The John Batchelor Show

1,589 episodes — Page 17 of 32

The John Batchelor Show

S8 Ep917: Following the death of the Elder in 367 BCE, Dion invited Plato back to tutor the immature Dionysius the Younger. James Romm explains that Dion hoped Plato could transform the new ruler into an enlightened, constitutional monarch rather than a tyrant. Des

S8 Ep917: In Plato and the Tyrant, James Romm explains that Plato, born approximately 428 BCE, was deeply influenced by the 30 Tyrants of Athens, a regime involving his cousin Critias that conducted a reign of terror. After the execution of his teacher, Socrates, P

S8 Ep917: James Romm discusses his book Plato and the Tyrant. Syracuse emerged as an immensely powerful and prosperous state in the 4th century BCE under the rule of Dionysius the Elder. He rose to power as a demagogue by railing against elite leaders and was appoi

S8 Ep916: SCHEDULE THE JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW, 5-22-2026. 1900 ADAMS BOULEVARD.

S8 Ep915: CDouglas Messier discusses a new partnership to develop asteroid mining technology. Key innovations like optical mining and solar thermal engines could eventually allow for large-scale robotic construction in space. (16/16)

S8 Ep914: Conrad Black proposes a Commonwealth economic fund to rival China and the U.S. He critiques Britain's failed governance and suggests the Reform Party offers a necessary shift away from welfare-centric politics. (15/16)

S8 Ep914: Mariam Wahba describes the jihadist threat in Mali led by Iyad Ag Ghaly. The group's siege on the capital endangers Nigeria, necessitating U.S. intelligence support for allies without using American troops. (14/16)

S8 Ep914: Henry Sokolski argues that the NPT review highlights the failure to prevent Iran's nuclear enrichment. He warns that this creates a domino effect of proliferation across Saudi Arabia and Europe. (13/16)

S8 Ep914: Peter Mauch covers Tojo's failed suicide and his transition to a scapegoat for the Tokyo trials. He accepted responsibility for war crimes while shielding the Emperor from any legal prosecution. (12/16)

S8 Ep914: Peter Mauch reveals Emperor Hirohito's daily involvement in military details. Tojo suppressed any talk of an exit strategy, though he eventually complied with the sacred decision to surrender after the atomic attacks. (11/16)

S8 Ep914: Peter Mauch notes that Tojo acted as a tyrant by assuming multiple cabinet positions. After losing four carriers at Midway, Tojo utilized propaganda and censorship to hide the truth from the public. (10/16)

S8 Ep914: Peter Mauch examines Hideki Tojo's 1941 strategy, where he balanced Army and Navy demands. The Navy's push for oil in Southeast Asia ultimately led to the circular logic of war. (9/16)

S8 Ep914: Bob Zimmerman explains that the Psyche probe successfully completed a Mars flyby. Meanwhile, reanalyzed data suggests Europa may lack water plumes, contradicting previous theories about the moon's potential for life. (8/16)

S8 Ep914: Bob Zimmerman details SpaceX's IPO filings, which show Starlink earns $12 billion annually. These profits fund Starship development, while new ventures like high-powered satellite buses expand the company's commercial reach. (7/16)

S8 Ep914: Lorenzo Fiori discusses Italy's renewed interest in nuclear power and electric vehicle production in Naples. He also recommends the Molise region for its unique food and red Biferno wine. (6/16)

S8 Ep914: Jim McTague describes robust Memorial Day shopping in Lancaster County despite high gas prices. He warns that the economy sits in bubbles created by AI data centers and government spending. (5/16)

S8 Ep914: Richard Epstein critiques the Democratic Party's 2024 autopsy, arguing that Kamala Harris failed because she focused on identity politics. He claims the party lost contact with male and rural voters. (4/16)

S8 Ep914: Richard Epstein analyzes the Trump administration's efforts to bypass state-run elections by banning voting machines. He characterizes these moves as unilateral abuses that threaten the constitutional separation of powers. (3/16)

S8 Ep914: Jeff Bliss reports on the "Disney Forward" expansion, which may include a third theme park. He notes that Harbor Boulevard faces intense traffic congestion despite Disney's advanced engineering efforts. (2/16)

S8 Ep914: Jeff Bliss describes the rapid spread of Southern California wildfires in Riverside County. He also discusses a major fire on Santa Rosa Island caused by a stranded boater's flare. (1/16)

S8 Ep913: TREAMING THE MAKING OF THE JBS, FEATURING JEFF BLISS, 5-22-26. 1942-43. TOJO MOCKED.

S8 Ep912: PREVIEW for Later Today: Conrad Black. Conrad Black analyzes unprecedented governance failures within the "Five Eyes" nations, focusing specifically on the streak of seven consecutive failed prime ministers currently paralyzing Great Britain.

S8 Ep912: PREVIEW for Later Today: Richard Epstein. Richard Epstein derides a controversial DOJ settlement worth $1.776 billion, arguing the agreement is corruptly organized and cannot legally bind future administrations' investigative powers.

S8 Ep912: PREVIEW for Later Today: Peter Mauch. Peter Mauch explores Japanese leader Hideki Tojo's arrogance, detailing how his consolidation of multiple cabinet positions ultimately weakened the nation's wartime decision-making and consensus.

S8 Ep912: PREVIEW for Later Today: Doug Messier. Doug Messier details a commercial space partnership aiming to capture asteroids for mining water and metals, which would significantly reduce costs for future space construction.

S8 Ep912: PREVIEW for Later Today: Henry Sokolski. Henry Sokolski discusses the NPT review, warning against granting enrichment rights to Middle Eastern nations and emphasizing the need for stronger international enforcement mechanisms.

S8 Ep912: PREVIEW for Later Today: Bob Zimmerman. Bob Zimmerman explains how Vast is diversifying its business model by selling high-powered satellite buses to fund the development of their ambitious private space stations.

S8 Ep911: SCHEDULE JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW, 5-21-2026. 1943 USA INFORMATION WAR.

S8 Ep910: Anatoly Zak reports that Russia has successfully tested the Sarmat, a heavy liquid-propellant ICBM designed to target the United States. Capable of carrying up to 20 maneuverable warheads, it replaces the Ukrainian-built "Satan" missile. While technolo

S8 Ep910: Anatoly Zak reports that despite sanctions and corruption scandals, Russia successfully launched the Soyuz-5 rocket, a joint project with Kazakhstan designed to replace Ukrainian technology. While international commercial prospects have vanished, Russia i

S8 Ep910: Sadanand Dhume reports that the BJP's landslide victory in West Bengal marks a significant defeat for longtime leader Mamata Banerjee. Her neglect of the economy and corruption allegations led to her ouster. This victory signals Narendra Modi's regained p

S8 Ep910: Veronique de Rugy argues that tariffs function as taxes paid by Americans, with costs passing to consumers at a 96% rate. Despite promises to revive manufacturing, employment in that sector has continued to decline. The policy is described as a "catastrop

S8 Ep910: Peter Mauch explains that as War Minister, Tojo—nicknamed "The Razor"—instilled iron discipline within the fractious Japanese army to earn the Emperor's favor. He consolidated political power by centralizing military communication and cashiering insubordi

S8 Ep910: Peter Mauch explains that in 1937, the Marco Polo Bridge incident sparked conflict between Japan and China. While Tokyo sought de-escalation, the Kwantung Army, including Tojo, pushed for escalation and conquest. Chiang Kai-shek's refusal to surrender dre

S8 Ep910: Peter Mauch explains that during the 1930s, the Japanese army split into the "Imperial Way" and "Control" factions. The Imperial Way prioritized morale and the Emperor, while Tojo's Control faction advocated for "total war" preparation involving all state

S8 Ep910: Peter Mauch explores the early life of Hideki Tojo, focusing on his failed 1945 suicide attempt and the military code prohibiting the disgrace of surrender. Born into a samurai-descended family, Tojo's ambitions were fueled by the perceived mistreatment o

S8 Ep910: Evan Ellis reports that Venezuela has surrendered Alex Saab, Nicolas Maduro's former bagman, to the U.S. for prosecution. Saab possesses critical information on illicit financial flows involving Iran, Cuba, and Colombia. Delcy Rodriguez's decision to extr

S8 Ep910: Evan Ellis reports that the U.S. Justice Department has indicted 94-year-old Raul Castro for the 1996 murder of "Brothers to the Rescue" pilots. The indictment serves as leverage in transition negotiations. Meanwhile, Russia and China pledge support to Cu

S8 Ep910: Evan Ellis characterizes protests in Bolivia as an organized "coup in motion" funded by coca growers' unions. Figures like Evo Morales and rivals within the government benefit from dismantling reforms. The instability threatens counter-drug efforts and al

S8 Ep910: Evan Ellis reports that Bolivia faces nationwide protests and blockades over austerity measures and fuel shortages. President Rodrigo Paz attempts reconciliation, but former President Evo Morales is accused of destabilizing the government to avoid child t

S8 Ep910: Mary Anastasia O'Grady reports that the U.S. has imposed sanctions on GAESA, a shadowy military-controlled conglomerate dominating 70% of Cuba's economy. The company manages retail, ports, and foreign currency, including billions allegedly gained through

S8 Ep910: Russia has resumed military cargo shipments to Syria for the first time since the al-Sharaa government took power. Ahmad Sharawi explains that President al-Sharaa is balancing relations with Russia, Turkey, and Ukraine to rebuild his military. Tensions re

S8 Ep910: Following meetings in Beijing, Vladimir Putin seeks to finalize a gas pipeline to China to offset lost European markets. Anatol Lieven notes that while trade in dual-use technology grows, China remains cautious about full military escalation. Russia's inv

S8 Ep910: Anatol Lieven discusses the resignation of Latvia's Prime Minister following air defense failures. Ukrainian drones targeting Russia have been transiting Baltic airspace, leading to Russian threats of retaliation. Lieven explores the risk of unintended es

S8 Ep909: STREAMING THE MAKING OF THE JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW, FEATURING JIM MCTAGUE, 5-21-2026. 1943 TOJO TOURS THE PHILIPPINE OCCUPYING FORCE.

S8 Ep908: PREVIEW for Later Today: Veronique de Rugy explains that American consumers bear the full cost of Trump administration tariffs. These taxes make domestic manufacturing more expensive and products less affordable, contradicting claims that the policy would

S8 Ep908: PREVIEW for Later Today: Sadanand Dhume discusses India's efforts to attract supply chains from China. While Apple has successfully diversified iPhone production there, India struggles to compete with more nimble nations like Vietnam in other various econ

S8 Ep908: PREVIEW for Later Today: Evan Ellis explores military alternatives for Cuba beyond a traditional invasion. He suggests selective strikes against command nodes or special operations to pressure the regime, providing a hard-line complement to ongoing diplom

S8 Ep908: PREVIEW for Later Today: Peter Mauch provides a biographical look at Hideki Tojo, detailing how cronyism in the Imperial Japanese Army fueled his ambitions. Tojo's direct style earned him the nickname "the razor" as he rose to power.

S8 Ep908: PREVIEW for Later Today: Mary Anastasia O'Grady details GAESA, a non-transparent Cuban military conglomerate that controls the island's hard currency. By hoarding foreign investment and leaving citizens with worthless pesos, the organization has become a