The John Batchelor Show

4. Dallas and the Currawong Dallas, an 11.5-year-old "spood" (dog) in Sydney, has a new addition to his local "fan club": the Currawong (referred to as a "carajong"). These black birds with white-tipped wings are larger than magpies and are described as docile but very smart "spies". Recently, a Currawong was caught on camera attempting to steal Dallas's favorite tennis ball from the back porch. The ball, which had lost its felt skin from years of use, was grabbed by the bird's beak. The Currawongmanaged to fly about three feet into the air before realizing the ball was too heavy, forcing it to drop the toy and flee. Dallas appears to be friendly toward these birds, as they have been seen in the backyard together. Unlike the Magpies, who enjoy ham and cheese, the Currawongs seem to prefer Dallas's biscuits. Because of the attempted theft, the family now keeps Dallas's tennis ball under "lock and key" indoors when the birds are circling. Jeremy observes that the local bird population seems fascinated by Dallas, often watching him play and attempting to take his toys home. 4 1877

3. Cricket Corruption and Pitch Injuries Investigations are ongoing into a T20 cricket match held on February 17th between Canada and New Zealand. The International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Canadian Cricket Board are looking into allegations of match-fixing after New Zealand won by eight wickets despite not being significantly stronger than the Canadian team. Suspicion arose due to Canada's "weird" batting and bowling styles, and while no one has been cleared, a police investigation is expected because match-fixing is typically tied to financial gain in betting rings. In a separate incident in the Caribbean, the West Indies Championship between Trinidad and Tobago and the Leeward Islands was completely abandoned due to a "misbehaving pitch". During the match, a fast ball from Hayden Seals gained unexpected speed and height, striking batter Jeremiah Louie in the helmet. The impact rendered Louieunconscious and required his hospitalization. Because the pitch was in such disrepair—described as having parts as hard as concrete—it was deemed too dangerous to continue. Jeremy emphasizes that cricket is a violent sport; balls moving at 80–90 mph have killed at least three players in the last 40 years despite the use of helmets. 3 1940

2. Monitor Lizards in the Home In Noosa, Queensland—an area described as "snake central"—a resident discovered a two-to-three-foot monitor lizard hiding under their bed. These reptiles are often mistaken for brown snakes because of their long, brownish-gray tails, but they are scaly, "dragon-like" creatures with very sharp teeth used for ripping apart small animals. Monitor lizards are highly intelligent and can slip into homes undetected while seeking warmth and shelter. A younger monitor lizard, like the one found in the bedroom, can weigh between 20 and 40 pounds, while a full-grown six-foot adult can reach 60 pounds of pure muscle. Jeremy notes that these creatures give off a distinctive scent that serves as a defensive mechanism, which should normally alert domestic guard dogs. He suggests that the lack of a dog like Dallas, Sailor, or Charlie allowed the lizard to enter the home unnoticed, warning that if a lizard can enter so easily, venomous snakes like red-belly blacks or pythons could follow. 2

1. Climate and Fuel Security Australia's El Niño forecast has been upgraded to a "Super El Niño," characterized by catastrophically dry conditions and record-high temperatures. This shift is driven by the Pacific Ocean exceeding normal temperatures by an average of 6°C near the equator, with a "warm slab" of water 250 meters below the surface preventing the ocean from cooling. These conditions have already led to an early autumn that feels like winter, with plants turning brown and widespread drought predicted. Consequently, New South Wales fire departments have begun back-burning operations six months earlier than usual to mitigate a potentially catastrophic bushfire season. Amidst these climate concerns, Australia has managed to stabilize its fuel supply, maintaining roughly 35 days of stock through imports from Asia. While Europe faces "dry pumps" and exorbitant prices, Australia's diesel costs roughly $2.80 per liter, with gasoline between $2.40 and $2.50. Although aviation fuel is refined locally, the industry remains vulnerable as it relies on the raw product imported from Asia. The government has launched an educational campaign to explain these supply lines to the public, which has successfully reduced panic-buying. 1 1700

4 HEADLINE: The Ecological Role and Bioethics of the Independent Dog GUESTS: Jessica Pierce and Mark Bekoff SUMMARY: This segment defines the "universal dog" as a creature that adapts its style and behavior to its specific environmental niche, from deserts to high latitudes. The guests emphasize that dogs retain a "DNA memory" and latent potential for wild behaviors, such as the killing bite, which were largely suppressed by human selection. From a bioethical perspective, this thought experiment reveals that viewing dogs solely as pets is a limited way to understand their true nature. Instead, dogs should be recognized as independent individuals with lives and interests that exist apart from humans. This shift in perspective encourages owners to see their dogs as wild animals with autonomous needs for richness and meaning. 4 1861

3 HEADLINE: Reproduction, Social Intelligence, and Lifespan in a Self-Sustaining World GUESTS: Jessica Pierce and Mark Bekoff SUMMARY: Reproduction will shift toward a communal approach where male dogs and "alloparents"—such as aunts, uncles, and older siblings—contribute to rearing puppies. To maximize the survival of their young in harsh environments, dogs may transition to a single annual reproductive cycle. While human-centric social skills like "begging eyes" may become neutral or disappear, dogs will utilize latent, superior abilities for conflict resolution and communication within their packs. As highly adaptable learners, they will quickly discern friend from foe in various ecological niches. Finally, lifespans are expected to stabilize around eight years, reflecting the physical rigors of wild life seen in wolves and coyotes. 3 1900

2 HEADLINE: Physical Evolution: Snouts, Size, and Camouflage in the Wild GUESTS: Jessica Pierce and Mark Bekoff SUMMARY: In a post-human world, dogs will undergo significant physical transformations driven by survival needs rather than human preference. Short-snouted breeds will likely disappear because they cannot breathe well during the intense exercise required to defend territories or hunt. Longer snouts will prevail, potentially aiding in both respiration and sight. Interestingly, smaller dogs might survive better than large breeds because they have lower caloric demands and can hide more easily from predators. Coat colors will shift from artificial patterns to natural camouflage suited to specific environments, often trending toward reddish or gray hues. Physical fitness, specifically speed and dexterity, will become essential as dogs return to being cursorial hunters. 2 1828

1 HEADLINE: Imagining the Psychology and Pack Behavior of Post-Human Dogs GUESTS: Jessica Pierce and Mark Bekoff SUMMARY: John Bachelor explores a thought experiment regarding dogs surviving in a world without human intervention. The guests posit that while dogs will adopt wolf-like social structures and organization, they will not physically revert to wolves, likely remaining smaller on average. Their psychology will shift; rather than viewing themselves as dominant apex predators, dogs will likely see themselves as fluid, integrated participants within their local ecosystems. Pack behavior will be determined primarily by dietary needs; hunting large prey requires organized packs, whereas scavenging or hunting small game like mice may lead to more solitary existence or smaller groups. Ultimately, dogs will tap into latent, adaptable traits currently suppressed by domestication to find their niche. 1658

8. Roosevelt achieved a historic landslide, winning 46 states and defying the Literary Digest poll. This victory signaled a major political realignment, as FDR carried 104 of 106 major cities. Pietrusza emphasizes that the support of urban immigrant populations solidified the modern Democratic coalition for decades. 8 1936 LEND YOUR BINOCULARS TO THE NAVY

7. During the campaign, Eleanor Roosevelt emerged as a powerful asset, bridging gaps with the African-Americancommunity. While Landon's polling momentum faded, Roosevelt campaigned aggressively. He famously concluded at Madison Square Garden by declaring he "welcomed the hatred" of the nation's "economic royalists". 7 1937 MIAMI

6. Republicans struggled to find a challenger, eventually selecting Kansas Governor Alf Landon. Known as the "Kansas Coolidge," Landon had balanced his state's budget but lacked Roosevelt's charisma. Pietrusza notes Landonwas an unremarkable campaigner whose poor radio presence proved a significant disadvantage in the modern era. 6 1936 WARM SPRINGS

5. Media tycoon William Randolph Hearst turned against Roosevelt as the New Deal's tax policies targeted the wealthy. Pietrusza recounts Hearst's controversial 1934 meeting with Adolf Hitler and his immense media influence. Ultimately, Hearst's "soak the rich" tax concerns led him to break definitively with the president. 5 1936 OPENING SHENANDOAH NATIONAL PARK

4. The election featured threats from the Socialist and Communist parties. While Norman Thomas drew urban votes, Earl Browder's Communist Party supported Roosevelt through a "popular front" to oppose fascism. Radical agrarianism in the Midwest, led by figures like Minnesota's Floyd Olson, added further instability. 4 1936 FEDERAL SURPLUS

3. Dr. Francis Townsend's popular pension plan is credited with forcing Roosevelt to introduce Social Security. Pietrusza also describes the break with Father Charles Coughlin, a powerful radio priest. After a failed 1935 meeting at Hyde Park, Coughlin joined other radicals to form a third-party challenge. 3 1936 ROCKVILLE HIGH SCHOOL

2. Pietrusza discusses Southern populist threats from Huey Long and Eugene Talmadge. Although Long died in 1935, his radical "Share Our Wealth" plan remained a political force. Talmadge, a race-baiting Jeffersonian conservative, further challenged Roosevelt from the right by refusing to fund New Deal welfare programs in Georgia. 2 1936 WPA ART PROJECT

1. Historian David Pietrusza details the April 1936 death of Louis Howe, FDR's longtime political advisor. Howe'spassing left Roosevelt to navigate the campaign alone against former mentor Al Smith. Smith and the American Liberty League accused Roosevelt of abandoning Democratic principles for socialist ideals and engaging in class warfare. 1 FDR AND FIRST LADY GREETING.

8. Legacies and Lessons: Looking Beyond 1920 Guest: David Patruchia Summary: Reflecting on the "six presidents," the discussion covers Hoover’s move toward the GOP, FDR’s character growth following his polio diagnosis, and the eventual repeal of Prohibition. Roosevelt’s later creation of the United Nations is presented as a successful application of Wilson’s failed League lessons. 1936

7. Legacies and Lessons: Looking Beyond 1920 Guest: David Pietrusza Reflecting on the "six presidents," the discussion covers Hoover's move toward the GOP, FDR's character growth following his polio diagnosis, and the eventual repeal of Prohibition. Roosevelt's later creation of the United Nations is presented as a successful application of Wilson's failed League lessons. 7 1916

6. From Prison to the Porch: The Final Push for Votes Guest: David Pietrusza Harding's "front porch" campaign utilized early advertising and Hollywood stars like Al Jolson to reach voters. The results were an overwhelming Republican landslide, with Harding winning 60% of the popular vote as the nation rejected Wilsonian internationalism in favor of a return to normalcy. 6 1936

5. Bloviating and Blazers: The 1920 Campaign Trail Guest: David Pietrusza The campaign trail featured Harding's"bloviating" speaking style and Cox's pivot to a pro-League stance following a sobering meeting with a frail Wilson. Meanwhile, Socialist Eugene Debs campaigned for the presidency from a prison cell, advocating for radical ideas like social security. 5 1905