S8 Ep708: PREVIEW FOR LATER (9) HEADLINE: Reforming German Labor Laws for Innovation GUEST: Joseph Sternberg SUMMARY: Joseph Sternberg discusses German proposals to simplify firing employees to stimulate business innovation. Currently, rigid labor laws discourage c
PREVIEW FOR LATER (9) HEADLINE: Reforming German Labor Laws for Innovation GUEST: Joseph Sternberg SUMMARY: Joseph Sternberg discusses German proposals to simplify firing employees to stimulate business innovation. Currently, rigid labor laws discourage companies from experimental projects because they cannot easily reduce staff if ventures fail. (10) 1839 RHINELAND
2m Apr 07
2m
S8 Ep707: PREVIEW FOR LATER (1) HEADLINE: The Five Men Ruling the Iranian State (2) GUEST: Jonathan Schanzer (3) SUMMARY: Jonathan Schanzer identifies five key figures ruling Iran while the Ayatollah is reportedly incapacitated. These leaders, including Mohammad Ba
PREVIEW FOR LATER (1) HEADLINE: The Five Men Ruling the Iranian State (2) GUEST: Jonathan Schanzer (3) SUMMARY: Jonathan Schanzeridentifies five key figures ruling Iranwhile the Ayatollah is reportedly incapacitated. These leaders, including Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf and Ahmad Vahidi, manage various military, intelligence, and repressive operations against protestors and foreign targets. (4) 1917...
3m Apr 07
3m
S8 Ep706: STREAMING THE MAKING OF THE JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW, MONDAY 4-6-2026, 1911 GRAIN MARKET PERSIA
STREAMING THE MAKING OF THE JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW, MONDAY 4-6-2026, 1911 GRAIN MARKET PERSIA The provided transcript features a conversation between John Batchelor, Bill Roggio, and Husain Haqqani regarding the escalating geopolitical conflict involving Iran and the United States. The speakers analyze the "fog of war" surrounding a downed airman's rescue and the subsequent disinformation pervasi...
55m Apr 07
55m
S8 Ep705: JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW SCHEDULE, MONDAY 4-6-2026. 1918 PARADE OF THE SOUTH PERSIAN RIFLES.
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...
8m Apr 07
8m
S8 Ep704: 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 righ
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) 1910 RUSSIAN  MILITARY IN PERSIA
10m Apr 07
10m
S8 Ep704: 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 raise
15. The Legal Crisis of Aboriginal Title in British Columbia Guest: Mary Anastasia O’Grady Summary: A landmark court ruling in BritishColumbia 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) 1910 DERVISHES, MULLAHS
10m Apr 07
10m
S8 Ep704: 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 Russ
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 statusamong anti-Western allies.,, (14) 1906 PERSIA
9m Apr 07
9m
S8 Ep704: 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 majo
13. Chinese and Russian Involvement in Downing U.S. Aircraft Guest:General Blaine Holt and Gordon ChangSummary: Following the downing of an F-15E, experts suspect China or Russiasupplied 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) 1906 PERSIA
9m Apr 07
9m
S8 Ep704: 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
12. Shifting War Aims and the Strategic Importance of HormuzGuest: 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) 1896 OMAN
9m Apr 07
9m
S8 Ep704: 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 v
11. The Tuesday Deadline and the Survival of the Islamic RepublicGuest: 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) 1891 ACROSS PERSIA
11m Apr 07
11m
S8 Ep704: 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
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 integrationinto the Iraqi government and the risk of hostages being moved to Iran.,, (10) 1873 SHAH AND PRINCE OF WALES (LATER KING GEORGE)
9m Apr 07
9m
S8 Ep704: 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, a
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) 1870 PERSIAN DERVISHES
9m Apr 07
9m
S8 Ep704: 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 econo
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 Washingtoninstead.,, (8) 1862 URMIA CHRISTIAN SEMINARY FOR WOMEN
9m Apr 07
9m
S8 Ep704: 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 towar
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 Americanpolitics.,, (7) 1817 RUSSIA EMPIRE AND PERSIA
11m Apr 07
11m
S8 Ep704: 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 strateg
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) 1810 SHAH OF PERSIA
9m Apr 07
9m
S8 Ep704: 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
5. Ukraine’s Drone Campaign Against Russian Energy Infrastructure Guest: John Hardieand 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) 1803 QAJAR
9m Apr 07
9m
S8 Ep704: 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
4. Divergent U.S. and IsraeliStrategies in the Middle East Guest:David Daoud and Bill RoggioSummary: 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 copdiplomatic strategy.,, (4) 1721 PERSIA
7m Apr 07
7m
S8 Ep704: 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 overexten
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) 1721 PERSIA
13m Apr 07
13m
S8 Ep704: 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 s
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) 1690 PERSIA
6m Apr 07
6m
S8 Ep704: 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 ques
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) 1521 PERSIA
11m Apr 07
11m
S8 Ep703: PREVIEW FOR LATER TONIGHT: Edmund Fitton-Brown analyzes shifting U.S. war aims regarding Iran. He emphasizes the critical need to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and prevent the Iranian regime from establishing long-term maritime blackmail capabilities. (1)
PREVIEW FOR LATER TONIGHT: Edmund Fitton-Brown analyzes shifting U.S. war aims regarding Iran. He emphasizes the critical need to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and prevent the Iranianregime from establishing long-term maritime blackmail capabilities. (1) 1680
2m Apr 06
2m
S8 Ep703: PREVIEW FOR LATER TONIGHT: John Hardie discusses the evolution of drone warfare in Ukraine, highlighting long-range strikes against Russianenergy infrastructure. He details how AI-enabled guidance and terminal recognition technologies are reversing Russia
PREVIEW FOR LATER TONIGHT: John Hardie discusses the evolution of drone warfare in Ukraine, highlighting long-range strikes against Russianenergy infrastructure. He details how AI-enabled guidance and terminal recognition technologies are reversing Russia's tactical and economic advantages. (2) 1955
2m Apr 06
2m
S8 Ep703: PREVIEW FOR LATER TONIGHT: Jonathan Sayeh explores the Iranian public's perspective on potential strikes against national infrastructure. He discusses the balance between enduring catastrophic loss for freedom and the risk of the regime remaining in power
PREVIEW FOR LATER TONIGHT: Jonathan Sayeh explores the Iranianpublic's perspective on potential strikes against national infrastructure. He discusses the balance between enduring catastrophic loss for freedom and the risk of the regime remaining in power. (4) 1654
1m Apr 06
1m
S8 Ep703: PREVIEW FOR LATER TONIGHT: Bridget Toomey evaluates the Houthi threat in the Red Sea, noting their continued ambitions and lack of trustworthiness. She explains how the group reserves the right to escalate based on Tehran’s regional interests. (6)
PREVIEW FOR LATER TONIGHT: Bridget Toomey evaluates the Houthi threat in the Red Sea, noting their continued ambitions and lack of trustworthiness. She explains how the group reserves the right to escalate based on Tehran’s regional interests. (6) 1933 YEMEN
1m Apr 06
1m
S8 Ep702: PREVIEW FOR LATER: General Blaine Holt analyzes the tactical shifts following the loss of two F-15s. He discusses the urgent need for air dominance over Iran and the potential deployment of prototypical, high-tech weapon systems. (1)
PREVIEW FOR LATER: General Blaine Holt analyzes the tactical shifts following the loss of two F-15s. He discusses the urgent need for air dominance over Iranand the potential deployment of prototypical, high-tech weapon systems. (1)
2m Apr 06
2m
S8 Ep702: PREVIEW FOR LATER: Greg Scarlatoiu examines Kim Jong-un’s surprising effectiveness as a manager of North Korea's nuclear program. Despite initial hopes for reform, his understanding of the West has actually bolstered his aggressive diplomatic capabilities
PREVIEW FOR LATER: Greg Scarlatoiu examines Kim Jong-un’s surprising effectiveness as a manager of North Korea's nuclear program. Despite initial hopes for reform, his understanding of the West has actually bolstered his aggressive diplomatic capabilities. (2) 1951
1m Apr 06
1m
S8 Ep701: 3. GUEST GAIUS AND GERMANICUS DEBATE N LONDINIUM, SPRING 92 AD. (5) Gaius and Germanicus find historical perspective in the 13th-century BCE Amarna letters, detailing the "sweet" yet deceptive correspondence between Pharaohs and their vassals. They ma
3. GUEST GAIUS AND GERMANICUS DEBATE N LONDINIUM, SPRING 92 AD. (5) Gaius and Germanicus find historical perspective in the 13th-century BCE Amarna letters, detailing the "sweet" yet deceptive correspondence between Pharaohs and their vassals. They marvel at ancient rascals trading gold-painted wood for favors, drawing a direct line to modern diplomacy where F-35 aircraft have become the new "c...
15m Apr 06
15m
S8 Ep701: 2. GUEST GAIUS AND GERMANICUS DEBATE N LONDINIUM, SPRING 92 AD. (3) The discourse turns to the "impending economic calamity" caused by soaring energy prices and global supply chain disruptions. Germanicus warns that the Emperor’s failure to balance "guns
2. GUEST GAIUS AND GERMANICUS DEBATE N LONDINIUM, SPRING 92 AD. (3) The discourse turns to the "impending economic calamity" caused by soaring energy prices and global supply chain disruptions. Germanicus warns that the Emperor’s failure to balance "guns and butter" has already baked in a recession and potential global famine. They compare the current climate of rumors to the psychological stat...
16m Apr 06
16m
S8 Ep701: 1. GUEST GAIUS AND GERMANICUS DEBATE N LONDINIUM, SPRING 92 AD. (1) In a rain-swept Londinium, Gaius and Germanicus transition from Roman gardening to the modern "emperor system". They analyze the Emperor's social media threats against the IRGC, noting th
1. GUEST GAIUS AND GERMANICUS DEBATE N LONDINIUM, SPRING 92 AD. (1) In a rain-swept Londinium, Gaius and Germanicus transition from Roman gardening to the modern "emperor system". They analyze the Emperor's social media threats against the IRGC, noting these "vulgar" outbursts lack strategic clarity regarding Iran’s nuclear program. Drawing parallels to troubled historical figures like Caligula...
23m Apr 06
23m
S8 Ep700: 8. Zimmerman discusses the 1967 Apollo 1 tragedy, where a fire killed three astronauts during a rehearsal. This disaster forced NASA to implement rigorous safety overhauls, including hatch redesigns and atmosphere changes. Simultaneously, the Soviet Un
8. Zimmerman discusses the 1967 Apollo 1 tragedy, where a fire killed three astronauts during a rehearsal. This disaster forced NASA to implement rigorous safety overhauls, including hatch redesigns and atmosphere changes. Simultaneously, the Soviet Union faced its own catastrophe with Soyuz 1, slowing the space race. (8) 1895
10m Apr 06
10m
S8 Ep700: 7. Zimmerman recounts the perilous return to Earth, highlighting Jim Lovell’s emergency use of a sextant for navigation after a computer error. The mission concluded with a high-speed, "double-skip" atmospheric re-entry and a successful Pacific splashdown
7. Zimmerman recounts the perilous return to Earth, highlighting Jim Lovell’s emergency use of a sextant for navigation after a computer error. The mission concluded with a high-speed, "double-skip" atmospheric re-entry and a successful Pacific splashdown. This triumph solidified Apollo 8’s legacy for humanity. (7) 1951
10m Apr 06
10m
S8 Ep700: 6. Zimmerman covers the iconic "Earthrise" photograph and the crew's Christmas Eve television broadcast. He describes how the astronauts chose to read from Genesis to deliver a universal message to a global audience. The broadcast combined high-tech explo
6. Zimmerman covers the iconic "Earthrise" photograph and the crew's Christmas Eve television broadcast. He describes how the astronauts chose to read from Genesis to deliver a universal message to a global audience. The broadcast combined high-tech exploration with deep moral significance during a tumultuous era. (6) 1918
8m Apr 06
8m
S8 Ep700: 5. Zimmerman contextualizes Apollo 8 within the chaos of 1968, including the Vietnam War and social unrest. He argues that while the mission demonstrated democratic achievement, NASA’s top-down structure mirrored Soviet models. This centralized approach e
5. Zimmerman contextualizes Apollo 8 within the chaos of 1968, including the Vietnam War and social unrest. He argues that while the mission demonstrated democratic achievement, NASA’s top-down structure mirrored Soviet models. This centralized approach eventually led to the program's decline after the moon landing. (5) 1917
10m Apr 06
10m
S8 Ep700: 4. Zimmerman focuses on Apollo 8 reaching lunar orbit using the critical SPS engine. He details the crew’s first close-up views of the moon, which they described as a desolate, cratered "sandbox". These human observations settled scientific debates, provi
4. Zimmerman focuses on Apollo 8 reaching lunar orbit using the critical SPS engine. He details the crew’s first close-up views of the moon, which they described as a desolate, cratered "sandbox". These human observations settled scientific debates, proving the lunar surface was shaped by impacts. (4)
9m Apr 06
9m
S8 Ep699: 3. Zimmerman explains how Soviet Zond program failures prompted NASA to aggressively pivot Apollo 8 into a lunar mission. George Low spearheaded the plan to bypass the delayed lunar module for a circumlunar flight. Despite extreme risks, NASA leadership
3. Zimmerman explains how Soviet Zond program failures prompted NASA to aggressively pivot Apollo 8 into a lunar mission. George Low spearheaded the plan to bypass the delayed lunar module for a circumlunar flight. Despite extreme risks, NASA leadership authorized the mission to secure Cold War victory. (3) 1903  DC LANGLEY TEST.
7m Apr 06
7m
S8 Ep699: 2. Zimmerman details the December 1968 launch and the historic trans-lunar injection. He describes the crew’s reliance on primitive computers, requiring manual data entry for critical maneuvers. As they accelerated toward the moon, Jim Lovell observed the
2. Zimmerman details the December 1968 launch and the historic trans-lunar injection. He describes the crew’s reliance on primitive computers, requiring manual data entry for critical maneuvers. As they accelerated toward the moon, Jim Lovell observed the Earth shrinking, marking humanity's first departure from Earth orbit. (2) 1870
12m Apr 06
12m
S8 Ep699: 1. Bob Zimmerman introduces the crew: Frank Borman, Jim Lovell, and Bill Anders. He highlights their intense dedication and military backgrounds. The discussion covers the high-stakes decision to launch the Saturn V rocket and the essential support provid
1. Bob Zimmerman introduces the crew: Frank Borman, Jim Lovell, and Bill Anders. He highlights their intense dedication and military backgrounds. The discussion covers the high-stakes decision to launch the Saturn V rocket and the essential support provided by the astronauts' families in the NASA village. (1) 1917
8m Apr 06
8m
S8 Ep698: 8. Election night 1936 resulted in a historic landslide victory for Franklin D. Roosevelt, defying the predictions of the *Literary Digest* straw poll. Roosevelt carried 46 of 48 states and secured a massive mandate in both houses of Congress. The victo
8. Election night 1936 resulted in a historic landslide victory for Franklin D. Roosevelt, defying the predictions of the *Literary Digest* straw poll. Roosevelt carried 46 of 48 states and secured a massive mandate in both houses of Congress. The victory signaled a fundamental political realignment, as FDR captured 104 of the nation’s 106 major cities, driven by the coming-of-age of immigrant ...
5m Apr 06
5m
S8 Ep698: 7. The 1936 campaign highlighted the disparity between Roosevelt’s mastery of modern technology and Alf Landon’s uninspired style. While Landon’s poll numbers initially showed strength, his momentum faded as he critiqued popular programs like Social Secur
7. The 1936 campaign highlighted the disparity between Roosevelt’s mastery of modern technology and Alf Landon’s uninspired style. While Landon’s poll numbers initially showed strength, his momentum faded as he critiqued popular programs like Social Security. Eleanor Roosevelt emerged as a critical campaign asset, bridging the gap with the African-American community and attracting massive, enth...
16m Apr 06
16m
S8 Ep698: 6. The Republican Party struggled to find a viable challenger to Roosevelt, considering figures like Herbert Hoover, William Borah, and Arthur Vandenberg. They eventually settled on Alf Landon, the governor of Kansas, known as the "Kansas Coolidge". Lando
6. The Republican Party struggled to find a viable challenger to Roosevelt, considering figures like Herbert Hoover, William Borah, and Arthur Vandenberg. They eventually settled on Alf Landon, the governor of Kansas, known as the "Kansas Coolidge". Landon was viewed as a progressive who had successfully balanced his state's budget. However, he was an unremarkable campaigner with a poor radio p...
9m Apr 06
9m
S8 Ep698: 5. Media mogul William Randolph Hearst, once an uneasy ally, became a formidable foe for Roosevelt leading into the campaign. Boasting a massive empire of newspapers and radio stations, Hearst exercised immense influence through front-page editorials and
5. Media mogul William Randolph Hearst, once an uneasy ally, became a formidable foe for Roosevelt leading into the campaign. Boasting a massive empire of newspapers and radio stations, Hearst exercised immense influence through front-page editorials and aggressive "soak the rich" rhetoric. His relationship with FDR soured as the New Deal moved further left, specifically over tax policies targe...
9m Apr 06
9m
S8 Ep698: 4. The 1936 election involved complex dynamics with the Socialist and Communist parties, both of which Roosevelt regarded as potential electoral threats. Norman Thomas of the Socialist Party remained a factor in urban areas, while the Communist Party, led
4. The 1936 election involved complex dynamics with the Socialist and Communist parties, both of which Roosevelt regarded as potential electoral threats. Norman Thomas of the Socialist Party remained a factor in urban areas, while the Communist Party, led by Earl Browder, adopted a "popular front" strategy. While officially running their own ticket, the communists focused their attacks on Roose...
7m Apr 06
7m
S8 Ep698: 3. Dr. Francis Townsend and Father Charles Coughlin emerged as major external pressures on Roosevelt's policy-making during the 1930s. Townsend’s popular $200-a-month pension plan for seniors effectively forced FDR to introduce Social Security to neutrali
3. Dr. Francis Townsend and Father Charles Coughlin emerged as major external pressures on Roosevelt's policy-making during the 1930s. Townsend’s popular $200-a-month pension plan for seniors effectively forced FDR to introduce Social Security to neutralize the movement's growing political momentum. Meanwhile, Coughlin, a powerful "radio priest," transitioned from a Roosevelt supporter to a fie...
14m Apr 06
14m
S8 Ep699: 2. Roosevelt encountered significant populist challenges from the South, primarily through the influence of Huey Long and Eugene Talmadge. Although Long was assassinated in 1935, his radical "Share Our Wealth" program continued to haunt the political land
2. Roosevelt encountered significant populist challenges from the South, primarily through the influence of Huey Long and Eugene Talmadge. Although Long was assassinated in 1935, his radical "Share Our Wealth" program continued to haunt the political landscape, threatening to siphon votes to the Republicans. Talmadge, a Jeffersonian conservative and race-baiter, further complicated the solid So...
8m Apr 06
8m
S8 Ep698: 1. In April 1936, Franklin D. Roosevelt faced the loss of his longtime political advisor, Louis Howe, who had guided his career since 1912. Howe’s death left a void as the president prepared for reelection against burgeoning internal Democratic threats. H
1. In April 1936, Franklin D. Roosevelt faced the loss of his longtime political advisor, Louis Howe, who had guided his career since 1912. Howe’s death left a void as the president prepared for reelection against burgeoning internal Democratic threats. His former mentor, Al Smith, became a primary antagonist, aligning himself with the wealthy AmericanLiberty League. Smith accused Roosevelt of ...
11m Apr 06
11m
S8 Ep697: 8. The Glorious Revolution and the Protestant Succession Guest Author: Jonathan Healey The century concluded with the reign of James II, whose open Catholicism and attempts to bypass Parliament sparked the Exclusion Crisis and the birth of the Whig a
8. The Glorious Revolution and the Protestant Succession Guest Author: Jonathan Healey The century concluded with the reign of James II, whose open Catholicism and attempts to bypass Parliament sparked the Exclusion Crisis and the birth of the Whig and Tory parties. When James produced a Catholic heir in 1688, fearful Protestant leaders invited William of Orange to intervene. William landed on ...
7m Apr 05
7m
S8 Ep697: 7. The Restoration and the Genius of Margaret Cavendish Guest Author: Jonathan Healey In 1660, after a period of political chaos, George Monck facilitated the return of Charles II, prioritizing national stability over the failed republican experiment. Thi
7. The Restoration and the Genius of Margaret Cavendish Guest Author: Jonathan Healey In 1660, after a period of political chaos, George Monck facilitated the return of Charles II, prioritizing national stability over the failed republican experiment. This "Restoration" reasserted the Anglican Church and Parliamentary control over finances, though the era was also marked by the grotesque posthu...
13m Apr 05
13m
S8 Ep697: 6. Oliver Cromwell: Lord Protector of the Republic Guest Author: Jonathan Healey Following the regicide, England became a republic under the "Instrument of Government," a written constitution drafted by John Lambert. Oliver Cromwell rose as Lord Protector
6. Oliver Cromwell: Lord Protector of the Republic Guest Author: Jonathan Healey Following the regicide, England became a republic under the "Instrument of Government," a written constitution drafted by John Lambert. Oliver Cromwell rose as Lord Protector, using military skill to bring stability to a nation surrounded by hostile European monarchs. Though he refused the crown in 1657, favoring a...
6m Apr 05
6m
S8 Ep697: 5. The New Model Army and the Death of a King Guest Author: Jonathan Healey Parliament reorganized its forces into the New Model Army, led by Thomas Fairfax and the committed Puritan Oliver Cromwell. After defeating the King at Naseby and suppressing a se
5. The New Model Army and the Death of a King Guest Author: Jonathan Healey Parliament reorganized its forces into the New Model Army, led by Thomas Fairfax and the committed Puritan Oliver Cromwell. After defeating the King at Naseby and suppressing a second civil war involving the Scots, radical elements in the army, like Henry Ireton, pushed for drastic measures. Ireton argued that the "safe...
12m Apr 05
12m
S8 Ep697: 4. The Outbreak of the English Civil War Guest Author: Jonathan Healey By the early 1640s, Charles I faced mounting resistance to his perceived tyranny and the religious reforms of Archbishop Laud. The crisis peaked in the winter of 1641-1642 when Charles
4. The Outbreak of the English Civil War Guest Author: Jonathan Healey By the early 1640s, Charles I faced mounting resistance to his perceived tyranny and the religious reforms of Archbishop Laud. The crisis peaked in the winter of 1641-1642 when Charles attempted to arrest five members of Parliament by force, only to find they had fled. Terrified by massive street protests in London, the King...
6m Apr 05
6m