The John Batchelor Show

Charles Spicer recounts how, in September 1936, Lloyd George met Hitler at the Berghof, where the dictator successfully charmed the aging statesman. Hitler was so delighted by the initial meeting that he invited Lloyd George's entourage, including his children, back for a second day. Lloyd George proposed extending the Locarno conference to address grievances regarding the Versailles Treaty. Howev...

Charles Spicer describes the 1936 Berlin Olympics as a deceptive high point for Anglo-German relations. While Hitlersought a pact granting him control over Europe in exchange for British imperial security, Vansittart remained skeptical of Ribbentrop's intellectual weight. Because Prime Minister Stanley Baldwin refused to meet Hitler, Conwell-Evansrecruited former Prime Minister David Lloyd George...

Charles Spicer introduces Grahame Christie, a decorated World War I flying ace and engineer who dedicated himself to warning Britain about German rearmament. Working with Robert Vansittart, Christie utilized his friendship with Hermann Göring to gather intelligence on the buildup of the Luftwaffe. Despite the shock of the 1935 Nuremberg Laws, Fellowship members continued lobbying Nazi contacts to...

Charles Spicer explains that by 1935, major business interests like Unilever joined the Fellowship to protect trade and understand the new German regime. Following the Night of the Long Knives, some optimists believed Hitler'sgovernment was becoming more "civilized." The Fellowship provided extraordinary lobbying power, allowing Tennantto secure meetings with Hitler that traditional diplomats coul...

Charles Spicer recounts how, in December 1934, Ernest Tennant, a businessman scarred by the horrors of the Great War, dined with Adolf Hitler and Joachim von Ribbentrop at the Reich Chancellery. At the time, Ribbentrop was a passionate Anglophile, and Tennant's goal was to foster cooperation to prevent another continental conflict. Disappointed by the British government's initial disdain for the "...

SCHEDULE FOR THE JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW, 7-17-2026Jeff Bliss discusses California's controversial "billionaire tax," an initiative designed to bridge the state budget gap that has prompted a significant wealth exodus to states like Texas. He also addresses Governor Newsom's shifting stance on wealth taxes and the re-emergence of past personal and political scandals. (1)Jeff Bliss celebrates the anniv...

Lilla Nóra Kiss details how Tsinghua University serves as a conduit for laundering Chinese state technology and operations. She criticizes European regulators for viewing Chinese incursions through narrow "silos" like climate policy rather than recognizing the comprehensive national security threats posed by massive, integrated surveillance machines. (16) 1910

Lilla Nóra Kiss warns about Nuctech, a Chinese-subsidized company dominating the European scanner market through predatory pricing. She highlights the security risks of allowing CCP-linked technology to handle sensitive border and cargo data, noting the company's origins at Tsinghua University and its opaque state support. (15) 1904 PEKING

Henry Sokolski analyzes the "Golden Dome" project, suggesting its true value lies in achieving space superiority rather than just missile defense. He emphasizes the need for passive defenses, like redundant transformers and public preparedness, to counter the rising threat of autonomous drone swarms and precision attacks. (14) 19494

Henry Sokolski discusses the security implications of a power outage at a US missile base, warning that electrical grids are now primary targets in "gray warfare." He notes that nations like Russia and Iran increasingly view civilian infrastructure as legitimate military targets to spread mayhem and leverage power. (13)

Alan Mikhail relates how, following Grietje's death, Anthony remarried a burgher woman, reflecting his elevated social status despite earlier prejudices. Mikhail frames Anthony's life as a vital starting point for discussing Islam in North America, noting the parallels between historical biases and the challenges modern Muslim leaders face today. (12) 1956

Alan Mikhail describes how, as the English seized New Amsterdam in 1664, Anthony and Grietje transitioned into respectable property owners who aged into the colony's social fabric. Mikhail argues that these individuals, alongside long-resident enslaved figures like Mary Angola, should be recognized as the true founders of New York City. (11) 1889

Alan Mikhail examines Peter Stuyvesant's hardline enforcement of the Dutch Reformed Church, including the violent persecution of Quakers and anti-Semitic attempts to banish Jewish settlers. The segment highlights the 1657 Flushing Remonstrance as an early, essential document in the American history of religious toleration. (10) 1889

     Alan Mikhail recounts the arrival of Anthony and Grietje in 1629 New Amsterdam, noting their resilience during Kieft's War. Despite being banished to Long Island and facing prejudice as "the Turk," they built a prosperous estate, with Grietje emerging as a particularly assertive and foundational figure. (9) 1899

Bob Zimmerman reports on the discovery of organic sugar molecules in interstellar space and the identification of a new exoplanet shepherd at Beta Pictoris. He also discusses Katalyst's mission to rescue the Swift telescope and Perseverance's findings on Mars regarding the planet's history of massive impacts. (8) 1962

Bob Zimmerman details SpaceX's launch abort for the Starship Super Heavy and the ongoing struggles of ULA. He highlights the $70 billion surge in private space investment, Amazon's expansion into South Africa, and Blue Origin'srevised employee stock options designed to retain talent in a competitive market. (7) 1961

Lorenzo Fiori describes Italy's extreme heatwave, with temperatures reaching 122 degrees, followed by the threat of violent thunderstorms. For relief, he recommends Radicofani in Tuscany, showcasing its medieval fortress, world-class olive oil, and traditional recipes like gratinated tomatoes paired with local Brunello wine. (6) MESSINA, ITALIA

Jim McTague reports on how Canadian wildfire smoke has stifled Lancaster County's tourist economy and created hazardous air quality. He also highlights rising gas prices and a local backlash against AI, where a borough rejected substantial revenue from a tech center due to automation fears. (5) CLARK'S MILL

Richard Epstein discusses his book on birthright citizenship, challenging the Supreme Court's interpretation of the 14th Amendment. He addresses the phenomenon of "birth tourism," the status of foreign-raised US citizens, and the relative silence from liberal scholars regarding his arguments on federal plenary power over naturalization. (4)

Richard Epstein analyzes President Trump's recent address questioning the 2020 election results and its potential impact on the 2026 midterms. Epstein explores the constitutional difficulties of removing a president for lack of judgment, arguing that political consequences remain the most viable remedy for irrational leadership. (3) 1940

Jeff Bliss celebrates the anniversary of Disneyland's 1955 opening, sharing memories of working as a "Yodeler" on the Skyway ride. The conversation shifts to vintage Las Vegas and impending Southern California weather, including a tropical storm system expected to bring 30-foot waves to the Wedge. (2) ROBERT TAYLOR AND WALT DISNEY

Jeff Bliss discusses California's controversial "billionaire tax," an initiative designed to bridge the state budget gap that has prompted a significant wealth exodus to states like Texas. He also addresses Governor Newsom's shifting stance on wealth taxes and the re-emergence of past personal and political scandals. (1) 1900  LA

SCHEDULE JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW, 7-16-261948Anatol Lieven discusses the reinforcement of Ukraine following NATO meetings, highlighting German drone supplies and the symbolic value of US Patriot systems. While Baltic states fear imminent Russian provocations, Lieven argues Russia's army is currently too "bogged down" in Ukraine to risk a direct war with NATO. (1)Anatol Lieven analyzes the potential pr...

STREAMING THE MAKING OF THE JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW, FEATURING SIMON CONSTABLE, 7-16-26.1650The sources provide a detailed look at several interconnected global issues, ranging from geopolitical conflict and commodity volatility to climate extremes and societal health. The transcript highlights a significant escalation in the Middle East, specifically regarding the Bab-el-Mandeb and the Strait of Horm...

Thomas Savidge proposes "Universal Savings Accounts" (USA) to replace complex government-managed savings vehicles. These accounts would grant individuals full ownership of their funds for unemployment or retirement. This reform aims to reduce fraud and address the long-term fiscal instability associated with the national "debt bomb." (16) 1933 PERSIA