The John Batchelor Show

The Liberation of Syracuse and the Fall of Dion. Guest Author: Professor James Romm. Dion invaded Syracuse with a liberation force but faced internal chaos as populist passions erupted. He clashed with the radical democrat Heraclides , whom he eventually had assassinated. This political murder embarrassed Plato's Academy, as both Dion and his later assassin, Calippus , were students. Following the...

The Invitation to Educate a Young Tyrant. Guest Author: Professor James Romm. Following the elder tyrant's death, Dion invited Plato back to tutor Dionysius the Younger . Dion hoped to transform the immature ruler into an enlightened monarch. Plato's arrival was celebrated, yet he faced a court culture of "wilding" and 90-day parties. Syracuse was then an expansionist power with a massive military...

Plato's Intellectual Roots and First Visit. Guest Author: Professor James Romm. Plato 's early life was shaped by the reign of the 30 Tyrants in Athens , including his relative Critias . The execution of his teacher, Socrates , further disillusioned him with traditional democracy. He developed a philosophy centered on an unseen world of perfect "forms." Influenced by Pythagorean mathematics, he vi...

The Rise of the Dionysian Dynasty in Syracuse. Guest Author: Professor James Romm. Syracuse , a Corinthian colony, rose to power under Dionysius the Elder during the 4th century BCE. Starting as a clerk, he became a demagogue by attacking elite leaders accused of collaborating with Carthage . He fortified "the island," a strategic peninsula with a natural spring, to secure his power. Dionysius bro...

SCHEDULE FOR THE JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW, 6-26-2026. MT. LOWE, LOS ANGELES Urban Crises: Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and the Mayor Contest. Guest: Jeff Bliss. Jeff Bliss reports on the interconnected challenges facing Las Vegas and Los Angeles , specifically focusing on the escalating homelessness crisis. The segment also analyzes the ongoing mayor contest, examining how candidates are addressing urban in...

STREAMING MAKING OF THE JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW, FEATURIN JEFF BLISS ND MICHAEL VLAHO, 6--26-26. LA FIESTA This broadcast segment features a wide-ranging dialogue between John Bachelor and Jeff Bliss regarding current domestic and international crises. The discussion begins with the economic decline of Las Vegas , noting a significant drop in international tourism attributed to strained US-Canadian re...

Global Trade Dynamics and Strategic Alliances. Guest: Josh Rogin. In the final segment, Rogin provides a broader discussion on the future of international trade. He evaluates how diplomatic shifts and security concerns are reshaping global supply chains, the effectiveness of trade-based sanctions, and the importance of American alliances in maintaining a stable and open international marketplace a...

Trade Rivalry and National Security Suspects. Guest: Josh Rogin. Josh Rogin analyzes the escalating trade rivalry between the United States and China . He focuses on the strategic decision to list certain Chinese companies as national security suspects, exploring the geopolitical motivations behind these designations and the impact such measures have on the broader economic competition between glo...

Defense Budgeting and National Security Policy. Guest: Peter Huessy. Huessy explores the fiscal and policy challenges associated with national defense. He analyzes how legislative budget decisions affect military readiness and the development of next-generation weapons systems, arguing for a strategic and long-term approach to addressing the diverse security threats posed by emerging global and re...

Nuclear Deterrence and Strategic Defense Modernization. Guest: Peter Huessy. Strategic analyst Peter Huessy evaluates the status of the U.S. nuclear triad and the importance of strategic deterrence. He discusses the urgent need for modernization in the face of advancing nuclear capabilities by adversary nations, emphasizing how a strong defense posture is critical for maintaining global stability...

Workforce Evolution and the Future of Business. Guest: Gene Marks. Marks expands on the evolution of the modern workforce, focusing on remote work and talent retention strategies. He evaluates the impact of government policies on small firms and discusses how business owners can adapt their operations to meet the changing expectations of employees and consumers in the post-pandemic economy. 12 191...

Small Business Trends and Economic Adaptation. Guest: Gene Marks. Business expert Gene Marks discusses the current economic trends affecting small businesses, including inflation and labor shortages. He provides practical advice for entrepreneurs on leveraging new technologies like AI and navigating complex tax regulations to maintain growth and competitiveness in an increasingly challenging and r...

The Administrative State and Constitutional Oversight. Guest: John Yoo. Yoo continues his assessment of federal power, focusing on the role of the administrative state. He provides a critical look at how government agencies operate within the constitutional framework, discussing the necessity of judicial oversight to ensure that executive actions remain consistent with the rule of law and democrat...

Executive Authority and National Security Frameworks. Guest: John Yoo. Legal expert John Yoo analyzes the scope of executive power, particularly in relation to national security and foreign policy. He explores the constitutional foundations that grant the presidency authority during international crises and the legal debates surrounding the use of executive orders in managing the nation's defense...

Geopolitical Competition in the New Space Race. Guest: Bob Zimmerman. Zimmerman continues his report by examining the strategic and military implications of the "new space race." He discusses the competition between global powers for dominance in the lunar and orbital domains, evaluating how technological breakthroughs in space travel are influencing international security and the long-term commer...

Advances in Aerospace and Space Exploration. Guest: Bob Zimmerman. Space historian Bob Zimmerman reports on the latest milestones in aerospace technology and NASA 's current missions. He highlights the scientific objectives of recent launches and the growing role of private space corporations in expanding human presence in orbit, providing a comprehensive look at the future of modern space explora...

European Industrial Strategy and Strategic Security. Guest: Lorenzo Fiori. Lorenzo Fiori analyzes the geopolitical and industrial landscape of Europe , with a focus on the strategic importance of the Mediterranean . He discusses the defense industry's role in international security partnerships and the economic challenges facing European nations as they manage complex energy needs and trade relati...

Washington Political Dynamics and Global Markets. Guest: Jim McTague. Veteran journalist Jim McTague explores the intersection of Washington 's political maneuvering and the stability of global financial markets. He provides insights into how legislative actions, trade policies, and regulatory changes in the capital influence investor sentiment and the broader economic health of the nation in a vo...

Judicial Precedent and the Rule of Law. Guest: Richard Epstein. Continuing his legal analysis, Epstein delves into the importance of judicial precedents in maintaining the rule of law. He critiques modern legislative trends and administrative regulations, arguing for a return to classical legal principles that prioritize individual freedom and limited government intervention in the personal and ec...

Constitutional Interpretation and Individual Liberties. Guest: Richard Epstein. Legal scholar Richard Epstein examines current constitutional debates and the protection of individual liberties. His analysis typically focuses on the tension between government overreach and property rights, evaluating how recent judicial interpretations of the law impact the fundamental principles of American govern...

California Leadership: Governor Newsom and the First Lady. Guest: Jeff Bliss. This segment focuses on California Governor Gavin Newsom and the role of his wife in his administration. Bliss explores their joint political influence, recent policy decisions, and how their public image shapes the political landscape of California as Newsom continues to navigate both state challenges and potential nati...

Urban Crises: Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and the Mayor Contest. Guest: Jeff Bliss. Jeff Bliss reports on the interconnected challenges facing Las Vegas and Los Angeles , specifically focusing on the escalating homelessness crisis. The segment also analyzes the ongoing mayor contest, examining how candidates are addressing urban instability and what these political shifts mean for the future of govern...

Preview for Later Today: Jeff Bliss. Investigation into Jennifer Siebel Newsom 's documentary funding from state-linked donors. These "behested payments" raise conflict of interest concerns, as her films received millions while the donors were favorably treated by the California government. 1945 LA UNION PACIFIC STATION 

Preview for Later Today: Lorenzo Fiori. Fiori offers wine recommendations for the intense European heat wave. He suggests local white Vermentino or red Bolgheri blends. For those seeking luxury, Sassicaia provides a deep red color and perfume for tropical nights. 1857 bay of Cagliari

Preview for Later Today: Gene Marks. Marks discusses lagging business confidence in Philadelphia compared to the rest of the country. He cites decreased government funding for the city's high concentration of nonprofits and healthcare providers, plus a deflated construction market. JEFFFERSON AND FRANKLIN