The John Batchelor Show

Simon Constable reports on the breaking of a severe European heat wave and shifting commodity prices, with Brent crude seeing a significant drop. In the UK , Andy Burnham is positioned as a potential new Prime Minister, though there are calls for a general election. (13) 1880 VENEZUELA

Professor Evan Ellis discusses the U.S. decision not to renew the USMCA , maintaining leverage over Mexico regarding security and immigration. In Argentina , a cabinet resignation due to corruption investigations highlights vulnerabilities for President Milei's administration despite his successful macroeconomic turnarounds and libertarian policies that have improved the country's financial standi...

Professor Evan Ellis reports that Keiko Fujimori is the declared victor in Peru's election, promising a pro-security, pro- U.S. agenda despite continued economic ties with China . Meanwhile, Bolivia remains unstable as President Rodrigo Paz navigates an economic crisis, currency devaluation, and ongoing pressure from former leader Evo Morales . (11) 1857 VENEZUELA

Professor Evan Ellis analyzes the challenges facing President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella , who must reverse fiscal mismanagement while navigating a divided Congress . His administration plans a hardline stance against illegal armed groups like the ELN and FARC to restore state authority and encourage foreign investment in the mining and oil sectors. (10) 1857

Professor Evan Ellis discusses the two massive earthquakes that struck Venezuela , causing widespread destruction due to corrupt building practices and neglected infrastructure. The U.S. military has deployed 900 personnel for relief as the illegitimate Rodriguez government struggles to provide an effective humanitarian response to the mounting tragedy. (9)

Bob Zimmerman reports research showing weightlessness harms reproduction in mice, suggesting humans will need artificial gravity for long-term missions. On Mars , Curiosity discovered unique polygon ridges, possibly indicating ancient water. Additionally, New Horizons confirmed the solar wind slows at the solar system's edge. (8) IDAHO

Bob Zimmerman examines new spaceports in Sweden , Oman , and Australia , noting geographical and financial challenges. He criticizes India's ISRO for a lack of transparency regarding delays in the Gaganyaan manned mission and undisclosed rocket failures, warning that such secrecy breeds public distrust. (7) TAN

Bob Zimmerman reports that NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman is streamlining the Artemis program by focusing on a lunar base and leveraging private sector contracts for landers and infrastructure. Meanwhile, the Boeing Starliner program is likely dead following poor performance and the Inspector General's recommendation to halt further funding. (6) 1930S IDAHO

Bob Zimmerman discusses Rocket Lab's acquisition of Iridium for $8 billion, signaling a trend toward vertical integration. He also covers Blue Origin's investigation into a launchpad explosion and SpaceX's Star Mind data constellation, emphasizing the importance of corporate transparency and risk-taking in the space industry. (5) 11934 FSA

Gordon Chang and Steve Yates discuss the alarm in Beijing after a small aircraft crashed into the CITIC Tower , highlighting vulnerabilities in China's air defenses near the leadership compound. The incident shattered the narrative of an impervious security state, raising fears that drones could easily strike the capital. (4) 1930 IDAHO

Steve Yates analyzes China's Ethnic Unity Law , which codifies ethnonationalism and criminalizes the denial of Chinese identity even for those outside the PRC . The law targets Taiwanese identity and may lead to the extradition of critics, reflecting the CCP's focus on total ideological control. (3) 1910 IDAHO

Jim Fanell explains China's "salami slicing" tactics in the maritime domain, using law enforcement vessels to claim sovereign jurisdiction over waters east of Taiwan . He recommends the U.S. counter these moves by sending an aircraft carrier strike group through the Taiwan Strait to assert international law. (2) 1910 IDAHO

Rick Fisher discusses China's Tiangong space station , which is set to double in size by 2030 and host international partners. He highlights dual-use military concerns and potential plans for a lunar toll booth at the L2 Lagrange point to control access to the moon. (1) 1920 DUST BOWL

Rick Fisher explores China's ambitious plans for a successor space station and lunar presence. He highlights their goal of total domination over the Earth-moon system, utilizing dual-use technology to secure a new permanent celestial foothold. (3) 19581

Michael Bernstam discusses Putin's admission of "difficulties" as Ukrainian drones target refineries and the shadow fleet. He warns that a desperate leader under internal pressure may resort to drastic measures as diesel supplies vanish now. (1) 1720 PETER

Simon Constable reports on a severe heatwave in southern France that impaired cognitive function. He shares the collective relief felt as temperatures finally dropped, allowing for clearer thinking and a return to daily domestic comfort. (2) 1807 TIILSIT

Evan Ellis analyzes Peru's rightward political shift and its implications for Chinese influence. He suggests that while economic ties remain strong, Peru may subtly accommodate U.S. security concerns regarding deep-water infrastructure and information technology sectors. (4) 1945 LIMA

Captain James Fanell details China's tactical shift east of Taiwan , using law enforcement vessels to assert jurisdictional control. This "salami slicing" strategy aims to redefine international waters as Chinese coastal territory through official legal maneuvering. (5) 1793

Bob Zimmerman discusses the necessity of transparency after rocket failures. He argues that honesty prevents the culture of fear seen in the Soviet Union , builds public trust, and makes complex technical problems easier to solve. (6) 1931

SCHEDULE OF THE JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW, 6-30-26 1893 HMS INFLEXIBLE The Sloppy Memo of Understanding and Iran's Control of the Strait of Hormuz. Guest: Jonathan Schanzer. Batchelor and Schanzer discuss a "sloppily" written Memo of Understanding that allows Iran to project control over the Strait of Hormuz . Schanzer notes that while shipping continues, markets remain anxious because Iran is effective...

STREAMING MAKING OF THE JBS, 6-30-2026 1903 The provided transcript features a dialogue between John Batchelor and Thaddeus McCotter regarding the geopolitical and domestic landscape in mid-2026. Their discussion highlights a shift in global power , noting how the Gulf States and Iran increasingly act independently of American influence . Domestically, the conversation centers on the Republican pa...

Affordability, Energy Prices, and the Short-Term Gains of Midterm Politics. Guest: Thaddeus McCotter. McCotter observes that all foreign policy eventually becomes domestic, especially through the lens of energy costs. He warns that the administration might prioritize short-term gas price relief over long-term strategic interests in the Middle East . Consequently, providing sanctions relief to Iran...

Domestic Politics, Midterm Perils, and the SAVE Act. Guest: Thaddeus McCotter. Thaddeus McCotter analyzes the upcoming midterms, noting that Democrats have reframed "inflation" as "affordability" to distance themselves from economic policies. He discusses the internal "civil wars" within both parties, including the rise of Democratic Socialists and divisions within the MAGA movement. The "SAVE Act...

The Mystery of Third-Party Litigation Finance and its Taxation. Guest: Michael Toth. Toth explains the emergence of third-party litigation finance, where external financial institutions fund tort cases against American companies. He notes this practice is uniquely American and creates a new market for legal conflict. Toth recommends that the Treasury tax these business gains at ordinary income rat...

Disparate Impact, Merit-Based Admissions, and Federal Contracting Reforms. Guest: Michael Toth. Michael Toth discusses the historical use of "disparate impact" as a mechanism for discrimination in university admissions. He details the current administration's efforts to root out racial preferences in federal contracting. Toth argues for a return to merit-based standards to restore the principle of...