outlining the colonizati...
S1 Ep95: Western Miscalculation and the Core Problem of Russia's Dominance Ideology. Professor Eugene Finkelargues that debates about Ukraine joining NATO or the EU are secondary, as the core problem remains Russia's deeply rooted ideological belief that it must c
17 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Western Miscalculation and the Core Problem of Russia's Dominance Ideology. Professor Eugene Finkelargues that debates about Ukraine joining NATO or ...
S1 Ep95: The Historical Roots of Russian Brutality and Putin's Ideological Driver. Professor Eugene Finkel explains that the pervasive cruelty in Russian forces stems from a historical willingness to use extreme violence, where human life is cheap, evident from St
17 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Historical Roots of Russian Brutality and Putin's Ideological Driver. Professor Eugene Finkel explains that the pervasive cruelty in Russian forc...
95: Volodymyr Zelenskyy: A Native Russian Speaker and the Evolution of Ukrainian National Identity. Professor Eugene Finkel notes that President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has an unusual background: Jewish, a native Russian speaker, and a successful media entreprene
17 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Volodymyr Zelenskyy: A Native Russian Speaker and the Evolution of Ukrainian National Identity. Professor Eugene Finkel notes that President Volodymy...
S1 Ep95: Putin's Revisionist History and the 2014 Invasion of Crimea and Donbas. Professor Eugene Finkel analyzes how, isolated during the pandemic, Vladimir Putin wrote a historical essay in 2021 based on myths, asserting that Ukraine has always been Russia and m
17 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Putin's Revisionist History and the 2014 Invasion of Crimea and Donbas. Professor Eugene Finkel analyzes how, isolated during the pandemic, Vladimir ...
S1 Ep95: Khrushchev, Crimea, and Putin's Perception of Ukraine as "Soviet Florida". Professor Eugene Finkel discusses Khrushchev's 1954 transfer of Crimea to Ukraine, undertaken for purely economic and practical reasons, though it remains a point of contention tod
17 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Khrushchev, Crimea, and Putin's Perception of Ukraine as "Soviet Florida". Professor Eugene Finkel discusses Khrushchev's 1954 transfer of Crimea to ...
S1 Ep95: Collapse of Independent States and the Purposeful Famine of the Holodomor. Professor Eugene Finkel examines the period following the 1917 collapse, when attempts to form independent Ukrainian states—the UNR and the ZUNR—failed, facing invasion by various
17 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Collapse of Independent States and the Purposeful Famine of the Holodomor. Professor Eugene Finkel examines the period following the 1917 collapse, w...
S1 Ep95: Galatia, the "Ukrainian Piedmont," and the Threat of Ukrainian Nationalism. Professor Eugene Finkel touches on the life of his Jewish grandfather, Lev, from Galatia, who joined the Red Army in 1940, illustrating how parts of Ukraine were not under Russian
17 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Galatia, the "Ukrainian Piedmont," and the Threat of Ukrainian Nationalism. Professor Eugene Finkel touches on the life of his Jewish grandfather, Le...
S1 Ep95: The Origins of the Russian Imperial Project: Khmelnytsky and "New Russia". Professor Eugene Finkel discusses the statue of Bohdan Khmelnytsky, a 17th-century figure viewed differently by Ukrainians as a founding father and by Russians as a uniter with Mos
17 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Origins of the Russian Imperial Project: Khmelnytsky and "New Russia". Professor Eugene Finkel discusses the statue of Bohdan Khmelnytsky, a 17th...
S1 Ep94: Ashes Warm-ups Cause Slew of Career-Threatening Injuries; Betting Odds Narrow. Jeremy Zakis reports that Ashes warm-up matches are causing a slew of injuries to older players around 35, including Mark Wood of England and Sean Abbott of Australia, both suf
16 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ashes Warm-ups Cause Slew of Career-Threatening Injuries; Betting Odds Narrow. Jeremy Zakis reports that Ashes warm-up matches are causing a slew of ...
S1 Ep94: Cold Antarctic Air Collides with Tropical Front, Bringing Flash Flooding and Cyclone Warnings to East Coast. Jeremy Zakis describes severe weather on the Australian East Coast due to a clash between bitter cold Antarctic air and a dense tropical air mass
16 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Cold Antarctic Air Collides with Tropical Front, Bringing Flash Flooding and Cyclone Warnings to East Coast.Jeremy Zakis describes severe weather on ...
S1 Ep94: Dallas the Dog Fosters Trust with Magpie Family, Enhancing Their Intelligence. Jeremy Zakis chronicles how Dallas the dog has adopted a magpie family, leading to a comfortable second generation residing nearby. Dallas's kind, placid demeanor fosters trust
16 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dallas the Dog Fosters Trust with Magpie Family, Enhancing Their Intelligence. Jeremy Zakis chronicles how Dallas the dog has adopted a magpie family...
S1 Ep94: Tragic Magpie Attack Blinds Girl; Massive Eastern Brown Snake Invades Home. Jeremy Zakis reports that a massive five-foot-long great eastern brown snake was found rearing up outside a woman's bathroom in Veil View, Queensland, necessitating a snake catche
16 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Tragic Magpie Attack Blinds Girl; Massive Eastern Brown Snake Invades Home. Jeremy Zakis reports that a massive five-foot-long great eastern brown sn...
S1 Ep93: The Green Belt and Rethinking Liberty 30 Years Later. Matthew Longo reflects that thirty years after the Iron Curtain fell, the border site is now an unremarkable "green belt." Researcher Longo considers the meaning of freedom, contrasting Isaiah Berlin's
16 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Green Belt and Rethinking Liberty 30 Years Later. Matthew Longo reflects that thirty years after the Iron Curtain fell, the border site is now an...
S1 Ep93: Panic, Pioneers, and the Moral Choice at the Border Picnic. Matthew Longo recounts that by August 19, 1989, hundreds of thousands of East German refugees were camped near Sopron, terrified of Stasi informers. Nemeth's government used the chaotic Picnic as
16 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Panic, Pioneers, and the Moral Choice at the Border Picnic. Matthew Longo recounts that by August 19, 1989, hundreds of thousands of East German refu...
S1 Ep93: Young Activists Plan the Audacious Pan-European Picnic. Matthew Longo describes how in late June 1989, young activists Fedins and Maria in Debrecen conceived an audacious plan to throw a protest party—The Picnic—at the Iron Curtain near Sopron. They aimed
16 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Young Activists Plan the Audacious Pan-European Picnic. Matthew Longo describes how in late June 1989, young activists Fedins and Maria in Debrecen c...
S1 Ep93: Elite Politics and the First Crack in the Iron Curtain. Matthew Longo details the July 1989 Warsaw Pact meeting where reformer Nemeth faced off against old-guard Ceausescu. Nemeth had received Gorbachev's "green light" to dismantle the Iron Curtain's dead
16 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Elite Politics and the First Crack in the Iron Curtain. Matthew Longo details the July 1989 Warsaw Pact meeting where reformer Nemeth faced off again...
S1 Ep92: Craig Unger discusses Den of Spies, investigating the "October Surprise"—hostages released minutes after Reagan's inauguration. The timing suggests the Reagan campaign made a secret deal with Iran. No facts have been challenged since publication. He views
16 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Craig Unger discusses Den of Spies, investigating the "October Surprise"—hostages released minutes after Reagan's inauguration. The timing suggests...
S1 Ep92: Craig Unger describes his 2014 visit to Iran's "Den of Spies" embassy museum, where he interviewed Moshen Rafi Duce, Iran's arms procurement head, who seemingly made an accidental admission about meeting "the Republicans." Former Iranian president Abolhas
16 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Craig Unger describes his 2014 visit to Iran's "Den of Spies" embassy museum, where he interviewed Moshen Rafi Duce, Iran's arms procurement head, wh...
S1 Ep92: Craig Unger confirms the Madrid meeting in July 1980, where Bill Casey met with Iranian cleric Mehdi Karoubi, establishing the parameters of the October Surprise by asking Karoubi to delay the hostage release until after the presidential election. The all
16 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Craig Unger confirms the Madrid meeting in July 1980, where Bill Casey met with Iranian cleric Mehdi Karoubi, establishing the parameters of the Octo...
S1 Ep92: Craig Unger reveals that Bill Casey operated through the Safari Club, an off-the-books intelligence group. Casey utilized Iranian arms dealers, the Hashim brothers, who were secretly double agents working for him since the mid-1970s. Casey's best friend,
16 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Craig Unger reveals that Bill Casey operated through the Safari Club, an off-the-books intelligence group. Casey utilized Iranian arms dealers, the H...
S1 Ep92: Craig Unger describes his high-profile investigation at Newsweek, which surprisingly resulted in three articles denying the October Surprise occurred, a result Unger called a great disgrace in the history of American journalism. The subsequent Congression
16 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Craig Unger describes his high-profile investigation at Newsweek, which surprisingly resulted in three articles denying the October Surprise occurred...
S1 Ep92: VCraig Unger explores rumors of an "October Surprise"—a Republican deal to delay the hostages' release—which gained credence when former NSC official Gary Sick published an op-ed. Unger spoke to rogue Israeli operative Ari Ben Mashi, who alleged Bill Case
16 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Craig Unger explores rumors of an "October Surprise"—a Republican deal to delay the hostages' release—which gained credence when former NSC offic...
S1 Ep92: Craig Unger examines Ronald Reagan's hiring of Bill Casey, an OSS veteran and dazzlingly brilliant spy, to manage his campaign. Casey quickly established a secret intelligence network, meeting with Israeli intelligence and arms dealers globally. Although
16 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Craig Unger examines Ronald Reagan's hiring of Bill Casey, an OSS veteran and dazzlingly brilliant spy, to manage his campaign. Casey quickly establi...
S1 Ep92: Craig Unger investigates the "October Surprise" following the 1979 seizure of 52 American hostages in Tehran. Iran's revolution overthrew the Shah, installed by the US in 1953, creating an anti-American Islamic Republic. The failed Desert One rescue missi
16 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Craig Unger investigates the "October Surprise" following the 1979 seizure of 52 American hostages in Tehran. Iran's revolution overthrew the Shah, i...
S1 Ep92: Paul Gregory argues that Lee Harvey Oswald's primary motive was a profound belief that he was special and destined for greatness, fostered by his mother. Gregory insists Oswald is often underestimated, highlighting his achievements as a master manipulator
16 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Paul Gregory argues that Lee Harvey Oswald's primary motive was a profound belief that he was special and destined for greatness, fostered by his mot...
S1 Ep92: Paul Gregory visited Dealey Plaza to assess the assassination, concluding the shot was fairly easy as the presidential limousine slowed down to turn. He emphasizes that the route was chosen only four days prior, undermining long-term conspiracy planning.
16 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Paul Gregory visited Dealey Plaza to assess the assassination, concluding the shot was fairly easy as the presidential limousine slowed down to turn....
S1 Ep92: Paul Gregory chronicles Lee Harvey Oswald's burial at Rose Hill, which was quiet, with reporters carrying the coffin. Marina, in a daze, performed Russian rituals when viewing the body and was deeply impacted by watching the Kennedy funeral on television.
16 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Paul Gregory chronicles Lee Harvey Oswald's burial at Rose Hill, which was quiet, with reporters carrying the coffin. Marina, in a daze, performed Ru...
S1 Ep92: Paul Gregory describes events on November 23rd when Margarite Oswald called Pete Gregory seeking shelter after she and Marina were essentially abducted by Life magazine. Pete notified Secret Service agent Mike Howard, who moved Marina, Margarite, and the
16 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Paul Gregory describes events on November 23rd when Margarite Oswald called Pete Gregory seeking shelter after she and Marina were essentially abduct...
S1 Ep92: Paul Gregory reveals that in April 1963, Lee Harvey Oswald, agitated and shaken, confessed to Marina that he attempted to assassinate General Edwin Walker in Dallas. Marina found a note giving her directions if he failed to return. Though she realized he
16 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Paul Gregory reveals that in April 1963, Lee Harvey Oswald, agitated and shaken, confessed to Marina that he attempted to assassinate General Edwin W...
S1 Ep92: Paul Gregory describes his observations during the summer of 1962 while taking Russian lessons from Marina, noting Lee and Marina's poverty; Marina even lacked a baby carriage for infant June. Lee presented himself as an intellectual but was secretive abo
16 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Paul Gregory describes his observations during the summer of 1962 while taking Russian lessons from Marina, noting Lee and Marina's poverty; Marina e...
S1 Ep92: Paul Gregory recounts how his father, Pete Gregory, first met Lee Harvey Oswald in June 1962 after being contacted by the Texas Employment Office. Oswald, recently returned from three years in Minsk, sought work utilizing his Russian language skills. Pete
16 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Paul Gregory recounts how his father, Pete Gregory, first met Lee Harvey Oswald in June 1962 after being contacted by the Texas Employment Office. Os...
S1 Ep92: Paul Gregory discusses his book, The Oswalds, focusing on his father, Pete Gregory, a Russian-speaking oil engineer. On November 22, 1963, Pete was near the Texas Hotel in Fort Worth when President Kennedy departed. Later that afternoon, Paul, a stud
16 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Paul Gregory discusses his book, The Oswalds, focusing on his father, Pete Gregory, a Russian-speaking oil engineer. On November 22, 1963, Pete was n...
S1 Ep91: SHOW 11-14-25 CBS EYE ON THE WORLD WITH JOHN BATCHELOR THE SHOW BEGINS IN THE DOUBTS ABOUT THE ECONOMY. FIRST HOUR 9-915 BLISS: WEST COAST URBAN ISSUES AND THE PACK FIRE Guest: Jeff Bliss Seattle elected socialist Kate Wilson, who wants public groce
15 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
SHOW 11-14-25 CBS EYE ON THE WORLD WITH JOHN BATCHELOR THE SHOW BEGINS IN THE DOUBTS ABOUT THE ECONOMY. FIRST HOUR 9-915 BLISS: WEST COAST URBA...
S1 Ep90: B. HIGH-TEMPERATURE RARE EARTHS AND PREDATORY PRICING Guest: David Archibald The most desirable rare earths, Dysprosium and Terbium, allow magnets to function at high temperatures. China is now sourcing 40% of its supply of these from Myanmar. Though Aust
15 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
B. HIGH-TEMPERATURE RARE EARTHS AND PREDATORY PRICING Guest: David Archibald The most desirable rare earths, Dysprosium and Terbium, allow magnets t...
S1 Ep90: A. RARE EARTHS: CHINA'S MONOPOLY AND AUSTRALIAN SUPPLY Guest: David Archibald China's predatory pricing previously achieved a rare earth monopoly, damaging competitors like Lynas, which almost went bankrupt. Australia, via companies like Lynas and Iluka,
15 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A. RARE EARTHS: CHINA'S MONOPOLY AND AUSTRALIAN SUPPLY Guest: David Archibald China's predatory pricing previously achieved a rare earth monopoly, da...
S1 Ep90: SOKOLSKI: CHINA'S CONVENTIONAL ICBM THREAT Guest: Henry Sokolski The US military is concerned China's PLA may field a conventionally armed ICBM able to strike the continental US. Such missiles could use maneuverable front ends to evade defenses and delive
15 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
SOKOLSKI: CHINA'S CONVENTIONAL ICBM THREAT Guest: Henry Sokolski The US military is concerned China's PLA may field a conventionally armed ICBM able ...
S1 Ep90: US Greenlights ROK Enrichment, Raising Proliferation Fears Guest: Henry Sokolski, Executive Director of the Non-Proliferation Policy Education Center The US agreement to support the Republic of South Korea's civil uranium enrichment and spent fuel reproce
15 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
US Greenlights ROK Enrichment, Raising Proliferation Fears Guest: Henry Sokolski, Executive Director of the Non-Proliferation Policy Education Center...
S1 Ep90: 4. THE DESTRUCTION OF THE TEMPLE AND MASADA Guest: Professor Barry Strauss The Flavians decided to completely destroy Jerusalem and the Temple in 70 AD, an act of extreme Roman imperialism that left the city in ruins. Afterwards, Judea was upgraded to a f
15 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
4. THE DESTRUCTION OF THE TEMPLE AND MASADA Guest: Professor Barry Strauss The Flavians decided to completely destroy Jerusalem and the Temple in 70 ...
S1 Ep90: 3. SURVIVAL DURING THE SIEGE OF JERUSALEM Guest: Professor Barry Strauss Before the siege of Jerusalem was sealed, two foundational groups fled: Rabbi Yohanan Ben Zakai, smuggled out to Yavneh to establish Rabbinic Judaism, and the followers of Jesus, who
15 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
3. SURVIVAL DURING THE SIEGE OF JERUSALEM Guest: Professor Barry Strauss Before the siege of Jerusalem was sealed, two foundational groups fled: Rabb...
S1 Ep90: 2. TITUS'S SIEGE OF JERUSALEM Guest: Professor Barry Strauss Nero's forced suicide in 68 AD and the subsequent chaos confirmed Josephus's prophecy, leading to Vespasian being proclaimed emperor in 69 AD. Vespasian left his son Titus to lay siege to Jerusa
15 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
2. TITUS'S SIEGE OF JERUSALEM Guest: Professor Barry Strauss Nero's forced suicide in 68 AD and the subsequent chaos confirmed Josephus's prophecy, l...
S1 Ep90: 1. JOSEPHUS AND THE SIEGE OF JODAPATA Guest: Professor Barry Strauss The Jewish revolt against Rome, starting in 66 AD, is primarily chronicled by Josephus, a leader of the revolt and later historian. Josephus commanded the defense of Jodapata against Gen
15 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
1. JOSEPHUS AND THE SIEGE OF JODAPATA Guest: Professor Barry Strauss The Jewish revolt against Rome, starting in 66 AD, is primarily chronicled by Jo...
S1 Ep90: B. GOLDSTONE FAILURE AND SUPERNOVA DISCOVERY Guest: Bob Zimmerman NASA's Goldstone antenna, a critical link in the Deep Space Network, is out of service due to an embarrassing error where it was over-rotated, twisting the cables. This impacts communicatio
15 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
B. GOLDSTONE FAILURE AND SUPERNOVA DISCOVERY Guest: Bob Zimmerman NASA's Goldstone antenna, a critical link in the Deep Space Network, is out of serv...
S1 Ep90: A. COMMERCIAL SPACE ACHIEVEMENTS AND POLICY SHIFTS Guest: Bob Zimmerman Blue Origin's New Glenn successfully launched and landed its first stage vertically, becoming only the second company to achieve orbital stage reuse, despite its slow operational pace
15 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A. COMMERCIAL SPACE ACHIEVEMENTS AND POLICY SHIFTS Guest: Bob Zimmerman Blue Origin's New Glenn successfully launched and landed its first stage vert...
S1 Ep90: FIORI: ITALIAN HERITAGE TRAINS AND POLITICAL DISPUTES Guest: Lorenzo Fiori Italy is launching heritage Christmas trains like the Espresso Monaco and Espresso Assisi, restoring old coaches and locomotives for tourists. Deputy PM Salvini is publicly critici
15 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
FIORI: ITALIAN HERITAGE TRAINS AND POLITICAL DISPUTES Guest: Lorenzo Fiori Italy is launching heritage Christmas trains like the Espresso Monaco and ...
S1 Ep90: BRANDON-WEICHERT: AI'S IMPACT ON JOBS AND GEOPOLITICS Guest: Brandon Weichert High-profile layoffs at Amazon and Walmart are tied to AI replacing roles, fitting the anticipated economic transformation, though it may initially look like a bubble. The US le
15 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
BRANDON-WEICHERT: AI'S IMPACT ON JOBS AND GEOPOLITICS Guest: Brandon Weichert High-profile layoffs at Amazon and Walmart are tied to AI replacing rol...
S1 Ep90: B. BBC DEFAMATION AND THE NEED FOR REFORM Guest: Professor Richard Epstein Professor Epstein discusses the BBC's alleged defamation of President Trump through edited footage. Unlike US law, British defamation has a low bar, though damages may be smaller.
15 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
B. BBC DEFAMATION AND THE NEED FOR REFORM Guest: Professor Richard Epstein Professor Epstein discusses the BBC's alleged defamation of Pr...
S1 Ep90: A. THE FILIBUSTER AND CONTINUING RESOLUTIONS Guest: Professor Richard Epstein Professor Epstein discusses the filibuster's purpose: slowing down legislation to improve deliberation and mitigate hyper-partisanship. However, he argues its use against contin
15 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A. THE FILIBUSTER AND CONTINUING RESOLUTIONS Guest: Professor Richard Epstein Professor Epstein discusses the filibuster's purpose: slowing down legi...
S1 Ep90: MCTAGUE: LANCASTER COUNTY ECONOMY AND AI FEAR Guest: Jim McTague Reports from Lancaster County show a strong local economy: a metal forming company is "busy as they've ever been" and actively hiring, and the mall is packed with shoppers. Tourism is thrivi
15 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
MCTAGUE: LANCASTER COUNTY ECONOMY AND AI FEAR Guest: Jim McTague Reports from Lancaster County show a strong local economy: a metal forming company i...
S1 Ep90: BLISS: WEST COAST URBAN ISSUES AND THE PACK FIRE Guest: Jeff Bliss Seattle elected socialist Kate Wilson, who wants public grocery stores. The Luxor Pyramid in Las Vegas has installed a massive slide for visitors. Both San Francisco and Santa Monica are s
15 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
BLISS: WEST COAST URBAN ISSUES AND THE PACK FIRE Guest: Jeff Bliss Seattle elected socialist Kate Wilson, who wants public grocery stores. The Luxor ...
S1 Ep89: PREVIEW Barry Strauss on Jews Versus Rome and the Siege of Jerusalem. Professor Barry Strauss discusses his new book, Jews Versus Rome, chronicling the rebellion of the Jews and their extreme defiance of Roman power in the first century. The core event is
14 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
PREVIEW Barry Strauss on Jews Versus Rome and the Siege of Jerusalem. Professor Barry Strauss discusses his new book, Jews Versus Rome, chronicling t...
S1 Ep88: PREVIEW Jeff Bliss discusses using air cabs to alleviate traffic in Los Angeles, especially during the Olympics, noting that ground travel to venues currently takes over an hour. While air cabs offer a quick trip, traffic has worsened significantly since
14 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
PREVIEW Jeff Bliss discusses using air cabs to alleviate traffic in Los Angeles, especially during the Olympics, noting that ground travel to venues ...
S1 Ep88: PREVIEW Jim Mctague recounts meeting two retired tourists who feel the economy is strong (e.g., shipyards are short workers) but note rising food prices alongside a high stock market. Although artificial intelligence will not affect them, they hold a palp
14 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
PREVIEW Jim Mctague recounts meeting two retired tourists who feel the economy is strong (e.g., shipyards are short workers) but note rising food pri...
S1 Ep88: PREVIEW Henry Sokolski discusses a US agreement allowing treaty ally South Korea to build nuclear submarines and enrich uranium. Enrichment is a pathway to nuclear weapons, raising proliferation concerns due to South Korea's half-century history of seekin
14 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
PREVIEW Henry Sokolski discusses a US agreement allowing treaty ally South Korea to build nuclear submarines and enrich uranium. Enrichment is a path...
S1 Ep88: PREVIEW Brendan Weichert comments on the US-China AI race. While executives suggest China might win, the US has restricted sales of high-end chips, fearing misuse. China claims chip breakthroughs are imminent. Both sides are developing rapidly: China appe
14 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
PREVIEW Brendan Weichert comments on the US-China AI race. While executives suggest China might win, the US has restricted sales of high-end chips, f...
S1 Ep88: PREVIEW Bob Zimmerman reports that Vast, an American commercial startup, is launching its single-module space station, Haven One, next year without NASA funding. Vast signed a cooperation deal with Uzbekistan, strongly implying that the Central Asian nati
14 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
PREVIEW Bob Zimmerman reports that Vast, an American commercial startup, is launching its single-module space station, Haven One, next year without N...
S1 Ep87: SHOW 11-13-25 CBS EYE ON THE WORLD WITH JOHN BATCHELOR THE SHOW BEGINS IN THE DOUBTS ABOUT BUNDESTAG COHESION AND STABILITY. FIRST HOUR 9-915 1/2 Anatol Lieven discusses the war in Ukraine, noting the new Russian unit RubiKon hunting drone operato
14 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
SHOW 11-13-25 CBS EYE ON THE WORLD WITH JOHN BATCHELOR THE SHOW BEGINS IN THE DOUBTS ABOUT BUNDESTAG COHESION AND STABILITY. FIRST HOUR 9-915...
S1 Ep86: COP 30 is largely "political theater" with commitments insufficient to address climate change. Estimates suggest the crucial 1.5-degree global temperature increase will be reached by 2030. While there is increased international attention, funding remains
14 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
COP 30 is largely "political theater" with commitments insufficient to address climate change. Estimates suggest the crucial 1.5-degree global tempera...
S1 Ep86: Honduras is holding a high-stakes, single-round election where the outcome could determine if the country returns to alignment with Taiwan or shifts to China. Election observers noted improper pressure and concerns about meddling by the ruling Libre Party
14 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Honduras is holding a high-stakes, single-round election where the outcome could determine if the country returns to alignment with Taiw...
S1 Ep86: Peru faces severe political instability, evidenced by six presidents in two years and detentions for corruption. Transitional leader José Heresi is tackling rising organized crime, including a 36% jump in homicides, through a state of emergency. Meanwhile
14 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Peru faces severe political instability, evidenced by six presidents in two years and detentions for corruption. Transitional leader José Heresi is t...
S1 Ep86: The arrival of the US carrier Gerald Ford signals an escalating commitment to possible military solutions against Maduro's regime in Venezuela. Maduro has ordered a Cuban-style guerrilla defense, but analysts worry more about "anarchization"—wreaking havo
14 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The arrival of the US carrier Gerald Ford signals an escalating commitment to possible military solutions against Maduro's regime in Venezuela. Maduro...
S1 Ep86: Scott Winship investigates the mystery of the decline in young men's earnings between 1973 and 1989. He concludes this period was not caused by accelerated immigration or women entering the workforce, as men's earnings continued to rise. The actual explan
14 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Scott Winship investigates the mystery of the decline in young men's earnings between 1973 and 1989. He concludes this period was not caused by accele...
S1 Ep86: Scott Winship analyzes 50 years of US median earnings, preferring the MACPI to accurately adjust for cost of living. He finds that the middle class is better off: women's earnings are up 120%, and men's are up 40–50%. Winship disputes populist theories th
14 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Scott Winship analyzes 50 years of US median earnings, preferring the MACPI to accurately adjust for cost of living. He finds that the middle class is...
S1 Ep86: Conrad Black assesses Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's new budget as anti-climactic, failing to deliver promised growth or definitive decisions on controversial policies like pipelines. However, the budget was sensible and conciliatory, avoiding conf
14 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Conrad Black assesses Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's new budget as anti-climactic, failing to deliver promised growth or definitive decisions o...