Podcasts about Basic

This week, we chat with game developer and producer Phil Gaskell, whose career spans from typing BASIC on a ZX81 to shaping titles at Psygnosis, Sony Playstation and Warthog. Phil shares behind-the-scenes tales of early PlayStation days, cancelled games, missed payrolls and mafia connections at Gizmondo, and rebooting iconic games like Lemmings and Super Stardust HD.  Contents: 00:00 - The Week's Retro News Stories  36:41 - Phil Gaskell Interview Our Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheRetroHourPodcast/videos Please visit our amazing sponsors and help to support the show: Bitmap Books - https://www.bitmapbooks.com Take your business to the next level today and enjoy 3 months of Shopify for £1/month: https://shopify.co.uk/retrohour We need your help to ensure the future of the podcast, if you'd like to help us with running costs, equipment and hosting, please consider supporting us on Patreon: https://theretrohour.com/support/ https://www.patreon.com/retrohour Get your Retro Hour merchandise: https://bit.ly/33OWBKd Join our Discord channel: https://discord.gg/GQw8qp8 Website: http://theretrohour.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theretrohour/ X: https://twitter.com/retrohouruk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/retrohouruk/ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/theretrohour.com Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/theretrohour Show notes: Atari beats ChatGPT: https://tinyurl.com/54pr4bxw PS1 custom motherboards: https://tinyurl.com/mtrdfb3j Head Over Heels sequel: https://tinyurl.com/4whtcrnn Mario Kart 64 on Dreamcast: https://tinyurl.com/jjk8uhyt Discord on Windows 95: https://youtu.be/wxdn30G2LE8

Sander Schulhoff is the OG prompt engineer. He created the very first prompt engineering guide on the internet (two months before ChatGPT's release) and recently wrote the most comprehensive study of prompt engineering ever conducted (co-authored with OpenAI, Microsoft, Google, Princeton, and Stanford), analyzing over 1,500 academic papers and covering more than 200 prompting techniques. He also partners with OpenAI to run what was the first and is the largest AI red teaming competition, HackAPrompt, which helps discover the most state-of-the-art prompt injection techniques (i.e. ways to get LLMS to do things it shouldn't). Sander teaches AI red teaming on Maven, advises AI companies on security, and has educated millions of people on the most state-of-the-art prompt engineering techniques.In this episode, you'll learn:1. The 5 most effective prompt engineering techniques2. Why “role prompting” and threatening the AI no longer works—and what to do instead3. The two types of prompt engineering: conversational and product/system prompts4. A primer on prompt injection and AI red teaming—including real jailbreak tactics that are still fooling top models5. Why AI agents and robots will be the next major security threat6. How to get started in AI red teaming and prompt engineering7. Practical defense to put in place for your AI products—Brought to you by:Eppo—Run reliable, impactful experimentsStripe—Helping companies of all sizes grow revenueVanta—Automate compliance. Simplify security—Where to find Sander Schulhoff:• X: https://x.com/sanderschulhoff• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sander-schulhoff/• Website: https://sanderschulhoff.com/• AI Red Teaming and AI Security Masterclass on Maven: https://bit.ly/44lLSbC• Free Lightning Lesson “How to Secure Your AI System” on 6/24: https://bit.ly/4ld9vZL—Where to find Lenny:• Newsletter: https://www.lennysnewsletter.com• X: https://twitter.com/lennysan• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lennyrachitsky/—In this episode, we cover:(00:00) Introduction to Sander Schulhoff(04:29) The importance of prompt engineering(06:30) Real-world applications and examples(10:54) Basic prompt engineering techniques(23:46) Advanced prompt engineering techniques(29:00) The role of context and additional information(39:24) Ensembling techniques and thought generation(49:48) Conversational techniques for better results(50:46) Introduction to prompt injection(52:27) AI red teaming and competitions(54:23) The growing importance of AI security(01:02:45) Techniques to bypass AI safeguards(01:05:21) Challenges in AI security and future outlook(01:18:33) Misalignment and AI's potential risks(01:25:03) Final thoughts and lightning round—Referenced:• Reid Hoffman's tweet about using AI agents: https://x.com/reidhoffman/status/1930416063616884822• AI Engineer World's Fair: https://www.ai.engineer/• What Is Artificial Social Intelligence?: https://learnprompting.org/blog/asi• Devin: https://devin.ai/• Cursor: https://www.cursor.com/• Inside Devin: The world's first autonomous AI engineer that's set to write 50% of its company's code by end of year | Scott Wu (CEO and co-founder of Cognition): https://www.lennysnewsletter.com/p/inside-devin-scott-wu• The rise of Cursor: The $300M ARR AI tool that engineers can't stop using | Michael Truell (co-founder and CEO): https://www.lennysnewsletter.com/p/the-rise-of-cursor-michael-truell• Granola: https://www.granola.ai/• Building Lovable: $10M ARR in 60 days with 15 people | Anton Osika (CEO and co-founder): https://www.lennysnewsletter.com/p/building-lovable-anton-osika• Inside Bolt: From near-death to ~$40m ARR in 5 months—one of the fastest-growing products in history | Eric Simons (founder & CEO of StackBlitz): https://www.lennysnewsletter.com/p/inside-bolt-eric-simons• Behind the product: Replit | Amjad Masad (co-founder and CEO): https://www.lennysnewsletter.com/p/behind-the-product-replit-amjad-masad• Everyone's an engineer now: Inside v0's mission to create a hundred million builders | Guillermo Rauch (founder and CEO of Vercel, creators of v0 and Next.js): https://www.lennysnewsletter.com/p/everyones-an-engineer-now-guillermo-rauch• Technique #3: Examples in Prompts: From Zero-Shot to Few-Shot: https://learnprompting.org/docs/basics/few_shot?srsltid=AfmBOor2owyGXtzJZ8n0fJVCctM7UPZgZmH-mBuxRW4t9-kkaMd3LJVv• The Prompt Report: Insights from the Most Comprehensive Study of Prompting Ever Done: https://learnprompting.org/blog/the_prompt_report?srsltid=AfmBOoo7CRNNCtavzhyLbCMxc0LDmkSUakJ4P8XBaITbE6GXL1i2SvA0• State-of-the-Art Prompting for AI Agents | Y Combinator: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DL82mGde6wo• Use XML tags to structure your prompts: https://docs.anthropic.com/en/docs/build-with-claude/prompt-engineering/use-xml-tags• Role Prompting: https://learnprompting.org/docs/basics/roles?srsltid=AfmBOor2jcxJQvWBZyFa030Qt0fIIov3hSiWvI9VFyjO-Qp478EPJIU7• Is Role Prompting Effective?: https://learnprompting.org/blog/role_prompting?srsltid=AfmBOooiiyLD-0CsCYZ4m3SDhYOmtTyaTzeDo0FvK_i1x1gLM8MJS-Sn• Introduction to Decomposition Prompting Techniques: https://learnprompting.org/docs/advanced/decomposition/introduction?srsltid=AfmBOoojJmTQgBlmSlGYQ8kl-JPpVUlLKkL4YcFGS5u54JyeumUwlcBI• LLM Self-Evaluation: https://learnprompting.org/docs/reliability/lm_self_eval• Philip Resnik on X: https://x.com/psresnik• Anthropic's CPO on what comes next | Mike Krieger (co-founder of Instagram): https://www.lennysnewsletter.com/p/anthropics-cpo-heres-what-comes-next• Introduction to Ensembling Prompting: https://learnprompting.org/docs/advanced/ensembling/introduction?srsltid=AfmBOooGSyqsrjnEbXSYoKpG0ZlpT278NHQA6Fd8gMvNTJlWu7-qEYzh• Random forest: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Random_forest• Chain-of-Thought Prompting: https://learnprompting.org/docs/intermediate/chain_of_thought?srsltid=AfmBOoqwE7SXlluy2sx_QY_VOKduyBplWtIWKEJaD6FkJW3TqeKPSJfx• Prompt Injecting: https://learnprompting.org/docs/prompt_hacking/injection?srsltid=AfmBOoqGgqbfXStrD6vlw5jy8HhEaESgGo2e57jyWL8lkZKktt_P6Zvn• Announcing HackAPrompt 2.0: The World's Largest AI Red-Teaming Hackathon: https://learnprompting.org/blog/announce-hackaprompt-2?srsltid=AfmBOopXKsHxy4aUtsvPCUtEu7x74NCAEnlTIdNzo7nfMDVwZ9ilTlkp• Infant with rare, incurable disease is first to successfully receive personalized gene therapy treatment: https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/infant-rare-incurable-disease-first-successfully-receive-personalized-gene-therapy-treatment• Building a magical AI code editor used by over 1 million developers in four months: The untold story of Windsurf | Varun Mohan (co-founder and CEO): https://www.lennysnewsletter.com/p/the-untold-story-of-windsurf-varun-mohan• Copilot: https://copilot.microsoft.com/chats/rcxhzvKgZvz8ajUrKdBtX• GitHub Copilot: https://github.com/features/copilot• Defensive Measures: https://learnprompting.org/docs/prompt_hacking/defensive_measures/introduction• Sam Altman on X: https://x.com/sama• Three Laws of Robotics: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Three_Laws_of_Robotics• Anthropic's new AI model turns to blackmail when engineers try to take it offline: https://techcrunch.com/2025/05/22/anthropics-new-ai-model-turns-to-blackmail-when-engineers-try-to-take-it-offline/• Palisade Research: https://palisaderesearch.org/• When AI Thinks It Will Lose, It Sometimes Cheats, Study Finds: https://time.com/7259395/ai-chess-cheating-palisade-research/• A.I. Chatbots Defeated Doctors at Diagnosing Illness: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/17/health/chatgpt-ai-doctors-diagnosis.html• 1883 on Paramount+: https://www.paramountplus.com/shows/1883/• Black Mirror on Netflix: https://www.netflix.com/title/70264888• Daylight Computer: https://daylightcomputer.com/• Theodore Roosevelt's quote: https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/622252-i-wish-to-preach-not-the-doctrine-of-ignoble-ease• HackAPrompt 2.0: https://www.hackaprompt.com/—Recommended books:• Ender's Game: https://www.amazon.com/Enders-Ender-Quintet-Orson-Scott/dp/0812550706• The River of Doubt: Theodore Roosevelt's Darkest Journey: https://www.amazon.com/River-Doubt-Theodore-Roosevelts-Darkest/dp/0767913736—Production and marketing by https://penname.co/. For inquiries about sponsoring the podcast, email podcast@lennyrachitsky.com.—Lenny may be an investor in the companies discussed. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.lennysnewsletter.com/subscribe

Go to https://kachava.com and use code BASIC for 15% OFF your next order! Rula patients typically pay $15 per session when using insurance. Connect with quality therapists and mental health experts who specialize in you at https://www.rula.com/basic #rulapod

In this Road to Macstock Conference and Expo conversation we welcome longtime speaker Kirschen Seah to discuss her upcoming session, Passkeys Demystified. Kirschen explains the promise of passkeys as a more secure, user-friendly alternative to passwords, and why adoption has been slower than expected. She shares insights into how passkeys work using public key cryptography, addresses common concerns about biometric data, and outlines how password managers like Apple Keychain and 1Password integrate with the system. With real-world scenarios and practical examples, Kirschen aims to help attendees confidently adopt passkeys and understand the evolving standards behind them.  Show Notes: Chapters: 00:08 Introduction to MacVoices 00:45 Kirschen Seah Joins the Conversation 02:20 Passkeys Demystified 08:44 Managing Multiple Accounts 10:32 The Role of Password Managers 13:15 Preparing for the Session 15:55 Macstock Conference Details 17:51 The Value of Curiosity at Macstock Links: Macstock Conference and Expo Save $50 with the Kirschen's discount code: freerangecoder Save $50 with Chuck's discount code: macvoices50 Guests: Kirschen Seah's background is Computer Sciences with interests in Software Engineering, User Experience, and Mac OS X / iPhone OS development. She started programming with BASIC in 1978 on an Apple ][ and have over 30 years of experience in the field. Kirschen worked on OPENSTEP (precursor to Mac OS X Cocoa) graphical prototyping applications initially when she joined Rockwell Collins (now Collins Aerospace) in 1999, and was a Senior Principal Systems Engineer in the Flight Management Systems department focussed on the user interface for pilot interaction. Prior to joining Rockwell Collins Kirschen worked at Acuity (formerly ichat) developing interactive user interfaces for live chat customer service agents. Now retired, there's now more time to share technical insights on her blog, develop useful scripts (Python, shell), and write Shortcuts. Kirschen is really motivated to share her experience to help fellow software practitioners develop better skills – be that in good design, implementation, or computer science fundamentals. As much as she can, Kirschen tries to share the delight in discovering how iOS and macOS applications for productivity and creativity have helped her do better in her personal and (former) work life. Connect with her on her web site, FreeRangeCoder Support:      Become a MacVoices Patron on Patreon      http://patreon.com/macvoices      Enjoy this episode? Make a one-time donation with PayPal Connect:      Web:      http://macvoices.com      Twitter:      http://www.twitter.com/chuckjoiner      http://www.twitter.com/macvoices      Mastodon:      https://mastodon.cloud/@chuckjoiner      Facebook:      http://www.facebook.com/chuck.joiner      MacVoices Page on Facebook:      http://www.facebook.com/macvoices/      MacVoices Group on Facebook:      http://www.facebook.com/groups/macvoice      LinkedIn:      https://www.linkedin.com/in/chuckjoiner/      Instagram:      https://www.instagram.com/chuckjoiner/ Subscribe:      Audio in iTunes      Video in iTunes      Subscribe manually via iTunes or any podcatcher:      Audio: http://www.macvoices.com/rss/macvoicesrss      Video: http://www.macvoices.com/rss/macvoicesvideorss

This is a study and commentary of the Basic Text book within Narcotics Anonymous. We invite you to come along this journey with us. Please get your book, a highlighter, and a pen/pencil.

US Senate Passes #GENIUS Act, Supporting Payment Stablecoins #Crypto #Cryptocurrency #podcast #BasicCryptonomics #Bitcoin Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.CryptoTalkRadio.net⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@ThisIsCTR⁠⁠⁠⁠ Discord:⁠⁠⁠⁠ @CryptoTalkRadio⁠⁠⁠⁠ Chapters (00:00:01) - Bitcoin's Price: Will It Continue To Go Up?(00:01:27) - Tremor for Calls and More(00:02:14) - Bitcoin's price is artificially inflated, according to YouTubers(00:06:48) - Bitcoin and Ethereum: When Are We At a Bull Run?(00:08:26) - The Saitama Scam Syndicate Scammer Gets Prison Time(00:12:36) - Got bitched on the wrist(00:13:32) - Stablecoin Legislation: The GENIUS Act(00:19:10) - Prohibits Unlawful Stablecoins(00:24:57) - Stable Coin Bill(00:25:57) - Macro vs Micro: What's The Difference?(00:31:18) - Sentiment and the Bottom Line

Dr. David Spiegel is a Stanford psychiatrist, and he is one of the most published and respected experts in the field of hypnotherapy. He is the cofounder of the self-hypnosis app Reveri. Rory has been outspoken about his use of the Reveri app. Dr. Spiegel has been on podcasts such as Huberman Lab, Tim Ferriss, and Rich Roll. So to add The Mental Golf Show to that list is an incredible honor. ----- Dr. Spiegel's app: Reveri Get 25% off Reveri yearly and lifetime plans with code MENTALGOLF This code is available on Reveri's website only, so go to reverihealth.app.link/e/mentalgolf ----- Timestamps & Topics: (00:00:00) What happens to us when we experience “golf trauma”? (00:06:15) How to address our own past “golf trauma” (00:09:53) The Perfect Pre-shot Routine digital course - joshnicholsgolf.com/course (00:11:37) How can hypnosis help our golf game? (00:14:58) What is self-hypnosis? (00:20:30) Should we be in hypnosis on the golf course? (00:22:27) Can we hypnotize ourself into being able to hit a high draw (or any other shot)? (00:24:19) Basic and Custom Practice Plans - joshnicholsgolf.com/practice (00:26:26) Hypnotism: Is it for skill access, or skill acquisition? (00:30:11) Hypnosis helps you shift how you see yourself and your own thoughts (00:40:14) Nerd Fitness - nerdfitness.com and mention Josh at The Mental Golf Show sent you (00:42:18) The Yips and Hypnosis (00:47:19) Why is golf so hard mentally? (00:49:27) Breathing Exercises for Golf (00:53:07) Golf is Just One of the Things We Do with Our Mind (00:53:58) Dr. David Spiegel -----

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Basic Skill You Had To Teach Your Partner by Maine's Coast 93.1

Thanks for listening to the City Life Lansing Podcast. Loving you and the city, one life at a time. Visit us online at citylifelansing.com. You can also catch us on all social media @citylifelansing. #YouBelongHere #LoveTheCity

I remember reading the Bible on a cold winter day and came across Psalm 71:1. ******* By the way, if you haven't bought a copy of my new book yet, check it out here: https://www.amazon.com/Dreams-Visions-Stories-Faith-Pastor/dp/161493536X

learn how to talk about basic weather conditions

J.R. tells us something that his fiance Kristin does that bugs him.

We are in Psalms 37 where it talks about the steps of a good man being ordered by the Lord. ******* By the way, if you haven't bought a copy of my new book yet, check it out here: https://www.amazon.com/Dreams-Visions-Stories-Faith-Pastor/dp/161493536X

This is a study and commentary of the Basic Text book within Narcotics Anonymous. We invite you to come along this journey with us. Please get your book, a highlighter, and a pen/pencil.

In this episode of the Living Well with MS podcast we are pleased to welcome Sam Josephs as our guest. Sam is a qualified Nutritional Therapist and has worked as a retreat facilitator for Overcoming  Multiple Sclerosis. In this episode, we demystify the Overcoming MS diet and provide helpful tips and tricks on how to hack the food portion of the Overcoming MS lifestyle and make it as scrumptious as possible!  Topics and Timestamps:   01:24 Sam's journey with Overcoming MS   08:54 Basic recommendations for the Overcoming MS diet  10:26 What type of fish is included in the diet?   15:46 Tips and ideal substitutes for Overcoming MS-recommended foods  26:06 Navigating meals during seasonal holidays with the Overcoming MS diet pillar  29:46 Is chicken breast really a problem?  More info and links: Listen to part 2 of ‘The OMS Diet in a Nutshell' here Learn more about Sam Josephs' professional background  Learn more about the Overcoming MS diet recommendations  New to Overcoming MS? Visit our introductory page  Connect with others following Overcoming MS on the Live Well Hub Visit the Overcoming MS website Follow us on social media: Facebook Instagram YouTube Pinterest Don't miss out: Subscribe to this podcast and never miss an episode. Listen to our archive of Living Well with MS here. Make sure you sign up to our newsletter to hear our latest tips and news about living a full and happy life with MS. Support us: If you enjoy this podcast and want to support the ongoing work of Overcoming MS, you can leave a donation here. Feel free to share your comments and suggestions for future guests and episode topics by emailing podcast@overcomingms.org. If you like Living Well with MS, please leave a 5-star review.

On today's episode of the Candice Malcolm Show, Candice raises the question: which Mark Carney will we get today? Will we get the Based PM who wants to build pipelines and crack down on illegal immigration, or will we get silly sock man 2.0? Next, Candice walks us through another ruthless exchange between Conservative MP Michelle Rempel Garner and Immigration Minister Lena Diab. Once again, Rempel Garner runs circles around the Liberal minister and exposes her for being totally clueless. Finally, in a segment EXCLUSIVE to Juno News premium subscribers, Candice is joined by True North managing editor Cosmin Dszurdsza to discuss a huge scoop he uncovered about federal funding to ped*philes. The details are INSANE – you won't want to miss this report: https://www.junonews.com/p/carney-shows-his-trudeau-colours Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A man who borrows money and won't pay it back is a wicked man, according this passage in the Bible. ******* By the way, if you haven't bought a copy of my new book yet, check it out here: https://www.amazon.com/Dreams-Visions-Stories-Faith-Pastor/dp/161493536X

Basic training can be intimidating. You're far away from home with strangers and, of course, there are the instructors. Sergeant Melanie Wilson is one of those instructors. Listen in to hear what's happening behind the scenes while recruits are learning to become members of the military.Feel free to contact Captain Adam Orton with any comments or questions:armyconnect-connectionarmee@forces.gc.caConnect with the Canadian Army on social media:Facebook  | X (Twitter) | Instagram | YouTubeVisit Forces.ca if you are considering a career in the Army.Copyright Information© His Majesty the King in Right of Canada, as represented by the Minister of National Defence, 2025

Victor Davis Hanson: Joe Biden Dismantled Basic Immigration Law. Now, Americans Are Suffering the Consequences    California Gov. Gavin Newsom called the Trump administration's efforts to enforce basic immigration law within his state “reckless” and “chaotic”, alleging that federal officials were trying to meet an “arbitrary arrest quota.”    The Biden administration let in an estimated 12 million illegal aliens into the U.S. ICE would have to deport 8,000 illegal aliens a day to undo the damage done by the previous administration, which is not only unfeasible, but made more difficult by violent obscuration tactics employed by the Left in sanctuary cities, argues Victor Davis Hanson on today's edition of “Victor Davis Hanson: In His Own Words”   “…on a good day, Tom Homan and ICE and the Border Patrol can maybe deport, they find, 800. But Joe Biden let in 10 times that number per day. So, they would have to step up their efforts by a magnitude just to get back to where Joe Biden started.   If you let in 12 million people in the space of four years, you're talking about 3 million a year. You're talking 250,000 per month. So, you can see it's 8,000 a day and there's no way that that seems even feasible, even when the Left tries to obstruct that effort with sanctuary cities and district judges who entertain these lawsuits to stop it.”    

Victor Davis Hanson: Joe Biden Dismantled Basic Immigration Law. Now, Americans Are Suffering the Consequences California Gov. Gavin Newsom called the Trump administration's efforts to enforce basic immigration law within his state “reckless” and “chaotic”, alleging that federal officials were trying to meet an “arbitrary arrest quota.” The Biden administration let in an estimated 12 […]

Webb Simpson needs no introduction. Timely conversation for U.S. Open week.  Timestamps & Topics: (00:00:00) How does Webb Simpson feel about the U.S. Open now 13 years after winning? (00:02:58) Webb's U.S. Open Final qualifying this year (00:05:24) Closing out the 2012 U.S. Open at Olympic Club (00:07:09) The Perfect Pre-shot Routine digital course - joshnicholsgolf.com/course (00:09:11) Does Webb think he's a good golfer? (00:11:16) How to increase (and decrease) confidence (00:16:40) Is Webb's best golf behind him? (00:20:23) Basic and Custom Practice Plans - joshnicholsgolf.com/practice (00:22:44) Do the best players in the world think about their pre-shot routine? (00:25:34) Mental Scorecards and Post-Round Reviews (00:27:11) How does a pro treat casual rounds? (00:34:27) Has Webb gotten comfortable with his success? (00:38:01) Did winning the U.S. Open change Webb? (00:42:49) What does Scottie Scheffler do different? -----

The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, the Bible says, and then it says that the "he delights in them." Well...WHO delights in them? ******* By the way, if you haven't bought a copy of my new book yet, check it out here: https://www.amazon.com/Dreams-Visions-Stories-Faith-Pastor/dp/161493536X

Tu veux apprendre à te présenter en français avec confiance ? Dans cet épisode, on explore tout ce qu'il faut pour parler de toi naturellement : ton prénom, ton âge, tes origines, ton travail, tes passions…️ Tu apprendras du vocabulaire utile, des structures simples, des expressions authentiques, et même quelques erreurs à éviter. Que ce soit pour une première rencontre, une conversation amicale ou une présentation en classe, cet épisode est fait pour toi ! Prêt(e) à dire fièrement : « Je m'appelle… » ?Appuie sur play et parlons de toi ! I help French learners improve their language skills with my Learn French Program. Join the program!speaking, listening, reading, and writing skillsBeginner and Elementary/Pre-intermediate level: A1/A2-B1 level BOOK A FREE CONSULTATION SESSION WITH ME: https://calendly.com/davidalexandercantu Follow me on social media below: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidalexandercantuTiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@davidalexanderfrenchFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/davidalexandercantuLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidalexandercantu Remember to like, subscribe, and leave a comment below. I'll answer all questions.

My guest is Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, MD, PhD, Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and Professor Emeritus of Health Policy at Stanford University. We discuss which scientific questions ought to be the priority for NIH, how to incentivize bold, innovative science especially from younger labs, how to solve the replication crisis and restore trust and transparency in science and public health, including acknowledging prior failures by the NIH. We discuss the COVID-19 pandemic and the data and sociological factors that motivated lockdowns, masking and vaccine mandates. Dr. Bhattacharya shares his views on how to resolve the vaccine–autism debate and how best to find the causes and cures for autism and chronic diseases. The topics we cover impact everyone: male, female, young and old and, given that NIH is the premier research and public health organization in the world, extend to Americans and non-Americans alike. Read the episode show notes at hubermanlab.com. Thank you to our sponsors AG1: https://drinkag1.com/huberman David: https://davidprotein.com/huberman Eight Sleep: https://eightsleep.com/huberman Levels: ⁠https://levels.link/huberman⁠ LMNT: https://drinklmnt.com/huberman Timestamps 00:00:00 Jay Bhattacharya 00:06:56 National Institutes of Health (NIH), Mission 00:09:12 Funding, Basic vs. Applied Research 00:18:22 Sponsors: David & Eight Sleep 00:21:20 Indirect Costs (IDC), Policies & Distribution 00:30:43 Taxpayer Funding, Journal Access, Public Transparency 00:38:14 Taxpayer Funding, Patents; Drug Costs in the USA vs Other Countries 00:48:50 Reducing Medication Prices; R&D, Improving Health 01:00:01 Sponsors: AG1 & Levels 01:02:55 Lowering IDC?, Endowments, Monetary Distribution, Scientific Groupthink 01:12:29 Grant Review Process, Innovation 01:21:43 R01s, Tenure, Early Career Scientists & Novel Ideas 01:31:46 Sociology of Grant Evaluation, Careerism in Science, Failures 01:39:08 “Sick Care” System, Health Needs 01:44:01 Sponsor: LMNT 01:45:33 Incentives in Science, H-Index, Replication Crisis 01:58:54 Scientists, Data Fraud, Changing Careers 02:03:59 NIH & Changing Incentive Structure, Replication, Pro-Social Behavior 02:15:26 Scientific Discovery, Careers & Changing Times, Journals & Publications 02:19:56 NIH Grants & Appeals, Under-represented Populations, DEI 02:28:58 Inductive vs Deductive Science; DEI & Grants; Young Scientists & NIH Funding 02:39:38 Grant Funding, Identity & Race; Shift in NIH Priorities 02:51:23 Public Trust & Science, COVID Pandemic, Lockdowns, Masks 03:04:41 Pandemic Mandates & Economic Inequality; Fear; Public Health & Free Speech 03:13:39 Masks, Harms, Public Health Messaging, Uniformity, Groupthink, Vaccines 03:22:48 Academic Ostracism, Public Health Messaging & Opposition 03:30:26 Culture of American Science, Discourse & Disagreement 03:36:03 Vaccines, COVID Vaccines, Benefits & Harms 03:47:05 Vaccine Mandates, Money, Public Health Messaging, Civil Liberties 03:54:52 COVID Vaccines, Long-Term Effects; Long COVID, Vaccine Injury, Flu Shots 04:06:47 Do Vaccines Cause Autism?; What Explains Rise in Autism 04:18:33 Autism & NIH; MAHA & Restructuring NIH? 04:25:47 Zero-Cost Support, YouTube, Spotify & Apple Follow & Reviews, Sponsors, YouTube Feedback, Protocols Book, Social Media, Neural Network Newsletter Disclaimer & Disclosures Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

My YouTube live streams continue to deliver these podcast episode ideas! This past week I had a few interactions that, once again, reminded me of how some people could better themselves as a trader by doing one simple thing. To be fair, I suppose it is not the simplest thing to do, but again, to be fair, it's also not in the realm of reasonableness to say this thing is impossible to do. I admit I probably get more frustrated than I should when I encounter these situations, but I can't stand watching someone make their life harder than it needs to be. I don't think I'll be saying anything ground breaking in this episode, but I do think some people (including myself at times) underestimate the far reaching issues. Let's talk about it!

In this episode of the Advanced Refrigeration Podcast, host Kevin Compass and his co-host discuss the challenges and chaos they've faced while dealing with CO2 case controllers. They delve into issues such as overcrowded comm loops, programming nightmares, and the physical hassle of tracing and addressing numerous case controllers. They also share their frustrations with manufacturers' suboptimal setups, including poorly placed case controllers and the challenges of redesigning comm loops. The conversation shifts to discuss the importance of accurate sensor calibration and the right way to use pressure transducers. They recount experiences from training sessions aimed at elevating HVAC technicians' skills, emphasizing the need for proper system set-up to prevent inefficiencies and failures. Despite the technical focus, the episode is sprinkled with humor and frustration, reflecting the hosts' real-world experiences in the challenging field of refrigeration

In this episode of the Advanced Refrigeration Podcast, host Kevin Compass and his co-host discuss the challenges and chaos they've faced while dealing with CO2 case controllers. They delve into issues such as overcrowded comm loops, programming nightmares, and the physical hassle of tracing and addressing numerous case controllers. They also share their frustrations with manufacturers' suboptimal setups, including poorly placed case controllers and the challenges of redesigning comm loops. The conversation shifts to discuss the importance of accurate sensor calibration and the right way to use pressure transducers. They recount experiences from training sessions aimed at elevating HVAC technicians' skills, emphasizing the need for proper system set-up to prevent inefficiencies and failures. Despite the technical focus, the episode is sprinkled with humor and frustration, reflecting the hosts' real-world experiences in the challenging field of refrigeration

A Sauna Talk from the British Sauna Summit, Tuesday, 20 May 2025 Hilton London Canary Wharf. Last year, Sauna Summit 2024 and 1.0, about 120 of us gathered rooftop at in Hackney. The spirit was both well organized like a conference, and yet intimate like a family gathering. This year, as attendance swelled to well north of 300, the Hilton Hotel ballroom provided a backdrop and familiarity of a “proper” (to use the British word) organized meeting. This is the evolution of sauna. What started as a somewhat jest and jovial organisation, like the growth of many things sauna, the British Sauna Society has ballooned into a structured membership of several hundred, representing the “saunapreneurs” of public saunas that dot the map of the UK's shoreline, streams, and urban communities. Yours truly was given the honour of announcing the winners of the second annual Sauna Summit Awards, which showcases outstanding saunas (Best Urban, Best Community, Best New, etc.). All of the contest participants are winners. And though there's surely pride and competition behind the curtain, yet what is displayed in the UK sauna scene is more collaboration and support. The Brits seem to recognize that the rising sauna tide lifts all public sauna boats. London Calling I am reminded of my time living in London. It was decades ago, and I had the dream job of music listings editor at Time Out magazine, where i'd have one on one relationship with the music venues (Dingwalls, Brixton Academy, etc.) and what stood out was the pricing structure of concert tickets. General admission at the top, then the list of discounted tickets (senior, student, unemployed, single parent, counsel estate resident, library card holder, etc.). It's ingrained in British culture to proudly support those underserved. And sauna culture today shares that “community support” ethos. America may face headwinds in this regard, being more capitalistic centric, yet Britain waves the flag of “serving their community” as evidence by the hundreds of saunas dotting their shoreline and beyond. Anyhow, in this episode we get to hear one on one conversations with folks from Harvia, Jake Newport from Finnmark, kindred spirit author Lassi Liikkanen, key Summit organizer Mark Lamb, his wife and author Emma O'kelly, Sauna from Finland Carita, Rob De Bank, and other folks “behind the scenes” and “between the action.” Notes from presentations at the British Sauna Summit: Carita 1. Take as long as you like in sauna. Listen to your body. 2. Nudity is common in private saunas. Often ladies and men's sides. 3. Most Finn's prefer 70-80c and we make löyly. 4. Sauna is a safe and relaxing activity for all ages. Sauna at the lake helps make family memories. 5. Everyone sweats differently. More sweat doesn't mean better 6. Sauna stones wear out. Replace them regularly. She changes stones twice a year. 6. Clean the sauna – deep clean under the benches. Dry the sauna after every use. 8. Whisking is gentle and relaxing. Good for your skin and circulation. Every sauna has its own soul. Löyly is the main thing. Dr emelia Vuitisalmi “Sauna is the one single place where we truly feel safe and we can relax.” Finns don't count minutes or measure temperature. Sauna stimulates three hormones 1. Dopamine. Direction Motivation and reward.  Walk your true path. Sauna is the place to answer these questions 2. Serotonin. Safety Sauna is the place where we feel safe. 3. Oxytocin. Connection. Sauna is an amazing place to connect with ourself. What is behind our own thoughts. Deep healing power of sauna takes us to a state of love. Sweat. Let go. Belong. The deep power of sauna. — Rob Da Bank Slo Mo Drew parallels of organizing festivals to the sauna space in UK. Dom Bridges Running his sauna for 12 years on the beach in Margate. Free. Significant part of the town. More like a skatepark, its own ecosystem. No one owns it, a spirit of togetherness. Sara Higgins Seaside Sauna Haus Dorset. “It's about connection with yourself, and it's also about connection with who you share the bench with. “ “Focus on your thing and shout about others. “ Wild Scottish Sauna Jayne McGie & Jamie Craig-Gentles Met each other in the water. Started as a swim group. “We go into the sea to release. “ They run 5 saunas and are very active in their community. 1,000 people. 5 pounds each. Brought communities together. Staffing is also part of the community. 18 sauna hosts. Work for one day a week. Extra money for them as a second job. Zack Avery &Soul Community. The heart of the project is to give people a space to belong. Share spaces together. West London  Dundbar theory. Societies thrive in communities of about 100-150 people. Egalitarian space. Not wearing their title. Shared humanity in sauna.  Heart of the community space. The sauna is the center of the community space. Need for nurturing spaces. A thirst for better ways of being in the city. Dr Martha : an expert in ritual and belonging. Move our way from the normal to the secret. Physically taken away from the normal… liminality. Neither here nor there. Sauna creates an intense lininal space. Research with extreme groups. Extreme experience bond us together. Expert in ritual and belonging. —- The holy trinity : fire, ice, and löyly Lasse spoke about the three methods of heat transfer plus condensation (moisture forming on the body). If you follow the “Instagram sauna” and replicate it, you may run into problems that you cannot even power up the heater.” Daryl Bosomworth Brass Monkey Spoke about ice. And the cold. The important factors of why and how to bring cold as a best practice for saunas. Cold : “you are micro dosing with a potent stressor. “ Alex Lembke, Finnish Sauna Master of the year. Aufguss means pouring hot water on a tea bag. Technical aspects of löyly. Self Nature – spirit protecting the human. Löyly – your life force. The functions of your body. Your life form.  Life force of every being. “If a sauna has no löyly , it doesn't live. It doesn't breathe. “ You should experience good löyly. Odorless. Long lasting. Pour löyly. Lasts a long time. “Everyone deserves good löyly. “ —- Nick Cassenbaum: Jewish schmeisting culture. Bubble Schmeises. Rosanna Cooney At one time, there's were 75 Turkish style baths in Ireland. The remembering happened when the nature connection came back Mikkel.  The three Pilar's Social Physical Spiritual – sense of connection with something larger than ourselves. —- Cosmin Cîrîc.  Therme Bucuresti Erin Lee. Koru Wellness Ltd. Aufguss is a sensory experience. You can bring in natural elements close to your sauna. Plants. Sand and oils. Basic elements. Show aufguss can present the story. They can put their soul on the table. It's a beautiful art. Emma O'Kelly. Started with 80 saunas for the book. Then within the year,  Feb 2025 – 189 saunas in the book.

Thanks for listening to the City Life Lansing Podcast. Loving you and the city, one life at a time. Visit us online at citylifelansing.com. You can also catch us on all social media @citylifelansing. #YouBelongHere #LoveTheCity

Rundown During this episode you'll learn about: Basic principles of skin health [2:30] Cigarettes' impact on skin health [3:44] Sunbathing and skin [5:05] Vitamin D [6:18] Skin protectants [9:00] Sulforaphane [9:18] Skin supportive nutrients [12:30] Collagen Plus [14:00] Collagen and skin health [15:40] Collagen forms [17:30] Peptides [18:30] Collagen taste [19:30] Questions from the community [23:22] Why do we need lotions and creams? [23:30] What does sunscreen do for skin health? [28:00] What fruits are good for glowing skin? [30:00] What causes acne and what can be done about it? [31:39] Water and your skin [33:56] What destroys collagen in the body? [35:05] How can I manage eczema? [36:00] What is Botox? [39:35] Resources to topics mentioned in this episode: Expert Tips for Ultimate Skin Hydration Considering Botox for Younger-Looking Skin? Read These Tips First Fish Oil and Skin Health – What's the Connection? Mayo Clinic: Effective Tools for Skin Longevity Mayo Clinic: Protect Fragile Skin as You Age Mayo Clinic: How Antioxidants Protect Your Skin from Sun-Induced Aging Mayo Clinic: Under Pressure – The Impact of Stress on Skin Health Mayo Clinic: The Beauty of Sleep – How Your Skin Reflects Your Rest The Microbes on Your Skin: Your Partners in Healthy Living Five Expert Tips for Cold-Weather Skincare Tips for Protecting Your Skin Inside and Out This Summer Pros and Cons of Different Types of Sunscreen The Plant Extracts that Support Healthy Skin Aging 6 Supplements that Maintain Healthy Skin from the Inside Out Collagen for Your Skin Mayo Clinic: How Sunlight and Pollution Cause Skin to Age Products related to this episode: Collagen Plus, Collagen Fit, Biotin, Skin Health Stack Subscribe To More Content Subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts so you never miss an episode. You can also learn more about the topics in the episode by checking out the latest news, video, and stories on Thorne's Take 5 Daily blog.

The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord. That's what the Bible says, but how does that play out in real life today? ******* By the way, if you haven't bought a copy of my new book yet, check it out here: https://www.amazon.com/Dreams-Visions-Stories-Faith-Pastor/dp/161493536X

second part of Basic Faith Life. We look at a study from Barna research dealing with biblical worldview. What is our foundation of belief, it matters.

In this episode of The First Day from The Fundraising School, host Bill Stanczykiewicz, Ed.D., welcomes back the brilliant Una Osili, Ph.D., Associate Dean for Research at the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. They dive into the hot-off-the-press study, The Next Generation of Philanthropy, revealing how Millennials and Gen Z are shaping the future of charitable giving. Spoiler alert: these younger donors may not have all the money yet, but they sure have the passion, and they're bringing fresh expectations to the table. Bill and Una explore how these rising generations prioritize causes over organizations, a key shift from older donor behaviors. Basic needs and religious giving remain top priorities, though younger donors' religious contributions often go toward faith-based service organizations rather than traditional houses of worship. On the other hand, education and the arts are facing challenges: younger donors show lower engagement with these sectors, partly due to shifting trust and priorities, as well as personal experiences with student debt. As Una emphasizes, understanding these motivations is critical for fundraisers looking to engage the donors of tomorrow. The conversation also highlights the growing emphasis Millennials and Gen Z place on social justice and environmental causes. These younger donors want to see tangible impact and often view giving as just one piece of a broader social commitment, which includes advocacy, activism, and socially conscious consumerism. And don't underestimate the power of social media, it's both a discovery tool and a megaphone for these digital natives, influencing not only what they support but how they share their philanthropic journeys with their networks. Bill and Una wrap up with a clear call to action: fundraisers must meet younger donors where they are, on social platforms, through personalized engagement, and with messaging that connects cause to impact. As Dr. Osili wisely notes, Millennials and Gen Z are redefining philanthropy with a broader, more inclusive lens. The future of giving is not just about writing a check; it's about building a movement. And for today's fundraisers, adapting to this mindset is not optional, it's essential.

Send us a textCharles Thompson III shares his journey from inner-city gang member to political candidate and his vision for ethical, non-partisan governance focused on people rather than profits.• America's political system heavily favors incumbents and wealthy candidates, making meaningful change difficult• Citizens United decision fundamentally altered campaign finance, allowing outside money to dominate elections• Foreign news sources often provide more objective coverage of American issues than domestic media• Basic human needs like healthcare and housing should be socialized while wants remain capitalized• Implementing term limits and age limits would create more representative government• Anti-corruption laws with severe consequences would ensure ethical leadership• American exceptionalism should be questioned as we fall behind in key metrics like education• Charles approaches politics as a public servant rather than a typical politician• Social media and fundraising techniques have transformed how campaigns operateFind Charles Thompson on Facebook (Charles Thompson) or Twitter (@TheRealCharlieTruth) or email him at LLABESAB1@gmail.com - he welcomes questions from anyone across the political spectrum.Support the showFollow your host atYouTube and Rumble for video contenthttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUxk1oJBVw-IAZTqChH70aghttps://rumble.com/c/c-4236474Facebook to receive updateshttps://www.facebook.com/EliasEllusion/Twitter (yes, I refuse to call it X)https://x.com/politicallyht LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/eliasmarty/

On Point news analyst Jack Beatty on how the impact of AI in the 21st century could be more disruptive to the workforce than mass production was in the 20th century.

Episode 123 of the Award Travel 101 podcast covers a variety of travel rewards topics, including a debate over using Ultimate Rewards vs. Capital One points for the same flight. The hosts, Angie Sparks and Mike Zaccheo, also discuss major updates in the travel industry, such as United and JetBlue's Blue Sky partnership, Chase's new welcome bonuses on IHG credit cards, and the finalization of Capital One's acquisition of Discover Bank. Meanwhile, Southwest Airlines implements new policies that bring checked bag fees, Basic fares, and expiration dates on flight credits.The episode's main topic, Angie and Mike anders some travel questions from the community that might had been overlooked. The hosts weigh in on credit card strategies, airline booking tips, and award redemptions while preparing for their own upcoming travels—Mike is gearing up for a family trip to Alaska, and Angie has multiple destinations in mind, including Anguilla and a potential golf trip to Ireland. They also preview the next Award Travel 101 meetup in Miami, set for September 19–21, featuring a brewery reception, travel seminars, and an immersive art experience. Their tip of the week: don't procrastinate on confirming travel plans.Links to Topics DiscussedUnited and JetBlue form Blue Sky partnershipIHG Cards Enhanced OffersCapital One- Discover Merger FinalizesSouthwest Bag FeesSouthwest Same Day Change Policy ChangeWhere to Find Us The Free 110k+ member Award Travel 101 Community. To book time with our team, check out Award Travel 1-on-1. You can also email us at 101@award.travel Tickets are now ON SALE for our next meetup in Miami September 19-21. Secure your spot today at https://award.travel/miami2025 Our partner CardPointers helps us get the most from our cards. We love being able to automatically add all of our offers and quickly seeing the best card to use for every purchase. Signup today at https://cardpointers.com/at101 for a 30% discount on annual and lifetime subscriptions! Lastly, we appreciate your support of the AT101 Podcast/Community when you signup for your next card! Technical note: Some user experience difficulty streaming the podcast while connected to a VPN. If you have difficulty, disconnect from your VPN.

In this Strides Revisited episode, we're revisiting one of those foundational exercises that truly shapes your riding journey: Turn on the Forehand. Whether you're working on opening gates, introducing collection, or improving your horse's responsiveness, this simple movement has endless value for every rider at every level.

Coach Ted discusses the occasions when the training medley is condensed to just one or two elemental parts. (Originally aired 02-09-2023)

Jonathan Schecter is joined again by senior Buddhist teacher, musician, and author David Nichtern for a wide-ranging, deeply reflective conversation.Together they explore how presence and practice intersect with modern expanded states — from breathwork to psychedelics to the possibilities and limitations of AI as a spiritual teacher.You'll hear insights on:✅ Why presence can't be grasped✅ The concept of the “fourth moment” in Buddhist practice✅ How breathwork teaches surrender without substances✅ The risks of spiritual bypassing in psychedelic spaces✅ Whether AI can embody consciousness or wisdom✅ The role of humor, humility, and formal practice✅ How Buddhist wisdom can evolve to fit modern culture✅ David's upcoming Mindfulness Meditation Teacher TrainingThis is an honest and inspiring dialogue on integration, wholeness, and the real work of transformation.00:00 Intro05:00 Walking out of time — presence & fourth moment12:00 Surrender in breathwork vs psychedelics18:00 The God realm & spiritual bypassing25:00 Can AI become a spiritual teacher?34:00 Blind spots, feedback, and the human ego42:00 Buddha nature & somatic healing51:00 What do we most need as a collective?56:00 Basic goodness, genuine sadness, and activism1:02:00 Dharma Moon teacher training & modern culture1:10:00 Final reflections — carrying the teachings forwardDharma Moon Links:

Joining us on this episode of Living Off Rentals is someone who's helped Kirby secure five different DSCR loans over the past year and a half.  Jay Anderson is a lender with Visio Lending, a company that specializes in DSCR loans for investment properties.  A DSCR (Debt Service Coverage Ratio) loan allows investors to qualify based on a property's income—not their personal income.  It's a great option for self-employed investors, those without W2 income, or anyone looking to scale without hitting debt-to-income limits. As an active investor himself, Jay knows what it takes to get deals done, especially in today's market.  In this episode, he breaks down how DSCR loans work, what it takes to qualify, and why they're such a powerful tool for scaling your portfolio.  You'll also learn about how DSCR loans can supercharge your BRRRR strategy and common pitfalls to avoid when applying for financing.  Enjoy the show! Key Takeaways: [00:00] Introducing Jay Anderson and his background [02:18] Getting into real estate lending [05:20] What are DSCR loans? [08:30] Qualifications for DSCR loans [13:19] Biggest reasons people get denied financing [20:20] Basic terms for DSCR loan [26:24] Jay's recommendation in terms of financing for someone who wants to do the BRRRR strategy [31:24] Location and type of property most profitable for investors [33:40] His advice for new real estate investors [38:33] Connect with Jay Anderson [39:44] Outro Guest Links: Website: https://visiolending.com/ae-directory/jay-anderson/ Email: jay.anderson@visiolending.com  Contact Number: 737-910-2344 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 

Some colleges are offering classes in "adulting". Basic living skills like cooking, home finance, etc.Steve Harvey Morning Show Online: http://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Description: Do you feel disappointed in your coaching certification because after working with a few clients you've realized it lacked the depth of information you needed to really help people, wanted more individualized practice and feedback or it neglected business development elements? In today's episode, I am sharing 5 signs that will help you determine if you've outgrown your basic coaching skills and it might be time for a more advanced training that will take your practice and business to the next level.  Learn more about The Art & Skill of Coaching certification: https://www.jessicademarchis.com/the-art-skill-of-coaching   Join ASC's Waitlist: https://purple-lion-72607.myflodesk.com/ascwaitlist   Complimentary Coaching Consult: www.chatwithjess.com   Stay in Touch: www.jessicademarchis.com IG @jess_demarchis_coaching    Coach Question of the Week: https://purple-lion-72607.myflodesk.com/agcj1mr1y3   

In this episode of the Sunlight Tax Podcast, I share when it makes sense to hire a professional accountant versus handling your taxes on your own, and why understanding your taxes is so important, especially during life changes like getting married, relocating, or experiencing major income shifts.   I dive into essential tax planning strategies for creative entrepreneurs, freelancers, and small business owners. I also break down complex tax situations that often require expert guidance, and explore the pros and cons of using tax software versus working with a tax professional.   Also mentioned in this episode: 00:00 Understanding the Importance of Tax Planning 00:49 When to Hire an Accountant vs. DIY Taxes 05:20 Life Changes and Financial Shifts 11:13 The Value of Tax Planning 15:39 Complex Situations Requiring Professional Help 21:40 Strategic Decisions and Consulting an Accountant 26:28 Empowerment Through Tax Education   Takeaways Even a couple hours of an accountant's time can save you money. There is no tax education in this country, which complicates things. Basic education in taxes can empower you to handle them yourself. Big life changes are a good time to consult with an accountant. Tax planning can save you a lot of money and headache. Consult a professional before significant financial decisions. Tax returns typically do not include tax planning services. Year-end tax planning is crucial for maximizing savings. Understanding your taxes is important for financial literacy. Using software like TurboTax can be effective if you know the rules.   If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review and share it! Every review makes a difference by telling Apple or Spotify to show the Sunlight Tax podcast to new audiences.   Links: Link to pre-order my book, Taxes for Humans: Simplify Your Taxes and Change the World When You're Self-Employed. Get your free visual guide to tax deductions Check out my program, Money Bootcamp

When I talk to people and they ask what I do and I tell them I run a podcast I get three very common questions…. How do you make money doing that? What is your podcast about? What is it called? ` When I answer that third question with “The Survival Podcast”, it almost always starts a conversation that begins with some quite inaccurate assumptions by the person I am talking to.  Whether they are of a prepper mind set or not it tends to be the same angle.  “End of the world” type stuff.  I instantly shift into explaining … Continue reading →

  Last time we spoke about China's preparations for War. In December 1936, the tension in China reached a boiling point as Nationalist General Chiang Kai-shek was captured by his own commanders, Zhang Xueliang and Yang Hucheng. Disillusioned by Chiang's focus on fighting communists instead of the encroaching Japanese forces, the generals sought a unified response to Japanese aggression. After being held in Xi'an, Chiang reluctantly agreed to collaborate with the Chinese Communist Party, marking a significant shift in strategy against Japan. Amidst the rising chaos, Chiang's government reviewed historical military strategies and prepared for a prolonged conflict. However, they faced challenges, including inadequate supplies and a lack of modern equipment compared to the Japanese. By 1937, China was ill-prepared for war, with Chiang later expressing regret about their military readiness. Despite these setbacks, the alliance formed with the communists laid a foundation for a united Chinese front against the brutalities of the Sino-Japanese War that would follow.   #153 Japan Prepares for War 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. So in the last episode we talked about how China was preparing itself for war, now its time for Japan. Since Japan's invasion of North China, Japanese field armies had promoted a series of autonomous zones in northern China. Officers from the Kwantung Army, skeptical of China's capacity to modernize, believed that the vast region would inevitably fragment into regional factions. This policy effectively maintained a weak and divided China, which served Japan's to defend Manchukuo. However many Japanese military leaders frequently pointed to the threat posed by the KMT's five-year plan, initiated in 1933 with assistance from German military advisors, aimed at modernizing and expanding the national army. To counter what they perceived as a Chinese threat, the field armies advocated for a preemptive war to dismantle Chiang Kai-shek's regime. Any attempt by Tokyo to alter the military's China policy faced vigorous opposition from the Kwantung Army, which, in February 1937, pushed for intensified covert actions to expel the KMT from northern China and supported a preemptive war to secure strategic areas for future operations against the Soviet Union. At a March meeting in Tokyo, staff officers from the China Garrison and Kwantung armies insisted that any concessions to China would be a grave mistake and would likely yield only temporary outcomes. In early spring 1937, Prince Konoe Fumimaro inherited a China policy fraught with competing views, however, there was consensus that China must not distract the empire from its preparations against the USSR. The end goal was clear, but the means to achieve it remained uncertain. The cabinet's approval of the "Fundamentals of National Policy" in August 1936 indicated a need for stability as the army and navy reconfigured Japan's war machine. The challenge lay in aligning long-term strategic goals with practical short-term interests in northern China without upsetting the existing balance of power. Expanding demands propelled the army's contingency planning, which had traditionally focused on safeguarding Japanese interests and the approximately 13,000 Japanese citizens residing in the region. Tokyo typically responded to serious incidents by deploying troops from homeland garrisons to address localized emergencies and then withdrawing them. However, by the mid-1930s, the growing Soviet threat to Manchukuo rendered this doctrine obsolete. Incidents in northern China gained strategic importance as they diverted resources from the Kwantung Army's preparations against the Soviet Union. Disruptions in northern China hindered access to essential raw materials necessary for army modernization and rearmament, while hostile Chinese forces threatened the Kwantung Army's strategic left flank in the event of war with the Soviets. With these considerations in mind, the army revised its operational war plans, assuming that northern China would serve as Japan's strategic rear area for operations against the USSR. In 1911 Japan's plan for general war mandated thirteen divisions to occupy southern Manchuria, capture Beijing, and subsequently occupy Zhejiang and Fujian. Limited contingency operations in northern China required two divisions to secure rail communications from Beijing to the coast. In the weeks following the 1931 Manchurian Incident, the General Staff in Tokyo drafted plans to counter a Sino-Soviet alliance, anticipating a 2 month campaign involving 15-16 divisions, with the majority engaged against the Soviet Red Army. 2 divisions were designated to secure northern China, while smaller units would monitor the Inner Mongolian front to protect Japan's western flank in Manchuria. After further refinement, the General Staff identified three contingencies for China in early 1932: maintaining the traditional mission of safeguarding Japanese interests and citizens with a standard two-division force; ensuring a secure line of communication between the Chinese capital and the sea with the China Garrison Army, which consisted of approximately 1,700 officers and men, reinforced by one division; and, in a worst-case scenario of all-out war, deploying three divisions to reinforce the Kwantung Army, along with 7 additional divisions and 3 cavalry brigades to suppress resistance in northern China and the Shandong Peninsula, while two additional divisions secured key areas in central China. Between 1932-1936, China received less attention as the General Staff focused on the Soviet military buildup in the Far East. Anxiety, stemming from the Soviet buildup in the Far East, was a pervasive concern reflected in the draft rearmament plan submitted to the throne on May 21, 1936, as part of the national budget formulation process. The army proposed countering the Soviet threat by enhancing Japanese strategic mobility in Manchukuo through the renovation and expansion of airfields, ports, roads, and rail infrastructure, and by constructing army air force arsenals, storage depots, and medical facilities. The positioning of Japanese divisions in eastern Manchuria suggested their wartime objectives, with the Kwantung Army relying on a mobile independent mixed brigade composed of armored car and mounted cavalry units stationed in Gongzhuling, central Manchuria, as its immediate response force for contingencies in northern China. Major units were not concentrated in western Manchuria, where they would be expected to deploy before any planned invasion of northern China. Nevertheless, General Staff planners remained vigilant regarding developments in China, where the resurgence of nationalism, Communist movements advancing north of the Yellow River in February 1936, and the spread of anti-Japanese sentiments across northern China raised the specter of limited military operations escalating into full-scale warfare. China's improving military capabilities would likely hinder Japanese forces from accomplishing their objectives. For example, around Shanghai, Chinese defenses were bolstered by extensive, in-depth, and permanent fortifications. In mid-September 1936, the General Staff in Tokyo issued orders to preempt significant outbreaks in northern China by repositioning a division in Manchukuo closer to the boundary. If hostilities broke out, the China Garrison Army, supported by Kwantung Army units, would launch punitive operations against Chinese forces as necessary. Higher headquarters expected local commanders to act swiftly and decisively, employing rapid maneuvers and shock tactics to address outbreaks with minimal force. Given that no alternative responses were considered, Japanese operational planning for northern China relied on an all-or-nothing approach to force deployment, even for minor incidents. Yet, the senior leadership of the army remained deeply divided over its China policy. Influenced by Ishiwara, the General Staff wanted to avoid military actions that could lead to a full-scale war with China, focusing instead on advancing the army's extensive rearmament and modernization program. In contrast, a majority of high-ranking officers in the Army Ministry and General Staff, particularly within the 2nd Operations Section and the Kwantung Army, favored forceful action against China, believing it necessary to quell rising anti-Japanese sentiments. Drawing from past experiences, these officers anticipated that the Chinese would quickly capitulate once hostilities commenced. This lack of a unified military strategy reflected broader disagreements among the army's leadership regarding operations in China. While operational planning called for the permanent occupation of large regions in northern and central China, the General Staff aimed to contain outbreaks to maintain focus on Soviet threats. There was a clear absence of long-term operational planning; instead, the army concentrated on initial battles while relegating planning for prolonged combat operations to contingent circumstances. In summary, the Japanese army preferred to avoid military force to address Chinese issues whenever feasible but was equally unwilling to concede to Chinese demands. Since 1914, Tosui Koryo or “Principles of Command” had served as the foundational doctrine for senior Japanese army commanders and staff officers engaged in combined arms warfare at the corps and army levels. The advent of new weapons, tactics, and organizational changes during World War I compelled all major military forces to reassess their existing military doctrines across strategic, operational, and tactical dimensions. In response, Japan modified the Principles of Command to blend its traditional post-Russo-Japanese War focus on the intangible factors in battle with the newest concepts of modern total war. A revision in 1918 recognized the significance of “recent great advances in materiel” for total warfare, yet it maintained that ultimate victory in battle relied on dedication, patriotism, and selfless service. In the 1920s, the General Staff's Operations Section, led by Major General Araki Sadao, who would become the leader of the Kodoha faction, had produced the most significant and impactful revision of the Principles. A staunch anti-communist and ideologue who valued the intangible elements of combat, Araki appointed Lieutenant Colonel Obata Toshishiro and Captain Suzuki Yorimichi as the principal authors of the manual's rewrite. Obata, a Soviet expert, was strongly influenced by German General Count Alfred von Schlieffen's classic theories of a “war of annihilation,” while Suzuki, the top graduate of the thirtieth Staff College class, shared Araki's focus on “spiritual” or intangible advantages in warfare. Both men were brilliant yet arrogant, working in secrecy to create a doctrine based on what Leonard Humphreys describes as “intense spiritual training” and bayonet-led assaults to counter the opponent's material superiority.  The latest version of the Principles of Command preserved the operational concept of rapid Japanese mobile offensive operations, aiming to induce a decisive battle or “kaisen” early in the campaign. It reaffirmed the sokusen sokketsu or “rapid victory' principle of rapid warfare. Attaining these goals relied exclusively on offensive action, with the army expecting commanders at all levels to press forward, defeat enemy units, and capture key territories. The troops were indoctrinated with a spirit of aggression and trained to anticipate certain victory. The emphasis on offensive action was so pronounced that Araki eliminated terms like surrender, retreat, and defense from the manual, believing they negatively affected troop morale. This aggressive mindset also infused the Sento Koryo or “Principles of Operations”, first published in 1929 as a handbook for combined arms warfare tailored for division and regimental commanders. The manual emphasized hand-to-hand combat as the culminating stage of battle, a principle regarded as unchanging in Japanese military doctrine since 1910. Senior commanders were expected to demonstrate initiative in skillfully maneuvering their units to encircle the enemy, setting the stage for climactic assaults with cold steel. Infantry was deemed the primary maneuver force, supported by artillery. To complement rapid infantry advances, the army developed light and mobile artillery. Operationally, encirclement and night attacks were vital components of victory, and even outnumbered units were expected to aggressively envelop enemy flanks. In assaults against fortified positions, units would advance under the cover of darkness, avoiding enemy artillery fire and positioning themselves for dawn attacks that combined firepower with shock action to overwhelm enemy defenses. In encounters with opposing forces, commanders would maneuver to flank the enemy, surround their units, and destroy them. If forced onto the defensive, commanders were expected to seize opportunities for decisive counterattacks to regain the initiative. These high-level operational doctrines were distilled into tactical guidelines in the January 1928 edition of the Infantry Manual or “Hohei Soten”, which saw a provisional revision in May 1937 . Both editions opened with identical introductions emphasizing the necessity for a rapid victory through the overpowering and destruction of enemy forces. Infantry was identified as the primary arm in combined arms warfare, and soldiers were taught to rely on cold steel as fundamental to their attacking spirit. The 1928 Infantry Manual underscored the commander's role in instilling a faith in certain victory or “hissho shinnen”, drawing from the glorious traditions of Japanese military history. The 1928 infantry tactics employed an extended skirmish line with four paces between soldiers. Individual initiative in combat was generally discouraged, except under exceptional circumstances, as success relied on concentrating firepower and manpower on narrow frontages to overwhelm defenders. An infantry company would create a skirmish line featuring two light machine gun squads and four rifle squads, preparing for a bayonet-driven breakthrough of enemy defenses. For the final assault, the infantry company would line up along a 150-yard front, likely facing casualties of up to 50% while breaching the enemy's main defensive line. Historical analysis reveals the shortcomings of these tactics. During World War I, armies constructed extensive, multi-layered defenses, trenches, pillboxes, and strong points, each independent yet all covered by artillery. If assaulting infantry suffered heavy losses breaching the first line, how could they successfully prosecute their assault against multiple defense lines? The 1937 revision elaborated on new tactics to overcome entrenched Soviet defenses, drafted in anticipation of arms and equipment that were either in development or production but not yet available for deployment. This became official doctrine in 1940, but as early as summer 1937, units from the China Garrison Army were field-testing these new tactics. The provisional manual adopted combat team tactics, forming an umbrella-like skirmish formation. This involved a light machine gun team at the forefront with two ammunition bearers flanking it to the rear. Behind the machine gun team were riflemen arranged in a column formation, maintaining six paces between each. The light machine gun provided cover fire as the formation closed in on the enemy for hand-to-hand combat. Increased firepower expanded the assault front to 200 yards. The combination of wider dispersion and night movement aimed to reduce losses from enemy artillery fire while the infantry advanced through successive lines of resistance. Commanders at the platoon level were responsible for leading the final assault into enemy lines, with increased tactical responsibility shifting from platoon to squad leaders, allowing for greater initiative from junior officers and non-commissioned officers. This emphasis on broader dispersal and fluidity on the battlefield required frontline infantry to exhibit aggressiveness and initiative. Contrary to popular belief, the Japanese military did not solely rely on the bayonet or an offensive spirit during engagements with Chinese forces. They effectively employed superior firepower and modern equipment within their combined arms framework, using heavy weapons and artillery to soften enemy positions before launching infantry attacks. Without such firepower, unsupported infantry attacks would have struggled to achieve their objectives. In January 1937, the Imperial Japanese Army consisted of approximately 247,000 officers and men, organized in a structure comprising seventeen standing infantry divisions, four tank regiments, and fifty-four air squadrons equipped with a total of 549 aircraft. The China Garrison Army and the Taiwan Garrison Army each included two infantry regiments, while a separate independent mixed brigade was stationed in Manchuria. Two divisions were permanently based in Korea, with four more assigned on a rotating basis to the Kwantung Army in Manchukuo. The remainder of the forces were stationed in the Japanese home islands. A substantial pool of reservists and partially trained replacements was available to mobilize, enabling the expansion of peacetime units to their wartime strength as needed. Conscription provided the primary source of enlisted manpower for the army, though a handful of young men volunteered for active duty. For conscription purposes, Japan was divided into divisional areas, which were further subdivided into regimental districts responsible for conscription, mobilization, individual activations, and veteran affairs within their jurisdictions. Typically, conscripts served with the regiment associated with their region or prefecture. However, the Imperial Guards regiments in Tokyo selected conscripts from across the nation, as did the Seventh Infantry Division, which recruited from the sparsely populated Hokkaido area and from regular army units stationed in Korea, China, and Taiwan. Draftees from Okinawa Prefecture usually served with Kyushu-based regiments. All males reaching the age of 20 underwent an army-administered pre-induction physical examination conducted between December 1 and January 30 of the following year. This evaluation classified potential conscripts into three categories: A “suitable for active duty”, B1, and B2, while others were deemed unfit for the demands of military life. In 1935, 29.7% of those examined received A classifications, while 41.2% were graded as B1 or B2. Among the 742,422 individuals eligible for conscription in 1937, approximately 170,000 were drafted, amounting to 22.9% of the cohort; this figure had remained relatively consistent since the post-Russo-Japanese War years. Within the conscripted group, 153,000 men were classified as A and an additional 17,000 as B. Conscripts served for two years of active duty, with variations based on their military specialty and any prior civilian military training. After their discharge, they were subject to a lengthy reserve obligation. In total, 470,635 individuals fell into the B category, being otherwise fit for service but excess to the army's active personnel needs. These men were assigned to the First Replacement Pool, where they underwent around 120 days of basic military training, primarily focused on small arms usage and fundamental tactics. Regular officers and NCOs led the training in their respective regimental districts. Following their initial training, the army called these replacements and reservists to active duty annually for several days of refresher training. Army leaders regarded discipline as the cornerstone of military effectiveness. Basic training emphasized the necessity of unquestioning obedience to orders at all levels. Subsequent training focused on fieldcraft, such as utilizing terrain strategically to surprise or encircle the enemy. However, training exercises often lacked diversity due to the limited maneuver areas available in Japan, leading to predictable solutions to field problems. The training regimen was rigorous, merging strict formal discipline and regulated corporal punishment with harsh informal sanctions and unregulated violence from leaders to instill unwavering compliance to orders. As an undergrad taking a course specifically on the Pacific War, it was this variable my professor argued contributed the most to the atrocities performed by the Japanese during WW2. He often described it as a giant pecking order of abuse. The most senior commanders abused, often physically their subordinates, who abused theirs, going through the ranks to the common grunts who had no one else but civilians and the enemy to peck at so to speak. Of course there were a large number of other variables at play, but to understand that you outta join my Patreon Account over at the www.patreon.com/pacificwarchannel , where I made a fan favorite episode on “why the Japanese army performed so many atrocities”. In there I basically hit a big 10 reason list, well in depth, I highly recommend it! As the concept of the “Imperial Army” and the cult of the emperor gained prominence, appeals to imperial symbols and authority bolstered this unquestioning obedience to superiors, who were seen as the conduits of the emperor's will. It was during this period that the term kogun or “imperial army” gained favor over kokugun or “national army”, reflecting a deliberate effort by military authorities to forge a direct connection between the military and the imperial throne. The 1937 Japanese infantry division was structured as a square formation, with a peacetime strength established at approximately 12,000 officers and men organized into two brigades, each comprising about 4,000 personnel, formed from two infantry regiments, about 2,000 men each. The division included a field artillery regiment, an engineer regiment, and a transport battalion as organic units. Each infantry regiment was composed of three battalions, approximately 600 men each, which contained three rifle companies, 160 men each and a weapons platoon. A rifle company consisted of three rifle platoons and one light machine gun platoon. Regiments also included infantry assault gun platoons, and battalions contained a heavy machine gun company. Upon mobilization, a fourth infantry company augmented each battalion, along with reserve fillers, nearly 5,000 personnel assigned as transport and service troops, raising the authorized wartime strength of an infantry division to over 25,000 officers and men.  Reforms implemented in 1922 reduced personnel numbers in favor of new and improved weapons and equipment. Among these advancements, the 75 mm Type 90 field artillery piece, which boasted increased range and accuracy, was integrated into the forces in 1930, along with the 105 mm Type 10 howitzer and 75 mm pack mountain artillery which could be disassembled for transport using pack animals. These became standard artillery components for divisions. The emphasis on light, mobile, and smaller-caliber field artillery enabled swift deployment during fast-moving engagements. By minimizing the size of the baggage train, infantry and artillery units could quickly set up off the march formation and maneuver around enemy flanks. Army leaders further streamlined road march formations by eliminating the fourth artillery battery from each regiment, thus sacrificing some firepower for enhanced speed and mobility. Heavier artillery pieces were still used in set-piece battles where mobility was less critical. In a typical 1936 division, the field artillery regiment, equipped with Type 90 field artillery or lighter Type 94 mountain artillery, had thirty-six guns. Training focused on quality rather than quantity, reflecting the conservative doctrine of “one-round-one-hit”. Live-fire training was infrequent due to the scarcity of artillery firing ranges in Japan. Ammunition stockpiles were inadequate for anticipated operational needs; government arsenals produced over 111,000 artillery shells in 1936, which was fewer than one-tenth of the quantities specified in wartime consumption tables. Similar industrial shortcomings also hampered advancements in motorization and armor. Motorization proved costly and relied on foreign supply, presenting challenges given the inferior road networks in Manchuria, northern China, and the Soviet Far East. Military estimates suggested a need for 250,000 trucks to fully motorize the army, a goal beyond the capabilities of the nascent Japanese automotive industry, which produced fewer than 1,000 cars annually until 1933. Japanese tanks, described as “handcrafted, beautifully polished, and hoarded” by Alvin Coox, suffered from shortages similar to heavy artillery and ammunition. The army prioritized light weighing ten tons or less and medium tanks sixteen tons or less due to the necessity of deploying armor overseas, size and weight were crucial for loading and unloading from transport ships. Smaller tanks were also more suitable for the terrains of northern China and Manchuria, as they could traverse unbridged rivers using pontoons or ferries. The Japanese industrial base, however, struggled to mass-produce tanks; by 1939, factories were producing an average of only twenty-eight tanks of all models per month. Consequently, in 1937, foot soldiers remained as reliant on animal transport for mobility as their ancestors had been during the Russo-Japanese War. Despite enjoying technological and material superiority over disorganized Chinese forces, these deficiencies in heavy artillery, armor, and vehicles would prove catastrophic against more formidable opponents. Another significant factor constraining Japanese industry's capacity to produce tanks, trucks, and artillery was the 1936 decision to expand the army's air wing and homeland air defense network. This policy diverted resources, capital, and technology away from the army's ground forces. The nascent Japanese Army Air Force or “JAAF” aimed to support ground operations through reconnaissance, bombing enemy bases, and achieving air superiority. However, direct support for ground operations was limited, and Japanese military planners did not anticipate that aerial bombardment could supplement or replace artillery bombardments. The expanded air arm's strategic mission centered on executing preemptive air strikes against Soviet air bases in the Far East to thwart potential air attacks on Japan. By the mid-1930s, the army had approximately 650 aircraft, roughly 450 of which were operational. The JAAF emphasized rigorous training that prioritized quality over quantity, producing only about 750 pilots annually up until December 1941. Basic flight skills were developed through this training, while specialized tactical instruction was deferred to newly established pilot units. According to logistics doctrine, Japanese maneuver units typically operated within a 120 to 180-mile radius of a railhead to facilitate resupply and reinforcement. A field train transport unit was responsible for moving supplies daily from the railhead to a division control point for distribution. The division established a field depot to manage the transfer of supplies from field transport to company and lower-echelon units. At the depot, transport troops would hand over supplies to a combat train that ferried ammunition, rations, and equipment directly to frontline units. Horse-drawn wagons and pack animals were the primary means of transportation. Each wartime division included a transport battalion, which varied in size from approximately 2,200 to 3,700 personnel, depending on the type of division supported. The division typically carried enough supplies for one day. Upon mobilization, the logistical framework was reinforced with the addition of an ordnance unit, a field hospital, a sanitation unit, and additional field and combat trains. The size of the transport regiment grew from around 1,500 officers and men with over 300 horses to nearly 3,500 troops and more than 2,600 animals. In the battalion, one company generally transported small-arms ammunition while two companies handled artillery shells and two others carried rations; this arrangement was flexible based on operational needs. Pack horses and dray horses were assigned to each company to carry or tow infantry assault artillery, mortars, artillery ammunition, and rations. Infantry soldiers carried minimal rations, approximately two and a half pounds, primarily rice, along with tinned condiments and salt. Consequently, the field train included a field kitchen stocked with fresh vegetables, rice or bread, soy sauce, and pickles. Each evening, a forward echelon train distributed supplies received from the field transport unit to the combat unit's bivouac area. When combat seemed imminent, a section of the transport battalion would move forward to deliver essential combat supplies, ordnance, equipment, medical supplies, directly to frontline units. These units would also handle resupply, medical evacuation, and repair of ordnance and equipment once fighting commenced.  On the evening of September 18, 1936, the fifth anniversary of the Manchurian Incident, Chinese troops from the Twenty-Ninth Army clashed with Japanese soldiers from the Seventh Company's rear-guard medical unit at Fengtai. When a Japanese officer arrived on horseback, a Chinese soldier struck his horse, prompting the Chinese troops to retreat to their barracks. Major Ichiki Kiyonao, the battalion commander, ordered an emergency assembly, surrounded the Chinese encampment, and demanded that Chinese authorities surrender the aggressors immediately. To defuse the situation, Major General Kawabe Masakazu, the brigade commander and Ichiki's superior, instructed Regimental Commander Mutaguchi to resolve the incident swiftly. Mutaguchi negotiated an agreement that required the Chinese to apologize, punish those responsible, withdraw from the vicinity of the Japanese barracks, and maintain a distance of two miles. Although Mutaguchi and Ichiki wanted to disarm the Chinese forces, they ultimately complied with Kawabe's wishes and allowed the Chinese to retain their weapons “in the spirit of Bushido.” Later, the Chinese claimed the Japanese had refrained from disarming them due to their fear of the strength and influence of the 29th Army. This insult infuriated Mutaguchi, who vowed not to make any further concessions and promised to eliminate the anti-Japanese provocateurs decisively if another incident occurred. He warned his officers against allowing an “overly tolerant attitude toward the Chinese” to undermine the prestige of the imperial army and emphasized the need for swift, decisive action to prevent such incidents in the future. Tensions were further exacerbated by large-scale Japanese field exercises conducted from late October to early November. These maneuvers, the largest ever executed by Japanese forces in China, mobilized about 6,700 active-duty and reserve troops for a series of complex battle drills, night maneuvers, and tactical field problems. During these exercises, Japanese troops were quartered in Chinese homes. Although local residents were compensated for any damage caused, the exercises nonetheless heightened tensions between the two sides. The fallout from the Suiyuan Fiasco in December 1936, coupled with a tumultuous summer and fall, led to rising anti-Japanese sentiment and prompted Tokyo to caution the Kawabe brigade against actions that might escalate the already precarious situation. In March 1937, during the annual personnel assignments, Ishiwara was promoted to major general and appointed chief of the 1st Department Operations of the General Staff. However, Army Vice Minister Umezu, a hardliner regarding China and a rival of Ishiwara, successfully maneuvered the Hayashi cabinet into approving the command choices for army and navy ministers, overriding Ishiwara's proposals. General Sugiyama Hajime, another hawk on China, replaced the terminally ill General Nakamura Kotaro as army minister shortly after Nakamura's appointment and remained in that position until June 1938. Lieutenant General Imai Kiyoshi, army vice chief of staff and an Ishiwara supporter, was also battling a terminal illness that rendered him largely ineffective during his short five-month tenure from March to August 1937. Imai was expected to play a crucial role in high command because the army chief of staff, Prince Kan'in, had been appointed in 1931 as a figurehead due to internal factions preventing agreement on a candidate. Ishiwara further complicated his conciliatory approach by selecting Colonel Muto Akira, a known hardliner who believed force was the only means to resolve the Japan-China conflict, for the vital position of chief of Operations Section within the General Staff. From Kwantung Army headquarters, Commanding General Ueda Kenkichi and his chief of staff, Lieutenant General Tojo Hideki, advocated for a preemptive war against China to serve the Kwantung Army's interests. In contrast, the China Garrison Army, under Lieutenant General Tashiro and his chief of staff, adopted a more moderate stance, aligning with central headquarters' policy of restraint. The China Garrison Army estimated the 29th Army to consist of 15,000–16,000 troops, with its main strength centered around Peking and an additional 10,000 troops in the surrounding area. Starting in spring 1937, Japanese units began observing tactical indicators suggesting that the Chinese were preparing for war. These indicators included increased guard presence at Peking's gates in June, bolstering units near the Marco Polo Bridge to over two battalions, preparing new fighting positions, digging trenches and constructing concrete pillboxes near the Marco Polo Bridge, infiltrating agents into Japanese maneuver areas for intelligence on night tactical exercises, and heightened strictness among Chinese railroad guards evident since late June. Nevertheless, the Japanese commanders did not view China as a formidable opponent. They believed that Chinese armies would quickly disintegrate due to what they perceived as a lack of fighting spirit and ineffective leadership. By 1937, Japan's national policy was shifting away from the persistent and aggressive efforts of field armies to undermine Chinese political authority in northern China toward a more conciliatory stance. This shift resulted in increased tensions between field armies and the General Staff in Tokyo, leading to substantial fractures among senior officers regarding the “solution” to their so-called China problem. Those tensions broke the camels back that year.  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 Japanese grossly underestimated their enemy and their own logistical capabilities. There was to say “too many cooks in the kitchen” of the Japanese military and competing visions ultimately were leading Japan and China into an official full blown war. Japan assumed they could bully China until it was so fragmented it would be a simple matter of grabbing the pieces it liked, that was not to be the case at all.   

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