The John Batchelor Show

STREAMING THE MAKING OF THE JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW, FEATURING JEFF BLISS AND MICHAEL VLAHOS, FRIDAY 4-3-2026. 1550 ANTONY SENDS SOLDIERS TO FETCH CICERO TO THE SENATE This transcript features a dialogue between John Bachelor and Jeff Bliss regarding the contrasting states of Las Vegas and Los Angeles. They characterize Las Vegas as a rapidly expanding "Sim City" that is successfully reinventing itself through new construction and spring break tourism, despite infrastructure challenges. Conversely, the speakers critique Los Angeles for its bureaucratic hurdles and public safety issues, specifically noting how these factors disrupted the filming of a *Baywatch* reboot at Venice Beach. The conversation also touches on California politics, highlighting the complications of the jungle primary and the rising costs of gasoline. Finally, the segment transitions into a historical and geopolitical roleplay, using a Roman perspective to analyze modern American military conflicts and the potential

JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW SCHEDULE, FRIDAY 4-3-20261969 APJOHN BATCHELOR SHOW SCHEDULE, FRIDAY 4-3-20261969 APOLLO 101. LAS VEGAS TOURISM AND PRODUCTION HURDLES GUEST: Jeff Bliss Jeff Bliss discusses Las Vegas’s rise as a spring break destination and the "creative destruction" of historic hotels,. He also explores how bureaucratic fees and safety concerns impact film production for the *Baywatch* reboot. (1)2. CALIFORNIA’S PRIMARY AND NATIONAL POLITICS GUEST: Jeff Bliss Jeff Bliss explains how California’s "jungle primary" splits the Democratic vote, aiding Republican candidates like Steve Hilton. Meanwhile, Governor Gavin Newsom remains focused on a potential presidential run rather than local legislative issues. (2)3. THE EVOLUTION OF BIRTHRIGHT CITIZENSHIP LAW GUEST: Richard Epstein Richard Epstein analyzes the 14th Amendment and early naturalization acts, emphasizing that citizenship originally required renouncing foreign allegiances. He argues that using "domicile" as a legal standard distorts the original intent of statutes. (3)4. POLITICAL SHIFTS AND THE EPSTEIN FILES GUEST: Richard Epstein Richard Epstein discusses the resignation of Pam Bondi and the political threat posed by the Jeffrey Epstein files. These documents create risks through "guilt by association" for various high-profile figures, including Donald Trump. (4)5. LANCASTER COUNTY ECONOMY AND EASTER TRADITIONS GUEST: Jim McTague Jim McTague reports sharp gas price increases in Lancaster County, affecting household budgets. He also highlights local Easter traditions, including church-made peanut butter chocolate eggs, and the start of the trout fishing season. (5)6. ITALIAN FOOTBALL REFORM AND EASTER RECIPES GUEST: Lorenzo Fiori Lorenzo Fiori addresses the Italian national team’s failure to qualify for the World Cup and calls for systemic reform. He also recommends visiting Cuneo and shares a traditional recipe for chard-stuffed Easter cake. (6)7. ARTEMIS MISSIONS AND CORPORATE SPACE RIVALRY GUEST: Bob Zimmerman Bob Zimmerman critiques the Artemis 2 mission design and high SLS rocket costs. He also discusses the "lawfare" between SpaceX and Amazon regarding satellite orbits and SpaceX’s potential move toward an initial public offering. (7)8. ASTRONOMICAL DISCOVERIES AND PLANETARY RESEARCH GUEST: Bob Zimmerman The Reuben Telescope has discovered 11,000 asteroids, including near-Earth objects. Bob Zimmerman also explains Saturn’s warped magnetic field and emphasizes the need for new orbiters to explore data from Neptune and Uranus. (8)9. THE EMERGENCE OF CIVIL WAR PRISON CAMPS GUEST: Fitzhugh Brundage Fitzhugh Brundage discusses the creation of prisons like Andersonville and Point Lookout after the breakdown of prisoner exchanges. The Confederacy established Andersonville in Georgia to move prisoners away from the capital, Richmond. (9)10. AFRICAN AMERICAN PRISONERS IN THE CIVIL WAR GUEST: Fitzhugh Brundage Fitzhugh Brundage details the harrowing experiences of black Union soldiers like Isaac Gaskins, who were enslaved by the Confederacy after capture. These men were often forced into labor instead of being treated as POWs. (10)11. ANDERSONVILLE’S HORRORS AND POST-WAR JUSTICE GUEST: Fitzhugh Brundage The horrific conditions at Andersonville were documented by photographer Andrew Riddle, showing extreme starvation and disease. After the war, commandant Henry Wirz was prosecuted for war crimes, becoming a scapegoat for Confederate leadership. (11)12. PRESERVING THE MEMORY OF CIVIL WAR DEAD GUEST: Fitzhugh Brundage Fitzhugh Brundage explains the uneven history of Civil War mass graves and the creation of Andersonville National Cemetery. Clara Barton played a key role in identifying the 13,000 Union soldiers buried there. (12)13. THE TRANSFORMATION OF MODERN DRONE WARFARE GUEST: Henry Sokolski Henry Sokolski explores the evolution of warfare in Ukraine, highlighting the strategic use of Starlink and decentralized drone procurement. He also notes how AI-powered targeting from Palantir has significantly increased combat effectiveness. (13)14. NUCLEAR PROLIFERATION RISKS AT BUSHEHR REACTOR GUEST: Henry Sokolski Henry Sokolski discusses the security risks at Iran’s Bushehr reactor, which contains 210 tons of spent fuel with weapons-usable plutonium. He stresses the urgent need for real-time monitoring to prevent the diversion of nuclear materials. (14)15. SMALL BUSINESS ECONOMICS AND LABOR CHALLENGES GUEST: Gene Marks Gene Marks discusses job data revisions, the rise of gas prices, and the "Buy Now, Pay Later" retail trend. He also explores the difficulties small businesses face with H-1B visas and COVID-era loan repayments. (15)16. HARNESSING AI TOOLS FOR BUSINESS PRODUCTIVITY GUEST: Gene Marks Gene Marks highlights how small businesses can use AI tools like Legal Zoom for automated services and Microsoft 365 Copilot for productivity. He emphasizes the importance of employee training to leverage these technologies effectively. (16)

16. HARNESSING AI TOOLS FOR BUSINESS PRODUCTIVITY GUEST: Gene Marks Gene Marks highlights how small businesses can use AI tools like Legal Zoom for automated services and Microsoft 365 Copilot for productivity. He emphasizes the importance of employee training to leverage these technologies effectively. (16)JUNE 1964

15. SMALL BUSINESS ECONOMICS AND LABOR CHALLENGES GUEST: Gene Marks Gene Marks discusses job data revisions, the rise of gas prices, and the "Buy Now, Pay Later" retail trend. He also explores the difficulties small businesses face with H-1B visas and COVID-era loan repayments. (15)AUGUST 1963

14. NUCLEAR PROLIFERATION RISKS AT BUSHEHR REACTORGUEST: Henry Sokolski Henry Sokolski discusses the security risks at Iran’s Bushehr reactor, which contains 210 tons of spent fuel with weapons-usable plutonium. He stresses the urgent need for real-time monitoring to prevent the diversion of nuclear materials. (14)AUGUST 1930

13. THE TRANSFORMATION OF MODERN DRONE WARFAREGUEST: Henry Sokolski Henry Sokolski explores the evolution of warfare in Ukraine, highlighting the strategic use of Starlink and decentralized drone procurement. He also notes how AI-powered targeting from Palantir has significantly increased combat effectiveness. (13)AUGUST 1931

12. PRESERVING THE MEMORY OF CIVIL WAR DEAD GUEST: Fitzhugh Brundage Fitzhugh Brundage explains the uneven history of Civil War mass graves and the creation of Andersonville National Cemetery. Clara Barton played a key role in identifying the 13,000 Union soldiers buried there. (12)1865 GRANT SHERMAN SHERIDAN LINCOLN

11. ANDERSONVILLE’S HORRORS AND POST-WAR JUSTICE GUEST: Fitzhugh Brundage The horrific conditions at Andersonville were documented by photographer Andrew Riddle, showing extreme starvation and disease. After the war, commandant Henry Wirz was prosecuted for war crimes, becoming a scapegoat for Confederate leadership. (11)1865 APPOMATOX COURTHOUSE

10. AFRICAN AMERICAN PRISONERS IN THE CIVIL WARGUEST: Fitzhugh Brundage Fitzhugh Brundage details the harrowing experiences of black Union soldiers like Isaac Gaskins, who were enslaved by the Confederacy after capture. These men were often forced into labor instead of being treated as POWs. (10)1865 FIVE FORKS

9. THE EMERGENCE OF CIVIL WAR PRISON CAMPS GUEST: Fitzhugh Brundage Fitzhugh Brundage discusses the creation of prisons like Andersonville and Point Lookout after the breakdown of prisoner exchanges. The Confederacy established Andersonville in Georgia to move prisoners away from the capital, Richmond. (9)1863 GETTYSBURG

8. ASTRONOMICAL DISCOVERIES AND PLANETARY SCIENCE GUEST: Bob Zimmerman The Reuben Telescope has discovered 11,000 new asteroids, including near-Earth objects. Bob Zimmerman also explains Saturn’s warped magnetic field and the need for new orbiters to explore Neptune and Uranus,. (8)1926 MERATE OBSERVATORY

7. SPACE EXPLORATION AND CORPORATE RIVALRY GUEST: Bob Zimmerman Bob Zimmerman critiques the Artemis 2 mission design and the high costs of the SLS rocket,. He also discusses the legal disputes between SpaceX and Amazon regarding satellite orbits. (7)1922 FRANCE

6. ITALIAN FOOTBALL AND EASTER TRADITIONS GUEST: Lorenzo Fiori Lorenzo Fiori addresses the Italian national team’s failure to qualify for the World Cup and calls for reform. He also shares a traditional Easter cake recipe featuring puff pastry and chard. (6)1943 POPE PIUS XII

5. PENNSYLVANIA ECONOMY AND TRADITIONS GUEST: Jim McTague Jim McTague reports sharp gas price increases in Lancaster County, affecting local budgets,. Meanwhile, local churches see robust sales of peanut butter chocolate eggs, and trout fishing season begins,. (5)1900 ERIE RAILROAD

4. POLITICAL IMPACT OF EPSTEIN FILES GUEST: Richard Epstein Richard Epstein discusses the resignation of Pam Bondi and the threat posed by the Jeffrey Epstein files. These documents create political risk through guilt by association for many high-profile figures,. (4)1888

3. LEGAL HISTORY OF BIRTHRIGHT CITIZENSHIP GUEST: Richard Epstein Richard Epstein analyzes the 14th Amendment and early naturalization acts, emphasizing that citizenship originally required renouncing foreign allegiances,,. He argues that the term "domicile" distorts original statutory intent,. (3)1876

2. CALIFORNIA'S JUNGLE PRIMARY SYSTEM GUEST: Jeff Bliss Jeff Bliss explains how California's "jungle primary" splits the Democratic vote, benefiting Republican candidates,. Governor Gavin Newsom remains focused on a potential presidential run rather than local legislative issues. (2)1959 LAS VEGAS

1. LAS VEGAS SPRING BREAK EVOLUTION GUEST: Jeff Bliss Jeff Bliss describes Las Vegas as a premier spring break destination for college students, replacing Palm Springs. The city offers free concerts and lowered prices, attracting thousands of visitors for festive holiday celebrations. (1)1955 SANDS LAS VEGAS

PREVIEW FOR LATER. GUESTS: John Batchelor and Gene Marks. SUMMARY: Gene Marks discusses restored Small Business Administration grants for STEM startups. These programs, providing up to $100,000, are designed to fund small technology firms working on innovative research and nascent science-based technologies. (5)1940

PREVIEW FOR LATER. GUESTS: John Batchelor and Jeff Bliss. SUMMARY: John Batchelor and Jeff Bliss discuss the failed attempt to film a *Baywatch* revival in Venice Beach. Production moved due to high taxes, excessive regulations, and safety concerns regarding local crime and homelessness. (1)1903 SANTA BARBARA

PREVIEW FOR LATER. GUESTS: John Batchelor and Professor Fitzhugh Brundage. SUMMARY: John Batchelor and Professor Fitzhugh Brundage examine 16 rare photographs of the Andersonville Civil War prison camp. Taken by Andrew Riddle, these images became iconic through later etchings published in newspapers and journals. (2)1865 CONFEDERATE SOLDIERS HEADED HOME, FARMWILLE, PA.

PREVIEW FOR LATER. GUESTS: John Batchelor and Bob Zimmerman. SUMMARY: John Batchelor and Bob Zimmerman criticize the Artemis 2 mission design as inefficient and lacking a clear plan. They compare it unfavorably to the Apollo program, noting the SLS rocket and Orion capsule. (5)1950

PREVIEW FOR LATER. GUESTS: John Batchelor and Professor Richard Epstein. SUMMARY: John Batchelor and Richard Epstein discuss Supreme Court oral arguments regarding birthright citizenship. Epstein predicts the court will uphold statutes for illegal aliens' children but may strike down birthright tourism due to potential abuses. (1)1922 SCOTUS

PREVIEW FOR LATER. GUESTS: John Batchelor and Henry Sokolski. SUMMARY: John Batchelor and Henry Sokolski analyze how modern warfare in Ukraine, characterized by inexpensive drones and robotic systems, was largely unanticipated. They highlight the significant impact of unmanned systems on demographic leveling during conflict. (2)1960

STREAMING THE MAKING OF THE JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW, FEATURING SIMON CONSTABLE, JIM MCTAGUE, SNSTOL LIEVRN, THURSDAY 4-2-2026.1654This transcript from The John Batchelor Show features a series of discussions regarding the global impacts of ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine. Batchelor and his colleagues examine how these wars have triggered a commodity crisis, specifically noting the sharp rise in oil, diesel, and fertilizer prices affecting farmers in both France and Pennsylvania. The dialogue critiques President Trump’s recent address, with analysts suggesting his rhetoric failed to stabilize volatile global markets or clarify American war aims. Additionally, the speakers explore the strain on NATO, observing that European allies are increasingly hesitant to support U.S. military actions as they prioritize their own energy security. The program concludes by highlighting the interconnected nature of modern warfare, where regional disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz directly threaten the economic stability of the entire Western world. (1)

JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW SCHEDULE 4-2-202618611. Anatol Lieven analyzes President Trump’s response to the Iran conflict and rising energy prices. He discusses NATO's internal divisions as European allies prioritize local economic interests and geographic proximity over American strategy.,, (1)2. Anatol Lieven examines Ukraine’s new business model exporting drone expertise to the Gulf. He notes Russia’s intelligence support for Iran and China’s cautious stance regarding potential for wider escalation in the Middle East., (2)3. Josh Rogin reports on the Hill and Valley Forum, where Silicon Valley and Washington leaders discuss defense modernization. He addresses bureaucratic hurdles and China’s significant manufacturing lead in critical military technologies.,, (3)4. Josh Rogin analyzes Europe’s lagging defense capabilities and the global drone production race. He highlights restrictive ITAR regulations and explains how AI automation in manufacturing helps the United States compete against China’s scale.,, (4)5. Evan Ellis details the inauguration of Chile’s conservative President Jose Antonio Kast. He examines Kast’s challenges with organized crime and immigration while managing deep economic dependence on China and maintaining American security ties., (5)6. Evan Ellis discusses Brazilian President Lula’s endorsement of Michelle Bachelet for UN Secretary General. He reflects on Chile’s ideological shifts between pro-market right-wing policies and the left’s focus on social benefits.,, (6)7. Evan Ellis evaluates a Russian oil delivery to Cuba and possible backroom negotiations with the Trump administration. He also analyzes the normalization of Venezuela’s Delcy Rodriguez amidst efforts toward a regional political transition.,, (7)8. Evan Ellis previews Peru’s upcoming presidential election and a tightening race in Brazil. He discusses how corruption scandals, such as the Bank of Masters, are impacting President Lula’s popularity against challenger Flavio Bolsonaro.,, (8)9. Fitz Brundage recounts the capture of black Union sailors and the subsequent halt of Civil War prisoner exchanges. He explains how the Emancipation Proclamation transformed the war’s legal status and the humanitarian treatment.,, (9)10. Fitz Brundage explains the Dix-Hill cartel and the historical evolution of prisoner exchanges. He describes the system of parole and the specific calculus used to swap soldiers of varying ranks to ensure fairness.,, (10)11. Fitz Brundage examines Civil War prison administrators John Winder and William Hoffman. He details the harsh conditions at Libby Prison and Hoffman’s focus on extreme cost-saving measures at the expense of prisoner welfare.,, (11)12. Fitz Brundage analyzes the Lieber Code, which codified the humane treatment of prisoners of war. He discusses the "military necessity" loophole and the Confederacy’s rejection of these Union-led regulations as illegitimate.,, (12)13. Jim McTague and Simon Constable report on rising global commodity prices, including Brent crude and diesel. They discuss the impact of the Iran conflict on fertilizer supplies and the resulting economic strain.,,, (13)14. Jim McTague and Simon Constable analyze UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s response to the Middle East crisis. They discuss Britain’s limited military capacity and inflammatory newspaper claims regarding drone warfare and minesweeping capabilities.,, (14)15.Kevin Frazier and Thaddius McCotter Kevin Fraser and Thaddius Mart advocate for embracing artificial intelligence as a governance tool. They discuss state-level regulatory hurdles, the rise of a "portfolio economy," and the necessity of educating families on responsible use.,, (15)16. Kevin Frazier and Thaddius McCotter explore the relational aspects of AI and its influence on youth. They contrast AI subscription models with social media’s engagement-driven algorithms, emphasizing the need for AI literacy.,, (16)

16. Kevin Frazier and Thaddeus McCotterexplore the relational aspects of AI and its influence on youth. They contrast AIsubscription models with social media’s engagement-driven algorithms, emphasizing the need for AI literacy.,, (16)1955

15. Kevin Frazier and Thaddeus McCotter advocate for embracing artificial intelligence as a governance tool. They discuss state-level regulatory hurdles, the rise of a "portfolio economy," and the necessity of educating families on responsible use.,, (15)1936

14. Jim McTague and Simon Constable analyze UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s response to the Middle East crisis. They discuss Britain’s limited military capacity and inflammatory newspaper claims regarding drone warfare and minesweeping capabilities.,, (14)1841 CLAUDE MONET

13. Jim McTague and Simon Constable report on rising global commodity prices, including Brent crude and diesel. They discuss the impact of the Iran conflict on fertilizer supplies and the resulting economic strain.,,, (13)1540 Paris

12. Fitzhugh Brundage analyzes the Lieber Code, which codified the humane treatment of prisoners of war. He discusses the "military necessity" loophole and the Confederacy’s rejection of these Union-led regulations as illegitimate.,, (12)1863 Gettysburg

11. Fitzhugh Brundage examines Civil War prison administrators John Winder and William Hoffman. He details the harsh conditions at Libby Prison and Hoffman’s focus on extreme cost-saving measures at the expense of prisoner welfare.,, (11)1865 Grant and staff

10. Fitzhugh Brundage explains the Dix-Hill cartel and the historical evolution of prisoner exchanges. He describes the system of parole and the specific calculus used to swap soldiers of varying ranks to ensure fairness.,, (10)1863 Gettysburg

9. Fitzhugh Brundage recounts the capture of black Union sailors and the subsequent halt of Civil War prisoner exchanges. He explains how the Emancipation Proclamation transformed the war’s legal status and the humanitarian treatment.,, (9)1862 Cedar Mountain

8. Evan Ellis previews Peru’s upcoming presidential election and a closely contested race in Brazil. He discusses how corruption scandals are impacting Lula da Silva’s popularity against Flavio Bolsonaro, representing their fathers' legacies. (8)1697

7. Evan Ellis evaluates a Russian oil delivery to Cuba and potential backroom negotiations with the Trumpadministration. He also analyzes the normalization of Venezuela’s Delcy Rodriguez amid efforts toward political transition. (7)1920 CUBA

6. Evan Ellis discusses Brazilian President Lula’s push for former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet to lead the UN. He contrasts Chile’s ideological shifts between social-focused leftism and pro-market right-wing policies. (6)1900 CHILE ECUADOR BOLIVIA