S8 Ep962: (11) Gregory Copley examines the political turmoil besetting the British Parliament as Keir Starmer faces internal challenges and the rising Reform Party. Concerns over illegal immigration and nationalism are replacing traditional class-based voting patte
(11) Gregory Copley examines the political turmoil besetting the British Parliament as Keir Starmer faces internal challenges and the rising Reform Party. Concerns over illegal immigration and nationalism are replacing traditional class-based voting patterns in the UK.
13m Jun 03
13m
S8 Ep962: (10) Gregory Copley analyzes reports of expanded nuclear deployments in Europe, describing them as psychological posturing. He views these signals as political maneuvering that does not substantially alter the military balance of power in Eurasia.
(10) Gregory Copley analyzes reports of expanded nuclear deployments in Europe, describing them as psychological posturing. He views these signals as political maneuvering that does not substantially alter the military balance of power in Eurasia.
6m Jun 03
6m
S8 Ep962: (9) Gregory Copley notes that the Strait of Hormuz remains closed as the IRGC maintains its "whip hand" over Iranian policy. Copley asserts that the IRGC prioritizes survival over settlements, using regional proxies to maintain strategic leverage.
(9) Gregory Copley notes that the Strait of Hormuz remains closed as the IRGC maintains its "whip hand" over Iranian policy. Copley asserts that the IRGC prioritizes survival over settlements, using regional proxies to maintain strategic leverage. 1900 BRUSSELS
11m Jun 03
11m
S8 Ep962: (8) Judy Dempsey discusses the AfD party's rise in Germany, which exploits voter fear regarding globalization and deindustrialization. However, the populists lack pragmatic solutions for demographic challenges and the necessary economic reforms missed by
(8) Judy Dempsey discusses the AfD party's rise in Germany, which exploits voter fear regarding globalization and deindustrialization. However, the populists lack pragmatic solutions for demographic challenges and the necessary economic reforms missed by previous leaders.
6m Jun 03
6m
S8 Ep962: (7) Judy Dempsey reports that leaked accounts suggest the U.S. may expand nuclear-capable deployments in Europe to deter Russia. This strategy evaluates reactions to potential shifts in NATO's security umbrella as Europe takes more responsibility for self
(7) Judy Dempsey reports that leaked accounts suggest the U.S. may expand nuclear-capable deployments in Europe to deter Russia. This strategy evaluates reactions to potential shifts in NATO's security umbrella as Europe takes more responsibility for self-defense.
14m Jun 03
14m
S8 Ep962: (6) Michael Toth explains how Texas created specialized business courts and maintained a light regulatory touch to attract major corporations. The state is successfully challenging Delaware's dominance as the primary legal domicile for prominent American
(6) Michael Toth explains how Texas created specialized business courts and maintained a light regulatory touch to attract major corporations. The state is successfully challenging Delaware's dominance as the primary legal domicile for prominent American companies.
7m Jun 03
7m
S8 Ep962: (5) Michael Toth examines Exxon Mobil's relocation to Texas, which was opposed by proxy firms ISS and Glass Lewis. Toth argues these advisory firms prioritize ideological ESG agendas over actual shareholder value and lack transparency regarding their moti
(5) Michael Toth examines Exxon Mobil's relocation to Texas, which was opposed by proxy firms ISS and Glass Lewis. Toth argues these advisory firms prioritize ideological ESG agendas over actual shareholder value and lack transparency regarding their motives.
11m Jun 03
11m
S8 Ep962: (4) Thaddeus McCotter reviews how political parties adjust after primary elections, highlighting internal conflicts between establishment figures and MAGA or socialist factions. President Trump remains focused on his policy priorities regardless of midter
(4) Thaddeus McCotter reviews how political parties adjust after primary elections, highlighting internal conflicts between establishment figures and MAGA or socialist factions. President Trump remains focused on his policy priorities regardless of midterm election outcomes. 1900 BRUSSELS
4m Jun 03
4m
S8 Ep962: (3) Thaddeus McCotter discusses a Gallup poll revealing historically low economic confidence among independent voters. The Trump administration's foreign policy challenges, particularly regarding Iran, further complicate the domestic political landscape f
(3) Thaddeus McCotter discusses a Gallup poll revealing historically low economic confidence among independent voters. The Trump administration's foreign policy challenges, particularly regarding Iran, further complicate the domestic political landscape for Republicans before the midterms.
16m Jun 03
16m
S8 Ep962: (2) Liz Peek examines how voters in California's primary face economic decline, high taxes, and out-of-control crime. Republican Steve Hilton campaigns on common-sense changes to address quality-of-life issues as residents reject "woke" policies in major
(2) Liz Peek examines how voters in California's primary face economic decline, high taxes, and out-of-control crime. Republican Steve Hilton campaigns on common-sense changes to address quality-of-life issues as residents reject "woke" policies in major cities. 1900 BRUSSELS
5m Jun 03
5m
S8 Ep962: (1) Liz Peek discusses the K-shaped economy, where wealthy retirees flourish while lower-income citizens struggle with inflation and high gasoline costs. The Iran war significantly impacts oil prices, threatening real wage growth.
(1) Liz Peek discusses the K-shaped economy, where wealthy retirees flourish while lower-income citizens struggle with inflation and high gasoline costs. The Iran war significantly impacts oil prices, threatening real wage growth.
13m Jun 03
13m
S8 Ep961: Preview for Later Today: Gregory Copley explores King Charles III's rapport with common citizens and tribal leaders, distinguishing the crown from the aristocracy. He notes the King's personal connections, such as a long-standing correspondence with a Bra
Preview for Later Today: Gregory Copley explores King Charles III's rapport with common citizens and tribal leaders, distinguishing the crown from the aristocracy. He notes the King's personal connections, such as a long-standing correspondence with a Brazilian chief. 1920
1m Jun 02
1m
S8 Ep961: Preview for Later Today: Judy Dempsey analyzes the strategic uncertainty caused by potential U.S. troop reductions in Europe. She highlights how a lack of clear communication regarding these changes creates confusion and security concerns among various NA
Preview for Later Today: Judy Dempsey analyzes the strategic uncertainty caused by potential U.S. troop reductions in Europe. She highlights how a lack of clear communication regarding these changes creates confusion and security concerns among various NATO allies. 1909 BRUSSELS
2m Jun 02
2m
S8 Ep961: Preview for Later Today: Malcolm Hoenlein investigates the mystery surrounding Mojtaba Khamenei's leadership status in Iran. He questions if the IRGC is actually in control, noting that propaganda and symbolism are being used to maintain a national facade
Preview for Later Today: Malcolm Hoenlein investigates the mystery surrounding Mojtaba Khamenei's leadership status in Iran. He questions if the IRGC is actually in control, noting that propaganda and symbolism are being used to maintain a national facade. 1920 BUSHEHR
1m Jun 02
1m
S8 Ep960: Preview for Later Today: Mary Kissel addresses the Trump administration's stance on NATO, stressing that support remains strong for Ukraine. She urges European capitals to prioritize defense while commending Ukraine's impressive advancements in domestic m
Preview for Later Today: Mary Kissel addresses the Trump administration's stance on NATO, stressing that support remains strong for Ukraine. She urges European capitals to prioritize defense while commending Ukraine's impressive advancements in domestic military industrial innovation. 1903 BRUSSELS
2m Jun 02
2m
S8 Ep960: Preview for Later Today: Thaddeus McCotter argues that the current approach to Iran repeats failures of previous administrations. He emphasizes that without regime change or ideological shifts, negotiations with the IRGC lack the trust required for sustai
Preview for Later Today: Thaddeus McCotter argues that the current approach to Iran repeats failures of previous administrations. He emphasizes that without regime change or ideological shifts, negotiations with the IRGC lack the trust required for sustainable verification. 1701
2m Jun 02
2m
S8 Ep960: Preview for Later Today: Liz Peek reports from the Reagan Economic Forum on the transformative power of AI. She observes that companies embracing AI see their revenues double, whereas those failing to adopt the technology are falling behind.
Preview for Later Today: Liz Peek reports from the Reagan Economic Forum on the transformative power of AI. She observes that companies embracing AI see their revenues double, whereas those failing to adopt the technology are falling behind. 1891
1m Jun 02
1m
S8 Ep959: SCHEDULE THE JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW, 6-1-2026. 1933 VALLEY FORGE
SCHEDULE THE JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW, 6-1-2026. 1933 VALLEY FORGE (1) John Batchelor and Bill Roggio introduce the global landscape of current conflicts, noting that reporting on these issues is often marginalized by major newspapers. The segment focuses on Syria, where the self-appointed president, Al-Shara, is holding local elections in Kurdish-majority areas despite his background as a former a...
9m Jun 02
9m
S8 Ep958: STREAMING THE MAKING OF JBS, FEATURING BILL ROGGIO AND JONATYN SAYEH, 6-1-26. 1994 YEMEN,
STREAMING THE MAKING OF JBS, FEATURING BILL ROGGIO AND JONATYN SAYEH, 6-1-26. 1994 YEMEN, The provided transcripts from The John Batchelor Show feature discussions with Bill Roggio and Jonathan Sayehregarding escalating military tensions and diplomatic instability across the Middle East and Africa. The sources analyze the Strait of Hormuz as a primary global flashpoint while examining localize...
59m Jun 02
59m
S8 Ep957: (16) Rick Fisher details the military nature of the Chinese space program, noting that the nation's astronaut corps is officially the Astronaut Brigade of the People's Liberation Army (PLA). Fisher explains that China has utilized its space program for du
(16) Rick Fisher details the military nature of the Chinese space program, noting that the nation's astronaut corps is officially the Astronaut Brigade of the People's Liberation Army (PLA). Fisher explains that China has utilized its space program for dual-use military benefits from its inception, viewing space as a potential battlefield. While Chinapublicly claims its space efforts are peacef...
11m Jun 02
11m
S8 Ep957: (15) Peter Huessy discusses the confirmation by the U.S. government that China conducted recent underground nuclear tests. Huessy reports that China is building launch pads next to its missile silos, which nuclear experts interpret as a shift toward a "fi
(15) Peter Huessy discusses the confirmation by the U.S. government that China conducted recent underground nuclear tests. Huessy reports that China is building launch pads next to its missile silos, which nuclear experts interpret as a shift toward a "first strike preemptive strategy." This strategy is designed to use a nuclear umbrella to coerce the U.S. into standing down during conventional...
9m Jun 02
9m
S8 Ep957: (14) Peter Berkowitz notes that both the progressive and post-liberal right critiques share a common repudiation of America's founding principles of human freedom and equality. He argues that these critiques often occur in a "historical and comparative va
                            (14) Peter Berkowitz notes that both the progressive and post-liberal right critiques share a common repudiation of America's founding principles of human freedom and equality. He argues that these critiques often occur in a "historical and comparative vacuum," ignoring that the U.S. remains a premier destination for those seeking personal liberty. Both sides demonst...
8m Jun 02
8m
S8 Ep957: (13) Peter Berkowitz examines two distinct intellectual critiques of the United States as it approaches its 250th anniversary: the postmodern progressives and the post-liberal right. The progressives argue that America is mired in systemic oppression and
(13) Peter Berkowitz examines two distinct intellectual critiques of the United States as it approaches its 250th anniversary: the postmodern progressives and the post-liberal right. The progressives argue that America is mired in systemic oppression and that its founding principles are the actual cause of its problems. The post-liberal right, conversely, views the nation as decadent and corrup...
10m Jun 02
10m
S8 Ep957: (12) David Daoud characterizes recent diplomatic talks between Israel and Lebanon at the U.S. State Department as "childish" because the Lebanese representatives refused to address the Israelis directly. On the ground, the IDF has captured the strategical
(12) David Daoud characterizes recent diplomatic talks between Israel and Lebanon at the U.S. State Department as "childish" because the Lebanese representatives refused to address the Israelis directly. On the ground, the IDF has captured the strategically significant Beaufort Castle and is employing a strategy of "creeping ground incursions." This new approach involves clearing areas of south...
8m Jun 02
8m
S8 Ep957: (11) David Daoud explains the linkage between Lebanon and Iran, noting that Iran treats a violation of a ceasefire in Lebanon as a violation of its own truce with the U.S. Hezbollah officially intervened in the conflict on March 2, 2026, specifically to p
(11) David Daoud explains the linkage between Lebanon and Iran, noting that Iran treats a violation of a ceasefire in Lebanon as a violation of its own truce with the U.S. Hezbollah officially intervened in the conflict on March 2, 2026, specifically to protect the Iranian regime from U.S. and Israeli pressure. Hezbollah is described as Iran's "most potent asset" and a critical tool for its reg...
12m Jun 02
12m
S8 Ep957: (10) Ahmed Sharawi highlights Iran's persistent ambition to re-establish its supply highway through Syria to Lebanon following the fall of the Assad regime. Sharawi reports that Iran continues to target Kurdish groups in Iraq, making Iraqi Kurdistan the s
(10) Ahmed Sharawi highlights Iran's persistent ambition to re-establish its supply highway through Syria to Lebanonfollowing the fall of the Assad regime. Sharawi reports that Iran continues to target Kurdish groups in Iraq, making Iraqi Kurdistan the second most targeted area by Iran after the UAE. In Syria, the government's recent local elections are described as a "selection" process aimed ...
9m Jun 02
9m
S8 Ep957: (9) John Hardie discusses tactical developments in the Ukraine war, including the seizure of a Russian oil tanker by French special forces. Ukraine is successfully ramping up "middle strikes" (30 to 300 kilometers) to target Russian logistics, air defense
(9) John Hardie discusses tactical developments in the Ukraine war, including the seizure of a Russian oil tanker by French special forces. Ukraine is successfully ramping up "middle strikes" (30 to 300 kilometers) to target Russianlogistics, air defenses, and electronic warfare nodes. These operations are bolstered by AI-equipped drones and the use of Starlink, which allow for strikes on dynam...
9m Jun 02
9m
S8 Ep957: (8) Alejandro Peña Esclusa reports on a "slow-motion coup" attempt in Bolivia led by Evo Morales, whose supporters have placed the capital under siege. This instability is a major concern for Brazil because Bolivia serves as a primary source of the cocain
(8) Alejandro Peña Esclusa reports on a "slow-motion coup" attempt in Bolivia led by Evo Morales, whose supporters have placed the capital under siege. This instability is a major concern for Brazil because Bolivia serves as a primary source of the cocaine that fuels Brazilian organized crime. Peña Esclusa suggests that Morales's efforts will likely fail as the Bolivian armed forces and police ...
4m Jun 02
4m
S8 Ep957: (7) This segment focuses on the Americas, where a shift toward right-wing candidates is occurring in response to organized crime. In Colombia, presidential candidate Abelardo de la Espriella is leading in polls on a platform of anti-narco-terrorism and re
(7) This segment focuses on the Americas, where a shift toward right-wing candidates is occurring in response to organized crime. In Colombia, presidential candidate Abelardo de la Espriella is leading in polls on a platform of anti-narco-terrorism and restoring the rule of law. In Brazil, the U.S. declaration of the PCC and Red Command as terrorist organizations is seen as a major "game change...
15m Jun 02
15m
S8 Ep957: (6) Samuel Ben-Ur explains that the Board of Peace has been inactive and is currently "without money" because its funding was predicated on Hamas disarming. Hamas immediately rejected a disarmament plan presented by the board, asserting that its weapons a
(6) Samuel Ben-Ur explains that the Board of Peace has been inactive and is currently "without money" because its funding was predicated on Hamas disarming. Hamas immediately rejected a disarmament plan presented by the board, asserting that its weapons are an essential part of its "resistance." The group's political leadership remains protected in Doha, Qatar, due to U.S. security guarantees p...
5m Jun 02
5m
S8 Ep957: (5) Samuel Ben-Ur assesses that Hamas's military wing has been degraded to the point of acting primarily as an internal police force in Gaza. The group's command structure has been "wiped out" following years of war and recent Israeli decapitation strikes
(5) Samuel Ben-Ur assesses that Hamas's military wing has been degraded to the point of acting primarily as an internal police force in Gaza. The group's command structure has been "wiped out" following years of war and recent Israelidecapitation strikes, leaving only one pre-war senior leader, Immad Ael, remaining. To replenish its ranks, Hamas is increasingly recruiting child soldiers as youn...
13m Jun 02
13m
S8 Ep957: (4) Jonathan Sayeh details the domestic situation in Iran, where the population recently endured their longest internet blackout, lasting nearly two months following a massacre in January 2026. Once connectivity was partially restored, citizens used socia
(4) Jonathan Sayeh details the domestic situation in Iran, where the population recently endured their longest internet blackout, lasting nearly two months following a massacre in January 2026. Once connectivity was partially restored, citizens used social media to memorialize approximately 40,000 people allegedly killed by the regime during the unrest. Sayeh suggests that the Iranian people fe...
6m Jun 02
6m
S8 Ep957: (3) Jonathan Sayeh reports that the U.S. blockade has caused a sharp decline in Iranian oil exports, though it has not yet reached a level of total economic catastrophe. The Iranian regime is demanding the total elimination of all sanctions and access to
(3) Jonathan Sayeh reports that the U.S. blockade has caused a sharp decline in Iranian oil exports, though it has not yet reached a level of total economic catastrophe. The Iranian regime is demanding the total elimination of all sanctions and access to frozen assets in Qatar as a prerequisite for any behavioral changes. Sayeh notes that there is no longer a significant "reformist" camp within...
14m Jun 02
14m
S8 Ep957: (2) Bill Roggio argues that the term "ceasefire" regarding the Strait of Hormuz is a misnomer, as the United States and Iran continue to launch fresh strikes against one another. Roggio characterizes the situation as confusing for the American public beca
(2) Bill Roggio argues that the term "ceasefire" regarding the Strait of Hormuz is a misnomer, as the United States and Iran continue to launch fresh strikes against one another. Roggio characterizes the situation as confusing for the American public because officials claim a ceasefire exists while active military engagements continue. Iran is described as being in a state of open war in all di...
3m Jun 02
3m
S8 Ep957: (1) John Batchelor and Bill Roggio introduce the global landscape of current conflicts, noting that reporting on these issues is often marginalized by major newspapers. The segment focuses on Syria, where the self-appointed president, Al-Shara, is holding
(1) John Batchelor and Bill Roggio introduce the global landscape of current conflicts, noting that reporting on these issues is often marginalized by major newspapers. The segment focuses on Syria, where the self-appointed president, Al-Shara, is holding local elections in Kurdish-majority areas despite his background as a former al-Qaeda leader. Skepticism is expressed regarding Al-Shara's tr...
15m Jun 02
15m
S8 Ep956: Preview for Later Today: Samuel Ben-ur discusses Hamas's continued threat in Gaza despite shifting battlefield dynamics. He explores IDF operations, leadership objectives under Netanyahu, and the challenges of securing the region while Hamas remains armed
Preview for Later Today: Samuel Ben-ur discusses Hamas's continued threat in Gaza despite shifting battlefield dynamics. He explores IDF operations, leadership objectives under Netanyahu, and the challenges of securing the region while Hamas remains armed and dangerous for civilians. 1914 MT ZION
1m Jun 01
1m
S8 Ep956: Preview for Later Today: Rick Fisher examines the competition between the U.S. Space Force and China's militarized astronaut brigade. He highlights dual-use technologies on the moon and the importance of defending lunar assets if global geopolitics turn s
Preview for Later Today: Rick Fisher examines the competition between the U.S. Space Force and China's militarized astronaut brigade. He highlights dual-use technologies on the moon and the importance of defending lunar assets if global geopolitics turn sour today. 1958
4m Jun 01
4m
S8 Ep956: Preview for Later Today: John Hardie analyzes the drone war in Ukraine, noting the tactical advantage Starlink and Western AI provide for mid-range strikes. He contrasts Ukrainian logistics targeting with Russia's focus on energy infrastructure and specia
Preview for Later Today: John Hardie analyzes the drone war in Ukraine, noting the tactical advantage Starlink and Western AI provide for mid-range strikes. He contrasts Ukrainian logistics targeting with Russia's focus on energy infrastructure and specialized tactical drones. 1856 BLACK SEA FLEET
2m Jun 01
2m
S8 Ep956: Preview for Later Today: Peter Huessy explains battlefield nuclear doctrines, contrasting Western deterrent strategies with Russia's coercive use of nuclear threats. He discusses how these tensions influence NATO's involvement in Ukraine and ongoing Russi
Preview for Later Today: Peter Huessy explains battlefield nuclear doctrines, contrasting Western deterrent strategies with Russia's coercive use of nuclear threats. He discusses how these tensions influence NATO's involvement in Ukraineand ongoing Russian nuclear weapon posturing in Belarus. MAY 19, 1953 NEVADA
2m Jun 01
2m
S8 Ep956: Preview for Later Today: Jonathan Sayeh reports on the Iranian people's discouragement regarding the lack of U.S. support for regime change. He discusses abandoned mobilization plans and the potential, yet controversial, use of specific Kurdish separatist
Preview for Later Today: Jonathan Sayeh reports on the Iranian people's discouragement regarding the lack of U.S. support for regime change. He discusses abandoned mobilization plans and the potential, yet controversial, use of specific Kurdish separatist groups against the IRGC. 1903 TEHRAN
2m Jun 01
2m
S8 Ep956: Preview for Later Today: Ahmed Sharawi discusses Iran's persistent ambition to dominate Syria and rebuild the strategic highway to Beirut. He emphasizes that Iran continues exploiting Syrian territory to empower and rearm its regional proxies, specificall
Preview for Later Today: Ahmed Sharawi discusses Iran's persistent ambition to dominate Syria and rebuild the strategic highway to Beirut. He emphasizes that Iran continues exploiting Syrian territory to empower and rearm its regional proxies, specifically the Hezbollah militia. 1909
1m Jun 01
1m
S8 Ep955: (3) Finally, the pair shifts to Persian diplomacy and the "dispensation for deception." Germanicus explains how Iran uses strategic deceit to survive existential threats, specifically aiming to separate United States interests from Israel. They speculat
(3) Finally, the pair shifts to Persian diplomacy and the "dispensation for deception." Germanicus explains how Iranuses strategic deceit to survive existential threats, specifically aiming to separate United States interests from Israel. They speculate that modern leaders may settle conflicts through informal "backdoor handshakes" or social media posts rather than traditional documents. Drawin...
12m Jun 01
12m
S8 Ep955: (2) Continuing their debate, Gaius and Germanicus debunk the "Thucydides Trap," labeling it a modern "literary invention" rather than a historical law. They argue the Peloponnesian War was not an inevitable clash but was triggered by Pericles baiting Spar
(2) Continuing their debate, Gaius and Germanicus debunk the "Thucydides Trap," labeling it a modern "literary invention" rather than a historical law. They argue the Peloponnesian War was not an inevitable clash but was triggered by Pericles baiting Sparta into conflict. Germanicus critiques the theory for creating a self-fulfilling prophecy lacking scientific basis. They contrast the long-ter...
14m Jun 01
14m
S8 Ep955: (1) In 92 AD, at their Londinium wine bar, Gaius and Germanicus critique the "American way of war," arguing it has failed by abandoning war's sacred ritual roots. In antiquity, war forged civic bonds and served as an apotheosis where performance and sacri
(1) In 92 AD, at their Londinium wine bar, Gaius and Germanicus critique the "American way of war," arguing it has failed by abandoning war's sacred ritual roots. In antiquity, war forged civic bonds and served as an apotheosis where performance and sacrifice mattered more than victory. They contrast the "nation in arms" with the modern "emperor system" that relies on hired soldiers. Citing Spa...
32m Jun 01
32m
S8 Ep954: (8) Bob Zimmerman concludes by revisiting the Apollo 1 catastrophe, where three astronauts died due to "hubris" and careless engineering on the launchpad. This failure forced NASA to adopt total honesty, resulting in critical safety redesigns like the
(8) Bob Zimmerman concludes by revisiting the Apollo 1 catastrophe, where three astronauts died due to "hubris" and careless engineering on the launchpad. This failure forced NASA to adopt total honesty, resulting in critical safety redesigns like the new hatch and atmosphere. Simultaneously, the Soviet program suffered its own tragedy with the death of cosmonaut Komarov during Soyuz 1's re-ent...
10m Jun 01
10m
S8 Ep954: (7) Bob Zimmerman describes how the mission's return depended on a high-stakes Trans-Earth Injection burn, after which Jim Lovell famously radioed that "there is a Santa Claus." Zimmerman describes a navigation crisis where Lovell accidentally wiped the c
(7) Bob Zimmerman describes how the mission's return depended on a high-stakes Trans-Earth Injection burn, after which Jim Lovell famously radioed that "there is a Santa Claus." Zimmerman describes a navigation crisis where Lovellaccidentally wiped the computer's orientation data, forcing him to use a sextant and stars—ancient naval tools—to manually realign the ship. The guest marvels at the "...
10m Jun 01
10m
S8 Ep954: (6) Bob Zimmerman shares the backstory of the iconic Earthrise photo and the legendary Christmas Eve broadcast. He clarifies that while there was friction over who took the photograph, Bill Anders captured the famous color version. For the broadcast, whic
(6) Bob Zimmerman shares the backstory of the iconic Earthrise photo and the legendary Christmas Eve broadcast. He clarifies that while there was friction over who took the photograph, Bill Anders captured the famous color version. For the broadcast, which reached the largest audience in history, Frank Borman rejected PR advice and instead chose to read from Genesis. The guest notes that this c...
8m Jun 01
8m
S8 Ep954: (5) Bob Zimmerman reflects on the Cold War context of 1968, a year defined by Vietnam, riots, and political assassinations. Zimmerman disputes the idea that NASA had a "military culture," describing it instead as a civilian organization using World War II
(5) Bob Zimmerman reflects on the Cold War context of 1968, a year defined by Vietnam, riots, and political assassinations. Zimmerman disputes the idea that NASA had a "military culture," describing it instead as a civilian organization using World War II-style management to achieve great things. However, he critiques the program's top-down government structure as a "dead end" that mirrored Sov...
10m Jun 01
10m
S8 Ep954: (4) Bob Zimmerman recounts how, during the critical Lunar Orbit Insertion, the crew fired the SPS engine behind the moon with no communication and no backup; failure meant certain death. Upon arrival, the astronauts were initially disappointed by the moon
(4) Bob Zimmerman recounts how, during the critical Lunar Orbit Insertion, the crew fired the SPS engine behind the moon with no communication and no backup; failure meant certain death. Upon arrival, the astronauts were initially disappointed by the moon's skull-like, colorless appearance, comparing it to a barren sandbox. However, the guest notes that their observations settled a decades-old ...
9m Jun 01
9m
S8 Ep954: (3) Bob Zimmerman examines the Soviet Zond program, noting that failures like Zond 4's self-destruction and Zond 6's atmosphere loss prevented the Russians from launching cosmonauts first. This created a vacuum that NASA manager George Low filled by propo
(3) Bob Zimmerman examines the Soviet Zond program, noting that failures like Zond 4's self-destruction and Zond 6's atmosphere loss prevented the Russians from launching cosmonauts first. This created a vacuum that NASA manager George Low filled by proposing the bold, risky plan to send Apollo 8 to the moon without the lunar module. Despite the lack of a "lifeboat," leadership approved the mis...
7m Jun 01
7m