The John Batchelor Show

Colonel Jeff McCausland explains how rifled muskets increased accuracy while tactics remained outdated, causing high casualties. On the second day, Strong Vincent took the initiative to occupy Little Round Top without orders. Joshua Chamberlain's 20th Maine successfully held the Union's far left flank with a desperate bayonet charge. (3) 1863

Colonel Jeff McCausland recounts how General Reynolds was killed by a Confederate marksman while leading his men forward into the woods. Later that day, Robert E. Lee issued a famous discretionary order to Richard Ewell to take Cemetery Hill "if practicable." Ewell , newly promoted and lacking initiative, hesitated and ultimately declined to attack. (2) 1910

Colonel Jeff McCausland discusses John Buford's arrival at Gettysburg , identifying key terrain like Cemetery Hill . Buford sent urgent messages to John Reynolds , urging him to bring infantry forward quickly. Reynolds trusted Buford's assessment, leading Union forces to occupy positions just as the Confederate attack began. (1) 1903 GETTYSBURG

STREAMING MAKING OF JBS, FEATURING LANCE GATLING IN TOKYO, 7-2-26 1920 NAGASAKI In this broadcast, John Batchelor and Lance Gatling examine the shifting geopolitical and economic landscape across the globe, with a specific focus on Japan's bold new trajectory . The discussion highlights Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s ambitious $2.3 trillion investment plan , which aims to secure Japan’s technolog...

Preview: Lance Gatling discusses Prime Minister Takaichi's 14-year plan to accelerate Japan's high-tech sectors. She maintains record popularity among conservatives and young people despite bold spending, supported by a culture that is impressively hardworking and devoted.

Preview: Mary Kissel analyzes shifting US - China relations, noting that the private sector is proactively diversifying. CEOs recognize China's deflating, corrupt economy while the government remains slow to recognize that outreach is not being met with cooperation.

Preview: Anatol Lieven examines Putin's leadership following Ukrainian infrastructure attacks. Putin remains in charge while navigating pressure between hawks demanding radical escalation and doves seeking a peace settlement, essentially trying to kick the ball down the road.

Preview: Colonel Jeff McCausland recounts the 20th Maine's stand at Little Round Top . Out of ammunition, Colonel Chamberlain ordered a bayonet charge to successfully hold the southernmost line against exhausted Confederate forces, preventing a total Union collapse.

review: Colonel Jeff McCausland explains how Minie ball technology increased lethal ranges at Gettysburg . While accuracy improved significantly, military tactics remained outdated, failing to account for the technology's devastating power against soldiers trained for older muskets.

SCHEDULE OF THE JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW, 7-1--2026. 1804 GREENWICH 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) Jim Fanell explains China's "salami slicing" tactics in the mariti...

STREAMING THE MAKING OF THE JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW, FEATURING GORDON CHANG, RICK FISHER, JIM FANELL, STEVE YATES, 7-1-26 1962 LAIKA These transcript excerpts provide a wide-ranging discussion on China’s geopolitical challenges and aerospace ambitions . A central focus is a light aircraft crash into a Beijing skyscraper, which the speakers interpret as a massive failure of Chinese air defense that has...

Justin Leopold Cohen discusses the trilateral framework between Israel , Lebanon , and the U.S. that aims to disarm Hezbollah , though the group has rejected the terms. Despite reduced Iranian power, Hezbollah remains a heavily armed proxy, maintaining extensive tunnel networks and continuing clashes with the IDF along the border. (16) 1910

Anne Stevenson-Yang describes the collapse of China's real estate market, where half-empty apartment towers in ghost cities now offer cheap rent to young workers. Municipalities are burdened with massive debt from failed development projects, and building maintenance is deteriorating as developers walk away. (15) 1911 6

Michael Bernstam reports that Ukrainian drone strikes have taken 28% of Russian oil refineries out of commission, causing widespread fuel shortages and forcing Russia to import gasoline. Vladimir Putin admitted the situation is "difficult" as Crimea faces crises in fuel, food, and water due to severed supply routes. (14) 1800 VENEZUELA

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