The John Batchelor Show

Preparation and the Lure of the Third Voyage. Guest Author: Hampton Sides. In 1776, a retired Captain James Cookwas living a comfortable life at Greenwich Hospital after two legendary voyages. However, a dinner with Lord Sandwich and the prospect of finding the Northwest Passage—and its £20,000 reward—convinced him to return to sea. Sides describes Cook's rise from poverty in Yorkshire, apprenticing under Quakers on "Whitby Cats," which were sturdy coal ships. This background instilled in him a sense of frugality and steadiness. Cook was a self-taught genius of hydrography, creating maps so accurate they rival modern satellite imagery. Despite his desire for retirement, his restlessness and the Admiralty's need for his unique mapmaking and leadership skills drove him to accept this final mission. 1
1781 DEATH OF COOK

The Controversial Legacy of Plato's Letters. Guest Author: Professor James Romm. Much of this history comes from thirteen letters attributed to Plato, though their authenticity is debated. Romm accepts five as genuine, including the detailed Seventh Letter. Critics like Karl Popper viewed Plato as an enemy of the "open society" due to his autocratic leanings. In his final work, The Laws, Plato suggested a "dream team" consisting of a tyrant and a wise lawgiver. The Seventh Letter is often seen as a "whitewash" intended to protect the Academy's reputation following the Syracuse failure. These documents reveal a philosopher attempting to spin a moral narrative. 8

Justice and the Allegory of the Philosophic King. Guest Author: Professor James Romm. Plato spent his final decades in Athens, completing The Republic. He categorized governance, placing tyranny at the bottom as a system driven by base appetites. He argued that a true king must be a philosopher to perceive the absolute "form of justice." Using the Allegory of the Cave, he described the philosopher's duty to lead those still in the shadows. The work concludes with the Myth of Er, a vision of reincarnation and the soul's journey. Souls drink from the River of Heedlessness, with the wise retaining subconscious memories of the perfect universe. 7

Timoleon and the Exile of Dionysius in Corinth. Guest Author: Professor James Romm. Dionysius the Youngereventually reclaimed his fortress, but Syracuse turned to Corinth for aid. Corinth sent Timoleon, a retired man leading a meager mercenary force. Surprisingly, Dionysius chose to abdicate rather than fight, negotiating a peaceful retirement in Corinth. The former tyrant lived his final years as a music teacher and priest. He famously claimed his ability to endure poverty proved he had learned from Plato. This fall from power gave rise to the proverb "Dionysius is in Corinth," signifying the inherent uncertainty of fortune and absolute power. 6

The Liberation of Syracuse and the Fall of Dion. Guest Author: Professor James Romm. Dion invaded Syracuse with a liberation force but faced internal chaos as populist passions erupted. He clashed with the radical democrat Heraclides, whom he eventually had assassinated. This political murder embarrassed Plato's Academy, as both Dion and his later assassin, Calippus, were students. Following the murder, Dion fell into a spiritual crisis and became ineffective. He was ultimately killed by a disaffected faction of his own army. His death left Syracuse in terminal decline, marked by food insecurity and the destruction of the once-powerful city-state. 5

The Invitation to Educate a Young Tyrant. Guest Author: Professor James Romm. Following the elder tyrant's death, Dion invited Plato back to tutor Dionysius the Younger. Dion hoped to transform the immature ruler into an enlightened monarch. Plato's arrival was celebrated, yet he faced a court culture of "wilding" and 90-day parties. Syracuse was then an expansionist power with a massive military. Tension rose when Dionysius intercepted Dion's letter to Carthaginian diplomats, interpreting it as betrayal. Dionysius banished Dion but kept Plato as a hostage under house arrest. Eventually, the Pythagorean leader Archytas negotiated Plato's release and return to Greece. 3

Plato's Intellectual Roots and First Visit. Guest Author: Professor James Romm. Plato's early life was shaped by the reign of the 30 Tyrants in Athens, including his relative Critias. The execution of his teacher, Socrates, further disillusioned him with traditional democracy. He developed a philosophy centered on an unseen world of perfect "forms." Influenced by Pythagorean mathematics, he viewed numbers as a way to understand the universe's abstract essences. Invited by Dion, Plato visited Syracuse in 385 BCE to explore potential autocratic reforms. This visit failed when Dionysius the Elder dismissed his ethical teachings. Plato then returned to Athens to found the Academy. 2

The Rise of the Dionysian Dynasty in Syracuse. Guest Author: Professor James Romm. Syracuse, a Corinthian colony, rose to power under Dionysius the Elder during the 4th century BCE. Starting as a clerk, he became a demagogue by attacking elite leaders accused of collaborating with Carthage. He fortified "the island," a strategic peninsula with a natural spring, to secure his power. Dionysius broke Greek custom by adopting Persian-style polygamy, marrying Doris and Aristomache on one day to appear superhuman. This created rival lineages that sparked future civil conflict. The court was famous for "Syracuse tables," characterized by excessive luxury and wine. Dionysius died in 367 BCE, with rumors suggesting he was poisoned. 1

SCHEDULE FOR THE JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW, 6-26-2026.MT. LOWE, LOS ANGELESUrban Crises: Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and the Mayor Contest. Guest: Jeff Bliss. Jeff Bliss reports on the interconnected challenges facing Las Vegas and Los Angeles, specifically focusing on the escalating homelessness crisis. The segment also analyzes the ongoing mayor contest, examining how candidates are addressing urban instability and what these political shifts mean for the future of governance in these major cities. 1California Leadership: Governor Newsom and the First Lady. Guest: Jeff Bliss. This segment focuses on CaliforniaGovernor Gavin Newsom and the role of his wife in his administration. Bliss explores their joint political influence, recent policy decisions, and how their public image shapes the political landscape of California as Newsom continues to navigate both state challenges and potential national aspirations. 2Constitutional Interpretation and Individual Liberties. Guest: Richard Epstein. Legal scholar Richard Epstein examines current constitutional debates and the protection of individual liberties. His analysis typically focuses on the tension between government overreach and property rights, evaluating how recent judicial interpretations of the law impact the fundamental principles of American governance and the balance of power within the state. 3Judicial Precedent and the Rule of Law. Guest: Richard Epstein. Continuing his legal analysis, Epstein delves into the importance of judicial precedents in maintaining the rule of law. He critiques modern legislative trends and administrative regulations, arguing for a return to classical legal principles that prioritize individual freedom and limited government intervention in the personal and economic lives of citizens. 4Washington Political Dynamics and Global Markets. Guest: Jim McTague. Veteran journalist Jim McTague explores the intersection of Washington's political maneuvering and the stability of global financial markets. He provides insights into how legislative actions, trade policies, and regulatory changes in the capital influence investor sentiment and the broader economic health of the nation in a volatile fiscal environment. 5European Industrial Strategy and Strategic Security. Guest: Lorenzo Fiori. Lorenzo Fiori analyzes the geopolitical and industrial landscape of Europe, with a focus on the strategic importance of the Mediterranean. He discusses the defense industry's role in international security partnerships and the economic challenges facing European nations as they manage complex energy needs and trade relationships with global powers. 6Advances in Aerospace and Space Exploration. Guest: Bob Zimmerman. Space historian Bob Zimmerman reports on the latest milestones in aerospace technology and NASA's current missions. He highlights the scientific objectives of recent launches and the growing role of private space corporations in expanding human presence in orbit, providing a comprehensive look at the future of modern space exploration. 7Geopolitical Competition in the New Space Race. Guest: Bob Zimmerman. Zimmerman continues his report by examining the strategic and military implications of the "new space race." He discusses the competition between global powers for dominance in the lunar and orbital domains, evaluating how technological breakthroughs in space travel are influencing international security and the long-term commercialization of the cosmos. 8Executive Authority and National Security Frameworks. Guest: John Yoo. Legal expert John Yoo analyzes the scope of executive power, particularly in relation to national security and foreign policy. He explores the constitutional foundations that grant the presidency authority during international crises and the legal debates surrounding the use of executive orders in managing the nation's defense and security. 9The Administrative State and Constitutional Oversight. Guest: John Yoo. Yoo continues his assessment of federal power, focusing on the role of the administrative state. He provides a critical look at how government agencies operate within the constitutional framework, discussing the necessity of judicial oversight to ensure that executive actions remain consistent with the rule of law and democratic principles. 10Small Business Trends and Economic Adaptation. Guest: Gene Marks. Business expert Gene Marks discusses the current economic trends affecting small businesses, including inflation and labor shortages. He provides practical advice for entrepreneurs on leveraging new technologies like AI and navigating complex tax regulations to maintain growth and competitiveness in an increasingly challenging and rapidly evolving global marketplace. 11Workforce Evolution and the Future of Business. Guest: Gene Marks. Marks expands on the evolution of the modern workforce, focusing on remote work and talent retention strategies. He evaluates the impact of government policies on small firms and discusses how business owners can adapt their operations to meet the changing expectations of employees and consumers in the post-pandemic economy. 12Nuclear Deterrence and Strategic Defense Modernization. Guest: Peter Huessy. Strategic analyst Peter Huessy evaluates the status of the U.S. nuclear triad and the importance of strategic deterrence. He discusses the urgent need for modernization in the face of advancing nuclear capabilities by adversary nations, emphasizing how a strong defense posture is critical for maintaining global stability and peace. 13Defense Budgeting and National Security Policy. Guest: Peter Huessy. Huessy explores the fiscal and policy challenges associated with national defense. He analyzes how legislative budget decisions affect military readiness and the development of next-generation weapons systems, arguing for a strategic and long-term approach to addressing the diverse security threats posed by emerging global and regional adversaries. 14Trade Rivalry and National Security Suspects. Guest: Josh Rogin. Josh Rogin analyzes the escalating trade rivalry between the United States and China. He focuses on the strategic decision to list certain Chinese companies as national security suspects, exploring the geopolitical motivations behind these designations and the impact such measures have on the broader economic competition between global superpowers. 15Global Trade Dynamics and Strategic Alliances. Guest: Josh Rogin. In the final segment, Rogin provides a broader discussion on the future of international trade. He evaluates how diplomatic shifts and security concerns are reshaping global supply chains, the effectiveness of trade-based sanctions, and the importance of American alliances in maintaining a stable and open international marketplace amidst rising tensions. 16

STREAMING MAKING OF THE JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW, FEATURIN JEFF BLISS ND MICHAEL VLAHO, 6--26-26.LA FIESTAThis broadcast segment features a wide-ranging dialogue between John Bachelor and Jeff Bliss regarding current domestic and international crises. The discussion begins with the economic decline of Las Vegas, noting a significant drop in international tourism attributed to strained US-Canadian relations and rising local costs. Turning to Los Angeles, the speakers address a toxic industrial fire in Boyle Heights that exacerbated the city's homelessness and public health struggles. Political analysis follows, focusing on California Governor Gavin Newsom's potential presidential ambitions and the ethical scrutiny surrounding his family's financial interests. Finally, a guest contributor named Germanicus provides a geopolitical critique of the American Empire, arguing that the United States is struggling to adapt to a shifting global balance of power in Ukraine and the Middle East.