The John Batchelor Show is a hard news-analysis radio program on current events, world history, global politics and natural sciences. Based in New York City for two decades, the show has travelled widely to report, from the Middle East to the South Caucasus to the Arabian Peninsula and East Asia.
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The The John Batchelor Show podcast is an exceptional and insightful broadcast that delves deep into geopolitical, military, social, and economic issues. With a wide range of experts providing their keen insights, this show offers a thorough exploration of various topics. One of the standout features of this podcast is the inclusion of different perspectives through point-counterpoint discussions by Gaius and Professor Germanicus. This historical analysis adds a unique layer of understanding to current events. Additionally, the show provides abundant information, news, and links to source materials, often prompting listeners to rewind or set up replays to ensure they don't miss important context. The graphics in the thumbnail images used to be particularly impressive before the show switched to CBS.
One of the highlights of The John Batchelor Show podcast is the presence of guest expert A.J. McKinder. His insights are highly valued by listeners and he has become a favorite regular on the show. Many eagerly await his weekly appearances and hope that he will continue to be a permanent fixture on the podcast. The variety of topics covered on this podcast is also commendable, ranging from discussions on grass-fed beef and rogue planets to Iran and the real causes of the Revolutionary War. Listeners appreciate the real information and insights provided by John Batchelor and his guests, with some even crediting the show for influencing their academic work.
On a less positive note, some listeners express their disappointment with certain segments or guests on The John Batchelor Show. For instance, there are comments about one particular guest being too left-leaning or biased in their views, leading some listeners to feel frustrated or compelled to skip those segments entirely. However, it's acknowledged that having diverse perspectives represented is crucial for balanced reporting.
In conclusion, The John Batchelor Show podcast is highly recommended for its in-depth analysis of current events from around the world. With knowledgeable guests offering intelligent discussions and unbiased news coverage, this podcast stands out as a valuable source of information. John Batchelor's skills as a host and interviewer are evident throughout, making this show a must-listen for anyone seeking to stay informed about global affairs. While there may be occasional segments that don't resonate with all listeners, the overall quality and breadth of topics covered make this podcast a standout in the field.
Guyana's Massive Oil Boom. Evan Ellis highlights the profound economic transformation of Guyana following the discovery of billions of barrels of light, sweet crude oil. Driven by massive investments from ExxonMobil and Chevron, the South American nation serves as a prime example of effective management and foreign partnerships generating transformative national wealth. #81925 GUYANA
Border Drone Threats, USMCA, and Venezuela. Evan Ellis discusses the closure of El Paso's airspace due to sophisticated cartel drones. He also highlights the critical necessity of renegotiating the USMCA to preserve Mexico'seconomy and cooperative security posture. Finally, he notes a surprising US military delegation visit to negotiate with Venezuela's Maduro regime. #71918 BELLEAU WOOD
Cuba's Severe Energy and Economic Collapse. Evan Ellis describes the catastrophic collapse of Cuba's economy. Cut off from Venezuelan and Mexican oil, the island faces severe rationing, blackouts, halted public services, and completely collapsed tourism. With millions fleeing the dire conditions, the communist regime's survival is heavily strained as basic resources fail. #61918 MT LEBANON
Peru's Political Crisis and Chinese Influence. Professor Evan Ellis details Peru's chronic political instability following the appointment of its eighth president in eight years. Amidst endemic corruption and a fragmented Congress, the nation is deeply intertwined with Chinese investments, particularly in telecommunications, mining, and the strategically vital, Chinese-controlled deep-water port of Chancay. #51918 SPANISH FLU
Modern Lessons from the Fed-Treasury Accord. Drawing parallels between 1951 and today, John Cochrane examines the tension between presidential administrations and the Federal Reserve during crises. He emphasizes that the Fed must maintain its independence, warning against perpetually funding government spending and urging a strict focus on inflation control over politically motivated easy money. #41918 VERDUN
Truman, the Fed, and the 1951 Accord. Professor John Cochrane explores the 1951 Treasury-Fed Accord during the Korean War. Fearing another World War II-style crisis, President Harry Truman pressured Fed Chairman Thomas McCabe to keep interest rates low. Instead, the Fed fought for its independence to combat inflation, establishing modern monetary policy precedents. #31918 AMERICANS IN LONDON
Negotiated Settlements and Expanding Security States. Anatol Lieven explains the European left's growing concerns about the Ukraine war fueling authoritarian security and surveillance measures. While a negotiated settlement requiring Ukraine to surrender the Donbas seems impossible in Kyiv, the conflict risks becoming a prolonged war of attrition dictated by modern drone warfare. #21918 4TH LIGHT HORSE IN THE JUDEAN HILLS
The European Left and the Ukraine Conflict. John Batchelor and Anatol Lieven discuss the European left's evolving stance on the Ukraine war. Facing economic strain, radical leftist parties are prioritizing peace and domestic issues over punishing Russia, driven by historical anti-NATO sentiments and deep skepticism toward European military expansion and the United States. #11918 LABOUR LONDON
Preview for later today. Peter Berkowitz of the Hoover Institution praises the former president for properly recognizing political realities by moving the embassy to Jerusalem and supporting Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights.1920 MASADA
Preview for later today. Professor Evan Ellis examines Guyana's remarkable economic transformation driven by massive oil discoveries, suggesting its successful wealth management offers a valuable lesson for neighboring Venezuelaas it rebuilds.1930 GEORGETOWN GUYANA
Preview for later today. Professor John Yoo of Berkeley Law explores Justice Scalia's legacy, emphasizing his defense of the unitary executive and belief that clear, predictable laws should govern independent federal agencies.1889 SCOTUS
File: P-DHUME-2-19.mp3 Headline: Turmoil and Radicalization in Bangladesh Guest Name: Sadinand Dum 25 Word Summary: Following recent riots and the prime minister's flight to India, Bangladesh faces severe political turmoil as radical Islamist group Jamaat Islami gains significant parliamentary power.1860 India
File: P-LIEVEN-2-18.mp3 Headline: The European Left's Stance on Ukraine and Expansion Guest Name: Anatol Leven 25 Word Summary: The European left supports defending Europe but strongly opposes further NATO and EU expansion, viewing the European Union as a fundamentally obstructive, anti-socialist capitalist organization1854 ODESSA
File: P-STRADNER-2-19.mp3 Headline: Viktor Orban's Continued Reliance on Russian Energy Guest Name: Stradner 25 Word Summary: Hungarian leader Viktor Orban falsely claims a lack of alternatives to Russian gas, prioritizing his grip on power and ties to Moscow over Hungary's interests.1870 BUCHAREST
IRAN 1971113 Bayrock, Franchising, and Financial Rescue Craig Unger details how Bayrock, a firm of Soviet immigrants with mob ties located in Trump Tower, rescued a bankrupt Trump. They introduced a risk-free franchising model, allowing Trump to profit from licensing his name while Russian intelligence and mafia figures utilized his properties for money laundering operations. Guest Author: Craig Unger14 Epstein, Real Estate Flips, and Russian Ties The conversation shifts to Jeffrey Epstein's mysterious links to Russian intelligence and his real estate dealings with Trump. Unger highlights a suspicious transaction where Trump bought a property and quickly flipped it to Russian oligarch Dmitry Rybolovlev for a massive profit despite making no improvements. Guest Author: Craig Unger15 Czech Security and the Ukrainian Mob Unger discusses how Czech intelligence monitored Ivana Trump and explores Trump's negotiations with Pavel Fuks, a Ukrainian developer described as "pure Russian mob". Fuks, who boasted of FSB ties, negotiated for a Trump Tower in Moscow and later paid significant sums to attend Trump's inauguration. Guest Author: Craig Unger16 FBI Failures and the Mueller Limitations Unger argues the FBI failed to investigate Trump's Russian ties, noting that former directors later worked for Russian mobsters. He claims the Mueller investigation was limited to criminal acts rather than counterintelligence, allowing Trump to avoid consequences for "willful blindness" regarding money laundering through his properties. Guest Author: Craig Unger
16Â Â FBI Failures and the Mueller Limitations Unger argues the FBI failed to investigate Trump's Russian ties, noting that former directors later worked for Russian mobsters. He claims the Mueller investigation was limited to criminal acts rather than counterintelligence, allowing Trump to avoid consequences for "willful blindness" regarding money laundering through his properties. Guest Author: Craig Unger1907 NYSE
15 Czech Security and the Ukrainian Mob Unger discusses how Czech intelligence monitored Ivana Trump and explores Trump's negotiations with Pavel Fuks, a Ukrainian developer described as "pure Russian mob". Fuks, who boasted of FSB ties, negotiated for a Trump Tower in Moscow and later paid significant sums to attend Trump's inauguration. Guest Author: Craig Unger1868 PUBLISHING ROW
14 Epstein, Real Estate Flips, and Russian Ties The conversation shifts to Jeffrey Epstein's mysterious links to Russian intelligence and his real estate dealings with Trump. Unger highlights a suspicious transaction where Trump bought a property and quickly flipped it to Russian oligarch Dmitry Rybolovlev for a massive profit despite making no improvements. Guest Author: Craig Unger1829 FIVE POINTS NYC
13 Bayrock, Franchising, and Financial Rescue Craig Unger details how Bayrock, a firm of Soviet immigrants with mob ties located in Trump Tower, rescued a bankrupt Trump. They introduced a risk-free franchising model, allowing Trump to profit from licensing his name while Russian intelligence and mafia figures utilized his properties for money laundering operations. Guest Author: Craig Unger1913 NYC PUBLIC LIBRARY
12. Using Starship to Chase Interstellar Comets Scientists propose a 2035 Starship mission to intercept an interstellar comet using a solar slingshot maneuver. Guest: Bob Zimmerman1905 ADMIRAL KORNILOV
11. FAA Approves SpaceX Starship Launch Increase SpaceX secures approval for more launches while NASA's SLS rocket faces delays during wet dress rehearsal tests. Guest: Bob Zimmerman1904Â
0. Strained US-Canada Relations Under Trump Prime Minister Carney gains approval by standing up to Trump, signaling a shift in Canadian trade sovereignty despite costs. Guest: David Hebert1904 RUSSO-JAPANESE WAR
9. The Collapse of the US-Canada Friendship The historically strong US-Canada bond fractures under trade disputes and rhetoric, threatening long-term diplomatic and economic relationships. Guest: David Hebert1904 PORT ARTHUR
RTHUR8. Internal Power Struggles Within Iran's Military Tensions rise between the IRGC and the regular army as the regime faces increasing US prORT essure. Guest: Kamran Bokhari, Gordon Chang1904 Â PORT ARTHUR
7. China's Advanced Drone Warfare and Tech Theft Beijing develops intelligent drone swarms and advanced fighters using stolen technology to challenge US military dominance. Guest: Bill Gertz, Gordon Chang1900 TROOPS DEPARTLING FOR BOXER REBELLION
6. The Ethical Cost of Cobalt for Batteries The demand for cobalt in EVs and phones drives prices up while highlighting ethical issues in the Congo. Guest: Simon Constable1898 DEWEY
5. Severe Flooding in France and Commodity Shifts Severe storms inundate France while gold and silver prices fluctuate due to shifting global economic policies. Guest: Simon Constable1888 NAVAL GUN
4. China's Critical Support for Iran and Russia Experts analyze how Beijing sustains Russia and Iran through technology transfers and sanctions evasion, complicating US strategy. Guest: Steve Yates, Gordon Chang1897 FARRAGUT'S FLAGSHIP
3. Japan Stands Firm Against Chinese Aggression Japan's Prime Minister Takaichi vows to defend Taiwan, drawing ire from Beijing, while Europe slowly recognizes the Chinese threat. Guest: Steve Yates, Gordon Chang1910 USS MASSACHUCETTS
2. South Korea's Shift Toward China Under Lee President Lee Jae-myung pursues socialist policies and anti-US sentiment, raising concerns about South Korea's alignment with China. Guest: Tara O, Gordon Chang1890 USS NAHUNT
1. US Naval Buildup Amidst Iran Negotiation Stalls Washington increases naval pressure as Iranian negotiators stall and China continues backing the regime amidst nuclear concerns. Guest: Victoria Coates, Gordon Chang1918 SEVASTAPOL
PREVIEW FOR LATER TODAYHEADLINE: Breaking US Dependency on Chinese Rare Earths25 WORD SUMMARY: Victoria Coates discusses the strategic shift from the Biden administration's climate focus to a new effort to stockpile rare earth minerals and reduce reliance on China.GUEST: Victoria Coates, The Heritage Foundation1945 SHANGHAI CELEBRATING JAPAN SURRENDER
PREVIEW FOR LATER TODAYHEADLINE: Keir Starmer Facing Severe Political Headwinds25 WORD SUMMARY: Simon Constable reports on the intense media barrage and internal party dissent facing Keir Starmer, which threatens to derail his ability to govern effectively.GUEST: Simon Constable, Commentator1889 MANCHESTER
PREVIEW FOR LATER TODAYHEADLINE: Beijing's Global Strategy to Weaken America25 WORD SUMMARY: Bill Gertz warns that China is covertly arming Russia and supporting US enemies as part of a broader strategy to displace and destroy the United States.GUEST: Bill Gertz, The Washington TimesAPRIL 1953 MIG-15
PREVIEW FOR LATER TODAYHEADLINE: Canada Pushes Back Against US Trade Pressure25 WORD SUMMARY: David Heert explains how Prime Minister Mark Carney is gaining political support by standing up to President Trump's rhetoric, despite the potential economic costs to Canadians.GUEST: David Heert, Civitas Institute1908 OTTAWA
REVIEW FOR LATER TODAYHEADLINE: The Defense of Western Civilization in Europe25 WORD SUMMARY: Steve Yates analyzes the reception of American defense of Western values in Europe, noting a clash with entrenched ideologies at the Munich Conference.GUEST: Steve Yates, The Heritage Foundation1900 BRUSSELS
HEADLINE: A Mission to Catch an Interstellar Comet25 WORD SUMMARY: Bob Zimmerman outlines an ambitious scientific proposal to launch a Starship in 2035 that would sling-shot around the sun to intercept a distant comet.GUEST: Bob Zimmerman, Science WriterOCTOBER 1957
1917 EDGAR RICE BURROUGHS. MARS1.Liz Peek discusses the market's current drift and the continued dominance of Artificial Intelligence, arguing AI is not a bubble but a rapidly adopted technology transforming productivity, with companies underhiring as they assess impact and investors needing exposure to this dominant sector.2.Liz Peek critiques California Governor Gavin Newsom, a potential 2028 presidential candidate, citing California'sstruggles with homelessness, illegal immigration, and a wealth tax driving residents away, characterizing him as a catastrophe whose record undermines his viability.3.Judy Dempsey and Thaddeus Mart dismiss Poland's reparation demands from Russia as political jostling, criticize Senator Rubio's visit to Hungary for bolstering Viktor Orbán, and note the Wagner Group's reported return to Europe as destabilizing.4.Judy Dempsey and Thaddeus Mart identify a leadership void in Europe, noting weakness in Macron and Starmer, arguing Europe possesses treaty tools for defense but lacks political will, often blaming Donald Trump rather than addressing internal paralysis.5.Mary Kissel praises Secretary Rubio's Munich speech for emphasizing Western defense but notes he was softer on China than expected, arguing Europe only strengthens military commitments when shamed by the US or facing immediate threats.6.Mary Kissel analyzes the massive US naval deployment near Iran as a credible threat to force regime compliance, dismissing Iran's military drills in the Straits of Hormuz as feeble, suggesting the administration will use force if Tehran refuses dismantlement.7.Jonathan Schanzer of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies analyzes Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan's disingenuous peace efforts, discusses US demands for Iran's total nuclear dismantlement, and highlights strategic confusion regarding the Board of Peace and Hamas supporters' involvement.8.Jonathan Schanzer describes Syria as effectively a Turkish proxy state viewed with danger by the region, discussing President Trump's announcement of five billion dollars from the Board of Peace for Gaza while expressing skepticism about Turkey and Qatar's reconstruction roles.9.Joseph Sternberg of the Wall Street Journal discusses European leaders finally addressing the continent's economic dysfunction compared to the US, noting proposals for a twenty-eighth regime to simplify business laws while politicians like Meloni and Merz face challenges balancing welfare states with growth reforms.10.Joseph Sternberg analyzes Prime Minister Keir Starmer's crash and burn scenario despite a large parliamentary majority, weakened by scandals and party infighting, with survival relying on the lack of compelling alternatives while constant policy reversals leave his government unable to foster growth.11.Alejandro Peña Esclusa details his transition from businessman to Venezuela's first political prisoner as Hugo Chávez, aided by the São Paulo Forum, dismantled democracy, recounting cacerolazo pot-banging protests and how the regime systematically destroyed the economy and persecuted dissenters.12.Alejandro Peña Esclusa discusses the reported capture of Nicolás Maduro, described as a Cuban asset and drug cartel leader, noting Venezuelans are cautiously celebrating with open protests while threats remain from radical groups and international friction regarding the transition.13.Gregory Copley of Defense & Foreign Affairs discusses the US deployment of one hundred troops to Nigeria to counter ISIS and Boko Haram, arguing stability requires addressing economic disenfranchisement from damming the River Niger rather than treating symptoms with military advisors.14.Gregory Copley reports Nigerian President Tinubu advocates for an African credit rating agency to reduce reliance on external assessments from firms like Moody's, reflecting growing desire for statistical independence and better quantification of local economies to attract investment.15.Gregory Copley argues Europe suffers from a leadership vacuum caused by post-WWII dependency on the US and bureaucratic corrosion within the EU, with economic recovery requiring slashing regulations as current welfare models become unsustainable amidst geopolitical threats.16.Gregory Copley notes that despite scandals surrounding Prince Andrew, the Royal Family remains essential glue holding the UK and Commonwealth together, with the King and working royals performing vital diplomatic functions while spares struggle without defined roles.
  Gregory Copley notes that despite scandals surrounding Prince Andrew, the Royal Family remains essential glue holding the UK and Commonwealth together, with the King and working royals performing vital diplomatic functions while spares struggle without defined roles.1900 BRUSSELS
Gregory Copley argues Europe suffers from a leadership vacuum caused by post-WWII dependency on the US and bureaucratic corrosion within the EU, with economic recovery requiring slashing regulations as current welfare models become unsustainable amidst geopolitical threats.1900 BRUSSELS PLACE OF MARTYS
Gregory Copley reports Nigerian President Tinubu advocates for an African credit rating agency to reduce reliance on external assessments from firms like Moody's, reflecting growing desire for statistical independence and better quantification of local economies to attract investment.1910 BRUSSELS CATHEDRAL
Gregory Copley of Defense & Foreign Affairs discusses the US deployment of one hundred troops to Nigeria to counter ISIS and Boko Haram, arguing stability requires addressing economic disenfranchisement from damming the River Niger rather than treating symptoms with military advisors.1910 BRUSSELS
Alejandro Peña Esclusa discusses the reported capture of Nicolás Maduro, described as a Cuban asset and drug cartel leader, noting Venezuelans are cautiously celebrating with open protests while threats remain from radical groups and international friction regarding the transition.1900 PRESIDENT CIPRIANO CASTRO AND CABINET
Alejandro Peña Esclusa details his transition from businessman to Venezuela's first political prisoner as Hugo Chávez, aided by the São Paulo Forum, dismantled democracy, recounting cacerolazo pot-banging protests and how the regime systematically destroyed the economy and persecuted dissenters.1870 CARACAS
Joseph Sternberg analyzes Prime Minister Keir Starmer's crash and burn scenario despite a large parliamentary majority, weakened by scandals and party infighting, with survival relying on the lack of compelling alternatives while constant policy reversals leave his government unable to foster growth.1900 NETHERLANDS
Joseph Sternberg of the Wall Street Journal discusses European leaders finally addressing the continent's economic dysfunction compared to the US, noting proposals for a twenty-eighth regime to simplify business laws while politicians like Meloni and Merz face challenges balancing welfare states with growth reforms.1900 BRUSSELS
Jonathan Schanzer describes Syria as effectively a Turkish proxy state viewed with danger by the region, discussing President Trump's announcement of five billion dollars from the Board of Peace for Gaza while expressing skepticism about Turkey and Qatar's reconstruction roles.1900 BRUSSELS
Jonathan Schanzer of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies analyzes Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan's disingenuous peace efforts, discusses US demands for Iran's total nuclear dismantlement, and highlights strategic confusion regarding the Board of Peace and Hamas supporters' involvement.1900 BRUSSELS
Mary Kissel analyzes the massive US naval deployment near Iran as a credible threat to force regime compliance, dismissing Iran's military drills in the Straits of Hormuz as feeble, suggesting the administration will use force if Tehran refuses dismantlement.1900 BRUSSELS
Mary Kissel praises Secretary Rubio's Munich speech for emphasizing Western defense but notes he was softer on China than expected, arguing Europe only strengthens military commitments when shamed by the US or facing immediate threats.1900 BRUSSELS BOTANICAL GARDEN
Judy Dempsey and Thaddeus Mart identify a leadership void in Europe, noting weakness in Macron and Starmer, arguing Europe possesses treaty tools for defense but lacks political will, often blaming Donald Trump rather than addressing internal paralysis.1900 BRUSSELS
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