S8 Ep220: BILL CASEY TAKES COMMAND OF THE REAGAN CAMPAIGN Colleague Craig Unger. Unger details how Ronald Reagan hired former OSS spy Bill Casey as campaign manager. Casey utilized a secret intelligence network involving Israeli agents to monitor the hostage situat
BILL CASEY TAKES COMMAND OF THE REAGAN CAMPAIGN Colleague Craig Unger. Unger details how Ronald Reagan hired former OSS spy Bill Casey as campaign manager. Casey utilized a secret intelligence network involving Israeli agents to monitor the hostage situation, fearing a pre-election release would help Carter. Casey aimed to prevent this "October Surprise" while keeping Reagan largely insulated f...
6m Dec 20, 2025
6m
S8 Ep220: HOSTAGE CRISIS AND THE DESERT ONE TRAGEDY Colleague Craig Unger. Author Craig Unger discusses the 1980 "Desert One" rescue failure, a tragedy that crippled President Carter's re-election chances. He explains the geopolitical context, including the Shah's
HOSTAGE CRISIS AND THE DESERT ONE TRAGEDY Colleague Craig Unger. Author Craig Unger discusses the 1980 "Desert One" rescue failure, a tragedy that crippled President Carter's re-election chances. He explains the geopolitical context, including the Shah's overthrow, the student-led embassy takeover, and the strained relationship between Carter and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin amidst reg...
12m Dec 20, 2025
12m
S8 Ep219: COVID-19 AND THE EMPOWERMENT OF UNELECTED BUREAUCRATS Colleague Victor Davis Hanson. Hanson asserts that the COVID-19 pandemic empowered unelected bureaucrats to enforce lockdowns that disproportionately crushed the middle class while enriching large corp
COVID-19 AND THE EMPOWERMENT OF UNELECTED BUREAUCRATS Colleague Victor Davis Hanson. Hanson asserts that the COVID-19 pandemic empowered unelected bureaucrats to enforce lockdowns that disproportionately crushed the middle class while enriching large corporations and the "Zoom class." He claims the scientific consensus was manipulated to protect China regarding the virus's origins and that earl...
8m Dec 20, 2025
8m
S8 Ep219: NULLIFICATION AND THE WEAPONIZATION OF IMPEACHMENT Colleague Victor Davis Hanson. The discussion covers modern "nullification," where jurisdictions like sanctuary cities deliberately ignore federal immigration laws, creating a dangerous legal asymmetry. H
NULLIFICATION AND THE WEAPONIZATION OF IMPEACHMENT Colleague Victor Davis Hanson. The discussion covers modern "nullification," where jurisdictions like sanctuary cities deliberately ignore federal immigration laws, creating a dangerous legal asymmetry. Hanson also argues that the impeachment process has been distorted into a political tool used to punish first-term presidents who lose congress...
7m Dec 20, 2025
7m
S8 Ep219: PROGRESSIVE ELITES AND CONSTITUTIONAL SUBVERSION Colleague Victor Davis Hanson. Hanson characterizes progressive elites as "evolutionaries" who seek to bypass Constitutional checks like the Electoral College and the Senate's structure because these system
PROGRESSIVE ELITES AND CONSTITUTIONAL SUBVERSION Colleague Victor Davis Hanson. Hansoncharacterizes progressive elites as "evolutionaries" who seek to bypass Constitutional checks like the Electoral Collegeand the Senate's structure because these systems no longer favor their political dominance. He warns that threats to "pack the Supreme Court" and the practice of ignoring treaty ratification ...
12m Dec 20, 2025
12m
S8 Ep219: THE ADMINISTRATIVE STATE AND UNELECTED POWER Colleague Victor Davis Hanson. Hanson describes the "administrative state" or "deep state" as a permanent class of unelected bureaucrats who possess vast power without accountability to voters or Congress. He a
THE ADMINISTRATIVE STATE AND UNELECTED POWER Colleague Victor Davis Hanson. Hanson describes the "administrative state" or "deep state" as a permanent class of unelected bureaucrats who possess vast power without accountability to voters or Congress. He asserts that these officials, believing their expertise gives them moral authority, actively "resisted" the Trump administration through leaks ...
9m Dec 20, 2025
9m
S8 Ep219: THE ABANDONMENT OF THE MELTING POT IDEAL Colleague Victor Davis Hanson. Hanson asserts that America is abandoning the "melting pot" ideal of assimilation—where diverse people integrate to become Americans—in favor of tribalism and identity politics. He cl
 THE ABANDONMENT OF THE MELTING POT IDEAL Colleague Victor Davis Hanson. Hanson asserts that America is abandoning the "melting pot" ideal of assimilation—where diverse people integrate to become Americans—in favor of tribalism and identity politics. He claims this regression into racial and group classifications threatens the country's stability, as elites prioritize "equality of result" over ...
12m Dec 20, 2025
12m
S8 Ep219: IMMIGRATION POLICY AND THE EROSION OF CITIZENSHIP Colleague Victor Davis Hanson. Hanson critiques the 1965 Hart-Celler Act for destroying meritocratic immigration in favor of family ties and the 1986 amnesty for failing to secure the border as promised. H
IMMIGRATION POLICY AND THE EROSION OF CITIZENSHIP Colleague Victor Davis Hanson. Hansoncritiques the 1965 Hart-Celler Act for destroying meritocratic immigration in favor of family ties and the 1986 amnesty for failing to secure the border as promised. He argues that maintaining open borders and ignoring laws creates a large, non-citizen constituency that undermines the legal and cultural conce...
8m Dec 20, 2025
8m
S8 Ep219: THE AUTONOMOUS MIDDLE CLASS AS THE REPUBLIC'S FOUNDATION Colleague Victor Davis Hanson. Victor Davis Hanson argues that a stable republic relies on an autonomous middle class, which serves as a buffer between the wealthy and the dependent poor. Drawing on
THE AUTONOMOUS MIDDLE CLASS AS THE REPUBLIC'S FOUNDATION Colleague Victor Davis Hanson. Victor Davis Hanson argues that a stable republic relies on an autonomous middle class, which serves as a buffer between the wealthy and the dependent poor. Drawing on classical history, he warns that modern policies are "hollowing out" this class, creating a peasantry dependent on the state for survival, il...
10m Dec 20, 2025
10m
S8 Ep218: SHOW 12-19-25 THE SHOW BEGINS WITH DOUBTS ABOUTGAVIN NNEWSOM ON THE AMPAIGN TRAIL FOR 2028... WEST COAST WEATHER AND PORTLAND'S DECLINE Colleague Jeff Bliss, Pacific Watch. Jeff Bliss reports that Nordstrom Rack is leaving downtown Portland, citing high
SHOW 12-19-25 THE SHOW BEGINS WITH DOUBTS ABOUTGAVIN NNEWSOM  ON THE AMPAIGN TRAIL FOR 2028... LA 1900 WEST COAST WEATHER AND PORTLAND'S DECLINE Colleague Jeff Bliss, Pacific Watch. Jeff Bliss reports that Nordstrom Rack is leaving downtown Portland, citing high vacancy rates, crime, and homelessness. He also details a massive atmospheric river bringing heavy rain to the West Coast and dangero...
8m Dec 20, 2025
8m
S8 Ep217: AI ADOPTION IN BUSINESS AND CONSTRUCTION Colleague Gene Marks, The Guardian. Marks argues that AI is enhancing productivity rather than replacing humans, despite accuracy issues. He highlights AI adoption in construction, including drones and augmented re
AI ADOPTION IN BUSINESS AND CONSTRUCTION Colleague Gene Marks, The Guardian. Marks argues that AI is enhancing productivity rather than replacing humans, despite accuracy issues. He highlights AI adoption in construction, including drones and augmented reality for safety. Marks notes that small businesses are eager for these technologies to improve efficiency, while displaced tech workers find ...
9m Dec 20, 2025
9m
S8 Ep217: ECONOMIC SLOWDOWN AND CONSUMER SPENDING Colleague Gene Marks, The Guardian. Gene Marks reports on a US economic slowdown, citing contracting architectural billings and falling hotel occupancy. He notes that while the wealthy continue spending, the middle
  ECONOMIC SLOWDOWN AND CONSUMER SPENDING Colleague Gene Marks, The Guardian. Gene Marksreports on a US economic slowdown, citing contracting architectural billings and falling hotel occupancy. He notes that while the wealthy continue spending, the middle class is cutting back on dining out. Marks attributes inflation to government money circulation and discusses proposals for mandated retireme...
11m Dec 20, 2025
11m
S8 Ep217: EXECUTIVE POWER AND INDEPENDENT AGENCIES Colleague Professor Richard Epstein, Hoover Institution. Epstein discusses a Supreme Court case regarding the President's power to fire members of independent boards like the FTC. He fears Chief Justice Roberts wil
EXECUTIVE POWER AND INDEPENDENT AGENCIES Colleague Professor Richard Epstein, Hoover Institution. Epstein discusses a Supreme Court case regarding the President's power to fire members of independent boards like the FTC. He fears Chief Justice Roberts will side with executive power, a move Epstein views as an "unmitigated disaster" that undermines the necessary independence of agencies like the...
3m Dec 20, 2025
3m
S8 Ep217: SUPREME COURT CHALLENGES TO TARIFF POWERS Colleague Professor Richard Epstein, Hoover Institution. Professor Epstein analyzes potential Supreme Court rulings on the President's use of emergency powers for broad tariffs. He predicts the Court may find the
SUPREME COURT CHALLENGES TO TARIFF POWERS Colleague Professor Richard Epstein, Hoover Institution. Professor Epstein analyzes potential Supreme Court rulings on the President's use of emergency powers for broad tariffs. He predicts the Court may find the interpretation unconstitutional, creating a logistical nightmare regarding the refund of billions in collected revenues and addressing the com...
15m Dec 20, 2025
15m
S8 Ep217: THE BARRACKS EMPERORS AND THE ANTONINE PLAGUE Colleague Professor Edward J. Watts, University of California at San Diego. The discussion turns to the "barracks emperors," highlighting Trajan's expansion into Dacia and Hadrian's infrastructure focus. Watts
THE BARRACKS EMPERORS AND THE ANTONINE PLAGUE Colleague Professor Edward J. Watts, University of California at San Diego. The discussion turns to the "barracks emperors," highlighting Trajan's expansion into Dacia and Hadrian's infrastructure focus. Watts describes Marcus Aurelius's Stoic governance during constant warfare and a devastating smallpox pandemic, which forced Rome to settle German ...
10m Dec 20, 2025
10m
S8 Ep217: THE YEAR OF FOUR EMPERORS AND FLAVIAN RULE Colleague Professor Edward J. Watts, University of California at San Diego. Watts analyzes the chaos following Nero's death, where Vespasian seized power after a brutal civil war that burned Capitoline Hill. The
THE YEAR OF FOUR EMPERORS AND FLAVIAN RULE Colleague Professor Edward J. Watts, University of California at San Diego. Watts analyzes the chaos following Nero's death, where Vespasian seized power after a brutal civil war that burned Capitoline Hill. The segment covers the Flavian dynasty, Titus's destruction of Jerusalem, and Domitian's vilification, concluding with Nerva's coup and the adopti...
9m Dec 20, 2025
9m
S8 Ep217: NERO, AGRIPPINA, AND THE MATRICIDE Colleague Professor Edward J. Watts, University of California at San Diego. Professor Watts details the pathology of the Roman emperorship, focusing on Agrippina's maneuvering to install her son Nero. Watts describes Ner
NERO, AGRIPPINA, AND THE MATRICIDE Colleague Professor Edward J. Watts, University of California at San Diego. Professor Watts details the pathology of the Roman emperorship, focusing on Agrippina's maneuvering to install her son Nero. Watts describes Nero's eventual assassination of his mother using a collapsible ship and his pivot to seeking popularity through rigged Olympic victories in Gree...
8m Dec 20, 2025
8m
S8 Ep217: THE FALL OF THE REPUBLIC: SULLA TO CAESAR Colleague Professor Edward J. Watts, University of California at San Diego. Watts traces the Republic's fall, starting with the rivalry between Marius and Sulla. Sulla's brutal proscriptions and dictatorship traum
THE FALL OF THE REPUBLIC: SULLA TO CAESAR Colleague Professor Edward J. Watts, University of California at San Diego. Watts traces the Republic's fall, starting with the rivalry between Marius and Sulla. Sulla'sbrutal proscriptions and dictatorship traumatized a young Julius Caesar. Watts explains that Caesar eventually concluded the Republic's structures were broken, leading him to seize power...
10m Dec 20, 2025
10m
S8 Ep217: SPACE BRIEFS: ROCKET LAB AND MARS RIVERS Colleague Bob Zimmerman, BehindtheBlack.com. Zimmerman highlights Rocket Lab's record launches and Max Space's new inflatable station module. He notes a European satellite report on sea levels omitted "global warmi
SPACE BRIEFS: ROCKET LAB AND MARS RIVERS Colleague Bob Zimmerman, BehindtheBlack.com. Zimmerman highlights Rocket Lab's record launches and Max Space's new inflatable station module. He notes a European satellite report on sea levels omitted "global warming" references. Additionally, he describes Martian drainage features that resemble rivers and cites a study claiming AI algorithms are exposin...
6m Dec 20, 2025
6m
S8 Ep217: NASA'S NEW LEADERSHIP AND PRIVATE SPACE Colleague Bob Zimmerman, BehindtheBlack.com. Bob Zimmerman discusses Jared Isaacman's confirmation as NASA administrator and an executive order prioritizing commercial space. Zimmerman predicts Isaacman might cancel
NASA'S NEW LEADERSHIP AND PRIVATE SPACE Colleague Bob Zimmerman, BehindtheBlack.com. Bob Zimmerman discusses Jared Isaacman's confirmation as NASA administrator and an executive order prioritizing commercial space. Zimmerman predicts Isaacman might cancel the crewed Artemis II mission due to safety concerns with the Orion capsule, signaling a shift away from government-run programs like SLS tow...
14m Dec 20, 2025
14m
S8 Ep217: THE URGENCY OF SOCIAL SECURITY REFORM Colleague Veronique de Rugy, Mercatus Center. Veronique de Rugy argues Social Security must be reformed before trust funds run dry in the 2030s. She contends the system unfairly redistributes wealth from young workers
THE URGENCY OF SOCIAL SECURITY REFORM Colleague Veronique de Rugy, Mercatus Center. Veronique de Rugy argues Social Security must be reformed before trust funds run dry in the 2030s. She contends the system unfairly redistributes wealth from young workers to increasingly wealthy seniors and advocates for capping benefits or means-testing rather than raising taxes or allowing across-the-board cu...
9m Dec 20, 2025
9m
S8 Ep217: LANCASTER COUNTY AND A HOLIDAY SPENDING SLUMP Colleague Jim McTague, Author and Journalist. Reporting from Lancaster County, Jim McTague observes a sluggish Christmas shopping season, with consumers buying practical items like gloves rather than expensive
LANCASTER COUNTY AND A HOLIDAY SPENDING SLUMP Colleague Jim McTague, Author and Journalist. Reporting from Lancaster County, Jim McTague observes a sluggish Christmas shopping season, with consumers buying practical items like gloves rather than expensive packages. While tourist venues like Sight & Sound Theaterremain busy, he predicts a mild recession in 2026 due to rising local taxes and util...
9m Dec 20, 2025
9m
S8 Ep217: NUCLEAR PROLIFERATION AND RUSSIAN SANCTIONS Colleague Henry Sokolski, Nonproliferation Policy Education Center. Sokolski criticizes the lifting of sanctions on Russian banks for nuclear projects and highlights the dangers at the Russian-occupied Zaporizhz
CNUCLEAR PROLIFERATION AND RUSSIAN SANCTIONS Colleague Henry Sokolski, Nonproliferation Policy Education Center. Sokolski criticizes the lifting of sanctions on Russian banks for nuclear projects and highlights the dangers at the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia plant. He warns against potential deals allowing Saudi Arabia and South Korea to enrich uranium, arguing this brings them dangerously clo...
11m Dec 20, 2025
11m
S8 Ep217: CHINA'S CHIP THEFT AND AI WARFARE RISKS Colleague Brandon Weichert, The National Interest. Weichert discusses China's attempts to upgrade older ASML machines and reverse-engineer chips to bypass sanctions. They also review 2025 lessons, noting that AI in
CHINA'S CHIP THEFT AND AI WARFARE RISKS Colleague Brandon Weichert, The National Interest. Weichert discusses China's attempts to upgrade older ASML machines and reverse-engineer chips to bypass sanctions. They also review 2025 lessons, noting that AI in military war games tends to escalate conflicts aggressively toward nuclear options, warning that China may fuse AI with its nuclear command sy...
9m Dec 20, 2025
9m
S8 Ep216: CHINA'S CHIP THEFT AND AI WARFARE RISKS Colleague Brandon Weichert, The National Interest. Weichert discusses China's attempts to upgrade older ASML machines and reverse-engineer chips to bypass sanctions. They also review 2025 lessons, noting that AI in
CHINA'S CHIP THEFT AND AI WARFARE RISKS Colleague Brandon Weichert, The National Interest. Weichert discusses China's attempts to upgrade older ASML machines and reverse-engineer chips to bypass sanctions. They also review 2025 lessons, noting that AI in military war games tends to escalate conflicts aggressively toward nuclear options, warning that China may fuse AI with its nuclear command sy...
9m Dec 20, 2025
9m
S8 Ep216: WEST COAST WEATHER AND PORTLAND'S DECLINE Colleague Jeff Bliss, Pacific Watch. Jeff Bliss reports that Nordstrom Rack is leaving downtown Portland, citing high vacancy rates, crime, and homelessness. He also details a massive atmospheric river bringing he
WEST COAST WEATHER AND PORTLAND'S DECLINE Colleague Jeff Bliss, Pacific Watch. Jeff Bliss reports that Nordstrom Rack is leaving downtown Portland, citing high vacancy rates, crime, and homelessness. He also details a massive atmospheric river bringing heavy rain to the West Coast and dangerous Tule fog in California, while analyzing Gavin Newsom's presidential prospects amidst state economic s...
9m Dec 20, 2025
9m
S8 Ep215: PREVIEW S&P 500 AND SMALL COMPANIES EMBRACE AI TO BOOST PRODUCTIVITY Colleague Gene Marks. Gene Marks discusses how S&P 500 and small companies embrace Artificial Intelligence to boost workforce productivity. Despite concerns regarding accuracy and securi
PREVIEW S&P 500 AND SMALL COMPANIES EMBRACE AI TO BOOST PRODUCTIVITY Colleague Gene Marks. Gene Marks discusses how S&P 500 and small companies embrace Artificial Intelligence to boost workforce productivity. Despite concerns regarding accuracy and security, Marks argues that businesses utilize AI for efficiency—handling low-risk tasks like emails—rather than displacing workers, ultimately aimi...
2m Dec 19, 2025
2m
S8 Ep215: PREVIEW LANCASTER COUNTY MALL SANTA OBSERVES CHRISTMAS SLOWDOWN Colleague Jim McTague. Jim McTague shares insights from a Lancaster County mall Santa, who observed a significant slowdown in visits this Christmas. The Santa attributes this decline to high
PREVIEW LANCASTER COUNTY MALL SANTA OBSERVES CHRISTMAS SLOWDOWN Colleague Jim McTague. Jim McTague shares insights from a Lancaster County mall Santa, who observed a significant slowdown in visits this Christmas. The Santa attributes this decline to high costs, such as expensive photo packages, pinching young families. This trend suggests distinct economic strain on younger generations compared...
2m Dec 19, 2025
2m
S8 Ep215: PREVIEW 69 AD: VITELLIUS FAILS TO RESTORE THE ROMAN REPUBLIC Colleague Professor Ed Watts. Professor Ed Watts discusses 69 AD, where Emperor Vitellius's attempt to return power to the Senate failed. Blocked by the Praetorian Guard to protect their own int
PREVIEW 69 AD: VITELLIUS FAILS TO RESTORE THE ROMAN REPUBLIC Colleague Professor Ed Watts. Professor Ed Watts discusses 69 AD, where Emperor Vitellius's attempt to return power to the Senate failed. Blocked by the Praetorian Guard to protect their own interests, this conflict led to a massacre and the burning of Capitoline Hill. This moment marked the end of attempts to restore the Roman Republ...
2m Dec 19, 2025
2m
S8 Ep215: PREVIEW ROCKET LAB OUTPERFORMS RUSSIA IN LAUNCH NUMBERS Colleague Bob Zimmerman. Bob Zimmerman highlights Rocket Lab's success, noting the private company is outperforming Russia in launch numbers. He describes a recent mission deploying "pizza pie" shape
PREVIEW ROCKET LAB OUTPERFORMS RUSSIA IN LAUNCH NUMBERS Colleague Bob Zimmerman. Bob Zimmerman highlights Rocket Lab's success, noting the private company is outperforming Russia in launch numbers. He describes a recent mission deploying "pizza pie" shaped satellites for the Space Force. These flat discs allow efficient packing and aerodynamic testing in lower orbits, showcasing the effectivene...
2m Dec 19, 2025
2m
S8 Ep214: PREVIEW Guest: Henry Sokolski. Sokolski describes a new warfare tactic piloted by Russia that utilizes non-nuclear strategic weapons to disable critical infrastructure nodes, such as electricity and communications. While China is actively building these i
PREVIEW Guest: Henry Sokolski. Sokolski describes a new warfare tactic piloted by Russia that utilizes non-nuclear strategic weapons to disable critical infrastructure nodes, such as electricity and communications. While China is actively building these intercontinental systems to force surrender without nuclear fallout, the U.S. currently lacks a coherent response to this specific threat.
1m Dec 19, 2025
1m
S8 Ep214: PREVIEW Guest: Brandon Weichert. Weichert explains how China attempts to reverse engineer advanced chip fabricator machines from the European firm ASML to bypass sanctions. Chinese entities reportedly broke machines while tinkering, then called ASML for r
PREVIEW Guest: Brandon Weichert. Weichert explains how China attempts to reverse engineer advanced chip fabricator machines from the European firm ASML to bypass sanctions. Chinese entities reportedly broke machines while tinkering, then called ASMLfor repairs specifically to observe the technicians and learn the intricate mechanics of the forbidden technology. The strategy is similar to a car ...
2m Dec 19, 2025
2m
S8 Ep213: CRUNCH EU SUMMIT DISCUSSES USING FROZEN RUSSIAN ASSETS FOR UKRAINE Colleague Anatol Lieven. The European Union is internally divided over seizing frozen Russian assets to fund Ukraine's war effort and reconstruction, a move requiring rule changes that som
SHOW 12-18-25 THE SHOW BEGINS IN DOUBTS ABOUT THE POTUS AT YEAR'S END... 1951 BALD EAGLE ALASKA CRUNCH EU SUMMIT DISCUSSES USING FROZEN RUSSIAN ASSETS FOR UKRAINE Colleague Anatol Lieven. The European Union is internally divided over seizing frozen Russian assets to fund Ukraine's war effort and reconstruction, a move requiring rule changes that some members resist. While the US proposes using ...
8m Dec 19, 2025
8m
S8 Ep212: CONGRESSIONAL SPENDING AND THE REVERSE MIDAS TOUCH Colleagues Dave Hebert and Peter Earle. Hebert and Earle argue that Congressional spending exacerbates problems in education and healthcare by subsidizing demand while restricting supply through regulatio
CONGRESSIONAL SPENDING AND THE REVERSE MIDAS TOUCH Colleagues Dave Hebert and Peter Earle. Hebert and Earle argue that Congressional spending exacerbates problems in education and healthcare by subsidizing demand while restricting supply through regulations. They contend politicians prefer "showy" supply-side interventions, like drug busts, over effective policies because the politics of appear...
11m Dec 19, 2025
11m
S8 Ep211: EUROPE SCROUNGES FOR FUNDS AMID RUSSIAN ASSET DISPUTES Colleague Michael Bernstam. The UK threatens to seize proceeds from the sale of Chelsea FC for Ukraine aid, while the EU struggles to finance a $135 billion shortfall for Kyiv. European leaders propos
EUROPE SCROUNGES FOR FUNDS AMID RUSSIAN ASSET DISPUTES Colleague Michael Bernstam. The UK threatens to seize proceeds from the sale of Chelsea FC for Ukraine aid, while the EU struggles to finance a $135 billion shortfall for Kyiv. European leaders propose leveraging frozen Russian assets for loans, but financial markets remain skeptical of the EU's ability to guarantee such debt. NUMBER 15 1963
9m Dec 19, 2025
9m
S8 Ep211: INVESTING IN HUMAN INTELLECT OVER ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE Colleague Dr. Sabayashi Pal. Given an unlimited budget, Dr. Pal would prioritize human resource development over new telescopes, proposing a space study institute in Africa to train experts. He arg
INVESTING IN HUMAN INTELLECT OVER ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE Colleague Dr. Sabayashi Pal. Given an unlimited budget, Dr. Pal would prioritize human resource development over new telescopes, proposing a space study institute in Africa to train experts. He argues that while AI is a useful tool, education is essential for humans to interpret data and appreciate the machinery rather than being replace...
5m Dec 19, 2025
5m
S8 Ep211: DISCOVERY OF GIANT RADIO GALAXIES AND SUPERMASSIVE BLACK HOLES Colleague Dr. Sabayashi Pal. Astronomers have discovered 53 giant radio galaxies, some 75 times larger than the Milky Way, powered by active supermassive black holes emitting radio jets. These
DISCOVERY OF GIANT RADIO GALAXIES AND SUPERMASSIVE BLACK HOLES Colleague Dr. Sabayashi Pal. Astronomers have discovered 53 giant radio galaxies, some 75 times larger than the Milky Way, powered by active supermassive black holes emitting radio jets. These ancient objects offer insights into galactic evolution, contrasting sharply with the Milky Way's smaller, dormant black hole that allows life...
13m Dec 19, 2025
13m
S8 Ep211: THE GRACCHI BROTHERS AND THE RISE OF POLITICAL VIOLENCE IN ROME Colleague Professor Edward J. Watts. The Gracchi brothers introduced political violence to Rome, with Tiberius using populism to revive his career and Gaius acting as a true believer in refor
THE GRACCHI BROTHERS AND THE RISE OF POLITICAL VIOLENCE IN ROME Colleague Professor Edward J. Watts. The Gracchi brothers introduced political violence to Rome, with Tiberius using populism to revive his career and Gaius acting as a true believer in reform. Their assassinations by the Senate marked a departure from peaceful republican norms, as the elite used violence to protect entrenched econ...
9m Dec 19, 2025
9m
S8 Ep211: ROME VS. CARTHAGE: DESTINY, TRAGEDY, AND THE CONSENSUS FOR WAR Colleague Professor Edward J. Watts. The conflict between Rome and Carthage is symbolized by the tragedy of Dido, representing the incompatibility of their powers. Despite Hannibal's devastati
ROME VS. CARTHAGE: DESTINY, TRAGEDY, AND THE CONSENSUS FOR WAR Colleague Professor Edward J. Watts. The conflict between Rome and Carthage is symbolized by the tragedy of Dido, representing the incompatibility of their powers. Despite Hannibal's devastating victories, the Roman Republic prevailed through a political system that prioritized consensus and collective sacrifice, allowing them to en...
10m Dec 19, 2025
10m
S8 Ep211: APPIUS CLAUDIUS CAECUS: INFRASTRUCTURE AND POLITICAL GENIUS Colleague Professor Edward J. Watts. Appius Claudius Caecus transformed the Roman censorship office into a power base by building the Appian Way and appointing wealthy Italians to the Senate. As
APPIUS CLAUDIUS CAECUS: INFRASTRUCTURE AND POLITICAL GENIUS Colleague Professor Edward J. Watts. Appius Claudius Caecus transformed the Roman censorship office into a power base by building the Appian Way and appointing wealthy Italians to the Senate. As a blind elder statesman, he shamed the Senate into rejecting peace with Pyrrhus, insisting Rome must fight to maintain its dominance and ances...
8m Dec 19, 2025
8m
S8 Ep211: ROMAN KINGSHIP: FROM CITIZEN SELECTION TO THE IDEAL OF SERVICE Colleague Professor Edward J. Watts. Early Roman kings were selected by citizens based on merit rather than heredity, but figures like Servius Tullius began bypassing this consent. Conversely,
ROMAN KINGSHIP: FROM CITIZEN SELECTION TO THE IDEAL OF SERVICE Colleague Professor Edward J. Watts. Early Roman kings were selected by citizens based on merit rather than heredity, but figures like Servius Tullius began bypassing this consent. Conversely, Cincinnatus exemplifies the Roman ideal of service; he accepted absolute dictatorial power to save the state during a crisis, then immediatel...
10m Dec 19, 2025
10m
S8 Ep211: ARGENTINA'S CREDIT RATING RISES AS BRAZIL FACES POLITICAL POLARIZATION Colleague Professor Evan Ellis. S&P upgraded Argentina's credit rating following Javier Milei's austerity measures, which have stabilized the currency and reduced inflation despite soc
ARGENTINA'S CREDIT RATING RISES AS BRAZIL FACES POLITICAL POLARIZATION Colleague Professor Evan Ellis. S&P upgraded Argentina's credit rating following Javier Milei's austerity measures, which have stabilized the currency and reduced inflation despite social costs. In Brazil, the reduction of Jair Bolsonaro's prison sentence and his son Flavio's candidacy signal a continued, polarized struggle ...
6m Dec 19, 2025
6m
S8 Ep211: ELECTIONS IN CHILE, PERU, AND HONDURAS SIGNAL REGIONAL SHIFTS Colleague Professor Evan Ellis. In Chile, José Antonio Kast's rise reflects a rejection of progressive policies and crime, favoring order and investment. Meanwhile, Peru faces political fragmen
ELECTIONS IN CHILE, PERU, AND HONDURAS SIGNAL REGIONAL SHIFTS Colleague Professor Evan Ellis. In Chile, José Antonio Kast's rise reflects a rejection of progressive policies and crime, favoring order and investment. Meanwhile, Peru faces political fragmentation and violence, Honduras struggles with electoral disputes, and Costa Rica appears poised to elect a pro-US candidate who aims to limit C...
14m Dec 19, 2025
14m
S8 Ep211: VENEZUELA'S TRAGIC DECLINE FROM PROSPERITY TO AUTHORITARIANISM Colleague Professor Evan Ellis. Historical imagery reveals Venezuela's transformation from a prosperous, modern nation in the 1950s to a ruined state today. Deep inequality and corruption in t
VENEZUELA'S TRAGIC DECLINE FROM PROSPERITY TO AUTHORITARIANISM Colleague Professor Evan Ellis. Historical imagery reveals Venezuela's transformation from a prosperous, modern nation in the 1950s to a ruined state today. Deep inequality and corruption in the pre-Chavez era alienated the poor, allowing Hugo Chavez to capitalize on their frustration and dismantle the free market system, leading to...
6m Dec 19, 2025
6m
S8 Ep211: CHINA'S SURREPTITIOUS SUPPORT KEEPS THE MADURO REGIME AFLOAT Colleague Professor Evan Ellis. China sustains the Maduro regime through loans, surveillance technology, and military equipment while bypassing sanctions to import Venezuelan oil. The state oil
CHINA'S SURREPTITIOUS SUPPORT KEEPS THE MADURO REGIME AFLOAT Colleague Professor Evan Ellis. China sustains the Maduro regime through loans, surveillance technology, and military equipment while bypassing sanctions to import Venezuelan oil. The state oil company, PDVSA, collapsed due to the purging of technical experts and lack of investment, forcing Venezuela to rely on Iranian engineers to ma...
12m Dec 18, 2025
12m
S8 Ep211: SPAIN'S GOVERNMENT MAINTAINS TIES WITH VENEZUELA DESPITE OPPOSITION Colleague Mary Anastasia O'Grady. The Spanish government under Pedro Sanchez maintains ideological and economic alliances with the Maduro regime, prioritizing political agendas over democ
SPAIN'S GOVERNMENT MAINTAINS TIES WITH VENEZUELA DESPITE OPPOSITION Colleague Mary Anastasia O'Grady. The Spanish government under Pedro Sanchez maintains ideological and economic alliances with the Maduro regime, prioritizing political agendas over democratic ideals. Opposition figure Cayetana Alvarez de Toledo accuses former Prime Minister Zapatero of acting as an international agent for Madu...
9m Dec 18, 2025
9m
S8 Ep211: CALIFORNIA JOB LOSSES AND CHINA'S ECONOMIC SLOWDOWN AMID RETAIL SEASON Colleague Chris Riegel. California's new wage mandates have triggered significant job losses in the fast-food sector, forcing operators to move to lower-tax states. Internationally, wh
CALIFORNIA JOB LOSSES AND CHINA'S ECONOMIC SLOWDOWN AMID RETAIL SEASON Colleague Chris Riegel. California's new wage mandates have triggered significant job losses in the fast-food sector, forcing operators to move to lower-tax states. Internationally, while China boasts of leads in AI and EVs, these sectors rely on unsustainable subsidies, masking a deep consumer recession and deflation in the...
11m Dec 18, 2025
11m
S8 Ep211: NATO AND EU SEEK DEFENSE FUNDS AMID FEARS OF RUSSIAN AGGRESSION Colleague Anatol Lieven. European nations like Finland are demanding funds to counter perceived Russian threats, despite a lack of historical aggression toward them. Lieven argues that plans
NATO AND EU SEEK DEFENSE FUNDS AMID FEARS OF RUSSIAN AGGRESSION Colleague Anatol Lieven. European nations like Finland are demanding funds to counter perceived Russian threats, despite a lack of historical aggression toward them. Lieven argues that plans to spend billions on tanks are misguided, as the Ukraine war demonstrates that expensive armor is easily destroyed by cheaper drones and defen...
6m Dec 18, 2025
6m
S8 Ep211: CRUNCH EU SUMMIT DISCUSSES USING FROZEN RUSSIAN ASSETS FOR UKRAINE Colleague Anatol Lieven. The European Union is internally divided over seizing frozen Russian assets to fund Ukraine's war effort and reconstruction, a move requiring rule changes that som
CRUNCH EU SUMMIT DISCUSSES USING FROZEN RUSSIAN ASSETS FOR UKRAINE Colleague Anatol Lieven. The European Union is internally divided over seizing frozen Russian assets to fund Ukraine's war effort and reconstruction, a move requiring rule changes that some members resist. While the US proposes using these funds for post-war rebuilding, current plans risk spending the capital on immediate warfar...
12m Dec 18, 2025
12m
S8 Ep210: PREVIEW Guest: Michael Bernstam Summary: Michael Bernstam analyzes declining oil prices, noting a global glut that has pushed prices under $60 per barrel. He explains that because Russia loses roughly $2.7 billion for every $10 price drop and sells at a d
PREVIEW Guest: Michael Bernstam Summary: Michael Bernstam analyzes declining oil prices, noting a global glut that has pushed prices under $60 per barrel. He explains that because Russia loses roughly $2.7 billion for every $10 price drop and sells at a deep discount, current revenues are insufficient to sustain its budget or war effort. 1914
2m Dec 18, 2025
2m