The John Batchelor Show

3,155 episodes — Page 13 of 64

The John Batchelor Show

S8 Ep1120: Campaigning on the Front Porch and the League of Nations Guest: David Pietrusza The 1920 campaign highlighted a stark contrast in styles: Harding's &quot;front porch&quot; campaign versus the active touring of Cox and FDR. Despite his reputation for &quot;bloviating,&quot; H

S8 Ep1120: The 1920 Democratic Convention and the Ohio Connection Guest: David Pietrusza Meeting in San Francisco, the Democrats faced a grueling nomination process dictated by the &quot;two-thirds rule,&quot; which required 44 ballots to select James M. Cox. The convention w

S8 Ep1120: The 1920 Republican Convention in Chicago Guest: David Pietrusza The Republican Convention in Chicago was a sweltering &quot;circus&quot; where Warren G. Harding started with very low odds compared to favorites like Leonard Wood and Hiram Johnson. Harding initially

S8 Ep1120: The Contenders: FDR, Coolidge, and Herbert Hoover Guest: David Pietrusza This segment introduces the rising stars of the 1920s: Franklin D. Roosevelt, Calvin Coolidge, and Herbert Hoover. At age 38, FDR was an ambitious Assistant Secretary of the Navy who

S8 Ep1120: The Rise of the &quot;Available Man&quot;: Warren G. Harding Guest: David Pietrusza With Roosevelt dead and Wilson incapacitated, the Republican Party sought a candidate who could unify their ranks during what was perceived as &quot;their year.&quot; Warren G. Harding emerge

S8 Ep1120: The Tragedy of Woodrow Wilson and the League of Nations Guest: David Pietrusza The 1920 election cycle begins with a physical and political crisis as President Woodrow Wilson suffers a massive, debilitating stroke in October 1919. This event leaves him fr

S8 Ep1119: The 1936 Landslide and Political Realignment Guest: David Pietrusza Book Title: Roosevelt Sweeps Nation: FDR's 1936 Landslide and the Triumph of the Liberal Ideal Election night 1936 at Hyde Park began with nervous anticipation, as many — including

S8 Ep1119: Eleanor Roosevelt and the Campaign Climax Guest: David Pietrusza Book Title: Roosevelt Sweeps Nation: FDR's 1936 Landslide and the Triumph of the Liberal Ideal The 1936 campaign saw the emergence of Eleanor Roosevelt as a political star. While Republicans

S8 Ep1119: The Selection of Alf Landon and the Republican Field Guest: David Pietrusza Book Title: Roosevelt Sweeps Nation: FDR's 1936 Landslide and the Triumph of the Liberal Ideal The Republican Party in 1936 struggled to find a viable candidate to face Roosevelt'

S8 Ep1119: William Randolph Hearst and the &quot;Soak the Rich&quot; Tensions Guest: David Pietrusza Book Title: Roosevelt Sweeps Nation: FDR's 1936 Landslide and the Triumph of the Liberal Ideal One of the most formidable figures Roosevelt had to manage was media tycoon Will

S8 Ep1119: Splinter Parties and the Global Shadow Guest: David Pietrusza Book Title: Roosevelt Sweeps Nation: FDR's 1936 Landslide and the Triumph of the Liberal Ideal Beyond populist insurgents, Roosevelt had to contend with the Socialist and Communist parties, whi

S8 Ep1119: The Townsend Plan and the Radio Priest Guest: David Pietrusza Book Title: Roosevelt Sweeps Nation: FDR's 1936 Landslide and the Triumph of the Liberal Ideal Two unconventional figures heavily influenced Roosevelt's 1936 strategy: Dr. Francis Townsend and

S8 Ep1119: Populist Threats and the &quot;Share Our Wealth&quot; Movement Guest: David Pietrusza Book Title: Roosevelt Sweeps Nation: FDR's 1936 Landslide and the Triumph of the Liberal Ideal As Roosevelt prepared for the 1936 election, he faced significant pressure from the

S8 Ep1119: The Passing of Louis Howe and the Challenge of the Right Guest: David Pietrusza Book Title: Roosevelt Sweeps Nation: FDR's 1936 Landslide and the Triumph of the Liberal Ideal In April 1936, the Roosevelt administration faced the looming loss of Louis Howe

S8 Ep1118: Truman's Rally and the Brave Dissent of Margaret Chase Smith GUEST: Nick Bunker In May 1950, a politically wounded Harry Truman embarked on a western tour to rebuild momentum and refocus the nation on his &quot;Fair Deal.&quot; Despite a high-profile Chicago rall

S8 Ep1118: NSC-68: The Blueprint for Cold War Rearmament GUEST: Nick Bunker Following the 1949 Soviet atomic test, Paul Nitze and Dean Acheson drafted NSC-68, a top-secret strategic document that defined the Cold War struggle. The document portrayed the Soviet threa

S8 Ep1118: Stalin's Strategic Shift and the Path to the Korean War GUEST: Nick Bunker Throughout 1949, Stalin was skeptical of Kim Il-sung's plan to invade South Korea, doubting North Korea's capability and the strategic rationale. However, in January 1950, Stalin a

S8 Ep1118: The Hiss Perjury Conviction and the Ignition of the McCarthy Era GUEST: Nick Bunker On January 25, 1950, the conviction of Alger Hiss for perjury electrified American politics, seemingly validating Republican claims that Washington was &quot;full of communist

S8 Ep1118: The Domestic Crisis: Coal Strikes and the 1950 Winter of Discontent GUEST: Nick Bunker Despite the escalating Cold War, Harry Truman viewed the winter 1950 coal strike as his &quot;greatest test.&quot; Coal was essential for heating homes and running trains, and a

S8 Ep1118: Republican Opposition: The Intellectual Force of Robert Taft and the Rise of McCarthy GUEST: Nick Bunker Senator Robert Taft, known as &quot;Mr. Conservative,&quot; was a dominant intellectual force in the Republican Party, preparing for a potential 1952 presidenti

S8 Ep1118: The Moscow Summit: Stalin and Mao's Suspicious Alliance GUEST: Nick Bunker In late 1949, Mao Zedong traveled to Moscow seeking Joseph Stalin's sponsorship for the nascent People's Republic of China. Mao required financial aid, an air force, and recognitio

S8 Ep1118: Truman's Post-Election Struggles and the Rise of Dean Acheson GUEST: Nick Bunker By Labor Day 1949, President Harry Truman's optimistic mood following his 1948 victory had soured as he was &quot;overtaken by events.&quot; A post-election recession created a $5 bill

S8 Ep1117: SCHEDULE JBS 7-10-2026 1926 LOUISIANA

S8 Ep1117: MAKING OF THE JOHN BATCHELOR, FEATURING JEFF BLISS, MICHAEL VLAHOS, 7-10-26

S8 Ep1116: Headline: SETI vs. UAPs: Distinguishing Science from Folklore Guest: Michael Garrett Garrett clarifies that SETI focuses on astronomy, not atmospheric phenomena like UFOs or UAPs. While supportive of UAP research to understand drones or rockets, he rem

S8 Ep1116: Headline: SETI Protocols and the Scientific Search for Extraterrestrial Life Guest: Michael Garrett Michael Garrett introduces updated SETI protocols for handling potential contact with extraterrestrial intelligence. The guidelines emphasize the scientifi

S8 Ep1116: Headline: Latin America's Shift Toward Democratic Capitalism Guest: Conrad Black Conrad Black observes a &quot;tidal wave&quot; of reform across South America as nations reject left-wing &quot;gangster&quot; governments in favor of market economies. He highlights the success

S8 Ep1116: Headline: The Secretive Construction of Iran's Pickaxe Mountain Guest: Andrea Stricker Andrea Stricker warns of a deeply buried nuclear site at Pickaxe Mountain, which may house advanced centrifuges. The facility is located two-thirds of a mile undergroun

S8 Ep1116: Headline: AI Productivity vs. Headcount in the Small Business Sector Guest: Gene Marks Marks argues that AI is not replacing workers but rather increasing productivity for existing staff. He highlights innovative applications like the &quot;AI Shop Advisor&quot; at

S8 Ep1116: Headline: Main Street Resilience: Small Business Success in 2026 Guest: Gene Marks Gene Marks reports that American small businesses are thriving, with strong consumer spending and rising revenues. He notes that wages are outpacing inflation, contributing

S8 Ep1116: Headline: Nuclear Safety and the Fog of War in Iran Guest: Henry Sokolski Sokolski examines reports of strikes near Iran's Bushehr nuclear power plant, noting that targeting reactors is legal if they serve military purposes. He expresses concern over the

S8 Ep1116: Headline: The New Space Race: Chinese Advances and Orbital Threats Guest: Henry Sokolski Henry Sokolski discusses China's Long March 10B booster, which successfully demonstrated first-stage recovery. He warns about potential nuclear mines in orbit and the

S8 Ep1116: Headline: The Value of Deterrence in a Proliferating World Guest: Peter Huessy Huessy argues that the U.S. nuclear umbrella remains vital for protecting allies like South Korea from North Korean aggression. He asserts that nuclear weapons are cost-effecti

S8 Ep1116: Headline: Strategic Stability and the Erosion of the Nuclear Taboo Guest: Peter Huessy Peter Huessy explores the weakening nuclear taboo, noting Putin's near-use of tactical nukes in Ukraine. He contrasts this with historic deterrence during the Cuban Mis

S8 Ep1116: Headline: Italian Summer: Over-Tourism, Extreme Heat, and the Charm of Bassano del Grappa Guest: Lorenzo Fiori Lorenzo Fiori describes record-breaking heat and humidity in Italy, suggesting tourists visit Bassano del Grappa to avoid crowds. He discusses t

S8 Ep1116: Headline: Lancaster County's Economy: Weather Disruptions and Inflationary Pressures Guest: Jim McTague Jim McTague reports on violent thunderstorms in Lancaster County that caused widespread blackouts. Despite the weather, the economy remains resilient,

S8 Ep1116: Headline: Presidential Immunity and the Legal Challenges Facing Donald Trump Guest: Richard Epstein Epstein discusses the Supreme Court's 2024 immunity ruling, distinguishing between official and unofficial acts. He critiques President Trump's private bus

S8 Ep1115: Headline: The Myth of Birthright Citizenship and the 14th Amendment Guest: Richard Epstein Professor Richard Epstein analyzes birthright citizenship, arguing the 14th Amendment's original intent excluded foreigners. He critiques the concept of &quot;tourist ba

S8 Ep1115: Headline: Pacific Watch: High Swells and Beach Controversies in San Diego Guest: Jeff Bliss Jeff Bliss reports from Sail Bay, San Diego, discussing the arrival of massive 30-foot El Niño swells. The conversation covers local beach controversies regarding

S8 Ep1114: Preview for Later Today: Conrad Black discusses the political shift in Latin America, where populist, left-wing regimes are being replaced by democratic, market-oriented governments focused on economic growth and performance rather than traditional demago

S8 Ep1114: Preview for Later Today: Lorenzo Fior recommends an Italian meal near the Dolomites, focusing on ciabatta bread paired with various sauces and white wines. He suggests concluding the dining experience with the traditional combination of chocolate and grap

S8 Ep1114: Preview for Later Today: Gene Marks reports on the healthy state of American small businesses, citing data from QuickBooks and Clover showing increased revenues and job growth. He notes that positive economic news often struggles for media attention.

S8 Ep1114: Preview for Later Today: Jim McTague observes fluctuating gasoline prices in Lancaster County, noting that costs are creeping upward daily due to Middle Eastern violence, impacting even the typically cheapest outlets like Costco and BJ's warehouse stores.

S8 Ep1114: Preview for Later Today: Henry Sokolski analyzes the international rules regarding strikes on nuclear power plants. He explains that under certain conditions, targeting facilities like Iran's Bushehr is legally permissible if they support specific militar

S8 Ep1114: Preview for Later Today: Peter Huessy examines nuclear deterrence through the lens of the Cuban Missile Crisis and modern challenges. He highlights the necessity of providing adversaries alternatives to Armageddon and the critical role of US nuclear umbre

S8 Ep1113: SCHEDULE FOR THE JBS, 7-9-2026BRAZIL 1930 BRAZIL ARGENTINA WORLD CUP

S8 Ep1112: Veronique de Rugy uses a 700-year-old Siena fresco to discuss the virtues of good governance. The artwork illustrates that a flourishing society requires the rule of law and justice. She cautions that modern industrial policies and government cronyism

S8 Ep1112: Cliff May explores the historical link between socialism and Islamism, tracing partnerships from early Bolsheviks to the Iranian Revolution. These alliances often end in violence and purges of leftists, as seen when Ayatollah Khomeini executed communist l

S8 Ep1112: Thomas Savidge argues for stringent budget reforms and spending cuts to address the fiscal crisis. He notes that while many elected officials recognize the problem, the priority of political reelection prevents them from making unpopular decisions, leavin

S8 Ep1120: Campaigning on the Front Porch and the League of Nations Guest: David Pietrusza The 1920 campaign highlighted a stark contrast in styles: Harding's "front porch" campaign versus the active touring of Cox and FDR. Despite his reputation for "bloviating," H

S8 Ep1120: The 1920 Democratic Convention and the Ohio Connection Guest: David Pietrusza Meeting in San Francisco, the Democrats faced a grueling nomination process dictated by the "two-thirds rule," which required 44 ballots to select James M. Cox. The convention w

S8 Ep1120: The 1920 Republican Convention in Chicago Guest: David Pietrusza The Republican Convention in Chicago was a sweltering "circus" where Warren G. Harding started with very low odds compared to favorites like Leonard Wood and Hiram Johnson. Harding initially

S8 Ep1120: The Rise of the "Available Man": Warren G. Harding Guest: David Pietrusza With Roosevelt dead and Wilson incapacitated, the Republican Party sought a candidate who could unify their ranks during what was perceived as "their year." Warren G. Harding emerge

S8 Ep1119: William Randolph Hearst and the "Soak the Rich" Tensions Guest: David Pietrusza Book Title: Roosevelt Sweeps Nation: FDR's 1936 Landslide and the Triumph of the Liberal Ideal One of the most formidable figures Roosevelt had to manage was media tycoon Will

S8 Ep1119: Populist Threats and the "Share Our Wealth" Movement Guest: David Pietrusza Book Title: Roosevelt Sweeps Nation: FDR's 1936 Landslide and the Triumph of the Liberal Ideal As Roosevelt prepared for the 1936 election, he faced significant pressure from the

S8 Ep1118: Truman's Rally and the Brave Dissent of Margaret Chase Smith GUEST: Nick Bunker In May 1950, a politically wounded Harry Truman embarked on a western tour to rebuild momentum and refocus the nation on his "Fair Deal." Despite a high-profile Chicago rall

S8 Ep1118: The Hiss Perjury Conviction and the Ignition of the McCarthy Era GUEST: Nick Bunker On January 25, 1950, the conviction of Alger Hiss for perjury electrified American politics, seemingly validating Republican claims that Washington was "full of communist

S8 Ep1118: The Domestic Crisis: Coal Strikes and the 1950 Winter of Discontent GUEST: Nick Bunker Despite the escalating Cold War, Harry Truman viewed the winter 1950 coal strike as his "greatest test." Coal was essential for heating homes and running trains, and a

S8 Ep1118: Republican Opposition: The Intellectual Force of Robert Taft and the Rise of McCarthy GUEST: Nick Bunker Senator Robert Taft, known as "Mr. Conservative," was a dominant intellectual force in the Republican Party, preparing for a potential 1952 presidenti

S8 Ep1118: Truman's Post-Election Struggles and the Rise of Dean Acheson GUEST: Nick Bunker By Labor Day 1949, President Harry Truman's optimistic mood following his 1948 victory had soured as he was "overtaken by events." A post-election recession created a $5 bill

S8 Ep1116: Headline: Latin America's Shift Toward Democratic Capitalism Guest: Conrad Black Conrad Black observes a "tidal wave" of reform across South America as nations reject left-wing "gangster" governments in favor of market economies. He highlights the success

S8 Ep1116: Headline: AI Productivity vs. Headcount in the Small Business Sector Guest: Gene Marks Marks argues that AI is not replacing workers but rather increasing productivity for existing staff. He highlights innovative applications like the "AI Shop Advisor" at

S8 Ep1115: Headline: The Myth of Birthright Citizenship and the 14th Amendment Guest: Richard Epstein Professor Richard Epstein analyzes birthright citizenship, arguing the 14th Amendment's original intent excluded foreigners. He critiques the concept of "tourist ba