The John Batchelor Show

DALLAS THE DOG DEFENDS BACKYARD FROM DESTRUCTIVE COCKATOOS Colleague Jeremy Zakis. Zakis reports that his dog, Dallas, now serves as an air defense system, specifically barking at destructive cockatoos attempting to land. Dallas ignores other birds but, allied with local magpies, protects the property from these "vandals" known for damaging roofs and scavenging through trash bins.

AUSTRALIA RETAINS ASHES VICTORY AS ENGLAND'S BAZBALL STRATEGY FAILS Colleague Jeremy Zakis. Zakis discusses Australia's humble celebration after winning the 2026 Ashes series 4-1, noting that England'saggressive "Bazball" strategy was deemed fundamentally flawed by cricket chiefs. While Australia's bowling remains a focus for improvement, captain Pat Cummins has recovered from injury to continue leading the team.1937

BRISBANE WOMAN WAKES TO FIND 8-FOOT PYTHON ON CHEST Colleague Jeremy Zakis. Zakis recounts a shocking story from Brisbane where a sleeping woman mistook an 8-foot python curled on her chest for her dog. Her husband alerted her, and a snake catcher removed the heavy, non-venomous intruder, which likely entered the home through plantation shutters seeking warmth and comfort.

SEVERE STORMS AND BUSHFIRES PLAGUE AUSTRALIA'S CHAOTIC SUMMER Colleague Jeremy Zakis. Zakis describes a tumultuous Australian summer featuring severe storms on the east coast and dangerous bushfires in Victoria. Shifting winds from the desert and Antarctica have exacerbated fires near the Great Ocean Road, threatening rural agriculture and tourism while forecasters predict continued unpredictable weather patterns.1913 BRISBANE

PARTISAN RIFTS AND THE CAPITAL CITY Colleague Nathaniel Philbrick. Washington selects the Potomac for the new capital to connect the West, while rivals Jefferson and Madison organize political opposition during a northern tour. The series concludes with James Monroe's eventual embrace of Washington's model and a reflection on the first president's enduring, complex legacy. NUMBER 81939 FDR AT MT. BERNON FOR THE 150TH CELEBRATION OF WASHINGTON INAUGURAL