The John Batchelor Show

SCHEDULE JBS, 6-23-2026. 1936 Alan Greenspan's Legacy and the New Fed Chair. Guest: Elizabeth Peek. This segment reflects on the passing of Alan Greenspan and the transition to Kevin Warsh as Federal Reserve Chair. Peek highlights Warsh's goal to reform data collection and move away from forecasting, favoring real-time data over the traditional, often confusing, communication styles of his predece...

The Republican Fissures and Potential Third-Party Movements. Guest: Thaddeus McCotter. The discussion centers on Tucker Carlson 's potential departure from the Republican Party over foreign policy disagreements. McCotter suggests this reflects deeper fault lines within the MAGA base, where isolationist tendencies and dissatisfaction with the administration's relationship with allies like Israel co...

The Strategic Failure of the Iran Memo of Understanding. Guest: Thaddeus McCotter. McCotter analyzes the Memo of Understanding, highlighting unresolved issues like the Strait of Hormuz and the $80 billion war funding request. He argues the administration is trying to make kinetic action palatable to voters while failing to secure meaningful concessions on Iran 's nuclear program or its sponsorship...

Unalienable Rights and the Challenge of Foreign Policy. Guest: Peter Berkowitz. This segment discusses applying founding principles to modern diplomacy, specifically condemning the Chinese Communist Party 's crimes against the Uyghurs . Berkowitz argues that despite economic entanglements, the United States must maintain its dedication to universal principles and use its diplomatic toolbox to addr...

Recovering the Original Understanding of Unalienable Rights. Guest: Peter Berkowitz. Berkowitz reflects on the 2019 Commission on Unalienable Rights , which sought to ground human rights in the American founding tradition. The commission aimed to counter the "proliferating industry" of rights that often serves partisan progressive ends, emphasizing the Universal Declaration of Human Rights ' origi...

The Crown as a Symbol of British Identity. Guest: Gregory Copley. Amidst political instability, King Charles III is viewed as a dynamic symbol of national dignity and continuity. The segment discusses the King's role in stabilizing the United Kingdom following Prime Minister Starmer 's resignation and managing sensitive royal family matters to preserve the image of the monarchy. 12

British Political Fragmentation and the Immigration Crisis. Guest: Gregory Copley. Britain has seen seven prime ministers in ten years due to political fragmentation over illegal immigration and European relations. Copley suggests that the Labour Party is failing to represent the British working class, which favors traditional values and stricter border controls, leading to a rise in alternative p...

Xi Jinping's Strategic Outreach to North Korea. Guest: Gregory Copley. Xi Jinping 's visit to Pyongyang is seen as a move to reassert Chinese influence over North Korea as Kim Jong-un shifts away from communist identity. Kim is positioning himself as an equal to Xi while strengthening his ties with Russia , creating a complex ideological shift in the region. 10 1936

The Geopolitical Chessboard of the Strait of Hormuz. Guest: Gregory Copley. Copley discusses the power struggles within Iran and the strategic card of the Strait of Hormuz . He notes that while the strait is "more or less open," the situation remains in flux, with regional players like Turkey seeking to thwart Iranian ambitions in the Mediterranean . 9 1936

The Turmoil of British Leadership and the Labour Party. Guest: Joseph Sternberg. This segment explores the potential replacement of Keir Starmer with Andy Burnham as UK Prime Minister. Sternberg argues that Labour 's struggles go beyond charisma, involving a lack of clear economic direction and the failure to address core voter concerns like the broken NHS and illegal immigration. 8

Kevin Warsh's Reformist Vision for the Federal Reserve. Guest: Joseph Sternberg. Sternberg analyzes Kevin Warsh 's first FOMC meeting, noting a shift toward shorter policy statements and the removal of the "dot plot" forecasting tool. Warsh is initiating five task forces to reform the Fed 's intellectual framework, specifically targeting productivity, data quality, and balance sheet management. 7

The Impact of Foreign Policy on Domestic Midterms. Guest: Mary Kissel. Kissel examines whether foreign policy influences American voters, noting it is rare compared to "pocketbook" issues like inflation and interest rates. She warns that adversarial regimes like Iran and China are sophisticated observers of the U.S. electoral calendar and may attempt to influence domestic politics. 6

Secretary Rubio's Reassurance Mission to Gulf Allies. Guest: Mary Kissel. Secretary of State Marco Rubio travels to the Gulf to reassure the UAE , Kuwait , and Bahrain of U.S. security commitments following Iranian attacks. Kissel criticizes the administration for granting Iran sanctions relief and 60-day exemptions, arguing that the diplomatic effort prioritizes "hope over experience" regarding I...

Hezbollah's Role and the Fog of Middle East Diplomacy. Guest: Jonathan Schanzer. The discussion focuses on Hezbollah as a "wholly owned subsidiary" of Iran , with the IRGC directing its activities in Lebanon . Schanzer criticizes the administration for expecting Israel to adhere to a ceasefire while Iran continues to provoke attacks, labeling the current diplomatic strategy as improvised and poten...

Critiquing the Memo of Understanding with Iran. Guest: Jonathan Schanzer. Schanzer describes the newly established Memo of Understanding as a "dog's breakfast" that grants the Iranian regime significant sanctions relief and upfront cash. He argues the agreement appears to be an American defeat, particularly regarding the shaky nuclear inspection protocols and the uncertain status of the Strait of...

The Resilient US Consumer and AI Infrastructure. Guest: Elizabeth Peek. Despite concerns over tariffs and wars, consumer spending remains robust, fueled by record stock market levels and rising low-end wages. Peek argues against AI alarmism, noting that massive investments in AI infrastructure are creating a surge in blue-collar job demand for skilled trades like welding and construction. 2 1920

Alan Greenspan's Legacy and the New Fed Chair. Guest: Elizabeth Peek. This segment reflects on the passing of Alan Greenspan and the transition to Kevin Warsh as Federal Reserve Chair. Peek highlights Warsh's goal to reform data collection and move away from forecasting, favoring real-time data over the traditional, often confusing, communication styles of his predecessors like Greenspan. 1 19202

STREAMING THE MAKING OF THE JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW, FEATURING THADDEUS MCCOTTER, 6-23-26. 1643 This transcript features a discussion between John Batchelor and Thaddeus McCotter regarding the geopolitical instability following a proposed peace deal with Iran . The speakers highlight the confusion surrounding the Strait of Hormuz , where conflicting claims of openness and closure have disrupted global...

Preview for Later Today: Peter Berkowitz. Peter Berkowitz discusses human rights at the State Department under Mike Pompeo . He highlights the necessity of universal principles against the CCP 's crimes in Xinjiang and the abuse of its own population.

Preview for Later Today: Gregory Copley. Gregory Copley explains why King Charles III will not welcome Prince Harry back into royal duties. The King prioritizes the crown's image as a unifying symbol, protecting it from further family scandals.

Preview for Later Today: Mary Kissel. Mary Kissel warns that adversaries like Iran and China exploit the US political calendar to undermine elections. These regimes use economic pressure and domestic dynamics to favor more "dovish" presidential candidates.

Preview for Later Today: Liz Peek. Liz Peek analyzes robust household spending driven by the "wealth effect" of record stock markets. She emphasizes that rising blue-collar wages and job demand are narrowing the divide between various spending classes.

Preview for Later Today: Jonathan Schanzer. Jonathan Schanzer evaluates Iran 's restrictive tactics regarding IAEA inspections of its suspect nuclear program. He warns that the administration must not concede to Iranian guidance while the regime continues playing games.

Preview for Later Today: Joseph Sternberg. Joseph Sternberg examines the UK Labour Party 's hesitation to implement a reform agenda for the NHS and welfare. He argues their ideological ties to the status quo prevent necessary political persuasion.  

SCHEDULE THE JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW, 6-22-26. 1787 The Fog of Diplomacy in the Strait of Hormuz. Guest: Ambassador Hussain Haqqani and Bill Roggio. Guests discuss competing headlines regarding "progress" in US-Iran negotiations and ongoing tensions in the Strait of Hormuz . Ambassador Haqqani notes neither side has achieved its original war aims, while Bill Roggio argues the US lacks the military wil...