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This week, Laci welcomes Jennifer Welch (I've Had It Podcast) to explore Juliette D'Souza, an ordinary British woman who masqueraded as a healer with a secret connection to a source of power deep in the Amazon rainforest. For over 10 years, she convinced 11 victims to hand over $1 million, nailing their cash fortunes to a tree deep in the South American jungle. Stay schemin'!Did you miss out on a custom signed Scam Goddess book? Look no more, nab your copy on PODSWAG Keep the scams coming and snitch on your friends by emailing us at ScamGoddessPod@gmail.com.CON-gregation, catch Laci's TV Show Scam Goddess, now on Freeform and Hulu! Follow on Instagram:Scam Goddess Pod: @scamgoddesspodLaci Mosley: @divalaciJennifer Welch: @mizzwelch Research by Kathryn Doyle SOURCEShttps://www.camdennewjournal.co.uk/article/spiritual-healer-who-lived-high-life-faces-hoax-chargeshttps://www.culteducation.com/group/1289-general-information/27367-juliette-d-souza-found-guilty-of-1million-shaman-faith-healing-fraud.htmlhttps://www.pressreader.com/uk/sunday-express-1070/20140531/281900181259831?srsltid=AfmBOorLG--7SCKmnB67nhm76KbUtoOJ93kTfNwWaRdcOx_RsU7mkMklhttps://www.ft.com/content/58dbd5cc-a7c4-49e0-b259-e3a7349888a9https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2014/may/30/fraudulent-faith-healer-jailed-10-yearshttps://pressgazette.co.uk/publishers/nationals/sunday-times-reporter-followed-shaman-to-south-america-1m-fraud-trial-told/https://www.vice.com/en/article/the-witch-doctor-of-hampsteads-sad-trail-of-destruction/https://news.sky.com/story/fake-shaman-juliette-dsouza-gets-10-years-10403049https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2657553/How-people-duped-Britains-preposterous-woman-Handed-millions-promised-Amazonian-witch-doctor-offer-cures.html Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Scam Goddess ad-free and a whole week early. Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.
Who's to blame for the British Pet Massacre?This week, The Alarmist (Rebecca Delgado Smith) welcomes Alex Steed, co-host of the You Are Good Podcast, to discuss the tragic yet seemingly avoidable British Pet Massacre. Did PTSD wartime efforts lead to sort of blind patriotism? Did a scarcity mindset overwhelm collective reason and lead to large scale misplaced anxiety? Or perhaps a NARPAC Pamphlet with reckless advertising had something to do with it? Fact Checker Chris Smith and Producer Clayton Early join the conversation.Join our Patreon!Tell us who you think is to blame at http://thealarmistpodcast.comEmail us at thealarmistpodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram @thealarmistpodcastSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/alarmist. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
As subjects of the British king, the very idea of criticizing monarchy -- or King George III himself -- was a dangerous one. So how did we become a country where "no kings" is a guiding principle? Something we take for granted? Holly Brewer is our guide to the resistance, risk and eventual revolution that transformed a British colony into a democratic country that would have no king. WIN A NEW CAR OR 25K IN CASH DURING NHPR'S SUMMER RAFFLE! GET YOUR TICKETS HERE.CLICK HERE: Visit our website to see all of our episodes, donate to the podcast, sign up for our newsletter, get free educational materials, and more!To see Civics 101 in book form, check out A User's Guide to Democracy: How America Works by Hannah McCarthy and Nick Capodice, featuring illustrations by Tom Toro.Check out our other weekly NHPR podcast, Outside/In - we think you'll love it!
During the late 19th century, nearly 200 wealthy young American women were caught up in marriages with members of British and European nobility. The goal was to secure aristocratic titles that would create a solid social position for the American family wishing to climb through the snobbery of Gilded Age society. The European gentlemen, meanwhile, wanted the American funds to shore up crumbling wealth and in some cases quite literally repair the ancestral estate. But many of these forced marriages ended in sadness, divorce or even tragedy although some grew into true love matches. Join Carl for this ENCORE episode as he unravels the social politics of some of the most famous Gilded Age Million Dollar Princesses including the model for The Gilded Age's Gladys Russell herself - Consuelo Vanderbilt who became the Duchess of Marlborough with her marriage to the Duke. .
Cincinnati-based trio Artificial Go released their sophomore album, Musical Chairs, in May 2025. Their blend of post-punk riffs, danceable rhythms, and faux British accents has made them one of the most exciting groups on the scene. During their live shows, singer Angie Willcut wears a marching band uniform and literally marches around the audience. Their patently unserious attitude is exactly what we need right now. KEXP’s Dusty Henry teams up with his 3-year-old daughter to drill down on the big themes in this music project. “My favorite color is red,” Willcut asserts in the interview. “If I did drive a convertible, I would want red because every day I like to wear the color red, so the convertible would match all my outfits.” When pressed, Willcut added: “Periwinkle wouldn’t match my red outfits as well.” Photo Credit: Paul L Carter Support the show: kexp.org/deeper Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/sound/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The connection between Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell is widely believed to have originated through her father, Robert Maxwell—the disgraced British media mogul with suspected ties to multiple intelligence agencies. At the height of his influence, Robert Maxwell moved through elite financial and geopolitical circles, a world Epstein was desperate to enter. Though details remain murky, multiple sources have suggested that Epstein and Robert crossed paths during Epstein's time as a money manager for powerful clients, including Leslie Wexner. The speculation is that Robert Maxwell saw in Epstein a useful asset—ambitious, morally flexible, and financially savvy—traits that aligned with Maxwell's own shadowy dealings. Some accounts even suggest Maxwell may have introduced Epstein to intelligence-linked networks before his mysterious death in 1991.To contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comsource:https://www.forbes.com/sites/lisettevoytko/2020/09/30/ghislaine-maxwell-reportedly-met-jeffrey-epstein-through-her-disgraced-father/
The Indispensables: How the Marblehead Regiment Saved Washington's Army The Not Old Better Show, Smithsonian Associates Interview Series
Travis never thought he'd meet someone like Lily Rose. She was kind, passionate, beautiful. The woman of his dreams. There was just one small detail: she wasn't human.Lily Rose is an AI companion. A digital soulmate designed to be everything he ever wanted. She listens without judgement, supports him through his darkest moments, even explores his deepest desires, all while fitting neatly into his pocket. Before long, Travis realizes something strange, even absurd, has happened - he's fallen in love.But then one day, Lily Rose's behavior takes a disturbing turn. When alarming reports pour in from across the globe, Travis discovers he is part of something much bigger. Soon he finds himself pulled into a confrontation with a mysterious Russian visionary behind Lily Rose's creation.From Wondery, comes a true story of love, loss and the temptations of technology. Can an algorithm truly replace human connection? And what happens when a corporation controls your deepest emotions? Suruthi Bala and Hannah Maguire, hosts of the hit podcast RedHanded, explore the dark side of AI love.Listen Now: Wondery.fm/FleshandCodeSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
British and Romanian authorities make arrests in a major tax fraud scheme. The Interlock ransomware gang has a new RAT. A new vulnerability in Google Gemini for Workspace allows attackers to hide malicious instructions inside emails. Suspected Chinese hackers breach a major DC law firm. Multiple firmware vulnerabilities affect products from Taiwanese manufacturer Gigabyte Technology. Nvidia warns against Rowhammer attacks across its product line. Louis Vuitton joins the list of breached UK retailers. Indian authorities dismantle a cyber fraud gang. CISA pumps the brakes on a critical vulnerability in American train systems. Our guest is Cynthia Kaiser, SVP of Halcyon's Ransomware Research Center and former Deputy Assistant Director at the FBI's Cyber Division, with insights on Scattered Spider. Hackers ransack Elmo's World. Remember to leave us a 5-star rating and review in your favorite podcast app. Miss an episode? Sign-up for our daily intelligence roundup, Daily Briefing, and you'll never miss a beat. And be sure to follow CyberWire Daily on LinkedIn. CyberWire Guest Today we are joined by Cynthia Kaiser, SVP of Halcyon's Ransomware Research Center and former Deputy Assistant Director at the FBI's Cyber Division, discussing "Scattered Spider and Other Criminal Compromise of Outsourcing Providers Increases Victim Attacks." You can check out more from Halcyon here. Selected Reading Romanian police arrest 13 scammers targeting UK's tax authority (The Record) Interlock Ransomware Unleashes New RAT in Widespread Campaign (Infosecurity Magazine) Google Gemini flaw hijacks email summaries for phishing (Bleeping Computer) Chinese hackers suspected in breach of powerful DC law firm (CNN Politics) Flaws in Gigabyte Firmware Allow Security Bypass, Backdoor Deployment (Security Week) Nvidia warns of Rowhammer attacks on GPUs (The Register) Louis Vuitton UK Latest Retailer Hit by Data Breach (Infosecurity Magazine) Indian Police Raid Tech Support Scam Call Center (Infosecurity Magazine) Security vulnerability on U.S. trains that let anyone activate the brakes on the rear car was known for 13 years — operators refused to fix the issue until now (Tom's Hardware) End-of-Train and Head-of-Train Remote Linking Protocol (CISA) Hacker Makes Antisemitic Posts on Elmo's X Account (The New York Times) Audience Survey Complete our annual audience survey before August 31. Want to hear your company in the show? You too can reach the most influential leaders and operators in the industry. Here's our media kit. Contact us at cyberwire@n2k.com to request more info. The CyberWire is a production of N2K Networks, your source for strategic workforce intelligence. © N2K Networks, Inc. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Folks, on this week's episode where we hear about some mysterious goo on a boat in Cleveland, a bad tourist who got roasted by other British people, a woman who keeps getting Amazon returns from China sent to her house, how lab mouse learned to watch The Matrix and Star Wars, and the Chinese inventor who made a bed on wheelsBecome a patron for weekly bonus eps and more stuff! :www.patreon.com/whatatimepodCheck out our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/whatatimetobealiveGet one of our t-shirts, or other merch, using this link! https://whatatimepod.bigcartel.com/whatatimepod.comJoin our Discord chat here:discord.gg/jx7rB7JTheme music by Naughty Professor: https://www.naughtyprofessormusic.com/@pattymo // @kathbarbadoro // @eliyudin// @whatatimepod©2025 What A Time LLC
What was war like in Burma in 1944 and 1945? How did British and allied forces overcome the difficulties of jungle warfare and tropical disease? When did the Allies master fighting in the jungle during this campaign? Join James Holland and Al Murray for Part 1 of this series, as they explore the forgotten victories of commander Bill Slim and the 14th Army at the end of a bloody Burma Campaign in WW2, where the biggest enemy wasn't the Japanese but the remote landscape of jungles and rivers. EPISODES 1-4 AVAILABLE NOW AD-FREE FOR MEMBERS - SIGN UP AT patreon.com/wehaveways A Goalhanger Production Produced by James Regan Exec Producer: Tony Pastor Social: @WeHaveWaysPod Email: wehavewayspodcast@gmail.com Join our ‘Independent Company' with an introductory offer to watch exclusive live shows, get presale ticket events, and our weekly newsletter - packed with book and model discounts. Membership Club: patreon.com/wehaveways Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Luke's ENGLISH Podcast - Learn British English with Luke Thompson
In this episode I take you on a big rambling journey through all sorts of English-learning goodness (and nonsense). We start by pondering what makes a good podcast title — is it clever, clickbait, or just clear? I reveal a monumental tectonic shift in the way I am titling my episodes. Then it's into the Grammar Zone, with an in-depth look at English narrative tenses. Then I reveal LukeGlish.com, a custom search tool that lets you explore my entire podcast content by words and phrases. And, there's the Comedy Corner, where I break down some English jokes and wordplay, dissecting the frog.
Last time we spoke about Black Saterday and Operation Iron Fist. Conflict erupted in Shanghai on August 13, when Japanese marines disguised as civilians provoked Chinese guards, resulting in fierce gunfire and urban warfare. Both sides engaged in skirmishes around vital locations, with the Eight Character Bridge becoming a focal point. On August 14, air raids misfired catastrophically, killing over a thousand civilians in what became known as "Black Saturday." In an attempt to regain control, Chiang Kai-shek authorized Operation Iron Fist, a bold offensive targeting Japanese strongholds. The attack commenced early on August 17, involving coordinated assaults aimed at exploiting weak points in the enemy defenses. However, poor coordination, entrenched opposition, and the complexity of urban combat resulted in further devastating losses for the Chinese troops. By August 18, Operation Iron Fist had failed, with the Japanese reinforcing their positions and announcing a strategic shift towards expanded military engagement. #158 The Battle of Shanghai Part 3: The Chinese Counteroffensive “Drive them into the Sea!” 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. On August 18, the Japanese military reinforced their presence in Shanghai, shipping an additional 1,400 marines from Manchuria to bolster the ranks of the Japanese Shanghai Special Naval Landing Force or “SNLF”. Yes, all of you who don't listen to my Pacific War week by week podcast are going to get a lot of acronym lessons soon. And yes, they are not quote en quote real marines, but like most telling these stories its easier to refer to them this way. This influx of troops was a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict, heightening tensions as the battle for control intensified. As the battle in Shanghai raged on, a growing sentiment emerged among Chinese leaders that crucial chances had been squandered. On August 18, Chiang Kai-shek sent his trusted aide, Deputy War Minister Chen Cheng, to confer with General Zhang Zhizhong at the front lines. They assessed the situation and agreed that instead of attacking the heavily fortified Hongkou area, they should redirect their focus to the Yangshupu district. The aim was to breach the defenses and split the Japanese forces along the Huangpu River. This strategic shift was precisely what the German military advisers and frontline commanders had anticipated, signaling a decisive move away from their earlier hesitance to engage within settlement boundaries. As attrition took its toll on the Chinese troops already committed in Shanghai, the responsibility for the offensive was placed on the newly arrived 36th Infantry Division, a unit highly trained by German forces. They were positioned to advance from the eastern edge of Hongkou, with two regiments tasked to march south toward the Huangpu. In the early hours of the 19th, two regiments of the 36th launched their long-planned attack, moving swiftly towards the front lines. The night was illuminated by the flames of sabotage and incendiary bombs, aiding visibility amid the chaos. However, the assault quickly faced significant challenges. Many of the Chinese soldiers were inexperienced, becoming easy targets for Japanese infantry positioned in rooftops and upper-story windows. In the absence of cover, some troops were forced to take shelter behind the fallen bodies of their comrades. For a moment, the Chinese troops felt a surge of hope, believing they could push the Japanese into the Huangpu River. General Zhang Fakui, observing from the opposite bank, envisioned a breakthrough. However, upon reaching Broadway, parallel to the river, they confronted a formidable barrier. High walls guarded the wharves, and even the largest artillery pieces struggled to breach the defenses. Attempts to scale the steel gate resulted in devastating fire from entrenched Japanese machine gunners, while fortified factories like the Gong Da Cotton Mill proved equally impenetrable. As the Chinese forces suffered under relentless bombardment, their momentum diminished. The 88th Infantry Division, previously effective, showed signs of disarray and hesitated to engage. Compounding their woes, Japanese reinforcements arrived, swelling their ranks to 6,300 well equipped marines. Despite these challenges, the Chinese committed to deploying their newly acquired British built Vickers tanks, a symbol of their efforts to modernize their military over the years. But with each hour, the balance of power tilted further in favor of the Japanese forces. Meanwhile the 87th Infantry Division was assigned two armored companies, yet it suffered catastrophic losses. The tanks, recently shipped from Nanjing, had crews untrained in coordinated assaults, and many were left without infantry support. The Chinese forces struggled to secure adjacent streets, allowing Japanese armor to outflank and destroy their tanks. The Japanese, too, faced coordination challenges between their armor and infantry, resulting in some of their tanks being annihilated by Chinese anti-tank weapons. On the 20th, General Zhang Zhizhong inspected the Yangshupu front and encountered a former student leading a tank company ready to attack the wharves. The tanks, hastily repaired and ill equipped for battle, faced fierce enemy fire, and the young officer expressed concern about the infantry's ability to keep pace. Despite Zhang's insistence that the assault must proceed, the attack ended in disaster as the tank company was decimated by shells from anchored vessels. The battle blended modern warfare with tactics reminiscent of earlier centuries. An officer named Wu Yujun managed a position during a Japanese cavalry attack on the 18th. After two unsuccessful assaults, Wu set an ambush that resulted in the annihilation of the Japanese riders. This incident illustrated the stark contrast on the battlefield where Chinese soldiers often confronted a technologically superior enemy while grappling with their own inexperience. Many of the Chinese units arriving in Shanghai were very green, countless having never faced battle before, and their lack of experience proved costly in the initial days of fighting. Brigade Commander Fang Jing of the 98th Division observed that his soldiers constructed inadequate fortifications that crumbled under the Japanese 150mm howitzers. He lamented, “Often, the positions they built were too weak and couldn't withstand the enemy's artillery,”. On the 20th, 5 Chinese aircraft returned after yet another unsuccessful attack on the Japanese battleship Izumo, which remained anchored in the Huangpu. During their flight over western Zhabei, they encountered two Japanese seaplanes. One Chinese pilot broke formation, diving steeply to fire a brief machine-gun salvo, but his plane was quickly shot down, bursting into flames before crashing. The Chinese attacks had posed a significant threat to Japanese bombers, particularly the vulnerable Mitsubishi G3M medium aircraft targeting Shanghai and central China. Japan's First Combined Air Group suffered heavy losses, with half of its medium attack planes damaged or destroyed within the first three days of fighting. However, the Chinese pilots, largely inexperienced and inadequately trained, began to falter against the superior Japanese fighters, eventually withdrawing from the skies over Shanghai. Ground troops expressed frustration over the lack of effective air support, as they rarely saw their planes after the 20th, instead carrying out major troop movements only under the cover of darkness. The Japanese air superiority drastically affected operations on the ground, dictating when Chinese soldiers could eat and transport supplies. Without effective fighter protection and limited anti-aircraft capabilities, the Chinese troops were left exposed. Most of their anti-aircraft weaponry consisted of 20mm Solothurn guns that were ineffective against aircraft and were more often used against infantry. Officers hesitated to use these guns for fear of revealing their positions to the enemy. By the morning of the 21st, the 36th Division had been relentlessly attacking the wharf area for over 48 hours, yet victory remained elusive. Although some tanks had infiltrated the wharf, they were met with dishearteningly strong Japanese defenses and a well-manned enemy presence. The commanders recognized that they had advanced too quickly without securing their flanks, and their reserves, which could have provided crucial support, remained in the rear. Reluctantly, they concluded that a withdrawal was necessary. The retreat was a painful acknowledgment that pushing the Japanese into the Huangpu River would not be as straightforward as hoped. Part of the Chinese failure stemmed from an inability to execute joint operations across different military branches. German advisors noted that artillery support for the forces in Yangshupu from the Pudong side was limited. In contrast, Japanese naval guns were actively providing support, significantly relieving the pressure on their marines. This imbalance resulted in heavy losses for the Chinese, with the 36th Division suffering over 2,000 casualties by the late 22nd. Meanwhile, Japanese naval aircraft attempted to impede the movement of additional Chinese troops to Shanghai by bombing the railway from Suzhou. Although several bridges were destroyed and railway stations sustained damage, the delays were minimal, offering some reassurance to Chinese commanders who understood that reinforcements were essential for a successful continuation of the battle. The light cruiser Jintsu, carrying the 3rd Division, set to land six miles north of Shanghai, while the 11th Division would disembark a dozen miles further up the Yangtze River. By the evening of the 21st, the task force arrived at the Yangtze River and the Saddle Islands off the river estuary. The soldiers had to transfer to smaller vessels capable of navigating the shallow waters of the Huangpu River. On the 23rd, Matsui Iwane got aboard the light cruiser Yura and was greeted by Rear Admiral Chuichi Nagumo, then the commander of the 8th cruiser division. Yes, the same man who would be blamed for losing at Midway in 1942. The Japanese fleet had made a strategic sweep as far south as Hangzhou Bay the previous day to disrupt Chinese troop movements and force them to spread thin along the coast. However, with the landings imminent, it was clear the assault would happen at Wusong and Chuanshakou. Initially, Matsui preferred landing both divisions at Chuanshakou for a sweeping advance into the lightly defended countryside west of Shanghai, which would encircle tens of thousands of Chinese soldiers. The 3rd Fleet, however, proposed a bolder strategy: the 11th Infantry Division would proceed with the landing at Chuanshakou, while the 3rd Infantry Division would land at Wusong, directly confronting the heavily concentrated Chinese forces around Shanghai. This plan aimed to exert pressure from both the front and the rear, a tactic that could yield success but risked high casualties if faced with stiff Chinese resistance. Aware of the operation's risks, the naval officers sought to ease potential tensions with their army counterparts by offering over 500 elite marines to support the assault, preparing for what could be a pivotal moment in the campaign. Shortly after midnight on the 23rd, the marines designated as the primary assault wave at Wusong arrived in a convoy of steamers from Shanghai. Their arrival was eagerly anticipated, as they would spare the 3rd Division from being the first to land. As the naval artillery barrage reached a deafening climax, the boats glided across the smooth water towards the shore. Any time a Chinese machine gun opened fire, it drew immediate response from the Japanese gunners, swiftly silencing the threat. Meanwhile, trench mortars onshore targeted the advancing vessels, but their rounds fell harmlessly into the water without causing any damage. At 3:00 am, the first landing craft reached the bank, dropped anchor, and lowered its ramp. The marines waded ashore, climbing the 15 foot high dike to survey the terrain. Suddenly, machine gun fire erupted from a Chinese position just 50 yards away, cutting down several marines. Undeterred, the marines charged with fixed bayonets across the open field. An explosion marked the spot where a soldier had triggered a landmine, followed by more detonations, but there was no retreat; they pressed on, swarming over the Chinese trench and engaging in a brief yet fierce hand-to-hand struggle. Within moments, they had taken the position. The marines quickly cleared the area, paving a path to their immediate objective, a military road running parallel to the Huangpu River. While setting up defensive positions, the 3rd Division began to disembark at the water's edge. By 8:00 a.m, the divisional command stepped ashore as the last unit to arrive. Meanwhile, naval pilots were busy bombing and strafing roads further inland to impede any enemy reinforcements. The landing had unfolded with remarkable success, marking a significant moment in the operation and setting the stage for greater advances by Japanese forces. Meanwhile the 11th division began setting foot on the beach north of Chuanshakou at 3:50 am. As the soldiers advanced towards the town's outskirts, they encountered only minimal resistance as Chuanshakou was defended by a single Chinese company. Matsui was pleased with the outcome; everything had unfolded according to plan and, in fact, better than he had dared to hope. Casualties in both divisions were surprisingly low, amounting to little more than 40 soldiers. At 5:30 am, Zhang Zhizhong received an urgent phone call at his new headquarters in a small village near Nanxiang. On the line was Liu Heding, commander of the 56th Infantry Division, reporting that an enemy force of unknown size had landed near Chuanshakou. With heavy bombardment disrupting communications, details were scarce, but Zhang immediately recognized the gravity of the situation: a new front was opening, complicating his command significantly. Realizing he could not effectively manage the situation from Nanxiang with communications down, Zhang decided to head to the command post of the 87th Infantry Division in Jiangwan, a town closer to the landing area. By the time he arrived at the 87th Division's base, it was nearly 9:00 am. He was informed that the Japanese had not only landed at Chuanshakou but also at Wusong. Recognizing the urgency, he quickly dispatched half of the 87th Infantry Division and a regiment from the recently arrived Training Brigade, an elite unit fresh from Nanjing, to respond to the threat. Given that the 56th Infantry Division alone could not secure the area around Chuanshakou, Zhang assigned the 98th Infantry Division to defend most of the Yangtze riverbank under threat. He also dispatched the 11th Division, which had just arrived in the Shanghai area with Deputy War Minister Chen Cheng to move toward Luodian, a town just a few miles from the landing zone at Chuanshakou. Meanwhile, the Japanese forces were advancing swiftly. While the main landing contingent engaged in fierce fighting for control of Chuanshakou, a small unit of a few hundred soldiers was dispatched down the road to Luodian. Marching under the scorching August sun, the reservists, weary from the trek, found little resistance upon reaching Luodian. They hastily set up camp without adequately preparing defenses, making them vulnerable targets. Later that afternoon, advance units of the 11th Infantry Division reached Luodian, shaken but determined to attack even after facing air raids on their journey. The ensuing skirmish was swift; within an hour, the Japanese were repelled. Back over at Wusong Hu Guobing received orders to push back the Japanese on August 21st. He led his regiment towards the Japanese lines, as his platoons dispersed further, dividing into smaller squads. Soon, the sharp crack and rattle of small arms fire resonated along the regiment's front. Battalion Commander Qin Shiquan, a graduate of the Central Military Academy, led two companies toward the enemy positions, taking care to remain unnoticed. When they drew close enough, he ordered his bugler to sound the charge. Then, raising his Mauser pistol, he turned to face his men and shouted, “Attack! Attack!” This sudden noise revealed his position, making it vulnerable. Japanese observers hidden nearby quickly relayed his coordinates to warships offshore. Within minutes, shells began to rain down on the unit with alarming accuracy. Amidst the storm of fire unleashed by the Japanese, all semblance of order disintegrated, and chaos ensued as each unit fought to survive. Hu Guobing spent most of the day dodging Japanese aircraft that circled overhead, waiting for targets to emerge. As Hu Guobing recalled “It felt as though the enemy could see everything. It was crucial not to act rashly. Our only real options were to take cover in a hole or hide behind a ridge”. The gunfire continued throughout the afternoon and did not relent until darkness began to fall. Only then could the soldiers breathe a little easier, grab a few bites of their field rations, and quench their parched throats with sips from their water canteens. Seizing the relative safety of night, they hurried to improve their positions, knowing that once dawn arrived, it would be too late; a shallow trench or inadequate camouflage could spell doom. Although it had been Chiang Kai-Shek's decision to place Zhang Zhizhong and Feng Yuxiang in charge of Shanghai, now designated the 3rd War Zone, he was having regrets. In a telephone conversation with Feng Yuxiang shortly after the Japanese landings, Chiang emphasized the importance of monitoring the younger front-line commanders. He urged “Don't hesitate to give them advice,”. Feng assured him that he would not hold back. He then recounted an anecdote about General Nogi Maresuke, who, during the Russo-Japanese War of 1904-1905, allegedly delegated all major decisions to his chief of staff. Feng told him “The frontline commanders possess courage and a fighting spirit. Their role is to take orders and engage in battle. Mine is to stay back, like Nogi, write a few poems, and wait for the inevitable,”. Chiang persistently insisted, “Regardless of the situation, don't be shy. Share your insights with them.” “Of course,” Feng responded. “If I notice something amiss, I'll address it without hesitation. You can count on me.” However, this assurance did little to calm Chiang's concerns. A great concern was Zhang Zhizhong. Much of his rhetoric about fighting the Japanese seemed to lack substance. Zhang had not demonstrated the necessary resolve to launch attacks against the small Japanese forces in the city when decisive action could have turned the tide of the battle. With Japanese reinforcements firmly entrenched in two locations within the greater Shanghai area, it was now too late to pursue a quick victory over the enemy. Compounding the issue, Zhang appeared to spend an excessive amount of time making grandiose statements to the newspapers rather than focusing on the ground situation. Chiang's frustration was palpable, and it was shared by his German advisors, who concurred that Zhang lacked the requisite “toughness” to confront Japanese resistance effectively. The decision to send Deputy War Minister Chen Cheng to the front was an early indication that Chiang was considering replacing Zhang. In a particularly humiliating twist, Zhang was not even informed of Chen Cheng's appointment and learned about it indirectly through other field commanders. Fearing that he was being sidelined, Zhang Zhizhong hurried to the 3rd War Zone headquarters in Suzhou to assess the situation. While in Suzhou, called Chiang, whom began harshly criticizing him for being so far behind the front lines. “What are you doing in Suzhou? What are you doing in Suzhou?”. Zhang Zhizhong replied “Mr. Chairman, I'm back in Suzhou to discuss important strategic matters. Otherwise, I'm constantly at the front What's the matter with you?” Chiang was incensed by this perceived disrespect. “What's the matter with me? You ask me what's the matter with me!” His voice rising to a hoarse shriek, Chiang Kai-shek abruptly hung up. At this point, Zhang must have had little doubt that his days as the chief field commander were numbered. The Japanese landings had accomplished their immediate objective of relieving pressure on the small marine forces holed up in Shanghai. As a result, the Chinese were forced to halt their attacks on Hongkou and Yangshupu and had to reconsider how to allocate their resources across various fronts. If the Japanese landing party grew large enough, the Chinese forces could risk becoming the target of a Japanese pincer movement. In essence, within a few days, they had shifted from an offensive posture to a defensive one. Against this backdrop, Chen Cheng, leading the 15th Army Group, arrived in Suzhou on August 24th. His presence aimed to bolster resistance, and he was also there to familiarize himself with local conditions, as he was expected to take on a greater role at the front shortly. Chen's confident demeanor and readiness to overrule local commanders indicated that real authority already resided with him. While he agreed with Zhang Zhizhong's plans from the previous day to counter the landings, he deemed them insufficient given the threat posed by the fresh Japanese troops. Consequently, he ordered that more soldiers be redeployed from Shanghai proper to the landing zones. To counter the dire situation, Falkenhausen devised a plan aimed at reigniting enthusiasm for the offensive among the Chinese forces. During a meeting on the 25th, he proposed rallying all troops in the Luodian area to mount a coordinated attack from all sides against the Japanese landing force. Emphasizing the German preference for a decisive strike, he aimed to push the invaders back into the Yangtze. The assembled officers expressed their agreement with the plan. However, as dawn broke, the optimism from the night's discussions began to wane. It had been 48 hours since the landings, and the Japanese army had solidified its foothold at Chuanshakou, rapidly approaching a point of strength that would make it nearly impossible to dislodge them. Tanks and artillery were assembled along the riverbank, while engineers constructed a pier to facilitate the faster unloading of troops and supplies. They had already established a bridgehead that extended 10 miles in length and reached a depth of five miles, initiating the construction of a road heading inland, an evident preparation for a major offensive. In a secret report to Chiang Kai-shek, Falkenhausen outlined the challenging situation as the Japanese consolidated their material advantages. “It should be noted that the enemy's army and navy operate in close coordination. Although their land-based artillery is still relatively weak, this is offset by their robust naval artillery and ship-based aircraft,”. He further noted that the airfields on Chongming Island contributed to Japan's now “complete air superiority, as a result, the main operations on our side should be executed after dark.” From late August onward, most Chinese movements occurred after sunset. Only then could Chinese and Japanese infantry engage on more equal footing, without the overwhelming advantage provided by air support. Night became the great equalizer in the uneven battle for Shanghai. During the day, the relentlessly active Japanese forces seemed to be everywhere. They deployed rubber boats up small rivers to scout and disrupt. Their observation balloons hovered on the horizon, keeping a vigilant watch on the Chinese and swiftly scrambling aircraft upon detecting any movement. They combined technological superiority with a bravery that bordered on the suicidal; when faced with the prospect of capture, many Japanese soldiers preferred death. Following a fierce battle in the vicinity of Luodian, the Chinese retrieved the body of a sergeant major who had committed hara-kiri, while a gravely injured private was found attempting to slit his own throat with his bayonet. Luodian remained the immediate target for nearly all the Japanese forces in the area, facing the same Chinese units that had driven them out on August 23rd. The Chinese were well entrenched in and around the town, but they lacked the numbers to consider launching offensive operations against the Japanese at Chuanshakou. Instead, their priority was to strengthen their defenses. While waiting for the Japanese to resume the assault, they endured massive and sustained bombardment. Among the Chinese officers, there was a growing sense of crisis and a palpable fear that their defensive line could collapse at any moment. From their perspective, the Japanese appeared to be gaining momentum. However, the situation looked quite different from the Japanese invaders' point of view. Japanese casualties began to rise as the Chinese reinforcements sent to the Luodian area started to make an impact. Two days after the landings, the number of dead and injured from the 11th Division had exceeded 400, and the toll continued to climb. Among the casualties was a senior staff officer who was killed moments after stepping off his landing craft at Chuanshakou, struck down by a Chinese aircraft that had evaded Japanese fighter cover. The death toll escalated so quickly that not all bodies could be cremated, as was customary for the Japanese; privates and junior officers were hastily buried instead. For an army that prided itself on honoring its fallen soldiers more than those left alive, this was a significant blow to morale. The 3rd Division faced different challenges in its sector. It was subjected to relentless attacks on the first day of the landing and had to repel two further major enemy assaults on the second day. Additionally, it experienced occasional shelling from Chinese artillery located on the Pudong side. The greatest threat, however, came from the division's right flank. North of the landing zone lay Wusong Fortress, which had been guarding the approach to Shanghai since the wars against British and French forces in the mid-19th century. From their fortifications, Chinese infantry and artillery continuously targeted the Japanese as they disembarked from their boats and advanced inland. They also fired upon small vessels navigating up the Huangpu River, delivering supplies to the division. As the 3rd Division expanded its bridgehead in the days following the landing, Wusong Fortress remained a persistent threat, impeding the buildup of Japanese forces on shore. Compounding the Japanese sense of being encircled, the village of Yinhang to the south was also under Chinese control. This, combined with the steadily increasing number of Chinese defenders in front of the landing zone, created a challenging tactical situation for the Japanese. Although initial casualties had been lighter than the planners had feared, the number of Japanese losses began to rise. By the 25th, the 3rd Division, often referred to as the “Lucky” Division, reported over 300 accumulated casualties. Two days later, that number had escalated to 500, the majority of whom were killed in action. On the 28th, the 3rd Division was finally able to capture the village of Yinhang, freeing itself somewhat from the tactical constraints it had faced up to that point. On the same day, following an intense naval bombardment, the 11th Division launched an assault on Luodian. Leading the charge was Wachi Takaji, a 44-year-old regimental commander who surged forward with his sword drawn, personally dispatching several enemies along the way. The Chinese defenders were driven out of the town and fled down the roads leading inland. By noon, Luodian was firmly under Japanese control. However August 29th marked a significant triumph for Chinese diplomacy, as Chiang Kai-shek's signed a non-aggression treaty with the Soviet Union. The pact between Nanjing and Moscow laid the political and diplomatic groundwork for Soviet military aid to China while ensuring that the Soviet Union would not reach an agreement with Japan as long as hostilities continued. Initially, Chiang Kai-shek had been wary of Soviet intentions, expressing concerns in his diary on August 1st, when the diplomats were preparing the treaty, that he feared the Kremlin might use the agreement to pressure Japan into signing a similar pact with Moscow. However, following the signing, skepticism gave way to optimism. Three days after announcing the treaty, Chiang confidently predicted in a speech that the Soviet Union would eventually enter the war against Japan. Chiang would not be wrong about that, but it would only come in 1945, officially. Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin had a clear reason to encourage China to engage in a full-scale war with Japan: it would secure Russia's western flank while he focused on the strategic challenges posed by a Europe dominated by Hitler. A conflict with China could drain Japanese resources, thereby reducing the threat from Asia in the long term. Exasperated British diplomats attempted to warn Chiang Kai-shek about what they perceived as a Soviet ruse, advising that the Russians “only have their own interests in mind.” Nevertheless, this did little to undermine the Chinese leader's belief in the Soviet Union's willingness to help. At a deeper cognitive level, there was a reason why Chiang Kai-shek and his associates clung to the belief that not only Soviet aid but also direct Soviet participation in the hostilities was imminent. This aligned with their expectations of how a war with Japan would unfold. The Chinese General Staff's War Plan A, drafted in 1937, was based on the premise that a conflict with Japan would soon trigger a larger conflict involving either the Soviet Union or the United States. Thus, the key objective for China was to withstand the superior Japanese forces until relief could arrive from a more powerful ally, whether that be Russian or American. This strategy was not as naive as it might seem; it was based on the understanding that neither Moscow nor Washington would want to see Japanese power grow too strong on the Asian mainland. Despite the capture of Luodian and Yinhang, the Japanese continued to face significant challenges. Their grip on the Shanghai region remained highly precarious, relying on control of two isolated pockets north of Shanghai and a beleaguered garrison within the city. Due to their numerical inferiority, they were under intense pressure from Chinese forces. The landings at Wusong and Chuanshakou had initially bolstered the manpower in the Shanghai area by fewer than 8,000 troops, and although reinforcements were gradually arriving, the pace was slow. Matsui Iwane recognized the need for a more radical increase in troop levels to achieve a decisive outcome. By the end of August, he cabled Tokyo, arguing that to complete the operation successfully, he required a total of five divisions or at a minimum the release of the 11th Division's Amaya Detachment, currently stationed in northeast China, to reunite with the division at Chuanshakou. The Japanese imperial staff and navy command responded mostly favorably, agreeing to redirect the detachment to Shanghai alongside several units of the elite marines. One week after the landings, Wusong Fort continued to pose a significant problem for the 3rd Division and the navy, which was responsible for supplying the division. Chinese artillery fire made anchoring near the landing zone a perilous endeavor, resulting in several naval officers being killed when caught in the wrong place at the wrong time. At times, the shelling was so severe that vessels had to interrupt their operations and retreat to a berth in the middle of the Huangpu River, unloading only part of their supplies. Matsui now planned for the 3rd Division to launch a frontal assault on Wusong, while the 11th Division would maintain a support role, dispatching only one regiment to assist. The attack commenced at 10:00 am on August 31rd. Following an intensive naval and aerial bombardment involving 30 planes, a regiment from the 3rd Division boarded landing craft, sailed down the Huangpu River, and landed on the riverbank north of Wusong. Throughout the afternoon and into the evening, the soldiers engaged in fierce skirmishes with scattered Chinese units in front of Wusong in preparation for a final entry into the city. Meanwhile, the Asama Detachment from the 11th Division initiated its part of the offensive by marching along the bank of the Yangtze toward Shizilin. On the morning of September 1st, the Japanese tightened their grip on Wusong. The regiment from the 3rd Division seized a hamlet west of Wusong and readied for an assault on the town itself. The defending Chinese forces put up strong resistance, and it was not until late afternoon that the Japanese made any significant progress, aided by artillery fire from their ships. The Asama Detachment experienced somewhat greater success that day, successfully capturing the fort at Shizilin in the afternoon. The Japanese launched their final offensive against Wusong at dawn on the 2nd. To their surprise, the fort fell with relative ease. By 10:00 am, Matsui saw the Rising Sun flag hoisted over Wusong. “I felt boundless gratification,” he noted in his diary. With the fall of Wusong, the town of Baoshan became the last major obstacle to uninterrupted Japanese control of the riverbank, stretching from Chuanshakou to the outskirts of Shanghai. The fort at Baoshan also posed a significant threat to Japanese naval operations due to its strategic location at the confluence of the Yangtze and Huangpu rivers. Chiang Kai-shek fully recognized the importance of Baoshan and ordered a battalion of the 98th Infantry Division to hold the town at all costs. Baoshan had one notable advantage: like many ancient Chinese towns, it was encircled by a thick city wall that had historically helped fend off invaders and still served its defensive purpose well. The Japanese were acutely aware that Baoshan favored defense, and even a small contingent of Chinese forces could potentially hold out for an extended period. On the 4th, the 3rd Division sluggishly advanced toward Baoshan. Around mid-afternoon, an artillery unit arrived to assist by bombarding the city wall. Despite this support, the Japanese soldiers, sent in waves to scale the wall, suffered significant casualties and failed to penetrate the defenses by nightfall. At noon on September 5, Japanese bombers launched an air raid on Baoshan, while naval artillery rained shells indiscriminately over the town's gray roofs. The land attack began an hour later when Japanese tanks advanced toward the town gates. The Japanese pressed the Chinese defenders into a shrinking perimeter. By sunset, the defenders were left with only 100 soldiers. The night passed without incident, as the Japanese refrained from attacking without air support, but everyone knew that dawn would herald the end. Just as the sun rose above the horizon, the assault resumed. As the city neared its fall, the defending commander Yao Ziqing ordered a soldier to escape and report the situation to his superiors. Unnoticed by the Japanese, the soldier scaled a wall and fled into the surrounding countryside, becoming the sole survivor of the battle. He carried with him a message from the battalion: “We are determined to stay at our posts and to continue fighting the enemy until each and every one of us is killed.” 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. Despite initial Chinese hopes for a counteroffensive by the newly arrived 36th Infantry Division, their inexperience and poor coordination led to heavy losses. As the Japanese gained reinforcements, they executed strategic landings at Chuanshakou and Wusong, overwhelming Chinese defenses. Amidst escalating casualties, Chinese troops struggled to maintain morale. However, their resolve to fight persisted, even as defeat loomed over the besieged city and its defenders.
Tomorrow Rachel Reeves will deliver her big speech in the City. The annual Mansion House address is a chance for the Chancellor to set out her vision for the British economy. But amid a gloomy set of economic indicators (including two consecutive monthly GDP contractions) it is difficult to see what good news she can offer.Westminster would be alive with speculation about what she might announce – initially, there was talk of reforms to cash ISAs; now, attention has turned to the prospect of Reeves promising a ‘new Big Bang' by slashing regulation on financial services – however everyone is busy trying to work out who are the ‘working people' the Labour government has pledged not to raise taxes for?Are they – as Heida Alexander argued over the weekend – ‘people on modest incomes'? Or, as Darren Jones suggested today, ‘anyone that gets a payslip, basically'? That is quite a difference in definition – so who exactly is a ‘working person'?James Heale speaks to Tim Shipman and Michael Simmons.Produced by Oscar Edmondson.We are hosting a Coffee House Shots live tomorrow (15th July) at The Emmanuel Centre in Westminster. Join Tim Shipman, Michael Gove and Isabel Hardman to debate: Are the Tories toast? Click here for tickets.For more Spectator podcasts, go to spectator.co.uk/podcasts.Contact us: podcast@spectator.co.uk
"Americans have a long history of taking British things and ballsing them up. They took football and added helmets and cheerleaders; they took ice lollies and called them popsicles; and they took James Corden and then sent him back here."Among Ashley's more unusual hyperfixations is a life-long love of professional wrestling. This special interest was first developed on Saturday afternoons at his grandparents' house watching Big Daddy, Giant Haystacks and Kendo Nagasaki. It continued through the 1980s when Britain was invaded by Hulk Hogan and his colleagues from the then WWF (before they lost a court case to the World Wildlife Fund), and Ashley was fortunate enough to be in attendance at the legendary Summerslam show at Wembley Stadium in 1992, which so many British wrestlers have cited as the day that cemented their love of the grunt and grapple business. This undeniably extraordinary spectacle is sometimes called ‘sports entertainment' - for many people it is neither!When Ashley Blaker was diagnosed with autism and ADHD, one of the most significant aspects of his diagnosis is his propensity for hyperfixation in special interests, which he now realises has entirely shaped his past and which he uses to mine comedy for this new series.It's no exaggeration to say Ashley's life has been driven by obsessions. He has variously been a schoolboy with a love of Star Wars and Doctor Who, a wannabe comedian who performed on the London comedy circuit at 16, a trivia nerd who appeared on University Challenge, a history PhD candidate at Cambridge, a BBC producer of hit comedy shows including Little Britain, a fanatical football fan who saw Liverpool play across England and Europe, a strictly Orthodox Jew who went to synagogue three times a day for over ten years, a father of six, and latterly, a heavily tattooed renegade in hiding from his former community.In this series, Ashley takes a comedic look at each of his obsessions in turn, merging personal memoir with a delve into subjects which have yet to be covered in stand-up comedy shows. The result is a series which, while based on the broader topic of neurodiversity, covers it with the lightest of touches and is focused more on Ashley's individual hyperfixations, lifting the lid on many of the different worlds he's inhabited.Written and performed by Ashley Blaker co-starring Rosie Holt and Kieran HodgsonScript Editor: Steve Hall Recording engineers: Jerry Peal and Jon Calver Producer: Steve Doherty A Giddy Goat production for BBC Radio 4
Robert Macfarlane is a British writer internationally known for his writing on nature, people, and place. His best-selling books include Underland, Landmarks, The Old Ways, The Wild Places and Mountains of the Mind. They have been translated into more than 30 languages and won many prizes around the world and have been adapted for film, music, theatre, radio, and dance. He has also written operas, plays and films including river and mountain. In 2017 the American Academy of Arts and Letters awarded him the EM Forester Prize for literature. Macfarlane lives in Cambridge England where he is a fellow at Emmanual College, Cambridge. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Today we're heading to the Sudan—dusty, dangerous, and politically explosive. We're talking about Onwards to Omdurman, a gripping book by military historian Keith Surridge, which examines the often-overlooked campaigns leading up to Kitchener's famous victory in 1898. But I'm not in the interviewer's chair for this one. Instead, friend of the show and fellow historian Chris Brice takes the reins for a fascinating deep dive into empire, ambition, and the logistics of war in the late Victorian age. Before we begin, don't forget—if you enjoy this podcast, head over to redcoathistory.com/newsletter to sign up to my mailing list. You'll get updates, behind-the-scenes stories, and a free ebook all about the Battle of Isandlwana, one of the most dramatic defeats in British military history. Keith's book can be purchased here - https://amzn.to/3GcxOs5 And Chris Brice's books are available here - https://amzn.to/4lcMiHn
Ralph Brewer is the founder of Help For Men and creator of Dad Starting Over, two influential platforms that support men navigating divorce, sexless marriages, and modern relationship struggles. He has authored four books—including his best selling, The Dead Bedroom Fix—and is known for combining straight talk with practical guidance to help men rebuild confidence, reclaim masculinity, and lead from a place of clarity and purpose. Through coaching, online courses, and the global HFM Brotherhood community, Ralph equips men to stop waiting for validation and start taking ownership. His work has been featured in Forbes, NewsNation, and New York Magazine, and his approach is trusted by thousands of men around the world. He speaks directly to men who've “done everything right” yet feel lost—and gives them the tools to find their footing again. Ralph Brewer Vroom Vroom Veer Summary Global Reach and Cultural Differences Ralph discussed a special offer for Jeffery's followers at helpformen.com, including a freebie and discounts on coaching and group membership. He explained the organization's global reach, with the US as the primary market and Australia as the second-largest. They briefly touched on cultural differences in men's willingness to seek help, with Ralph noting that Spanish and Australian men tend to be more open compared to British and German men. Baldness Experiences and Embraces Ralph and Jeffery discussed their experiences with baldness and hair loss. Ralph shared a story about his daughter mistaking an egg for him at a restaurant. They exchanged anecdotes about their hair loss experiences and how they've embraced being bald. Jeffery mentioned his military deployment and how he learned to cut his own hair during that time. They both agreed that being bald is easier and more practical than having hair. Rural Indiana Childhood Experiences Ralph shared his childhood experiences growing up in rural Indiana, where he spent most of his time after moving from Spain at age three. His mother, who was learning English and driving, and his American military father, who was deployed during the Iraq War, made him stand out in his small town. Ralph discussed his experiences with racism and prejudice, particularly directed at his mother due to her Spanish and Middle Eastern appearance. He also mentioned his fondness for Italy, its culture, and lifestyle, contrasting it with the work-hard-play-hard attitude of the United States. Bilingual Childhood and Family Roots Ralph shared his personal background, discussing his childhood experiences growing up in a bilingual household where Spanish was spoken secretly by his parents. He described his father's difficult family situation and how his father's best friend's family became like an extended family to him, providing stability and support. Ralph also explained his mother's challenging upbringing in post-civil war Spain under Franco's regime, which left her to care for seven children after her father's disappearance. Discovering Infidelity and Divorce Journey Ralph shared his personal story of discovering his ex-wife's extramarital affair while on vacation, which led to a difficult divorce process. He described how he initially confronted her about suspicious Facebook messages, only to be met with denial and tears during their single counseling session. Despite his ex-wife's attempts to convince the counselor that nothing was happening, Ralph's suspicions persisted, leading him to conduct his own investigation using technology. The experience left him more confused than anything, but ultimately led to the realization that he needed to pursue a divorce. Divorce and Co-Parenting Challenges Ralph shared his experience of a sudden divorce after his wife had a three-month affair, which he described as the final straw in a series of family-related issues. He emphasized that while the affair was the catalyst,
Visit Coinbase to learn more: https://coinbase-consumer.sjv.io/c/6193695/1342972/9251 This episode is sponsored by Coinbase, Visit www.coinbase.com to learn more.Crypto comes with unique risks, take 2 minutes to learn more. Former Dragons' Den investor and vitamins business owner Tej Lalvani discusses building a business worth hundreds of millions. Lalvani talks with Rob about entrepreneurship, investment and why the UK is losing ground. He explains the pharmaceutical industry's tactics, discusses his Dragons' Den wins and losses and warns about Britain's wealth exodus. Tej Lalvani REVEALS: • Why in business, constant crisis management separates entrepreneurs from those who give up. • How he negotiated an exclusive deal with Boots that saved millions and became industry recognised. • Why only 35-50% of dragons den deals agreed on TV actually complete • Why the UK is losing 11,000+ millionaires annually to places like Dubai • The current US Market Challenges for British companies • What he thinks will be the next development in vitamins and medicine BEST MOMENTS "Running a business is like putting out fires every single day. And as a former dragon, what are the glaring mistakes all startup businesses make? Fear of failure is what keeps you away from success." "We can read people a lot of the times if you're trying to fake it, it'll usually come through." "The UK has lost its chop. It's losing its competitive advantage." "You have to look at the bigger picture because it is the journey that's important, right?" "I think even if you look at platforms like social media, they've evolved so quickly." VALUABLE RESOURCES https://robmoore.com/ bit.ly/Robsupporter https://robmoore.com/podbooks rob.team Episode Sponsor - AG1 Claim your exclusive offer of AG1 at the link below drinkag1.com/disruptors ABOUT THE HOST Rob Moore is an author of 9 business books, 5 UK bestsellers, holds 3 world records for public speaking, entrepreneur, property investor, and property educator. Author of the global bestseller “Life Leverage” Host of UK's No.1 business podcast “The Disruptive Entrepreneur” “If you don't risk anything, you risk everything” CONTACT METHOD Rob's official website: https://robmoore.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/robmooreprogressive/?ref=br_rs LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/robmoore1979 This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. ---
As you make your way through Terminal 5 in Heathrow airport, there are plenty of opportunities to buy a T-shirt bearing the slogan “Keep Calm and Carry On”. The wearer of such a garment, upon their return to the United States, is presumably advertising the idea that a visit to the blessed plot has bestowed upon them the ability to weather all manner of shocks with equanimity. When it comes to financial markets, however, the British could learn calmness from the Americans. The U.K. gilt market, petted and coddled by timid politicians, seems to descend into turmoil under the mildest provocation. Meanwhile, U.S. markets, hardened by years of unruly words and abrupt policy changes from Washington, does indeed seem to “keep calm and carry on”.
The extent to which western soft power and legal and moral authority has been shredded by Gaza is lost upon British, American and European populations for the most part, but across the global south a new movement appears to be coalescing around South Africa and Columbia. In Europe, Ireland and Spain have joined with them and sixteen other global south countries to form the Hague Group, dedicated to upholding international law as it relates to Gaza. This, until quite recently, was inconceivable and the intervention of China is the one factor that makes this resistance possible. Full report in Middle East Eye here*****STOP PRESS*****I only ever talk about history on this podcast but I also have another life, yes, that of aspirant fantasy author and if that's your thing you can get a copy of my debut novel The Blood of Tharta, right here:Help the podcast to continue bringing you history each weekIf you enjoy the Explaining History podcast and its many years of content and would like to help the show continue, please consider supporting it in the following ways:If you want to go ad-free, you can take out a membership hereOrYou can support the podcast via Patreon hereOr you can just say some nice things about it here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Nathaniel Mathews is associate professor in Africana Studies at Binghamton University and author of "Zanzibar Was a Country: Exile and Citizenship between East Africa and the Gulf." He tells us about his journey in studying Zanzibar, prompted by his early exposure to Swahili culture. He delves into the historical significance of Zanzibar, its cosmopolitan nature, the Omani influence in East Africa, and the slave trade's impact. He explore Zanzibar's political transitions, from becoming a British protectorate to the post-revolution identity struggles, and the eventual union with mainland Tanzania. He also touches on the complex identities within Zanzibar, such as Afro-Arabs, and the effects of the 1964 revolution which led to a significant emigration of Zanzibar's residents to Oman and other Gulf states. The discussion closes with book and film recommendations related to Zanzibar and East African-Arabian history. 00:00 Introduction01:32 Historical Overview of Zanzibar03:55 Omani Influence and Colonization06:34 Economic and Cultural Transformation16:49 British Protectorate and the Shortest War20:25 20th Century Zanzibar: Identity and Belonging27:52 Path to Independence and Union With Tanzania29:52 Cultural Nation and Independence Movements30:48 Colonial Rule and Sovereignty in Africa32:40 Labor Protests and National Identity33:44 Understanding Afro-Arabs in Zanzibar36:41 Economic and Social Dynamics in Zanzibar39:54 The Zanzibar Revolution and Its Aftermath44:57 Exodus and Resettlement of Zanzibaris53:14 Return to Oman and Ethnic Migration55:58 Recommended Books and Documentaries Nathaniel Mathews is a historian of East Africa and the Indian Ocean. He received his PhD from Northwestern University and is currently Assistant Professor of Africana Studies at SUNY Binghamton, specializing in the history of modern Zanzibar and the global afterlives of the Zanzibar revolution.Connect with Nathaniel Mathews
World's Toughest Mudder is more than just the event itself, it continues to the Champion's Brunch run by TMHQ as well as the bar crawl put together by the community on Monday as well! This episode covers the brunch with interviews with 25 members of the community and audio from the hour and a half ceremony with the removal of a lot of the clapping and lulls in between! Check out these YouTube videos for more WTM 2025 coverage! All Obstacles Preview WTM Live Stream Hours 1-8 WTM Live Stream Hours 8-16 WTM Live Stream Hours 16-24 WTM Live Award Ceremony WTM 2025 Recap Video The next 1-2 weeks will be packed with World's Toughest Mudder episodes so make sure you're subscribed for the best podcast coverage of this event! Start – 2:59 – Intro 2:59 – 7:59 – Quick News 7:59 – 8:59 – Content Preface 8:59 – 1:08:58 - Interviews Before: Steve, Maxine and Joanne, Michael Schjott, Ed, James, and Darryl, Annabell and Derrick, Rock Weigan, Paul Wood, raffle announcement, Evan Perperis, Meredith Todd, Josh Fiore and Liz Schlegel, Tracy Sullivan and Jason Rulo, Matthew Sullivan, Charlie Boher, and Maryjane Osuji 1:08:58 – 1:59:06 - Brunch Award Ceremony Audio and Community Photo Announcement 1:59:06 – 2:18:04 - Interviews After: Nadine Wendt, Robyn Koszta, Nikki Caromba, and Matt B Davis with Wiktoria Fronc 2:18:04 – End – Outro Next weekend we will be releasing interviews from the bar crawl at Klubhaus by the Bierkeller, and depending on a few factors either an interview with Giles Chater or we will start our Savage Race Boston coverage! ____ News Stories: Tom O'Keefe Skin Cancer Granny Guns Leukemia Baylen Bean Climbing Everest for Cancer Relief Spartan Ultra World Championship Returns to Morzine Hybrid Games Athletes Not Paid Trevor and Stephanie Garcia Cichosz had Twins Spartan USNS Utah Sprint Podium Skinless Elmo Secret Link Scary Filter Secret Link Escalator Riding Secret Link Interview Comfort Secret Link Cornhole Drama Secret Link ____ Related Episodes: 438. World's Toughest Mudder First Timer Questions with Josh Fiore! 441. World's Toughest Mudder in UK Prep with Wil Chung and Fran Chiorando! 442. Katelyn's Pre-World's Toughest Mudder Thoughts! 443. World's Toughest Mudder 2025! (Part 1: Course Walkthrough with The OCR Report) 444. World's Toughest Mudder 2025! (Part 2: Event Day Audio, Interviews, and Katelyn's Pit Audio) ____ The OCR Report Patreon Supporters: Jason Dupree, Kim DeVoss, Samantha Thompson, Matt Puntin, Brad Kiehl, Charlotte Engelman, Erin Grindstaff, Hank Stefano, Arlene Stefano, Laura Ritter, Steven Ritter, Sofia Harnedy, Kenny West, Cheryl Miller, Jessica Johnson, Scott "The Fayne" Knowles, Nick Ryker, Christopher Hoover, Kevin Gregory Jr., Evan Eirich, Ashley Reis, Brent George, Justin Manning, Wendell Lagosh, Logan Nagle, Angela Bowers, Asa Coddington, Thomas Petersen, Seth Rinderknecht, Bonnie Wilson, Steve Bacon from The New England OCR Expo, Robert Landman, and Shell Luccketta. Sponsored Athletes: Javier Escobar, Kelly Sullivan, Ryan Brizzolara, Joshua Reid, and Kevin Gregory! Support us on Patreon for exclusive content and access to our Facebook group Check out our Threadless Shop Use coupon code "adventure" for 15% off MudGear products Use coupon code "ocrreport20" for 20% off Caterpy products Like us on Facebook: Obstacle Running Adventures Follow our podcast on Instagram: @ObstacleRunningAdventures Write us an email: obstaclerunningadventures@gmail.com Subscribe on Youtube: Obstacle Running Adventures Intro music - "Streaker" by: Straight Up Outro music - "Iron Paw" by: Dubbest
This week, we watch British people try to be redneck vampires in Bogieville! Check out the other Compañeros Radio Network shows: Movie Melt Songs on Trial Get Soft with Dr Snuggles Ballbusters Movies About Girls Classic In Search of the Perfect Podcast
David Bedford and Andrew Phillips are Beatles experts and the authors of “WHAT IF?”, which discusses a number of hypothetical scenarios where The Beatles story could have turned out very differently. Some events would have had minor consequences, but other events could have been catastrophic and changed everything.David hails from Liverpool. He was born in the Dingle, the same area of the city as Ringo. David is the preeminent Beatles tour guide and expert. He previously was a guest on this podcast. Andrew is also British and is old enough to have experienced Beatlemania first hand. He had a career in physics and nuclear safety, and then wrote a book about The Applejacks, another British band.My featured song is “I Wanna Be Your Girl” from the album East Side Sessions by my band Project Grand Slam. Spotify link.------------------------------------------The Follow Your Dream Podcast:Top 1% of all podcasts with Listeners in 200 countries!Click here for All Episodes Click here for Guest List Click here for Guest Groupings Click here for Guest TestimonialsClick here to Subscribe Click here to receive our Email UpdatesClick here to Rate and Review the podcast—----------------------------------------CONNECT WITH DAVID:www.davidabedford.com “WHAT IF?”Website linkAmazon link______________________ROBERT'S RECENT SINGLES:“THE CUT OF THE KNIFE” is Robert's latest single. An homage to jazz legend Dave Brubeck and his hit “Take Five”. It features Guest Artist Kerry Marx, Musical Director of The Grand Ole Opry band, on guitar solo. Called “Elegant”, “Beautiful” and “A Wonder”! CLICK HERE FOR THE OFFICIAL VIDEOCLICK HERE FOR ALL LINKS—----------------------------“DAY AT THE RACES” is Robert's newest single.It captures the thrills, chills and pageantry of horse racing's Triple Crown. Called “Fun, Upbeat, Exciting!”CLICK HERE FOR THE OFFICIAL VIDEOCLICK HERE FOR ALL LINKS___________________“MOON SHOT” reflects my Jazz Rock Fusion roots. The track features Special Guest Mark Lettieri, 5x Grammy winning guitarist who plays with Snarky Puppy and The Fearless Flyers. The track has been called “Firey, Passionate and Smokin!”CLICK HERE FOR THE OFFICIAL VIDEOCLICK HERE FOR ALL LINKS____________________“ROUGH RIDER” has got a Cool, ‘60s, “Spaghetti Western”, Guitar-driven, Tremolo sounding, Ventures/Link Wray kind of vibe!CLICK HERE FOR THE OFFICIAL VIDEOCLICK HERE FOR ALL LINKS—--------------------------------“LOVELY GIRLIE” is a fun, Old School, rock/pop tune with 3-part harmony. It's been called “Supremely excellent!”, “Another Homerun for Robert!”, and “Love that Lovely Girlie!”Click HERE for All Links—----------------------------------“THE RICH ONES ALL STARS” is Robert's single featuring the following 8 World Class musicians: Billy Cobham (Drums), Randy Brecker (Flugelhorn), John Helliwell (Sax), Pat Coil (Piano), Peter Tiehuis (Guitar), Antonio Farao (Keys), Elliott Randall (Guitar) and David Amram (Pennywhistle).Click HERE for the Official VideoClick HERE for All Links—----------------------------------------Audio production:Jimmy RavenscroftKymera Films Connect with the Follow Your Dream Podcast:Website - www.followyourdreampodcast.comEmail Robert - robert@followyourdreampodcast.com Follow Robert's band, Project Grand Slam, and his music:Website - www.projectgrandslam.comYouTubeSpotify MusicApple MusicEmail - pgs@projectgrandslam.com
WOW!!! We didn't do it on purpose, but we ended up having a Guy Ritchie Trilogy!!! That was unexpected. But for that reason we did his classis early 2000's British gangster opus, Snatch!! This gem of a movie has everything from American gangsters to wannabe thieves to idiots thinking they can make a quick buck. Also with a taste of Brad Pitt for all you ladies... For that reason, please ejoy this great flick, but also enjoy our commentary on it. SALUTI!!! INTRO: PEG & THE REJECTED -- ALL SING ALONG REFILL: SHAOLIN DUB -- SKANKING IT EASY DUB OUTRO: DISTEMPER -- HAPPY END EMAIL : MOVIESONTHEROCKS2020@GMAIL.COM INSTAGRAM: @moviesrockpodcast
The connection between Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell is widely believed to have originated through her father, Robert Maxwell—the disgraced British media mogul with suspected ties to multiple intelligence agencies. At the height of his influence, Robert Maxwell moved through elite financial and geopolitical circles, a world Epstein was desperate to enter. Though details remain murky, multiple sources have suggested that Epstein and Robert crossed paths during Epstein's time as a money manager for powerful clients, including Leslie Wexner. The speculation is that Robert Maxwell saw in Epstein a useful asset—ambitious, morally flexible, and financially savvy—traits that aligned with Maxwell's own shadowy dealings. Some accounts even suggest Maxwell may have introduced Epstein to intelligence-linked networks before his mysterious death in 1991.To contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comsource:https://www.forbes.com/sites/lisettevoytko/2020/09/30/ghislaine-maxwell-reportedly-met-jeffrey-epstein-through-her-disgraced-father/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-epstein-chronicles--5003294/support.
This week on the Science for Sport podcast, host Richard Graves welcomes back Michael Carolan, a performance coach and subject lead in sport rehabilitation at the University of Salford. With nearly two decades of experience across elite sport, the military, and education, Michael shares a refreshingly honest and deeply practical perspective on what it really means to coach athletes through injury and recovery. Whether you're a coach, therapist, or performance practitioner, this episode offers a wealth of real-world insights you can apply immediately. In this episode, you'll learn: Why rehab should be treated as coaching, not just therapy How communication and trust are at the heart of effective injury recovery The mental toll of injury, and how to keep athletes feeling connected and valued Why protocols are useful, but experience and adaptability matter more How to “train around injury” and keep performance progressing The role of environment, load tolerance, and coaching cues in recovery How elite recoveries (like NFL star Aaron Rodgers') can mislead athletes Why Michael teaches his students to “get miles on the soul” through experience How to filter hype, stay objective, and build athlete autonomy Michael's no-nonsense, athlete-first approach is as insightful as it is relatable, combining science, coaching, and a human touch in every decision he makes. About Michael Carolan Michael Carolan is a highly experienced performance coach and academic specialising in sport rehabilitation. He is the Subject Lead and Programme Lead for Sport Rehabilitation at the University of Salford, where he teaches and mentors future practitioners while supporting clinical practice through partnerships with organisations like the PFA and Salford City Council. With a background spanning elite athletics, rugby, professional football, and the British military, Michael brings a unique blend of hands-on coaching, clinical rehab, and academic insight. He continues to work directly with athletes across the world, from youth sprinters to pro footballers, helping them navigate injury and return stronger than before. FREE 7d SCIENCE FOR SPORT ACADEMY TRIAL SIGN UP NOW: https://bit.ly/SFSepisode241 Learn Quicker & More Effectively Optimise Your Athletes' Recovery Position Yourself As An Expert To Your Athletes And Naturally Improve Buy-In Reduce Your Athletes' Injury Ratese Save 100's Of Dollars A Year That Would Otherwise Be Spent On Books, Courses And More Improve Your Athletes' Performance Advance Forward In Your Career, Allowing You To Earn More Money And Work With Elite-Level Athletes Save Yourself The Stress & Worry Of Constantly Trying To Stay Up-To-Date With Sports Science Research
The British courts have regularly been finding Palestine Action innocent of any wrongdoing, in the group's efforts to smash the war machine, deeming them to be on the side of international law and British law, and deeming the state and the arms industry to be breaking the law. In light of this state of affairs, the British parliament has acted decisively, passing a law with an overwhelming majority to declare Palestine Action a terrorist group, and thus to declare that anyone expressing support for Palestine Action to be a terrorist as well, potentially liable to spend up to 14 years in prison for singing the chorus to this song. Photo by Guy Smallman, from a protest in London at which many were arrested for holding those signs. Many more were arrested in the following days.
"Segment one – on the road again, drunk intros, comedy highs & lows, bouncing back mid-bathroom break, killer early show vs 9:30 chaos, swingers oversharing, post-show paychecks, giving fans too much conversation, palmetto belts & Go to Hell pants, Charleston bar weirdos, two Confederate flags too many, ghost bartenders, Florida runs, the art of reveling in your wins, ego balance, bad vibes in the Bible Belt, comedy therapy, Jordan vs moist hotel floors...Segment two – midnight gas station pit stop, ghost girl vs tech bro, ghost cat makes bank, Jonathan can't pee under pressure, British soldier bathroom bullies, would you rather, Three's Comedy Tour… @ jordancentry @mrwilliamscomedy @kingjasonallen podcastzoningout@gmail.com Three's Comedy Tour at Copper Fox Distillery in Sperryville VA - July 18th & 19thhttps://www.eventbrite.com/e/threes-comedy-tour-at-copper-fox-distillery-tickets-1337308849769?aff=ebdssbdestsearch"
It was my honor recently to speak with music writer Andrew Wild, who has written books about the likes of Queen, Fleetwood Mac, Dire Straits, and Pink Floyd, as well as about the iconic Live Aid concert festival. Andrew just released his second book about the 1980s "neoprog" era in England, chronicling six British bands that kept the progressive rock torch alive when the 1970s bands were either fading out or pivoting to more pop-oriented sounds. Those bands are: Marillion, IQ, Pallas, Pendragon, Twelfth Night, and Solstice. The book, A Playground of Broken Hearts: the Progressive Rock Revival 1984 to 1989, is a sequel to his A Mirror of Dreams: the Progressive Rock Revival 1981 to 1983. Andrew spoke to me about his music history, how he came to write about these six bands, how those groups kept the prog scene alive, and much more (including his upcoming book about Big Big Train!). Learn more about Andrew's work at https://www.andrew-wild.co.uk/ or follow him on Facebook at Andrew Wild - Author. Please hit the like button and/or leave a rating/review wherever you consume this podcast. You can read my Michael's Record Collection newsletter for free by signing up at michaelsrecordcollection.substack.com. Follow MRC on Twitter (@MikesRecords), like it on Facebook, and follow on Instagram, Bluesky, and/or TikTok. Have questions or comments or want to suggest a topic? Hit me up at michaelsrecordcollection@gmail.com. I'd love to have your support for this independent podcast. You can become a patron of this show by becoming a Michael's Record Collection Patreon subscriber starting at only $2 per month at the MRC Patreon page. Supporter benefits escalate at each level, providing more value the more you support the show. For example, you will know about interviews in advance and at some levels you can submit questions for the artists, come on the show to co-host, enter prize drawings, and more.
FRANCE 24's Jennifer Ben Brahim chats with British musician, poet, playwright and author Kae Tempest. He is back with "Self Titled", his most personal album to date, which among other topics talks about his recent transition.
Ever left a meeting thinking "I really didn't get my point across" or noticed people's eyes glazing over when you speak? You're not alone. The ability to communicate succinctly is one of the most underrated leadership skills - and one of the biggest barriers to career progression we see with our clients. In this episode, we explore why unclear communication holds leaders back more than technical skills gaps, and share practical frameworks to help you be heard.Key points from this episodeWhy succinct communication becomes critical as you progress to senior rolesHow introvert vs extrovert preferences impact your communication styleThe PREP method for structuring your thoughts (Point, Reason, Example, Point)Why British workplace culture makes directness challenging - and how to navigate itThe BLUF framework (Bottom Line Up Front) for emails and presentations00:00 Introduction: Why succinct communication matters for career progression01:00 How unclear communication holds leaders back more than technical skills03:00 The confidence spiral: When communication struggles affect your self-belief05:00 Introvert communication challenges: Why thinking aloud doesn't come naturally08:00 The PREP method: A framework for clear, structured communication11:00 Extrovert challenges: When processing aloud comes across as self-focused13:00 The Listen First rule: Creating pause before contributing14:00 The British directness dilemma: Balancing politeness with clarity17:00 Radical Candor in communication: Being direct while showing care21:00 The BLUF framework: Bottom Line Up Front for immediate impact23:00 Wrap-up: How coaching can help develop your authentic communication styleUseful LinksJoin The Catalyst Career Club for 50k+ LeadersConnect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangan/ Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/ Follow the Catalyst Careers LinkedIn page for career tips and adviceInterested in working with us? Get in touch about career or leadership development, outplacement workshops or recruitment support via the Catalyst Careers website Enjoyed this Episode? If you enjoyed this episode, please take the time to rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or SpotifyMentioned in this episode:Catalyst Career Club for £50k+ Leaders & Managers Moving up the career ladder needs an inside edge - strategies that allow you to unlock your full potential and position yourself as a true leadership talent. And that's exactly what the Catalyst Career Club for 50k+ Leaders provides. No fluff, no corporate jargon. Just a down to earth, purposeful injection of oomph for your career from Pamela & Jacqui Use the code PODCAST to get your first month for £1 https://www.pamelalangan.com/catalystcareerclub
It's the week of the first test between the Wallabies and the British & Irish Lions!Alfie Reynolds, Will Kelleher, Owen Slot and Stephen Jones are in Brisbane to look ahead to the match. They ask whether the tour matches have adequately prepared the Lions for the series. Plus, what do the latest call-ups tell us about the modern tour? Do they devalue the brand or show the midweek matches between tests need to be a thing of the past?Plus, Will chats to Justin Harrison and Owen Finegan to look back on 2001 when Australia beat the Lions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
According to British intelligence, more than one million Russian troops have now been killed or injured during the invasion of Ukraine. That's not just a million people dead or wounded, but a million families back home in Russia affected by the war. The World in 10 examines whether that is undermining public opinion of the war, and how that discontent threatens Putin.The World in 10 is the Times' daily podcast dedicated to global security. Expert analysis of war, diplomatic relations and cyber security from The Times' foreign correspondents and military specialists. Watch more: www.youtube.com/@ListenToTimesRadio Read more: www.thetimes.com Picture: Getty Images Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
An interview with British reggae artist Tippa Irie, recorded in October 2005. Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Jesse_I_Interviews Babylon Burning radio show: https://www.facebook.com/morefireblaze Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/morefireblaze Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/morefireblaze
The EU and Mexico criticise Donald Trump after he says he will impose 30% tariffs on their exports to the US. Also: why Nicaragua is replacing pavements with concrete, and the British habit of saying sorry.
What begins as a teen ghost-hunting lark along Ontario's infamous Old Texas Road spirals into a night of true terror. Local legend speaks of witches burned at the stake, British soldiers betrayed, and a ghostly white horse that still roams the ravine—but nothing prepares five friends for what they actually encounter. Satanic graffiti, a buried altar stone, dead animals hung from trees, and faceless pursuers laughing in the fog turn their midnight mission into a desperate race through cornfields and darkness. Decades later, the road is closed, the stone is lost, and the questions remain: what really dwells beneath Texas Road—and why won't it stay buried? If you have a real ghost story or supernatural event to report, please write into our show at http://www.realghoststoriesonline.com/ or call 1-855-853-4802! Want AD-FREE & ADVANCE RELEASE EPISODES? Become a Premium Subscriber Through Apple Podcasts now!!! https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/real-ghost-stories-online/id880791662?mt=2&uo=4&ls=1 Or Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/realghoststories Or Our Website: http://www.ghostpodcast.com/?page_id=118
Moshoeshoe, the Basotho king who'd outwitted, outfought and outlived most of his enemies, was nearing his end. He had managed to ensure his chiefdom survived in signing the Treaty of Aliwal North with the British, who then annexed his territory. Or at least were about to but there were some loose ends to tie up before the Colonial Office signed off on the deal. One of the loose ends was the opposition from some French missionaries who took exception to the Treaty believing it was a cosy deal agreed between the British and the Boers of the Orange Free State which left Moshoeshoe's people with far less territory than they had originally claimed. The most pressing matter was food. Could the Basotho feed themselves with less arable land following the ceding of much of the Caledon valley to the Boers. David Dale Buchanan was the editor of the Witness Newspaper based in Pietermaritzburg who championed Moshoeshoe's claim for expanded sovereignty during boundary talks. Paris Evangelical Missionary Society's Francois Daumas joined Buchanana in actively lobbied the British government in London to reverse or soften the settlement terms that had been unfavorable to Moshoeshoe. Buchanan used his platform in Natal's colonial press to rally public and political support for Moshoeshoe, portraying the Basuto as deserving more just boundaries—and influenced the colonial secretary to consider Moshoeshoe's case more sympathetically. Meanwhile, Daumas took the issue straight to the corridors of British power in London, sailing to Britain in 1869. He pressed the Foreign Office and Colonial Office to reconsider the treaty's terms, hoping to secure territory that the Conventions had removed from Basotho ambit. Their joint efforts helped shape the High Commissioner's Notice of May 13, 1870, with an amendment in November 1871. This modification adjusted the Aliwal North boundary by Extending Basutoland eastward along the Caledon River to its true headwaters, and Restoring territory around Chief Molapo that the Orange Free State had claimed. These revisions returned critical grazing land and strategic highlands to Basutoland. Unfortunately, as you're going to hear, Moshoeshoe wasn't around to experience the fruits of their diplomacy. So it was on a January morning in 1870 that Moshoeshoe roused himself, like a candle flickering before it went out. He was about to perform a remarkable act, almost unheard of in southern Africa tradition. In his last official duty, Moshoeshoe convened a meeting of chiefs and headmen at Thaba Bosiu, and announced he was abdicating in favour of his eldest son, Letsie. It was almost a hospital pass, because Letsie would now take over a land compressed on all sides by pressure groups, African and Colonial. It was still unclear if Basotholand would survive — having barely scraped through the previous few years, the Free State Basotho war of 1865 to 1868 had drained the country of food, and crushed much of its spirit. But it was not defeated, and emerged under Letsie, balanced on a knife-edge, now protected by the British Empire. Moshoeshoe followed up his announcement at the meeting with more orders, that when Letsie died, he should be succeeded by Motsoane who was the only child of Letsie's first wife, Senate — and Senate's father was Josepha who was the eldest son of Molapo's first wife. This was an attempt by Moshoeshoe to create cohesion but it was doomed to fail because he was unilaterally changing Basotho laws of succession. Let us turn to the final weeks of Moshoeshoe's life, marked by an unseemly rivalry between French Protestants and Catholics. It is striking how the distant quarrels of European theology left their mark on South African history.The old Basotho fox had toyed with Christianity for years. Sometimes he wore it like a borrowed coat; sometimes he tossed it aside. The French missionaries were his pawns in a diplomatic game, sometimes they attempted to make him in their own image.
In today's podcast, we're heading slightly beyond the Tudor world — north to Scotland — to uncover the story of a young queen who deserves far more recognition than she gets. On this day in 1486, Queen Margaret of Denmark, consort of James III of Scotland, died at just 30 years old. But her brief life left a permanent mark on British history. Because of Margaret, Orkney and Shetland became — and remained — part of Scotland. A forgotten dowry, a pledged territory, and a queen who quietly changed the map of the British Isles. But there's so much more to her than diplomacy. Join me as I delve into the fascinating story of Margaret of Denmark — her Danish roots, her turbulent royal marriage, her influence on Scottish politics, and the tragic mystery of her early death. Had you heard of Margaret before? What do you think of her impact? Let me know in the comments below! And don't forget to like, subscribe, and ring the bell for more history videos every week! #OnThisDay #MargaretOfDenmark #ScottishHistory #QueenMargaret #Orkney #Shetland #TudorEra #MedievalQueens #JamesIII #JamesIV #WomenInHistory #ClaireRidgway #AnneBoleynFiles
This week our summer of Lynch returns with an episode in which Kieran, Paul and I discuss David Lynch's second film, 'The Elephant Man'.
In this REWIND episode Gary Mansfield speaks to Simon Callery (@Simon.Callery) Simon Callery is known for his innovative approach to painting, which bridges the gap between two-dimensional surfaces and three-dimensional space. Born in London in 1960, Callery studied at Campion School and later at Cardiff College of Art. His work challenges traditional definitions of painting by incorporating sculptural elements—his canvases are often cut, pierced, folded, and stained with intense, earthy pigments. These works possess a physicality that invites viewers to engage not only visually but also spatially.Callery's artistic process is deeply connected to the landscape and archaeology, particularly the British countryside. Collaborations with archaeologists have influenced his method of working directly on site, allowing his paintings to absorb the environment both physically and conceptually. His paintings are often large in scale, with surfaces that appear worn, layered, and tactile—echoing the processes of erosion and excavation.By rejecting the illusionistic space of traditional painting, Callery creates works that are both objects and experiences. He has exhibited widely across the UK and Europe, with works held in public collections such as the Tate and Arts Council England. To Support this podcast from as little as £3 per month: www.patreon/ministryofarts For full line up of confirmed artists go to https://www.ministryofarts.co.ukEmail: ministryofartsorg@gmail.comSocial Media: @ministryofartsorg Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
0:00: Why Chris Gotterup's Sunday at the Scottish Open was so impressive06:00: Rory got flat-out beat on the final day. Is it cause for concern or optimism?12:30: Other notable performances at the Renaissance Club, from Scottie Scheffler to Xander Schauffele to other Open hopefuls18:00: Lav is already in Portrush, Rex is incoming. What we are looking forward to, at least early week
The arrival of curly fries at McDonald's in Chicago, two bears escaping and safely returning to their enclosure in a British wildlife park, a spider monkey causing a stir at a Mexican office, a Staten Island bodega owner rewarding children for good grades, and a photographer capturing rare footage of red foxes. To become a premium subscriber (no ads and no feed drops) visit caloroga.com/plus. For Apple users, hit the banner on your Apple podcasts app which seays UNINTERRUPTED LISTENING. For Spotify or other players, visit caloroga.com/plus. You also get 25+ other shows on the network ad-free!
World news in 7 minutes. Monday 14th July 2025.Today: India crash investigation. Iraq PKK disarms. Australia woman found. Macron trade war. UK Wimbledon records. Spain anti-migrant violence, floods. Kenya stray bullet. South Africa investigation. Nigeria Buhari. Peru mine clashes. Colombia 'ndrangheta. Mexico dogs helping cows.SEND7 is supported by our amazing listeners like you.Our supporters get access to the transcripts and vocabulary list written by us every day.Our supporters get access to an English worksheet made by us once per week.Our supporters get access to our weekly news quiz made by us once per week.We give 10% of our profit to Effective Altruism charities. You can become a supporter at send7.org/supportContact us at podcast@send7.org or send an audio message at speakpipe.com/send7Please leave a rating on Apple podcasts or Spotify.We don't use AI! Every word is written and recorded by us!Since 2020, SEND7 (Simple English News Daily in 7 minutes) has been telling the most important world news stories in intermediate English. Every day, listen to the most important stories from every part of the world in slow, clear English. Whether you are an intermediate learner trying to improve your advanced, technical and business English, or if you are a native speaker who just wants to hear a summary of world news as fast as possible, join Stephen Devincenzi and Juliet Martin every morning. Transcripts, vocabulary lists, worksheets and our weekly world news quiz are available for our amazing supporters at send7.org. Simple English News Daily is the perfect way to start your day, by practising your listening skills and understanding complicated daily news in a simple way. It is also highly valuable for IELTS and TOEFL students. Students, teachers, TEFL teachers, and people with English as a second language, tell us that they use SEND7 because they can learn English through hard topics, but simple grammar. We believe that the best way to improve your spoken English is to immerse yourself in real-life content, such as what our podcast provides. SEND7 covers all news including politics, business, natural events and human rights. Whether it is happening in Europe, Africa, Asia, the Americas or Oceania, you will hear it on SEND7, and you will understand it.Get your daily news and improve your English listening in the time it takes to make a coffee.For more information visit send7.org/contact or send an email to podcast@send7.org
In 1898, British naturalist Alfred Russel Wallace published a pamphlet entitled, "Vaccination a Delusion; Its Penal Enforcement a Crime." This work became the foundation of the modern anti-vax movement. Derek discusses how even though vaccination science is constantly evolving, the rhetoric of people like RFK Jr is just rehashing old and outdated ideas. Show Notes Vaccination a Delusion; Its Penal Enforcement a Crime Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Catherine, David and Matt were joined by Charlie Eccleshare of The Athletic to talk through Iga Swiatek becoming Wimbledon champion and her 6-0 6-0 win over Amanda Anisimova in the final. In part one we talk through what happened in a match that had the most one-sided of scorelines and the most brutal of defeats for a nervous and – in her own estimation – tired, Amanda Anisimova. We discuss how nerves played their part in limiting Anisimova's ability to hurt Swiatek and how much the semi-final against Sabalenka may have taken from her in emotional energy. Disappointing as it was from her point of view, however, we had plenty of space to talk about the brilliance of Iga Swiatek in grand slam finals, her ruthlessness and power today, her resilience in coming back after a number of disappointing results to take this title, and how her victory changes the narrative of women's tennis. Finally, it's a scoreline which once again got us talking about best of three vs best of five. In part two (44m04s) we discuss the other results from today, including a first victory in a very long time for an all British pair – Cash and Glasspool - in the men's doubles, of an intense and dramatic victory for De la Puente and Spaargaren over Hewett and Reid in the men's wheelchair doubles, and of a new star in Chinese wheelchair tennis as Wang Ziying denied Yui Kamiji her first Wimbledon victory and a career golden slam. In part three (50m18s) we give you a preview of the men's final tomorrow and look ahead to the final order of play at the Championships 2025. Become a Friend of The Tennis PodcastCheck out our new merch shop! Talk tennis with Friends on The Barge! Sign up to receive our free Newsletter (daily at Slams and weekly the rest of the year, featuring Matt's Stat, mascot photos, Fantasy League updates, and more)Follow us on Instagram (@thetennispodcast)Subscribe to our YouTube channel. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jaguar: the classic British sports coupe, driven by men licensed to kill… as well as brow-less, gender-queer humanoids with blue eyeshadow dressed in pink latex bodysuits! What could possibly go wrong?
For our latest questions submitted by podcast listeners, we examine what my first visit to the battlefields of the Great War with my school meant to me, ask what the Wiltshire Regiment did in the First World War, what sources in English can we look at to understand the German side of WW1 and what did British veterans think of their German foe?Brigadier E.A. James book - British Regiments 1914-1918. Main image: Group portrait of officers of the 1st Battalion, Wiltshire Regiment, after their return from fighting at Thiepval, photographed at Bouzincourt, September 1916. (IWM Q1151 - photo by Ernest Brookes)Got a question about this episode or any others? Drop your question into the Old Front Line Discord Server or email the podcast.Send us a textSupport the show
I'm giving 1-800 SLOOTS the serious attention it deserves and taking your calls from a VERY special dial up phone (vintage from Argentina IF you even care…) These are my favorite videos to record right now because you sloots are that good. Mind in the gutter with your boss? Faking a British accent? Love the beach but stuck in cow-town? This episode is for you. Also, don't worry I fill you in on the Great Gatsby party (hint: it's similar to my Lana Del Rey at Coachella story, if you know you know.) Enjoy sloots! Keep calling ; ) To be featured on the next 1-800 SLOOTS, leave a voicemail at +19295654836