The John Batchelor Show
Episodes
S8 Ep295: THE HORROR OF OCTOBER 7 AND THE ORIGINS OF HAMAS Colleague Seth Frantzman. Seth Frantzman recounts his harrowing experience on the evening of October 7, discovering a body on the road to Gaza, symbolizing the chaos of the initial invasion. The conversatio
10 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
THE HORROR OF OCTOBER 7 AND THE ORIGINS OF HAMAS Colleague Seth Frantzman. Seth Frantzmanrecounts his harrowing experience on the evening of October ...
S8 Ep294: IRAN'S QUEST FOR SUPREMACY AND FUTURE NUCLEAR NEGOTIATIONS Colleague Brandon Weichert. Weichert discusses Iran's ultimate goal of regional supremacy, describing the regime as the "octopus brain" directing proxies like Hamas and Hezbollah to attack Israel.
10 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
IRAN'S QUEST FOR SUPREMACY AND FUTURE NUCLEAR NEGOTIATIONS Colleague Brandon Weichert. Weichert discusses Iran's ultimate goal of regional supremacy...
S8 Ep294: SHIFTS IN US POLICY AND THE RISE OF THE SHIA CRESCENT Colleague Brandon Weichert. This section tracks US policy shifts from Clinton's diplomatic attempts to the unintended consequences of the 2003 Iraq War. Weichert argues that removing Saddam Hussein el
10 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
SHIFTS IN US POLICY AND THE RISE OF THE SHIA CRESCENT Colleague Brandon Weichert. This section tracks US policy shifts from Clinton's diplomatic atte...
S8 Ep294: THE HOSTAGE CRISIS, THE IRAN-IRAQ WAR, AND THE CARTER DOCTRINE Colleague Brandon Weichert. Focusing on the aftermath of the 1979 revolution, this segment explores the American hostage crisis and the subsequent Iran-Iraq War initiated by Saddam Hussein in
10 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
THE HOSTAGE CRISIS, THE IRAN-IRAQ WAR, AND THE CARTER DOCTRINE Colleague Brandon Weichert. Focusing on the aftermath of the 1979 revolution, this seg...
S8 Ep294: US INTERVENTION IN IRAN: FROM OPERATION AJAX TO THE SHAH'S FALL Colleague Brandon Weichert. This segment introduces Brandon Weichert's book, The Shadow War, and examines the history of US interference in Iran. It details Ambassador William Sullivan's 1978
10 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
US INTERVENTION IN IRAN: FROM OPERATION AJAX TO THE SHAH'S FALL Colleague Brandon Weichert. This segment introduces Brandon Weichert's book, The Shad...
S8 Ep293: THE CHINESE JUDGE AND THE MODERN LEGACY OF THE TRIAL Colleague Professor Gary J. Bass. Judge Mei Ju-ao represented China, striving to center the suffering of Asian peoples in the judgment before returning to a China engulfed by revolution. The trial's leg
10 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
THE CHINESE JUDGE AND THE MODERN LEGACY OF THE TRIAL Colleague Professor Gary J. Bass. Judge Mei Ju-ao represented China, striving to center the suff...
S8 Ep293: DISSENT, EXECUTION, AND THE SHADOW OF IMPERIALISM Colleague Professor Gary J. Bass. Judge Radhabinod Pal of India issued a massive 1,200-page dissent, arguing the tribunal was illegitimate and driven by the racism of colonial powers. Pal viewed Japanese a
10 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
DISSENT, EXECUTION, AND THE SHADOW OF IMPERIALISM Colleague Professor Gary J. Bass. Judge Radhabinod Pal of India issued a massive 1,200-page dissent...
S8 Ep293: CONSPIRACY CHARGES AND THE LEGALITY OF AGGRESSIVE WAR Colleague Professor Gary J. Bass. The prosecution focused on 28 Class A defendants, alleging a grand conspiracy to wage aggressive war. This conspiracy charge, borrowed from Nuremberg, fit awkwardly wi
10 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
CONSPIRACY CHARGES AND THE LEGALITY OF AGGRESSIVE WAR Colleague Professor Gary J. Bass. The prosecution focused on 28 Class A defendants, alleging a ...
S8 Ep293: THE COLD WAR SHIFT: GEORGE KENNAN'S STRATEGIC PIVOT Colleague Professor Gary J. Bass. By 1948, the trial's context shifted dramatically with the onset of the Cold War and the Chinese Civil War. George Kennan, the architect of containment, visited Tokyo to
10 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
THE COLD WAR SHIFT: GEORGE KENNAN'S STRATEGIC PIVOT Colleague Professor Gary J. Bass. By 1948, the trial's context shifted dramatically with the onset...
S8 Ep293: A FLAWED TRIBUNAL: INCOMPETENT PROSECUTORS AND CRANKY JUDGES Colleague Professor Gary J. Bass. The tribunal, involving nine Allied nations, suffered from personnel issues driven by President Truman's cronyism. Unlike the selection of Robert Jackson for Nu
10 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
A FLAWED TRIBUNAL: INCOMPETENT PROSECUTORS AND CRANKY JUDGES Colleague Professor Gary J. Bass. The tribunal, involving nine Allied nations, suffered ...
S8 Ep293: ARRESTING THE CABINET AND DEFINING CLASS A CRIMES Colleague Professor Gary J. Bass. As MacArthur's occupation forces arrived in a ruined Tokyo, they began arresting suspects, including former Prime Minister Tojo Hideki, who botched a suicide attempt. The
10 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
ARRESTING THE CABINET AND DEFINING CLASS A CRIMES Colleague Professor Gary J. Bass. As MacArthur's occupation forces arrived in a ruined Tokyo, they ...
S8 Ep293: THE EMPEROR'S IMMUNITY AND MACARTHUR'S SWIFT JUSTICE Colleague Professor Gary J. Bass. Following the surrender on the USS Missouri, General Douglas MacArthur faced the challenge of implementing the Potsdam Declaration's call for justice. A political decis
10 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
THE EMPEROR'S IMMUNITY AND MACARTHUR'S SWIFT JUSTICE Colleague Professor Gary J. Bass. Following the surrender on the USS Missouri, General Douglas M...
S8 Ep293: TRUMAN INHERITS A WORLD WAR AND THE BURDEN OF JUDGMENT Colleague Professor Gary J. Bass. Following the sudden death of Franklin D. Roosevelt in April 1945, Harry Truman assumed the presidency with little preparation regarding foreign policy or the situati
10 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
TRUMAN INHERITS A WORLD WAR AND THE BURDEN OF JUDGMENT Colleague Professor Gary J. Bass. Following the sudden death of Franklin D. Roosevelt in April ...
S8 Ep292: SOCCER STADIUMS AS PROTEST VENUES AND THE ETHNIC FACTOR Colleague Brenda Shaffer. Shaffer describes how soccer stadiums, particularly for the Azerbaijani team "Tractor," have become venues for ethnic and anti-regime protest. She notes the regime's brutal
10 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
SOCCER STADIUMS AS PROTEST VENUES AND THE ETHNIC FACTOR Colleague Brenda Shaffer. Shafferdescribes how soccer stadiums, particularly for the Azerbaij...
S8 Ep292: BROKEN PROMISES AND LINGUISTIC DISCRIMINATION Colleague Brenda Shaffer. Shaffer details how the Islamic Republic initially promised ethnic minorities linguistic and cultural rights to secure power in 1979, only to violently suppress them once established.
10 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
BROKEN PROMISES AND LINGUISTIC DISCRIMINATION Colleague Brenda Shaffer. Shaffer details how the Islamic Republic initially promised ethnic minorities...
S8 Ep292: BROKEN PROMISES AND LINGUISTIC DISCRIMINATION Colleague Brenda Shaffer. Shaffer details how the Islamic Republic initially promised ethnic minorities linguistic and cultural rights to secure power in 1979, only to violently suppress them once established.
10 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
BROKEN PROMISES AND LINGUISTIC DISCRIMINATION Colleague Brenda Shaffer. Shaffer details how the Islamic Republic initially promised ethnic minorities ...
S8 Ep292: IRAN IS MORE THAN PERSIA: A DIVERSE MOSAIC OF ETHNIC MINORITIES Colleague Brenda Shaffer. Brenda Shaffer discusses her book, Iran is More than Persia, arguing that Iran is not a monolithic Persian state but a diverse mosaic where ethnic minorities compris
10 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
IRAN IS MORE THAN PERSIA: A DIVERSE MOSAIC OF ETHNIC MINORITIES Colleague Brenda Shaffer. Brenda Shaffer discusses her book, Iran is More than Persia...
S8 Ep291: THE SAM ALTMAN MELODRAMA Colleague Gary Rivlin. The shock firing of Sam Altman by the OpenAI board over trust issues, Microsoft's intervention, and the rapid rehiring that solidified the race for dominance. NUMBER 16
10 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
THE SAM ALTMAN MELODRAMA Colleague Gary Rivlin. The shock firing of Sam Altman by the OpenAI board over trust issues, Microsoft's intervention, and ...
S8 Ep291: THE DILEMMA OF BIGNESS Colleague Gary Rivlin. How corporate giants like Google were slowed by their own business models, leading Suleyman to leave for Inflection and eventually Microsoft to bypass startup funding issues. NUMBER 15
10 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
THE DILEMMA OF BIGNESS Colleague Gary Rivlin. How corporate giants like Google were slowed by their own business models, leading Suleyman to leave for...
S8 Ep291: DOOMERS VS. ACCELERATIONISTS Colleague Gary Rivlin. The ideological battle between "accelerationists" who want rapid progress and "doomers" who fear existential risk, with Hoffman positioning himself as a "bloomer." NUMBER 14
10 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
DOOMERS VS. ACCELERATIONISTS Colleague Gary Rivlin. The ideological battle between "accelerationists" who want rapid progress and "doomers" who fear ...
S8 Ep291: TRANSFORMERS AND OPENAI Colleague Gary Rivlin. The development of the "transformer" paper at Google, the rise of large language models like GPT, and OpenAI's pivot from non-profit to a Microsoft-backed entity. NUMBER 13
09 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
TRANSFORMERS AND OPENAI Colleague Gary Rivlin. The development of the "transformer" paper at Google, the rise of large language models like GPT, and ...
S8 Ep291: DEEPMIND AND THE GOOGLE ACQUISITION Colleague Gary Rivlin. Mustafa Suleyman and Demis Hassabis founding DeepMind to master games, their sale to Google for $650 million, and the culture clash that followed. NUMBER 12
09 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
DEEPMIND AND THE GOOGLE ACQUISITION Colleague Gary Rivlin. Mustafa Suleyman and Demis Hassabisfounding DeepMind to master games, their sale to Google...
S8 Ep291: THE AI WINTER Colleague Gary Rivlin. The history of Frank Rosenblatt's neural networks, their dismissal by Marvin Minsky in favor of rules-based computing, and the decades-long "winter" before the resurgence of machine learning. NUMBER 11
09 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
THE AI WINTER Colleague Gary Rivlin. The history of Frank Rosenblatt's neural networks, their dismissal by Marvin Minsky in favor of rules-based compu...
S8 Ep291: THE CONNECTOR Colleague Gary Rivlin. Reid Hoffman's journey from a lonely childhood to becoming a Silicon Valley "super-connector," his relationship with Peter Thiel, and his early recognition of AI's potential. NUMBER 10
09 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
THE CONNECTOR Colleague Gary Rivlin. Reid Hoffman's journey from a lonely childhood to becoming a Silicon Valley "super-connector," his relationship ...
S8 Ep291: AI VALLEY: THE TRILLION DOLLAR RACE TO CASH IN Colleague Gary Rivlin. Gary Rivlin chronicles the personalities driving the AI revolution, including Reid Hoffman and Mustafa Suleyman. He explores the history of "AI winters," the rise of neural networks, an
09 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
AI VALLEY: THE TRILLION DOLLAR RACE TO CASH IN Colleague Gary Rivlin. Gary Rivlin chronicles the personalities driving the AI revolution, including R...
S8 Ep291: THE MACHINERY OF REPRESSION Colleague Nilo Tabrizy. The structure of the IRGC and Basij, the specific targeting of ethnic minorities like Kurds and Baluchis, and the state's sadistic use of violence against mourners. NUMBER 8
09 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
THE MACHINERY OF REPRESSION Colleague Nilo Tabrizy. The structure of the IRGC and Basij, the specific targeting of ethnic minorities like Kurds and B...
S8 Ep291: ROOTS OF THE REVOLUTION Colleague Nilo Tabrizy. The historical context of the 1953 coup against Mossadegh, the alienation of the Pahlavi dynasty, and the recurring cycle of foreign interference and internal authoritarianism. NUMBER 7
09 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
ROOTS OF THE REVOLUTION Colleague Nilo Tabrizy. The historical context of the 1953 coup against Mossadegh, the alienation of the Pahlavi dynasty, and...
S8 Ep291: THE DEATH OF GINA Colleague Nilo Tabrizy. The killing of Mahsa Jina Amini by the morality police for her hair, the Kurdish origins of "Woman, Life, Freedom," and the immediate eruption of protests. NUMBER 6
09 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
THE DEATH OF GINA Colleague Nilo Tabrizy. The killing of Mahsa Jina Amini by the morality police for her hair, the Kurdish origins of "Woman, Life, F...
S8 Ep291: WOMAN, LIFE, FREEDOM: THE STORY OF IRAN'S UPRISING Colleague Nilo Tabrizy. Nilo Tabrizy and co-author Fatima Jamalapur document the uprising sparked by the death of Mahsa Jina Amini in police custody. They trace the regime's brutality back to the 1953 co
09 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
WOMAN, LIFE, FREEDOM: THE STORY OF IRAN'S UPRISING Colleague Nilo Tabrizy. Nilo Tabrizy and co-author Fatima Jamalapur document the uprising sparked ...
S8 Ep291: ANTISEMITISM IN THE ACADEMY Colleague Josh Hammer. A hostile incident at Loyola University Chicago law school where protesters disrupted a debate on presidential immunity, and the link between anti-Zionism and the eradication of Western civilization. NUMB
09 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
ANTISEMITISM IN THE ACADEMY Colleague Josh Hammer. A hostile incident at Loyola University Chicagolaw school where protesters disrupted a debate on p...
S8 Ep291: FROM TREBLINKA TO KFAR AZA Colleague Josh Hammer. A visit to the Nazi death camp Treblinka contrasted with the aftermath of the October 7 massacre at Kibbutz Kfar Aza, and finding solace in faith and the Golden Rule. NUMBER 3
09 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
FROM TREBLINKA TO KFAR AZA Colleague Josh Hammer. A visit to the Nazi death camp Treblinka contrasted with the aftermath of the October 7 massacre at...
S8 Ep290: WESTCHESTER AND THE AMERICANIZATION OF JUDAISM Colleague Josh Hammer. Growing up in a secular Jewish environment, dropping out of Hebrew school, and the later discovery of conservatism and Edmund Burke leading to religious observance. NUMBER 2
09 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
WESTCHESTER AND THE AMERICANIZATION OF JUDAISM Colleague Josh Hammer. Growing up in a secular Jewish environment, dropping out of Hebrew school, and ...
S8 Ep290: THE FATE OF THE JEWISH NATION AND THE DESTINY OF THE WEST Colleague Josh Hammer. Josh Hammer discusses his journey from a secular upbringing to Orthodox Judaism and his new book regarding Western civilization. He contrasts the Holocaust site Treblinka wit
09 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
THE FATE OF THE JEWISH NATION AND THE DESTINY OF THE WEST Colleague Josh Hammer. Josh Hammer discusses his journey from a secular upbringing to Ortho...
S8 Ep289: PREVIEW FOR LATER TODAY AI VALLEY: THE EARLY HISTORY OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE Colleague Gary Rivlin. Author Gary Rivlin reviews the early history of artificial intelligence in his book AI Valley. He details how 1950s pioneers faced mockery because compu
09 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
PREVIEW FOR LATER TODAY AI VALLEY: THE EARLY HISTORY OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCEColleague Gary Rivlin. Author Gary Rivlin reviews the early history of ...
S8 Ep289: PREVIEW FOR LATER TODAY PI: THE POLITE CHATBOT DESIGNED FOR EMPATHY Colleague Gary Rivlin. Gary Rivlin examines the creation of "Pi," a chatbot designed by personality engineers to exhibit good manners and empathy. Rivlin explains how humans fine-tuned th
09 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
PREVIEW FOR LATER TODAY PI: THE POLITE CHATBOT DESIGNED FOR EMPATHY Colleague Gary Rivlin. Gary Rivlin examines the creation of "Pi," a chatbot design...
S8 Ep289: PREVIEW FOR LATER TODAY AI WINTERS: WHEN FUNDING VANISHED Colleague Gary Rivlin. Gary Rivlin explains the history of "AI winters" in the 20th century, periods when funding vanished due to overhyped expectations. He describes how optimism in the 1970s and
09 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
PREVIEW FOR LATER TODAY AI WINTERS: WHEN FUNDING VANISHED Colleague Gary Rivlin. Gary Rivlin explains the history of "AI winters" in the 20th century,...
S8 Ep289: PREVIEW FOR LATER TODAY ISRAEL AND CIVILIZATION: ANTI-WESTERN SENTIMENT ON CAMPUS Colleague Josh Hammer. Columnist Josh Hammer discusses his book Israel and Civilization, arguing that anti-Israel protests at universities like George Washington University
09 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
PREVIEW FOR LATER TODAY ISRAEL AND CIVILIZATION: ANTI-WESTERN SENTIMENT ON CAMPUSColleague Josh Hammer. Columnist Josh Hammer discusses his book Israe...
S8 Ep289: PREVIEW FOR LATER TODAY IRAN'S DIVERSE ETHNIC MAKEUP Colleague Nilo Tabrizy. Journalist Nilo Tabrizy, co-author of For the Sun After Long Nights, discusses the diverse ethnic makeup of Iran. She explains how moving to Tehran from the provinces feels like
09 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
PREVIEW FOR LATER TODAY IRAN'S DIVERSE ETHNIC MAKEUP Colleague Nilo Tabrizy. Journalist Nilo Tabrizy, co-author of For the Sun After Long Nights, disc...
S8 Ep288: SHOW 1-8-2026 THE SHOW BEGINS IN DOUBTS ABOUT THE SARCASTIC INVENTION, THE DON-ROE DICTRINE.. SPHERES OF INFLUENCE AND THE RETURN OF THE MONROE DOCTRINE Colleague Anatol Lieven, Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft. Anatol Lieven argues that "sp
09 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
SHOW1-8-2026THE SHOW BEGINS IN DOUBTS ABOUT THE SARCASTIC INVENTION, THE DON-ROE DICTRINE..SPHERES OF INFLUENCE AND THE RETURN OF THE MONROE DOCTRINE...
S8 Ep287: ARTEMIS 2 RISKS AND THE SEARCH FOR LIFE IN SPACE Colleague Bob Zimmerman, BehindtheBlack.com. Bob Zimmerman urges NASA to fly Artemis 2 unmanned due to unresolved Orion heat shield damage, arguing safety should trump beating China. He also dismisses conce
09 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
ARTEMIS 2 RISKS AND THE SEARCH FOR LIFE IN SPACE Colleague Bob Zimmerman, BehindtheBlack.com. Bob Zimmerman urges NASA to fly Artemis 2 unmanned du...
S8 Ep287: EUROPEAN FREEZE AND THE MYTH OF BOOTS ON THE GROUND Colleague Simon Constable, Journalist and Author. A deep freeze hits Southern Europe while commodity prices like copper rise. Simon Constable reports on the UK's bleak economic mood and dismisses the fea
09 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
EUROPEAN FREEZE AND THE MYTH OF BOOTS ON THE GROUND Colleague Simon Constable, Journalist and Author. A deep freeze hits Southern Europe while commod...
S8 Ep287: RUSSIA'S OIL CRISIS AND REGIONAL DEFICITS Colleague Michael Bernstam, Hoover Institution. Russia faces a financial crisis as oil prices drop below $60 per barrel. Michael Bernstam explains that increased global supply forces Russia to sell at deep discoun
09 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
RUSSIA'S OIL CRISIS AND REGIONAL DEFICITS Colleague Michael Bernstam, Hoover Institution. Russiafaces a financial crisis as oil prices drop below $60...
S8 Ep287: VENEZUELA: THE REGIME SURVIVES MADURO'S EXIT Colleague Mary Anastasia O'Grady, Wall Street Journal. Despite Maduro's removal, the Venezuelan regime remains intact under hardliners Delcy Rodriguez and Diosdado Cabello. Mary Anastasia O'Grady notes that rep
09 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
VENEZUELA: THE REGIME SURVIVES MADURO'S EXIT Colleague Mary Anastasia O'Grady, Wall Street Journal. Despite Maduro's removal, the Venezuelan regime r...
S8 Ep287: 1204: THE SACK OF CONSTANTINOPLE AND THE END OF CONTINUITY Colleague Professor Ed Watts, Author of The Romans. The Fourth Crusade, diverted by Venetian debt, sacked Constantinople in 1204, burning the city to quell resistance. Watts argues this marked the
08 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
1204: THE SACK OF CONSTANTINOPLE AND THE END OF CONTINUITY Colleague Professor Ed Watts, Author of The Romans. The Fourth Crusade, diverted by Veneti...
S8 Ep287: THE CRUSADES: FROM COOPERATION TO CONFLICT Colleague Professor Ed Watts, Author of The Romans. Relations between East and West collapsed during the Crusades. While the First Crusade cooperated with Rome, the Second and Third turned hostile, with Crusaders
08 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
THE CRUSADES: FROM COOPERATION TO CONFLICT Colleague Professor Ed Watts, Author of The Romans. Relations between East and West collapsed during the C...
S8 Ep287: THE STUPIDITY OF SUCCESSORS: MANUEL AND ANDRONICUS Colleague Professor Ed Watts, Author of The Romans. Manuel Komnenos favored grand gestures over systemic stability, weakening the Roman state. His successor, Andronicus, was a nihilistic sadist whose tyra
08 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
THE STUPIDITY OF SUCCESSORS: MANUEL AND ANDRONICUS Colleague Professor Ed Watts, Author of The Romans. Manuel Komnenos favored grand gestures over sy...
S8 Ep287: THE SIEGE OF 717 AND THE VOLCANO OF THERA Colleague Professor Ed Watts, Author of The Romans. In 717 AD, Arab forces besieged Constantinople but failed due to the city's massive walls and "Greek fire." Professor Watts explains that a subsequent volcanic e
08 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
THE SIEGE OF 717 AND THE VOLCANO OF THERA Colleague Professor Ed Watts, Author of The Romans. In 717 AD, Arab forces besieged Constantinople but fail...
S8 Ep287: THE NUCLEAR ESCROW: MANAGING PROLIFERATION AMONG ALLIES Colleague Henry Sokolski, Nonproliferation Policy Education Center. Henry Sokolski warns that allies like Poland, Turkey, and South Africa are considering nuclear weapons due to eroding trust in US g
08 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
THE NUCLEAR ESCROW: MANAGING PROLIFERATION AMONG ALLIES Colleague Henry Sokolski, Nonproliferation Policy Education Center. Henry Sokolski warns that ...
S8 Ep287: LANCASTER COUNTY: AMISH SPENDING AND DATA CENTER GROWTH Colleague Jim McTague, Author and Former Barron's Editor. Jim McTague reports that the Lancaster County economy remains robust, evidenced by heavy Amish spending at Costco and thriving local business
08 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
LANCASTER COUNTY: AMISH SPENDING AND DATA CENTER GROWTH Colleague Jim McTague, Author and Former Barron's Editor. Jim McTague reports that the Lancas...
S8 Ep287: #SCALAREPORT: AI AND ROBOTICS DOMINATE CES Colleague Chris Riegel, CEO of Scala.com. Reporting from CES, Chris Riegel highlights the dominance of AI and robotics, from household droids to military applications. While the tech sector booms with massive inf
08 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
#SCALAREPORT: AI AND ROBOTICS DOMINATE CES Colleague Chris Riegel, CEO of Scala.com. Reporting from CES, Chris Riegel highlights the dominance of AI ...
S8 Ep287: ONE YEAR LATER: ANGER AND STAGNATION AFTER THE PALISADES FIRE Colleague Jeff Bliss, Pacific Watch. A year after the Palisades fires, Jeff Bliss reports that residents remain angry over government inaction. Rebuilding is stalled by the Coastal Commission's
08 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
ONE YEAR LATER: ANGER AND STAGNATION AFTER THE PALISADES FIRE Colleague Jeff Bliss, Pacific Watch. A year after the Palisades fires, Jeff Bliss repor...
S8 Ep287: THE SUPREME COURT AND THE MYTH OF THE UNITARY EXECUTIVE Colleague Richard Epstein, Civitas Institute. Richard Epstein challenges the view that the Roberts Court blindly supports a "unitary executive." He argues the Court is correctly questioning the const
08 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
THE SUPREME COURT AND THE MYTH OF THE UNITARY EXECUTIVE Colleague Richard Epstein, Civitas Institute. Richard Epstein challenges the view that the Ro...
S8 Ep287: THE SUPREME COURT AND THE MYTH OF THE UNITARY EXECUTIVE Colleague Richard Epstein, Civitas Institute. Richard Epstein challenges the view that the Roberts Court blindly supports a "unitary executive." He argues the Court is correctly questioning the const
08 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
THE SUPREME COURT AND THE MYTH OF THE UNITARY EXECUTIVE Colleague Richard Epstein, Civitas Institute. Richard Epstein challenges the view that the Ro...
S8 Ep287: COLD WAR TACTICS: THE SEIZURE OF A RUSSIAN TANKER Colleague Anatol Lieven, Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft. Lieven discusses the US Navy's detention of a Russian-flagged ship in the North Atlantic, viewing it as a dangerous escalation akin to
08 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
COLD WAR TACTICS: THE SEIZURE OF A RUSSIAN TANKER Colleague Anatol Lieven, Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft. Lieven discusses the US Navy'...
S8 Ep287: SPHERES OF INFLUENCE AND THE RETURN OF THE MONROE DOCTRINE Colleague Anatol Lieven, Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft. Anatol Lieven argues that "spheres of influence" have returned, with the US reasserting the Monroe Doctrine in the Western Hem
08 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
SPHERES OF INFLUENCE AND THE RETURN OF THE MONROE DOCTRINE Colleague Anatol Lieven, Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft. Anatol Lieven argues...
S8 Ep286: PREVIEW FOR LATER TODAY REGULATORY HURDLES AND HIGH WINDS FUEL PALISADES FIRE Colleague Jeff Bliss, Pacific Watch. Jeff Bliss reports on the January 2025 Pacific Palisades fire, allegedly ignited by an arsonist and exacerbated by Santa Ana winds. Bliss no
08 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
PREVIEW FOR LATER TODAY REGULATORY HURDLES AND HIGH WINDS FUEL PALISADES FIREColleague Jeff Bliss, Pacific Watch. Jeff Bliss reports on the January 20...
S8 Ep286: PREVIEW FOR LATER TODAY CULTURE CLASH: MODERN TRAFFIC VS. AMISH BUGGIES Colleague Jim McTague. Jim McTague details the dangerous friction between Amish horse-drawn buggies and automobiles in Lancaster County. With over 30 collisions in 2024 and a recent f
08 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
PREVIEW FOR LATER TODAY CULTURE CLASH: MODERN TRAFFIC VS. AMISH BUGGIES Colleague Jim McTague. Jim McTague details the dangerous friction between Amis...
S8 Ep286: PREVIEW FOR LATER TODAY CES HIGHLIGHTS THE MARRIAGE OF AI AND ROBOTICS Colleague Chris Riegel, Scalar.com. Reporting from the Consumer Electronics Show, Chris Riegel highlights the dominance of robots, ranging from domestic helpers to advanced machines fo
08 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
PREVIEW FOR LATER TODAY CES HIGHLIGHTS THE MARRIAGE OF AI AND ROBOTICS Colleague Chris Riegel, Scalar.com. Reporting from the Consumer Electronics Sho...
S8 Ep286: PREVIEW FOR LATER TODAY TURKEY'S NUCLEAR AMBITIONS AND IMPERIAL NOSTALGIA Colleague Henry Sokolski, Nonproliferation Policy Education Center. Henry Sokolski explains that Turkey desires a nuclear weapon to assert agency and revive the influence of the Ott
08 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
PREVIEW FOR LATER TODAY TURKEY'S NUCLEAR AMBITIONS AND IMPERIAL NOSTALGIA Colleague Henry Sokolski, Nonproliferation Policy Education Center. Henry So...
S8 Ep286: PREVIEW FOR LATER TODAY EMPEROR MANUEL: CHARISMA WITHOUT SUSTAINABILITY Colleague Professor Ed Watts, Author of The Romans. Professor Ed Watts critiques Emperor Manuel, a 12th-century ruler who prioritized grand gestures, such as jousting, over strategic
08 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
PREVIEW FOR LATER TODAY EMPEROR MANUEL: CHARISMA WITHOUT SUSTAINABILITY Colleague Professor Ed Watts, Author of The Romans. Professor Ed Watts critiqu...
S8 Ep286: PREVIEW FOR LATER TODAY ICE CAPS MAY SHIELD LIQUID LAKES ON MARS Colleague Bob Zimmerman. Bob Zimmerman reviews a new computer model suggesting that liquid water lakes could survive on Mars if protected by a cap of ice. While surface water usually sublima
08 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
PREVIEW FOR LATER TODAY ICE CAPS MAY SHIELD LIQUID LAKES ON MARS Colleague Bob Zimmerman. Bob Zimmerman reviews a new computer model suggesting that l...
S8 Ep285: Guest: Professor Edward J. Watts. Heraclius defeated the Persian Empire only to lose the Middle East to rising Arab forces, devastating Rome's food and financial supplies. Facing famine and new barbarian threats like the Avars, Romans interpreted these di
08 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Guest: Professor Edward J. Watts. Heraclius defeated the Persian Empire only to lose the Middle East to rising Arab forces, devastating Rome's food a...
S8 Ep285: Guest: Professor Edward J. Watts. The Nika riots, sparked by chariot racing factions, nearly toppled Emperor Justinian until Empress Theodora convinced him to stay. After crushing the rebellion, Justinian built the Hagia Sophia to symbolize repentance and
08 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Guest: Professor Edward J. Watts. The Nika riots, sparked by chariot racing factions, nearly toppled Emperor Justinian until Empress Theodora convince...
S8 Ep285: Guest: Professor Edward J. Watts. Following Julian's failed attempt to restore paganism, Theodosius embraced Christianity and suppressed traditional Roman religion. Simultaneously, the mishandling of Gothic refugees fleeing the Huns led to rebellion. Afte
07 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Guest: Professor Edward J. Watts. Following Julian's failed attempt to restore paganism, Theodosius embraced Christianity and suppressed traditional R...
S8 Ep285: Guest: Professor Edward J. Watts. Emperor Diocletian reorganized the empire's administration and persecuted Christians to protect his new system. Following Diocletian's retirement, Constantine seized power through civil war, attributing his military victo
07 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Guest: Professor Edward J. Watts. Emperor Diocletian reorganized the empire's administration and persecuted Christians to protect his new system. Foll...
S8 Ep285: Guest: Professor Evan Ellis. Latin America is seeing a shift away from leftist "Pink Tide" governments toward pro-U.S. administrations in countries like Argentina and Paraguay due to failures in addressing security and corruption. Despite this political s
07 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Guest: Professor Evan Ellis. Latin America is seeing a shift away from leftist "Pink Tide" governments toward pro-U.S. administrations in countries li...
S8 Ep285: Guest: Professor Evan Ellis. Events in Caracas are shaping upcoming elections in Brazil and Colombia, pushing leaders like Lula toward moderation to appease centrist voters. In Colombia, frustration with President Petro's policies and security failures ma
07 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Guest: Professor Evan Ellis. Events in Caracas are shaping upcoming elections in Brazil and Colombia, pushing leaders like Lula toward moderation to a...
S8 Ep285: Guest: Professor Evan Ellis. Havana is in panic as the loss of Venezuelan oil threatens to break the country's petroleum-fired power infrastructure. With the currency in freefall and massive blackouts, the regime hopes to muddle through despite enormous s
07 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Guest: Professor Evan Ellis. Havana is in panic as the loss of Venezuelan oil threatens to break the country's petroleum-fired power infrastructure. ...
S8 Ep285: Guest: Professor Evan Ellis. Venezuela's oil industry has collapsed due to the firing of professionals and lack of maintenance, leaving infrastructure dangerous and unable to process heavy crude. With storage at capacity, the U.S. is using "coercive diplo
07 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Guest: Professor Evan Ellis. Venezuela's oil industry has collapsed due to the firing of professionals and lack of maintenance, leaving infrastructur...
S8 Ep285: Guest: Brandon Weichert. Chinese tech giant Baidu is developing high-end chips to boost its market valuation. However, the Chinese state drives this "chip war" for military control and resilience rather than profitability. Despite some puffery regarding c
07 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Guest: Brandon Weichert. Chinese tech giant Baidu is developing high-end chips to boost its market valuation. However, the Chinese state drives this ...
S8 Ep285: Guest: Alan Tonelson. China's leadership is likely stunned by setbacks with allies in Venezuela and Iran. While China relies on coal, the loss of cheap oil imports will squeeze its industry. Furthermore, China's strategy of exporting its way out of troubl
07 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Guest: Alan Tonelson. China's leadership is likely stunned by setbacks with allies in Venezuela and Iran. While Chinarelies on coal, the loss of chea...
S8 Ep285: Guest: Rebecca Grant. The Arctic has become a battleground where Russia and China are increasing military cooperation, including bomber flights and naval exercises. The U.S. needs to expand its fleet of icebreakers and sensors to counter threats, such as
07 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Guest: Rebecca Grant. The Arctic has become a battleground where Russia and China are increasing military cooperation, including bomber flights and n...
S8 Ep285: Guest: Steve Yates. China expects repayment for its loans to Venezuela, but the U.S. "Monroe Doctrine 2.0" aims to cut adversaries out of the hemisphere. By blocking oil shipments, the U.S. leverages economic power to disrupt China's supply chains, potent
07 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Guest: Steve Yates. China expects repayment for its loans to Venezuela, but the U.S. "Monroe Doctrine 2.0" aims to cut adversaries out of the hemisph...
S8 Ep285: Guest: General Blaine Holt. The operation in Caracas revealed that Chinese-made air defense systems failed to detect U.S. aircraft. Electronic warfare capabilities and stealth technology likely blinded radars, rendering Russian missile systems useless. Th
07 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Guest: General Blaine Holt. The operation in Caracas revealed that Chinese-made air defense systems failed to detect U.S. aircraft. Electronic warfare...
S8 Ep285: Guest: General Blaine Holt. The U.S. seized a Russian-flagged vessel, the "Bella 1," in the Atlantic, prompting a Russian submarine to track the operation. This Cold War-style confrontation highlights the risks of miscalculation as Washington enforces an
07 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Guest: General Blaine Holt. The U.S. seized a Russian-flagged vessel, the "Bella 1," in the Atlantic, prompting a Russian submarine to track the opera...
S8 Ep285: Guest: Behnam Ben Taleblu. Reports of the Ayatollah planning to flee are likely inaccurate; the regime's ideology drives it to fight rather than seek exile. Despite economic strain, Tehran continues funding proxies like Hezbollah to maintain its transnati
07 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Guest: Behnam Ben Taleblu. Reports of the Ayatollah planning to flee are likely inaccurate; the regime's ideology drives it to fight rather than seek ...
S8 Ep285: Guest: Behnam Ben Taleblu. The Iranian regime faces a critical mass of dissatisfaction, responding with violence against protesters and hospitals rather than addressing grievances. Inflation for food has reached nearly 73 percent, and medical security is
07 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Guest: Behnam Ben Taleblu. The Iranian regime faces a critical mass of dissatisfaction, responding with violence against protesters and hospitals rath...
S8 Ep284: PREVIEW FOR LATER TODAY: Evan Ellis discusses the impact of events in Caracas on Brazil's upcoming election. Lula da Silva faces scrutiny over ties to Chavista elites, while the Bolsonaro family alleges political persecution by the courts. The "cultural w
07 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
PREVIEW FOR LATER TODAY: Evan Ellis discusses the impact of events in Caracas on Brazil's upcoming election. Lula da Silva faces scrutiny over ties to...
S8 Ep284: PREVIEW FOR LATER TODAY: Rebecca Grant evaluates Canada's role as a NATO ally in the Arctic, balancing domestic responsibilities with North American defense. While the US lacks sufficient icebreakers to enforce claims, relations remain strong despite mino
07 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
PREVIEW FOR LATER TODAY: Rebecca Grant evaluates Canada's role as a NATO ally in the Arctic, balancing domestic responsibilities with North American d...
S8 Ep284: PREVIEW FOR LATER TODAY: General Blaine Holt analyzes Vladimir Putin's dilemma following Caribbean maneuvers and the seizure of a Russian shadow fleet vessel. Facing internal pressure from Kremlin war hawks, Putin seeks a way out of the morass, raising fe
07 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
PREVIEW FOR LATER TODAY: General Blaine Holt analyzes Vladimir Putin's dilemma following Caribbeanmaneuvers and the seizure of a Russian shadow fleet ...
S8 Ep284: PREVIEW FOR LATER TODAY: Behnam Ben Taleblu reports on the dire state of Iran, where security forces target hospitals, forcing protesters to forego medical treatment. Beyond the brutal crackdown, political dissatisfaction is fueled by insane inflation rat
07 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
PREVIEW FOR LATER TODAY: Behnam Ben Taleblu reports on the dire state of Iran, where security forces target hospitals, forcing protesters to forego me...
S8 Ep284: PREVIEW FOR LATER TODAY: Alan Tonelson forecasts a difficult year for the PRC's economy in 2026, citing deflation and a property collapse. He predicts a strong global backlash against the surge of Chinese exports, which threaten foreign manufacturing sect
07 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
PREVIEW FOR LATER TODAY: Alan Tonelson forecasts a difficult year for the PRC's economy in 2026, citing deflation and a property collapse. He predicts...
S8 Ep284: EW FOR LATER TODAY: Professor Ed Watts details the backstory of the Goths, originally farmers in Ukraine who fled into Roman territory to escape the terrifying Huns. Admitted as refugees in 375 AD, the Goths faced starvation due to inadequate Roman resour
07 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
EW FOR LATER TODAY: Professor Ed Watts details the backstory of the Goths, originally farmers in Ukraine who fled into Roman territory to escape the ...
S8 Ep289: Guest: Bob Zimmerman. A standard solar conjunction has caused a temporary communication blackout with Mars rovers, a routine event for which spacecraft are prepared. In other scientific developments, astronomers have detected the wake of a companion star
07 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Guest: Bob Zimmerman. A standard solar conjunction has caused a temporary communication blackout with Mars rovers, a routine event for which spacecra...
S8 Ep289: Guest: Bob Zimmerman. The global launch industry achieved record numbers led by SpaceX, which Zimmerman argues has effectively become the true American space program by launching 90% of all payload mass and funding its own Mars ambitions through Starlink
07 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Guest: Bob Zimmerman. The global launch industry achieved record numbers led by SpaceX, which Zimmerman argues has effectively become the true Americ...
S8 Ep289: Guest: Joseph Sternberg. In Europe, France faces continued political paralysis that may require a decisive election between the right and left, whereas Germany's center-right government under Chancellor Merz is reclaiming the initiative by addressing immi
07 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Guest: Joseph Sternberg. In Europe, France faces continued political paralysis that may require a decisive election between the right and left, where...
S8 Ep289: Guest: Joseph Sternberg. Sternberg analyzes the recent U.S. invasion of Venezuela, noting that while the event disrupted predictions, its global significance ultimately depends on the subsequent U.S. decisions regarding regime support and governance in Ca
07 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Guest: Joseph Sternberg. Sternberg analyzes the recent U.S. invasion of Venezuela, noting that while the event disrupted predictions, its global sign...
S8 Ep289: Guest: Gregory Copley. King Charles III is demonstrating resilience by outworking other royals and returning to full duties despite his ongoing cancer treatment, while steadfastly ignoring the distraction of gossip surrounding Prince Harry and Prince Andr
06 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Guest: Gregory Copley. King Charles III is demonstrating resilience by outworking other royals and returning to full duties despite his ongoing cance...
S8 Ep289: Guest: Gregory Copley. Discussing Niall Ferguson's comparison of the current geopolitical climate to the imperialism of 1906, Copley argues that while territorial annexation is less common, a new form of technological and economic imperialism has emerged
06 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Guest: Gregory Copley. Discussing Niall Ferguson's comparison of the current geopolitical climate to the imperialism of 1906, Copley argues that whil...
S8 Ep289: Guest: Gregory Copley. President Trump's interest in acquiring or occupying Greenland is driven by the island's strategic value for polar routes, satellite contact, and missile positioning, though Copley argues that administration claims regarding Russian
06 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Guest: Gregory Copley. President Trump's interest in acquiring or occupying Greenland is driven by the island's strategic value for polar routes, sat...
S8 Ep289: Guest: Gregory Copley. Following the precise U.S. tactical operation to abduct Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro, the strategic focus has shifted to securing the hemisphere and managing oil access, though major companies currently prefer the easier reser
06 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Guest: Gregory Copley. Following the precise U.S. tactical operation to abduct Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro, the strategic focus has shifted t...
S8 Ep289: Guest: Mary Kissel. The Trump administration is aggressively pursuing strategic interests in Greenland to counter Chinese influence and secure resources. Kissel expresses hope for Cuba, suggesting that pressure on the regime and support for communications
06 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Guest: Mary Kissel. The Trump administration is aggressively pursuing strategic interests in Greenland to counter Chinese influence and secure resour...
S8 Ep289: Guest: Mary Kissel. Following the incursion to arrest Maduro, Kissel notes that restoring the rule of law and curbing gang violence are prerequisites for foreign oil investment. Regarding Ukraine, Putin maintains maximalist demands, suggesting the Trump a
06 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Guest: Mary Kissel. Following the incursion to arrest Maduro, Kissel notes that restoring the rule of law and curbing gang violence are prerequisites...
S8 Ep289: Guest: Cleo Paskal. The Solomon Islands remain heavily influenced by China, leading to social decay and the suppression of democratic voices like the late Daniel Suidani. Paskal urges Australia to combat corruption by targeting funds flowing into their ba
06 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Guest: Cleo Paskal. The Solomon Islands remain heavily influenced by China, leading to social decay and the suppression of democratic voices like the ...
S8 Ep289: Guest: Cleo Paskal. Paskal details severe corruption in Saipan, where Chinese interests have exploited visa loopholes and influenced local politics via a casino. Illegal entry by Chinese nationals poses security risks to nearby Guam, though Palau is recei
06 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Guest: Cleo Paskal. Paskal details severe corruption in Saipan, where Chinese interests have exploited visa loopholes and influenced local politics v...
S8 Ep289: Guest: Jonathan Schanzer. Chaos persists in Syria with airstrikes against ISIS and factional fighting, prompting Israeli security concerns. In Gaza, Hamas refuses to disarm despite U.S. pressure and Israeli control over roughly half the territory, signali
06 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Guest: Jonathan Schanzer. Chaos persists in Syria with airstrikes against ISIS and factional fighting, prompting Israelisecurity concerns. In Gaza, Ha...
S8 Ep289: Guest: Jonathan Schanzer. The fall of the Maduro regime disrupts a critical transit hub for Hezbollah's illicit finance and drug trade in Latin America. Meanwhile, Iran faces its most significant threat since 2009 due to widespread protests, economic coll
06 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Guest: Jonathan Schanzer. The fall of the Maduro regime disrupts a critical transit hub for Hezbollah's illicit finance and drug trade in Latin Americ...
S8 Ep289: Guest: Elizabeth Peek. Peek criticizes Democrats for defending figures like Governor Tim Walz despite a massive welfare fraud scandal in Minnesota. She argues it is politically foolish for Democrats to criticize the arrest of Maduro, given previous admini
06 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Guest: Elizabeth Peek. Peek criticizes Democrats for defending figures like Governor Tim Walz despite a massive welfare fraud scandal in Minnesota. Sh...
S8 Ep289: Guest: Elizabeth Peek. President Trump's comments regarding Venezuelan oil fields have sparked interest among major companies, though political risks and broken infrastructure remain hurdles. Despite past predictions of fossil fuel obsolescence, demand re
06 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Guest: Elizabeth Peek. President Trump's comments regarding Venezuelan oil fields have sparked interest among major companies, though political risks ...
S8 Ep288: PREVIEW FOR LATER TONIGHT: Bob Zimmerman reports that a standard three-week communication blackout with Mars has begun due to the sun blocking the line of sight between Earth and the Red Planet. While relay satellites may eventually prevent these biannual
06 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
PREVIEW FOR LATER TONIGHT: Bob Zimmerman reports that a standard three-week communication blackout with Mars has begun due to the sun blocking the lin...