S8 Ep622: 7. Mark Antony and the Divine Spectacle of the East Following Caesar’s assassination, Cleopatra wooed Mark Antony with a theatrical arrival on a gilded boat, presenting herself as the goddess Aphrodite. While Antony viewed her as a vital political opportu
7. Mark Antony and the Divine Spectacle of the East Following Caesar’s assassination, Cleopatra wooed Mark Antony with a theatrical arrival on a gilded boat, presenting herself as the goddess Aphrodite. While Antony viewed her as a vital political opportunity, conservative Rome saw her as a dangerous seductress who had caused a Roman general to abandon his principles. Their union was marked by ...
11m Mar 23
11m
S8 Ep622: 6. Cleopatra and Caesar: A Fatal Alliance and a Lost Legacy An eighteen-year-old Cleopatra VII formed a strategic and romantic alliance with the veteran Roman leader Julius Caesar, seeking a protector against her warring family members. Caesar was drawn t
6. Cleopatra and Caesar: A Fatal Alliance and a Lost Legacy An eighteen-year-old Cleopatra VII formed a strategic and romantic alliance with the veteran Roman leader Julius Caesar, seeking a protector against her warring family members. Caesar was drawn to her extraordinary magnetism, intellect, and her possession of the "keys to Egypt's wealth". However, their partnership brought immediate con...
5m Mar 23
5m
S8 Ep622: 5. Power Struggles and the Rise of the Formidable Cleopatras As the Ptolemaic dynasty entered its decline, the family turned inward, adopting the Egyptian tradition of sibling marriage to consolidate power—a practice taboo in the Greek world. This era saw
5. Power Struggles and the Rise of the Formidable Cleopatras As the Ptolemaic dynasty entered its decline, the family turned inward, adopting the Egyptian tradition of sibling marriage to consolidate power—a practice taboo in the Greek world. This era saw the rise of influential royal women, starting with Cleopatra I, a Seleucid princess who stabilized the kingdom through political astuteness. ...
13m Mar 23
13m
S8 Ep622: 4. Mercenaries, War Elephants, and the Seeds of Dynastic Decay The Ptolemies maintained their vast empire through wealth-funded mercenary armies and a unique arms race involving battle elephants. While their rivals, the Seleucids, used Indian elephants, t
4. Mercenaries, War Elephants, and the Seeds of Dynastic Decay The Ptolemies maintained their vast empire through wealth-funded mercenary armies and a unique arms race involving battle elephants. While their rivals, the Seleucids, used Indian elephants, the Ptolemies relied on harder-to-train African species. Despite military successes like the Battle of Raphia, the dynasty eventually began to ...
9m Mar 23
9m
S8 Ep622: 3. The Golden Age of Alexandria: Innovation, Wealth, and Wisdom Under Ptolemy II and III, Egypt became fabulously wealthy through advanced agricultural engineering and gold mining in the Eastern Desert. They reclaimed land in the Fayum through irrigation,
3. The Golden Age of Alexandria: Innovation, Wealth, and WisdomUnder Ptolemy II and III, Egypt became fabulously wealthy through advanced agricultural engineering and gold mining in the Eastern Desert. They reclaimed land in the Fayum through irrigation, turning grain into a vital international currency. This prosperity funded monumental projects like the Pharos Lighthouse, a symbol of Alexandr...
11m Mar 23
11m
S8 Ep622: 3. The Golden Age of Alexandria: Innovation, Wealth, and Wisdom Under Ptolemy II and III, Egypt became fabulously wealthy through advanced agricultural engineering and gold mining in the Eastern Desert. They reclaimed land in the Fayum through irrigation,
3. The Golden Age of Alexandria: Innovation, Wealth, and WisdomUnder Ptolemy II and III, Egypt became fabulously wealthy through advanced agricultural engineering and gold mining in the Eastern Desert. They reclaimed land in the Fayum through irrigation, turning grain into a vital international currency. This prosperity funded monumental projects like the Pharos Lighthouse, a symbol of Alexandr...
11m Mar 23
11m
S8 Ep622: 2. Ptolemy I: The Architect of a Hybrid Greco-Egyptian Empire Ptolemy I, a general and scholar educated by Aristotle, emerged as the visionary founder of Egypt’s final dynasty. Recognizing the strength of Egyptian civilization, he avoided treating the lan
2. Ptolemy I: The Architect of a Hybrid Greco-Egyptian EmpirePtolemy I, a general and scholar educated by Aristotle, emerged as the visionary founder of Egypt’s final dynasty. Recognizing the strength of Egyptian civilization, he avoided treating the land as a mere conquest, instead blending Greek and Pharaonic cultures into a unique hybrid. Ptolemy expanded his empire to include Cyprus, parts ...
7m Mar 23
7m
S8 Ep622: 1. Alexander the Great’s Divine Ambition and the Birth of Alexandria Alexander the Great’s conquest of Egypt began with the brutal siege of Gaza, where he mirrored the mythical wrath of Achilles by dragging the city's governor to his death. Seeking div
1. Alexander the Great’s Divine Ambition and the Birth of Alexandria Alexander the Great’s conquest of Egypt began with the brutal siege of Gaza, where he mirrored the mythical wrath of Achilles by dragging the city's governor to his death. Seeking divine legitimacy, Alexander journeyed to the remote Siwa Oasis. There, the Oracle of Zeus Ammon confirmed his status as a god incarnate, a pivotal ...
11m Mar 23
11m
S8 Ep620: 4. Guest: Jeremy Zakis. Jeremy Zakis details the strategic "diplomacy" of his 11-year-old Spoodle, Dallas, in managing backyard bird territories,. Dallas has learned to selectively disperse aggressive minor birds, whose presence previously deterred d
4. Guest: Jeremy Zakis. Jeremy Zakisdetails the strategic "diplomacy" of his 11-year-old Spoodle, Dallas, in managing backyard bird territories,. Dallas has learned to selectively disperse aggressive minor birds, whose presence previously deterred destructive cockatoos. By intervening, Dallas has allowed his "friends," the magpies, to return safely to the property. Zakis notes that Dallas demon...
7m Mar 22
7m
S8 Ep620: 3. Guest: Jeremy Zakis. Jeremy Zakis analyzes recent developments in cricket, starting with English player Ollie Pope’s public defense of his team’s "internally devastated" reaction to their Ashes loss. More significantly, Zakis reports on a critical glob
3. Guest: Jeremy Zakis. Jeremy Zakisanalyzes recent developments in cricket, starting with English player Ollie Pope’spublic defense of his team’s "internally devastated" reaction to their Ashes loss. More significantly, Zakis reports on a critical global shortage of cricket ballslinked to geopolitical instability in the Middle East. Because the essential tanning and hardening process is centra...
9m Mar 22
9m
S8 Ep620: 2. Guest: Jeremy Zakis. Jeremy Zakis discusses how extreme rainfall, specifically seven inches in the Northern Territory, is driving wildlife toward human habitats,. He recounts a rescue mission in Queensland delayed by a large snake, which was eventually
2. Guest: Jeremy Zakis. Jeremy Zakisdiscusses how extreme rainfall, specifically seven inches in the Northern Territory, is driving wildlife toward human habitats,. He recounts a rescue mission in Queensland delayed by a large snake, which was eventually identified by a conservationist as a non-venomous brown tree snake rather than a deadly species. Zakis also shares a heartwarming story about ...
14m Mar 22
14m
S8 Ep620: 1. Guest: Jeremy Zakis. Jeremy Zakis describes Cyclone Narelle as a "monster" storm currently impacting Darwin with 130 mph winds. He explains the cyclone's rare trajectory, crossing the Australian landmass from the Pacific to the Indian Ocean while maint
1. Guest: Jeremy Zakis. Jeremy Zakisdescribes Cyclone Narelle as a "monster" storm currently impacting Darwin with 130 mph winds. He explains the cyclone's rare trajectory, crossing the Australianlandmass from the Pacific to the IndianOcean while maintaining strength,. Zakis highlights the severe flooding in Queensland and the "bunker-like" housing in the Northern Territory designed for such ex...
8m Mar 22
8m
S8 Ep621: 7. Headline: Smear Tactics and Public Perception Guest Author: James Shapiro The DICE committee's investigation was fueled by testimony from Hazel Huffman, a disgruntled former clerk who claimed the project was tainted by communism based on play titles a
7. Headline: Smear Tactics and Public Perception Guest Author: James Shapiro The DICE committee's investigation was fueled by testimony from Hazel Huffman, a disgruntled former clerk who claimed the project was tainted by communism based on play titles alone. Huffman’s unverified accusations were widely publicized by a hostile press, swaying public opinion against the arts. Although Huffman had...
6m Mar 22
6m
S8 Ep621: 7. Headline: Smear Tactics and Public Perception Guest Author: James Shapiro The DICE committee's investigation was fueled by testimony from Hazel Huffman, a disgruntled former clerk who claimed the project was tainted by communism based on play titles
7. Headline: Smear Tactics and Public Perception Guest Author: James Shapiro The DICE committee's investigation was fueled by testimony from Hazel Huffman, a disgruntled former clerk who claimed the project was tainted by communism based on play titles alone. Huffman’s unverified accusations were widely publicized by a hostile press, swaying public opinion against the arts. Although Huffman had...
14m Mar 22
14m
S8 Ep620: 6. Headline: The Rise of Martin Dies and HUAC Guest Author: James Shapiro Congressman Martin Dies, an ambitious politician from Texas, leveraged the burgeoning medium of radio to attack the Federal Theater Project. As chairman of the first House Un-Americ
6. Headline: The Rise of Martin Dies and HUAC Guest Author: James Shapiro Congressman Martin Dies, an ambitious politician from Texas, leveraged the burgeoning medium of radio to attack the Federal Theater Project. As chairman of the first House Un-AmericanActivities Committee, Dies targeted the program by framing its output as communistic and un-American. He exploited public fatigue with relie...
5m Mar 22
5m
S8 Ep620: 5. Headline: Living Newspapers and Suppressed Voices Guest Author: James Shapiro The "Living Newspaper" format used fact-based drama to address social issues like the national housing crisis. Productions such as *One-Third of a Nation* were popular with t
5. Headline: Living Newspapers and Suppressed Voices Guest Author: James Shapiro The "Living Newspaper" format used fact-based drama to address social issues like the national housing crisis. Productions such as *One-Third of a Nation* were popular with the public but drew ire from mocked senators who saw their own words used against them on stage. While the project pushed boundaries, it also f...
13m Mar 22
13m
S8 Ep620: 4. Headline: Challenging Fascism with Sinclair Lewis Guest Author: James Shapiro When Hollywood refused to film Sinclair Lewis’s anti-fascist novel *It Can’t Happen Here* due to censorship and foreign market fears, the Federal Theater stepped in. Hallie F
4. Headline: Challenging Fascism with Sinclair Lewis Guest Author: James Shapiro When Hollywoodrefused to film Sinclair Lewis’s anti-fascist novel *It Can’t Happen Here* due to censorship and foreign market fears, the Federal Theater stepped in. Hallie Flanagan secured the rights and staged the production simultaneously in twenty cities, proving that live theater could match the national reach ...
10m Mar 22
10m
S8 Ep620: 3. Headline: The Innovation and Controversy of Voodoo Macbeth Guest Author: James Shapiro Orson Welles modernized *Macbeth* by setting it in 19th-century Haiti, substituting traditional witches for voodoo drumming and chanting. This "Voodoo Macbeth" becam
3. Headline: The Innovation and Controversy of Voodoo MacbethGuest Author: James Shapiro Orson Welles modernized *Macbeth* by setting it in 19th-century Haiti, substituting traditional witches for voodoo drumming and chanting. This "Voodoo Macbeth"became a national sensation, touring cities like Dallas and breaking local Jim Crow laws. Despite its success, the production faced scrutiny; Langsto...
10m Mar 22
10m
S8 Ep620: 2. Headline: Developing Talent in Harlem’s Negro Unit Guest Author: James Shapiro The Federal Theater Project aimed to develop Black talent by establishing "negro units" across America. The New York unit at the Lafayette Theater was initially led by BroaE
2. Headline: Developing Talent in Harlem’s Negro Unit Guest Author: James Shapiro The Federal Theater Project aimed to develop Black talent by establishing "negro units" across America. The New York unit at the Lafayette Theater was initially led by Broadway star Rose McClendon, who recognized the importance of developing Black actors and directors. She brought in John Houseman, then a struggli...
5m Mar 22
5m
S8 Ep620: 1. Headline: The Birth of the Federal Theater Project Guest Author: James Shapiro On April 14, 1936, the Lafayette Theater hosted an integrated crowd for the premiere of an all-Black production of *Macbeth*. This era-defining moment was made possible by t
1. Headline: The Birth of the Federal Theater Project Guest Author: James Shapiro On April 14, 1936, the Lafayette Theater hosted an integrated crowd for the premiere of an all-Black production of *Macbeth*. This era-defining moment was made possible by the Works Progress Administration under Harry Hopkins, who launched Federal One to employ artists during the Great Depression. Hopkins believed...
13m Mar 22
13m
S8 Ep619: 4. Copley asserts that China and Russia are reasserting their identities as empires by reconnecting with historical traditions. He describes China as a composite state attempting to regain its social contract by linking with its imperial past. Similarly
4. Copley asserts that China and Russiaare reasserting their identities as empires by reconnecting with historical traditions. He describes China as a composite state attempting to regain its social contract by linking with its imperial past. Similarly, he views Vladimir Putin as a nationalist who has reinvigorated the Russian Orthodox Church and may restore the monarchy. Finally, Copley notes ...
8m Mar 22
8m
S8 Ep619: 3. Copley identifies the U.S. Constitution as a "de facto crown" providing stability, though it has become dangerously "frozen". He observes that the United States is approaching the 250-year average lifespan of empires, causing internal divisions over th
3. Copley identifies the U.S. Constitution as a "de facto crown" providing stability, though it has become dangerously "frozen". He observes that the United States is approaching the 250-year average lifespan of empires, causing internal divisions over the Constitution’s validity. Furthermore, he argues that a noble state relies on a "belief in beliefs," where leadership is imbued with mysticis...
12m Mar 22
12m
S8 Ep619: 2. Copley explores the transition from failing republics toward autocracy, noting that government suppression of liberties provides only temporary stability. He distinguishes between "tribal nationalism," rooted in historical values and land, and "state n
2. Copley explores the transition from failing republics toward autocracy, noting that government suppression of liberties provides only temporary stability. He distinguishes between "tribal nationalism," rooted in historical values and land, and "state nationalism," which is transactional and prone to corruption. As republics become congested with factional battles and polarized between global...
7m Mar 22
7m
S8 Ep619: 1. Guest author Gregory Copley defines nobility as a quality of honor and purity essential for a "noble state". He argues that while republics have reached a "sclerotic" peak, becoming consumed by partisan politics, traditional monarchies are reinventing
1. Guest author Gregory Copley defines nobility as a quality of honor and purity essential for a "noble state". He argues that while republics have reached a "sclerotic" peak, becoming consumed by partisan politics, traditional monarchies are reinventing themselves. A monarch serves as a symbolic repository for a nation's heritage, remaining above the political fray. Copley highlights King Char...
11m Mar 22
11m
S8 Ep618: 4. Zubrin discusses technological frontiers, starting with small modular reactors designed for factory assembly to improve competitiveness. He emphasizes that nuclear power is "absolutely key" to the human future in space, providing essential energy for
4. Zubrin discusses technological frontiers, starting with small modular reactorsdesigned for factory assembly to improve competitiveness. He emphasizes that nuclear power is "absolutely key" to the human future in space, providing essential energy for Mars bases and propulsion where solar energy is insufficient. Regarding fusion, Zubrin expresses optimism that private startups may achieve igni...
9m Mar 22
9m
S8 Ep618: 3. This segment focuses on why nuclear energy has stalled in the United States despite global expansion. Zubrin blames "hostile hyper-regulation" for extending construction times from three to sixteen years, which exponentially increases capital costs. He
3. This segment focuses on why nuclear energy has stalled in the United Statesdespite global expansion. Zubrin blames "hostile hyper-regulation" for extending construction times from three to sixteen years, which exponentially increases capital costs. He contrasts the American regulatory "insanity" with the more rational French model. While traditional pressurized water reactors are successful,...
10m Mar 22
10m
S8 Ep618: 2. Zubrin addresses public fears by analyzing historical nuclear incidents: Three Mile Island, Chernobyl, and Fukushima. He clarifies that Three Mile Island caused no injuries, and Fukushima demonstrated reactor resilience even during a catastrophic tsu
2. Zubrin addresses public fears by analyzing historical nuclear incidents: Three Mile Island, Chernobyl, and Fukushima. He clarifies that Three Mile Island caused no injuries, and Fukushima demonstrated reactor resilience even during a catastrophic tsunami. While acknowledging Chernobyl’s specific design flaws, he argues that coal-fired plants cause far more annual deaths. Regarding nuclear wa...
7m Mar 22
7m
S8 Ep618: 1. Robert Zubrin introduces The Case for Nukes, arguing that nuclear power is essential for environmental preservation and global prosperity. He posits that using "artificial" energy sources like uranium protects the natural world by sparing resources lik
1. Robert Zubrin introduces The Case for Nukes, arguing that nuclear power is essential for environmental preservation and global prosperity. He posits that using "artificial" energy sources like uranium protects the natural world by sparing resources like wood and whales. Zubrin highlights the massive energy deficitfacing humanity, noting that lifting the global population out of poverty requi...
11m Mar 22
11m
S8 Ep617: 8. Guest Author: James Shapiro James Shapiro recounts the 1938 congressional hearings where Hallie Flanagan defended the Federal Theater Project. In a famous exchange, a committee member questioned if Renaissance playwright Christopher Marlowe was a commu
8. Guest Author: James Shapiro James Shapiro recounts the 1938 congressional hearings where Hallie Flanagan defended the Federal Theater Project. In a famous exchange, a committee member questioned if Renaissance playwright Christopher Marlowe was a communist. Despite her defense, the project was eventually defunded, leading to a tragic decline in Flanagan's later life. Shapiro also debunks the...
8m Mar 22
8m
S8 Ep617: 7. Guest Author: James Shapiro James Shapiro reveals the origins of the House Un-American Activities Committee, involving Samuel Dickstein, a congressman later identified as a Soviet spy. The committee’s attack on the Federal Theater was fueled by Hazel
  7. Guest Author: James Shapiro James Shapiro reveals the origins of the House Un-American Activities Committee, involving Samuel Dickstein, a congressman later identified as a Soviet spy. The committee’s attack on the Federal Theater was fueled by Hazel Huffman, a disgruntled WPA worker. Huffman provided misleading testimony to Congressman Martin Dies, falsely labeling various plays as commun...
12m Mar 22
12m
S8 Ep617: 6. Guest Author: James Shapiro James Shapiro discusses "Living Newspapers," such as *One-Third of a Nation*, which used fact-based accounts to tackle social issues like the housing crisis. These productions angered powerful real estate interests and senat
6. Guest Author: James Shapiro James Shapiro discusses "Living Newspapers," such as *One-Third of a Nation*, which used fact-based accounts to tackle social issues like the housing crisis. These productions angered powerful real estate interests and senators whose own words were often mocked on stage. Shapiro also highlights *Liberty Deferred*, a sardonic play about the history of American raci...
7m Mar 22
7m
S8 Ep617: 5. Guest Author: James Shapiro James Shapiro describes the Federal Theater’s bold production of *It Can't Happen Here*, which served as a warning against a fascist takeover in America. The play’s portrayal of concentration camps and tyranny significantly
5. Guest Author: James Shapiro James Shapiro describes the Federal Theater’s bold production of *It Can't Happen Here*, which served as a warning against a fascist takeover in America. The play’s portrayal of concentration camps and tyranny significantly shifted public opinion regarding the threats posed by Hitler and Mussolini. However, the project faced mounting political opposition. Shapiro ...
11m Mar 22
11m
S8 Ep617: 4. Guest Author: James Shapiro James Shapiro explores the complex reactions to the "Voodoo Macbeth," noting subtle racism in white critical reviews. Black intellectuals like Langston Hughes remained ambivalent, questioning if the project truly told Black
4. Guest Author: James Shapiro James Shapiro explores the complex reactions to the "Voodoo Macbeth," noting subtle racism in white critical reviews. Black intellectuals like Langston Hughes remained ambivalent, questioning if the project truly told Black stories or merely placed Black performers in "white" roles. The focus then shifts to Sinclair Lewis’s *It Can't Happen Here*. Although MGM ini...
8m Mar 22
8m
S8 Ep617: 3. Guest Author: James Shapiro James Shapiro details the creation of the famous "Voodoo Macbeth" in Harlem, directed by a twenty-year-old Orson Welles. Replacing Shakespeare’s traditional Scottish setting with 19th-century Haiti, the production substitute
3. Guest Author: James Shapiro James Shapiro details the creation of the famous "Voodoo Macbeth" in Harlem, directed by a twenty-year-old Orson Welles. Replacing Shakespeare’s traditional Scottish setting with 19th-century Haiti, the production substituted witches with voodoo drummers and chanters. Welles, influenced by the rise of global fascism, framed evil as a systemic cultural force rather...
12m Mar 22
12m
S8 Ep617: 2. Guest Author: James Shapiro James Shapiro explains how Hollywood's dominance decimated local theaters, leaving countless actors unemployed by the 1930s. To address this, Harry Hopkins recruited Hallie Flanagan, an experimental theater professor, to lea
2. Guest Author: James Shapiro James Shapiro explains how Hollywood's dominance decimated local theaters, leaving countless actors unemployed by the 1930s. To address this, Harry Hopkins recruited Hallie Flanagan, an experimental theater professor, to lead the Federal Theater Project. Flanagan treated the arts as a federally supported industry, eventually employing 12,000 workers and staging 10...
8m Mar 22
8m
S8 Ep617: 1. Guest Author: James Shapiro James Shapiro discusses the 1936 premiere of *Macbeth* at Harlem's Lafayette Theater, a landmark integrated event during the Jim Crow era. Shapiro introduces his book, *The Playbook*, detailing the Federal Theater Project’s
1. Guest Author: James Shapiro James Shapiro discusses the 1936 premiere of *Macbeth* at Harlem's Lafayette Theater, a landmark integrated event during the Jim Crow era. Shapiro introduces his book, *The Playbook*, detailing the Federal Theater Project’s role in American democracy. He highlights Harry Hopkins, FDR's advisor who spearheaded the Works Progress Administration (WPA). Hopkins establ...
10m Mar 22
10m
S8 Ep616: STREAMING THE MAKING OF THE JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW 3-20-2026 1868 PERSIAN GULF This transcript from The John Bachelor Show features a dialogue between host John Bachelor, Jeff Bliss of Pacific Watch
STREAMING THE MAKING OF THE JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW 3-20-2026 1868 PERSIAN GULF This transcript from The John Bachelor Show features a dialogue between host John Bachelor, Jeff Bliss of Pacific Watch, and a commentator known as Germanicus. The discussion begins with an overview of California's current challenges, including record-breaking heatwaves and a controversial $100 million wildlife bridge ...
57m Mar 21
57m
S8 Ep615: SHOW SCHEDULE THE MAKING OF THE JOHN BATCHELOR 3-20-2-26 1939 OKLAHOMA 1. 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 ov
SHOW SCHEDULE THE JOHN BATCHELOR 3-20-2-26 1939 OKLAHOMA 1. 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. ...
9m Mar 21
9m
S8 Ep614: 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 aste
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) SUMMER 1940
5m Mar 21
5m
S8 Ep614: 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
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) 1953
14m Mar 21
14m
S8 Ep614: 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 esc
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) DECEMBER 1954
6m Mar 21
6m
S8 Ep614: 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 reactor
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) DECEMBER 1956
11m Mar 21
11m
S8 Ep613: 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 honor
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) 19333 VALLEY FORGE STATION
6m Mar 21
6m
S8 Ep613: 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 Continenta
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) 1942 MONTGOMERY COUNTY PA
14m Mar 21
14m
S8 Ep613: 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 an
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) 1943 VALLEY FORGE`
7m Mar 21
7m
S8 Ep613: 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 Bri
9. Thomas Paine’s Crisis and the Fabian Strategy Guest: Ed Larson Summary: Ed Larson details Thomas Paine’s "AmericanCrisis," 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) 1950 VALLEY FORGE
11m Mar 21
11m
S8 Ep612: 8. Business Succession and AI Productivity Guest: Gene Marks Summary: Gene Marks provides tax advice for retiring "boomer" entrepreneurs, suggesting C-corporation conversions. He also introduces Microsoft’s AI agents, which function like specialized digit
 8. Business Succession and AIProductivity Guest: Gene Marks Summary: Gene Marks provides tax advice for retiring "boomer" entrepreneurs, suggesting C-corporation conversions. He also introduces Microsoft’s AI agents, which function like specialized digital employees to handle routine tasks such as billing and lead qualification. (8) 1939 OKLAHOMA
7m Mar 20
7m
S8 Ep612: 7. Sector Analysis: Energy, Manufacturing, and Housing Guest: Gene Marks Summary: Gene Marks reports optimism in the petroleum equipment and polystyrene industries despite rising energy costs. However, he notes that residential construction and home furni
7. Sector Analysis: Energy, Manufacturing, and Housing Guest: Gene Marks Summary: Gene Marks reports optimism in the petroleum equipment and polystyrene industries despite rising energy costs. However, he notes that residential construction and home furnishings sectors are struggling due to high interest rates. (7) 1918 OKLAHOMA
13m Mar 20
13m
S8 Ep612: 6. Italian Judicial Reforms and Tourism in Mantua Guest: Lorenzo Fiori Summary: Lorenzo Fiori discusses an Italian constitutional referendum regarding judicial independence. He also provides a travel guide to historic Mantua, recommending its medieval arc
6. Italian Judicial Reforms and Tourism in Mantua Guest: Lorenzo Fiori Summary:Lorenzo Fiori discusses an Italian constitutional referendum regarding judicial independence. He also provides a travel guide to historic Mantua, recommending its medieval architecture, local artichoke pasta, and regional Amarone wine for visiting tourists. (6) 1939 OKLAHOMA CITY
9m Mar 20
9m
S8 Ep612: 5. Economic Trends in Lancaster County Guest: Jim McTague Summary: Jim McTague highlights Lancaster’s resilient economy amid rising gas prices. He observes residents seeking "instant gratification" through pastries during wartime and notes steady progress
5. Economic Trends in Lancaster CountyGuest: Jim McTague Summary: Jim McTague highlights Lancaster’s resilient economy amid rising gas prices. He observes residents seeking "instant gratification" through pastries during wartime and notes steady progress on local infrastructure projects like a new data center. (5) 1939 OKLAHOMA
9m Mar 20
9m