Podcasts about aligning

Summary An intumescent coating can be qualified or disqualified for use simply because it falls above or below a certain magical hardness level, usually as measured on the Shore D scale. But hardness has no influence on performance, and the Shore D scale just doesn't make sense when assessing softer intumescent technology types. Fireproofing industry veteran Michael Hollman explains the consequences of misusing Shore D hardness in intumescent coating specifications. Also, Michael worries that his brother-in-law might soon beat him at snooker. Timestamps 00:00 - Introduction 03:01 - How the industry's understanding of hardness has evolved 05:55 - Durometers' importance in measuring coating hardness 07:31 - Matching different Shore scales to different coating technologies 09:39 - When standards are "cut-and-pasted" without context 11:35 - Aligning hardness expectations across project teams 13:34 - Harder is not universally better 18:15 - Elasticity, damage resistance, and impact recovery 21:12 - Viewing Shore values as a reference point, not a product differentiator 22:40 - The four questions

Tessany Layher, a vibrant and charismatic figure in the world of manifestation and personal development, to discuss the power of manifestation and personal growth. Tessany shares her unique journey from experiencing troubled phases in relationships and personal life to becoming a beacon of self-discovery and empowerment. Her dynamic approach encapsulates a fusion of traditional coaching methodologies with deep spiritual awareness, allowing individuals to unlock new potentials within themselves.Throughout the discussion, Tessany Layher delves into the core essence of manifesting dreams and overcoming life's challenges. With SEO-optimized insights on self-discovery journeys and the art of manifestation, Tessany explores how positivity, clarity, and self-love can translate into a more fulfilled life. She accentuates the necessity of taking action alongside positive thinking, ensuring people recognize the intricate dance involved in bringing aspirations to reality. This episode is a treasure trove for anyone pursuing transformation through affirmations and manifestation, emphasizing the importance of having mentors and a supportive partner in navigating life's setbacks.Key Takeaways:Manifestation requires not only positive thoughts but also tangible actions to overcome roadblocks and achieve goals.Self-love and clarity about one's purpose are vital in manifesting a fulfilled and prosperous life.Every individual can unlock powerful potential within themselves, akin to famous cultural icons who turned their visions into reality.Aligning spiritual and business coaching can be a powerful tool for personal and professional transformation.Life's challenges often precede significant breakthroughs and should be embraced rather than feared.Notable Quotes:"A good manifester is always a good storyteller." – Tessany Layher"Everyone deserves to have someone that believes in them." – Tessany Layher"When the sour sweet spot hits... it's the right before the miracle. Don't give up five seconds before the miracle." – Tessany Layher"The sour sweet spot... where everything falls apart so it can be put back together the way that you want it to be." – Tessany Layher"Whatever you want it to be, you just have to change the feeling behind it. The feeling is huge." – Tessany LayherConnect with Tessany Layher:WebsiteInstagramFacebookConnect with Rudy Mawer:LinkedInInstagramFacebookTwitter

It's time for another Listener Questions episode! Listen along to get Morten and Lars' takes on questions from Evelien, Zach and Ivan covering topics such as: - The template and details for a daily GTD checklist - Someday/Maybe adjustments - Aligning your day-to-day system with your HoF in another system ..and much more! We hope that our responses help the listeners who sent in their questions and if you have any questions, be sure to send them to us! We're out of listener questions now, so if you have a question, be sure to send it to us to podcast@vitallearning.dk And as always, we'd love for you to follow or connect with us on LinkedIn! We always like to connect with GTD'ers from around the world, you can find the links to our YouTube profiles in the Links below. We have some really cool free webinars coming up, which we really want you to join

Josiah Hesse reports that Paul Weyrich used abortion as a wedge issue to mobilize evangelical voters, successfully aligning Iowa's religious community with the Republican Party during Reagan's campaign. 15.1910 GAR TOLEDO

“Solomon made an alliance with Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, and married one of his daughters. He brought her to live in the City of David until he could finish building his palace and the Temple of the Lord and the wall around the city.” (1 Kings 3:1 NLT) Solomon’s fall and disillusionment began with a series of compromises, one of which involved marrying the daughter of Pharaoh. Solomon did this because he wanted to establish a political alliance with Egypt. It was a strategic move. For all practical purposes, Solomon “yoked” himself unequally with a nonbeliever—something God had forbidden. God had told the Jewish people not to intermarry with other nations. This was not a racial issue; it was a spiritual issue. God didn’t want the Israelites aligning themselves with people who worshipped false gods. He knew how powerful the temptation of idolatry was. He knew that the Israelites’ hearts would turn away from Him if they established relationships with nonbelievers. God’s warning should resonate with His people today as well. We have an enemy who will use anything—including other people—to disrupt our relationship with God. And when those other unbelieving people inspire a romantic attraction in us, their negative impact is magnified. That’s how the devil took down Samson, perhaps the strongest man who ever lived. Samson had a natural attraction to Philistine women, even though they were not only idol worshippers but also enemies of Israel. The devil fanned the flames of attraction until Samson turned his back on his spiritual responsibilities to pursue ill-considered relationships. The race that is set before us as God’s people is difficult. A wise strategy is to run it with a partner who loves the Lord as much as you do. If you are a single person, you should pray for and wait on the godly man or woman that the Lord will bring into your life. You can be sure He would not want you romantically involved with a person who does not believe. The struggles, temptations, and negative influences are simply too great to be ignored. The Bible tells us, “Don’t team up with those who are unbelievers. How can righteousness be a partner with wickedness? How can light live with darkness? What harmony can there be between Christ and the devil? How can a believer be a partner with an unbeliever?” (2 Corinthians 6:14–15 NLT). In the race of life, you want to run with someone who is going in the same direction that you are. And if you are Christians, both you and your mate will be running toward the Lord and His plan and purpose for your lives. Solomon did not live by that principle. He teamed up with people who did not share his faith or his God. Be wiser than the wisest man who ever lived. Don’t become a partner with an unbeliever. Reflection question: How can you determine whether someone is going in the same direction as you, spiritually speaking? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Greg Laurie: Daily Devotions" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known." All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Theresa Cesare shares a powerful affirmation and practical strategies to trust the unseen, reduce stress, and manifest positive outcomes, especially during challenging life transitions.TakeawaysRepeating the affirmation 'Things are aligning for me in spaces and places I can't see' shifts your nervous system from stress to trust.Letting go and trusting the universe allows unexpected opportunities and support to flow into your life.Practical tools include morning affirmations, interrupting overthinking, and creating evidence lists of daily miracles.✨ Tools & Links :My Affirmation Card DeckYour Vocal Reset: One-Day Intensive with Jam Gamble in Scottsdale, AZ · Saturday, February 28 from 10 am–3 pm MST. Become Magnetic — Live Masterclass with meJoin my newsletter for exclusive content & mindset toolsFollow me on Instagram:Personal page @iamtheresacesareAffirmation Babe @iamtheaffirmationbabeMy WebsiteSupport the show

Doug Paul, Managing Partner at Catapult, shares how nonprofits can turn vision into action through co-created strategy, cultural alignment, and practical experimentation. With insights from supporting over 1,300 organizations, Doug outlines how to move beyond dusty strategic plans to build nimble, people-powered roadmaps that actually drive impact.

In this episode, Caleb breaks down how the health of your business directly reflects your leadership, discipline, and personal development. Key topics include: Personal development as the foundation for self-realization and self-awareness Clearly defining what a "win" looks like for yourself and your company The importance of carving out time for focused, deep work Dollar-bracketing systems to ensure efficiency and accountability Building a leadership pipeline — from apprentices to managers Giving true ownership and responsibility at every level Aligning training and SOPs so they reinforce each other Setting clear plans and executing them with precision A powerful episode on leadership, structure, and building a business that runs with clarity, accountability, and purpose. https://www.elitenetworks.us Auman Landscape on YouTube Primed For Growth www.companycam/kcpodcast Company Cam- 50% for 2 months! Linktree/AumanLandscape @aumanlandscapellc www.CycleCPA.com  Use code: Auman and save $200 when signing up. LMN Software Save on onboarding! Code: AUMAN        

Patrick McKenzie (patio11) and Luke Farrell examine the structural "technical imagination" gap that prevents the US government from delivering high-fidelity digital services. They discuss why states routinely pay full price 29 times for the same buggy codebase, why failure is the default outcome, and why rooms full of government administrators cannot muster the expertise to say a two line code change should be trivial. They also discuss Luke's work on the "means testing industrial complex,” why the government redundantly pays a private vendor to do a SQL query for information the IRS already knows, and what vendors would say about their own discontents.–Full transcript available here: http://www.complexsystemspodcast.com/understanding-government-procurement-with-luke-farrell/–Presenting Sponsors: Mercury &  FramerIf you have more interesting hobbies than managing your money, Mercury Personal is built for you. It allows you to automate movement between accounts—allocating paychecks and tax prep the moment they hit—with a sensible permissions model for partners or accountants. It works the way tech people expect banking to work. Go to mercury.com/personal to experience banking built by the same folks Patrick trusts for his business. Mercury is a fintech company, not an FDIC-insured bank. Banking services provided through Choice Financial Group and Column N.A., Members FDIC.Building and maintaining marketing websites shouldn't slow down your engineers. Framer gives design and marketing teams an all-in-one platform to ship landing pages, microsites, or full site redesigns instantly—without engineering bottlenecks. Get 30% off Framer Pro at framer.com/complexsystems.–Links:Luke Farrell's Substack: https://donmoynihan.substack.com/Luke Farrell, The Means-Testing Industrial Complex: https://donmoynihan.substack.com/p/the-means-testing-industrial-complex–Timestamps:(00:00) Intro(01:52) Transitioning from Google to the US Digital Service (USDS) (05:18) How rule buildup and administrative burdens create "Kafkaesque" mazes (08:21) Using diagrams and funnels to visualize benefit denials (11:49) Software logic errors that improperly kicked children off Medicaid (18:25) Why government payroll IT costs hundreds of millions of dollars (20:02) Sponsors: Mercury and Framer(22:02) How recursive legal requirements and DOD standards inflate IT scope (26:57) Market consolidation and the lack of competition in procurement (33:47) Aligning program administrator incentives with successful service delivery (36:03) Using in-house technologists to push back on vendor change orders (39:27) Shifting from "Big Bang" contracts to iterative, agile development (53:10) The moral incoherence of asset limits (01:11:36) Insourcing electronic income verification databases (01:16:56) Building public sector competence to manage modern technical risk (01:20:08) Wrap

Recorded on location at the EMS Association Summit in sunny Kansas City, this edition of EMS One-Stop captures something that's been building for a while across the profession: real momentum. In the first half, Rob Lawrence sits down with Bill Seifarth, CEO of the National Registry of EMTs, to unpack what the Registry is today; how its mission has evolved; and why partnerships, research and continued competence sit at the heart of public trust when 911 is called. In the second half, returning guest Patrick Pianezza joins Rob to talk Code 3, the top streaming EMS movie's impact on providers and families and what comes next. Across both conversations, the theme is unmistakable. When EMS organizations collaborate, align messaging and show up as one voice, the profession becomes harder to ignore and easier to support. The summit becomes more than a meeting. It becomes a signal. Episode timeline 1:02 – Introduction of Bill Seifarth; brief personal bio and career path 2:01 – “National Registry 101”: Bill explains the mission and what the Registry does 2:53 – Research focus: the Registry's fellowship and EMS research priorities 3:31 – “Bread and butter”: entry-level and continued competence assessment and why it matters to the public 4:33 – Rob notes the Registry's growing national presence; Bill outlines advocacy-through-partnership 5:08 – Preview of next year's summit; participation in EMS on the Hill and NCSL with multiple EMS orgs in one booth 6:33 – Why the summit matters: state associations and national partners coming together under one roof — it's a sold-out inaugural event; education, networking and shared experience highlighted 10:52 – Next stop: EMS on the Hill; “hunting in a pack” 12:20 – Bill's closing: partnership, collaboration, synergy and supporting the profession 13:38 – Transition: Rob introduces Patrick Pianezza, co-writer of Code 3 14:41 – Patrick reflects on the film's reception — especially among working providers 15:33 – Patrick shares the origin story: a “homework assignment” turned full-length film 17:39 – Where to watch: Apple/Amazon to rent or purchase; streaming on Hulu; performance metrics shared 18:30 – What's next: pitching a TV series and interest in a sequel; realities of funding and IP ownership 21:33 – Discussion of the “Mr. President” scene and the intentional visual tension-building 24:19 – Patrick addresses feedback and the goal: honest portrayal and conversation-starting, not villainizing partners 27:41 – Leadership pipeline point: great clinicians aren't automatically great leaders; mentorship matters 30:15 – Closing theme returns: one voice, fewer scattered voices, more impact for the profession 31:20 – Rob wraps: summit takeaways, guests, and a final nudge to watch Code 3 Enjoying the show? Email editor@ems1.com to share feedback or suggest guests for future episodes. 

Preview for later today: Charles Burton reports that Prime Minister Mark Carney is shifting from labeling China a threat to seeking a strategic partnership, aligning with Chinese rhetoric despite Canada's overwhelming trade reliance on America.1920 SALT RIVER, NWT

The Knicks' loss in Cleveland has Boomer sensing a "weird vibe" fueled by a terrible third quarter and coaching concerns. Jerry's update features Mike Brown's "ugly game" reaction, Kendrick Perkins "full-blown panic mode" comment. Meanwhile, Darren Mougey weighs Jets QB options and Breece Hall's loyalty, Joe Schoen discusses draft delays, and John Harbaugh emphasizes organizational alignment. Plus, President Trump's State of the Union hockey introduction, ABS challenges at Yankees spring training, and graffiti at the new Bills stadium.

In this episode of Coffee and Crystals, Kadie dives deep into the spiritual and emotional energies of Pisces season, exploring how water signs influence resilience, creativity, and love. Perfect for anyone seeking balance amidst chaos, this episode offers practical insights, personal stories, and yoga tips to harness the energy of Pisces for growth and self-trust.Episode in loving memory of D.J. Rentz Key Topics:The symbolic meaning and spiritual influence of Pisces, ruled by NeptuneHow to navigate chaos and emotional intensity during Pisces seasonGrounding techniques using Chinese medicine, meridians, and water practicesHealing through self-trust, boundaries, and balance in relationshipsThe significance of astrology in personal growth and self-awarenessPractical yoga poses like bridge and camel for emotional opennessHow Mercury retrograde amplifies emotional communication and reflectionPersonal stories of loss, resilience, and trusting the universeThe importance of silence, stillness, and intentional energy in this seasonTips for manifesting and romanticizing your life and relationshipsTimestamps: 00:00 - Welcome and overview of Pisces season and its significance02:00 - Honoring DJ and the connection of Pisces to intuition and dreams03:57 - Understanding Pisces as a water sign and riding life's waves06:20 - Embracing chaos without losing sight of your higher power09:20 - How Pisces energy challenges boundaries and triggers emotional triggers11:26 - The connection between Pisces, the body, and Chinese medicine13:26 - Using creativity and romance to transform heartbreak into growth15:25 - The power of silence and meditation during Mercury retrograde16:55 - Managing communication issues and past memories resurfacing18:25 - Balancing imbalance through yoga and self-care practices20:11 - Recognizing breakup lessons as breakthroughs and trusting the process22:13 - Building self-trust through physical action and intentional choices24:25 - Yoga poses to cultivate love and openness (bridge, camel, low lunge)25:55 - Discernment in relationships and protecting your energy27:55 - Aligning your circle and purpose for collective growth29:24 - Crystal healing tip: Aquamarine for courage and truth30:54 - Romanticize your life and craft your love story intentionally32:03 - Final reflections: strength in vulnerability, storms as creation points32:54 - Final words: choose yourself daily and harness Pisces' depth and spiritual maturityFollow Kadie on social media:

Joining me on the podcast is Alfredo ZapataTrue alignment goes beyond mindset. In this episode, Alfredo shares how connecting mind, body, and purpose creates clarity, energy, and sustainable transformation in both life and leadership.Connect with Alfredo@ linktr.ee/alfredozapatacoach

One-off workshops rarely create lasting change in classrooms. In this episode of the Time For Teachership podcast, Lindsay shares a practical Google Doc template designed to support teacher teams in ongoing, meaningful professional learning. She walks through a structured approach called Group Implementation Coaching Sessions, showing how coaching, feedback, and inquiry can help teachers refine their practice and better support student learning.   What You'll Learn in This Episode/Key Takeaways  Why continuous coaching is more effective than standalone workshops (Joyce & Showers, 2022). How to set the stage for teacher team coaching by identifying team strengths, individual values, and key priorities. Strategies for maintaining an asset-based, equity-focused, and student-centered approach in coaching sessions. Key coaching moves to help teachers shift mindsets, including: Asking for examples to get to evidence. Reframing challenges (e.g., valuing curiosity over background knowledge). Moving from scarcity to prioritization. Aligning pedagogy to core teaching values. A step-by-step walkthrough of a coaching session: Human Connection: Check-ins, celebrations, and group reflection. Implementation Check: Review previous action steps, data, and student feedback. Action Planning: Identify instructional strategies, micro-groups, or feedback systems to try before the next session. Next Steps: Decide who will try what and how data will be gathered. How to leverage peer coaching and group reflection to generate richer insights and practical solutions.   Timestamps [00:00:00] – Welcome & Episode Overview Introduction to Episode 246 The importance of continuous learning over one-off workshops [00:00:22] – Google Doc Template Overview How to support teacher teams after workshops Group Implementation Coaching Sessions [00:00:47] – Influences & Inspirations PLC at Work: Dr. Anthony Mohammed, Dr. Chad Dumas, Bob Sanju, Marin Powers, Shalene Miller Grow Model & Raman Behan Positive psychology, asset-based education, values alignment Books: Street Data, Pedagogies of Voice, Rebuilding Students' Learning Power [00:04:00] – Meeting 1: Setting the Stage Identify team strengths and values Center equity and "critical hope" Name the students/groups on the margins Define success: what it looks, sounds, and feels like Co-design inquiry questions and evidence-gathering [00:07:16] – Coaching Bank & Key Moves Asking for evidence: "Can you say more? Share an example?" Reframing challenges: curiosity > background knowledge Shifting from scarcity mindset to prioritization Aligning teaching to core values [00:14:42] – Structuring Subsequent Meetings Start with human connection: check-ins, listening dyads, celebrations Implementation check: review prior actions and data Three containers: initial reactions, data reflection, gut checks [00:19:35] – GLEE Model for Action Planning Goal: What do we want to foster before next session? Learn: Analyze student strengths, gaps, and feedback Explore: Identify instructional moves to grow skills & student agency Expectations: Decide who does what and gather data for next session [00:24:34] – Final Thoughts & Evidence for Coaching Joyce & Showers (2022): coaching increases skill transfer from 5% → 75–90% Peer coaching and structured feedback as essential professional learning [00:26:04] – Closing Think big, act brave, and be your best self   Get Your Episode Freebie & More Resources On My Website: https://www.lindsaybethlyons.com/blog/246

Visit Renew.org to sign up for our email newsletter and be the first to know about new content, books and resources.  https://renew.org/ Join RENEW.org at an upcoming event: https://renew.org/resources/events/ Join RENEW.org's Newsletter: https://renew.org/resources/newsletter-sign-up/ Aligning Your Church for Disciple Making: Five Shifts, One Mission This session is on aligning churches around Jesus' method of intentional, relational disciple making. They share personal ministry journeys and describe the challenge of shifting established, often attractional church systems toward obedience-based disciple making rooted in the Great Commission (Matthew 28) and maturity in Christ (Colossians 1). Using an iPhone vs. Android operating system metaphor, they argue disciple making can't be added as a side program but must reshape the whole church. They present research findings that fewer than 5% of U.S. churches have a culture rooted in Jesus-style disciple making and outline four core practices seen in exemplary churches: convictional leadership, a contextual and reproducible model, high expectations, and cultural alignment. 00:00 Welcome & Why Disciple-Making Alignment Matters 04:03 Jeff Story: From Slogans to a Disciple-Making Culture 08:23 Paul: Leaving Membership Metrics for Making Disciples 13:24 Training Process Overview + The iPhone vs. Droid ‘Operating System' Metaphor 18:59 State of Disciple-Making in North America + Jesus' Intentional Relational Method 21:40 The Great Commission Explained: ‘Make Disciples' and Obedience-Based Faith 27:09 Beyond ‘Evangelism' vs ‘Discipleship': One Mission—Salvation to Maturity 32:38 Bobby's Journey: Coleman, Church Systems, Disciple Shift, and Renew's Theology 41:07 Research Findings: Why Most Churches Aren't Disciple-Making Churches 44:57 The 4 Core Practices: Convictional Leadership, Model, Expectations, Alignment 50:09 Why Revelation's First 3 Chapters Matter Most (Jesus & the Churches) 52:38 Legacy Church Challenge: Shifting to a Discipleship Culture Without Blowing It Up 54:05 Defining a Disciple: Follow Jesus, Be Changed, Join the Mission 56:01 Personal Discipleship Story: Learning to Make Disciples Who Make Disciples 57:24 Why People Struggle to Disciple: The Baseball Analogy 01:00:15 Early Momentum & Staff Culture Change: Baptisms, Next Steps, Monday Stories 01:02:01 The Discipleship Mandate ‘Cumulative': Jesus, Church, NT, Leaders, Gathering 01:11:43 Alignment Killers: Competing Agendas, Wrong Metrics, Instant-Result Expectations 01:13:36 10 Levers to Use (Not Demonize): Large Church, Sunday, Pulpit, Tradition, Doctrine 01:23:20 Five-Part Roadmap: Missional, Theological, Philosophical, Organizational, Relational 01:27:57 Break, Then Missional Alignment Deep Dive: Love God, Love People, Then Make Disciples 01:32:38 Avoiding Counterfeit Missions: Tradition, Buildings, and Other Substitutes 01:33:20 C.S. Lewis on the Church's One Job: Make Disciples 01:34:12 Mission-Driven vs Member-Driven (and Keeping Jesus' Mission Central) 01:35:04 Theological Alignment: Why Clarity Is Kindness 01:36:52 Beyond ‘Essentials/Non-Essentials': A Better Doctrine Framework 01:42:29 A Replicable System for Teaching Core Doctrine (Catechism DNA) 01:44:35 Micro Groups & ‘Trust and Follow Jesus': Simple, Proven, Reproducible 01:47:42 Philosophical Alignment: The Jesus Way—Intentional, Relational, Transformational 01:52:29 Organizational Alignment: Leading Change Without Blowing Up the Church 02:00:26 Relational Alignment: Love, Conflict, and the Messiness of Real Discipleship 02:11:31 Next Steps & Final Charge: Join the Alignment Training + Keep Making Disciples https://renew.org/ Check out the following from RENEW.org: Events: https://renew.org/resources/events/ Videos: https://renew.org/media/videos/ Podcasts: https://renew.org/media/podcasts/ Articles: https://renew.org/articles/ Free eBooks: https://renew.org/resources/free-ebooks/ Books: https://renew.org/resources/books/ Audiobooks: https://renew.org/resources/audiobooks/ Sermon Tools: https://renew.org/resources/sermon-tools/ Job Board: https://jobs.renew.org/ Renew University: https://renewuniversity.org/ Real Life Theology Conversations: https://renew.org/rltc/ Sign up for our newsletter: https://renew.org/resources/newsletter-sign-up/ Get our Premium podcast feed featuring all the breakout sessions from the RENEW gathering early.  https://reallifetheologypodcast.supercast.com/  Be sure to like, subscribe and follow on social media!  You can find us on: Instagram: @the.renew.network  Facebook: Renew.org  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@RENEWnetwork Twitter: @therenewnetwork TikTok: the.renew.network  Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/RENEW

Are you performing well but still not advancing the way you should be? In this episode, I unpack what executive presence really means at senior levels and why performance alone is not enough. You'll learn how to intentionally align the way you show up with where you're headed, why influence matters more than execution, and how misalignment can quietly stall your career. I also break down what it takes to operate in the gray—where there's no clear roadmap and no one telling you what to do—and how to build the confidence to stand firm in your thinking. If you'd like immediate support with the issues you're facing as a Leader, then book a call with Elisia at https://elisiakeowncoaching.com/call You can find show notes, resources, and more here: https://tinyurl.com/23wcmne9 

How does the wisdom and resilience of past generations shape our ability to succeed in today's rapidly changing world? In a world of rapid change and easy access to information, the younger generations often feel disconnected from the resilience forged by their predecessors. This disconnect raises important questions about how we can bridge the gap and keep the lessons of the past in mind as we move forward. Leonard Brody, a prominent entrepreneur, venture capitalist, and author, shares his insights on the challenges faced by today's generation, the importance of resilience, and the role of entrepreneurs in shaping a better future.  He opens up about his own journey and the ways in which his family's experiences have shaped his worldview and approach to business. Leonard also discusses how the lack of direct experience with global-scale trauma in younger generations might affect their resilience and perspectives. In this episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius is joined by Leonard Brody to talk about the modern entrepreneurial landscape and the importance of bridging the gap between economic realities and personal resilience. The conversation touches on the role of entrepreneurs in addressing societal challenges and mitigating the risks of radicalization and economic disenfranchisement. Topics include: The profound impact of a knowledgeable mentor on one's career Balancing authenticity with reputation management Leonard reflects on early entrepreneurial challenges The role of luck and timing in achieving success Aligning business goals with personal life objectives Generational differences in worldview between older and younger entrepreneurs The responsibility of successful entrepreneurs in addressing societal gaps And other topics… Connect with Leonard: Website: https://hellocaravan.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lbrody Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lbrody/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/lbrody Connect with Darius: Website: https://therealdarius.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dariusmirshahzadeh/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imthedarius/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Thegreatnessmachine  Book: The Core Value Equation https://www.amazon.com/Core-Value-Equation-Framework-Limitless/dp/1544506708 Write a review for The Greatness Machine using this link: https://ratethispodcast.com/spreadinggreatness.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

 With host retail coach Wendy Batten   https://wendybatten.com/podcast-intro/   Episode Overview In this episode, I'm sharing a practical look at the power of a monthly business debrief. Sparked by a coaching client who resisted the process at first, this conversation walks through what a debrief actually is, why it matters, and how it can be done in as little as 15 minutes per month. We all have that kind of time! For experienced shop owners who feel profitable but unclear, busy but reactive, this episode offers a grounded structure for closing out the month with intention. Wendy explains how reviewing key numbers, marketing efforts, operations, and priorities can help you move from running on memory and mood to leading with clarity. If you want to feel more in control of your shop and less overwhelmed by it, this episode outlines a simple habit that can shift how you lead your business: the monthly debrief. Our Key Topics What a monthly business debrief is and why it matters The difference between rolling into the next month and intentionally closing one out Reviewing key performance indicators such as sales, profit, margin, inventory, and marketing metrics Evaluating marketing, events, and promotions to see what translated into revenue Looking at financial health through a profitability lens Using an operational checklist to assess team energy, customer feedback, and flow in the shop Identifying the "big rocks" that deserve focus next month Aligning monthly reflection with 90-day planning Moving from reactive decision-making to pattern recognition Key Takeaways about the Monthly Debrief A monthly debrief can be a simple 15 minute CEO activity that builds clarity over time. We have a tendency to just keep rolling from one month to the next, but the truth is you don't need a ton of time to do a debrief. Take 15 minutes and do it. Looking at patterns in pricing, marketing, and operations can help you identify and stop potential issues before they start. What KPIs do you want to track? What metrics are important to you? (Sales, profit margin, average order value, foot traffic, etc.)   Sales alone do not equal success; profits and clarity matter more. Where did your PROFITS come from this month? How can you replicate that in future months?   Measuring what you worked on shows whether your efforts actually translated into revenue and profits. Which events worked? Which didn't? Did you advertise on a billboard or elsewhere? Did it bring in new customers? Did you send out weekly emails that brought new customers in?   Consistency over several months builds confidence and a greater sense of control. You don't have to keep "remembering" month after month. You'll have it all on paper so you can refer back and begin making decisions based on the patterns the monthly debriefs reveal.   "Stop running your shop on just memory and mood." -Wendy Batten If you have been moving from month to month without stopping, this is your invitation to pause, reflect, and give yourself that simple monthly date with your business. Resources Mentioned and Related Episodes: Profit Planning Masterclass: (free for Inner Circle members and Mastermind members) Go from not knowing the RIGHT numbers to easily finding more profit in your business using my simple "back of the napkin" training.   Join my Love List!   Episode 263: Why CEO Time Isn't Optional in Your Retail Business Episode 197: The Monthly Debrief: A Simple Activity All Retail Shop Owners Should Be Doing About your host, Wendy Batten In case we haven't met…I'm Wendy Batten. I've been a small business owner, coach, and mentor for over 25 years. I help thoughtful, established entrepreneurs step into their role as CEO and build businesses that are profitable, meaningful, and supportive of the lives they want to live. My work blends real-world strategy with a life-first philosophy, shaped by lived experience, not theory. I've been there! Through honest conversations and practical insight, I invite you into bigger thinking about leadership, possibility, and how to build both business and life on purpose. For more support from Wendy Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG All of Wendy's current programs and services for shop owners can be found HERE.  Never miss an episode! Subscribe to the Creative Shop Talk Podcast and get the tools, inspiration, and strategies you need to thrive as an independent retailer.Click here to subscribe to iTunes!  Loved the episode? Leave a quick review on iTunes- your reviews help other retailers find my podcast, and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Just click here to review, select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. So grateful for you! Thank you!

Send a textReThink Podcast, Digital Store100 Days of Gratitude (Journal)Mastering Time ManagementHave you ever reached the end of an exhausting day and wondered, Where did all my time go? We are taught that time management is about speed, grinding, and squeezing more tasks into every hour. But what if traditional time management is actually a trap keeping you stuck in a state of anxiety?In this episode of the ReThink Podcast, host V. Kelly Bennett challenges the "hustle culture" narrative to reveal why you cannot outwork a frantic self-concept. Discover why we constantly self-sabotage our own time and how to move from the panic of the hustle into the peace of alignment. Learn how to stop trying to manage time, and start managing your consciousness within that time.In this episode, you will learn:• The Trap of Busyness: Why staying "busy" is often a trauma response to avoid facing your true purpose.• Identity First: How to ask "Who do I want to be today?" before you even touch your to-do list.• Observing the Time Leak: How to audit your distractions without judgment or guilt.• The "One Thing" Rule: A simple strategy to break the illusion that you must check off twenty boxes to be worthy.

Trigger Warning: This message briefly mentions depression, anxiety, self-harm, and suicidal thoughts. Please take care of yourself while listening. What happens when your mind says “no”… but God says “yes”?In this deeply personal and powerful testimony, Bryce shares what it looked like to make 2025 a Year of Yes — a year of choosing obedience over fear, faith over insecurity, and truth over the lies that once felt louder than anything else.After years marked by depression, anxiety, CPTSD, chronic illness, suicidal thoughts, and feeling completely lost, Bryce found themself at a crossroads: stay hidden and small, or trust God enough to say “Your will, not mine.” From stepping into the worship team, holding the banner at Pride, facilitating connect groups, and helping plan conference — every “YES” felt terrifying at first. But each act of obedience rewrote old narratives of: “I'm too much.” “I'm not enough.” “I don't belong.” “I'm not qualified.”Anchored in scriptures like Psalm 139 and Ephesians 2:10, this sermon explores:• Rewriting the lies we believe about ourselves• Aligning identity with God's Word• Trusting God when capacity feels low• Saying YES even when you feel unqualified• Finding healing through obedience If you've ever wrestled with negative thoughts, fear, comparison, chronic illness, identity, or feeling unseen — this message is for you. Saying YES doesn't mean it isn't scary. It means trusting that God equips who He calls.To support the ministry of Melbourne Inclusive Church go to: www.michurch.org.au/giveMelbourne Inclusive Church boldly and proudly proclaims Christ's equal love for all people regardless of their ability, socio-economic status, sexual orientation, age, gender, race, ethnicity, or culture.Melbourne Inclusive Church is part of the EMI Global family of churches.

This week, Kyra sits down with Brian Thompson, financial advisor, former tax attorney, and business strategist, for a powerful conversation at the intersection of finance, identity, and purpose. Brian works with LGBTQ+ and mission-driven entrepreneurs to help them build profitable businesses that reflect who they are and what they stand for. Together, they explore the myth that founders must choose between impact and profit, the early signs that a business may no longer fit your life, and how identity-led planning creates sustainable growth. Brian shares practical mindset and financial shifts that help entrepreneurs build with clarity, charge confidently, and design operations that support long-term legacy. In this episode: ✨ Why impact and profit are not opposing forces ✨ How identity shapes the way you build your business ✨ Signs you may be building the wrong business for your life ✨ Financial mindset shifts for mission-driven founders ✨ Aligning operations, money, and legacy with your values For entrepreneurs who want their work and wealth to reflect who they truly are, this episode offers grounded strategy and encouragement to build differently. Connect with Brian: Website: https://btfinancial.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/btfinancial/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's Consumer Finance Monitor podcast, we are releasing an episode about a timely and wide-ranging discussion on one of the most significant and fastest-evolving developments in commercial finance: the rapid "consumerization" of small business lending law. In this episode, host Alan Kaplinsky welcomes Louis Caditz-Peck, Executive Director of the Responsible Business Lending Coalition (RBLC), for an in-depth conversation about the proliferation of state small business lending protection statutes, the policy debates driving them, and what they mean for lenders, fintechs, banks, and small business borrowers. From Self-Regulation to State Law: How We Got Here For decades, commercial lending operated under a fundamentally different regulatory framework than consumer credit. The prevailing assumption was that business borrowers were sophisticated, negotiated their transactions, and did not need standardized disclosures or suitability-type protections. That assumption has eroded. As Louis explains, since the financial crisis, and particularly with the growth of online and fintech lending, small business financing has changed dramatically. Community banks have pulled back. Non-bank online platforms have expanded. New products, including merchant cash advances and other revenue-based financing arrangements, have proliferated. At the same time, concerns have grown about: Opaque pricing structures Misleading "interest rate" representations Broker incentives that steer borrowers into higher-cost products Repeated refinancing of unaffordable obligations These concerns led to the development of the Small Business Borrower's Bill of Rights, a set of industry standards first launched in 2015 at the Aspen Institute by a coalition of lenders, small business groups, and nonprofit advocates. What began as a voluntary, self-regulatory effort quickly became a blueprint for legislation. California's SB 1235 in 2018 marked the first major small business truth-in-lending law. Since then, according to Louis, 19 small business financial protection laws have been enacted across multiple states, with California and New York leading the way. The "Consumerization" of Small Business Lending A central theme of the episode is whether we are witnessing the "consumerization" of small business lending. Many of the new state laws borrow heavily from consumer credit concepts, including: APR-style cost disclosures Total cost of financing disclosures Payment schedule requirements Prepayment and fee transparency Restrictions on certain contractual provisions Some states have layered on licensing or registration requirements for small business finance providers. Others incorporate or supplement state UDAP (unfair and deceptive acts and practices) standards, which may apply to certain business-to-business transactions as well as consumer transactions. The policy rationale is straightforward: many "Main Street" businesses are effectively sole proprietorships or closely-held operations without in-house finance or legal teams. Legislators increasingly view these borrowers as closer to consumers than to large corporations with treasury departments and inside or outside counsel. As Alan and Louis discuss, the regulatory shift raises serious operational and compliance challenges, particularly given the state-by-state patchwork of requirements. The Compliance Conundrum: Patchwork and Harmonization A recurring concern is whether the proliferation of state laws imposes disproportionate burdens on smaller lenders and startups, especially compared to large institutions with robust legal and compliance infrastructures. Louis emphasizes that RBLC has actively worked to promote interstate harmonization, particularly between California and New York. For example: Advocating for standardized disclosure forms that can be used in multiple states Aligning definitions and disclosure triggers Encouraging estimated APR calculations for revenue-based financing However, not all states have followed a harmonized approach. Some laws, particularly those focused narrowly on merchant cash advances, have created divergent requirements, complicating multi-state compliance. As Alan notes, the trend presents both risk and opportunity for lenders and their counsel. The regulatory environment is no longer static. Companies offering small business financing must assume that: Cost disclosures will likely be required in more states Registration or licensing may apply Enforcement risk—particularly under state UDAP statutes—will increase Section 1071 and Federal Uncertainty The episode also explores the role of the CFPB under Section 1071 of the Dodd-Frank Act, which requires data collection on small business lending to: 1.     Identify potential discrimination, and 2.     Assess whether certain markets are underserved. The CFPB finalized its 1071 rule in 2023 under then Director Rohit Chopra. Multiple legal challenges followed. Under the current administration, a notice of proposed rulemaking has sought to scale back and slow implementation. At the same time, the Federal Trade Commission has signaled an interest in using its enforcement authority to address unfair or deceptive acts or practices affecting small businesses—underscoring an intriguing tension within federal regulatory policy. As Louis observes, the debate is not simply about reducing or expanding government. It is about how government authority will be used and whether transparency and enforcement will be advanced through rulemaking, litigation, or state initiatives. Merchant Cash Advances and Revenue-Based Financing A particularly nuanced part of the discussion focuses on merchant cash advances (MCAs) and other sales-based financing products. These arrangements typically involve: An advance of funds in exchange for a fixed repayment amount Payments tied to a percentage of daily or periodic sales Variable duration depending on business performance RBLC's position, as Louis explains, is product neutral. The coalition does not advocate banning product categories or imposing rate caps. Instead, it focuses on responsible practices, including transparent pricing and assessment of ability to repay. Importantly, none of the major state lending protection laws impose interest rate caps. The emphasis is on disclosure and market transparency rather than price regulation. Who Is Covered—and Who Is Not? Most state small business truth-in-lending statutes apply to financing of $500,000 or less (with some variation, such as New York's $2.5 million threshold following gubernatorial revision). Coverage often includes: Closed-end loans Open-end lines of credit Sales-based financing/MCAs Factoring (in some states) Banks are generally exempt from these statutes, though non-bank "providers" presenting the offer of credit may still have disclosure obligations even in bank partnership models. As Alan highlights, this raises interesting competitive and policy questions about level playing fields across banks and non-banks. Looking Ahead to 2026 Both speakers agree: this trend is not going away. With significant percentages of small business owners reporting difficulty accessing affordable capital—and a substantial minority reporting harm from predatory practices—state legislators remain motivated to act. The key policy question is not whether regulation will expand, but how. Well-designed transparency frameworks can: Promote price competition Reward responsible innovation Improve borrower decision-making Poorly harmonized or overly rigid frameworks, however, risk increasing compliance costs and reducing credit availability. As Alan notes in his closing remarks, small business finance regulation is becoming a core area of growth for law firms and compliance professionals historically focused on consumer financial services. The line between consumer and commercial finance continues to blur.  Alan noted that the Consumer Financial Services Group which he founded and chaired for 25 years has counseled and represented small business lenders for decades. For lenders, fintechs, banks, and their advisors, understanding these developments is no longer optional—it is essential. Consumer Finance Monitor is hosted by Alan Kaplinsky, Senior Counsel at Ballard Spahr, and the founder and former chair of the firm's Consumer Financial Services Group. We encourage listeners to subscribe to the podcast on their preferred platform for weekly insights into developments in the consumer finance industry.

Holly Porter is a transformational leader who doesn't just talk about purpose — she has lived it through fire. A 17-time best-selling author, keynote speaker, and founder of 12 startup companies, Holly is the CEO of Retreat RnR, a prop-tech and concierge platform helping retreat leaders and entrepreneurs create profitable, purpose-driven experiences.After surviving a 70-day near-death battle with COVID-19, Holly emerged with a renewed mission: to help others align spirituality with strategy. Out of that experience, she developed her powerful SHIFT Framework — Surrender, Hope, Intuition, Faith, and Transformation — guiding leaders to build lives and businesses rooted in both faith and focus.#PurposeDrivenLife #FaithAndLeadership #SpiritualEntrepreneur #WomenInBusiness #SoulAlignedSuccess #LegacyBuilding #ResilientWomenConnecting with Holly PorterWebsite: https://linktr.ee/hollyporterBook: https://neardeathshift.com/Non-Profit: Women Leading with Purpose

Ever feel like your life is out of sync—like something's just… off? In this message from John 8, Pastor Ben Young explores how true freedom isn't just about escape—it's about alignment. Aligning your heart, your habits, and your will with the God who made you. Whether you're stuck in sin, drifting in doubt, or just tired of pretending, Jesus offers freedom that lasts. Ready to get realigned?

Welcome back to a brand-new series of the Building Better Cultures Podcast! In the first episode of the season, host Scott McInnes is joined by Phil Codd, Managing Director of Expleo in Ireland. They discuss the multifaceted nature of organisational culture, emphasising the importance of aligning leadership and employee cultures. Phil shares insights on employee happiness, effective communication, and the significance of feedback loops in fostering a positive work environment. The conversation also touches on the challenges of hybrid work, the future of organisational culture, and the need for organisations to adapt to a more flexible and inclusive work environments.   Here are some of the key insights from the episode: ·      Culture isn't just one thing; organisations have multiple cultures. ·      Happy employees lead to happy customers and growth. ·      Effective communication is a critical leadership skill. ·      Feedback loops are essential for employee engagement. ·      Celebrating employee longevity can enhance morale. ·      Technology can facilitate continuous feedback in organisations. ·      Hybrid work requires new ways of connecting teams. ·      Organisational culture is not confined to physical spaces. ·      Aligning leadership culture with employee culture is vital. ·      Policies should focus on the human aspects of work. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Building Better Cultures Podcast 03:12 Understanding Organisational Culture 09:54 The Importance of Communication in Culture 12:30 Feedback Loops and Employee Engagement 17:29 Flexibility and Hybrid Working Models 23:51 Challenges of Geographic and Hybrid Work 28:58 Future of Work and Cultural Alignment Keywords: Organisational culture, leadership, employee engagement, communication, feedback loops, hybrid work, employee happiness, culture alignment, workplace dynamics, future of work Connect with us: LinkedIn YouTube Instagram

We are entering an unprecedented energetic convergence where the Fire Horse, 1-Universal Year numerology, and the Saturn-Neptune conjunction in Aries meet in a singular, powerful archetype. In this episode, Amanda dives deep into why this year refuses to respond to "hustle" or "effort" alone. Instead, the universe is looking for a specific energetic signature: Coherence. In this episode, we explore: The Sword in the Stone: Why Arthurian legend is the perfect map for navigating the Fire Horse. The "Camel through the Eye of a Needle": Why authenticity and truth are the only "passwords" that work this year. Shadow Aspects of the Fire Horse: How to identify the difference between true momentum and reactive chaos (and how to avoid the "burnout" trap). The Nervous System as Gatekeeper: Why regulation is your greatest temperature gauge for success. Timeline Accelerations: How old patterns are "burning off" to make room for embodied authority and infinite potential. The Fire Horse offers unbridled freedom and breakthrough energy, but it cannot be domesticated. It can only be channeled through a regulated system and a heart of integrity. Additional Resources: Nervous System Regulation: The Key to Your Spiritual Awakening Saturn & Neptune in Aries: The Moment That Everything Changes How to Clear Your Aura & Strengthen Energetic Boundaries How to Clear Your Energy with Epsom Salt Host: Amanda Rieger Green YouTube: @soul_pathology⁩ Instagram: @soulpathology Website: SoulPathology.com Email: Podcast@soulsessions.meFollow Amanda on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soulpathology/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Joining us in this episode of Living Off Rentals is an award-winning publicist, hospitality veteran, and short-term rental expert who has built a profitable portfolio by thinking differently about how and where to invest. Katie Cline is the host of the Second Home First podcast and Suite Success: Masters of Hospitality. She has worked behind the scenes with global luxury hotel brands including Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, and W Hotels, and now applies those hospitality principles to her own short-term rental properties across upstate New York. Listen as Katie shares how buying her second home first allowed her to build wealth, create meaningful family experiences, and run profitable short-term rentals without sacrificing lifestyle. She also breaks down how hospitality, thoughtful design, and smart market selection can make all the difference. Enjoy the show! Key Takeaways: [00:00] Introducing Katie Cline and her background [02:55] Moving from global hotel brands to owning short-term rentals [05:23] Buying a second home first instead of a primary residence [07:12] The beauty of buying your second home first [10:01] How short-term rentals compare to traditional investing and 401Ks [10:59] Financing strategies for second homes and creative renovations [13:06] Evaluating deals and understanding worst-case scenarios [18:16] Lessons learned from furnishing and renovating remotely [26:14] Managing fear and doubt when pulling the trigger on deals [27:24] Shifting from investor mindset to hospitality mindset [30:54] Hotel principles that improve short-term rental performance [35:27] Designing arrival experiences that shape guest perception [38:18] Why quality beats rapid scaling in short-term rentals [41:28] The philosophy behind Buy Your Second Home First [47:44] Aligning real estate decisions with lifestyle goals [48:40] Outro Guest Links: Website: https://www.buyyoursecondhomefirst.com/  Show Links: Living Off Rentals YouTube Channel – youtube.com/c/LivingOffRentals  Living Off Rentals YouTube Podcast Channel - youtube.com/c/LivingOffRentalsPodcast  Living Off Rentals Facebook Group – facebook.com/groups/livingoffrentals  Living Off Rentals Website – https://www.livingoffrentals.com/  Living Off Rentals Instagram – instagram.com/livingoffrentals  Living Off Rentals TikTok – tiktok.com/@livingoffrentals 

In this episode, AgingIN CEO, Susan Ryan, sits down with Mary Naber, president and CEO of PACE Southeast Michigan, to explore her remarkable leadership journey and the transformative potential of the PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) model of care. Mary shares how her career evolved from respiratory therapy into executive leadership. With degrees in psychology, business, and an MBA from the University of Michigan, Mary blends clinical insight, business acumen, and people-centered leadership. Susan and Mary discuss how Mary's transition to PACE was deeply personal. After navigating the healthcare system during her mother's dementia journey, Mary became committed to improving care for older adults. She found that in the mission of PACE: a model designed to keep older adults living safely in their communities rather than in nursing homes. Mary and Susan discuss the organization's development of the Green House homes at the PACE site in Detroit, Mich. This episode is a powerful look at what's possible when leadership, mission, and innovation align to support healthy aging in community. More about PACE Southeast Michigan here: https://www.pacesemi.org/

Brian Russell (Ph.D.) asks a poignant question as we enter into Lent: Do I Really Trust that God Has My Best Interests at Heart? How you answer this question changes everything. He guides you through a poignant reading of Genesis 2-3, Psalm 51 and Romans 5 and invites us all to open ourselves up even deeper to God's work during this season. Email him: brian@brianrussellphd.com and ask for the Rule of Life worksheet Interested in going even deeper? Brian has two books that go really well with the Lenten Season:  Astonished by the Word: Reading Scripture for Deep Transformation https://amzn.to/48fey8l   Centering Prayer: Sitting Quietly in God's Presence Can Change Your Life https://amzn.to/2S0AcIZ  Sign up for his updates: www.brianrussellphd.com/newsletter  Interested in coaching with Brian? Email him today to initiate a transformational conversation: Brian@brianrussellphd.com  Brian Russell's Other Books   (re)Aligning with God: Reading Scripture for Church and World (Cascade): https://amzn.to/3Mzfw7p  Invitation: A Bible Study to Begin With (Seedbed) https://my.seedbed.com/product/onebook-invitation-by-brian-russell/   Information on Brian's Signature Deep Dive Spirituality Coaching for Pastors and Spiritually Minded Leaders: www.deepdivespirituality.com   Connecting with Brian: Website: www.brianrussellphd.com   X: @briandrussell  Interested in coaching or inviting Brian to speak or teach for your community of faith or group? Email: deepdivespirituality@gmail.com  Links to Amazon are Affiliate links. If you purchase items through these links, Amazon shares a small percentage of the sale to Brian Russell. This supports the podcast and does not increase the price of the items you may choose to buy. Thank you for your support.

This is a recording of a live guided meditation.  The meditation guide and the members of the public who joined the meditation used the Zoom platform.   Even though you are listening to this meditation as a recording rather than attending live, in the world of consciousness, there is no time or space. Meaning, regardless of when you listen, you are in a meditation with a large group of folks from different walks of life and places on the planet.Meditation Guide: Judy Hunter, Master meditation guide and seasoned teacher and trainer for the Divine Spark Program.Judy's Meditation Guide Style: Rich, musical tone to her voice.  Inspiring imagery and clear guidance makes possible going deep into your center safely and joyfully.Content: Features these tools and techniques:Grounding (Earth Connection)ReleasingCenteringIntentional BreathingCenter of Head AwarenessFinding the energy flow of universal consciousness within you, then stepping into itTraveling within your energy architecture -- moving point of awareness through 1-12 chakras Intention setting Bringing your life energy into harmony with your divine/universal self

In this conversation, I'm talking to my Christian sisters in business about why God's will isn't something we "figure out" like a formula. But it's something we learn through relationship. Because if we don't know His voice, we'll either move in fear, move in striving, or we'll start calling our own thoughts "God" and then wondering why nothing has peace on it. I'm breaking down the difference between flesh and Spirit, and why discernment matters so much when you're making decisions with money, time, family, and your calling on the line. I talk about stillness, not as a cute spiritual idea, but as a real practice that re-centers you so you can actually recognize what's Him and what's pressure. I also give practical ways to test what you think you're hearing, why community matters for discernment, and why you need to be careful with the phrase "God told me" when you haven't actually submitted it to Scripture, peace, and wise counsel. The goal isn't to be dramatic or mystical. The goal is to build holy confidence rooted in truth, so you're not led by anxiety or hype, but by intimacy and obedience. If you're a Christian woman author and you feel stuck because you love Jesus, you wrote the book, but you're struggling to sell it and actually bring in income without turning into a full-time marketer, I made something for you. The 7 Day Book Sales Reset is a short daily training series that resets how you sell your book in today's market and walks you into a simple, clear system that creates steady sales without exhausting you. Go grab The 7 Day Book Sales Reset now, and let's build a path that serves your readers and actually supports the message God entrusted to you. GET IT HERE       Chapters 00:00 Understanding God's Will in Business 02:38 The Importance of Knowing His Voice 05:27 The Struggle Between Flesh and Spirit 08:14 Practicing Stillness and Listening 10:43 The Role of Discernment in Decision Making 13:36 Testing What We Hear 16:22 The Humility of Hearing from God 18:54 Practical Steps for Aligning with God's Will 21:20 The Process of Obedience and Waiting 23:30 The Filters for Discernment 25:56 The Assurance of His Guidance 28:25 The Role of Community in Discernment 31:26 The Peace of Christ in Decision Making 34:18 The Dangers of Misinterpreting God's Voice 36:49 Final Thoughts on Hearing God's Voice

In this episode of RevOps Champions, Strategic Coach partner Shannon Waller shares deep insights into alignment, growth, and long-term team success. She explains why values and vision are the make-or-break factors for scaling, the difference between entrepreneurial and corporate mindsets, and how leaders can foster growth and unique ability. The conversation covers growth mindset, AI in the results economy, and her framework for self-awareness, team awareness, and business awareness. This is essential listening for founders and RevOps professionals aiming to build aligned, self-managing teams.What You'll LearnWhy alignment on values and vision determines whether a company scales or stallsThe critical difference between corporate and entrepreneurial mindsetsHow to spot and prevent misalignment during hiringWhy reflection, not experience alone, drives real growthShannon's three-part framework: self-awareness, team awareness, and business awarenessA simple 5-minute communication tool to improve team alignment immediatelyResources MentionedThe Team Success HandbookMultiplication by Subtraction Who Not HowMindset No Ego Working Genius Kolbe IndexEntrepreneurial Operating SystemYourTeamSuccess.com Strategic CoachIs your business ready to scale? Take the Growth Readiness Score to find out. In 5 minutes, you'll see: Benchmark data showing how you stack up to other organizations A clear view of your operational maturity Whether your business is ready to scale (and what to do next if it's not) Let's Connect Subscribe to the RevOps Champions Newsletter LinkedIn YouTube Explore the show at revopschampions.com. Ready to unite your teams with RevOps strategies that eliminate costly silos and drive growth? Let's talk!

EUROPEAN REGULATORY REFORM PREVIEW FOR LATER: Joseph Sternberg discusses how unlikely political coalitions in Europe, such as Merz and Meloni, are aligning to push for less EU regulation to boost economic competitiveness. Guest: Joseph Sternberg1910 BRUSSELS

If you're trying to grow your business by getting more clients, more leads, or more followers… I want to flip that thinking. The fastest way to double your revenue is usually to work with fewer people — not more. And the way you do that is by becoming a premium operator. Let me show you three things premium businesses do that almost nobody else is willing to do.Chapters00:00 Rethinking Business Growth02:14 The Importance of Premium Pricing04:52 Aligning with Serious Buyers07:49 Outcome-Oriented Messaging10:47 Creating Friction for Premium Clients23:11 Transforming Your Business Identity

I'm continuing my exploration of a hard truth many leaders of analytics software companies run into: deals don't stall because the tech is weak. Instead, they stall because prospects can't see the value soon enough or the risk of changing the status quo is too high. This is often a product problem, not a sales one, and obtaining Flow-of-Work Alignment (FOWA) may help you start closing more evals and deals. So what is FOWA? The idea is simple, but demanding: stop showcasing features and start designing experiences that fit into how customers already do their work, create value, and add delight when your product is added into the loop.  Getting to FOWA means tailoring demos with realistic, industry-specific data, reducing mental translation, and minimizing behavior change. In this scenario, improvements become small, testable bets tied to outcomes, not feature checklists. UX and usability are not cosmetic; they should shape trust, adoption, and buyability.  When prospects can clearly see themselves succeeding with your product, value feels obvious, evals progress, and deals close.  Highlights/ Skip to: Steps to implementing Flow-of-Work Alignment (FOWA):  Tailor your demo or POC to map to the prospects' world and their workflow (1:53) Treat product improvements as bets that have to be tested so that observable outcomes are what you're holding your product team accountable for (3:57) Reducing perceived behavior change (6:39) Realize that your product's visual design are likely impacting your product's clarity and its desirability (12:29)  Aligning your sales and product teams around customer outcomes and not feature gaps (18:03) Why you might think FOWA won't work for your product—and how to reframe those objections (24:22)

Jaasiel Bulnes, VP of Global Talent Acquisition at Workiva, reveals how growing up amid Miami's constant motion and being raised in an immigrant household shaped Jasi's resilience, resourcefulness, and commitment to earning trust. He reflects on the sponsors who advocated for him, the feedback that sharpened his self-awareness, and the shift from driving results himself to building leaders who can scale impact. The conversation positions talent acquisition as a business function where context drives the right metrics, and long-term value outweighs speed alone.Books mentioned:- Radical Candor by Kim ScottConnect with host James Mackey on LinkedIn!  Thank you to our sponsor, SecureVision, for making this show possible! Follow us:https://www.linkedin.com/company/82436841/SecureVision: #1 Rated Embedded Recruitment Firm on G2!https://www.g2.com/products/securevision/reviewsThanks for listening!

In this episode of A Swift Kick in the Ass, John Curren sits down with Lori Atwood, CFP® and founder of Fearless Finance, for a candid and practical conversation about financial planning, debt management, and building long‑term financial resilience. For the full video version go to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y6CcJd_o5aA Whether you're facing financial stress, trying to pay down debt, or simply want a clearer roadmap for your future, this episode gives you the tools and mindset to take control. John and Lori break down the real challenges people face with money—from college expenses to unexpected emergencies—and explain why most financial problems are fixable when you stop avoiding them. Lori shares her expert guidance on creating emergency savings, building a 4–6 month financial cushion, and understanding how personality and relationship dynamics influence spending habits. John opens up about his own debt‑free journey, the struggles he faced while raising two young children, and how aligning his financial decisions with his life goals ultimately strengthened his family. Together, they explore the connection between happiness, contentment, and financial behavior, offering listeners a powerful blend of emotional insight and practical strategy. Lori also outlines a simple, actionable roadmap for financial resilience, including: Starting with a $1,000 emergency fund Building toward 4–6 months of expenses Creating rainy‑day reserves Tracking spending to reduce financial anxiety Using high‑yield savings or brokerage accounts for reserves The episode wraps with John sharing his long‑term vision—including his dream of purchasing and developing an island property in Virginia as an Airbnb—and Lori offering a special $50 discount on Fearless Finance services for podcast listeners. Key Topics Covered How to face financial fears and stop avoiding money Building emergency savings and long‑term financial resilience Paying off debt while managing family responsibilities The psychology of spending and emotional triggers Money dynamics in relationships and communication strategies Practical steps to reduce financial stress Aligning money decisions with happiness and life goals   About Our Guest Lori Atwood, CFP® Founder of Fearless Finance Specializing in fee‑only, hourly financial planning that empowers individuals and families to take control of their financial lives.

It's natural to feel compelled to reach out to fix things at every level of estrangement. We've been taught to pursue, talk, challenge, and perhaps even expect certain aspects of a relationship with our adult child.You want closeness, but every “fix it” attempt seems to push your adult child farther away. The tension escalates, accusations worsen, and hurtful words or actions become more personal. It makes no sense, and the confusion turns to helplessness. Well-intentioned friends, family, and therapists may advise you to walk away. To close the door. However, is that really what you want? What if there is another option?In this episode, Dr. Janet shows you how concrete self-reflection, neutral consideration of both perspectives, and humble authenticity can change that. You will take the first step to see your communication style and behaviors through your adult child's eyes. You will begin to consider your own communication patterns (e.g., tone, timing, word choice, and intensity) and the power of modifying your communication in real time. You will consider the importance of regulating emotions in the moment and the value of modeling actions that invite trust. Remember, moving through estrangement to rebuild trust and establish healthier communication is at the heart of a new and healthy relationship with your son or daughter. This isn't a sprint; it's steady, observable change your adult child can feel—even from a distance. If you're ready to rebuild calm, clarity, and compassion, this is your starting line.Related EpisodesMom, Mentor, Grandma: Flexing Roles Without Fueling the Fire of EstrangementWhen the Green Monster Rears Its Head: Jealousy and EstrangementWhen Communication Becomes a Power Struggle: Power, Influence, Gaslighting and Coercive Control6 Tips to Proactively Give Space to Your Adult Child and Avoid Misrepresentation#FamilyEstrangement #EstrangedAdultChild #ParentReconnection #ParentalAlienation #ReconnectionStrategist #EstrangementSupport #ParentAdultChildRelationship #EmotionalRegulation #Boundaries #TrustBuilding #CommunicationSkills #EstrangementGrief #MothersOfEstrangedDaughters #FathersOfEstrangedSons #RepairingRelationshipsHi Listeners. I'd love to hear from you. Send an email to Janet@jesteinkamp. It is not possible to respond to your Fan Mail posts directly.For more information, please visit https://www.WhenOurAdultChildrenWalkAway.com The stories, examples, reflections, and perspectives shared in this podcast are based on my professional work as an estrangement coach and my personal estrangement journey. Any examples, characters, or stories referenced are either drawn from my own lived experience or represent a composite of multiple real-life situations shared with me over time. The intention of this podcast is not to accuse, label, or defame any individual but to provide insight, validation, and support for those navigating the complexities of family estrangement. All opinions expressed are my own and are shared with you, the listener, from a place of healing and learning.

Dr. Brian Russell (Ph.D.) offers tips and insights for building a spiritual container for deep transformation during Lent in 2026. Interested in going even deeper? Brian has two books that go really well with the Lenten Season:  Astonished by the Word: Reading Scripture for Deep Transformation https://amzn.to/48fey8l   Centering Prayer: Sitting Quietly in God's Presence Can Change Your Life https://amzn.to/2S0AcIZ  Sign up for his updates: www.brianrussellphd.com/newsletter  Interested in coaching with Brian? Email him today to initiate a transformational conversation: Brian@brianrussellphd.com  Brian Russell's Other Books   (re)Aligning with God: Reading Scripture for Church and World (Cascade): https://amzn.to/3Mzfw7p  Invitation: A Bible Study to Begin With (Seedbed) https://my.seedbed.com/product/onebook-invitation-by-brian-russell/   Information on Brian's Signature Deep Dive Spirituality Coaching for Pastors and Spiritually Minded Leaders: www.deepdivespirituality.com   Connecting with Brian: Website: www.brianrussellphd.com   X: @briandrussell  Interested in coaching or inviting Brian to speak or teach for your community of faith or group? Email: brian@brianrussellphd.com  Links to Amazon are Affiliate links. If you purchase items through these links, Amazon shares a small percentage of the sale to Brian Russell. This supports the podcast and does not increase the price of the items you may choose to buy. Thank you for your support.

Welcome to season 4, episode 8 of the Stock Trading for Beginners Podcast!In this episode, we break down why your trading strategy usually isn't the real problem—and what actually causes traders to struggle with consistency.Resources:Join the mentorship waitlist here: https://stokestrades.com/joinJoin our FREE Skool group: https://www.skool.com/tradingAfter years of studying trading and running an eight-week mentorship with live chart reviews and implementation calls, the same issues kept showing up again and again. Not confusion about strategy, but emotions, unclear rules, and misaligned trading styles.We'll talk about why trading becomes emotional without structure, how rules and journaling reduce stress, why identifying your trading avatar matters, and how risk management, leverage, and patience play a major role in long-term success.Key Topics:Why Trading Becomes Emotional Without predefined rules, traders struggle most at exits. Uncertainty around when to sell, add, or hold creates stress—especially during pullbacks or volatile markets.Define Entries and Exits Before the Trade Writing down why you're entering and when you'll exit—before placing the trade—dramatically reduces emotional decision-making. A core rule of this strategy: only buy at support, never at resistance.Trading Avatars and Identity Knowing whether you're an active trader, swing trader, or momentum trader determines how you manage profits, volatility, and pullbacks. Aligning exits with your personality removes second-guessing.The Power of Journaling A simple journal (stock, support level, confluence, avatar, emotions, exit plan) helps confirm that trades are rule-based—not emotional—and keeps you disciplined during daily price noise.Risk Management, Leverage, and Options Overleveraging and misunderstanding margin or options increases stress and risk. Consistent position sizing and avoiding unnecessary leverage helps traders stay calm during normal retracements.Patience Pays This strategy rewards patience—waiting for stocks to retrace into support instead of chasing extended moves. Markets never move straight up, and strong support zones offer better risk-to-reward opportunities.TakeawaysYour strategy isn't usually the issue—lack of structure is. Define your rules before entering, know your trading avatar, journal every trade, manage risk carefully, and let price come to you. When trading is calm and mechanical, probabilities are allowed to play out.If you're not already part of our free Skool community, you'll find the link in the show notes. We also open our mentorship group every few months—join the waitlist for the next cohort starting in early March.See you in the next episode!Send me some feedback!Join Our Free Community on Skool:https://www.skool.com/trading

Today, I am joined by The Tactical Redneck to discuss updates from the Holler Homestead: The season has become warmer but we are not out of the winter woods yet! Learn what we are doing to get ready for growing season. Sponsor 1: AgoristTaxAdvice.com/LFTN Sponsor 2: TheWealthsteadingPodcast.com Make it a great week! GUYS! Don't forget about the cookbook, Cook With What You Have by Nicole Sauce and Mama Sauce. It makes a great Christmas Gift!   Community Mewe Group: https://mewe.com/join/lftn Telegram Group: https://t.me/LFTNGroup Odysee: https://odysee.com/$/invite/@livingfree:b Advisory Board The Booze Whisperer The Tactical Redneck Chef Brett Samantha the Savings Ninja Resources Membership Sign Up Holler Roast Coffee Harvest Right Affiliate Link

Living with Purpose Today So You're Remembered Tomorrow: The Sacred Art of Legacy BuildingOverviewIn a world that often feels overwhelming and chaotic, Rabbi Daniel Cohen reminds us that our greatest power lies not in changing the entire world, but in transforming one moment, one encounter, one life at a time. This deeply inspiring conversation explores the sacred ingredients for living with intentional purpose and creating a legacy that matters - starting today, not someday. Through powerful stories of doormen who pray, strangers who say "get up," and the profound difference between being "great" and being "grateful," Rabbi Cohen illuminates the path to authentic leadership and meaningful impact.Living with Purpose Today So You're Remembered Tomorrow: The Sacred Art of Legacy BuildingGuest: Rabbi Daniel Cohen, Spiritual Leader of Congregation Agudath ShalomHost: Julie RigaAbout This EpisodeJulie sits down with Rabbi Daniel Cohen, nationally sought-after speaker and author dedicated to helping people design their lives around meaning, purpose, and legacy. Through his book What Will They Say About You When You're Gone? and his Legacy Academy, Rabbi Cohen inspires audiences to become their best selves.Fun Fact: His favorite food is his wife's chocolate chip cookies - fitting, since his first word was "cookie."The Three Sacred Ingredients for Success1. Making Every Encounter Matter The power of small gestures. Elevator moments and hospital hallways as sacred opportunities. How a doorman's prayer changed a cancer patient's journey. The story of "Get up, get up" that created fifty years of legacy.2. Creating Space to Hear the Soul Moving away the layers to discover what's within us. Seizing meditative moments: walking without your phone, writing, praying, silence. The Sabbath principle: turning off the outside world to turn on the inner world. Aligning your body with your soul.3. Living with Intention - Daily, Not Someday The unpolished diamond: God gives us a new one every day to polish and radiate light. The three ultimate questions: Did I live? Did I love? Did I matter? Making time count rather than letting time pass.Memorable Quotes"God's not asking us to change the world, but to change the world of one person every day.""When you wake up in the morning, God believes the world needs you. And when you live with that awareness, no encounter is random.""The moment you add on those three letters - 'ful' - you become filled with a whole new way of living, because you're not just great, you're grateful.""Every day we get an unpolished diamond, and God asks us: how much of that light did you radiate?"Key InsightsThe Hospital Doorman: A cancer patient at Sloan Kettering said the most memorable person wasn't a doctor or nurse, but the doorman who said: "I'll pray for you and I hope I'll never see you again." The doorman understood he stood at the threshold where people leave with anxiety.The "Get Up" Legacy: A Holocaust survivor shared that after liberation, he was too weak to stand. A friend said simply: "Get up, get up." Fifty years later, he told hundreds including his wife, children, and students: "Everything I have, I owe to my friend who said those words. Without him, I would not be here today."Key TakeawaysFocus on small, meaningful acts of kindness that lift someone upCreate space to hear your soul - turn off the outside world regularlyPolish your diamond daily: How much light did I radiate today?Words carry weight and light - never underestimate their powerLive with grateful, not just greatAnswer the three questions now: Did I live? Did I love? Did I matter?No encounter is random when you live with awarenessConnectRabbi Daniel Cohen: www.rabbidanielcohen.comJulie Riga: Stay On Course PodcastSubscribe to Stay On Course wherever you listen to podcasts.

Growth doesn't solve problems. It reveals which ones you've been ignoring. In this episode of The Game Changing Attorney Podcast, Michael and Jessica Mogill tackle the leadership challenges that surface as law firms scale. From decision paralysis to team dependencies, this conversation explores why bigger firms face bigger problems and what it takes to lead through them. Michael breaks down the decision-making framework elite CEOs use, why leaders must stop being the bottleneck, and how world-class execution requires being 51% right and moving fast. This episode confronts the uncomfortable truth that your leadership team might look perfect on paper but fail in practice without the right incentives, speed, and simplicity. Here's what you'll learn: Why leadership teams get paralyzed and how to cut through indecision with a clear decision matrix How to stop training your team to depend on you and start building independent problem solvers Why being 51% right beats waiting for perfect information every single time Growth amplifies your leadership gaps. The question is whether you'll address them or let them cap your ceiling. ---- 09:26 – The decision framework elite CEOs use: first-order, second-order, and third-order consequences. 13:54 – The 51% rule: why world-class operators only need to be right half the time to win. 15:20 – Why your leadership team still waits for your approval on everything and the real reason behind the bottleneck. 17:09 – Creating a decision matrix that empowers your team to act without needing you. 19:34 – Why strong individual leaders fail to work as a cohesive team when you scale. 20:12 – Aligning leadership around firm-level metrics that drive collaboration and strategic unity. ---- Links & Resources: Charlie Munger 2024 Commencement Address by Roger Federer at Dartmouth ---- Learn what sustainable growth can look like for your firm at crispcoach.com. ---- Do you love this podcast and want to see more game changing content? Subscribe to our YouTube channel. ---- Past guests on The Game Changing Attorney Podcast include David Goggins, John Morgan, Alex Hormozi, Randi McGinn, Kim Scott, Chris Voss, Kevin O'Leary, Laura Wasser, John Maxwell, Mark Lanier, Robert Greene, and many more. ---- If you enjoyed this episode, you may also like: 421. AMMA — Scaling Your Firm Starts With the Decisions You're Afraid to Make 339. AMMA — The Growth Blueprint: What It Takes to Build a 7, 8, and 9-Figure Law Firm 140. Chris Ronzio — Building and Leveraging a Business Playbook

RESOURCES- Join the 21 Day Attract Your Soulmate Challenge at danette21.com- Join me in Lotus Rising Premium Coaching at danettecoaching.comCONNECT WITH DANETTEInstagram: @thedanettemayFacebook: Danette MayTikTok: @thedanettemayNEW TV Show on Youtube: @TheDanetteMayListen to The Danette May ShowRead my book: danettemay.com/embraceabundancebookGet The Rise book: therisebook.comWork with Danette: danettemay.comIn this episode of The Danette May Show, I sit down with spiritual teacher, author, and intuitive Alana Fairchild for a powerful conversation about trusting spirit and returning to your true essence. Alana shares her journey from pursuing a corporate law career to fully answering the call of her soul, and how listening to inner guidance transformed every part of her life. We explore self love, spiritual alignment, journaling as a devotional practice, oracle wisdom, and the courage it takes to step away from paths that no longer feel authentic.We also dive into the divine feminine, including the dark feminine, animal and plant medicine, sacred symbols, and the energetic shifts unfolding as we move toward 2026 and beyond. This episode offers grounded wisdom and deep reassurance for anyone navigating spiritual awakening, personal transformation, or a major life transition. If you are feeling called to trust your intuition, embody feminine wisdom, and live in greater alignment with your soul's truth, this conversation will meet you exactly where you are.IN THIS EPISODE:(0:00) Aligning with my spiritual presence and inner truth(0:43) Introducing Alana Fairchild and her soul work(2:14) Announcing my new transformational series(4:15) Dropping into a deep soul conversation with Alana(12:40) From law school to answering the call of spirit(17:45) Learning to trust the spiritual path when fear arises(27:48) How I cultivate a relationship with spirit daily(32:46) A powerful message for the future and what's coming(34:02) Embracing feminine energy and rebirth(37:06) My journey of self love and embodied beauty(42:14) Exploring the dark divine feminine(51:50) The power and transformation of leading retreats(57:01) Final reflections and heartfelt farewellCONNECT WITH ALANA FAIRCHILDInstagram: @alana_fairchildWebsite:

Are you constantly racing against the clock, feeling like life's demands are pulling you in every direction—and yet, your own needs, goals, and relationships are slipping through the cracks? Burnout, overwhelm, and the tricky balance of work, family, and personal fulfillment are challenges that leave many people wondering: Does time own me, or can I truly shape how I live within it? In this episode, the conversation delves deep into how our relationship with time can be transformed from a relentless source of stress into a foundation for personal wholeness and relational strength. You'll hear practical strategies for recognizing the real drivers behind burnout, prioritizing what lights you up, integrating wellness into busy schedules, and collaboratively setting goals within families or partnerships. Whether you're looking to manage your calendar more efficiently or searching for greater meaning and connection in your everyday moments, this episode offers insight, tools, and a paradigm shift to help you bend time to work for you—instead of against you. Michelle Niemeyer is a speaker, coach, and former attorney who teaches professionals how to bend time so they can stay sharp, productive, and profitable – without burning out. After finding her way to burnout and back in her own high-performing legal career, Michelle created The Art of Bending Time, a framework that helps people connect the dots across work, life, and purpose to magnetize success and reclaim their joy. She helps businesses retain top talent, boost development, and keep their people energized and engaged – all while making the magic   Episode Highlights 05:53 Understanding and recognizing burnout. 09:43 Integrating wholeness over compartmentalization. 11:08 Discovering personal sparks and daily joys. 15:19 Prioritizing wellness for personal effectiveness. 18:17 Setting priorities and learning to delegate. 22:55 Eliminating time wasters: Internal and external distractions. 26:51 Applying SWORD analysis to family goals. 30:17 Aligning goals with genuine desire. 36:13 Shifting responsibilities according to strengths and passions.   Your Check List of Actions to Take Identify Your Spirit Sparks: Take a few moments each day to notice and savor the small things that light you up, like a warm cup of coffee or a moment outdoors. Prioritize Quality Sleep: Make your bedroom a phone-free zone to reduce interruptions, improve rest, and start your day more refreshed. Hydrate and Eat Well: Focus on drinking enough water and eating a variety of whole, colorful foods to support your physical and mental health. Integrate Movement: Find simple ways to move your body regularly, whether it's a walk outside or standing to stretch throughout the day. Assess and Address Time Drains: Notice what tasks or habits waste your time (like procrastination or environmental distractions), and create systems or boundaries to minimize them. Practice Whole-Person Living: Show up authentically in all areas of your life, sharing aspects of yourself at work and at home to foster real connection. Clarify Priorities as a Family or Couple: Have honest conversations about what truly matters, so your time and energy align with your shared goals and values. Use the SWORD Analysis for Big Decisions: Evaluate Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Risks, and Desire before pursuing major goals together, ensuring everyone's buy-in and avoiding unnecessary drains.   Mentioned Link for free community access to SWORD tool The Art of Bending Time (program link) 12 Relationship Principles to Strengthen Your Love (free guide)   Connect with Michelle Niemeyer Website: michelleniemeyer.com Facebook: facebook.com/groups/theartofbendingtime LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/michelle-melin-niemeyer  

Last time we spoke about The Battle of Suixian–Zaoyang-Shatow. Following the brutal 1938 capture of Wuhan, Japanese forces aimed to solidify their hold by launching an offensive against Chinese troops in the 5th War Zone, a rugged natural fortress in northern Hubei and southern Henan. Under General Yasuji Okamura, the 11th Army deployed three divisions and cavalry in a pincer assault starting May 1, 1939, targeting Suixian and Zaoyang to crush Nationalist resistance and secure flanks. Chinese commander Li Zongren, leveraging terrain like the Dabie and Tongbai Mountains, orchestrated defenses with over 200,000 troops, including Tang Enbo's 31st Army Group. By May 23, they recaptured Suixian and Zaoyang, forcing a Japanese withdrawal with heavy losses, over 13,000 Japanese casualties versus 25,000 Chinese, restoring pre-battle lines. Shifting south, Japan targeted Shantou in Guangdong to sever supply lines from Hong Kong. In a massive June 21 amphibious assault, the 21st Army overwhelmed thin Chinese defenses, capturing the port and Chao'an despite guerrilla resistance led by Zhang Fakui. Though losses mounted, Japan tightened its blockade, straining China's war effort amid ongoing attrition.   #188 From Changkufeng to Nomonhan Welcome to the Fall and Rise of China Podcast, I am your dutiful host Craig Watson. But, before we start I want to also remind you this podcast is only made possible through the efforts of Kings and Generals over at Youtube. Perhaps you want to learn more about the history of Asia? Kings and Generals have an assortment of episodes on history of asia and much more  so go give them a look over on Youtube. So please subscribe to Kings and Generals over at Youtube and to continue helping us produce this content please check out www.patreon.com/kingsandgenerals. If you are still hungry for some more history related content, over on my channel, the Pacific War Channel where I cover the history of China and Japan from the 19th century until the end of the Pacific War. Well hello again, and yes you all have probably guessed we are taking another detour. Do not worry I hope to shorten this one a bit more so than what became a sort of mini series on the battle of Changkufeng or Battle of Lake Khasan. What we are about to jump into is known in the west as the battle of khalkin Gol, by the Japanese the Nomohan incident. But first I need to sort of set the table up so to say. So back on August 10th, 1938 the Litvinov-Shigemitsu agreement established a joint border commission tasked with redemarcating the disputed boundary between the Soviet Union and Japanese-controlled Manchukuo. However, this commission never achieved a mutually agreeable definition of the border in the contested area. In reality, the outcome was decided well before the group's inaugural meeting. Mere hours after the cease-fire took effect on the afternoon of August 11, General Grigory Shtern convened with a regimental commander from Japan's 19th Division to coordinate the disengagement of forces. With the conflict deemed "honorably" concluded, Japan's Imperial General Headquarters mandated the swift withdrawal of all Japanese troops to the west bank of the Tumen River. By the night of August 13, as the final Japanese soldier crossed the river, it effectively became the de facto border. Soviet forces promptly reoccupied Changkufeng Hill and the adjacent heights—a move that would carry unexpected and profound repercussions. Authoritative Japanese military analyses suggest that if negotiations in Moscow had dragged on for just one more day, the 19th Division would likely have been dislodged from Changkufeng and its surrounding elevations. Undoubtedly, General Shtern's infantry breathed a sigh of relief as the bloodshed ceased. Yet, one can't help but question why Moscow opted for a cease-fire at a juncture when Soviet troops were on the cusp of total battlefield triumph. Perhaps Kremlin leaders deemed it wiser to settle for a substantial gain, roughly three-quarters of their objectives, rather than risk everything. After all, Japan had mobilized threatening forces in eastern Manchuria, and the Imperial Army had a history of impulsive, unpredictable aggression. Moreover, amid the escalating crisis over Czechoslovakia, Moscow may have been wary of provoking a broader Asian conflict. Another theory posits that Soviet high command was misinformed about the ground situation. Reports of capturing a small segment of Changkufeng's crest might have been misinterpreted as control over the entire ridge, or an imminent full takeover before midnight on August 10. The unexpected phone call from Foreign Minister Maxim Litvinov to the Japanese embassy that night—proposing a one-kilometer Japanese retreat in exchange for a cease-fire along existing lines—hints at communication breakdowns between Shtern's headquarters and the Kremlin. Ironically, such lapses may have preserved Japanese military honor, allowing the 19th Division's evacuation through diplomacy rather than defeat. Both sides endured severe losses. Initial Japanese press reports claimed 158 killed and 740 wounded. However, the 19th Division's medical logs reveal a grimmer toll: 526 dead and 914 injured, totaling 1,440 casualties. The true figure may have climbed higher, possibly to 1,500–2,000. Following the armistice, the Soviet news agency TASS reported 236 Red Army fatalities and 611 wounded. Given Shtern's uphill assaults across open terrain against entrenched positions, these numbers seem understated. Attackers in such scenarios typically suffered two to three times the defenders' losses, suggesting Soviet casualties ranged from 3,000 to 5,000. This aligns with a Soviet Military Council investigation on August 31, 1938, which documented 408 killed and 2,807 wounded. Japanese estimates placed Soviet losses even higher, at 4,500–7,000. Not all victims perished in combat. Marshal Vasily Blyukher, a decorated Soviet commander, former warlord of the Far East, and Central Committee candidate, was summoned to Moscow in August 1938. Relieved of duty in September and arrested with his family in October, he faced charges of inadequate preparation against Japanese aggression and harboring "enemies of the people" within his ranks. On November 9, 1938, Blyukher died during interrogation a euphemism for torture-induced death.Other innocents suffered as well. In the wake of the fighting, Soviet authorities deported hundreds of thousands of Korean rice farmers from the Ussuri region to Kazakhstan, aiming to eradicate Korean settlements that Japanese spies had allegedly exploited. The Changkufeng clash indirectly hampered Japan's Wuhan offensive, a massive push to subdue China. The influx of troops and supplies for this campaign was briefly disrupted by the border flare-up. Notably, Kwantung Army's 2nd Air Group, slated for Wuhan, was retained due to the Soviet threat. Chiang Kai-shek's drastic measure, breaching the Yellow River dikes to flood Japanese advance routes—further delayed the assault. By October 25, 1938, when Japanese forces captured Hankow, Chiang had relocated his capital to distant Chungking. Paradoxically, Wuhan's fall cut rail links from Canton inland, heightening Chiang's reliance on Soviet aid routed overland and by air from Central Asia. Japan secured a tactical win but missed the decisive blow; Chinese resistance persisted, pinning down a million Japanese troops in occupation duties. What was the true significance of Changkufeng? For General Koiso Suetaka and the 19th Division, it evoked a mix of bitterness and pride. Those eager for combat got their share, though not on their terms. To veterans mourning fallen comrades on those desolate slopes, it might have felt like senseless tragedy. Yet, they fought valiantly under dire conditions, holding firm until a retreat that blended humiliation with imperial praise, a bittersweet inheritance. For the Red Army, it marked a crucial trial of resolve amid Stalin's purges. While Shtern's forces didn't shine brilliantly, they acquitted themselves well in adversity. The U.S. military attaché in Moscow observed that any purge-related inefficiencies had been surmounted, praising the Red Army's valor, reliability, and equipment. His counterpart in China, Colonel Joseph Stilwell, put it bluntly: the Soviets "appeared to advantage," urging skeptics to rethink notions of a weakened Red Army. Yet, by World War II's eve, many British, French, German, and Japanese leaders still dismissed it as a "paper tiger." Soviet leaders appeared content, promoting Shtern to command the Transbaikal Military District and colonel general by 1940, while honoring "Heroes of Lake Khasan" with medals. In a fiery November 7, 1938, speech, Marshal Kliment Voroshilov warned that future incursions would prompt strikes deep into enemy territory. Tokyo's views diverged sharply. Many in the military and government saw it as a stain on Imperial Army prestige, especially Kwantung Army, humiliated on Manchukuo soil it swore to protect. Colonel Masanobu Tsuji Inada, however, framed it as a successful reconnaissance, confirming Soviet border defense without broader aggression, allowing the Wuhan push to proceed safely. Critics, including Major General Gun Hashimoto and historians, questioned this. They argued IGHQ lacked contingency plans for a massive Soviet response, especially with Wuhan preparations underway since June. One expert warned Japan had "played with fire," risking Manchuria and Korea if escalation occurred. Yet, Japanese commanders gleaned few lessons, downplaying Soviet materiel superiority and maintaining disdain for Red Army prowess. The 19th Division's stand against outnumbered odds reinforced this hubris, as did tolerance for local insubordination—attitudes that would prove costly. The Kremlin, conversely, learned Japan remained unpredictable despite its China quagmire. But for Emperor Hirohito's intervention, the conflict might have ballooned. Amid purges and the Czech crisis, Stalin likely viewed it as a reminder of eastern vulnerabilities, especially with Munich advancing German threats westward. Both sides toyed with peril. Moderation won in Tokyo, but Kwantung Army seethed. On August 11, Premier Fumimaro Konoye noted the need for caution. Kwantung, however, pushed for and secured control of the disputed salient from Chosen Army by October 8, 1938. Even winter's chill couldn't quench their vengeful fire, setting the stage for future confrontations. A quick look at the regional map reveals how Manchukuo and the Mongolian People's Republic each jut into the other's territory like protruding salients. These bulges could be seen as aggressive thrusts into enemy land, yet they also risked encirclement and absorption by the opposing empire. A northward push from western Manchuria through Mongolia could sever the MPR and Soviet Far East from the USSR's heartland. Conversely, a pincer movement from Mongolia and the Soviet Maritime Province might envelop and isolate Manchukuo. This dynamic highlights the frontier's strategic volatility in the 1930s. One particularly tense sector was the broad Mongolian salient extending about 150 miles eastward into west-central Manchukuo. There, in mid-1939, Soviet-Japanese tensions erupted into major combat. Known to the Japanese as the Nomonhan Incident and to the Soviets and Mongolians as the Battle of Khalkhin Gol, this clash dwarfed the earlier Changkufeng affair in scale, duration, and impact. Spanning four months and claiming 30,000 to 50,000 casualties, it amounted to a small undeclared war, the modern era's first limited conflict between great powers. The Mongolian salient features vast, semiarid plains of sandy grassland, gently rolling terrain dotted with sparse scrub pines and low shrubs. The climate is unforgivingly continental: May brings hot days and freezing nights, while July and August see daytime highs exceeding 38°C (100°F in American units), with cool evenings. Swarms of mosquitoes and massive horseflies necessitate netting in summer. Rainfall is scarce, but dense morning fogs are common in August. Come September, temperatures plummet, with heavy snows by October and midwinter lows dipping to –34°C. This blend of North African aridity and North Dakotan winters supports only sparse populations, mainly two related but distinct Mongol tribes. The Buriat (or Barga) Mongols migrated into the Nomonhan area from the northwest in the late 17th to early 18th centuries, likely fleeing Russian expansion after the 1689 Treaty of Nerchinsk. Organized by Manchu emperors between 1732 and 1735, they settled east of the river they called Khalkhin Gol (Mongolian for "river"), in lands that would later become Manchukuo. The Khalkha Mongols, named for the word meaning "barrier" or "shield," traditionally guarded the Mongol Empire's northern frontiers. Their territories lay west of the Buriats, in what would become the MPR. For centuries, these tribes herded livestock across sands, river crossings, and desert paths, largely oblivious to any formal borders. For hundreds of years, the line dividing the Mongolian salient from western Manchuria was a hazy administrative divide within the Qing Empire. In the 20th century, Russia's detachment of Outer Mongolia and Japan's seizure of Manchuria transformed this vague boundary into a frontline between rival powers. The Nomonhan Incident ignited over this contested border. Near the salient's northeastern edge, the river, called Khalkhin Gol by Mongols and Soviets, and Halha by Manchurians and Japanese, flows northwest into Lake Buir Nor. The core dispute: Was the river, as Japan asserted, the historic boundary between Manchukuo and the MPR? Soviet and MPR officials insisted the line ran parallel to and 10–12 miles east of the river, claiming the intervening strip. Japan cited no fewer than 18 maps, from Chinese and Japanese sources, to support the river as the border, a logical choice in such barren terrain, where it served as the sole natural divider. Yet, Soviets and Mongolians countered with evidence like a 1919 Chinese postal atlas and maps from Japanese and Manchukuoan agencies (1919–1934). Unbeknownst to combatants, in July 1939, China's military attaché in Moscow shared a 1934 General Staff map with his American counterpart, showing the border east of the river. Postwar Japanese studies of 18th-century Chinese records confirm that in 1734, the Qing emperor set a boundary between Buriat and Khalkha Mongols east of the river, passing through the hamlet of Nomonhan—as the Soviets claimed. However, Kwantung Army Headquarters dismissed this as non-binding, viewing it as an internal Qing affair without Russian involvement. Two former Kwantung Army officers offer a pragmatic explanation: From 1931 to 1935, when Soviet forces in the Far East were weak, Japanese and Manchukuoan authorities imposed the river as the de facto border, with MPR acquiescence. By the mid- to late 1930s, as Soviet strength grew, Japan refused to yield, while Mongolians and Soviets rejected the river line, sparking clashes. In 1935, Kwantung Army revised its maps to align with the river claim. From late that year, the Lake Buir Nor–Halha sector saw frequent skirmishes between Manchukuoan and MPR patrols. Until mid-1938, frontier defense in northwestern Manchukuo fell to the 8th Border Garrison Unit , based near Hailar. This 7,000-man force, spread thin, lacked mobility, training, and, in Kwantung Army's eyes, combat readiness. That summer, the newly formed 23rd Division, under Kwantung Army, took station at Hailar, absorbing the 8th BGU under its command, led by Lieutenant General Michitaro Komatsubara. At 52, Komatsubara was a premier Russian specialist in the Imperial Army, with stints as military attaché in the USSR and head of Kwantung's Special Services Agency in Harbin. Standing 5'7" with a sturdy build, glasses, and a small mustache, he was detail-oriented, keeping meticulous diaries, writing lengthy letters, and composing poetry, though he lacked combat experience. Before departing Tokyo in July 1938, Komatsubara received briefings from Colonel Masazumi Inada, AGS Operations Section chief. Amid planning for Changkufeng, Inada urged calm on the Manchukuo-MPR border given China's ongoing campaigns. Guidelines: Ignore minor incidents, prioritize intelligence on Soviet forces east of Lake Baikal, and study operations against the Soviet Far East's western sector. Familiar with the region from his Harbin days, Komatsubara adopted a low-key approach. Neither impulsive nor aggressive, he kept the green 23rd Division near Hailar, delegating patrols to the 8th BGU. An autumn incident underscores his restraint. On November 1, 1938, an 8th BGU patrol was ambushed by MPR forces. Per Japanese accounts, the three-man team, led by a lieutenant, strayed too close to the border and was attacked 50 meters inside Manchukuo. The lieutenant escaped, but his men died. Komatsubara sent an infantry company to secure the site but forbade retaliation. He pursued body recovery diplomatically, protested to MPR and Soviet officials, and disciplined his officers: garrison leaders got five days' confinement for poor troop training, the lieutenant thirty days. Despite this caution, pressures at AGS and KwAHQ were mounting, poised to thrust the 23rd Division into fierce battle. Modern militaries routinely develop contingency plans against potential adversaries, and the mere existence of such strategies doesn't inherently signal aggressive intentions. That said, shifts in Japan's operational planning vis-à-vis the Soviet Union may have inadvertently fueled the Nomonhan Incident. From 1934 to 1938, Japanese war scenarios emphasized a massive surprise assault in the Ussuri River region, paired with defensive holding actions in northwestern Manchuria. However, between mid-1938 and early 1939, a clandestine joint task force from the Army General Staff  and Kwantung Army's Operations Departments crafted a bold new blueprint. This revised strategy proposed containing Soviet forces in the east and north while unleashing a full-scale offensive from Hailar, advancing west-northwest toward Chita and ultimately Lake Baikal. The goal: sever the Transbaikal Soviet Far East from the USSR's core. Dubbed Plan Eight-B, it gained Kwantung Army's endorsement in March 1939. Key architects—Colonels Takushiro Hattori and Masao Terada, along with Major Takeharu Shimanuki—were reassigned from AGS to Kwantung Army Headquarters to oversee implementation. The plan anticipated a five-year buildup before execution, with Hattori assuming the role of chief operations staff officer.  A map review exposes a glaring vulnerability in Plan Eight-B: the Japanese advance would leave its southern flank exposed to Soviet counterstrikes from the Mongolian salient. By spring 1939, KwAHQ likely began perceiving this protrusion as a strategic liability. Notably, at the outbreak of Nomonhan hostilities, no detailed operational contingencies for the area had been formalized. Concurrently, Japan initiated plans for a vital railroad linking Harlun Arshan to Hailar. While its direct tie to Plan Eight-B remains unclear, the route skirted perilously close to the Halha River, potentially heightening KwAHQ's focus on the disputed Mongolian salient. In early 1939, the 23rd Division intensified reconnaissance patrols near the river. Around this time, General Grigory Shtern, freshly appointed commander of Soviet Far Eastern forces, issued a public warning that Japan was gearing up for an assault on the Mongolian People's Republic. As Plan Eight-B took shape and railroad proposals advanced, KwAHQ issued a strikingly confrontational set of guidelines for frontier troops. These directives are often cited as a catalyst for the Nomonhan clash, forging a chain linking the 1937 Amur River incident, the 1938 Changkufeng debacle, and the 1939 conflict.Resentment had festered at KwAHQ over perceived AGS meddling during the Amur affair, which curtailed their command autonomy. This frustration intensified at Changkufeng, where General Kamezo Suetaka's 19th Division endured heavy losses, only for the contested Manchukuoan territory to be effectively ceded. Kwantung Army lobbied successfully to wrest oversight of the Changkufeng salient from Chosen Army. In November 1938, Major Masanobu Tsuji of KwAHQ's Operations Section was sent to survey the site. The audacious officer was dismayed: Soviet forces dominated the land from the disputed ridge to the Tumen River. Tsuji undertook several winter reconnaissance missions. His final outing in March 1939 involved leading 40 men to Changkufeng's base. With rifles slung non-threateningly, they ascended to within 200 yards of Soviet lines, formed a line, and urinated in unison, eliciting amused reactions from the enemy. They then picnicked with obentos and sake, sang army tunes, and left gifts of canned meat, chocolates, and whiskey. This theatrical stunt concealed Tsuji's real aim: covert photography proving Soviet fortifications encroached on Manchukuoan soil. Tsuji was a singular figure. Born of modest means, he embodied a modern samurai ethos, channeling a sharp intellect into a frail, often ailing body through feats of extraordinary daring. A creative tactician, he thrived in intelligence ops, political scheming, aerial scouting, planning, and frontline command—excelling across a tumultuous career. Yet, flaws marred his brilliance: narrow bigotry, virulent racism, and capacity for cruelty. Ever the ambitious outsider, Tsuji wielded outsized influence via gekokujo—Japan's tradition of subordinates steering policy from below. In 1939, he was a major, but his pivotal role at Nomonhan stemmed from this dynamic. Back in Hsinking after his Changkufeng escapade, Tsuji drafted a response plan: negotiate border "rectification" with the Soviets; if talks failed, launch an attack to expel intruders. Kwantung Army adopted it. Deputy Chief of Staff Major General Otozaburo Yano flew to Tokyo with Tsuji's photos, seeking AGS approval. There, he was rebuffed—Changkufeng was deemed settled, and minor violations should be overlooked amid Tokyo's aversion to Soviet conflict. Yano's plea that leniency would invite aggression was countered by notes on Europe's tensions restraining Moscow. Yano's return sparked outrage at KwAHQ, seen as AGS thwarting their imperial duty to safeguard Manchukuo. Fury peaked in the Operations Section, setting the stage for Tsuji's drafting of stringent new frontier guidelines: "Principles for the Settlement of Soviet-Manchukuoan Border Disputes." The core tenet: "If Soviet troops transgress the Manchukuoan frontiers, Kwantung Army will nip their ambitions in the bud by completely destroying them." Specific directives for local commanders included: "If the enemy crosses the frontiers … annihilate him without delay, employing strength carefully built up beforehand. To accomplish our mission, it is permissible to enter Soviet territory, or to trap or lure Soviet troops into Manchukuoan territory and allow them to remain there for some time… . Where boundary lines are not clearly defined, area defense commanders will, upon their own initiative, establish boundaries and indicate them to the forward elements… . In the event of an armed clash, fight until victory is won, regardless of relative strengths or of the location of the boundaries. If the enemy violates the borders, friendly units must challenge him courageously and endeavor to triumph in their zone of action without concerning themselves about the consequences, which will be the responsibility of higher headquarters." Major Tsuji Masanobu later justified the new guidelines by pointing to the "contradictory orders" that had hamstrung frontier commanders under the old rules. They were tasked with upholding Manchukuo's territorial integrity yet forbidden from actions that might spark conflict. This, Tsuji argued, bred hesitation, as officers feared repercussions for decisive responses to incursions. The updated directives aimed to alleviate this "anxiety," empowering local leaders to act boldly without personal liability. In truth, Tsuji's "Principles for the Settlement of Soviet-Manchukuoan Border Disputes" were more incendiary than conciliatory. They introduced provocative measures: authorizing commanders to unilaterally define unclear boundaries, enforce them with immediate force "shoot first, ask questions later", permit pursuits into enemy territory, and even encourage luring adversaries across the line. Such tactics flouted both government policy and official army doctrine, prioritizing escalation over restraint. The proposals sparked intense debate within Kwantung Army's Operations Section. Section chief Colonel Takushiro Hattori and Colonel Masao Terada outranked Tsuji, as did Major Takeharu Shimanuki, all recent transfers from the Army General Staff. Tsuji, however, boasted longer tenure at Kwantung Army Headquarters since April 1936 and in Operations since November 1937, making him the de facto veteran. Hattori and Terada hesitated to challenge the assertive major, whose reputation for intellect, persuasion, and deep knowledge of Manchuria commanded respect. In a 1960 interview, Shimanuki recalled Tsuji's dominance in discussions, where his proactive ideas often swayed the group. Unified, the section forwarded Tsuji's plan to Kwantung Army Command. Commander Lieutenant General Kenkichi Ueda consulted Chief of Staff General Rensuke Isogai and Vice Chief General Otozaburo Yano, seasoned leaders who should have spotted the guidelines' volatility. Yet, lingering grudges from AGS "interference" in past incidents like the Amur River and Changkufeng clouded their judgment. Ueda, Isogai, and Tsuji shared history from the 1932 Shanghai Incident: Tsuji, then a captain, led a company in the 7th Regiment under Colonel Isogai, with Yano as staff officer and Ueda commanding the 9th Division. Tsuji was wounded there, forging bonds of camaraderie. This "clique," which grew to include Hattori, Terada, and Shimanuki, amplified Tsuji's influence. Despite Isogai's initial reservations as the group's moderate voice, the guidelines won approval. Ueda issued them as Kwantung Army Operations Order 1488 on April 25, 1939, during a division commanders' conference at KwAHQ. A routine copy reached AGS in Tokyo, but no formal reply came. Preoccupied with the China War and alliance talks with Germany, AGS may have overlooked border matters. Colonel Masazumi Inada, AGS Operations head, later noted basic acceptance of Order 1488, with an informal expectation—relayed to Hattori and Terada—of prior consultation on violations. KwAHQ dismissed this as another Tokyo intrusion on their autonomy. Some Japanese analysts contend a stern AGS rejection might have prevented Nomonhan's catastrophe, though quelling Kwantung's defiance could have required mass staff reassignments, a disruptive step AGS avoided. Tsuji countered that permitting forceful action at Changkufeng would have deterred Nomonhan altogether, underscoring the interconnectedness of these clashes while implicitly critiquing the 1939 battle's location. Undeniably, Order 1488's issuance on April 25 paved the way for conflict three weeks later. Japanese records confirm that Khalkha Mongols and MPR patrols routinely crossed the Halha River—viewed by them as internal territory, 10 miles from the true border. Such crossings passed uneventfully in March and April 1939. Post-Order 1488, however, 23rd Division commander General Michitaro Komatsubara responded aggressively, setting the stage for escalation. The Nomonhan Incident ignited with a border clash on May 11–12, 1939, that rapidly spiraled into a major conflict. Over a dozen "authoritative" accounts exist, varying in viewpoint, focus, and specifics. After cross-referencing these sources, a coherent timeline emerges. On the night of May 10–11, a 20-man Mongolian People's Republic border patrol crossed eastward over the Halha River (known as Khalkhin Gol to Mongols and Soviets). About 10 miles east, atop a 150-foot sandy hill, lay the tiny hamlet of Nomonhan, a cluster of crude huts housing a few Mongol families. Just south flowed the Holsten River, merging westward into the broader Halha. By morning on May 11, Manchukuoan forces spotted the MPR patrol north of the Holsten and west of Nomonhan. In the MPR/Soviet perspective, Nomonhan Hill marked the Mongolia-Manchuria border. To Manchukuoans and Japanese, it sat 10 miles inside Manchukuo, well east of the Halha. A 40-man Manchukuoan cavalry unit repelled the Mongolians back across the river, inflicting initial casualties on both sides—the Manchukuoans drawing first blood. The MPR patrol leader exaggerated the attackers as 200 strong. The next day, May 12, a 60-man MPR force under Major P. Chogdan evicted the Manchukuoans from the disputed zone, reestablishing positions between the Halha and Nomonhan. The Manchukuoans, in turn, reported facing 700 enemies. Sporadic skirmishes and maneuvering persisted through the week. On May 13, two days post-clash, the local Manchukuoan commander alerted General Michitaro Komatsubara's 23rd Division headquarters in Hailar. Simultaneously, Major Chogdan reported to Soviet military command in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia's capital. What began as a Mongolian-Manchukuoan spat was poised to draw in Soviet and Japanese patrons. Attributing the May 10–11 violation hinges on border interpretations: both sides claimed the Halha-Nomonhan strip. Yet, most accounts concur that Manchukuoan forces initiated the fighting. Post-May 13 notifications to Moscow and Tokyo clarify the record thereafter. Midday on May 13, Komatsubara was leading a staff conference on the newly issued Kwantung Army Operations Order 1488—Major Tsuji Masanobu's aggressive border guidelines. Ironically, the first Nomonhan combat report arrived mid-discussion. Officers present recall Komatsubara deciding instantly to "destroy the invading Outer Mongolian forces" per Order 1488. That afternoon, he informed Kwantung Army Headquarters of the incident and his intent to eradicate the intruders, requesting air support and trucks. General Kenkichi Ueda, Kwantung commander, approved Komatsubara's "positive attitude," dispatching six scout planes, 40 fighters, 10 light bombers, two anti-aircraft batteries, and two motorized transport companies. Ueda added a caveat: exercise "extreme caution" to prevent escalation—a paradoxical blend of destruction and restraint, reflective of KwAHQ's fervent mood. Ueda relayed the details to Tokyo's Army General Staff, which responded that Kwantung should handle it "appropriately." Despite Kwantung's impulsive reputation, Tokyo deferred, perhaps trusting the northern strategic imbalance, eight Japanese divisions versus 30 Soviet ones from Lake Baikal to Vladivostok, would enforce prudence. This faith proved misguided. On May 14, Major Tsuji flew from KwAHQ for aerial reconnaissance over Nomonhan, spotting 20 horses but no troops. Upon landing, a fresh bullet hole in his plane confirmed lingering MPR presence east of the Halha. Tsuji briefed 23rd Division staff and reported to Ueda that the incident seemed minor. Aligning with Order 1488's spirit, Komatsubara deployed a force under Lieutenant Colonel Yaozo Azuma: an armored car company, two infantry companies, and a cavalry troop. Arriving at Nomonhan on May 15, Azuma learned most MPR forces had retreated westward across the Halha the prior night, with only token elements remaining, and those withdrawing. Undeterred, he pursued. The advance met scant resistance, as foes had crossed the river. However, Japanese light bombers struck a small MPR concentration on the west bank, Outpost Number 7, killing two and wounding 15 per MPR reports; Japanese claimed 30–40 kills. All agree: the raid targeted undisputed MPR territory. Hearing of May 15's events, Komatsubara deemed the Mongolians sufficiently rebuked and recalled Azuma to Hailar on May 16. KwAHQ concurred, closing the matter. Soviet leaders, however, saw it differently. Mid-May prompted Soviet support for the MPR under their 1936 Mutual Defense Pact. The Red Army's 57th Corps, stationed in Mongolia, faced initial disarray: Commander Nikolai Feklenko was hunting, Chief of Staff A. M. Kushchev in Ulan Ude with his ill wife. Moscow learned of clashes via international press from Japanese sources, sparking Chief of Staff Boris Shaposhnikov's furious inquiry. Feklenko and Kushchev rushed back to Ulaanbaatar, dispatching a mixed force—a battalion from the 149th Infantry Regiment (36th Division), plus light armor and artillery from the 11th Tank Brigade—to Tamsag Bulak, 80 miles west of the Halha. Led by Major A. E. Bykov, it bolstered the MPR's 6th Cavalry Division. Bykov and Cavalry Commander Colonel Shoaaiibuu inspected the site on May 15, post-Azum's departure. The cavalry arrived two days later, backed by Bykov (ordered to remain west of the river and avoid combat if possible). Some MPR troops recrossed, occupying the disputed zone. Clashes with Manchukuoan cavalry resumed and intensified. Notified of renewed hostilities, Komatsubara viewed it as defiance, a personal affront. Emboldened by Order 1488, he aimed not just to repel but to encircle and annihilate. The incident was on the verge of major expansion. I would like to take this time to remind you all that this podcast is only made possible through the efforts of Kings and Generals over at Youtube. Please go subscribe to Kings and Generals over at Youtube and to continue helping us produce this content please check out www.patreon.com/kingsandgenerals. If you are still hungry after that, give my personal channel a look over at The Pacific War Channel at Youtube, it would mean a lot to me. The ghosts of the Changufeng incident have come back to haunt both the USSR and Japan. Those like Tsuji Masanobu instigated yet another border clash that would erupt into a full blown battle that would set a precedent for both nations until the very end of WW2. 

H.W. Brands discusses Congress passing Lend-Lease aligning US interests with Britain, while covert Britishpropaganda operates in America and FDR uses questionable intelligence to sway public opinion against Germany.