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SHOW SCHEDULE JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW, 6-4-2026.1671. Evan Ellis discusses the crisis in Bolivia, where President Rodrigo Paz appointed a new defense minister to counter blockades by Evo Morales's supporters and coca growers. These paramilitary-style tactics have isolated La Paz, causing severe shortages. Ellis analyzes the military's hesitation and the influence of illicit interests on the unrest. Evan Ellis examines upcoming elections in Peru and Colombia. In Peru, hard-left candidate Roberto Sanchezchallenges Keiko Fujimori, raising concerns about radical constitutional changes. In Colombia, security-focused newcomer Abelardo de la Espriella leads against leftist Iván Cepeda, reflecting public frustration with the government's failure to manage internal security. Evan Ellis details regional tensions: former Mexican President AMLO accuses Washington of interference regarding corruption probes into his party. In Cuba, the U.S. employs "carrots and sticks" to pressure the regime. Meanwhile, Brazil's election intensifies as the Trump administration backs Flavio Bolsonaro while imposing trade tariffs on Lula's government. Evan Ellis discusses Argentine President Javier Milei's push for unregulated AI development to attract tech investment, highlighted by Peter Thiel's move to Buenos Aires. The segment also covers social unrest in Mexicoas it prepares to host the World Cup, emphasizing the high costs and potential for disruption. Anatol Lieven analyzes Ukrainian drone strikes on St. Petersburg, which damaged energy infrastructure and embarrassed the Kremlin during an economic forum. Lieven observes that the war has evolved into a "battle of drones," undermining Russia's imperial image and increasing internal pressure on Putin as his original strategic goals remain unfulfilled. Anatol Lieven discusses the civil unrest following the murder of Henry Novak in England. He critiques the police response and explains how Nigel Farage is exploiting the tragedy to fuel nationalist sentiment. Additionally, Lieven assesses the political decline of Keir Starmer and the potential rise of Andy Burnham. Mary Anastasia O'Grady explores the ideological battle in the Andean region. She describes Evo Morales's efforts to paralyze Bolivia through road blockades. O'Grady also analyzes the electoral shifts in Peru and Colombia, where voters increasingly favor right-wing candidates who promise security and economic stability over hard-left institutional change. Veronique de Rugy critiques the feasibility of single-payer healthcare in America. Citing Vermont's failed experiment, she highlights the astronomical tax increases required to fund such systems. De Rugy argues that government-run healthcare leads to rationing and stifles the medical innovation currently driven by the American private market. Professor Andrew Bayliss discusses the origins and geography of Sparta, a fertile but mountain-locked valley. He explains the unique dual kingship and the Spartan "plantation cult" society, which relied on the brutal enslavement of the Helots. Bayliss also notes early military overconfidence, exemplified by their defeat at Tegea. Professor Andrew Bayliss introduces the primary sources for Spartan history: Herodotus, who recorded epic narratives; Thucydides, who focused on clinical analysis and the "Thucydides Trap"; and Xenophon, a student of Socrates who continued Thucydides' unfinished history. Each historian provided a distinct perspective on Sparta's rise and fall. Professor Andrew Bayliss describes the "brutal barracks life" of Spartan education, beginning at age seven. Boys endured physical hardship and were encouraged to steal food to prepare for combat. Women also underwent athletic training to produce strong warriors. This rigorous system created a highly disciplined citizen elite. Professor Andrew Bayliss analyzes the Persian Wars, noting that while Thermopylae created the Spartanlegend, the naval victory at Salamis was strategically decisive. Following the war, Sparta retreated into isolationism due to internal scandals, allowing Athens to transform its defensive alliance into a powerful, tribute-collecting maritime empire. Simon Constable reports from France on volatile commodity markets. While copper prices suggest economic growth, the continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz threatens to spike oil prices and trigger global economic downgrades. Constable also provides updates on regional weather and the health of his puppy, Lyra. Simon Constable discusses the political instability in Britain, where Andy Burnham seeks to challenge Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The segment also covers the tragic death of Henry Novak, which has ignited debates over migration and policing, with Nigel Farage utilizing the crisis to bolster his Reform Party's influence. Rick Fisher warns of the rapid militarization of the Earth-Moon system. He highlights China's dual-use space program, run by the People's Liberation Army, and the U.S. Space Command's shift toward "offensive space control." Both powers are deploying lunar vehicles to establish and protect territory in cis-lunar space. Rick Fisher discusses China's 100-year plan to dominate the solar system, specifically the Lunar South Pole's resources. He describes potential "de-confliction" issues as China uses crashing propulsion modules for landings. Fisher concludes that space is becoming an active war-fighting domain involving orbital, electronic, and cyber warfare.
SHOW SCHEDULE THE JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW, 5-15-26.1900 MT LOWE IN LA COUNTY.FActor Spencer Pratt uses "guerrilla marketing" and viral Lego ads to challenge Mayor Karen Bass over homelessness and slow fire recovery, while Portland faces similar urban decay from expanding tent encampments and addiction. (1/16)High-profile candidates like Xavier Becerra and Tom Steyer navigate a crowded field to replace Gavin Newsom, while outsider Steve Hilton gains traction as voters express frustration with rising costs and failing infrastructure. (2/16)Political rhetoric increasingly targets the Supreme Court's legitimacy, moving away from historic "comity" toward venomous attacks on nominees, as seen in the treatment of Justice Brett Kavanaugh and recent term-limit legislative proposals. (3/16)President Trump's visit to Beijing reveals a global landscape in "shambles," with China facing internal military and economic troubles while the U.S. struggles to project a consistent and strong foreign policy. (4/16)Lancaster County exhibits a "K-shaped" economy where wealthy boomers continue spending despite high gasoline prices, while lower-income families struggle with inflation and a general slowdown in retail foot traffic and department stores. (5/16)Rome celebrates its 2,779th birthday as the Ministry of Culture plans museum expansions to handle over-tourism, while the Italian Navy deploys a new, multi-purpose combat ship to the Indo-Pacific region. (6/16)The upcoming Starship launch tests revolutionary Raptor 3 engines and heat shield tiles, as SpaceX explores new launch sites in Louisiana and negotiates with Google to place data centers in orbit. (7/16)Probes Europa Clipper and Juice provide a 360-degree view of an interstellar comet, while the Curiosity rover accidentally uncovers unique "brain terrain" and fluted rock formations after a drilling mishap on Mars. (8/16)Facing a total oil collapse, Cuba considers a U.S. aid offer for internet access while the state maintains Chinese listening stations and a tenuous military relationship with a distracted and entangled Russia. (9/16)The Rodriguez regime leverages lifted sanctions to stabilize power while slow-walking democratic transitions, frustrating an opposition that remains sidelined as new oil money potentially strengthens the existing repressive and criminal state apparatus. (10/16)Bolivian miners clash with police demanding President Paz's resignation, while Peru faces a high-stakes runoff between Keiko Fujimori and a leftist candidate, and Colombia grapples with worsening security under President Petro. (11/16)Prime Minister Philip Davis secures a landslide victory in the Bahamas, while Argentina sees a significant drop in monthly inflation under Javier Milei, leading major investment houses to lower the country's risk. (12/16)Prime Minister Mark Carney shifts toward increasing defense spending to 5%, acquiring sophisticated submarines to protect Arctic interests, and navigating "overwhelming contiguity" with the U.S. while maintaining a firm stance on Ukraine. (13/16)Successful private sector figures joining the Trump administration struggle with the rigid rules of government, finding it far more difficult to cut spending or fire employees than in the private sector. (14/16)Despite Javier Milei's free-market reforms, his decision not to dollarize leaves the peso unstable, creating investor skepticism about whether his policies will survive past the next election cycle against the Peronists. (15/16)The proposed Golden Dome missile shield could cost $1.2 trillion, sparking debate over whether the U.S. should prioritize space-based interceptors or address the immediate, low-cost threat of locally launched drones. (16/16)Note: corrected "gorilla marketing" → "guerrilla marketing" in 1/16.
SHOW SCHEDULE JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW, 5-14-26.1920 EAST BATTERY, CHARLESTON SC. Anatol Lieven explores the meeting between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, focusing on China's economic shifts and the precarious nature of Taiwan's independence, which remains a primary flashpoint for potential war. (1/16)Anatol Lieven details the internal rebellion against Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Following poor election results, rival Wes Streeting's resignation signals a broader challenge for party control and the future of leadership. (2/16)Peter Berkowitz examines Harvey Mansfield's assessment of Harvard's decline. They discuss how grade inflation, political agendas, and the abandonment of meritocracy have replaced the university's commitment to genuine intellectual excellence. (3/16)Michael Toth highlights how foreign investors utilize litigation finance to gain tax advantages. He advocates for defining legal investments as ordinary income to close loopholes that favor oligarchs and burden shareholders. (4/16)Lance Gatling and Jim McTague discuss Japan's record stock market highs and strategic use of national oil reserves. Despite Middle Eastern instability, Japan maintains economic stability through subsidies, technological leadership, and careful energy diversification. (5/16)Jim McTague and Lance Gatling report on "shrinkflation," where product sizes decrease as prices rise. They analyze the impact of high inflation on daily life in both Pennsylvania and Tokyo. (6/16)Cosmologist Patricio Gallardo presents evidence from galaxy clusters proving that gravity follows Newton's inverse square law across vast distances, effectively debunking alternative theories like Modified Newtonian Dynamics over hundreds of millions of light-years. (7/16)Patricio Gallardo discusses the mysteries of dark matter and dark energy. He details future efforts to calibrate telescopes for detecting the "Axion" particle to understand the composition of the missing universe. (8/16)James Lasdun introduces the trial of Alex Murdaugh for the execution-style murders of his wife and son. He examines the surprising speed of the 2023 guilty verdict despite primarily circumstantial evidence. (9/16)James Lasdun describes the Murdaugh family's century-long dominance of South Carolina's legal system. He compares Alex's betrayal of trust and embezzlement to the intimate crimes punished in Dante's deepest circles of hell. (10/16)James Lasdun analyzes the investigation into the double murders, focusing on the kennel video that trapped Alex Murdaugh in a massive lie regarding his whereabouts and exposed investigative deference from authorities. (11/16)James Lasdun explores Murdaugh's claims of opioid addiction and a bizarre staged roadside shooting. He scrutinizes these events as attempts to distract from financial crimes or secure insurance payouts for survivors. (12/16)James Lasdun details how iPhone and GPS data provided a critical timeline of the murders. Despite the lack of direct physical evidence, digital tracking and family-owned ballistics proved vital to the prosecution. (13/16)James Lasdun investigates the years of embezzlement enabled by Murdaugh's status. By siphoning millions from clients and his law firm, he maintained a lifestyle of privilege through a doomed, long-term Ponzi scheme. (14/16)James Lasdun applies the concept of "family annihilators" to Alex Murdaugh. He examines the mindset of successful men who murder their families to prevent the shame of their criminal exposure coming to light. (15/16)James Lasdun recounts Murdaugh's disturbing, hour-long courtroom performance. He discusses signs of psychopathy, including a "robotic" detachment and grandiosity, alongside credible reports of a previously hidden history of violence against women. (16/16)Note: corrected "Michael Todd" → Michael Toth (matching prior thread usage and the prior preview). Flag if "Todd" was intended.
SHOW SCHEDULE THE JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW, 4-27-26.1993 YEMEN1. Headline: The Iran War on Pause: Diplomacy and Asymmetric Strategy Guest: Bill Roggio Summary: John Batchelor and Bill Roggio discuss the current pause in the Iran war, characterized by President Trump's decision to halt negotiations. While Iran's conventional military has suffered significant damage, concerns remain regarding its asymmetric warfare capabilities and its strategy to outlast the United States through "asymmetric diplomacy". 12. Headline: Saturday Night Assassination Attempt and the Danger of Misinformation Guest: Bill RoggioSummary: Batchelor and Roggio reflect on an assassination attempt by an American citizen at a Washington ballroom. They warn against the rapid spread of conspiracy theories following violent events, noting how misinformation has become mainstream. They emphasize that political violence is unacceptable and requires careful, factual reporting. 23. Headline: Escalating Negotiations: The Straits of Hormuz and Nuclear Files Guest: Jonathan Sayeh Summary:The discussion centers on the fragmented leadership in Tehran and whether negotiations will cover all fronts or remain separate. Iran is increasingly emboldened, using its control over the Straits of Hormuz and the Bab el-Mandeb as powerful leverage against the United States and global economy. 34. Headline: Life Under Siege: Economic Pressure and Regime Stability in Iran Guest: Jonathan Sayeh Summary:Jonathan Sayeh describes the dire conditions inside Iran, where a U.S. Navy blockade is freezing the economy and threatening food security. Despite significant infrastructure damage, the regime's political leadership remains intact, focusing on reorganizing security forces and increasing internal repression to maintain control over the population. 45. Headline: The Houthi Wildcard: Maritime Chokepoints and Strategic Leverage Guest: Bridget ToomeySummary: Bridget Toomey explains how the Houthis use the Bab el-Mandeb as a maritime chokehold to influence the international economy. Reports suggest the Houthis have explored charging illegal tolls of up to $2 million per ship for transit through the Red Sea using cryptocurrency. 56. Headline: Humanitarian Crisis in Yemen and Iraqi Militia Aggression Guest: Bridget Toomey Summary: The UN has largely been pushed out of Houthi-controlled territory due to the illegal detention of 73 local staff members. Meanwhile, in Iraq, the U.S. has designated several militia commanders involved in attacks against energy infrastructure and American personnel in the region. 67. Headline: Canadian Diplomacy: The Tug-of-War Between the U.S. and China Guest: Charles Burton Summary:Experts discuss the potential for long-term concessions to China in exchange for short-term trade benefits during an upcoming Trump-Xi meeting. Canada faces internal pressure to diversify trade toward China, despite concerns about espionage and foreign interference in its political and economic sectors. 78. Headline: Typhoon Recovery and Systemic Corruption in the Northern Marianas Guest: Cleo Paskal Summary:A super typhoon has devastated the Northern Mariana Islands, leaving residents without water or electricity. However, there are significant concerns that federal relief funds will be misused due to a history of unaccounted-for billions and local officials with ties to Chinese casinos. 89. Headline: The Fragile Ceasefire: IDF Operations and Hezbollah's Defiance Guest: David Daoud Summary:Despite a ceasefire agreement, the IDF has resumed strikes in Lebanon's Bekaa Valley following continued Hezbollahfire. Hezbollah is reportedly exploiting U.S.-imposed constraints on Israel to claim a "victory image," while the Lebanese government remains ineffective in disarming the terror group. 910. Headline: Political Pressure in Israel: Security Zones and Self-Defense Guest: David Daoud Summary: David Daoud explains that the Lebanon ceasefire allows Israel to exercise self-defense against imminent Hezbollah attacks. Within Israel, there is significant political pressure from northern residents who feel abandoned by the ceasefire, arguing that it allows Hezbollah to regroup and metastasize across the border. 1011. Headline: Stalled Diplomacy and the Strategic Value of International Waterways Guest: Edmund Fitton-Brown Summary: President Trump canceled high-level meetings in Islamabad, citing fragmented Iranian leadership. Iran has offered to reopen the Straits of Hormuz in exchange for nuclear concessions, but experts argue this would be an American retreat and suggest maintaining the economic blockade instead. 1112. Headline: Coordinated Threats: The Houthis, Iran, and Global Hunger Guest: Edmund Fitton-BrownSummary: The Houthis and Iran appear to use coordinated messaging to threaten strategic waterways, spooking global oil markets. Furthermore, the ongoing blockade risks creating a global famine due to fertilizer shortages, though the U.S.remains firm against Iranian "blackmail" using humanitarian crises. 1213. Headline: Russia's Drone Expansion: Recruitment Loopholes and Remote Warfare Guest: John HardieSummary: Russia is aggressively expanding its Unmanned Systems Forces, targeting 165,000 personnel by year's end. A recruitment drive at Alabuga Polytech offers high pay and conscription exemptions to workers producing Iranian-designed Geran-2 drones, promising service in the rear to minimize personal risk. 1314. Headline: Syria's Reconstruction: The State Sponsor of Terrorism Designation Guest: Ahmad SharawiSummary: President Al-Shara is seeking over $200 billion for reconstruction, but Syria's designation as a State Sponsor of Terrorism (SST) prevents significant investment. The U.S. maintains the SST status as leverage to demand the removal of foreign jihadists integrated into the Syrian army. 1415. Headline: Regional Disputes and Political Sabotage in Latin America Guests: Ernesto Araujo and Alejandro Pinusa Summary: Argentina is calling for renewed negotiations over the Falkland Islands, a matter that remains a sensitive national symbol. Meanwhile, the Maduro regime in Venezuela is accused of sabotaging the political transition by refusing to release political prisoners or permit the return of exiled leaders. 1516. Headline: Electoral Turmoil: Allegations of Fraud in Peru and Brazil Guests: Alejandro Pinusa and Ernesto Araujo Summary: Allegations of electoral fraud in Peru have surfaced after voting centers in right-wing strongholds remained closed. Analysts warn this is a rehearsal for the upcoming Brazilian elections, where Flavio Bolsonaro is gaining ground against Lula da Silva despite efforts to censor information. 16
It's that time of year again! The Greg Hill Road Show season is right around the corner and the crew announce the full scheudle!
Hour 2 - Road Show season is upon us! Greg announces all of the locations for Road Show season. They said it hears from Don Sweeney, Ovechkin and another AJ Brown report.
JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW SCHEDULE, TUESDAY 4 -7-2026.1521 HORMUZ STRAIT.1. FEDERAL RESERVE'S LIMITED ROLE IN INFLATION. ELIZABETH PEEK. Elizabeth Peek explains that the Fed cannot control supply-shock inflation caused by the Strait of Hormuz closure. She warns that upcoming reports will reflect soaring diesel prices currently affecting Europe. (1)2. REPUBLICAN MIDTERM STRATEGY AND THE ECONOMY. ELIZABETH PEEK. Voter focus has shifted from the border to cost-of-living issues that skyrocketed under current leadership. Peek notes Republicans struggle with messaging despite initiatives to lower healthcare costs and prescription drug prices. (2)3. EUROPE'S ENERGY CRISIS AND THE TRANSATLANTIC RIFT. JUDY DEMPSEY. Judy Dempsey reports on soaring German and French energy costs necessitating diesel subsidies. She highlights European distrust of the American administration and the fraying of traditional multilateral institutions. (3)4. FAR-RIGHT GAINS IN EAST GERMAN ELECTIONS. JUDY DEMPSEY. Dempsey analyzes the AfD's momentum in East Germany, where pacifist sentiment and economic resentment drive support. The far-right party now contests Chancellor Mertz's coalition in upcoming regional state elections. (4)5. DIPLOMATIC STRATEGY IN GLOBAL CONFLICTS. MARY KISSEL. Mary Kissel outlines the State Department's roles in economic diplomacy and humanitarian coordination during global crises. She emphasizes the necessity of consistent messaging between the White House and international allies. (5)6. THE EBB TIDE OF SOCIALISM IN SOUTH AMERICA. MARY KISSEL. Kissel discusses right-of-center political shifts in Venezuela and Chile, crediting Marco Rubio for fostering regional economic growth. She calls for a transition of power to benefit the Cuban people. (6)7. ESCALATION AND IRAN'S REFUSAL TO NEGOTIATE. JONATHAN SCHANZER. Schanzer details the five-man collective governing Iran and their commitment to revolutionary martyrdom. He describes US strikes on infrastructure while questioning if Pakistan is acting as a Chinese proxy. (7)8. THE IDF CAMPAIGN TO DEFANG HEZBOLLAH. JONATHAN SCHANZER. Jonathan Schanzer reports on Israel's efforts to establish a buffer zone in southern Lebanon to prevent rocket attacks. He reveals that the IDF has already destroyed roughly 80% of Hezbollah's arsenal. (8)9. GERMAN ECONOMIC REFORM AND LARS KLINGBEIL. JOSEPH STERNBERG. Joseph Sternberg profiles the Finance Minister's supply-side proposals, including tax reforms and labor law flexibility. These initiatives aim to revive the German economy and reclaim voters from the far-right. (9)10. UK POLITICAL INSTABILITY AND THE KING'S VISIT. JOSEPH STERNBERG. Sternberg discusses Keir Starmer's unpopularity and the upcoming royal visit to America. He suggests the visit offers an opportunity to repair the special relationship despite deep strategic differences over Iran. (10)11. CHINESE ESPIONAGE AND THE ROBOTICS THREAT. DAVID SHEDD AND JACK BURNHAM. Experts examine the Schumer-Cotton bill targeting Chinese robotics, warning that these technologies contain software egress points for data theft. They argue this follows a long-standing pattern of intellectual property larceny. (11)12. AI SMUGGLING AND CIVILIAN-MILITARY FUSION. DAVID SHEDD AND JACK BURNHAM. The guests detail illicit efforts to smuggle Nvidia chips and steal American AI models through "adversarial distillation". They highlight China's strategic plan to acquire Western innovation without the investment. (12)13. Headline: The Gulf Standoff: UN Vetoes, Asymmetrical Tactics, and Iran's Ruling Council (13)Guest: Gregory Copley (14)Summary: John Batchelor and Gregory Copley discuss the Gulf standoff following Russian and Chinese UN vetoes,. They analyze Iran's asymmetrical warfare, use of human shields, and the influence of five uncompromising hardliners currently steering the conflict,,,. (15)14. THE IRANIAN STANDOFF AND STRATEGIC DEADLOCK. GREGORY COPLEY. Gregory Copley compares the conflict to a Korean-style stalemate where Iranian leadership refuses to provide a face-saving exit. Russia and China continue supporting Iran by providing missile propellant and equipment. (16)15. VIETNAM WAR LESSONS FOR MODERN CONFLICT. GREGORY COPLEY. Copley warns that alienation from the government and a lack of defined victory objectives could lead to strategic catastrophe. He notes Trump has alienated allies who previously supported US endeavors. (17)16. KING CHARLES AND THE ANGLO-AMERICAN ALLIANCE. GREGORY COPLEY. Gregory Copley discusses the King's role in mending rifts between unpopular US and UK leaders. The visit celebrates American independence while offering the King a platform to improve diplomatic relations. (18)
JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW SCHEDULE, MONDAY 4-6-2026.1918 PARADE OF THE SOUTH PERSIAN RIFLES.1. U.S. Conflict with Iran and Shifting War Aims Guest: Bill Roggio and Hussein Haqqani Summary: Experts analyze rising oil prices and the IRGC's determination to hold power despite U.S. strikes. They critique the President's undiplomatic threats and question if the American people are truly prepared for a long, expensive war.,, (1)2. The High Cost of Ground Troops in Iran Guest: Bill Roggio and Hussein Haqqani Summary: The discussion focuses on the dangers of deploying "boots on the ground" in Iran. Bill Roggio warns of significant equipment losses and the lack of visible popular support from Iranian citizens for a U.S. operation.,, (2)3. Israel's Military Objectives in Southern Lebanon Guest: David Daoud and Bill Roggio Summary: David Daoud explains the IDF's realistic military goals in Lebanon, focusing on a manageable activity zone to disarm Hezbollah. They discuss risks of overextension and the necessity of disproving Hezbollah's narrative of successful resistance.,, (3)4. Divergent U.S. and Israeli Strategies in the Middle East Guest: David Daoud and Bill Roggio Summary: Guests contrast U.S.-led war aims in Iran with Israel's independent operations in Lebanon. They explore if Israel's strikes on petrochemical facilities are coordinated with Washington or represent a tactical good cop/bad cop diplomatic strategy.,, (4)5. Ukraine's Drone Campaign Against Russian Energy Infrastructure Guest: John Hardie and Bill Roggio Summary: Ukraine is utilizing innovative long-range drones and AI targeting to strike Russian oil terminals and refineries. This campaign aims to cripple Moscow's revenue windfall resulting from inflated global energy prices during the Middle East crisis.,, (5)6. Iranian Threats to Gulf State Infrastructure Guest: Akmed Scharawi and Bill Roggio Summary: Iran is threatening "crushing" attacks on Gulf desalination plants and oil fields. Experts analyze the vulnerability of regional air defenses and Iran's strategy of targeting civilian infrastructure to pressure the United States and its allies.,, (6)7. Presidential Elections and Political Shifting in Peru Guest: Ernesto Araújo and Alejandro Peña Esclusa Summary: Keiko Fujimori leads Peru's presidential polls amidst a crowded field of thirty candidates. The discussion highlights a regional shift toward right-wing leadership and the ongoing challenge of Chinese and Cuban influence in South American politics.,, (7)8. The Collapse of Cuban Influence in South America Guest: Ernesto Araújo and Alejandro Peña Esclusa Summary: Experts analyze the fragility of the Cuban regime and its diminishing impact on Venezuela and Brazil. They note improvements in Venezuela's economy as leadership distances itself from Havana's influence and follows cues from Washington instead.,, (8)9. Life in Tehran and the Hope for Regime Collapse Guest: Jonathan Sayeh and Bill Roggio Summary: Jonathan Sayeh reports on the declining legitimacy of the Iranian regime among the population. While desertions are increasing, the IRGC remains resilient, and many Iranians fear the regime surviving despite the destruction of national infrastructure.,, (9)10. The Kidnapping of Shelley Kittleson in Baghdad Guest: Bridget Tumi and Bill Roggio Summary: Kata'ib Hezbollah has abducted an American journalist in Baghdad to use as leverage for prisoner exchanges. Guests discuss the militia's deep integration into the Iraqi government and the risk of hostages being moved to Iran.,, (10)11. The Tuesday Deadline and the Survival of the Islamic Republic Guest: Edmund Fitton-Brown and Bill Roggio Summary: President Trump has set a final Tuesday deadline for an Iranian ceasefire, which the IRGC is likely to ignore. Experts argue the regime views concessions as defeat, choosing to outlast U.S. patience and military efforts.,, (11)12. Shifting War Aims and the Strategic Importance of Hormuz Guest: Edmund Fitton-Brown and Bill Roggio Summary: U.S. war aims have expanded to include reopening the Strait of Hormuz. The discussion highlights how Iranian aggression has united Gulf allies, Ukraine, and international partners against a new, Russo-Chinese backed "axis of disruption.",, (12)13. Chinese and Russian Involvement in Downing U.S. Aircraft Guest: General Blaine Holt and Gordon Chang Summary: Following the downing of an F-15E, experts suspect China or Russia supplied Iran with passive infrared detection systems. This signals a major shift in Beijing's involvement, necessitating new U.S. electronic warfare countermeasures and tactical adjustments.,, (13)14. North Korea's Role as the Arsenal of Tyranny Guest: Greg Scarlatoiu and Gordon Chang Summary: Kim Jong-un is expanding his nuclear and conventional arsenal to ensure regime survival. North Korea has become a key proliferator, supplying weapons to Russia and Iranian proxies while enjoying increased diplomatic status among anti-Western allies.,, (14)15. The Legal Crisis of Aboriginal Title in British Columbia Guest: Mary Anastasia O'Grady Summary: A landmark court ruling in British Columbia has granted Aboriginal title priority over private property rights. This creates economic uncertainty and raises questions about whether land acknowledgments will lead to the forced transfer of property.,, (15)16. Political Reconciliation and Legal Disorder in Canada Guest: Conrad Black Summary: Conrad Black critiques the recommendations of Justin Trudeau's reconciliation policies. He warns that prioritizing original land titles over established property rights creates a state of legal disorder that threatens the legitimacy of Canadian national institutions.,, (16)
JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW SCHEDULE, FRIDAY 4-3-20261969 APJOHN BATCHELOR SHOW SCHEDULE, FRIDAY 4-3-20261969 APOLLO 101. LAS VEGAS TOURISM AND PRODUCTION HURDLES GUEST: Jeff Bliss Jeff Bliss discusses Las Vegas's rise as a spring break destination and the "creative destruction" of historic hotels,. He also explores how bureaucratic fees and safety concerns impact film production for the *Baywatch* reboot. (1)2. CALIFORNIA'S PRIMARY AND NATIONAL POLITICS GUEST: Jeff Bliss Jeff Bliss explains how California's "jungle primary" splits the Democratic vote, aiding Republican candidates like Steve Hilton. Meanwhile, Governor Gavin Newsom remains focused on a potential presidential run rather than local legislative issues. (2)3. THE EVOLUTION OF BIRTHRIGHT CITIZENSHIP LAW GUEST: Richard Epstein Richard Epstein analyzes the 14th Amendment and early naturalization acts, emphasizing that citizenship originally required renouncing foreign allegiances. He argues that using "domicile" as a legal standard distorts the original intent of statutes. (3)4. POLITICAL SHIFTS AND THE EPSTEIN FILES GUEST: Richard Epstein Richard Epstein discusses the resignation of Pam Bondi and the political threat posed by the Jeffrey Epstein files. These documents create risks through "guilt by association" for various high-profile figures, including Donald Trump. (4)5. LANCASTER COUNTY ECONOMY AND EASTER TRADITIONS GUEST: Jim McTague Jim McTague reports sharp gas price increases in Lancaster County, affecting household budgets. He also highlights local Easter traditions, including church-made peanut butter chocolate eggs, and the start of the trout fishing season. (5)6. ITALIAN FOOTBALL REFORM AND EASTER RECIPES GUEST: Lorenzo Fiori Lorenzo Fiori addresses the Italian national team's failure to qualify for the World Cup and calls for systemic reform. He also recommends visiting Cuneo and shares a traditional recipe for chard-stuffed Easter cake. (6)7. ARTEMIS MISSIONS AND CORPORATE SPACE RIVALRY GUEST: Bob Zimmerman Bob Zimmerman critiques the Artemis 2 mission design and high SLS rocket costs. He also discusses the "lawfare" between SpaceX and Amazon regarding satellite orbits and SpaceX's potential move toward an initial public offering. (7)8. ASTRONOMICAL DISCOVERIES AND PLANETARY RESEARCH GUEST: Bob Zimmerman The Reuben Telescope has discovered 11,000 asteroids, including near-Earth objects. Bob Zimmerman also explains Saturn's warped magnetic field and emphasizes the need for new orbiters to explore data from Neptune and Uranus. (8)9. THE EMERGENCE OF CIVIL WAR PRISON CAMPS GUEST: Fitzhugh Brundage Fitzhugh Brundage discusses the creation of prisons like Andersonville and Point Lookout after the breakdown of prisoner exchanges. The Confederacy established Andersonville in Georgia to move prisoners away from the capital, Richmond. (9)10. AFRICAN AMERICAN PRISONERS IN THE CIVIL WAR GUEST: Fitzhugh Brundage Fitzhugh Brundage details the harrowing experiences of black Union soldiers like Isaac Gaskins, who were enslaved by the Confederacy after capture. These men were often forced into labor instead of being treated as POWs. (10)11. ANDERSONVILLE'S HORRORS AND POST-WAR JUSTICE GUEST: Fitzhugh Brundage The horrific conditions at Andersonville were documented by photographer Andrew Riddle, showing extreme starvation and disease. After the war, commandant Henry Wirz was prosecuted for war crimes, becoming a scapegoat for Confederate leadership. (11)12. PRESERVING THE MEMORY OF CIVIL WAR DEAD GUEST: Fitzhugh Brundage Fitzhugh Brundage explains the uneven history of Civil War mass graves and the creation of Andersonville National Cemetery. Clara Barton played a key role in identifying the 13,000 Union soldiers buried there. (12)13. THE TRANSFORMATION OF MODERN DRONE WARFARE GUEST: Henry Sokolski Henry Sokolski explores the evolution of warfare in Ukraine, highlighting the strategic use of Starlink and decentralized drone procurement. He also notes how AI-powered targeting from Palantir has significantly increased combat effectiveness. (13)14. NUCLEAR PROLIFERATION RISKS AT BUSHEHR REACTOR GUEST: Henry Sokolski Henry Sokolski discusses the security risks at Iran's Bushehr reactor, which contains 210 tons of spent fuel with weapons-usable plutonium. He stresses the urgent need for real-time monitoring to prevent the diversion of nuclear materials. (14)15. SMALL BUSINESS ECONOMICS AND LABOR CHALLENGES GUEST: Gene Marks Gene Marks discusses job data revisions, the rise of gas prices, and the "Buy Now, Pay Later" retail trend. He also explores the difficulties small businesses face with H-1B visas and COVID-era loan repayments. (15)16. HARNESSING AI TOOLS FOR BUSINESS PRODUCTIVITY GUEST: Gene Marks Gene Marks highlights how small businesses can use AI tools like Legal Zoom for automated services and Microsoft 365 Copilot for productivity. He emphasizes the importance of employee training to leverage these technologies effectively. (16)
SHOW SCHEDULE JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW, 4-1-2026.1602 DUTCH REPUBLIC1. HEADLINE: China's Strategic Role in Global and Middle Eastern Conflicts GUEST: Victoria Coates, Gordon Chang SUMMARY: Experts discuss China's strategic presence in global conflicts, including its reliance on Gulf oil and support for Russia. They analyze China's limited effectiveness as a mediator between the U.S. and Iran. (1)2. HEADLINE: Naval Lessons from the Strait of Hormuz for Taiwan's Defense GUEST: Jim Holmes, Gordon Chang SUMMARY: Professor Jim Holmes applies naval lessons from the Iran war to a potential Taiwan conflict. He emphasizes using geography for defense, prolonging wars to assemble forces, and utilizing low-cost drone technology. (2)3. HEADLINE: Investigating Subversive Chinese Influence and Funding in America GUEST: Charles Burton, Gordon Chang SUMMARY: Charles Burton discusses billionaire Neville Roy Singum's alleged role in funding radical organizations to subvert Western democracy. The discussion highlights China's use of social media algorithms and direct donations to influence youth. (3)4. HEADLINE: Concerns Over U.S.-China Trade Talks and Forced Labor Enforcement GUEST: Charles Burton, Gordon Chang SUMMARY: Analysts express skepticism regarding upcoming trade negotiations between President Trump and Xi Jinping. They also criticize Canada's failure to effectively block Chinese products manufactured using forced labor in Xinjiang. (4)5. HEADLINE: National Security Implications of the Chinese Humanoid Robotics Industry GUEST: Jack Bernham SUMMARY: Jack Bernham explores China's burgeoning humanoid robotics industry and its potential military applications. U.S. senators are moving to block Chinese robots from federal supply chains to prevent security vulnerabilities. (5)6. HEADLINE: Smuggling Operations Evading U.S. AI Chip Export Controls GUEST: Jack Bernham SUMMARY: An indictment reveals a massive operation smuggling $2.5 billion in Nvidia chips to China via Southeast Asia. Experts suggest closing loopholes that allow Chinese firms to purchase chips domestically. (6)7. HEADLINE: Turkey's Diplomatic Strategy as a Mediator in the Iran War GUEST: Sinan Ciddi SUMMARY: President Erdogan seeks to mediate a ceasefire in the Gulf to protect Turkey's weak economy from rising oil prices. However, he also benefits from a weakened Iranian regime countering Israel. (7)8. HEADLINE: Turkey's Patronage of Hamas and Regional Security Concerns GUEST: Sinan Ciddi SUMMARY: Turkey maintains close ties with Hamas leadership, viewing them as a legitimate political movement rather than terrorists. Rumors also suggest Turkey may be aiding the flow of supplies to Hezbollah. (8)9. HEADLINE: European Energy Dependency and the Shift Toward Russia GUEST: Michael Bernstam SUMMARY: Rising energy costs are driving political shifts in Germany and other EU nations toward re-engaging with Russian energy. Despite EU sanctions, Russia is profiting from increased oil prices during the Iran war. (9)10. HEADLINE: Russia's Struggling Economy Amid Prolonged War and Sanctions GUEST: Michael Bernstam SUMMARY: Russia faces a looming recession, high inflation, and a structural contraction due to reduced investment. The government has nationalized private pension funds to finance the war effort and infrastructure projects. (10)11. HEADLINE: The Impact of War and Oil Shocks on Global Interest Rates GUEST: John Cochrane SUMMARY: Professor John Cochrane explains how oil shocks and inflation fears drive up long-term bond rates. He warns that bad policy responses, like price caps, can turn price shocks into sustained inflation. (11)12. HEADLINE: Federal Reserve Policy and the Risks of Stagflation GUEST: John Cochrane SUMMARY: The Federal Reserve is adopting a "wait and see" approach to the current oil shock. Cochrane warns against repeating 1970s mistakes, such as credit controls or failing to act decisively against inflation. (12)13. HEADLINE: NASA's Artemis 2 Mission and the New Lunar Frontier GUEST: Douglas Messier, David Livingston SUMMARY: Douglas Messier details the upcoming Artemis 2 mission, the first crewed flight to the moon since 1972. The 10-day mission will test the Orion spacecraft's life support and technical systems. (13)14. HEADLINE: International Competition for a Permanent Base on the Moon GUEST: Douglas Messier, David Livingston SUMMARY: NASA plans to establish a permanent lunar base by 2036, facing competition from a joint Chinese-Russian program. Success relies on commercial landers from SpaceX and Blue Origin to reach the South Pole. (14)15. HEADLINE: Re-examining Russian Interference in the 2016 U.S. Election GUEST: Craig Unger SUMMARY: Journalist Craig Unger reviews the events of October 7, 2016, involving DHS warnings of Russian hacking and the release of the Access Hollywood tape. He argues the timing benefited the Trump campaign. (15)16. HEADLINE: Alleged Long-Term Financial Ties Between Trump and Russian Intelligence GUEST: Craig Unger SUMMARY: Craig Unger discusses alleged ties between Donald Trump and Russian intelligence dating back to the 1980s. He claims the Russian mafia used Trump real estate for money laundering to bail out his businesses. (16)
c1. Judy Dempsey discusses the rising popularity of Germany's AfD party, its anti-American stance, and growing pro-Russian sentiment driven by energy concerns, alongside public distrust regarding the conduct of the war in Ukraine. With Thaddeus McCotter.(1)2. Judy Dempsey analyzes strained transatlantic relations following President Trump's remarks on energy independence. She also highlights the significance of Hungary's upcoming election for regional populist movements and the European Union's future. cc(2)3. Jonathan Schanzer explains Israel's military objectives against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon. He details the threat of Iranian-backed Houthi attacks on maritime trade and Egypt's potential forced entry into the conflict. (3)4. Jonathan Schanzer details Iran's strategy of survival amidst U.S. and Israeli decapitation strikes. He discusses the global economic impact of the Strait of Hormuz closure and diplomatic friction caused by European allies' reluctance. (4)5. Mary Kissel discusses shifting global alliances, noting stronger ties with Gulf partners while European relations fray. She highlights Ukraine's savvy outreach for energy and defense support from Saudi Arabia and the UAE. (5)6. Mary Kissel examines a possible leadership transition in Cuba involving Marco Rubio and Raul Castro's grandson. She discusses the regime's fear following U.S. actions in Venezuela and the complexities of negotiating transitions. (6)7. Joseph Sternberg critiques the Federal Reserve's tendency to "overtalk." He argues that excessive public forecasting and the confusing "dot plot" mislead markets and obscure the economic reality of ongoing global conflicts. (7)8. Joseph Sternberg discusses Prime Minister Keir Starmer's indecisive response to President Trump's "get your own oil" remark, highlighting Britain's military limitations and the public's deep anxiety over rising energy prices and deficits. (8)9. Gregory Copley argues that NATO is entering a new era of disorder, suggesting European states should pursue independent security interests and potentially restore energy trade with Russia as U.S. leadership becomes increasingly abrasive. (9)10. Gregory Copley reports the U.S. has virtually eliminated the Iranian Navy. He assesses global energy markets, noting stable oil prices despite insurance companies' risk-aversion nearly bankrupting regional states like Egypt. (10)11. Gregory Copley critiques the removal of hereditary peers from the House of Lords, arguing the chamber has become a politicized "rubber stamp" for the Prime Minister rather than an independent house of review. (11)12. Gregory Copley previews King Charles III's state visit to Washington, emphasizing its role in preserving the strategic alliance and common purpose between English-speaking nations despite political tensions between the Trump administration and London. (12)13. Cleo Paskal highlights China's efforts to undermine U.S. relationships in the Central Pacific through corruption. She details new U.S. strategies to support local governments in Palau and the Marianas against illegal CCP activities. (13)14. Cleo Paskal discusses the critical role of the Diego Garcia military base and the legal risks involved in transferring the Chagos Archipelago to Mauritius, which could complicate U.S. nuclear policy and regional security. (14)15. Bob Zimmerman contrasts NASA's risky Artemis 2 mission with SpaceX's successful reusable rocket program. He also reports on a secretive medical emergency on the ISS and China's deep commitment to its space program. (15)16. Bob Zimmerman warns that political pressure is compromising safety for the Artemis 2 moon mission. He also reflects on Voyager 2's historic images of Neptune and Hubble's observations of active black hole galaxies. (16)
SHOW SCHEDULE JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW, 3-30-26.1926, HA'IL ARABIA1. Pakistan Acts as Intermediary in Ongoing Iran-Israel Conflict GUEST: Bill Roggio, Ambassador Husain Haqqani SUMMARY: Pakistan acts as a conduit for messages between Washington and Tehran. While communication exists, neither side has offered a second negotiating position, and Iran continues to demonstrate strategic control over the Strait of Hormuz.,, John Batchelor and his guests discuss the stagnant global situation, noting that while missiles fly in the Iran war and a Russian tanker heads for Cuba, Pakistan remains a key intermediary. Ambassador Haqqani explains that Pakistan's relationships with both the U.S. and Iran allow for message delivery, though Iran has not formally accepted a mediation role. Bill Roggio notes that Iran is showing its control by selectively allowing ships through the Strait of Hormuz, while the Trump administration faces mounting domestic disapproval and a 60-day War Powers Act deadline. (1)2. The Ineffectiveness of the U.S. Hammer Strategy Against Iran GUEST: Husain Haqqani, Bill Roggio SUMMARY: This segment critiques the U.S. "hammer" strategy, comparing it to Vietnam's failure of absolute power. Iran's ability to endure pain and its control of vital shipping lanes are seen as its true strategic "nuclear weapons.",, Ambassador Haqqani argues that dropping thousands of bombs is a simplistic notion of power that fails against asymmetric warfare, much like the U.S. experience in Vietnam. He notes that Iran's capacity to endure pain is greater than assumed and its real "nuclear weapon" is the ability to shut down the Strait of Hormuz,. Bill Roggio agrees, stating that without an active Iranian resistance or helpful adjacent countries to host one, the U.S. is further from a resolution than when the war began,,. (2)3. Iranian Regime Employs Human Shields and Nightly Terror Raids GUEST: Bill Roggio, Jonathan Sia SUMMARY: Jonathan Sia details the Iranian regime's use of schools and hospitals as human shields to deter strikes. Security forces conduct nightly terror raids to prevent domestic uprisings while the Supreme Leader's status remains uncertain.,,, As war fatigue sets in, the Iranian regime is embedding personnel in sports stadiums, hospitals, and residential areas to create a "rally around the flag" effect. Jonathan Sia describes "nightly terror raids" where forces fire on buildings to suppress potential rebellion, noting that officials fear internal uprisings more than foreign bombardment,. Furthermore, the whereabouts of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei are unknown, allowing the IRGC to operate with less oversight while "pragmatist" officials maintain the same hardline policies as their predecessors,. (3)4. The Search for Armed Resistance and the Iranian Diaspora's Role GUEST: Bill Roggio, Jonathan Sia SUMMARY: This file explores the role of the Iranian diaspora and Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi in a potential transition. Analysts evaluate potential bases for armed resistance, identifying Kurdish and Baluch populations as key entry points.,, Jonathan Sia explains that the diaspora is no longer disconnected from those inside Iran, with Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi serving as a unifying figure for a "day after" scenario and sanctions relief. While historical resistance groups like the MEK lack internal legitimacy, Sia identifies the Kurdish and Baluch populations as potential bases for an armed movement against the regime. Notably, the Baluch group Jaish al-Adl focuses its attacks on armed personnel rather than civilians, indicating a more nationalist mindset that could serve as an entry point for internal change,. (4)5. The Strategic Importance of the Litani River Buffer Zone in Lebanon GUEST: Bill Roggio, David Daoud SUMMARY: David Daoud explains the IDF's offensive to establish a 40km buffer zone up to the Litani River. This strategy aims to protect northern Israel from short-range rockets and prevent future ground invasions by Hezbollah., The IDF is pushing to move Hezbollah back to the Litani River, a 40km distance that effectively puts short-range rockets out of reach of northern Israeli communities. David Daoud highlights that Hezbollah's Al-Manar TV acts as a military auxiliary to demoralize the Israeli public, emphasizing the need for permanent fortifications to protect displaced citizens,. Meanwhile, the UNIFIL peacekeeping mission is in a drawdown phase, having been largely ineffective due to a mandate that required following the lead of the Lebanese Armed Forces. (5)6. Lebanon Declares Iranian Ambassador Designate Persona Non Grata GUEST: Bill Roggio, David Daoud SUMMARY: Lebanon has declared the Iranian ambassador designate persona non grata for interfering in domestic affairs and coordinating with Hezbollah. This rare assertion of sovereignty highlights Tehran's long-standing disregard for Lebanese government authority during the war., The Lebanese foreign ministry expelled ambassador designate Shibani for injecting himself into domestic issues and holding unauthorized meetings with Hezbollah to coordinate military activities. Despite the order, Iran has signaled its intent to disregard the decision, further demonstrating its historical treatment of Lebanon as a tool for its own regional interests,. David Daoud views this diplomatic rift as a "living breathing testament" to Iranian arrogance and its disregard for Lebanese sovereignty in service of the "Resistance" axis,. (6)7. The Surge of Iranian-Linked Front Groups and Terror in Europe GUEST: Bill Roggio, Joe Truzman SUMMARY: Joe Truzman investigates a string of firebombings against Jewish institutions in Europe by a suspected Iranian front group. Analysts believe these "cutouts" are designed to hide Tehran's direct involvement in orchestrating international violence.,, A new group called Asabat al-Yamin has claimed responsibility for firebombing ambulances and attacking Jewish sites in London and Europe. Joe Truzman and Bill Roggio suspect this is a made-up Iranian front group created to provide Tehran with plausible deniability while escalating terror across the continent,. They argue that the term "lone wolf" is often misapplied to individuals who are actually inspired or directed by radical online networks, as seen in a recent attack in Austin, Texas,. (7)8. Houthis Launch Measured Missile and Drone Attacks Against Israel GUEST: Bill Roggio, Bridget Tumi SUMMARY: The Houthis have entered the Iran war by launching drone and missile attacks on Israel. This "measured" approach signals support for the axis of resistance while attempting to avoid an overwhelming American military retaliation., Bridget Tumi reports that the Houthis officially joined the conflict after one month, targeting Israel to show solidarity with Lebanon and Gaza,. This strategy is calculated to avoid a major U.S. response, as closing the Bab el-Mandeb Strait—which carries 10-15% of global oil—would provoke international intervention. Despite previous air campaigns, the Houthis retain significant military capabilities, including Iranian-supplied cruise and ballistic missiles, and see themselves as the vanguards of the broader Muslim cause,,. (8)9. Trump Reverses Cuba Oil Blockade Amid Venezuelan Transition GUEST: Ernesto Araujo, Alejandro Peña Esclusa SUMMARY: President Trump has reversed course by allowing a Russian oil tanker to reach Cuba during its energy crisis. Simultaneously, a political transition unfolds in Venezuela as Nicolas Maduro faces trial in a New York court.,, Trump's decision to lift the blockade on Russian oil for Cuba comes as the island faces a desperate energy shortage without Venezuelan support,. Alejandro Peña Esclusa notes that in Venezuela, a de facto transition is occurring while Maduro remains in New York for his trial, creating an "absolute absence" of the presidency. Ernesto Araujo warns that any successful Cuban transition must dismantle the "Latin KGB" intelligence network that has historically exported anti-American sentiment and organized crime throughout the region. (9)10. Flavio Bolsonaro Emerges as Leading Contender Against Lula GUEST: Ernesto Araujo, Alejandro Peña Esclusa SUMMARY: Flavio Bolsonaro has emerged as a top presidential contender, tying President Lula in polls. Lula's administration is currently plagued by massive corruption scandals involving $20 billion in social security fraud and money laundering.,, Flavio Bolsonaro, the son of the former president, is now leading or tied with Lula in the polls by presenting himself as a "soft version" of his father's anti-corruption agenda. Meanwhile, Lula faces a $20 billion social security scandal involving his son, Lulinha, and an investigation into "Master Bank" for alleged money laundering. Although the Supreme Court has blocked some congressional probes, analysts anticipate a plea bargain from a jailed banker could further implicate Lula and his family in these multibillion-dollar schemes,. (10)11. Houthi De Facto Governance and Strategic Influence in Yemen GUEST: Bill Roggio, Edmund Fitton-Brown SUMMARY: Former Ambassador Edmund Fitton-Brown analyzes the Houthis' de facto rule over most of Yemen. While part of the Iranian axis, they maintain strategic autonomy and pursue extreme territorial claims against Saudi Arabia, including Mecca.,, The Houthis are the de facto rulers of the majority of Yemen's population, controlling the central bank, port of Hodeidah, and government ministries,. Edmund Fitton-Brown explains that while they are part of the Iranian axis, they possess an autonomous Yemeni agenda and historic aspirations of "greatness". Negotiations remain difficult because the Houthis maintain extreme territorial claims on Saudi Arabia's holy cities, leading Fitton-Brown to suggest that only defeating the Islamic Republic can truly neutralize the Houthi threat. (11)12. The "Art of the Deal" and Conflicting Reports on Iran Negotiations GUEST: Bill Roggio, Edmund Fitton-Brown SUMMARY: This segment explores conflicting reports of U.S.-Iran negotiations and Iranian "non-negotiables," such as regime survival. Meanwhile, NATO signals support for keeping the Strait of Hormuz open under international law.,,, Although Trump claims progress on an Iran deal, both sides are hiding their bottom lines, with hardline Iranian official Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf possibly involved in secret talks,. Iranian non-negotiables include regime survival and maintaining their regional proxy networks in Iraq, Yemen, and Lebanon. At the same time, NATO Secretary General Rutte has indicated that the coalition is united in its support for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, emphasizing that closing international waters is a violation of international law. (12)13. Russia Supplies Upgraded Drones to Iran as Cooperation Deepens GUEST: Bill Roggio, John Hardy SUMMARY: Russia has begun supplying upgraded Iranian-designed drones back to Tehran, completing a "full circle" of technology sharing. In response, Ukraine is deploying counter-drone experts to help defend Arab nations from Iranian attacks.,, Russia is reportedly shipping modified Shahed-136 drones—featuring improved airframes and jamming-resistant antennas—to Iran via the Caspian Sea or Azerbaijan,. John Hardy explains that this cooperation allows Russia to benefit from higher oil prices while depleting Western air defense munitions. Conversely, Ukraine has sent hundreds of counter-drone experts to the Middle East to help Gulf states defend against these Iranian systems, hoping to trade their expertise for Patriot missile stocks. (13)14. Iranian Drone Harassment and Economic Impacts on Arab States GUEST: Bill Roggio, Ahmed Sharari SUMMARY: Ahmed Sharari reports on the daily Iranian drone and missile strikes targeting Arab energy facilities and air bases. These attacks seek to inflict economic damage and pressure these nations to oppose the war.,, Iran is conducting daily strikes against Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Kuwait to increase economic pressure and force these nations to call for an end to the war,. Ahmed Sharari notes that while the volume of attacks has decreased, their accuracy has increased, as evidenced by recent strikes on Prince Sultan Air Base. The persistent threat has caused expatriates to leave Dubai, damaging the region's reputation for stability, while the asymmetric cost of defense makes intercepting $20,000 drones with $3 million missiles unsustainable,. (14)15. General Blaine Holt Defends the A-10 Warthog and Casualties Report GUEST: Gordon Chang, General Blaine Holt SUMMARY: Retired General Blaine Holt defends the deployment of the A-10 "Warthog" for close air support in the Iran conflict. He also addresses reports that Russian satellite intelligence is being used to target U.S. bases.,, General Blaine Holt addresses allegations that Russian satellite imagery assisted Iranian attacks on U.S. bases, though he maintains that Iran has its own local targeting capabilities,. He argues that the A-10 Warthog is a "formidable close air support weapon" essential for protecting ground forces and cannot be replaced by the F-35,. Holt also notes that the Iranian regime's use of schools and hospitals as human shields indicates they are in "life support mode" as the U.S. targets their remaining infrastructure,. (15)16. China Navigates Trade Dependencies and Energy Security During War GUEST: Gordon Chang, Andrew Collier SUMMARY: Andrew Collier analyzes China's economic situation, highlighting its 15% industrial profit increase and massive strategic oil reserves. Despite these strengths, China remains vulnerable to global trade downturns and the ongoing property market collapse.,, China saw a 15% rise in industrial profits in early 2026, which may be attributed to global stocking of goods before the war,. The country is prepared for energy shocks with the world's largest strategic oil reserve, estimated to cover 140 days of imports,. However, Andrew Collier warns that China is extremely trade-dependent and faces growing international opposition to its tech exports, while its domestic property market is not expected to hit a bottom until at least 2027,,. (16)
SHOW SCHEDULE JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW, 3-27-2026.1925 STALIN AND TROTSKY, MOSCOW1. Iran's Nuclear Status and the NPT Framework Guest: Henry Sokolski Summary: Sokolski analyzes Iranian hardliners' threats to withdraw from the Non-Proliferation Treaty. He explores the military risks of targeting nuclear sites like Dimona and the strategic complexities of attacking national electric grids. (1)2. Taiwanese Nuclear Policy and Barksdale Drone Incursions Guest: Henry Sokolski Summary: Taiwan considers restarting nuclear plants to mitigate energy desperation. Meanwhile, jam-resistant drone swarms at Barksdale Air Force Base suggest potential Chinese interference intended to delay American responses to nuclear-related operations. (2)3. The SAVE Act and the Debate Over Voter Eligibility Guest: Richard Epstein Summary: Epstein discusses the SAVE Act, which requires documentary proof of citizenship for voting. He weighs the balance between preventing election fraud and the potential burdens placed on legitimate voters by strict identification. (3)4. The Removal Dispute of Judge Pauline Newman Guest: Richard Epstein Summary: Epstein critiques the suspension of 98-year-old Judge Pauline Newman, arguing her colleagues lack cause for removal. He characterizes the move as "manipulative shenanigans" driven by internal politics rather than intellectual incompetence. (4)5. Gas Prices and the Start of Pennsylvania Trout Season Guest: Jim McTague Summary: McTague highlights rising fuel costs and a slowing retail economy in Lancaster County. He contrasts the "amateur hour" of opening day trout fishing with the tranquil, native-stocked streams of Central Pennsylvania. (5)6. Italian Soccer Pressure and Meloni's Cabinet Reshuffle Guest: Lorenzo Fiori Summary: Fiori previews the Azzurri's high-stakes match against Wales and explains Prime Minister Meloni's firing of controversial officials. He also stresses the importance of authentic Parmesan and the beauty of Sardinian heritage. (6)7. NASA Restructuring and the Pivot to a Moon Base Guest: Bob Zimmerman Summary: NASA's new administrator pauses the Lunar Gateway to focus on building a permanent lunar base by 2033. Zimmerman contrasts these government plans with the rapid commercial success and valuation of SpaceX. (7)8. Observing Comet Nuclei and the Outer Planets Guest: Bob Zimmerman Summary: Astronomers witness a rare reversal in a comet's rotation as its nucleus sublimates. Zimmerman reviews new imagery of Saturn and Neptune, arguing for more orbiters to explore the solar system's significant "gaps". (8)9. The Revolutionary Background of the Mercader Family Guest: Josh Ireland Summary: Ireland details the radicalization of the Mercader family, led by the charismatic Caridad. He explains how her son Ramon was recruited by the NKVD during the Spanish Civil War for future espionage. (9)10. Infiltrating Trotsky's Compound Through Seduction Guest: Josh Ireland Summary: Ramon Mercader seduces Sylvia Ageloff to penetrate Trotsky's fortress in Mexico City. Despite the heavy guard and fortifications, Ramon gains the trust of the household by posing as a politically disinterested playboy. (10)11. Planning the Assassination with a Mountaineer's Ice Pick Guest: Josh Ireland Summary: Following a failed armed raid, the NKVD tasks Ramon with murdering Trotsky. They select an ice pick for the attack to ensure a silent kill that carries a brutal, symbolic impact. (11)12. The Aftermath of Trotsky's Death and the Assassin's Legacy Guest: Josh Ireland Summary: Trotsky dies a day after the attack, while Ramon serves twenty years in a Mexican prison. Caridad lives her final years in bitter exile, and Stalin barely registers the mission's success. (12)13. Vegas Transformation: Sports, Tech, and Nuclear History Guest: Jeff Bliss Summary: Bliss explores the Las Vegas strip's evolution into a sports capital and the introduction of Zooks robo-taxis. He notes the area's grim history with atmospheric nuclear testing and resulting radiation claims. (13)14. Political Turmoil and the Homeless Crisis in Los Angeles Guest: Jeff Bliss Summary: Bliss reports on the visual horrors of homeless encampments and the political pressure on Mayor Karen Bass. He also examines the "jungle primary" system and stalled recovery in Pacific Palisades. (14)15. The Enlightenment Foundations of American Civic Education Guest: Jacob Howland Summary: Howland discusses Thomas Jefferson's focus on applied science and the role of liberal education in a republic. He emphasizes Eva Brann's belief that classroom seminars cultivate the habits necessary for civil debate. (15)16. The Crisis of Activism in Modern Higher Education Guest: Jacob Howland Summary: Howland critiques universities for prioritizing the training of social activists over traditional knowledge transmission. He argues that regarding the professorship as a political podium cheats students of a real, broad education. (16)
SHOW SCHEDULE JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW 3-26-261920 TROTSKY AND THE ARMORED TRAIN1. John Batchelor and Anatol Lieven discuss how the Middle East conflict impacts the global economy through energy and fertilizer shortages. They explore whether major powers like Moscow and Washington are losing focus on the war in Ukraine due to the escalating crisis in the Persian Gulf. (1)2. Rising oil prices have significantly increased Russian confidence and revenue, providing an extra $150 million daily. However, a potential U.S. ground war in Iran could force a choice between defending Ukraine or the Gulf, potentially allowing China to decisively intervene in either theater. (2)3. Economist John Cochrane warns that government subsidies for high gas prices compound oil shocks into inflation. Comparing current trends to 1979, he argues that price controls lead to shortages, while free-market incentives are necessary to encourage production and efficient consumption. (3)4. Conrad Black notes that while Canadians support regime change in Iran, they view themselves as spectators regarding oil impacts. He emphasizes that closing the Strait of Hormuz constitutes a war on the world, though Canada lacks the naval resources to assist in reopening it. (4)5. This discussion focuses on the unreliability of AI, noting its tendency to "hallucinate" and apologize for errors. Experts suggest the future belongs to those with imagination who can test AI relentlessly, warning of a class divide between AI-savvy workers and those left behind. (5)6. Scientific testing reveals that AI agents can go rogue, potentially compromising private information like bank statements. Despite these risks, participants believe humans maintain an advantage through innovation, as AI merely scrapes existing data rather than creating original, competitive thoughts. (6)7. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman outlines a mission to establish a permanent moon base by the early 2030s. The plan utilizes commercial providers like SpaceX and Blue Origin to secure the "high ground" and prepare for future Mars exploration before China can dominate the region. (7)8. The lunar race intensifies as China plans multiple settlements to achieve solar system hegemony. NASA aims to leap ahead using nuclear electric propulsion and competitive private contracts, focusing on redundancy and safety to ensure a sustained American presence on the lunar surface. (8)9. Josh Ireland examines the violent roots of the Russian Revolution, where founders were executed for "Trotskyism". He explores the personal rivalry between Trotsky and Stalin, two outsiders whose shared passion for Marxist theory transformed into a decades-long conflict that reshaped world history. (9)10. Stalin built power through patience and bureaucratic alliances, while the charismatic Trotsky viewed him as a "gray blur". Trotsky's failure to grasp practical politics was exemplified by his decision to skip Lenin's funeral, allowing Stalin to position himself as the revolution's rightful heir. (10)11. Stalin systematically marginalized Trotsky by suppressing his speeches and removing his allies from the Kremlin. By labeling Trotsky a "gravedigger of the revolution," Stalin used him as a spectre of failure to justify total control and internal purges of his own peers. (11)12. Trotsky's exile in Mexico was defined by a fatalistic awareness that Stalin's assassins would eventually succeed. Despite the protection of his entourage and famous hosts like Diego Rivera, he realized no individual could withstand an empire's mobilized secret police. (12)13. Guest Cliff May defends the war with Iran as a necessary "war of choice" to deter decades of aggression,. He emphasizes preemptive action against gathering threats and discusses Iran's crippled regional proxies,. (13)14. Guest Mary Anastasia O'Grady examines Cuba's desperate plea for private investment amidst an energy crisis. She warns of the regime's history of exploiting investors and argues that progress requires total democratic regime change,. (14)15. Guest Veronique de Rugy analyzes the $300 billion cost of the Iran war, detailing legislative paths like reconciliation to bypass Senate filibusters,. She highlights the risks of rising inflation and massive national debt,. (15)16. Guest Max Meizlish explores Iran's use of "market asymmetry" and information warfare to manipulate global energy prices,. By denying peace progress, Iran spikes oil costs, providing a significant financial boon to Russia,. (16)
SHOW SCHEDULE THE JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW 3-25-2026.1905 CAIRO.1. USS Gerald R. Ford's Successes and Innovations. Guest: Rebecca Grant. Rebecca Grant highlights the carrier's successful combat mission and technical advances like the electromagnetic launch system and high-capacity elevators. She notes these innovations significantly increase strike power compared to older Nimitz-class aircraft carrier ships.,, (1)2. China's Drive for Undersea Maritime Hegemony. Guest: Rick Fisher. Rick Fisher discusses China's long-term project to map the ocean floor for submarine warfare. He warns that China's expanding fleet and undersea sensor networks aim to achieve naval parity with the United States.,, (2)3. The Return of Conventional Amphibious Warfare. Guest: Grant Newsham. Grant Newsham explains the deployment of Marine Expeditionary Units to the Persian Gulf. He argues this move validates traditional amphibious capabilities over recent "force design" strategies that focused solely on small, island-based missile teams.,, (3)4. Taiwan's Strategic Pivot to Nuclear Energy. Guest: Jack Burnham. Jack Burnham analyzes Taiwan's decision to restart its nuclear power plants to ensure energy security. Facing vulnerabilities in LNG supplies from the Middle East, Taiwan seeks a stable, domestic baseload power for critical manufacturing.,, (4)5. Russia's Economic Bonus from Iran Conflict. Guest: Michael Bernstam. Michael Bernstam explains how skyrocketing oil prices have rescued Russia's economy, doubling weekly revenues. While Europe faces severe diesel shortages and high costs, Moscow benefits from increased prices and reduced discounts to Asian buyers.,, (5)6. Global Fertilizer Crisis and Food Security. Guest: Michael Bernstam. Michael Bernstam warns of a massive shortage in nitrogen fertilizers due to the conflict in the Middle East. This crisis threatens global food security and will likely cause significant price increases for agricultural commodities.,, (6)7. Postponed Diplomacy and China's Strategic Dependency. Guest: Steve Yates. Steve Yates discusses the delay of the Trump-Xi summit due to China's support for Iran. He highlights China's critical dependency on energy imports and export markets, which remain major points of US leverage.,, (7)8. China's Strategic Post-Conflict Energy Strategy. Guest: Steve Yates. Steve Yates examines Beijing's efforts to maintain privileged energy access in a post-conflict Iran. China is pursuing nuclear and solar alternatives while using stockpiles to mitigate its vulnerability to global supply chain disruptions.,, (8)9. The Deep Iran-North Korea Missile Threat. Guest: Bruce Bechtol. Bruce Bechtol details the firing of North Korean-designed Musudan missiles at Diego Garcia. He highlights the deep technological partnership between the two regimes, which includes the construction of underground facilities and nuclear infrastructure.,, (9)10. Nuclear Proliferation and Shifting Supply Chains. Guest: Bruce Bechtol. Bruce Bechtol explores North Korea's role in developing Iranian nuclear capabilities and drones. He explains how Pyongyang uses maritime and rail routes through Russia to supply Tehran, bypassing international sanctions and interdiction efforts.,,, (10)11. Elon Musk's Vertical Integration in Space. Guest: Bob Zimmerman. Bob Zimmerman discusses Musk's "Terra-fab" chip factory and plans for space-based data centers. He also notes technical failures in ULA's Vulcan rocket, which have forced the Space Force to shift launches to SpaceX.,, (11)12. Planetary Exploration and Significant Astronomical Changes. Guest: Bob Zimmerman. Bob Zimmerman details the deteriorating condition of the Curiosity rover's wheels on Mars. He also examines new Juno data on Jupiter's lightning and Hubble images showing the physical expansion of the Crab Nebula supernova.,, (12)13. Commodity Markets and European Economic Hardship. Guest: Simon Constable. Simon Constable reports on high energy prices and diesel shortages in France. He analyzes how the Iran war affects global commodities like copper and gold, while also discussing controversial new EU-aligned domestic legislation.,,, (13)14. China's Strategic Monopoly on Rare Earths. Guest: Simon Constable. Simon Constable breaks down the reality of rare earth elements, noting they are not rare but difficult to refine. He emphasizes China's dominant control, refining approximately ninety percent of the world's global supply.,, (14)15. The Complicated Legacy of Robert Mueller. Guest: Craig Unger. Craig Unger reflects on the passing of Robert Mueller, discussing the unfinished questions regarding the 2016 Trump-Russia investigation. He highlights the distinction between criminal and counterintelligence probes regarding money laundering and influence operations.,, (15)16. Trump's Ties to Russia and Epstein. Guest: Craig Unger. Craig Unger explores Donald Trump's continued favorable rhetoric toward Vladimir Putin. He discusses how the Iran war benefits Russia economically and mentions potential vulnerabilities related to the Jeffrey Epstein files and Russian intelligence.,, (16)
SHOW SCHEDULE THE JOHN BATCHELOR 3-20-2-261939 OKLAHOMA1. California's Wildlife Bridge and the Homeless Crisis Guest: Jeff Bliss Summary: Jeff Bliss discusses the $100 million "Butterfly Bridge" in Agoura Hills, which is significantly over budget. He also details the "homeless industrial complex" in Los Angeles, including allegations of signature fraud and billions in missing funds. (2)2. The Billionaire Tax and California's Fiscal Deficit Guest: Jeff Bliss Summary: Bliss explores the proposed billionaire tax and the resulting exodus of capital to Florida and Texas. He examines Governor Newsom's national popularity despite a massive state budget deficit and local criticism of his leadership. (3)3. The Global Energy Crisis and Ground War Strategy Guest: Professor Richard Epstein Summary: Richard Epstein warns of a global energy crisis triggered by the Iran war, criticizing Europe's reliance on green energy. He argues that ground troops are necessary to sustain victory and hold military territory effectively. (4)4. UN Credibility and the Laws of Warfare Guest: Professor Richard Epstein Summary: Epstein critiques the UN Secretary-General for accusing Israel and the US of war crimes. He argues the UN lacks credibility and maintains that infrastructure remains a legitimate military target during times of war. (5)5. Lancaster's Pastry Economy and Infrastructure Progress Guest: Jim McTague Summary: Jim McTague observes Lancaster County's resilient economy, where residents seek "instant gratification" through French pastries during wartime. He also notes steady progress on local infrastructure projects, including a high-security data center. (6)6. Italian Judicial Reform and Tourism in Mantua Guest: Lorenzo Fiori Summary: Lorenzo Fiori explains a constitutional referendum regarding the separation of careers for magistrates and prosecutors. He also provides a travel guide to historic Mantua, recommending its medieval architecture, artichoke pasta, and regional wine. (7)7. Sector Optimism: Petroleum vs. the Housing Slump Guest: Gene Marks Summary: Gene Marks reports boom times for petroleum equipment manufacturers despite rising energy costs. Conversely, he notes that residential construction and home furnishings are struggling due to high interest rates and low buyer demand. (8)8. C-Corporation Tax Strategies and Microsoft AI Agents Guest: Gene Marks Summary: Gene Marks advises retiring entrepreneurs on converting businesses to C-corporations to avoid capital gains taxes. He also introduces Microsoft's new AI agents, which function like digital employees to automate routine administrative tasks. (9)9. Thomas Paine's Crisis and the Fabian Strategy Guest: Ed Larson Summary: Ed Larson details Thomas Paine's "American Crisis," which revitalized the patriot cause. He explains George Washington's "Fabian strategy" of tactical retreats to wear down the British army while their atrocities fueled local resistance. (10)10. Abigail Adams and the Limits of Equality Guest: Ed Larson Summary: This segment highlights Abigail Adams' plea to "remember the ladies" in the new code of laws. Ed Larson discusses how her husband, John Adams, dismissed these early calls for gender and racial equality. (11)11. Washington's Moral Victory at Trenton and Princeton Guest: Ed Larson Summary: Larson recounts Washington's daring crossing of the Delaware during a nor'easter. These victories at Trenton and Princeton provided a critical moral boost for the Continental Army, forcing the British out of West Jersey. (12)12. The Signing of Sovereignty and Revolutionary Dissent Guest: Ed Larson Summary: Details the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the adoption of radical state constitutions asserting that people alone are sovereign. Larson also explores honorable dissent through the perspective of wealthy planter John Dickinson. (13)13. WHO Nuclear Threat Warnings and Reactor Vulnerability Guest: Henry Sokolski Summary: Henry Sokolski analyzes World Health Organization preparations for a "worst-case scenario" nuclear incident. He highlights the vulnerability of regional power reactors to drone strikes and the resulting risks of large-scale radiological releases. (14)14. The Kharg Island Gambit and Vietnam Parallels Guest: Henry Sokolski Summary: Sokolski discusses reports that the US is considering an invasion of Iran's Kharg Island to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. He draws historical parallels to the initial 1965 escalation of the Vietnam War. (15)15. SpaceX Starship Milestones and Artemis Safety Risks Guest: Bob Zimmerman Summary: Reports on the upcoming 12th Starship test flight and Rocket Lab's military contracts. Zimmerman criticizes NASA's Artemis program for bypassing safety steps and risking lives with untested heat shields and life support. (16)16. Lunar Water Scarcity and Asteroid Ryugu Findings Guest: Bob Zimmerman Summary: Reviews scientific data suggesting significantly less water ice on the lunar South Pole than expected. Zimmerman also discusses the discovery of DNA building blocks on asteroid Ryugu and the ongoing sun dynamo mystery. (17)
SHOW SCHEDULE 3-18-261900 OTTAWA1. Guests Gordon Chang and Steve Yates discuss the postponed Trump-Xi summit during the Iran war. They analyze Chinese negotiation tactics that favor theater over substance and Xi's belief in the inevitable decline of the West.,,, (2)2. Guest Captain James Fanell analyzes China's AR2000 shipborne drone, describing it as a propaganda signaling tool. He notes the PLA Navy currently lacks the carrier experience and volume necessary to sustain major bombing campaigns.,,, (3)3. Guest Charles Burton critiques Canada's import of Chinese electric vehicles as a dangerous economic concession. He warns of "maple washing," security risks, and "elite capture" by Beijing, which threatens Canadian sovereignty and human rights.,, (4)4. Guests Gordon Chang and Charles Burton express skepticism about U.S.-China trade truces, noting Beijing's history of non-compliance. They advocate for North American collaboration on critical mineral processing to reduce dependence on Chinese state-controlled monopolies.,,, (5)5. Guest Simon Constable reports on surging energy prices and diesel shortages in France caused by the Iran war. He addresses global inflation driven by rising shipping costs and the UK's struggle to provide naval support.,,, (6)6. Guest Simon Constable examines the political unpopularity of Prime Minister Starmer and the debate over King Charles's U.S. visit. Constable argues the monarch must proceed to maintain essential diplomatic ties despite ongoing regional wartime tensions.,, (7)7. Guests Mariam Wahba and Natalie Ecanow discuss the International Union of Muslim Scholars, identifying it as a Muslim Brotherhood-aligned group in Doha. They describe the organization's strategy of hedging between Iran and Arab states.,,, (8)8. Guests Natalie Ecanow and Mariam Wahba address the IMEC project to bypass the Strait of Hormuz. They emphasize the need for U.S. energy dominance and strategic infrastructure to reduce Iran's ability to leverage global trade routes.,, (9)9. Guest Michael Bernstam details how Russia benefits from the Iran war, earning $150 million extra daily as oil prices soar. He explains that lifting sanctions on the shadow fleet significantly strengthens Putin's wartime budget.,, (10)10. Guest Michael Bernstam analyzes the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz, calling it a narrow choke point currently controlled by Iran. He warns of a massive shipping traffic jam that will cause prolonged high energy prices.,, (11)11. Guest Sinan Ciddi explains Turkey's deployment of NATO Patriot systems after Iranian missile provocations. Turkey seeks to stay out of the war, preferring a weakened but stable Iranian regime to prevent regional Kurdish uprisings.,,, (12)12. Guest Cliff May defines Iranian interference in the Strait of Hormuz as an act of international piracy. He urges U.S. action to guarantee freedom of navigation, comparing the threat to historical North African pirate states.,,, (13)13. Guest Peter Berkowitz discusses the book "Mobilize," which advocates for rebooting the American industrial base. He critiques central planning and argues the U.S. must leverage private-sector entrepreneurial innovation to counter the Chinese Communist Party.,, (14)14. Guest Peter Berkowitz outlines reforms for the Department of Defense, including cutting bureaucratic red tape and encouraging technological competition. He stresses the importance of higher education in teaching the free-market principles necessary for national security.,, (15)15. Guest Bob Zimmerman reports on the private space industry, highlighting SpaceX's flight records and plans for orbital AI data centers. He also discusses startups in South Korea and Germany facing technical challenges during their launches.,,, (16)16. Guest Bob Zimmerman explores archival space data on Uranus's moons and the upcoming Apophis asteroid mission. He highlights the "Mothra" telescope in Chile as a prime example of private enterprise funding successful scientific exploration projects.,, (17)SHOW SCHEDULE 3-18
SHOW SCHEDULE 3-17-26 ST PATRICK'S DAY1950 STORK CLUB, HITCHCOCK AND LAMOUR1. Guest Elizabeth Peak analyzes how $105 oil impacts global inflation and the resilient U.S. economy. Despite war, AI investment persists. John Bachelor concludes by describing a "creepy," personalized interaction with AI assistant Claude. (1)2. Guest Elizabeth Peak highlights strong public support for Trump's Iranian strikes despite Democratic opposition. She criticizes the DHS shutdown for causing travel chaos and notes that midterm elections will focus on affordability and conflict. (2)3. Guest David Shed details China's global campaign of economic espionage and secret-stealing. Using Brazilian food delivery as a case study, he explains how the PRC leverages data and predatory acquisitions to dominate international markets. (3)4. Guest David Shed recommends that President Trump confront Xi Jinping over economic espionage and cyberattacks during their summit. He emphasizes strengthening ties with India and the Quad to counter China's slowing global economic influence. (4)5. Guest Mary Kissel discusses potential government transitions in Cuba following severe U.S. economic pressure and power grid failures. She notes a broader rightward political shift in South America, including Argentina and ready Venezuelan opposition. (5)6. Guest Mary Kissel evaluates the ongoing conflicts in Tehran and Beirut, noting the "once-in-a-lifetime opportunity" to weaken Iranian proxies. Priorities include destroying nuclear capacity, opening the Strait of Hormuz, and managing rising fuel costs. (6)7. Guest Jonathan Schanzer discusses the killing of Iranian leader Ali Larijani and the degradation of Iran's missile production. He analyzes the closed Strait of Hormuz and the potential for the Iranian people to revolt. (7)8. Guest Jonathan Schanzer details the escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah following ceasefire violations. Israel aims to destroy Hezbollah's arsenal while navigating regional dynamics, including opposition from Turkey and quiet support from Gulf nations. (8)Here are the 35-word summaries for the guests featured in segments 9 through 16: (9)SEG 9: Joseph Sternberg Joseph Sternberg, a Wall Street Journal editorial board member, analyzes the stalling of European right-wing populism. He observes voters in the UK, Germany, and Hungary rejecting insurgent parties in favor of moderate, centrist leadership movements. (10)SEG 10: Joseph Sternberg Joseph Sternberg examines UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer's record unpopularity. He attributes this to economic pessimism, perceived political haplessness, and the Labour Party's internal struggle to define its ideological direction between the center and left. (11)SEG 11: Conrad Black Biographer Conrad Black details Canada's immense chromium deposits in the "Ring of Fire." He highlights its strategic value for stainless steel production and US national security, potentially ending reliance on several unreliable foreign minerals sources. (12)SEG 12: Charles Burton Charles Burton, Sinopsis expert, discusses the complex US-China trade dynamic. He examines Xi Jinping's ritualistic goals, potential concessions regarding Taiwan, and Canada's efforts to balance its economic interests and natural resources amidst these ongoing tensions. (13)SEG 13: Grant Newsham evaluates Japan's new hawkish Prime Minister, Takaichi Sai. He argues Japan must accept military risks in the Strait of Hormuz to solidify future American support against the growing threats from mainland China now. (14)SEG 14: :Grant Newsham discusses South Korea's reluctance to assist in the Strait of Hormuz. He characterizes the current administration as ideologically pro-China and skeptical of US alliances, potentially undermining regional security cooperation against common global threats. (15)SEG 15: Craig Unger Journalist Craig Unger reviews the House Oversight Committee's investigation into Donald Trump's ties to Jeffrey Epstein. He examines subpoenas regarding missing documents and investigates long-standing allegations of sexual misconduct and many "catch and kill" patterns. (16)SEG 16: Craig Unger Craig Unger explores the legal and political consequences of the Epstein investigation. He notes growing Republican dissent and argues that while presidential immunity complicates immediate prosecution, these allegations could significantly impact the upcoming national elections. (17)
SHOW SCHEDULE 3-16-261902 ROME1. Bill Roggio and Hussein Haqqani (SEG 1): Haqqani discusses global resistance to President Trump's Strait of Hormuz mission and the economic impact of Iran's strategy. Roggio analyzes the administration's goal of regime change and notes they underestimated Iranian resilience. (2)2. Hussein Haqqani and Bill Roggio (SEG 2): Haqqani notes European and Arab reluctance to join the U.S. coalition due to past diplomatic friction. Roggio discusses the lack of a viable Iranian resistance and the failure of air-only military strategies. (3)3. David Daoud (SEG 3): Daoud analyzes the IDF's difficulty in permanently eliminating Hezbollah and its shift toward creating a security buffer zone. He argues that regime change in Iran would weaken but not destroy the group. (4)4. David Daoud (SEG 4): Daoud reports on Hezbollah's continued use of drone swarms and short-range rockets to harass Israel. He notes that while their command structure is degraded, IRGC officers are filling leadership gaps in Beirut. (5)5. Malcolm Hoenlein (SEG 5): Hoenlein details the chaos surrounding Iranian succession, including reports that Mojtaba Khamenei is wounded. He describes regional economic devastation from the Strait of Hormuz closure and the use of destructive cluster munitions. (6)6. Malcolm Hoenlein (SEG 6): Hoenlein reports on IDF operations in Lebanon, noting Hezbollah defections and command-and-control breakdowns. He critiques European nations for "waffling" and refusing to provide escort vessels for tankers in the Strait of Hormuz. (7)7. Edmund Fitton-Brown (SEG 7): Fitton-Brown explains the international "digging in of heels" against Trump's Hormuz mission, with allies fearing Iranian retaliation. He notes that the U.S. failed to foresee Iran's predictable move to shut the waterway. (8)8. Edmund Fitton-Brown (SEG 8): Fitton-Brown discusses the global economy being held hostage by Iran and potential strategies like seizing Kharg Island. He analyzes Houthi restraint and the potential for a dangerous "fourth front" in Yemen. (9)9. John Hardy (SEG 9): Hardie details how the Iran war benefits Russia through increased oil revenue and the depletion of Western munitions needed by Kyiv. He reports that the U.S.-led peace process in Ukraine is fizzling. (10)10. Joe Truzman (SEG 10): Truzman describes the "Islamic Resistance in Iraq" as a front for Iran-backed militias launching information warfare. He discusses Houthi readiness to join the conflict and Iranian proxies attacking Jewish institutions across Europe. (11)11. Ernesto Araújo (SEG 11): Araújo discusses the Iran war's economic ripple effects in Latin America, including rising gas prices. He reports on potential democratic transitions in Cuba and Venezuela as Russian and Chinese regional influence diminishes. (12)12. Ernesto Araújo (SEG 12): Araújo reports on the deteriorating health of imprisoned former President Jair Bolsonaro and political suppression in Brazil. He highlights a diplomatic rift caused by visa denials for a U.S. special envoy. (13)13. Ahmed Sharawi (SEG 13): Sharawi tracks Iranian drone and missile strikes against the UAE and Saudi Arabia intended to pressure Washington. He notes Iran's strategy of attacking NATO sites in Turkey to create regional chaos. (14)14. Greg Scarlatoiu (SEG 14): Scarlatoiu explains Romania's decision to host U.S. military equipment despite threats from Tehran. He emphasizes that Romania views the Iran and Ukraine conflicts as existential threats to its own national security. (15)15. Rick Fischer (SEG 15): Fischer provides evidence of direct Chinese assistance to Iran's drone and missile programs, including guidance systems and satellite surveillance. He notes that these attacks would be impossible without Beijing's support. (16)16. Greg Scarlatoiu (SEG 16): Scarlatoiu analyzes the public appearance of Kim Jong-un's daughter, Kim Ju-ae, and speculation regarding her being groomed for succession. He discusses the ruthless political environment within the Kim family dynasty. (17)
SHOW SCHEDULE 3-13-20261574 ARABIA13. Guest: Henry Sokolski Summary: The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission is criticized for reducing security at nuclear plants despite growing threats. Sokolski points out the disconnect between the NRC's downplaying of risks and the FBI's serious warnings. (9)14. Guest: Henry Sokolski Summary: The FBI warned California about Iranian drone threats against infrastructure. Sokolski notes that U.S. nuclear plants are vulnerable and currently lack the clear legal authority to effectively handle unauthorized drone overflights. (10)15. Guest: Peter van Dokkum Summary: Professor van Dokkum defines runaway black holes as supermassive objects kicked out of galaxies after collisions. These objects move at 1,000 kilometers per second, escaping their host galaxies to roam through intergalactic space. (11)16. Guest: Peter van Dokkum Summary: Astronomers detected a runaway black hole via a shock front and a wake of 100 million newborn stars. This stellar trail traces the black hole's path as it travels through intergalactic gas.NUMBER 13-16 (12)
SHOW SCHEDULE THURSDAY 3-12-20261917 COTSWOLDS ENGLAND1. Mary Anastasia O'Grady (Wall Street Journal) discusses Iranian presence in Venezuela, focusing on war drones and agents with Venezuelan passports. She notes the U.S. recognition of Delcy Rodriguez as acting president while pursuing a democratic transition. (1)2. Natalie Ecanow (Foundation for Defense of Democracies) examines Qatar's "Special Watch List" designation for religious freedom abuses, specifically involving a Baha'i leader. She highlights the contradiction of Qatar hosting groups like Hamas while maintaining strategic U.S. partnerships. (2)3. Jeff McCausland (CBS News) analyzes modern warfare's reliance on drones and missiles, noting the lack of a clear U.S. strategy for the Iran conflict. He criticizes the administration's poor messaging regarding tragic civilian casualties. (3)4. Jeff McCausland (CBS News) discusses technology favoring defense in Ukraine and Iran through drones and GPS. He examines Iran's asymmetric strategy targeting global supply chains and their willingness to fight a long attrition war. (4)5. Evan Ellis (U.S. Army War College) details Panama's port contract disputes with China and the transition to APM Terminals. He also discusses ongoing lawfare in Guatemala and the U.S. intention to return Haitian migrants despite local violence. (5)6. Evan Ellis (U.S. Army War College) reports on rumored secret diplomacy between the U.S. and Cuba's Castro family. He explains Cuba's severe economic collapse and electricity crisis following the loss of subsidized oil from Venezuela. (6)7. Evan Ellis (U.S. Army War College) discusses U.S. direct engagement with Venezuela's leadership regarding oil and mining investments. He also analyzes shifting political trends in Colombia and Peru, where right-of-center candidates are gaining significant momentum. (7)8. Evan Ellis (U.S. Army War College) notes cooled relations between Brazil's Lula and the U.S. due to Brazil's foreign policy shifts toward the BRICS. He also analyzes the rise of conservative leader Jose Antonio Kast in Chile. (8)9. Paul Thomas Chamberlain (Columbia University) recounts U.S. strategic calculations before Pearl Harbor, highlighting uncertainty about carrier technology. He describes the U.S. as a reluctant, "anti-colonial" empire facing imminent threats to its Philippine possessions and interests. (9)10. Paul Thomas Chamberlain (Columbia University) identifies late 1942 as World War II's turning point, citing Stalingrad, Guadalcanal, and North Africa. These battles signaled the rise of continent-spanning superpowers over traditional colonial empires in a new world order. (10)11. Paul Thomas Chamberlain (Columbia University) analyzes the Casablanca and Cairo conferences, highlighting Roosevelt's strategies to keep Stalin as an ally. The U.S. promoted anti-colonialism and self-determination to establish a post-war liberal capitalist order dominated by American economy. (11)12. Paul Thomas Chamberlain (Columbia University) examines Allied plans like Operation Ranke to contain Soviet influence as Germany neared collapse. Despite focusing on Europe, the U.S. successfully launched simultaneous offensive thrusts across the Pacific against the Japanese Empire. (12)13. Anatol Lieven (Quincy Institute) discusses the Iran war's impact, noting Russia's benefits through increased energy profits and diverted Western air defenses. He criticizes the U.S. administration for failing to predict predictable Iranian retaliation against global energy supplies. (13)14. Anatol Lieven (Quincy Institute) explores the resurgence of the "Great Game," detailing Israel's goal to dismantle the Iranian state. He argues that bombing will not break Iranian resistance and notes European reluctance to impose sanctions. (14)15. Richard Epstein (Civitas Institute) criticizes President Trump's trade policies and tariff investigations, arguing they cause severe domestic economic dislocation. He highlights the legal uncertainty businesses face regarding tariff refunds and the potential for prolonged litigation. (15)16. Richard Epstein (Civitas Institute) discusses the Middle East war's threat to niche commodities essential for high-end microchips. He critiques recent energy policies and emphasizes the difficulty of assessing military progress due to limited public information. (16)
SHOW SCHEDULE 3-11-20261906 SF ON FIRE AFTER THE EARTHQUAKE.1. SEG 1: Gordon Chang and Peter Huessy discuss China's petroleum reserves and rising fuel prices. They analyze the potential for nuclear escalation and Iran's efforts to disrupt global trade through the Strait of Hormuz. (1)2. SEG 2: Rebecca Grant and Gordon Chang analyze the US Navy's carrier shortage. The USS Nimitz remains active for Latin American exercises while the USS Gerald R. Ford faces a prolonged 11-month combat deployment. (2)3. SEG 3: Alan Tonelson and Gordon Chang discuss China's failure to stop fentanyl precursor exports. They evaluate tariffs as non-military tools to pressure nations while addressing war-related shortages in fertilizer and electronics components. (3)4. SEG 4: Bill Roggio details the tragic US missile strike on an Iranian girl's school. He argues that while air strikes destroy military assets, air power alone cannot achieve regime change or ensure final victory. (4)5. SEG 5: Jack Burnham analyzes China's "lukewarm" support for Iran and its focus on energy security. Beijing is learning lessons from Western precision strikes while continuing internal repression of ethnic minorities through forced labor. (5)6. SEG 6: Jack Burnham reports on the DOJ dropping charges against Chinese scientists accused of smuggling biological samples. This reversal, involving the Chinese consulate, may be linked to upcoming trade negotiations or prosecutorial challenges. (6)7. SEG 7: Kevin Fraser warns that state legislatures are rushing to regulate AI with potentially unconstitutional laws. He advocates for market-driven transparency and allowing consumers to choose models based on their specific needs and preferences. (7)8. SEG 8: Kevin Fraser explores distinctions between AI models like Grok and Claude. He highlights regulatory "sandboxes" in states like Utah and Montana that foster innovation while monitoring for potential technological harms and ensuring transparency. (8)9. SEG 9: Michael Bernstam explains how the American shale revolution mitigates global energy shocks. He warns central banks against fueling inflation and emphasizes that while global supply chains are vulnerable, US production provides a critical buffer. (9)10. SEG 10: Michael Bernstam discusses how rising oil prices bolster Russia's budget. However, the Russian economy faces contraction and "military Keynesianism," while the United States remains a resilient net energy exporter despite global supply chain disruptions. (10)11. SEG 11: Ivana Stradner examines the Kremlin's information warfare campaign to keep Viktor Orbán in power. Orbán, formerly an anti-Soviet activist, now aligns with Putin to ensure political survival and counter Western democratic decision-making processes. (11)12. SEG 12: Ivana Stradner outlines strategies to counter Russian influence in Hungary, including exposing Orbán's corruption and ties to China. She argues that information is a potent, invisible weapon used to polarize and weaken the West. (12)13. SEG 13: Simon Constable reports on skyrocketing European energy prices due to Middle East conflict. Shortages in sulfur and bromine threaten global semiconductor manufacturing and food security as fertilizer costs nearly double for struggling farmers. (13)14. SEG 14: Simon Constable critiques Prime Minister Keir Starmer's hesitant leadership. He notes the Royal Navy has been "hollowed out" over three decades, leaving Britain with fewer warships than France and a tiny, underfunded standing army. (14)15. SEG 15: Bob Zimmerman discusses the Senate's shift toward private space exploration, potentially ending the SLS program. NASA is increasingly contracting commercial entities for lunar habitats, reusable rockets, and specialized satellite launch capabilities to reduce costs. (15)16. SEG 16: Bob Zimmerman reviews the DART mission's success in altering an asteroid's orbit. He also reports that the European Space Agency lost contact with a solar probe after its batteries drained due to misaligned solar panels. (16)
SHOW SCHEDULE 3-10-20261953 MOSSADEQH TRIAL TEHRAN### 1. Elizabeth Peek: Global Oil Resilience and AI Elizabeth Peak analyzes the global oil market's resilience, highlighting high US production and predicting short-term price volatility. She also explains how AI is rapidly improving corporate productivity, which she believes will drive stock market gains.,, (1)### 2. Elizabeth Peek: California's Economic Exodus Elizabeth Peak critiques Governor Gavin Newsom's management of California, citing high taxes and burdensome climate regulations. She notes a "steady exodus" of businesses and people to states like Texas and Florida due to extreme unaffordability. (2)### 3. Judy Dempsey: European Divisions and Energy Costs Judy Dempsey examines how the Iran conflict has divided European leaders. She highlights the immediate domestic impact of rising energy costs, noting that global oil prices act as a direct tax on families and inflation.,, (3)### 4. Judy Dempsey: German Political Shifts Judy Dempsey discusses the surprising resilience of the Green Party in a German economic powerhouse. While the Greens won pragmatically, she warns about the alarming rise of the far-right AfD party in upcoming Eastern elections. (4)### 5. Joseph Sternberg: Keir Starmer's Indecision Joseph Sternberg describes Prime Minister Keir Starmer as a "reluctant warrior" struggling with military readiness. He critiques Starmer's legalistic indecision and the lack of a credible economic growth plan to fund promised increases in defense.,, (5)### 6. Joseph Sternberg: Rise of the British Greens Joseph Sternberg explores the British Green Party's emergence as a socialist alternative to Labor. He explains how aggressive renewable energy targets have left the UK vulnerable to high prices and less resilient during international conflicts.,, (6)### 7. Mariam Waba: Egypt's Economic and Refugee Crisis Mariam Waba reports on Egypt's massive domestic fuel hikes amid regional turmoil. She analyzes President Sisi's challenge in managing multiple crises, including Muslim Brotherhood threats, military dominance of the economy, and nine million Sudanese refugees.,,, (7)### 8. Max Meizlish: Hezbollah's Illicit Financial Networks Max Meizlish exposes Al-Qard al-Hassan, Hezbollah's unregulated bank, as a hub for money laundering and gold smuggling. He urges the US Treasury to better resource investigators to track illicit funds used for funding terrorist activities.,,, (8)### 9. Joseph Sternberg: Starmer's Leadership Challenges Joseph Sternberg reiterates that Keir Starmer remains in a "state of total confusion" regarding Britain's role in the Iran conflict. He notes that Starmer's inability to unite his party undermines the country's strategic military standing.,, (9)### 10. Joseph Sternberg: Fragmentation of British Politics Joseph Sternberg analyzes the realignment of British politics, highlighting the Green Party's success with a socialist platform. He explains that while bi-elections show fragmentation, the UK's electoral system makes it difficult for small parties.,, (10)### 11. Daniel Mahoney: The Legacy of Norman Podhoretz Professor Daniel Mahoney honors Norman Podhoretz as a "man of letters" who defended high culture. He details Podhoretz's journey to neoconservatism and his fearless opposition to the cultural radicalism and nihilism of the 1960s., (11)### 12. Daniel Mahoney: Warnings of Rising Anti-Semitism Daniel Mahoney reflects on Podhoretz's warnings regarding rising anti-Semitism and "western self-hatred." He critiques the resurgence of anti-Semitic rhetoric in modern podcast culture and pleads for the defense of the Western inheritance and Israel., (12)### 13. Bud Weinstein: AI Data Centers and Electricity Bud Weinstein addresses the "half-truth" that AI data centers are causing electricity price hikes. He argues that grid congestion, lack of transmission investment, and regulatory issues—not AI—are the primary culprits for rising consumer bills., (13)### 14. Bud Weinstein: The Necessity of Coal and Petroleum Bud Weinstein stresses an "all of the above" energy strategy, noting that petroleum and coal remain vital for grid reliability during winter emergencies. He critiques the premature closing of coal plants as a driver of higher costs.,, (14)### 15. Bruce Bechtol: Iran-North Korea Missile Partnership Professor Bruce Bechtol details the strategic partnership between Iran and North Korea. He warns that North Korea has proliferated ICBM technology to Iran, providing them with systems capable of reaching the entire continental United States.,, (15)### 16. Bruce Bechtol: The Iranian Missile Arsenal Bruce Bechtol analyzes Iran's arsenal of North Korean-engineered missiles, including modified Scuds and Nodongs. He explains the challenge of locating mobile underground launchers and notes that North Korean technicians likely remain on the ground in Tehran.,,, (16)
C1. Guests: Bill Roggio and Ambassador Husain Haqqani Headline: Global Markets Shudder as Oil Surges Past $100 Summary: War in the Middle East has triggered a damaging global economic surge, with oil exceeding $100 per barrel. Panelists discuss Iran's resilient regime and the appointment of late leader's son, Mojtaba Khamenei. (2)2. Guests: Bill Roggio and Husain Haqqani Headline: The Myth of Winning Through Air Power Alone Summary: Experts warn that air power cannot achieve lasting regime change and dismiss "boots on the ground" as politically impossible. They emphasize that Iran has historically resisted Western invaders for 2,000 years. (3)3. Guests: Ernesto Araújo and Alejandro Peña Esclusa Headline: A "New Dawn" as Cuba Negotiates with the White House Summary: Shifting dynamics in Latin America see Cuba entering direct negotiations with the Trump administration as Venezuelan oil subsidies end. The region's turn toward right-wing governments signals a major geopolitical transformation. (4)4. Guests: Ernesto Araújo and Alejandro Peña Esclusa Headline: Brazil's Election and the "Shield of the Americas" Summary: The panel analyzes Brazil's upcoming election where Flavio Bolsonaro is gaining ground against President Lula. They discuss how regional anti-crime initiatives and the war in Iran are influencing South American politics. (5)5. Guest: Malcolm Hoenlein Headline: Iran Launches Cluster Bombs Against Israeli Civilians Summary: Malcolm Hoenlein reports on Iran's use of cluster-bomb warheads against Israeli cities like Haifa. Despite the attacks and financial burdens, 93% of Israelis support the effort to end regional threats permanently. (6)6. Guest: Malcolm Hoenlein Headline: Regional Escalation and the Targeting of Energy Infrastructure Summary: Israel expands operations into Lebanon while Iran targets Azerbaijan's critical energy pipelines. China watches closely as its Middle Eastern oil supplies are threatened by the closing of the Strait of Hormuz. (7)7. Guests: Bill Roggio and David Daoud Headline: Hezbollah's Strategy to Protect the Iranian Regime Summary: David Daoud examines how Hezbollah's attacks aim to divert U.S. and Israeli focus from Tehran. The IDF responds by dismantling Hezbollah's financial institutions and propaganda networks to break their control over Lebanon. (8)8. Guests: Bill Roggio and David Daoud Headline: Psychological Warfare and the Threat of Drone Swarms Summary: Discussion centers on Hezbollah's use of inexpensive drone swarms and "pin pricks" to destabilize the Israeli psyche. Daoud explains these tactics aim to exhaust Israel's economy by making defense financially unsustainable. (9)9. Guests: Bill Roggio and Jonathan Sayeh Headline: Internal Resistance and the Mindset of Young Iranians Summary: Jonathan Sayeh provides insight into young Iranians who view the conflict as liberation from a 50-year occupation. However, he warns that destroying critical infrastructure risks alienating the population and damaging nationalism. (10)10. Guests: Bill Roggio and Jonathan Sayeh Headline: Monitoring the Fog of War in Tehran Summary: Analysts examine Tehran's internal state, noting that foot soldiers are becoming increasingly alienated. They monitor the Basij and regular military for signs of defection while the regime anticipates a ground invasion. (11)11. Guests: Bill Roggio and Edmund Fitton-Brown Headline: Iran's "Nihilistic" Attacks on Neutral Neighbors Summary: Iran has launched self-destructive missile attacks against neutral neighbors like Qatar, Oman, and Turkey. The panel critiques British indecisiveness and the lack of clearly articulated American war objectives. (12)12. Guests: Bill Roggio and Edmund Fitton-Brown Headline: The Question of Regime Change and "Boots on the Ground" Summary: Experts debate if the Trump administration seeks permanent regime change. They discuss the risks of mission creep and the extreme difficulty of empowering internal Iranian insurgencies without a clear roadmap. (13)13. Guests: Bill Roggio and John Hardy Headline: Zelensky Offers Drone Expertise to Counter Iran Summary: President Zelensky offers Ukrainian assistance to counter Iranian drones using battle-tested technology. Meanwhile, Vladimir Putin pledges unwavering support for Iran's new leadership as the conflict increasingly impacts the global stage. (14)14. Guest: Jessica Winkle Headline: Bias and Conflict of Interest in Climate Science Manuals Summary: Professor Jessica Winkle details controversy surrounding the federal judicial manual's climate chapter. She highlights significant conflicts of interest and the use of biased, non-neutral rhetoric intended for judges. (15)15. Guest: Gregory Copley Headline: Assessing the Air War and Global Oil Panic Summary: Gregory Copley evaluates the U.S.-Israeli air campaign against Iranian nuclear and military infrastructure. He notes the potential for the Iranian monarchy's return to rally opposition against the clerical regime. (16)16. Guest: Gregory Copley Headline: Russia and China's Strategic Stakes in the Iran Conflict Summary: The conversation examines how the war impacts Russia's trade corridors and China's primary oil supplies. Copley argues that U.S. air dominance serves as a profound warning to the leadership in Beijing. (17)
SHOW SCHEDULE 3-6-2026APRIL 30, 1789 NEW YORK INAUGURATION### HEADLINE: LAS VEGAS CONSTRUCTION AND THE DECLINE OF WEST COAST CITIES SUMMARY: Jeff Bliss discusses Las Vegas's massive infrastructure projects, including Brightline rail, while contrasting its growth with the "ghost town" atmospheres currently found in Reno and Portland. GUEST: Jeff Bliss NUMBER: 1 (1)### HEADLINE: GAVIN NEWSOM'S BOOK TOUR AND KAMALA HARRIS'S POLITICAL STANDING SUMMARY: Jeff Bliss analyzes Governor Newsom's national media strategy and book tour alongside Vice President Harris's controversial and ill-timed comments regarding the ongoing Middle East conflict. GUEST: Jeff Bliss NUMBER: 2 (2)### HEADLINE: THE WAR POWERS RESOLUTION AND MODERN CONFLICT REALITIES SUMMARY: Professor Richard Epstein explores the history of the War Powers Act, arguing that modern warfare's speed makes congressional deliberative processes difficult and potentially counterproductive today. GUEST: Professor Richard Epstein NUMBER: 3 (3)### HEADLINE: ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN WARFARE AND THE ANTHROPIC DISPUTE SUMMARY: Professor Richard Epstein discusses the integration of Claude AI in military targeting simulations and the public disagreement between the administration and the developer over autonomous weapons. GUEST: Professor Richard Epstein NUMBER: 4 (4)### HEADLINE: SPIKING FUEL PRICES AND REVOLUTIONARY HISTORY IN LANCASTER COUNTY SUMMARY: Jim McTague reports on gasoline prices jumping forty cents in Pennsylvania due to war, while noting Lancaster's unique history as the nation's capital for one day. GUEST: Jim McTague NUMBER: 5 (5)### HEADLINE: ITALY'S HIDDEN GEMS: EXPLORING LECCE AND OTRANTO IN PUGLIA SUMMARY: Lorenzo Fiori recommends visiting the "heel of the boot" to experience Roman ruins, Baroque architecture, and local Primitivo wine away from Italy's over-touristed hubs. GUEST: Lorenzo Fiori NUMBER: 6 (6)### HEADLINE: NUCLEAR PROLIFERATION AND THE FUTURE OF THE NPT SUMMARY: Henry Sokolski addresses China's nuclear expansion and the potential breakdown of the Non-Proliferation Treaty as the U.S. justifies the Iran war as a preemptive strike. GUEST: Henry Sokolski NUMBER: 7 (7)### HEADLINE: TAIWAN'S SECURITY CONCERNS AMID THE MIDDLE EAST CONFLICT SUMMARY: Colonel Grant Newsham explains Taiwan's anxieties regarding energy supplies and how U.S. military success in Iran influences the island's confidence against potential Chinese aggression. GUEST: Colonel Grant Newsham NUMBER: 8 (8)### HEADLINE: GEORGE DOWNING'S 17TH-CENTURY DIPLOMACY AND ESPIONAGE IN FRANCE SUMMARY: Dennis Su details George Downing's 1655 mission to France, where he used Latin to negotiate a secret alliance with Cardinal Mazarin against Spanish influence. GUEST: Dennis Su NUMBER: 9 (9)### HEADLINE: THE RISE OF GEORGE DOWNING UNDER CROMWELL'S PROTECTORATE SUMMARY: Dennis Su explores George Downing's role as Cromwell's intelligence chief and his mission to study Dutch economic success to help transform England into a trading power. GUEST: Dennis Su NUMBER: 10 (10)### HEADLINE: CROMWELL'S DEATH AND DOWNING'S SECRET DEAL WITH THE KING SUMMARY: Dennis Su recounts the "dummy" funeral of Oliver Cromwell and George Downing's opportunistic decision to offer state secrets to the exiled King Charles II. GUEST: Dennis Su NUMBER: 11 (11)### HEADLINE: EXTRAORDINARY RENDITION AND THE RESTORATION OF CHARLES II SUMMARY: Dennis Su describes Downing's betrayal of former allies, his role in capturing regicides, and the grisly display of Cromwell's head at the House of Commons. GUEST: Dennis Su NUMBER: 12 (12)### HEADLINE: THE TAX CODE ORIGINS OF HIGH AMERICAN HEALTHCARE COSTS SUMMARY: Veronique de Rugy traces modern healthcare expenses to a 1920s tax error and advocates for health savings accounts to restore consumer control and transparency. GUEST: Veronique de Rugy NUMBER: 13 (13)### HEADLINE: CHINA'S ENERGY DEPENDENCE AND THE REBUILDING OF IRAN SUMMARY: Max Meish discusses China's reliance on Iranian oil and proposes a U.S. "economic strike force" to stabilize Iran while excluding Chinese interests from reconstruction. GUEST: Max Meish NUMBER: 14 (14)### HEADLINE: THE RISE OF THE PRIVATE SPACE INDUSTRY AND GLOBAL COMPETITION SUMMARY: Bob Zimmerman highlights VAST's private space station, Spanish and South Korean rocket startups, and Japan's recent struggles with repeated orbital launch failures. GUEST: Bob Zimmerman NUMBER: 15 (15)### HEADLINE: WEBB TELESCOPE DATA AND THE BIOLOGICAL RISKS OF WEIGHTLESSNESS SUMMARY: Bob Zimmerman analyzes new asteroid data from Webb and a study suggesting microgravity increases blood clot risks, emphasizing the need for artificial gravity in space. GUEST: Bob Zimmerman NUMBER: 16 (16)
SHOW SCHEDULE 3-5-20161895 CARACASRussia Leverages Middle East Conflict to Pressure European Energy Markets Anatol Lieven analyzes how the Middle East conflict strengthens Russia's leverage over Europe while potentially causing internal Iranian anarchy and a massive refugee crisis. (1)Drone Strikes on Energy Infrastructure Threaten European Gas Supply Stability Lieven explores threats to European energy from strikes on the Baku pipeline and proposes sanctions relief to incentivize Russia toward a Ukrainian peace settlement. (2)Constitutional Debates Over Presidential Authority and the War Powers Act John Yu discusses the War Powers Resolution's history and argues that presidents possess inherent constitutional authority to use force abroad without prior congressional consent. (3)Judicial Limits and Political Checks on Presidential War-Making Power John Yu argues that elections, rather than courts or the War Powers Resolution, serve as the primary constitutional check on a president's use of force. (4)Cuba Faces Total Grid Failure Amid Severe National Oil Shortages Evan Ellis describes Cuba's widespread blackouts caused by aging infrastructure and lack of fuel, while the US facilitates humanitarian oil shipments to private entities. (5)Venezuelan Leadership Slow-Rolls Political Transition Despite Economic Openings Evan Ellis details how the Rodriguez administration benefits from eased oil sanctions and mining interests while maintaining repressive control and delaying meaningful democratic transitions. (6)Chinese Influence and Strategic Integration in the Caribbean and Peru Evan Ellis examines China's deep strategic presence in Caribbean infrastructure and the upcoming Peruvian elections, where conservative candidates currently lead in the polls. (7)Regional Security and Trade Shifts in Ecuador, Mercosur, and Argentina Evan Ellis reports on joint US-Ecuadorian military operations against narco-terrorists, the Mercosur-EU trade deal, and Javier Milei's ongoing economic and legal reforms in Argentina. (8)SEG 9 George Downing and the Puritan Vision Dennis Su introduces George Downing, a Harvard graduate who bridged the New England colonies and the English Civil War as a key Puritan figure. (1)SEG 10 Harvard Scholar Turned New Model Army Preacher After excelling at Harvard, Downing traveled to England, becoming a chaplain for Cromwell's New Model Army while exhibiting ruthless traits regarding Caribbean slavery. (2)SEG 11 Cromwell's Spy and the Edinburgh Intrigue Dennis Su explains how George Downing used intelligence and rhetoric to infiltrate the Scottish government, acting as a crucial spy for Oliver Cromwell in 1650. (3)SEG 12 Scoutmaster General and the Birth of Downing Street Downing rose to Scoutmaster General, overseeing Scotland's administration while building a massive fortune through seized properties and the trade of war prisoners. (4)SEG 13 Artificial Intelligence Joins the Battlefront in Iran Experts debate the ethical and strategic implications of using Claude AI for targeting and simulations in the Iran conflict, highlighting concerns over accountability and command. (5)SEG 14 The Fragile Alliance and European War Hesitation The panel discusses why European allies hesitate to join the US in Iran, citing domestic unrest and a significant technological gap between military forces. (6)SEG 15 Bill Casey and the Traitorous October Surprise Craig Unger describes how Bill Casey allegedly hijacked American foreign policy by negotiating with Iran to delay hostage releases, ensuring a Ronald Reagan electoral victory. (7)SEG 16 Uncovering Receipts of Treason in Tehran Unger details his 2014 trip to Tehran, where he obtained receipts and witness testimony regarding illegal arms deals that supported the 1980 October Surprise conspiracy. (8)
SHOW SCHEDULE 3-4-20261910 CARTHAGEVictoria Coates argues China's interest in international law masks an inability to project power compared to the United States, which remains the regional "strong horse." (1)General Blaine Holt explains "missile math," where cheap drones force expensive defensive responses, requiring a strategy of targeting adversary production capabilities and launch sites directly. (2)Steve Yates discusses how Asian allies find assurance in US missile defense tech while Beijing faces internal military purges and doubts about its own technology. (3)Steve Yates explores the fragile nature of the War Powers Act and praises Senator John Fetterman for his clear, principled stance regarding the Middle East conflict. (4)Peter Berkowitz traces the current conflict to the October 7 atrocities, emphasizing the Islamic Republic of Iran's long-term funding and coordination of its proxy groups. (5)Peter Berkowitz examines Secretary Rubio's speech on Western traditions, arguing the US fights to secure Americanfreedom and global interests against hostile, non-democratic regional actors. (6)Anatoly Zak reveals the history of the T2K, a secret Soviet lunar lander prototype tested in Earth orbit to compete with the American Apollo program. (7)Anatoly Zak attributes the Soviet failure to reach the moon to late funding, lack of military interest, and the unreliability of the super-heavy N1 rocket engines. (8)Ivana Stradner warns that Moscow uses the Iran conflict to spread propaganda claiming US abandonment of Ukraine, aiming to polarize the West and demoralize allies. (9)Ivana Stradner explains how manipulated satellite imagery and AI-generated footage are used by Iran and Russia to spread fear and claim false victories in war zones. (10)Gregory Copley analyzes European responses, noting UK Prime Minister Starmer's perceived weakness and the largely symbolic nature of French nuclear and naval deployments in the region. (11)Gregory Copley explores regional reactions, noting Australia's military integration with the US and Beijing's shock as its propaganda regarding Iranian invulnerability is proven false. (12)Mariam Wahba explains why Egypt remains unattacked by Iran and discusses President Al-Sisi's potential future role in regional rebuilding and stabilizing the Suez Canal. (13)Michael Bernstam analyzes how spiked oil prices temporarily benefit Russia's budget, though the loss of Iranian drone supplies creates significant strategic and long-term logistical setbacks. (14)Bob Zimmerman highlights SpaceX's routine orbital successes while contrasting them with China's rational, long-term plan to land humans on the moon by the year 2030. (15)Bob Zimmerman details the sun's unpredictable sunspot decline and its influence on climate, alongside deep-space observations of the Cat's Eye nebula by the Euclid telescope. (16)
3-3-20261600 WORLDElizabeth Peek reports that Iran attacks Qatar's gas fields, causing European prices to soar by 50% as the continent relies on US liquified natural gas amidst a cold winter. 1.Elizabeth Peek reports that Democrats break tradition by opposing the administration during wartime, citing potential anti-Israel sentiment and risks to the upcoming midterms as the conflict with Iran escalates. 2.Judy Dempsey reports that the UAE raises combat readiness after intercepts over Dubai, while Europe faces depleted energy stocks and a lack of strategic clarity from Washington regarding the conflict. 3.Judy Dempsey reports that recent polls show US voters oppose intervention in Iran, while rumors of internal administration friction suggest a lack of unified strategy for the expanding war. 4.Joseph Sternberg reports that Kevin Warsh aims to reduce the Federal Reserve's $2.9 trillion in bank reserves, sparking a debate over the central bank's size relative to the economy. 5.Joseph Sternberg reports that a shrinking working-age population forces Germany to focus on productivity and innovation, as Chancellor Friedrich Merz navigates welfare state sustainability and potential brain drain. 6.Gregory Copley reports that gold and oil prices fluctuate as Pakistan strikes Taliban targets in Afghanistan and Israelexpands ground operations into Lebanon to dismantle Hezbollah's resurgent military infrastructure. 7.Gregory Copley reports that Israeli missiles reportedly hit a meeting of Iran's Council of Experts, while the administration considers supporting Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi for a post-regime future. 8.Mary Kissel reports that Beijing watches US munitions depletion and asset movements, potentially using homeland distractions to prepare for future aggression against Taiwan or Philippine territory in Asia. 9.Mary Kissel reports that while Maduro is rendered, his lieutenants maintain control in Caracas, slow-walking transition efforts as Maria Corina Machado plans her return to lead the nation. 10.Jonathan Schanzer reports that IDF ground troops enter Lebanon to "clean house," targeting missile silos and leadership, while secret talks explore normalization between the two nations after Hezbollah's removal. 11.Jonathan Schanzer reports that Iran's attacks on neutral Gulf nations backfire, pushing previously hesitant allies like Qatar and Oman toward a unified front with Israel and the United States. 12.Bill Roggio reports that escalating border clashes result in the destruction of former US equipment, while Pakistanpressures the Afghan Taliban to restrain extremist groups attacking inside Pakistani territory. 13.Bill Roggio reports that the US exercises extreme caution with battle-hardened Popular Mobilization Forces in Iraq, fearing retaliation against its small footprint of personnel and the Baghdad embassy. 14.Alejandro Peña Esclusa and Ernesto Araújo report that Secretary of State Rubio discusses a transition for the cash-strapped Cuban regime, while Venezuela's Rodriguez brothers continue to stall on releasing political prisoners. 15.Ernesto Araújo and Alejandro Peña Esclusa report that President Lula faces domestic polling challenges and USsanctions while attempting to balance his leftist base's support for Iran with necessary trade relations with Trump. 16.
3-2-20261971 HAHNAZ SQUARE, TEHRANHusain Haqqani critiques inconsistent US leadership and the "fog of war," expressing skepticism that air strikes alone can achieve regime change without ground troops or planning. Guest: Bill Roggio, Husain Haqqani. 1.Husain Haqqani examines Pakistan's military strikes against the Taliban in Kabul, occurring alongside the broader regional instability triggered by US and Israeli strikes on Iran. Guest: Husain Haqqani, Bill Roggio. 2.Bridget Toomey and Bill Roggio puzzle over Houthi restraint despite solidarity with Iran, questioning if capabilities are depleted or being held for strategic reasons. Guest: Bill Roggio, Bridget Toomey. 3.Bridget Toomey details Iraqi militia drone attacks and embassy protests, highlighting Iran's deep influence over Iraqisecurity forces and the potential for further regional chaos. Guest: Bill Roggio, Bridget Toomey. 4.Malcolm Hoenlein reports on the decapitation of Iran's leadership and explores potential coalition governments, including the possible return of the exiled Crown Prince. Guest: Malcolm Hoenlein. 5.Malcolm Hoenlein describes the fluid situation in Lebanon as Hezbollah reactivates, while discussing global economic adjustments and the potential for increased OPEC oil production. Guest: Malcolm Hoenlein. 6.Captain James Fanell assesses US Navy control over the Straits of Hormuz, addressing Iranian propaganda and the accidental loss of US aircraft over Kuwait. Guest: Gordon Chang, Captain James Fanell. 7.Rick Fisher warns of Chinese involvement in Iranian air defenses and the possible transfer of hypersonic missiles, which could escalate the conflict into a stalemate. Guest: Gordon Chang, Rick Fisher. 8.Jonathan Sayeh highlights the revolutionary mindset of young Iranians celebrating the Ayatollah's death, suggesting they are waiting for clear instructions to reclaim their country. Guest: Bill Roggio, Jonathan Sayeh. 9.Jonathan Sayeh details a four-to-five-week military campaign to deplete Iran's missile stockpiles and leadership, paving the way for a potential civilian-led revolutionary uprising. Guest: Bill Roggio, Jonathan Sayeh. 10.Edmond Fitton-Brown discusses Iran's retaliatory strikes on Gulf neighbors like Qatar and the UAE, noting the effectiveness of regional air defenses against Iranian drones. Guest: Bill Roggio, Edmond Fitton-Brown. 11.Experts explore the risks of regime change in Iran, citing historical failures and the country's ethnic complexities while considering the role of the exiled monarchy. Guest: Bill Roggio, Edmond Fitton-Brown. 12.John Hardie explains Russia's marginal influence in the Iran crisis, noting Putin's cautious attempt to balance ties with Trump while focusing resources on Ukraine. Guest: Bill Roggio, John Hardie. 13.Discussion focuses on how the Middle East conflict might divert US interceptor missiles from Ukraine, impacting the ongoing war of attrition against Russian forces. Guest: Bill Roggio, John Hardie. 14.Ahmad Sharawi analyzes Iran's strategy of targeting Gulf civilian infrastructure to pressure the US into de-escalation, despite regional air defenses intercepting many attacks. Guest: Bill Roggio, Ahmad Sharawi. 15.Ahmad Sharawi reports on prisoner exchanges between Damascus and the Druze, suggesting a path toward decentralized stability and minority rights in a war-torn Syria. Guest: Bill Roggio, Ahmad Sharawi. 16.
1945 LAJeff Bliss reports that the FBI is investigating LAUSD's failed AI contract and Superintendent Carvalho's finances, while organized crime steals copper wire and Paramount defeats Netflix for Warner Discovery. 1.Jeff Bliss reports that Governor Newsom's national book tour faces criticism for historical inconsistencies, dismissive comments toward a diverse audience in Atlanta, and unprofessional responses from his press office. 2.Richard Epstein reports that the Supreme Court's 6-3 ruling determined the president cannot unilaterally impose tariffs using emergency statutes without clear Congressional approval or an actual, profoundly disruptive emergency. 3.Richard Epstein argues that tariffs reduce national productivity and cannot replace income taxes, as modern manufacturing requires significantly fewer workers than in the 1950s era. 4.Jim McTague reports that a hotter-than-expected PPI report signals rising costs, leading "gun-shy" consumers to stretch paychecks and avoid impulse buys at supermarkets during a broad economic slowdown. 5.Lorenzo Fiori reports that Italy employs naval patrols to reduce migrant flows while debating "remigration" and promoting smaller historic towns like Arezzo to combat over-tourism in major cities. 6.Bob Zimmerman reports that Jared Isaacman restructured the Artemis program to favor private sector landers, shifting Artemis 3 to Earth-orbit testing due to the SLS rocket's slow launch cadence. 7.Bob Zimmerman reports that scientific analysis suggests the moon's ancient magnetic field was mostly weak, while new imagery reveals nitrogen seas on Pluto and "taffy terrain" formations on Mars. 8.Max Hastings reports that inexperienced British troops on Sword Beach struggled with traffic jams and the shock of combat, often halting to make tea instead of maintaining offensive momentum. 9.Max Hastings reports that conflicting orders and the absence of General Rommel paralyzed the 21st Panzer Division, delaying a decisive counterattack against Allied forces until the British armor landed. 10.Max Hastings reports that experienced desert veterans defeated a German panzer assault, but poor communications and high casualties among the infantry halted the British advance just short of Caen. 11.Max Hastings reports that historians emphasize the disorientation of landings, where survival often depended on a few heroic individuals amidst the brilliant but flawed logistics of the Allied planners. 12.Veronique de Rugy reports that Americans shoulder 90% of tariff costs, which fail to reshore production, hurt low-income families, and cannot offset interest on massive national debt. 13.Veronique de Rugy reports that the Export-Import Bank is using rare earth minerals as a pretext to expand lending authority, primarily benefiting Boeing while failing to use existing China mandates. 14.Henry Sokolski reports that the US navigates Saudi nuclear demands against Iranian restrictions, while the Pentagonpressures AI firms to allow autonomous systems for surveillance and weaponized combat operations. 15.Henry Sokolski reports that military laser tests accidentally downed a border drone, while Russia uses propaganda about NATO nuclear deployments to influence upcoming Non-Proliferation Treaty reviews at the UN. 16.
1912 WILLIAM JENNINGS RBYAN SPEECHAnatol Lieven examines Europe's missing voice in Kremlin negotiations, highlighting hurdles like sanctions relief and Russia's demand for Ukrainian withdrawal from the contested Donbass territory. 1.Anatol Lieven questions the lack of a clear strategy for US naval fleets near Iran, hoping for diplomatic compromise and economic opening rather than war. 2.Arthur Herman contrasts the Scottish Enlightenment's focus on liberty with the French "general will," arguing that collectivism historically descends into state violence and tyranny. 3.Arthur Herman argues that the American worldview rests on three Scottish pillars: unity of knowledge, common sense, and the harmonious integration of modern scientific discovery with ancient religious revelation. 4.John Yoo reports that in a 6-3 decision, the Court ruled that the IEEPA does not grant the president power to impose universal tariffs without explicit Congressional authorization. 5.John Yoo argues that the tariff ruling proves the Court is not a partisan tool, but an independent body upholding constitutional boundaries and judicial ideology. 6.Mary Anastasia O'Grady describes Cuba's regime reaching its limits, discussing the difficulty of replacing the leadership without causing total societal chaos, looting, or a power vacuum. 7.Doug Messier reports that persistent thruster failures and engineering incompetence have marred Boeing's Starlinerprogram, leaving astronauts marooned and NASA heavily dependent on SpaceX for crewed orbital missions. 8.Professor Evan Ellis reports that the death of kingpin Nemesio Cervantes triggered nationwide gunplay and roadblocks in Mexico, highlighting cartel dominance and the personal nature of the security forces' fight. 9.Professor Evan Ellis reports that a deadly clash between Cuban forces and an American speedboat underscores the island's dire economic crisis and massive blackouts caused by severe, ongoing petroleum shortages. 10.Professor Evan Ellis reports that the US allows Venezuelan oil resale to Cuba's private sector to empower citizens, while Nicolas Maduro faces criminal proceedings in a formal New York courtroom. 11.Professor Evan Ellis reports that constant leadership turnover in Peru complicates governance, raising fears that China's Chancay port could serve military logistics for the People's Liberation Army during wartime. 12.Josiah Hesse explores Mason City's religious history, linking the Music Man allegory to the Scopes trial and traveling preachers who exploited regional evangelical fervor. 13.Josiah Hesse describes his parents' journey through the apocalyptic 1970s Jesus movement into a prosperity gospel church that resulted in extreme poverty and financial disillusionment. 14.Josiah Hesse reports that Paul Weyrich used abortion as a wedge issue to mobilize evangelical voters, successfully aligning Iowa's religious community with the Republican Party during Reagan's campaign. 15.Josiah Hesse recounts the psychological fear of his religious upbringing while observing how Donald Trump's populism continues to resonate deeply with modern Iowa evangelical voters. 16.
1900 BAKUGordon Chang and Steve Yates discuss Japan deploying missiles near Taiwan and concerns regarding a potential Chinese biological weapons facility discovered in Las Vegas. 1.Rebecca Grant and Gordon Chang detail the US Navy's massive deployment around Iran to counter Chinese-supported missile threats and prepare for possible sustained offensive strike options. 2.Charles Burton and Gordon Chang analyze Mark Carney's shift toward Beijing, seeking trade concessions like visa-free access while Canadians harbor resentment over Trump's proposed tariffs and economic policies. 3.Charles Burton and Gordon Chang debate the dangers of Canada's "strategic partnership" with China, focusing on espionage operations, the potential expulsion from Five Eyes, and theft of aerospace technology. 4.Simon Constable reports on skyrocketing copper and silver prices alongside the arrest of Lord Mandelson for allegedly passing privileged state information to Jeffrey Epstein. 5.Simon Constable reports that the UK government faces investigations for allegedly threatening media personalities and smearing critics as pro-Russian, while struggling with housing shortages and high taxes. 6.Jonathan Adler explains the Supreme Court ruling that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act does not grant the president unilateral power to impose taxes or tariffs. 7.Jonathan Adler reports that following the tariff decision, the administration must now use specific statutes with procedural strings, limiting the president's ability to adjust trade penalties on a whim. 8.Andrea Stricker discusses reports that the Iranian regime used illicit chemicals and pharmaceutical-based agents to debilitate protesters during recent, highly lethal national unrest. 9.Michael Bernstam describes Europe's liberation from Russian energy, replaced by cheap American and Qatari LNG, leaving Russia with abandoned gas fields and flaring wells. 10.Bob Zimmerman details a helium flow problem that cancelled the Artemis March launch, while SpaceX continues breaking records for booster reuse and commercial efficiency. 11.Bob Zimmerman reports that astronomers are using infrared capabilities to identify a supernova's origin and detect the first heliosphere around a distant star, advancing our understanding of stellar deaths. 12.Craig Unger explores how Trump's licensing model in Panama and elsewhere allowed the Russian mob to wash hundreds of millions through luxury real estate. 13.Craig Unger reports that the Trump brand served as a status symbol for Russian oligarchs, facilitating money laundering in failed developments while FBI counterintelligence efforts reportedly failed to intervene. 14.Craig Unger reports that the 2013 Miss Universe pageant in Moscow served as a platform for Trump to court Putin and oligarchs, marking a turning point as Russia transitioned into a mafia state. 15.Craig Unger traces Trump's political ascent back to his 1987 Moscow trip, suggesting Russian connections and talking points have influenced his foreign policy for forty years. 16.
1896 PERSIAElizabeth Peak, columnist for The Hill and Fox News, discusses Wall Street's AI "doom" narrative, the disruption of white-collar professions, and market anxieties regarding potential conflict with Iran and new trade tariffs. 1.Elizabeth Peak, columnist for The Hill and Fox News, criticizes Mayor Mamdani's inexperienced handling of a deadly NYC blizzard, specifically his initial refusal to compel homeless individuals to enter shelters during extreme cold. 2.Judy Dempsey of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and Thaddius McCotter of American Greatnessexamine the Ukraine war's stalemate, debating European unity, Putin's untrustworthiness, and the difficult search for a viable diplomatic peace offramp. 3.Judy Dempsey of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and Thaddius McCotter of American Greatnessdiscuss the upcoming State of the Union, critiquing Trump's economic messaging while highlighting concerns over AI-driven job losses and the growing divide regarding national prosperity. 4.Mary Kissel, Executive Vice President at Stevens Incorporated, analyzes the US naval buildup near Iran, exploring potential regime change and the interconnected nature of global authoritarian threats from Russia to Beijing. 5.Mary Kissel, Executive Vice President at Stevens Incorporated, explains how unpredictable tariff policies create business uncertainty, hindering capital investment despite potential strategic benefits in managing trade relations with aggressive regimes like Beijing. 6.Jonathan Schanzer, Executive Director of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, discusses the massive USarmada near Iran and whether military pressure or internal protests can force the regime to negotiate on missiles and proxies. 7.Jonathan Schanzer, Executive Director of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, analyzes Hezbollah's remaining missile arsenal, Israeli deterrence strategies, and the security vacuum in Syria following the escape of ISISrelatives from detention camps. 8.David Livingston of The Space Show and Kishalay De of Columbia University discuss a star collapsing into a black hole without a supernova, challenging established theories about the minimum mass required for such cosmic events. 9.David Livingston of The Space Show and Kishalay De of Columbia University outline future astronomical surveys using advanced telescopes to identify more "disappearing" stars, aiming to create a comprehensive population road map for black hole formation. 10.Michael Toth, Research Director of the Civitas Institute, compares the thriving US equity markets with Europe's "eurosclerosis," attributing American growth to deregulation and dynamism while critiquing Europe's failure to produce new unicorns. 11.Michael Toth, Research Director of the Civitas Institute, defends financialization against critics, arguing that expanded market participation through 401ks and deregulation drives median income growth and American productivity compared to Europe. 12.Gregory Copley reports that amid a military buildup and failing talks, President Trump is considering kinetic action against Iran's clerical leadership, while the Iranian people remain largely anti-regime. 13.Gregory Copley reports that Prime Minister Starmer is blocking US use of British bases in Cyprus and Diego Garciafor Iran strikes, causing a terminal rift with President Donald Trump. 14.Gregory Copley reports that President Zelensky warns Putin is untrustworthy as the war reaches four years, while Copley suggests the conflict persists primarily because of continued external Western funding and arms. 15.Gregory Copley reports that King Charles is navigating a crisis involving Prince Andrew's arrest and Prime Minister Starmer's appointment of Ambassador Mendelson, both linked to the widening Jeffrey Epstein scandal. 16.
1.Jeff Bliss reports a deadly avalanche in Lake Tahoe claimed nine lives due to dry uncompacted snow, severe storms are causing heavy snowfall at Donner Pass and flooding the Los Angeles River, while Las Vegas faces declining foot traffic and Los Angeles battles rampant copper wire theft. 12.Jeff Bliss covers California's upcoming gubernatorial jungle primary with Democrat Eric Swalwell and Republican Steve Hilton as early frontrunners, Spencer Pratt challenging Mayor Karen Bass in Los Angeles, and Governor Gavin Newsom positioning himself for a 2028 presidential run on an anti-Trump platform. 23.Gene Marks reports that despite a disappointing fourth-quarter GDP growth rate of 1.4 percent and sluggishness in shipping and chemical sectors, small businesses remain surprisingly resilient with optimism above average and continued hiring plans even as AI integration remains limited. 34.Gene Marks discusses the Supreme Court ruling the administration's April 2025 emergency tariffs unconstitutional, leaving billions in collected funds in limbo, though the administration will likely utilize the Trade Acts of 1962 and 1974 to continue imposing targeted tariffs without congressional approval. 45.Jim McTague reports Lancaster County reflects the national 1.4 percent GDP slowdown with flat retail, consumer price fatigue, and plummeting restaurant traffic due to rising costs and weight-loss drugs, while Washington DC lobbying and local health and construction sectors remain strong. 56.Lorenzo Fiori reports the Milan Winter Olympics are proceeding successfully amidst beautiful snow with rumors of a Donald Trump visit for the hockey finals, while extreme weather has caused dangerous Alpine avalanches and the tragic collapse of the historic Lover's Arch on the Adriatic coast. 67.Bob Zimmerman of Behind the Black reports NASA successfully completed a wet dress rehearsal for the Artemis IImission targeting a March 6th launch, while a NASA report classified Boeing's Starliner failure as a severe Type A emergency prompting tighter control as SpaceX competition thrives. 78.Bob Zimmerman reports Japanese private space startup ispace is struggling with severe engine development problems for its lunar landers, while archival images from New Horizons reveal Pluto's bizarre splotched surface and floating ice mountains, and a newly discovered dim galaxy hints at dark matter's vastness. 89.Sir Max Hastings details the daring glider assault to capture the Orne River bridge, where Major John Howard'stroops achieved total surprise, securing a vital link for British airborne and seaborne forces on D-Day itself. 910.Sir Max Hastings discusses General Montgomery's expanded vision for D-Day and the initial chaos of the airborne landings, noting that despite the shambles at Merville battery, paratroopers' bravery confused German defenders and secured the mission's early vital stages. 1011.Sir Max Hastings highlights Major General Richard Gale's calm leadership during the chaotic airborne drops, with success relying on British deception plans and Rommel's absence preventing early German counterattacks against the beaches on D-Day. 1112.Sir Max Hastings describes specialized armored funnies that supported British landings on Sword Beach, noting that while technically successful, heavy traffic and Montgomery's overly ambitious objectives prevented the Allies from capturing Caen on D-Day. 1213.Henry Sokolski of the Nonproliferation Policy Education Center critiques the inconsistency of threatening war against Iran over its nuclear program while simultaneously considering a deal to allow Saudi Arabia uranium enrichment capabilities under less stringent international oversight. 1314.Veronique de Rugy of the Mercatus Center explains how bipartisan spending on entitlement programs like Social Security and Medicare drives national debt, arguing that American consumers, not foreign nations, primarily bear the economic burden of tariffs. 1415.Professor Richard Epstein of the Hoover Institution analyzes constitutional limits of presidential authority to fire independent agency officials, discussing historical precedents like Humphrey's Executor and critiquing legal reasoning behind maintaining quasi-judicial independence within the executive branch. 1516.Professor Richard Epstein predicts the Supreme Court may strike down tariffs, arguing that trade deficits do not constitute legal emergencies, while also discussing the potential for the Court to preserve the Federal Reserve'sindependence from executive control. 16
2-19-261970 IRAN 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. #1 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. #2 Truman, the Fed, and the 1951 Accord. Professor John Cochrane explores the 1951 Treasury-Fed Accordduring the Korean War. Fearing another World War II-style crisis, President Harry Truman pressured FedChairman Thomas McCabe to keep interest rates low. Instead, the Fed fought for its independence to combat inflation, establishing modern monetary policy precedents. #3 Modern Lessons from the Fed-Treasury Accord. Drawing parallels between 1951 and today, John Cochraneexamines 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. #4 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. #5 Cuba's Severe Energy and Economic Collapse. Evan Ellis describes the catastrophic collapse of Cuba'seconomy. 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. #6 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's economy and cooperative security posture. Finally, he notes a surprising US military delegation visit to negotiate with Venezuela's Maduro regime. #7 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. #8 Israel's Initial Response to the October 7 Atrocities. Following the horrific October 7 attacks by Hamas, Israelileaders reacted with understandable outrage and mobilized forcefully to neutralize the threat. While Hamas is currently severely degraded militarily and controls less territory, the group remains armed and continues to pose an ongoing security challenge fueled by Iranian backing. #9Defining Israel's Deep Political and Demographic Divides. Peter Berkowitz clarifies crucial definitions in Israelipolitics, explaining why a one-state solution would destroy Israel's democratic and Jewish character. He outlines how traditional left-right divisions have morphed into pro- or anti-Netanyahu factions, heavily influenced by religious demographics and the ultra-Orthodox community's contentious role in military service. #10Trump's Middle East Legacy and Israel's Judicial Crisis. Examining the Trump administration's lasting diplomatic legacy, Peter Berkowitz praises the embassy move to Jerusalem, the withdrawal from the flawed Iran deal, and the strategic Abraham Accords. He also analyzes Israel's internal turmoil over its overly activist Supreme Court, which sparked mass protests prior to the ongoing war. #11Confronting the Ignorance Fueling Anti-Israel Protests. Dismantling the arguments of global anti-Israel protesters, Peter Berkowitz highlights their culpable ignorance regarding Israel's defensive sovereignty. He refutes false accusations of colonialism, exposing how Hamas deliberately uses Palestinian civilians as human shields and actively seeks to destroy both the Jewish state and broader Western democratic civilization. #12Viktor Orban's Dangerous Alliances with Russia and China. Facing domestic electoral pressures, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban manipulatively courts the Trump administration while deepening dangerous alliances with Russia and China. Ivana Stradner explains that Orban leverages these relationships to project global relevance and maintain power, falsely claiming that Hungary is a victim of unavoidable Russian energy dependence. #13Bangladesh's Political Turmoil and Rising Islamist Influence. Following the violent ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh faces severe political and economic instability under Tariq Rahman. Sadanand Dhume warns of a concerning Islamic revival, highlighting the growing parliamentary power of the radical Jamaat-e-Islami movement and the critical need to pragmatically repair fractured diplomatic relations with India. #14Justice Scalia and the Unitary Executive Theory. Reflecting on Justice Antonin Scalia's legacy, Professor John Yoodetails the concept of the unitary executive. Scalia powerfully argued that the Constitution vests all executive power directly in the president, warning that independent agencies fragment federal authority, diminish democratic accountability, and disrupt the essential separation of powers. #15The Supreme Court's Threat to Independent Agencies. Analyzing upcoming Supreme Court cases, John Yoopredicts the potential overturning of the historic Humphrey's Executor precedent. Such a ruling would fundamentally dismantle the protections shielding independent agencies like the Federal Trade Commission from direct presidential control, sparking a massive structural revolution within the federal government's executive branch. #16
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
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.
Guest: Patrick K. O'Donnell. This segment introduces the "Jesse Scouts," a Union special forces unit formed by John Frémont and named after his wife. Led by figures like John Charles Carpenter, these men wore Confederate disguises to infiltrate enemy lines. Despite their effectiveness as commandos, their lack of discipline led to friction with the regular Army. Guest: Patrick K. O'Donnell. Richard Blazer leads the "Legion of Honor," a hunter-killer team using Jesse Scout tradecraft to fight Confederate partisans in West Virginia. Blazer employs detective work to track down the ruthless Thurman brothers, who attack Union supply lines in the rugged terrain of the Appalachians. Guest: Patrick K. O'Donnell. A failed Union raid on Richmond carrying orders to kill Jefferson Davis prompts the Confederacy to escalate irregular warfare and political influence operations. As the Confederate Secret Service aids the Copperhead movement, author Herman Melville embeds with Union cavalry to witness the hunt for the elusive John Mosby. Guest: Patrick K. O'Donnell. Confederate General Jubal Early threatens Washington, D.C., where Lincolnwitnesses the battle at Fort Stevens. Meanwhile, partisan leader John Mosby operates independently, capturing Union forces at Mount Zion Church. O'Donnell notes that better coordination between Early and Mosby could have endangered the capital. Guest: Patrick K. O'Donnell. Grant orders total war in the Shenandoah Valley to crush Mosby's Rangers. Although Richard Blazer's scouts initially have success with Spencer carbines, they are eventually lured into a trap and annihilated by Mosby's men at Kabletown, where Blazer is captured by Ranger Lewis Powell. Guest: Patrick K. O'Donnell. Lewis Powell, the Ranger who captured Blazer, is revealed to be a Confederate Secret Service operative working with John Wilkes Booth. Powell returns to Baltimore to aid in a plot to kidnap Lincoln, while Mosby deploys troops to secure a potential escape route for the conspirators. Guest: Patrick K. O'Donnell. Harry Harrison Young takes command of the Jesse Scouts, serving as Sheridan'sstrategic eyes in Confederate uniforms. These daring scouts deceive enemy forces and carry messages through enemy lines, enabling Sheridan to move his army effectively to join Grant and trap Lee. Guest: Patrick K. O'Donnell. Robert E. Lee rejects the option of guerrilla warfare at Appomattox, choosing surrender to preserve the nation. Years later, former partisan John Singleton Mosby becomes close friends with U.S. Grant and joins the Republican Party, earning the enmity of many Southerners but symbolizing reconciliation. Guest: Michael Vorenberg. At Appomattox, Grant offers generous terms allowing Confederates to keep horses and sidearms. However, Lincoln does not immediately declare the war over; in his final speech, he focuses on the complex path to peace and suffrage, viewing the surrender as a step rather than a conclusion. Guest: Michael Vorenberg. Following Lincoln's assassination, General Sherman negotiates a surrender with Confederate General Johnston at Bennett Place. Sherman attempts to secure a comprehensive peace including civil matters, but officials in Washington, seeking stricter retribution, reject the terms as too generous, forcing a second, purely military surrender. Guest: Michael Vorenberg. While the Grand Review celebrates victory in Washington, General Sheridan is sent to the Texas border with 50,000 troops to counter French imperial ambitions in Mexico and suppress remaining Confederate resistance. Meanwhile, Confederate General Kirby Smith flees to Mexico rather than surrender his western forces. Guest: Michael Vorenberg. The government utilizes military tribunals to try Lincoln's assassins and Andersonville commandant Henry Wirz, arguing the war is ongoing. Prosecutors hope to pressure Wirz into implicating Jefferson Davis in prisoner atrocities to justify hanging the Confederate president, but Wirz refuses and is executed alone. Guest: Michael Vorenberg. Vorenberg discusses Richard Henry Dana's "Grasp of War" speech, which argued the war could not end until the victor secured guarantees against future conflict. This philosophy, demanding the enemy be held down, contrasted sharply with Lincoln's "let 'em up easy" wrestling metaphor, fueling Congressional debates over reconstruction. Guest: Michael Vorenberg. Vorenberg explains how President Johnson's racism and desire for a hasty peace alienated Congress. Johnson vetoed the Civil Rights and Freedman's Bureau Acts, arguing the war was over. Republicans, however, insisted war powers remained necessary to protect freedmen, leading them to override Johnson and unite against him. Guest: Michael Vorenberg. To undercut radicals, Johnson followed Seward's advice to declare the insurrection ended by executive proclamation in 1866. Vorenberg notes this "official" peace ignored realities like the New Orleans massacre. Simultaneously, Senator Doolittle was misled by General Carlton regarding the mistreatment of the Navajo at Bosque Redondo during his peace commission tour. Guest: Michael Vorenberg. General Grant found himself caught between a hostile President Johnson and Secretary Stanton. Vorenberg describes the disastrous "swing around the circle" tour, where Johnson used Grant'spopularity as a shield while making embarrassing speeches. Witnessing Johnson's behavior, Grant ultimately sided with Stanton, realizing the President was unworthy of his loyalty.
SHOW SCHEDULE 2-13-20261909 BENGAL1.Jeff Bliss discusses Governor Newsom's mixed popularity in California, highlighting failures in housing affordability, rising homelessness, and the costly, delayed high-speed rail project undermining his national ambitions.2.Jeff Bliss reports on Las Vegas's growth as Californians relocate there, the continued success of In-N-Out Burger, and the irony of California's beautiful weather amidst persistent economic troubles.3.Jeff Bliss and Brandon Weichert debate the AI boom, predicting a market correction followed by a second wave where robotics and AI integration fundamentally transform the global economy.4.Conrad Black reflects on former Prime Minister Stephen Harper's conservative achievements and analyzes current leader Pierre Poilievre's similar but more comprehensive vision to rescue Canada's stagnating economy.5.Veronique de Rugy of the Mercatus Center analyzes tensions between the President and the Federal Reserve, warning against fiscal dominance where political pressure regarding debt forces the Fed to lower rates.6.Jim McTague describes Lancaster County's freezing tundra weather, inflation impacting Valentine's Day sales, and a significant financial windfall for local government from a new data center.7.Michael Munger reviews George Selgin's book False Dawn, arguing that regime uncertainty from FDR's arbitrary New Deal policies hindered investment and actually prolonged the Great Depression.8.Michael Munger explains how post-WWII economic recovery defied Keynesian predictions of doom due to the removal of government controls and a massive release of pent-up consumer demand.9.Josh Rogin discusses the trade conflict between the US and India, noting that tariffs were used as leverage regarding Russian oil and Modi's diplomatic de-risking from Washington.10.Josh Rogin analyzes the reopening of trade between Washington and Delhi, suggesting India is returning to a non-aligned strategy despite improved relations and adjusted tariff rates.11.Bill Roggio and Caleb Weiss of the Long War Journal discuss a sophisticated Islamic State drone attack on an airfield in Niger, highlighting security failures by the Russian Africa Corps that replaced US forces.12.Bill Roggio and Caleb Weiss provide updates on Somalia including relative success against Al-Shabaab leadership, while reports confirm Russian deceptive recruitment of Africans for the war in Ukraine.13.Henry Sokolski of the Nonproliferation Policy Education Center analyzes the crumbling Non-Proliferation Treaty, citing Iran's inspection violations and China's nuclear expansion as critical challenges for the upcoming international review conference.14.Henry Sokolski critiques the chaotic government response to a balloon over El Paso, arguing the incident exposes dangerous coordination flaws in America's homeland security apparatus and interagency communication.15.Bob Zimmerman of Behind the Black contrasts SpaceX's routine success with ULA's technical struggles, attributing the booming private space sector and massive investments to a shift toward capitalist models.16.Bob Zimmerman covers ESA's fast-tracked Apophis asteroid mission, a commercial attempt to resÅcue a NASAtelescope, and the contrasting regulatory environments of the UK and New Zealand for space launches.Å
SHOW SCHEDULE 2-13-20261900 SWITZERLAND Guest: Anatol Lieven. Lieven discusses the EU's identity crisis, internal disagreements regarding leadership, expansion challenges, and the rising influence of right-wing nationalist parties across the continent. Guest: Anatol Lieven. Lieven explains EU hesitation and anti-Russian sentiment regarding Ukraine aid, highlighting the reliance on U.S. support and the perception that Germany must lead Europe. Guests: Chris Riegel and Jim McTague. Riegel and McTague discuss economic warning signs as high costs and consumer debt cause significant slowdowns and reduced foot traffic in the fast-food industry. Guest: Michael Bernstam. Bernstam details Russia's faltering war economy, citing declining oil production, a shrinking civilian sector, and reliance on gold sales to offset budget deficits. Guest: Mary Anastasia O'Grady. O'Grady criticizes Brazilian Justice de Moraes for arbitrary rulings on free speech and transgender laws, alongside corruption allegations involving his wife and a bank. Guest: Jack Burnham. Burnham reports on a secret 2020 Chinese nuclear test, their expanding nuclear triad, and Beijing's refusal to engage in arms control negotiations with Washington. Guests: Alan Tonelson and Jim McTague. The guests analyze a Morgan Stanley report on AI, debating whether increased productivity will cause job losses or create new industries for creative workers. Guests: Alan Tonelson and Jim McTague. They discuss how AI like Anthropic's Claude threatens traditional software investments by automating coding, potentially hurting private equity while enabling a new class of programmers. Guest: Professor Evan Ellis. Ellis describes Guatemala's security crisis involving gang control of prisons, President Arévalo's governance struggles, and continued cooperation with the U.S. on migration enforcement. Guest: Professor Evan Ellis. Ellis analyzes the growing threat of Mexican cartel drones at the border and Mexico's economic reliance on USMCA trade negotiations amidst security concerns. Guest: Professor Evan Ellis. Ellis reports on Venezuela's regime arresting opposition figures while simultaneously navigating oil deals and appearing to cooperate with the U.S. to maintain power. Guest: Professor Evan Ellis. Ellis discusses Chinese control of Peru's Chancay port, Mia Mottley's victory in Barbados, and Cuba's desperate energy crisis forcing potential concessions to the U.S. Guest: Rick Fisher. Fisher discusses China's recent Long March 10A test, a reusable rocket for lunar missions, and outlines their evolving moon architecture compared to U.S. efforts. Guest: Rick Fisher. Fisher details China's ambitious "Tiangong Kaiu" 100-year plan to establish solar system hegemony, exploiting Moon and Mars resources to secure economic and military dominance. Guest: Cleo Paskal. Paskal analyzes the U.S. State Department's designation of corrupt officials in Palau and the Marshall Islands, a significant move countering Chinese influence in Oceania. Guest: Cleo Paskal. Paskal contrasts U.S. actions in Palau with worsening corruption in the Northern Marianasand new Chinese infrastructure in Yap, highlighting vulnerabilities in Pacific defense.
SHOW SCHEDULE 2-11-2026NEVSKY PROSPECT Guest: Mark Clifford. Clifford details the sentencing of British citizen Jimmy Lai to 20 years in prison, arguing China is using the case to signal it will crush any dissent regardless of international prestige. Guest: Mark Clifford. Clifford condemns UK PM Starmer for failing to demand Jimmy Lai's release during his China visit, accusing the leader of prioritizing trade over the safety of British citizens. Guest: Ivana Stradner. Russia employs "TV BRICS" and information warfare to control narratives in the Global South, aiming to undermine Western influence and establish a multipolar world order without using kinetic force. Guest: Simon Constable. As Storm Nills approaches France, Constable reports on rising copper prices and volatile gold, while noting UK PM Starmer faces severe political pressure from opposition parties. Guest: Bob Zimmerman. Persistent hydrogen leaks delay the Artemis 2 mission; Zimmerman questions Administrator Isaacman's move to reduce reliance on private contractors, fearing it may stifle efficiency and innovation. Guest: Bob Zimmerman. Musk announces SpaceX will prioritize the Moon before Mars; regulatory approvals for Starship launches are pending, while Voyager Space secures a management contract for ISS operations. Guest: Bob Zimmerman. Starfish Space wins Pentagon contracts for satellite servicing; a new constellation, Logos, enters the market, while India plans an ambitious lunar sample return mission. Guest: Bob Zimmerman. Scientists link Enceladus to Saturn's aurora; radar data suggests a lava tube exists on Venus, and archives reveal Pluto retains an atmosphere despite its distance from the sun. Guest: Captain James Fanell (Ret.). With carrier groups near Iran and Venezuela, Fanell discusses the threat of anti-ship missiles in choke points and the necessity of naval power to deter adversaries. Guest: Charles Ortel. Ortel highlights strong private sector growth in Malaysia and Indonesia, contrasting it with China's economic struggles and the state's "national team" intervening to prop up markets. Guest: Charles Burton. A mass shooting shocks British Columbia; tensions rise over the Gordie Howe Bridgeownership as Canada seeks to diversify trade away from the U.S. amid protectionist threats. Guest: Charles Burton. Canada lowers tariffs on Chinese EVs to court Beijing; Burton warns this "strategic partnership" ignores security risks regarding data collection and Chinese influence operations. Guest: Craig Unger. Unger explains how Trump's 1980 Commodore Hotel deal involved purchasing TVs from a KGB front. This transaction reportedly initiated contact with Russian intelligence, who identified Trump's vanity and greed as ideal traits for recruitment. Guest: Craig Unger. Trump's 1987 Moscow trip, arranged by the KGB, was followed by newspaper ads criticizing U.S. alliances. Unger claims these ads, echoing Soviet talking points, combined with real estate dangles to seal the recruitment deal. Guest: Craig Unger. Unger highlights two women with Russian intelligence ties who worked for Jeffrey Epstein. He suggests Epstein's operation gathered "kompromat" on elites and questions why the FBI failed to investigate these foreign intelligence connections. Guest: Craig Unger. An interview by a Russian diplomat's daughter released post-election served as a reminder of Trump's recruitment. Unger discusses missing Epstein tapes, potential disinformation, and Putin's continued influence over Trump's foreign policy decisions.
Guest: Elizabeth Peek. Peek discusses Kevin Warsh's nomination as Fed Chair, the market's enthusiasm for AI, Elon Musk's visionary ventures, and economic concerns regarding housing shortages and inflation. Guest: Elizabeth Peek. Peek critiques potential 2028 Democratic candidates, arguing Gavin Newsom's California record and Kamala Harris's past campaign failures make them weak contenders for the presidency. Guests: Judy Dempsey and Thaddius Mart. The guests analyze global economic anxiety, Macron's push for EU strategic autonomy, and rising US-EU tensions regarding digital regulation, hate speech, and technological competition. Guests: Judy Dempsey and Thaddius Mart. They examine German concerns over US political influence, the rise of the AfD party, and the fracturing transatlantic relationship amidst widespread economic uncertainty and unpredictability. Guest: Joseph Sternberg. Sternberg assesses potential Fed Chair Kevin Warsh, highlighting his "realist" approach to monetary policy and desire to reduce the Federal Reserve's balance sheet. Guest: Joseph Sternberg. Sternberg explains how the Peter Mandelson scandal is fueling internal Labor Party conflict, allowing the left wing to purge Blairites while Starmer remains in power. Guest: Jonathan Schanzer. Schanzer analyzes Iran's stalling tactics in negotiations via Oman, noting the pressure from a US armada while questioning Oman's neutrality as a mediator. Guest: Jonathan Schanzer. Schanzer warns that Turkey is positioned to fill the power vacuum if Iran falls, complicating regional dynamics as Erdogan confronts his own mortality and succession. Guest: Mary Kissel. Kissel condemns the brutal sentencing of Jimmy Lai, illustrating Hong Kong's total loss of freedom and the failure of Western powers to hold Beijing accountable. Guest: Mary Kissel. Kissel attributes Prime Minister Starmer's declining popularity to economic failures and the scandal involving Peter Mandelson, which has boosted the populist Reform party's standing. Guest: Grant Newsham. Newsham analyzes Prime Minister Takichi's landslide victory in Japan, noting her hawkish defense stance and economic plans significantly strengthen the US-Japan security alliance. Guest: Conrad Black. Black criticizes Mark Carney's anti-American rhetoric, arguing that Canada's economy relies on the US, while domestic issues like housing shortages remain unaddressed. Guest: Gregory Copley. Copley highlights Australia's booming AI and space sectors under AUKUS, contrasting this success with the political instability and bureaucratic malaise of the Albanese government. Guest: Gregory Copley. Copley evaluates the "forever fleets" pressuring Iran and Venezuela, questioning if current pressure tactics will yield long-term resolutions or merely prolong regional instability. Guest: Gregory Copley. Copley discusses the Nile dam dispute, criticizing Egypt's historical entitlement to water and suggesting US cooperation with Ethiopia could better stabilize the Red Sea region. Guest: Gregory Copley. Copley details the scandal linking Prince Andrew and Peter Mandelson to Epstein, arguing the monarchy remains a crucial stabilizing force during Britain's political turmoil.
SHOW SCHEDULE 2-9-20261828 BANK OF ENFGLAND Guests: Bill Roggio and Husain Haqqani. Al-Qaeda has grown significantly since 9/11, maintaining a long-term vision for a global caliphate and establishing safe havens in Afghanistan and Syria, unlike the more isolated ISIS. Guests: Husain Haqqani and Bill Roggio. Al-Qaeda veteran Ahmed al-Shara's presidency in Syria highlights the group's diplomatic manipulation and Western naivety in accepting jihadists who adopt modern suits and polished personas. Guests: Ernesto Araujo and Alejandro Peña Esclusa. Conservatives gathered in Brussels to champion freedom of speech and consolidate the "Foro Madrid," a transatlantic alliance uniting Latin American and Europeanleaders against socialism. Guests: Ernesto Araujo and Alejandro Peña Esclusa. Venezuelan regime factions clash over detaining opposition figures, while Brazilian conservative Flavio Bolsonaro seeks international support to combat totalitarianism ahead of the upcoming national election. Guests: Bill Roggio and Jonathan Schanzer. Reports indicate Iran's regime has killed thousands to suppress ongoing unrest, feigning diplomatic willingness while maintaining a paranoid grip on power and refusing real concessions. Guests: Bill Roggio and David Daoud. Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem pledges loyalty to Iran, threatening asymmetric attacks on global U.S. assets if the "mothership" is struck, while organizing for Lebanese elections. Guests: Gordon Chang and Peter Huessy. China reportedly conducted secret underground nuclear tests to develop battlefield weapons for coercion, ignoring arms control treaties while the U.S. struggles to modernize its own deterrents. Guests: Gordon Chang and Brandon Weichert. NASA's Artemis 2 moon mission faces indefinite delays due to SLS rocket flaws, leading experts to urge replacing the bureaucratic program with SpaceX's efficient Starshipsystem. Guests: Bill Roggio and Bridget Tumi. The Houthis maintain improved military capabilities despite a temporary lull in attacks, remaining a persistent threat to Red Sea shipping and eager to support Iran if conflict erupts. Guests: Bill Roggio and John Hardie. Trilateral peace talks regarding Ukraine show limited progress on core issues, while Russia faces communication disruptions from Starlink denials and continues striking Ukrainianenergy infrastructure. Guests: Marianna Yarovskaya and Lyuba Sobol. Filmmaker Yarovskaya and activist Sobol discuss their documentary "Lyuba's Hope," highlighting the severe repression in Putin's Russia and the struggle of exiles fighting for democracy. Guests: Marianna Yarovskaya and Lyuba Sobol. Lyuba Sobol represents democratic Russian forces at the Council of Europe, aiming to delegitimize Putin, while facing continued threats and surveillance alongside other exiled activists. Guests: Bill Roggio and Ahmed Sharawi. Syrian leader Ahmed al-Shara secures resources by integrating the Kurdish SDF into his forces, while the U.S. watches for red lines regarding threats to Israel or regional stability. Guests: Bill Roggio and Edmund Fitton-Brown. The U.S. deploys military assets to pressure a defiant Iran, but the weakened regime refuses concessions to avoid looking vulnerable, relying on bluster and proxy distractions. Guest: Peter Berkowitz. Berkowitz argues that "National Conservatism," which seeks to root public life in a specific Christian vision, contradicts America's founding principles of religious pluralism and constitutional liberty. Guest: Craig Unger. Unger details Donald Trump's early alleged ties to Russian state security and the mob, beginning with the Commodore Hotel deal and continuing through real estate money laundering.E
2-5-261900 SINGAPORESHOW SCHEDULE2-5-2026SINGAPORE 19401Mary Anastasia O'Grady of the Wall Street Journal discusses the Panama Supreme Court's ruling removing Chinese port contracts, correcting misconceptions about Chinese military control or ownership of the canal.2.Veronique de Rugy of the Mercatus Center argues that while Trump's deregulation aids growth, erratic tariffs and government industrial subsidies create uncertainty, functioning effectively as taxes that hinder the economy.3.Josh Birenbaum explains that while the Forever Fleet ensures Venezuelan oil compliance, long-term stability requires establishing the rule of law rather than indefinite military blockades off the coast.4.Eric Berger details NASA's urgent need for a new Mars telecommunications orbiter, debating between traditional builds or commercial partnerships to meet the critical 2028 launch window for future missions.5.Mary Anastasia O'Grady of the Wall Street Journal discusses the Panama Supreme Court's ruling removing Chinese port contracts, correcting misconceptions about Chinese military control or ownership of the canal.6.Veronique de Rugy of the Mercatus Center argues that while Trump's deregulation aids growth, erratic tariffs and government industrial subsidies create uncertainty, functioning effectively as taxes that hinder the economy.7.Josh Birenbaum explains that while the Forever Fleet ensures Venezuelan oil compliance, long-term stability requires establishing the rule of law rather than indefinite military blockades off the coast.8.Eric Berger details NASA's urgent need for a new Mars telecommunications orbiter, debating between traditional builds or commercial partnerships to meet the critical 2028 launch window for future missions.9.Professor Eve McDonald discusses Dido's legendary founding of Carthage, the city's strategic Mediterraneangeography, and its origins as a wealthy Phoenician trade hub connecting ancient civilizations.10.Professor Eve McDonald covers Carthaginian religion, including the controversial Tophet child sacrifices, and Hanno the Navigator's legendary exploration of the African coast expanding Punic knowledge of the world.11.Professor Eve McDonald explains how the First Punic War erupted over Sicily, transforming former allies Rome and Carthage into bitter enemies competing for Mediterranean dominance and trade supremacy.12.Professor Eve McDonald describes how Hamilcar Barca expands Carthaginian power into Spain to secure silver mines, raising his son Hannibal with military training to eventually fight Rome.13.Anatol Lieven critiques US hypocrisy regarding spheres of influence, comparing the Monroe Doctrine in Latin America to Russia's geopolitical stance toward Ukraine and its near abroad.14.Anatol Lieven discusses Estonia's call for dialogue with Moscow and the need for Europe to develop realistic defense and negotiation strategies regarding Russia rather than relying solely on American protection.15.Professor John Yoo of Berkeley Law compares actions against Venezuela to Jefferson's Barbary pirate war, arguing the executive has broad authority to initiate conflict without prior congressional approval.16.Professor John Yoo cites Hamilton to argue the president is constitutionally designed to act decisively against hemispheric threats like Venezuela, while Congress retains control over funding military operations
1910 CARTHAGE1.Jeff Bliss reports on allegations that Mayor Bass altered an after-action report regarding the Pacific Palisades fire to hide resource deployment failures during the disaster response in Los Angeles.2.Jeff Bliss notes Governor Newsom promotes high-speed rail despite a nearby fire and no track laid, while facing skepticism about his presidential potential and California's ongoing infrastructure struggles.3.Gene Marks discusses high small business confidence, the resilience of plumbing trades, and how new AI agents from Anthropic are rendering traditional software coding obsolete in the tech industry.4.Gene Marks warns administrative roles face AI threats while employers prioritize AI literacy, advising businesses to update Google profiles to avoid losing significant annual revenue from outdated listings.5.Henry Sokolski of the Nonproliferation Policy Education Center warns of heightened risks as the New START treaty expires without replacement, citing unchecked Russian and Chinese weapons and debates over resuming nuclear testing.6.Henry Sokolski notes amidst expired treaties, the US reintroduces extended deterrence language and recommits to the NPT, though non-proliferation enforcement remains inconsistent and challenging against determined adversaries.7.Richard Epstein of the Hoover Institution argues the proposed retroactive billionaire wealth tax is unconstitutional, economically damaging, and likely to drive wealth out of California despite strong union support.8.Richard Epstein suggests intense political polarization explains why scandals like the Epstein files or Trump'scontroversies deepen divides rather than ending careers, normalizing political deviance across the spectrum.9.Professor Eve McDonald explains how Hannibal, emulating the myth of Hercules, daringly marched elephants and troops across the treacherous Alps to surprise Rome with an invasion of Italy.10.Professor Eve McDonald describes how Hannibal utilizes superior cavalry and terrain to encircle and annihilate a larger Roman force at Cannae, though he lacks the manpower to subsequently take Rome.11.Professor Eve McDonald recounts how young Scipio Africanus adopts Hannibal's tactics, conquering Spain and invading Africa to force Hannibal's return and final defeat at the Battle of Zama.12.Professor Eve McDonald concludes that after a brutal siege and total destruction in 146 BC, Carthage is eventually refounded by Augustus, becoming a vital Roman city and Christian center.13.Lorenzo Fiori reports on the opening ceremony excitement, improved snow conditions in the Alps, and Prime Minister Meloni's strong leadership presence at the Milan Winter Olympics.14.Jim McTague notes steady but quiet business activity in Lancaster, describes local approval for a new data center, and reports on overlooked global cod shortages affecting seafood markets.15.Bob Zimmerman of Behind the Black discusses Axiom's upcoming ISS missions, various European startups, and critiques crony capitalism regarding government subsidies for Starlink's rural internet access.16.Bob Zimmerman details findings of water and organics on an interstellar comet, discusses the unknowns of space reproduction, and dismisses sensationalism regarding Jupiter's diameter measurements in recent headlines.
SHOW SCHEDULE 1-5-261Mary Anastasia O'Grady of the Wall Street Journal discusses the Panama Supreme Court's ruling removing Chinese port contracts, correcting misconceptions about Chinese military control or ownership of the canal.2.Veronique de Rugy of the Mercatus Center argues that while Trump's deregulation aids growth, erratic tariffs and government industrial subsidies create uncertainty, functioning effectively as taxes that hinder the economy.3.Josh Birenbaum explains that while the Forever Fleet ensures Venezuelan oil compliance, long-term stability requires establishing the rule of law rather than indefinite military blockades off the coast.4.Eric Berger details NASA's urgent need for a new Mars telecommunications orbiter, debating between traditional builds or commercial partnerships to meet the critical 2028 launch window for future missions.5.Mary Anastasia O'Grady of the Wall Street Journal discusses the Panama Supreme Court's ruling removing Chinese port contracts, correcting misconceptions about Chinese military control or ownership of the canal.6.Veronique de Rugy of the Mercatus Center argues that while Trump's deregulation aids growth, erratic tariffs and government industrial subsidies create uncertainty, functioning effectively as taxes that hinder the economy.7.Josh Birenbaum explains that while the Forever Fleet ensures Venezuelan oil compliance, long-term stability requires establishing the rule of law rather than indefinite military blockades off the coast.8.Eric Berger details NASA's urgent need for a new Mars telecommunications orbiter, debating between traditional builds or commercial partnerships to meet the critical 2028 launch window for future missions.9.Professor Eve McDonald discusses Dido's legendary founding of Carthage, the city's strategic Mediterraneangeography, and its origins as a wealthy Phoenician trade hub connecting ancient civilizations.10.Professor Eve McDonald covers Carthaginian religion, including the controversial Tophet child sacrifices, and Hanno the Navigator's legendary exploration of the African coast expanding Punic knowledge of the world.11.Professor Eve McDonald explains how the First Punic War erupted over Sicily, transforming former allies Rome and Carthage into bitter enemies competing for Mediterranean dominance and trade supremacy.12.Professor Eve McDonald describes how Hamilcar Barca expands Carthaginian power into Spain to secure silver mines, raising his son Hannibal with military training to eventually fight Rome.13.Anatol Lieven critiques US hypocrisy regarding spheres of influence, comparing the Monroe Doctrine in Latin America to Russia's geopolitical stance toward Ukraine and its near abroad.14.Anatol Lieven discusses Estonia's call for dialogue with Moscow and the need for Europe to develop realistic defense and negotiation strategies regarding Russia rather than relying solely on American protection.15.Professor John Yoo of Berkeley Law compares actions against Venezuela to Jefferson's Barbary pirate war, arguing the executive has broad authority to initiate conflict without prior congressional approval.16.Professor John Yoo cites Hamilton to argue the president is constitutionally designed to act decisively against hemispheric threats like Venezuela, while Congress retains control over funding military operations.
Guest: Grant Newsham. Newsham discusses the PLA purge of leadership, analyzing the implications of Xi Jinping'sremoval of top military officials and what it signals about internal instability within China's armed forces. Guest: Grant Newsham. Newsham critiques the weaknesses of national security studies that expect Chinese attack only at Taiwan, arguing this narrow focus leaves the U.S. vulnerable to broader PRC strategic threats. Guest: John Cochrane. Cochrane analyzes the inadequacy of tariffs as an economic tool, explaining why they fail to achieve their intended goals and often harm domestic consumers and businesses. Guest: John Cochrane. Cochrane discusses the demand for foreign investment, examining how capital flows impact the U.S. economy and the complexities of managing trade imbalances. Guest: Rebecca Grant. Grant compares U.S. carrier capabilities into the future against China's naval expansion plans, assessing the shifting balance of power in the Pacific. Guest: Rick Fisher. Fisher details China's century-long plan for space supremacy, warning that Beijing's strategic investments in space technology pose a significant threat to American dominance. Guest: Steve Yates. Yates examines how allies Australia, Canada, and the UK are seeking favorable trade deals with China, raising concerns about alliance cohesion amid PRC economic pressure. Guest: Steve Yates. Yates discusses strategies for dealing with the PRC as an adversary seeking supremacy, emphasizing the need for coordinated Western responses to Chinese ambitions. Guest: Sinan Ciddi. Ciddi analyzes Erdogan succession prospects in Turkey, examining potential successors and the implications for Turkish domestic and foreign policy. Guest: Sinan Ciddi. Ciddi assesses the possibility of democracy in Turkey, discussing the structural obstacles and political dynamics that shape the country's democratic trajectory. Guest: Sadanand Dhume. Dhume reports on the India-EU trade deal after 21 years of negotiation, analyzing the significance of this agreement for both economies and regional geopolitics. Guest: Michael Bernstam. Bernstam examines Russia's budget gap widening with the sinking price of oil, detailing the fiscal pressures facing Moscow as energy revenues decline. Guest: Simon Constable. Constable reports from France with a resident European pine marten, offering observations on rural life and wildlife in the French countryside. Guest: Simon Constable. Constable discusses the Labour scandal with the Epstein revelations, analyzing the political fallout affecting Britain's governing party. Guest: Bob Zimmerman. Zimmerman reports on Artemis plans for a launch in March, detailing NASA's progress toward returning American astronauts to the Moon. Guest: Bob Zimmerman. Zimmerman analyzes the failing Roscosmos, describing Russia's declining space program and its inability to compete with American and Chinese advancements.
SHOW SCHEDULE2-2-20261719 ROME1.Bill Roggio of the Long War Journal and Husain Haqqani discuss imminent potential US air strikes on Iran, expressing skepticism that air power alone can achieve regime change or lasting results without ground forces or sustained commitment.2.Bill Roggio and Husain Haqqani analyze Russia's offer to mediate between the US and Iran, concluding Moscow is not a credible partner and aims to distract Washington while protecting its strategic interests in Tehran.3.Alejandro Peña Esclusa reports that Cuban personnel are fleeing Venezuela as oil payments cease, signaling a crisis for Havana following Maduro's detention and the collapse of the socialist alliance that sustained both regimes.4.Alejandro Peña Esclusa explains that while Europeans criticize Maduro's capture, Venezuelans support it, hoping for the release of remaining political prisoners under a new amnesty law restoring democratic governance.5.James Holmes of the Naval War College and Gordon Chang discuss Alfred Thayer Mahan's nineteenth-century view of Hawaii as strategic opportunity, drawing parallels to modern Chinese expansionism and current interest in Greenland.6.James Holmes and Gordon Chang argue Greenland is vital for Arctic defense and mineral access, suggesting the USseeks military bases there to deny access to Russia and China in polar competition.7.Fraser Howie and Gordon Chang assert Xi Jinping's goal of making the renminbi a global reserve currency is impossible without lifting capital controls and accepting trade deficits that Beijing refuses to tolerate.8.Conrad Black criticizes the Prime Minister for labeling Canada a middle power, urging increased defense spending to secure the Northwest Passage and Arctic sovereignty against encroaching rivals.9.Edmund Fitton Brown and Bill Roggio warn that US-Iran talks ignore the mass killings of protesters, while characterizing Maliki's potential return in Iraq as a hostile act against Western interests and regional stability.10.Edmund Fitton Brown and Bill Roggio argue Saudi Arabia's refusal to allow airspace use for strikes on Iran is theatrical to avoid Iranian retaliation, noting Riyadh privately remains a dependable US partner.11.David Daoud and Bill Roggio explain Hezbollah is downplaying Gaza ties to avoid dragging Lebanon into war, prioritizing the rehabilitation of its image among the economically weary Shiite population in Lebanon.12.David Daoud and Bill Roggio note Hezbollah is refilling ranks after Israeli strikes, suggesting new leader Naim Qassem's quiet demeanor may help the group lay low and regenerate its capabilities.13.John Hardie and Bill Roggio report Russia is recruiting gamers and specialists for a new military branch, the Unmanned Systems Forces, aiming for 210,000 troops by 2030 to expand drone warfare capabilities.14.John Hardie and Bill Roggio state negotiations are deadlocked as Russia demands territory and a veto on security guarantees, while Putin ultimately seeks domination over Ukraine's geopolitical orientation and sovereignty.15.Joe Truzman and Bill Roggio describe the war as a slow boil, noting Phase 2 of the Gaza ceasefire is stalling because Hamas refuses to disarm or surrender heavy weapons to Israel.16.Ahmad Sharawi and Bill Roggio report a fragile deal where the SDF integrates into the Syrian state to avoid destruction, though tensions remain regarding Turkey and the fate of ISIS prisoners in the northeast.
SHOW SCHEDULE 2-3-20261882 CONSTANTINOPLE Guest: Elizabeth Peek. Peek discusses Trump's nomination of hawk Kevin Warsh for Federal ReserveChairman, noting the immediate drop in precious metals and potential monetary policy shifts. Guest: Elizabeth Peek. Peek predicts Democrats will take the House in midterms, forcing Trump to rely on executive actions and non-traditional voter turnout to maintain his agenda. Guest: Judy Dempsey. Dempsey analyzes the stalemated Ukraine conflict, noting European refusal to accept Russian victory, while discussing rising tensions and internal political divisions within Iran. Guest: Judy Dempsey. Amidst the Mandelson-Epstein scandal, Dempsey explains how economic struggles and Brexit regrets are driving the Labour Party to consider re-engaging with the European Union. Guest: Joseph Sternberg. Sternberg details Starmer's unpopularity and lack of economic agenda, noting potential leadership challenges within the Labour Party from rivals like Burnham and Streeting. Guest: Joseph Sternberg. Sternberg warns that revelations linking Peter Mandelson to Epstein reinforce narratives of elitism, damaging Starmer's already unpopular Labour government among working-class voters. Guest: David Shedd. Shedd discusses the conviction of a Google engineer for stealing AI secrets, illustrating corporate naivety regarding China's state-mandated espionage and intelligence gathering operations. Guest: David Shedd. Shedd warns against selling advanced chips to China, describing Beijing's "capture, cage, and kill" economic strategy and criticizing the U.S. administration's transactional approach. Guest: Mary Kissel. Kissel argues U.S. talks with Iran are dangerous, as Tehran uses negotiations to stall while maintaining brutality and nuclear ambitions amidst regional military buildup. Guest: Mary Kissel. Kissel discusses the futility of appeasing Putin regarding Ukrainian territory and the need for security plans to support Venezuela's opposition against the Maduro regime. Guest: David Albright. Albright warns of "loose nukes" and dangerous materials in Iran, urging planning for a "day after" scenario to secure nuclear assets during potential regime instability. Guest: David Albright. Albright emphasizes the need for a coalition-led inspection and removal regime to secure Iranian nuclear materials and protect scientists if the government collapses. Guest: Gregory Copley. Copley analyzes new talks involving Turkey and the UAE, noting U.S. reluctance to support Iranian civil society leaves the clerical regime breathing room despite weakness. Guest: Gregory Copley. Copley observes Russia targeting Ukrainian infrastructure to pressure the public, noting that despite Western support, Moscow retains the upper hand while demanding territorial concessions. Guest: Gregory Copley. Copley details a civil war within the CCP as Xi Jinping purges military leaders, risking regime collapse while Western leaders ignore China's economic hollowing. Guest: Gregory Copley. Copley discusses the Epstein scandal involving Lord Mandelson and Prince Andrew, suggesting King Charles is distancing the monarchy from these revelations to protect the institution.
SHOW SCHEDULE1-30-202617501.Jeff Bliss reports heavy Sierra snowpack is quenching California's thirst, also noting the seventy-fifth anniversary of Nevada atomic tests and new Las Vegas rail options connecting the desert city.2.Lorenzo Fiori reports Milan requires artificial snow for the Olympics, detailing security controversies regarding the USdelegation's protection and recommending local sparkling wines from the Italian region.3.Richard Epstein of the Hoover Institution endorses Kevin Walsh for the Fed, arguing that while independent boards challenge executive power, long-standing institutions gain legal legitimacy through historical prescription.4.Richard Epstein contrasts the Minnesota-ICE conflict with the Whiskey Rebellion, arguing against deporting non-criminal long-term residents and criticizing the administration's harsh rhetoric and refusal to compromise.5.Jim McTague reports on Lancaster County's frozen yet resilient economy, noting full factory order books and labor shortages despite the cold weather currently suppressing human activity in Pennsylvania Dutch country.6.Cliff May of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies analyzes the strategic necessity of securing Greenlandagainst Russian and Chinese threats, advocating for a NATO-led solution and increased defense spending.7.Cleo Paskal reports from Yap on China constructing a strategic runway on the island of Woleai to gain influence, noting the United States lacks a necessary physical presence in Micronesia.8.Cleo Paskal details Chinese influence patterns, including weaponized healthcare in the Solomons and casinos in Saipan, while noting new US efforts to support Palau's sovereignty against destabilization.8:54 PM Guest: Padraic Scanlan. Scanlan discusses Prime Minister Peel's famine relief efforts via Indian corn imports and the Duke of Wellington's skepticism regarding reports of Irish starvation. Guest: Padraic Scanlan. Scanlan details the volatility in the Irish countryside, the use of coercion acts, and the lack of circulating cash as evidence of uncivilization. Guest: Padraic Scanlan. Scanlan explains the evolution of Poor Laws, the harsh discipline of workhouses, and the implementation of soup kitchens like Soyer's during the famine. Guest: Padraic Scanlan. Scanlan describes the eviction practice of de-roofing cottages and discusses the lasting biological blight and the famine's central role in Irish diaspora memory. Guest: Henry Sokolski. Sokolski discusses the 75th anniversary of atomic testing, health risks for downwinders, nuclear energy costs, and the omission of extended deterrence from defense strategies. Guest: Jeff Bliss. Bliss reports on San Francisco business closures, rampant copper theft affecting Los Angelesinfrastructure, and political pressure on Governor Gavin Newsom regarding rebuilding efforts. Guest: Bob Zimmerman. Zimmerman updates on the next Starship launch, Starlink milestones, and challenges facing Europe's Ariane 6 rocket program compared to private U.S. space industry success. Guest: Bob Zimmerman. Zimmerman highlights James Webb Telescope discoveries challenging Big Bangtheories, new estimates of Europa's ice thickness, and unique images of Saturn and Pluto.