The John Batchelor Show

STREAMING THE MAKING OF JBS, FEATURING JEFF BLISS, MICHAEL VLAHOS, 6-5-2026.
1906 LA FIESTA DE LOS ANGELES.

This dialogue examines the socioeconomic and political challenges facing major West Coast cities, with a particular focus on the rise of socialist policies in Seattle and the resulting exodus of weTlthy residents and corporations. The speakers critique high-tax proposals and single-payer healthcare, arguing that these "confiscatory" measures place an unsustainable burden on the middle class while hollowing out urban centers. The conversation shifts to Los Angeles, highlighting controversies surrounding a recent primary election, including allegations of statistical irregularities in the vote count and the persistent issue of homelessness. Transitioning to lighter subjects, the participants discuss Las Vegas development and the historical significance of Disneyland's opening. Finally, the segment concludes with a geopolitical analysis of global conflicts, debating the potential for escalation in Ukraine and the Middle East.

Richard Epstein discusses the legal complexities of a proposed executive order to end birthright citizenship for children of illegal aliens. He highlights the rise of "manufactured citizenship" through birth tourism and predicts the Supreme Court may eventually distinguish between transient visitors and those seeking permanent residency.
1905 SCOTUS

Richard Epstein analyzes the Wong Kim Ark decision, arguing that Justice Horace Gray erroneously applied birthright citizenship to the children of ineligible aliens. He further critiques the expansion of the Equal Protection Clause in the 20th century, claiming it was originally intended for criminal matters rather than civil benefits.
1890 SCOTUS

Henry Sokolski explains the strategic significance of deploying Dual Capable Aircraft (DCA), such as the F-35, to reinforce NATO's nuclear deterrent in Europe. He observes that while Moscow and Beijing oppose these deployments, the aircraft act as vital "glue" for alliances, ensuring that American nuclear guarantees remain credible.
1920 MARS

Henry Sokolski warns of China's fast breeder reactor program, which produces super weapons-grade plutonium capable of fueling efficient nuclear triggers. He also notes South Korea's growing interest in developing independent nuclear capabilities and submarines to counter threats from North Korea and China, despite international non-proliferation standards.
LACONIA AT SPARTA
320 BCE 

Andrew Bayliss critiques the modern application of the "Thucydides Trap" to US-China relations, arguing that the original Peloponnesian War was not inevitable. He suggests the conflict was precipitated by specific provocations and accidental circumstances, drawing parallels to the circumstantial outbreak of the First World War.
1896 ATHENS DIONYSIUS THEATER

Andrew Bayliss explores the aftermath of Sparta's victory, noting that Lysander's immense power and ambition ultimately led to his death during a failed siege. Sparta's dominance eventually collapsed at the Battle of Leuctra due to a dwindling citizen population, reducing the once-mighty superpower to a minor village.
1890 VOYAGERS

Andrew Bayliss profiles Lysander, a Spartan general of modest origins who secured crucial Persian funding to challenge Athenian naval supremacy. Lysander achieved victory not through direct combat, but by using deception to capture the Athenian fleet while the crews were uncharacteristically casual and off their ships.
1881 LYSANDER ORDERS THE ATHEN WALLS TORN DOWN.

Andrew Bayliss recounts how Pericles provoked the Peloponnesian War by steering Athens toward confrontation with Sparta. He details the Athenian strategy of retreating behind city walls and relying on naval imports, a move that tragically facilitated a devastating plague, claiming thousands of lives, including Pericles himself.
1880 ATHENS

Bob Zimmerman surveys global spaceport developments, contrasting Spain's investment in French Guiana with the liquidation of the UK's Sutherland facility due to red tape. He debunks claims that the interstellar comet 3I/Atlas is an alien craft and notes that unpredictable sunspot activity continues to defy scientific models.
1958