The John Batchelor Show

Veronique de Rugy uses a 700-year-old Siena fresco to discuss the virtues of good governance. The artwork illustrates that a flourishing society requires the rule of law and justice. She cautions that modern industrial policies and government cronyism represent the same arbitrary governance the fresco warns against. (16) TUSCANY POSTCARD

Cliff May explores the historical link between socialism and Islamism, tracing partnerships from early Bolsheviks to the Iranian Revolution . These alliances often end in violence and purges of leftists, as seen when Ayatollah Khomeini executed communist leaders. He warns that these ideologies generally favor oppressive one-party states. (15) 1972 IRAN

Thomas Savidge argues for stringent budget reforms and spending cuts to address the fiscal crisis. He notes that while many elected officials recognize the problem, the priority of political reelection prevents them from making unpopular decisions, leaving the country in a cycle of unsustainable federal spending. (14) 1929

Thomas Savidge warns that the US national debt is reaching dangerous levels relative to GDP. He explains that rising interest costs are now exceeding national defense spending, which threatens to stifle the productive economy and lead to a decreased standard of living for the average American taxpayer. (13) 1865 

Josh Dean summarizes Kelly Johnson's 14 rules, emphasizing simplicity and speed. These principles required small teams and minimal paperwork to innovate effectively. Before passing away in 1990, Johnson witnessed a final emotional flyover of his iconic Blackbird , marking the end of a legendary aviation era. (12) 1962

Josh Dean highlights Kelly Johnson's struggle with anxiety and health, alongside the emergence of stealth technology. Under his successor Ben Rich , Skunk Works developed the F-117 Nighthawk . Utilizing facets to scatter radar, this "hopeless diamond" proved that an invisible plane was mathematically possible. (11)

Josh Dean recounts Kelly Johnson's creation of the world's first drone for reconnaissance and his failed pitch for an A-12 bomber. He clashed with Defense Secretary Robert McNamara , who ordered the destruction of A-12 tools. The segment also highlights Johnson's personal life on his California ranch. (10) 1962 CUBAN MISSILE CRISIS

Josh Dean explores the Area 51 mysteries and the Gary Powers incident. Many UFO sightings were actually spy planes like the U-2 , tested in secret. Despite the shootdown of Powers in 1960, Johnson had already begun developing the Mach 3.2 Blackbird to maintain an intelligence advantage. (9) 1962 CUBA

Josh Dean details the CIA -led U-2 program, designed for high-altitude reconnaissance over the Soviet Union . To achieve 70,000 feet, Johnson created a lightweight glider-like plane. This required the invention of specialized pressure suits for pilots, providing nearly 75% of intelligence gathered during the Cold War . (8) 1951

Josh Dean explains the Skunk Works method through the development of the F-104 Starfighter . Johnson demanded total control and minimal oversight from the Air Force , focusing on speed and climb. His test pilots, including Tony LeVier , formed an intimate, trusted team that operated like "cowboys". (7) 1951

Josh Dean describes the early days of the Lockheed Corporation and the birth of Skunk Works . After saving the company by fixing the Electra , Kelly Johnson promised a jet fighter in just six months. Operating out of a circus tent, his team produced the P-80 in 143 days. (6) 1951

Josh Dean introduces Kelly Johnson , the brilliant engineer behind the P-38 fighter. Born to hardworking Swedish parents, Johnson overcame poverty to become a legend in aviation. His industrious nature and early mastery of aeronautics led him to Lockheed , where he would transform the industry during WWII . (5) 1951

Mariam Wahba reports on the brutal persecution of Christians under the Chinese Communist Party's "sinicization" policy. This effort involves rewriting the Bible and mandating state-sanctioned clergy to ensure religion serves the state. Despite this, the underground church continues to grow, posing a challenge to CCP authority. (4) 1905 SHANGHAI

Mary Anastasia O'Grady reports on the earthquake tragedy in Venezuela and the incompetence of the Rodriguez regime. She details how officials like Diosdado Cabello hinder rescue efforts to hide illicit activities. Meanwhile, the opposition leader María Corina Machado is being blocked from returning to the country. (3) 1948

Anatol Lieven explores a potential peace compromise and the risks of escalation. He notes that while Ukraine can make Russia suffer via drone strikes on energy infrastructure, aerial bombardment alone will not force a surrender. A single miscalculation could lead to a direct clash between Russia and NATO . (2) 1956

Anatol Lieven discusses the impact of the Ukraine war on Russian consumers and potential peace terms. He suggests Russia might settle if it abandons Donbass demands, provided the West bars Ukrainian NATO membership. Currently, the Russian military is advancing slowly while enduring huge casualties and economic suffering. (1) 1899 CUBA

Preview for Later Today: Josh Dean discusses the Lockheed Skunk Works and the U-2 spy plane's history. He details the Soviet Union's frustration as their radar detected the high-altitude aircraft, yet their defenses were unable to intercept it. (1) 1920

Preview for Later Today: Veronique de Rugy reflects on a Siena fresco contrasting good and bad government. She explores how arbitrary justice leads to societal decay and family destruction, noting that contemporary governance often struggles with these same issues. (2) 1660 MILAN

Preview for Later Today: Anatol Lieven examines the Russia-Ukraine conflict and NATO's cautious escalation. He discusses the supply of Patriot missiles and the risks of direct military clashes, noting that both sides face internal pressure to achieve victory. (3) 1892 WEST SIBERIAN RAILWAY

Preview for Later Today: Cliff May discusses the uncomfortable historical alliance between socialism and Islamism. He argues that modern supporters often rely on simple "oppressed versus oppressor" narratives rather than deep ideological understanding of these complex political roots. (4) 1909 CAIRO

Preview for Later Today: Mary Anastasia O'Grady criticizes the U.S. State Department's strategy in Venezuela . She argues that relying on the corrupt Maduro regime for stability after natural disasters is a "bad bet" that hinders a democratic transition. (5) 11948

Preview for Later Today: Mariam Wahba discusses the increasing persecution of Christians in China under the CCP . She recommends that the U.S. State Department redesignate China as a country of particular concern and sanction entities overseeing "sinicization" practices. (6) 1903

SCHEDULE THE JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW, 7-8-2026 1966 SWEDEN Chaos in the Strait of Hormuz and Global Alignments. Gordon Chang and Kamran Bokhari . The Strait of Hormuz memorandum of understanding has collapsed, leading the U.S. to end the ceasefire with Iran . Iran is attempting to divide international allies by courting India and Pakistan . Pakistan balances a mediating role against domestic economic...

Risk Aversion and Logistical Timelines for Moon Landings. Rick Fisher and Doug Messier . The Chinese space program is highly risk-averse to protect the Communist Party's legitimacy. While NASA is "game on," it faces challenges with the Starship lander, which reportedly requires at least 15 refueling launches per mission. China hopes for a manned landing by 2030, while NASA's 2028 timeline remains...

The Sino-American Lunar Race for Permanent Presence. Rick Fisher and Doug Messier . China aims for a permanent lunar presence at the South Pole to potentially deny access to other powers. NASA is countering with a civilian coalition of private partners like SpaceX to develop sustainable infrastructure for future Mars missions. China's architecture mimics Soviet systems, while NASA's Starship requi...