The John Batchelor Show

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)

Doug Messier and Rick Fisher discuss China's planned 2027 circumlunar mission as a precursor to a lunar landing before 2030. This "Moon Race 2.0" challenges American prestige. While NASA aims for the South Pole by 2028, China and Russia plan an international research station to extract lunar resources. (7)

Simon Constable presents a quiz on longevity, revealing that the average US life expectancy has reached 79 years. Hawaii boasts the highest expectancy, while West Virginia remains the lowest. Globally, Monaco, San Marino, and Hong Kong lead in longevity according to United Nations data. (6)

Simon Constable reports on extreme European temperatures and their impact on energy, noting major spikes in EU natural gas prices. He tracks shifting costs for wheat, corn, and copper. Additionally, he notes how Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian fertilizer plants could further disrupt global agriculture. (5)

Caleb Weiss reports on the failure of the 2022–2023 clan militia offensive, which allowed al-Shabaab to recapture lost territory. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud faces a legitimacy crisis and constitutional conflict. Meanwhile, the UAEand Turkey conduct non-transparent drone strikes against various extremist targets in the north. (4) 19001

Caleb Weiss explains the complex counterterrorism landscape in the Horn of Africa, where al-Shabaab and ISISoperate. He details how the semi-autonomous Puntland region is rejecting Mogadishu's authority. US policy faces significant hurdles as funding for African Union missions reaches a critical crossroads. (3)

Anatol Lieven analyzes the potential premiership of Mr. Burnham as he navigates pressures within the Labour Party. The discussion covers challenges like electoral reform, the rise of the Reform Party, and scandals. Burnham may avoid an immediate election to protect Labour's majority while opposition support fluctuates. (2) 1900 BRUSSELS

Anatol 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) 1810 BRUSSSELS

SCHEDULE JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW, 7-15-261904 PERSIAMichael Bernstam discusses China's "colonial" economic relationship with Russia, demanding natural gas at heavily subsidized domestic rates. Capitalizing on Russian weakness, Beijing insists Russia fund its own pipelines while China signals a shift toward supporting Ukrainian territorial integrity, effectively throwing Putin "under the bus" to pressu...

STREAMING MAKING JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW, FEATURING GORDON CHANG, STEVE YATES, CLEO PASKAL, CHARLES BURTON, 7-15-26The John Batchelor Show features discussions with experts regarding shifting political dynamics and security concerns in the Indo-Pacific and North America. Steve Yates explains the rise of Taiwan's TPP party, a former youth movement now acting as a legislative power broker that is pursui...

Judy Dempsey highlights increasing threats against European politicians, particularly in Germany from the far-right AfD. Despite the current prominence of "strong men," she maintains that authoritarian systems are unsustainable because the human spirit fundamentally requires freedom, which dictatorships cannot provide or permit in the long term. (16) 19051