The John Batchelor Show

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

Thomas Savidge explains how the 2020–2021 pandemic strained state unemployment insurance systems. While 31 states were solvent before the crisis, many struggled with improper payments and fraud due to relaxed federal eligibility requirements. Some states fared better by taking the initiative to end bonus programs early. (15) 1585

Mary Anastasia O'Grady marks the fifth anniversary of Cuba's July 11 protests, noting the regime's ongoing brutal repression and imprisonment of political dissidents. She criticizes the United Nations for supporting the Cuban regime's narrative against US sanctions while ignoring the human rights atrocities on the island. (14) 1899 CUBA

Veronique de Rugy warns that Social Security faces a 2032 deadline when trust fund assets will be depleted. Without reform, benefits could be cut by 22%. She advocates for means-testing to preserve benefits for those who truly need them, criticizing the current political silence on the issue. (13) FDR

Alan Mikhail describes the "half-freedom" status given to some enslaved Africans, a system that cruelly ensured generational slavery. He also details the brutal violence of "Kieft's War" against Native Americans. Despite these conflicts and their exile, Anthony and Grietje prospered on their Long Island farm. (12) 1654

Alan Mikhail describes how the couple settled in Manhattan as ambitious farmers but faced friction with neighbors who used "the Turk" as a xenophobic insult. Their contentious behavior led to their banishment to Gravesend, Long Island. Mikhail highlights the clash between Dutch property rights and indigenous use-rights. (11) 1650

Alan Mikhail details the background of Anthony's wife, Grietje, a German migrant who worked as a barmaid or sex worker in Amsterdam. He explains the "soul seller" system used by maritime companies to recruit laborers. The couple married in 1629 and eventually sailed for New Amsterdam. (10) 1650 AMSTERDAM

Alan Mikhail discusses his book Newcomers, focusing on Anthony Jansen, known as "the Turk." Mikhail uses historical records to debunk the 150-year-old hypothesis that Anthony was the son of a Dutch pirate who converted to Islam, instead tracing his origins back to 17th-century Spain. (9) NEW AMSTERDAM

Doug Messier and Rick Fisher explore the lack of cooperation between the US and China, viewing the solar system as a ground for ideological competition. Establishing permanent lunar bases requires major engineering feats, including nuclear power plants and rovers. China views the moon as a stepping stone for Mars. (8)