The John Batchelor Show

PREVIEW FOR LATER Bob Zimmermandiscusses the mysterious dynamo driving the sun’s eleven-year sunspot cycle. New research suggests its location is 125,000 miles deep, though the mechanics of magnetic polarity flips remain largely misunderstood today. GUESTP: Bob Zimmerman (4)
MARCH 1958

PREVIEW FOR LATER Henry Sokolskiexamines the potential US Marine deployment to Kharg Island. Drawing parallels to Vietnam, he questions the lack of a clear theory of victory or defined goals for this strategic mission. GUESTP: Henry Sokolski (3)
1939 OKLAHOMA

PREVIEW FOR LATER Gene Marxanalyzes why millennials choose rentingover homeownership. Many prioritize travelover mortgages, though high interest ratesplay a role. Future demand remains uncertain as younger generations wait for better conditions. GUESTP: Gene Marx (2)

1700 BOSTON

PREVIEW FOR LATER John Bachelor and Lorenzo Fiori explore the medieval city of Mantova. They discuss the seasonal harvestof asparagus and artichokes, offering a simple recipe for fresh pasta enhanced with olive oil. GUESTP: Lorenzo Fiori (1)

1790 MILAN LOMBARDY

PREVIEW FOR LATER Jeff Bliss discusses the Butterfly Bridge in California, a wildlife crossing over Highway 101 where original ten million dollar cost estimates for animal safety have now surged past one hundred million dollars. (1)
1897 LA

 PREVIEW FOR LATER Jim McTague explores a flourishing French pastry business in Pennsylvania where customers seek affordable instant gratification through high-quality, rich treats priced under ten dollars that consistently sell out for the owners daily. (2)
1877 BUCKS COUNTY PA

SHOW SCHEDULE 3-19-2026
1939 OKLAHOMA OILFIELDS, ROUSTABOUT FAMILY HOUSING

1. Gregory Copley Headline: The Strait of Hormuz and Global Energy Panic Copley analyzes the strategic fallout of Iranian attacks on Qatari gas fields, which have sent global markets reeling. He argues the Iranian Navy is finished, yet regional instability requires American leadership to ensure regime change. (1)

2. Gregory Copley Headline: Russia’s Energy Leverage and the Donbass Proposal Russia benefits significantly from rising oil prices and its desanctioned shadow fleet. Copley notes that some European nations are considering a "Donbass for energy" deal with Putin to st...

16. Conrad Black Headline: Canada’s Commitment to Arctic Defense Black praises Prime Minister Mark Carney for prioritizing Arctic defense and military modernization. He notes that while Canadians support pulling their weight in NATO, challenges persist regarding pipeline development and international participation. (16)
1930 OTTAWA

15. Sadanand Dhume Headline: India’s Strategic Neutrality in the BRICS Grouping Dhume analyzes India’s unique position, balancing relationships with the U.S. and Israel against energy needs. He describes BRICS as an economically underperforming and politically fractured group with deep-seated internal rivalries. (15)

1865 KOLKAATA

14. Anatol Lieven Headline: NATODisunity and Eastern EuropeanHardliners Lieven highlights internal friction within NATO regarding Donald Trump’s isolationist rhetoric. While hardliners in Eastern Europe demand unity against Russia, countries like Poland remain primarily focused on their own national defense strategies. (14)

1896 PETERSBURG

13. Anatol Lieven Headline: Seeking a Settlement in the Eurasia Crisis High energy prices are pressuring Europeannations like Belgium and Hungary to consider resuming trade with Russia. Lieven proposes a deal exchanging energy for compromises on the Donbass, though European leadership remains divided. (13)

1900 MOSCOW

12. Edward J. Larson Headline: The Intellectual Shift Toward RepublicanSovereignty Larson explores how 1776 transformed colonists into independent actors seeking republican governance over royal charters. Washington adopted a "Fabian" strategy, prioritizing army survival over holding territory after the defeat in Manhattan. (12)

1816

11. Edward J. Larson Headline: Washington’s Desperate Defense of New York Following the victory in Boston, Washington moved to defend New York against an overwhelming British force. Despite the Howe brothers’ initial desire for negotiation, the conflict escalated as the colonies formally declared independence. (11)

1829 JEFFERSON AND FRANKLIN

10. Edward J. Larson Headline: Henry Knox’s Heroic Artillery Mission Larson recounts the daring winter transport of heavy cannons from Fort Ticonderoga to Boston. This strategic feat allowed Washington to fortify Dorchester Heights, forcing Britishevacuation and marking his first major military victory. (10)
1780

9. Edward J. Larson Headline: The Bombardment of Norfolk: A Revolutionary Turning Point In January 1776, the Royal Navy’s attack on Norfolk, Virginia, destroyed civilian homes and convinced colonists that reconciliation with Britain was impossible. George Washington viewed this aggression as a decisive catalyst for independence. (9)
1776 NYC

8. Evan Ellis Headline: Chile’s Security Reforms Under President Kast President Jose Antonio Kast has prioritized border security and tackling organized crime since his inauguration. His inclusive approach aims to stabilize the economy and address social frustrations lingering from the 2019 riots. (8)

1910

7. Evan Ellis Headline: Crime and Political Instability in Latin AmericaViolent spillover from drug trafficking affects the Colombia-Ecuador border, leading to significant casualties and military strikes. Ellis also discusses the arrest of a major gang leader and the ongoing cabinet instability in Peru. (7)
1863 VENEZUELA

6. Evan Ellis Headline: Venezuela’s Oil Interests and Democratic HopesWhile the Trump administration views Venezuela as a success, the Chvista regime remains entrenched through hardline appointments. Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado pushes for democratic stability to attract essential foreign investment into the oil sector. (6)
1887 VENEZUELA

5. Evan Ellis Headline: Cuba’s Energy Crisis Amidst Cold War Echoes Cubasuffers from nationwide blackouts as Russian oil shipments attempt to bypass U.S. surveillance. Ellis explores the symbolic importance of the island and the complexities of U.S. negotiations with the Castro family. (5)
1931

4. Gregory Copley Headline: BritishPolitical Turmoil and the Monarchy's Role King Charles III plans to attend America’s 250th anniversary despite potential diplomatic friction with President Trump. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Keir Starmer faces historic unpopularity and internal party dissent, though he remains difficult to remove. (4)
1939 OKLAHOMA

3. Gregory Copley Headline: China’s Economic Paralysis and Naval Limitations China faces deep internal trouble, with growth expectations falling and Xi Jinping struggling to trust his military commanders. Copley highlights that the PLA Navy remains significantly behind the United States in carrier operations. (3)
11939 OKLAHOMA

2. Gregory Copley Headline: Russia’s Energy Leverage and the Donbass Proposal Russia benefits significantly from rising oil prices and its desanctioned shadow fleet. Copley notes that some European nations are considering a "Donbass for energy" deal with Putin to stabilize their struggling economies. (2)
1918 OKLAHOMA OILFIELDS

1. Gregory Copley Headline: Global Energy Crisis and the Strait of Hormuz Copley discusses the strategic fallout of Iranian strikes on Qatari gas fields, causing energy prices to surge. He argues the Iranian Navy is finished, yet regional instability threatens Asian and European markets,,. (2)

1887 OKLAHOMA

Conrad Black Conrad Black discusses Prime Minister Mark Carney’s commitment to defending the Northwest Passage with military investment. He highlights how pipeline project approvals serve as a vital litmus test for maintaining Canadian national unity. Carney’s Arctic Defense and the Pipeline Litmus Test (1)
1932 COMMONS OTTAWA

Gregory Copley Gregory Copley explains King Charles’s intent to visit America’s 250th anniversary despite political friction. The King aims to prioritize the long-term UK-US alliance over temporary diplomatic tensions between Donald Trump and Keir Starmer. King Charles Navigates Transatlantic Tensions (2)

1828 DOWNING STREET

Sadanand Dhume Sadanand Dhume outlines Narendra Modi’s foreign policy hierarchy, prioritizing the United States and Israel for defense. He notes India’s strategic energy dependence on Gulf nations, leaving Iran as a significantly lower diplomatic priority. Modi’s Strategic Hierarchy: Prioritizing the West and Gulf (3)

1900 BENGAL

Ed Larson Ed Larson examines the 1770s transition of American colonists from subjects to citizens. He describes George Washington’s personal shift toward independence, concluding that armed conflict made total separation the only viable path forward. Washington’s Transformation from British Subject to Independent Citizen (4)
1783 JOHN ADAMS

Anatol Lieven Anatol Lieven discusses whether Germany might reconnect with Russian energy to save its economy. He argues that political reputations and established security stances make a return to Moscow’s oil and gas highly improbable.Germany’s Energy Dilemma and the Improbability of a Russian U-Turn (5)
1855 RUSSIA

STREAMING THE MAKING OF THE JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW WITH ALAN TONELSON AND JIM MCTAGUE, 3-19-26

NOVEMBER 1932

The provided transcript features a discussion on the John Batchelor Show regarding the global economic and geopolitical crises stemming from conflict in the Middle East. The participants analyze how rising energy prices and the potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz are driving inflation and threatening a global recession. They specifically examine the Trump administration's response to Iranian aggression and the resulting strain on European allies facing exorbitant fuel costs. The conversation transitions into the transformative role of...

STREAMING THE MAKING OF THE JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW WITH GORDON CHANG, STEVE YATES, JIM FANELL AND CHARLES BURTON.
1920 BRECKENRIDGE TEXAS

The provided transcript from The John Batchelor Show explores the geopolitical complexities surrounding President Trump’s postponed trip to Beijing amidst escalating tensions in the Middle East. Gordon Chang and Steve Yatesdiscuss how China leverages diplomatic ambiguity to project power, noting that the Chinese government never officially confirmed the summit dates. The dialogue shifts to maritime security, where Captain James Fanell evaluates the People’s Liberation Army Navy's use of new drone technology as a propaganda tool...

SHOW SCHEDULE 3-18-26

1900 OTTAWA

1. 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 conces...

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)

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)

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)

1943

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 ChineseCommunist Party.,, (14)

1943 PA SECTION

12. Guest Cliff May defines Iranianinterference 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)

1943 PA SECTION

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)

1943 PA SECTION

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)

1943 PA SECTION

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)

1943 PENNSYLVANIA SECTION OF THE TEXAS PIPELINE

8. Guests Mariam Wahba and Natalie Ecanow address threats to the Strait of Hormuz by Iran. They emphasize the need for U.S. energy dominance and the role of the National Energy Dominance Council. (9)
2010 DOHA