The John Batchelor Show

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S8 Ep1138: Mary Anastasia O'Grady marks the fifth anniversary of Cuba's July 11 protests, noting the regime's ongoing brutal repression and Jul 17, 2026

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Mary Anastasia O'Grady marks the fifth anniversary of Cuba's July 11 protests, noting the regime's ongoing brutal repression and imprisonment of political dissidents. She criticizes the United Nations for supporting the Cuban regime's narrative against US sanctions while ignoring the human rights atrocities on the island. (14)
1899 CUBA

S8 Ep1138: Veronique de Rugy warns that Social Security faces a 2032 deadline when trust fund assets will be depleted. Without reform, benef Jul 17, 2026

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Veronique de Rugy warns that Social Security faces a 2032 deadline when trust fund assets will be depleted. Without reform, benefits could be cut by 22%. She advocates for means-testing to preserve benefits for those who truly need them, criticizing the current political silence on the issue. (13)
FDR

S8 Ep1138: Alan Mikhail describes the "half-freedom" status given to some enslaved Africans, a system that cruelly ensured generational slav Jul 17, 2026

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Alan Mikhail describes the "half-freedom" status given to some enslaved Africans, a system that cruelly ensured generational slavery. He also details the brutal violence of "Kieft's War" against Native Americans. Despite these conflicts and their exile, Anthony and Grietje prospered on their Long Island farm. (12)
1654

S8 Ep1138: Alan Mikhail describes how the couple settled in Manhattan as ambitious farmers but faced friction with neighbors who used "the T Jul 17, 2026

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Alan Mikhail describes how the couple settled in Manhattan as ambitious farmers but faced friction with neighbors who used "the Turk" as a xenophobic insult. Their contentious behavior led to their banishment to Gravesend, Long Island. Mikhail highlights the clash between Dutch property rights and indigenous use-rights. (11)
1650

S8 Ep1138: Alan Mikhail details the background of Anthony's wife, Grietje, a German migrant who worked as a barmaid or sex worker in Amsterd Jul 17, 2026

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Alan Mikhail details the background of Anthony's wife, Grietje, a German migrant who worked as a barmaid or sex worker in Amsterdam. He explains the "soul seller" system used by maritime companies to recruit laborers. The couple married in 1629 and eventually sailed for New Amsterdam. (10)
1650 AMSTERDAM

S8 Ep1138: Alan Mikhail discusses his book Newcomers, focusing on Anthony Jansen, known as "the Turk." Mikhail uses historical records to de Jul 17, 2026

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Alan Mikhail discusses his book Newcomers, focusing on Anthony Jansen, known as "the Turk." Mikhail uses historical records to debunk the 150-year-old hypothesis that Anthony was the son of a Dutch pirate who converted to Islam, instead tracing his origins back to 17th-century Spain. (9)
NEW AMSTERDAM

S8 Ep1138: Doug Messier and Rick Fisher explore the lack of cooperation between the US and China, viewing the solar system as a ground for i Jul 17, 2026

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Doug Messier and Rick Fisher explore the lack of cooperation between the US and China, viewing the solar system as a ground for ideological competition. Establishing permanent lunar bases requires major engineering feats, including nuclear power plants and rovers. China views the moon as a stepping stone for Mars. (8)

S8 Ep1138: Doug Messier and Rick Fisher discuss China's planned 2027 circumlunar mission as a precursor to a lunar landing before 2030. This Jul 17, 2026

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Doug Messier and Rick Fisher discuss China's planned 2027 circumlunar mission as a precursor to a lunar landing before 2030. This "Moon Race 2.0" challenges American prestige. While NASA aims for the South Pole by 2028, China and Russia plan an international research station to extract lunar resources. (7)

S8 Ep1137: Simon Constable presents a quiz on longevity, revealing that the average US life expectancy has reached 79 years. Hawaii boasts t Jul 17, 2026

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Simon Constable presents a quiz on longevity, revealing that the average US life expectancy has reached 79 years. Hawaii boasts the highest expectancy, while West Virginia remains the lowest. Globally, Monaco, San Marino, and Hong Kong lead in longevity according to United Nations data. (6)

S8 Ep1137: Simon Constable reports on extreme European temperatures and their impact on energy, noting major spikes in EU natural gas prices Jul 17, 2026

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Simon Constable reports on extreme European temperatures and their impact on energy, noting major spikes in EU natural gas prices. He tracks shifting costs for wheat, corn, and copper. Additionally, he notes how Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian fertilizer plants could further disrupt global agriculture. (5)

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