The John Batchelor Show
Episodes
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...
S8 Ep235: 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 funding mechanism for Ukraine. NUMBER 1 2155
24 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
EU STRUGGLES WITH RUSSIAN ASSETS AND AID Colleague Judy Dempsey. Judy Dempsey discusses the EU's difficulty in utilizing frozen Russian assets and th...
S8 Ep234: PREVIEW AFD PARTY RISING IN GERMANY WITH TIES TO TRUMP-VANCE FACTION Colleague Judy Dempsey. Judy Dempsey reports from Berlin on the rising popularity of the AfD party, which is nearly tied with Chancellor Merz's coalition. She warns of a dangerous affini
23 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
PREVIEW AFD PARTY RISING IN GERMANY WITH TIES TO TRUMP-VANCE FACTION Colleague Judy Dempsey. Judy Dempsey reports from Berlin on the rising popularity...
S8 Ep234: PREVIEW STATE DEPARTMENT CHALLENGES WITH PANAMA AND CCP INTERFERENCE Colleague Mary Kissel. Mary Kissel evaluates the State Department under Secretary Rubio, noting fewer negative leaks but significant challenges regarding Panama. She details how the CCP
23 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
PREVIEW STATE DEPARTMENT CHALLENGES WITH PANAMA AND CCP INTERFERENCE Colleague Mary Kissel. Mary Kissel evaluates the State Department under Secretary...
S8 Ep234: REVIEW AUSTRALIA CRITICIZED FOR KOWTOWING TO CHINA DESPITE DISDAIN Colleague Grant Newsham. Grant Newsham criticizes the Australian government for "kowtowing" to China due to a dependence on raw material exports. Despite China treating Australia with disd
23 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
REVIEW AUSTRALIA CRITICIZED FOR KOWTOWING TO CHINA DESPITE DISDAIN Colleague Grant Newsham. Grant Newsham criticizes the Australian government for "ko...
S8 Ep233: PREVIEW PEGGY SHIPPEN'S CUNNING DECEPTION DURING THE ARNOLD CONSPIRACY Colleague Richard Bell. Historian Richard Bell discusses his book on the American Revolution, focusing on the cunning of Peggy Shippen. Bell describes how Shippen, Benedict Arnold's wi
23 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
PREVIEW PEGGY SHIPPEN'S CUNNING DECEPTION DURING THE ARNOLD CONSPIRACY Colleague Richard Bell. Historian Richard Bell discusses his book on the Americ...
S8 Ep233: PREVIEW STARMER COMPARED TO CROMWELL AS MONARCHY FACES THREATS Colleague Gregory Copley. Gregory Copley analyzes the tension between the British King and Parliament, comparing politician Keir Starmer to Oliver Cromwell. Copley suggests Starmer aims to dis
23 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
PREVIEW STARMER COMPARED TO CROMWELL AS MONARCHY FACES THREATS Colleague Gregory Copley. Gregory Copley analyzes the tension between the British King ...
S8 Ep233: PREVIEW WARNING AGAINST FRAGMENTED STATE-LEVEL AI REGULATION Colleague Kevin Frazier. Kevin Frazier, a University of Texas Law School fellow, warns against fragmented AI regulation by individual states seeking tax revenue. He advocates for a national fram
23 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
PREVIEW WARNING AGAINST FRAGMENTED STATE-LEVEL AI REGULATION Colleague Kevin Frazier. Kevin Frazier, a University of Texas Law School fellow, warns ag...
S8 Ep233: PREVIEW HEZBOLLAH REARMAMENT FUNDED BY IRAN AND SMUGGLING TUNNELS Colleague Jonathan Schanzer. Jonathan Schanzer, from the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies, details Hezbollah's rearmament, funded primarily by Iran with some Turkish and Qatari inv
23 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
PREVIEW HEZBOLLAH REARMAMENT FUNDED BY IRAN AND SMUGGLING TUNNELS Colleague Jonathan Schanzer. Jonathan Schanzer, from the Foundation for the Defense ...
S8 Ep232: SHOW 12-22-25 THE SHOW BEGINS WITH DOUBTS ABOUT FUTURE NAVY. 1. Restoring Naval Autonomy: Arguments for Separating the Navy from DoD. Tom Modly argues the Navy is an "underperforming asset" within the Defense Department's corporate structure, similar to
23 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
SHOW 12-22-25 THE SHOW BEGINS WITH DOUBTS ABOUT FUTURE NAVY. 1941 HICKAM FIELD 1. Restoring Naval Autonomy: Arguments for Separating the Navy from Do...
S8 Ep231: 16. Alienating Allies: The Strategic Cost of Attacking European Partners. John Yoo argues that imposing tariffs and attacking democratic European allies undermines the coalition needed to counter China and Russia. He asserts that democracies are the most
23 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
16. Alienating Allies: The Strategic Cost of Attacking European Partners. John Yoo argues that imposing tariffs and attacking democratic European al...
S8 Ep231: 15. Trump's Security Strategy: Homeland Defense Lacks Global Clarity. John Yoo praises the strategy's focus on homeland defense and the Western Hemisphere, reviving a corollary to the Monroe Doctrine. However, he criticizes the failure to explicitly name
23 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
15. Trump's Security Strategy: Homeland Defense Lacks Global Clarity. John Yoo praises the strategy's focus on homeland defense and the Western Hemis...
S8 Ep231: 14. Shifts in Latin America: Brazilian Elections and Venezuelan Hope. Ernesto Araujo and Alejandro Peña Esclusa predict a 2026 battle between socialist accommodation and freedom-oriented transformation in Brazil, highlighted by Flavio Bolsonaro's candidac
23 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
14. Shifts in Latin America: Brazilian Elections and Venezuelan Hope. Ernesto Araujo and Alejandro Peña Esclusapredict a 2026 battle between sociali...
S8 Ep231: 13. Assessing Battlefield Realities: Russian Deceit and Ukrainian Counterattacks. John Hardie analyzes the "culture of deceit" within the Russian military, exemplified by false claims of capturing Kupyansk while Ukraine actually counterattacked. This syst
23 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
13. Assessing Battlefield Realities: Russian Deceit and Ukrainian Counterattacks. John Hardie analyzes the "culture of deceit" within the Russian mil...
S8 Ep231: 12. The Irish Dimension: Revolutionary Hopes and Brutal Repression. The Irish viewed the American Revolution as a signal that the British Empire was vulnerable, sparking the failed 1798 Irish rebellion. While the British suppressed Irish independence brut
23 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
12. The Irish Dimension: Revolutionary Hopes and Brutal Repression. The Irish viewed the American Revolutionas a signal that the British Empire was v...
S8 Ep231: 11. Caught in the Crossfire: Indigenous Struggles in the Revolutionary War. Molly Brant, a Mohawk leader, allied with the British to stop settler encroachment but became a refugee when the British failed to protect Indigenous lands. Post-war, white Americ
23 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
11. Caught in the Crossfire: Indigenous Struggles in the Revolutionary War. Molly Brant, a Mohawk leader, allied with the British to stop settler enc...
S8 Ep231: 10. Privateers and Prison Ships: The Unsung Cost of Maritime Independence. Richard Bell highlights the crucial role of privateers like William Russell, who raided British shipping when the Continental Navy was weak. Captured privateers faced horrific cond
23 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
10. Privateers and Prison Ships: The Unsung Cost of Maritime Independence. Richard Bell highlights the crucial role of privateers like William Russel...
S8 Ep231: 9. The Professional: Von Steuben's Transformation of the Continental Army. Richard Bell introduces Baron von Steuben as a desperate, unemployed Prussian officer who professionalized the ragtag Continental Army at Valley Forge. Washington's hiring of forei
23 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
9. The Professional: Von Steuben's Transformation of the Continental Army. Richard Bell introduces Baron von Steuben as a desperate, unemployed Pruss...
S8 Ep231: 8. The Forever War: Jihadist Patience vs. American Cycles. Bill Roggio argues the US has failed to defeat jihadist ideology or funding, allowing groups like Al-Qaeda to persist in Afghanistan and Africa. He warns that adversaries view American withdrawals
23 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
8. The Forever War: Jihadist Patience vs. American Cycles. Bill Roggio argues the US has failed to defeat jihadist ideology or funding, allowing grou...
S8 Ep231: 7. Global Jihad: The Distinct Threats of the Brotherhood and ISIS. Edmund Fitton-Brown contrasts the Muslim Brotherhood's long-term infiltration of Western institutions with ISIS's violent, reckless approach. He warns that ISIS remains viable, with recent
23 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
7. Global Jihad: The Distinct Threats of the Brotherhood and ISIS. Edmund Fitton-Brown contrasts the Muslim Brotherhood's long-term infiltration of W...
S8 Ep231: 6. Failure to Disarm: Hezbollah's Persistence and UNIFIL's Inefficacy. David Daoud reports that the Lebanese government is failing to disarm Hezbollah south of the Litani River, merely evicting them from abandoned sites. He argues UNIFIL is an ineffective
23 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
6. Failure to Disarm: Hezbollah's Persistence and UNIFIL's Inefficacy. David Daoud reports that the Lebanesegovernment is failing to disarm Hezbollah...
S8 Ep231: 5. Symbolic Strikes: US and Jordan Target Resurgent ISIS in Syria. Following an attack on US personnel, the US and Jordan conducted airstrikes against ISIS strongholds, likely with Syrian regime consultation. Ahmed Sharawi questions the efficacy of striki
23 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
5. Symbolic Strikes: US and Jordan Target Resurgent ISIS in Syria. Following an attack on US personnel, the US and Jordan conducted airstrikes agains...
S8 Ep231: 4. Enforcing Sanctions: Interdicting the Shadow Fleet to Squeeze China. Victoria Coates details the Trump administration's enforcement of a "Monroe Doctrine" corollary, using naval power to seize tankers carrying Venezuelan oil to China. This strategy exp
22 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
4. Enforcing Sanctions: Interdicting the Shadow Fleet to Squeeze China. Victoria Coates details the Trump administration's enforcement of a "Monroe D...
S8 Ep231: 3. British Weakness: The Failure to Challenge Beijing Over Jimmy Lai. Mark Simon predicts Prime Minister Starmer will fail to secure Jimmy Lai's release because the UK mistakenly views China as an economic savior. He notes the UK's diminished military and
22 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
3. British Weakness: The Failure to Challenge Beijing Over Jimmy Lai. Mark Simon predicts Prime Minister Starmer will fail to secure Jimmy Lai's rele...
S8 Ep231: 2. Future Fleets: Decentralizing Firepower to Counter Chinese Growth. Tom Modly warns that China's shipbuilding capacity vastly outpaces the US, requiring a shift toward distributed forces rather than expensive, concentrated platforms. He advocates for a
22 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
2. Future Fleets: Decentralizing Firepower to Counter Chinese Growth. Tom Modly warns that China's shipbuilding capacity vastly outpaces the US, requ...
S8 Ep231: 1. Restoring Naval Autonomy: Arguments for Separating the Navy from DoD. Tom Modly argues the Navy is an "underperforming asset" within the Defense Department's corporate structure, similar to how Fiat Chrysler successfully spun off Ferrari. He suggests t
22 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
1. Restoring Naval Autonomy: Arguments for Separating the Navy from DoD. Tom Modly argues the Navy is an "underperforming asset" within the Defense D...
S8 Ep230: PREVIEW Guest: Professor Richard Bell Summary: Professor Bell discusses his book on the American Revolution, focusing on the "darkest passage" of the war: British prison hulks in New York Harbor. He details the horrific conditions on the ship Jersey, wher
22 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
PREVIEW Guest: Professor Richard Bell Summary: Professor Bell discusses his book on the American Revolution, focusing on the "darkest passage" of the ...
S8 Ep230: PREVIEW Guest: Victoria Coates Summary: Coates analyzes China's energy vulnerability, specifically its reliance on a "shadow fleet" importing Venezuelan oil. She suggests the US should interdict these shipments because China lacks a "Plan B." Forced to bu
22 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
PREVIEW Guest: Victoria Coates Summary: Coates analyzes China's energy vulnerability, specifically its reliance on a "shadow fleet" importing Venezuel...
S8 Ep230: PREVIEW Guest: Bill Roggio Summary: Roggio reports on the expansion of jihadist groups across Africa, including Somalia, Mali, and Burkina Faso. He warns that European powers have effectively abandoned these regions, allowing them to descend into chaos an
22 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
PREVIEW Guest: Bill Roggio Summary: Roggio reports on the expansion of jihadist groups across Africa, including Somalia, Mali, and Burkina Faso. He wa...
S8 Ep230: PREVIEW Guest: Mark Simon Summary: Simon discusses the sentencing of Jimmy Lai by the Chinese regime. He expresses doubt that British Prime Minister Keir Starmer will use an upcoming business trip to demand the return of Lai, a British citizen, noting tha
22 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
PREVIEW Guest: Mark Simon Summary: Simon discusses the sentencing of Jimmy Lai by the Chinese regime. He expresses doubt that British Prime Minister K...
S8 Ep230: PREVIEW Guest: Professor John Yoo Summary: Professor Yoo supports a national security strategy that prioritizes the Western Hemisphere and homeland defense over conflicts in Europe or the Middle East. He argues that US leadership has overlooked vital eco
22 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
PREVIEW Guest: Professor John Yoo Summary: Professor Yoo supports a national security strategy that prioritizes the Western Hemisphere and homeland de...