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Born and raised in the City, San Francisco mayor and 49ers fan Daniel Lurie stops by Radio Row to chat with Matt Maiocco about his work bringing Super Bowl LX to the Bay Area and how it's being received by the outside world. Lurie reveals a clandestine meeting of 49ers legends, who gathered to celebrate Roger Craig's impending election to the Pro Football Hall of Fame on 'Roger Craig Day' in the city. Hall of Fame running back and NFL legend Barry Sanders also stopped by the NBC Sports Bay Area set to congratulate Craig's Hall of Fame election. In addition, the voice of the 49ers, Greg Papa, shared his relief in seeing an iconic 49ers player receive Hall of Fame validation. Maiocco then sits down with two football heavyweights in Senior NFL Films producer Greg Cosell and NBC Sports' "Pro Football Talk" host Mike Florio to break down San Francisco's remarkable season and identify keys to the 49ers' success going forward.--(7:30) SF mayor Daniel Lurie on bringing Super Bowl LX to the city and Roger Craig's Hall of Fame election(21:30) Greg Papa is happy 49ers great Roger Craig gets Hall of Fame validation(34:00) Hall of Fame running back Barry Sanders happy to see 49ers great Roger Craig get into Canton(41:00) NFL Films producer Greg Cosell breaks down 49ers' "remarkable" 2025 NFL season(53:30) NBC Sports' "Pro Football Talk" host Mike Florio's take on current state of 49ers, finding root of injury concerns Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
February 6, 2026 - Season 16, Episode 90 of The Terrible Podcast is now in the can. In this Friday morning show, Alex Kozora and I get right into discussing the annual NFL Honors awards that took place on Thursday night. We talk about the 2026 Pro Football Hall of Fame class and how once again former Pittsburgh Steelers defensive lineman L.C. Greenwood failed to get into Canton. With former Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger becoming a candidate for the 2027 Pro Football Hall of Fame class, Alex and I discuss his chances of being a first-ballot selection as year from now. We also talk about how the late Craig Wolfley was left out of the annual NFL Honors' ‘in memoriam' tribute on Thursday night and how sad that was to see happen. Since our Wednesday show, we now know a few more hires that the Steelers are making for their new coaching staff. Because of that, Alex and I go over the news related to Joe Whitt Jr., Derius Swinton II, Pat Reilly, Shawn Howe, and Eric Simonelli reportedly being hired by new HC Mike McCarthy. Alex recently talked to former Steelers WR Demarcus Ayers about new Steelers wide receivers coach Adam Henry, so we go over the main talking points from that interview. There's now even more news concerning the 2025 in-game altercation that Steelers WR DK Metcalf had with a Detroit Lions fan that we pass along during this show. With Super Bowl LX taking place on Sunday, Alex and I preview the big game and give our straight-up picks for the contest as well as against the spread that is listed on MyBookie.ag, a longtime show sponsor. Alex and I also go through and pick several Super Bowl LX props related to the weekend betting action at hand. Will the Steelers play in the Super Bowl in the next five years? What about in the next ten years? Alex and I address those two questions later in this show. Alex and I also discuss and comment on whether each of us would trade all of the 12 perceived picks the Steelers seem set to ultimately have in the 2026 NFL Draft to move up to select Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza first overall. This 106-minute episode also discusses several other minor topics not noted in the above recap and we make sure to read and answer a few emails we have received from listeners. steelersdepot.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Live from Super Bowl LX in San Francisco where Pro Football Hall of Famers Deion Sanders and Emmitt Smith discuss with Rich their favorite memories from their Super Bowl wins, and more. Smith also reveals why you won't find much memorabilia from his storied NFL career around his house, his thoughts on how the Seahawks vs Patriots plays out on Super Sunday, and reveals he might boycott returning to Canton over Bill Belichick's snub. Rich weigh in on the 2026 Pro Football Hall of Fame class headed up by Drew Brees and Larry Fitzgerald but lacking some other names that were well-deserving of enshrinement. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Roger Craig is officially a Pro Football Hall of Famer! We break down his legacy and what the honor means. We preview Super Bowl LX with our best bets. Plus, Sal Paolantonio rejoins the show to react to Craig finally getting the call to Canton.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Roger Craig is officially a Pro Football Hall of Famer! We break down his legacy and what the honor means. We preview Super Bowl LX with our best bets. Plus, Sal Paolantonio rejoins the show to react to Craig finally getting the call to Canton.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"That's when I was like, oh, you know, football is the platform, but not my purpose. Let me go do this work. And that's when I found my purpose." Brandon Marshall put up the numbers to be in the Pro Football Hall of Fame... but will he? Will he have to wait like Bill Belichick and Robert Kraft or never make it to Canton despite 12,000+ receiving yards and a record six 100 catch seasons in 13 years? Brandon puts Dan in the hot seat from the start after Dan describes Brandon as one of the most prolific wide receivers in the history of the NFL before getting into how he made a name for himself in the league despite all odds. Together, they explore Brandon's diagnosis of borderline personality disorder and his mental health journey from rock bottom to a place of stability and growth. Now, he's in the position to lead others in sports media as he signs a new production deal with Netflix. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
"That's when I was like, oh, you know, football is the platform, but not my purpose. Let me go do this work. And that's when I found my purpose." Brandon Marshall put up the numbers to be in the Pro Football Hall of Fame... but will he? Will he have to wait like Bill Belichick and Robert Kraft or never make it to Canton despite 12,000+ receiving yards and a record six 100 catch seasons in 13 years? Brandon puts Dan in the hot seat from the start after Dan describes Brandon as one of the most prolific wide receivers in the history of the NFL before getting into how he made a name for himself in the league despite all odds. Together, they explore Brandon's diagnosis of borderline personality disorder and his mental health journey from rock bottom to a place of stability and growth. Now, he's in the position to lead others in sports media as he signs a new production deal with Netflix. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
From '6 Rings & Football Things' (subscribe here): Like his former head coach, Bill Belichick, Robert Kraft was once again left out of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. How long can the snub continue? Nick “Fitzy” Stevens lays out why Kraft belongs in Canton.
Join the Dudes for their Super Bowl Preview — but first, check in with the Dudes.Jordan recaps his cross-country trip to Canton and the Hall of Fame vibes, Seth is absolutely fired up with his Hawks in the big game, and Trent might be a little too excited about the new McDonald's Hot Honey McCrispy.The Dudes react to the latest NFL news, including the disaster Warehouse Pro Bowl, Maxx Crosby trade rumors, a full Super Bowl preview, and more from around the league.Don't be rude — share the Dudes
From '6 Rings & Football Things' (subscribe here): Like his former head coach, Bill Belichick, Robert Kraft was once again left out of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. How long can the snub continue? Nick “Fitzy” Stevens lays out why Kraft belongs in Canton.
In this episode, we break down the state of stablecoins and why they've been able to bridge the gap into TradFi's mainstream. Who's adopting stablecoins and why? How are stablecoins changing the financial and legislative landscape? And what does this mean for the future of the larger crypto landscape? -- Follow Canton: https://x.com/CantonNetwork Follow Mo: https://x.com/Mo_Bps Follow Eric: https://x.com/wesarn_real Follow Jason: https://x.com/JasonYanowitz Follow Empire: https://twitter.com/theempirepod -- Join the Empire Telegram: https://t.me/+CaCYvTOB4Eg1OWJh -- Timestamps: (0:00) Introduction (1:56) The Evolution of Stablecoins (8:43) The Stablecoin Stack (11:16) Who is Building on HIFI? (12:57) Cross-border Payments (15:55) Stablecoin Market Share (22:49) Canton's Stablecoin Strategy (26:09) The Stablecoin Landscape (28:33) The Importance of Privacy (31:58) Stablecoin Fragmentation (35:05) Agentic Payments (36:52) General Purpose vs Specialized Chains (41:29) What is the Industry Missing? (45:06) Closing Comments -- Disclaimer: “Quadrillions” is a mini-series produced by Blockworks, and is sponsored by Canton Network. Nothing on this show is a recommendation to buy or sell securities or tokens. It's for informational purposes only, and the views expressed by anyone on the show are solely their opinions, not financial advice or necessarily the views of Blockworks. Our hosts, guests, and the Blockworks team may hold positions in companies, funds, or projects discussed, including those related to Canton Network.
Crypto News: Patrick Witt and Patrick mcHenry reveal timeline for passing of the clarity act. Billiton Diamond and tokenization firm Ctrl Alt have moved more than $280 million in certified polished diamonds on-chain in the UAE using Ripple's custody technology and the XRP Ledger. MetaMask adds tokenized US stocks, ETFs, commodities via Ondo.Brought to you by
The Hall of Fame gatekeepers have spoken, and Bill Belichick isn't getting in. David and Brad dissect the petty jealousies and false moral superiority that kept the greatest coach in NFL history out of Canton. Then it's off to Minneapolis, where federal agents trying to enforce laws are being harassed by whistle-blowing martyrs with loaded guns (what could go wrong?). The guys tackle the impossible task of finding honest reporting on the ICE operations, debate the wisdom of pulling all federal support from cities that won't cooperate, and explain why showing up to confront armed officers with an air horn is a terrible life choice. Finally, the CDC reveals that between 2018 and 2023, Americans were far more likely to be killed by wasps and bees than by marine animals.
49ers legend Jesse Sapolu discusses being inducted into the Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame and what the honor means to him. He also shares his thoughts on Roger Craig’s Hall of Fame case and why his former teammate belongs in Canton.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
49ers legend Jesse Sapolu discusses being inducted into the Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame and what the honor means to him. He also shares his thoughts on Roger Craig’s Hall of Fame case and why his former teammate belongs in Canton.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Is Belichick going to skip the Canton ceremony, even if he OR Kraft makes it in? What about TB12? What on Earth has he been talking about on his Instagram? Jones, Keefe, and Fitzy break it down.
Letter to the queen of England, from the high Imperial Commissioner Lin, and his colleagues. From the Canton press. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Pivot Family! Your favorite trio is back talking all of sports' big stories and breaking down the hottest headlines. Super Bowl week is finally set with the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots back in the big dance! But that wasn't the biggest NFL news of the week, as a leak from Canton reveals Bill Belichick did not make the Hall of Fame as a first ballot and we talk about the fall out, what this means for Belichick and what it says about those involved in the process, is it personal? The long standing Pro Bowl has always been a way to recognize the league's elite, but has it become a popularity contest more than a football honor? The guys discuss after the sports world reacts to Shedeur Sanders being named as one of the AFC quarterbacks, which Fred raises the question, how did he get ahead of Trevor Lawrence who was a MVP finalist? The league's eight head coaching vacancies are almost all filled and another year of no minority hirings, it's a process of hiring the best person for the job and we go in depth about Ryan being seen as a strong candidate to lead a team. College football is changing more and more as teams are putting in place a fine policy for missing practices and team events, we talk about how Deion Sanders implemented this system at Colorado and why the NCAA landscape has become so cloudy. We also talk about Tracy Morgan's recent encounter with a person he once knew who used to bully him as a kid, the guys share their experiences and how even as adults, it's hard to process sometimes. Pivot Family don't forget to comment, like and subscribe to stay up to date on all our latest conversations, and we really do love hearing from you, keep letting us know what you think! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mike McCarthy is putting the band back together in Pittsburgh, and it's starting to feel like a football love story. The Steelers have hired James Campen as offensive line coach, are interviewing Scott Tolzien for OC, and reportedly pursuing Aaron Rodgers—all former Packers with deep McCarthy connections. Meanwhile, Green Bay is losing some coaching talent as Nathaniel Hackett heads to Miami and Sean Mannion makes a meteoric rise to Eagles offensive coordinator. The Bill Belichick Hall of Fame snub has become a full-blown fiasco, with coaches threatening to skip the ceremony and LeBron James calling it "insane." Six Super Bowls apparently isn't enough when petty voters with personal grudges control the process—and it's making a mockery of every gold jacket in Canton. Plus, Rasheed Walker's arrest at LaGuardia Airport for a handgun in his luggage raises questions about his free agency future, and we dive deep into the Packers' draft prospect meetings from the FCS Showcase, Hulu Bowl, and College Gridiron Showcase, breaking down interior versatile linemen, small-school corners, and intriguing edge rushers that have "Packer" written all over them. This episode is brought to you by PrizePicks! Use code PACKDADDY to get started with America's #1 fantasy sports app. https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/PACKDADDY To advertise on this podcast please email: ad-sales@libsyn.com Or go to: https://advertising.libsyn.com/packernetpodcast Help keep the show growing and check out everything I'm building across the Packers and NFL world: Support: Patreon: www.patreon.com/pack_daddy Venmo: @Packernetpodcast CashApp: $packpod Projects: Grade NFL Players ➜ fanfocus-teamgrades.lovable.app Packers Hub ➜ packersgames.com Create NFL Draft Big Boards ➜ nfldraftgrades.com Watch Draft Prospects ➜ draftflix.com Screen Record ➜ pause-play-capture.lovable.app Global Economics Hub ➜ global-economic-insight-hub.lovable.app
Mike McCarthy is putting the band back together in Pittsburgh, and it's starting to feel like a football love story. The Steelers have hired James Campen as offensive line coach, are interviewing Scott Tolzien for OC, and reportedly pursuing Aaron Rodgers—all former Packers with deep McCarthy connections. Meanwhile, Green Bay is losing some coaching talent as Nathaniel Hackett heads to Miami and Sean Mannion makes a meteoric rise to Eagles offensive coordinator. The Bill Belichick Hall of Fame snub has become a full-blown fiasco, with coaches threatening to skip the ceremony and LeBron James calling it "insane." Six Super Bowls apparently isn't enough when petty voters with personal grudges control the process—and it's making a mockery of every gold jacket in Canton. Plus, Rasheed Walker's arrest at LaGuardia Airport for a handgun in his luggage raises questions about his free agency future, and we dive deep into the Packers' draft prospect meetings from the FCS Showcase, Hulu Bowl, and College Gridiron Showcase, breaking down interior versatile linemen, small-school corners, and intriguing edge rushers that have "Packer" written all over them. This episode is brought to you by PrizePicks! Use code PACKDADDY to get started with America's #1 fantasy sports app. https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/PACKDADDY To advertise on this podcast please email: ad-sales@libsyn.com Or go to: https://advertising.libsyn.com/packernetpodcast Help keep the show growing and check out everything I'm building across the Packers and NFL world: Support: Patreon: www.patreon.com/pack_daddy Venmo: @Packernetpodcast CashApp: $packpod Projects: Grade NFL Players ➜ fanfocus-teamgrades.lovable.app Packers Hub ➜ packersgames.com Create NFL Draft Big Boards ➜ nfldraftgrades.com Watch Draft Prospects ➜ draftflix.com Screen Record ➜ pause-play-capture.lovable.app Global Economics Hub ➜ global-economic-insight-hub.lovable.app
Brian Cashman claims the Yankees aren't the same team, Eli won't get in the Hall, and much more
In this episode of FYI – For Your Innovation, ARK's Cathie Wood speaks with Don Wilson, a pioneer in crypto market infrastructure and the founder of DRW and Cumberland. They discuss the accelerating shift of traditional finance onto blockchains, focusing on the emergence of the Canton Network, a public permissionless blockchain designed for institutions—with privacy and permissioning at its core. Don unpacks why Depository Trust and Clearing Corporation's (DTCC's) decision to tokenize U.S. Treasuries on Canton marks a turning point in institutional adoption, how Canton balances decentralization with control, and what makes it uniquely suited for real-world asset (RWA) tokenization. The conversation covers stablecoins, the evolving role of private credit and equity, and how tokenization might reshape collateral, leverage, and capital efficiency. Don also offers sharp takes on Maximal Extractable Value (MEV) vs. payment for order flow, prediction markets, and whether we're still in a “four-year crypto cycle.” A must-listen for those tracking the future of digital asset infrastructure.Key Points From This Episode:[00:00] Intro + Why tokenization matters: reducing costs, unlocking capital efficiency, and ARK's thesis on blockchain infrastructure[06:27] Don Wilson's background, early crypto involvement, and the founding of Cumberland and Canton[09:57] Why privacy and permissioning are essential for institutional blockchains[13:44] DTCC's adoption of the Canton Network and the mechanics of tokenizing U.S. Treasuries[25:05] Real-world benefits of tokenization: collateral mobility, after-hours lending, and stablecoin settlement[29:23] Prediction markets: institutional vs. retail use cases and the importance of privacy on-chain[35:13 – 37:23] Scaling Canton: new strategic investors and trillions in tokenized assets already on-chain[37:25 – 47:34] Private equity and credit on-chain: implications for efficiency, leverage, and retail access[47:34] MEV vs. payment for order flow: why Don believes MEV resembles illegal front-running[48:18] Crypto market structure: October flash crash, ETFs, and institutional buyers in the current cycle[55:10] Closing remarks
Kathy Parry doesn't just walk into a room; she energizes it. She is a nationally-recognized keynote speaker and authority on workplace resilience, energy, and purpose-driven performance. With a foundation in corporate training and deep roots in caregiving and wellness, Kathy empowers professionals to stay energized, even in the face of relentless disruption. Kathy holds degrees in Business and Food Management from Miami University, a Certification in Plant Based Nutrition from T.Colin Campbell Program at eCornell University, and a QualityCare Certification from the Alzheimer's Association. She holds the designation of Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) from the National Speakers Association and speaks at events nationwide. Kathy has authored six books, including The Rubber Band Resilient Leader and is the creator of Power UP Leadership Workshop. She lives near Canton, Ohio. where she enjoys a mild dark chocolate addiction and cooking for hungry friends.
It wasn't pretty, but it counts. The Patriots are heading back to the Super Bowl, and in Part 1 of this two-part special, the guys break down how New England escaped an all-time ugly playoff game to get there. They also look at Sam Darnold and Seattle's victory over the Rams, sending the Seahawks back to the Super Bowl for the first time since their crushing run-in with the Brady-era Patriots. Finally, the guys wrap with some strong feelings about old rivals exacting revenge by denying Bill Belichick his rightful place in Canton.
Mac & Bone start Thursday's show, talking about the Hornets' win over the Grizzlies, as the Bugs stay hot, they react to another prominent HOF candidate not being voted in to Canton, and they address big ratings for the UFC, and a man climbing a skyscraper See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Bomani Jones joins the crew today, and nobody can believe that Bill Belichick was not a first-ballot Hall of Famer. Did a 4-8 season at Carolina have anything to do with it? What if Brady didn't win in Tampa? We get Bomani’s thoughts on that, as well as the Browns’ hiring of Todd Monken as their next head coach and which quarterback in the Super Bowl he trusts more. And finally, we talk with Bomani about what’s been happening in Minnesota with ICE and the athletes who have spoken out against it.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Jim Rome Show HR 1 - 1/28/26 The fallout of the Pro Football Hall of Fame's decision to leave Bill Belichick out of Canton gets more interesting. Even Tom Brady and Robert Kraft have reacted to the news. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Hutt and Chad are joined by Armando and John to react to the shocking news that Bill Belichick was left out of the NFL Hall of Fame. They dive into how it happened, whether the voters got it right, and what this says about how greatness, legacy, and controversy are weighed in Canton. Plus, the ripple effects this decision could have on future candidates and the ongoing debate over Belichick's place in NFL history. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
If the goal was to shame or punish Bill Belichick for SpyGate or DeFlateGate the selection committee failed. All they did was shame and humiliate themselves. Hutt and Chad break down why a couple HOF voters got it very wrong not making Belichick a first ballot HOF'er. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The guys react to the reports that Bill Belichick is not being enshrined in Canton in 2026.
Bill Belichick not getting into the HOF is a joke, and Bill Polian is a bitter, jealous old man! And don't give Robert Kraft a pass on this, 100% he didn't want to be inducted in the same class as Belichick and he made this happen! We do NOT need Caitlin Clark on NBC NBA coverage - another example of “woke-ism" gone wrong. Giannis asked to be traded, and Craig predicts a 3-team trade that will send Giannis to the Knicks! All that, and more, on today's episode of The Craig Carton Show! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
300 hundred restaurants in 22 countries might not sound like a billion dollar empire, but you would be wrong. Dave Young: Welcome to the Empire Builders Podcast, teaching business owners the not-so-secret techniques that took famous businesses from mom-and-pop to major brands. Stephen Semple is a marketing consultant, story collector, and storyteller. I’m Stephen’s sidekick and business partner, Dave Young. Before we get into today’s episode, a word from our sponsor, which is… Well, it’s us, but we’re highlighting ads we’ve written and produced for our clients, so here’s one of those. [OG Law Ad] Dave Young: Welcome back to the Empire Builders Podcast. I’m Dave Young. Stephen Semple is here, and we’re going to talk about the building of another empire. And I’ve got to admit, I don’t know a whole lot about this one. I’ve maybe… Stephen Semple: Oh, wow. That’s exciting. Dave Young: We’re going to talk about P.F. Chang’s. I’ve maybe eaten at one of them, I would say less than half a dozen times in my life. Stephen Semple: Okay. Dave Young: And I think it’s just more of a convenience and proximity issue. I’m never really near any of them. Stephen Semple: So while they’re big, they’re not massive. They’re 300 restaurants in 22 countries, so they’re not like many of the other things we’ve talked about where there’s thousands of them. Dave Young: Right. Stephen Semple: So no, they’re not as prevalent. But look, 300 restaurants is still pretty successful. Dave Young: Yeah, that’s a lot. How did they get started? I’m not going to guess. I’m going to let you tell me. Stephen Semple: Okay. The business was founded by Philip Chiang and Paul Fleming. And Paul Fleming, you might recognize because he’s of Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse fame. Dave Young: Oh, okay. Stephen Semple: They got together, and they founded P.F. Chang in Scottsdale, Arizona- Dave Young: That makes a lot of sense. Stephen Semple: … in 1993. Now, Philip spells his last name C-H-I-A-N-G. So at a certain point, he changed his spelling just to make it easier. Drop the I and make it easier. Dave Young: Drop the I and made it just… Spell it the way it sounds. Stephen Semple: … Spell it the way it sounds, make it easier for the U.S. market. And the company has been bought and sold a few times over the years, but the first acquisition from the founders, from Philip and Paul, happened in 2012 by Centerbridge Partners in a deal worth a little bit over a billion dollars. Dave Young: Wow. Stephen Semple: They did okay. They walk away with some cash. Dave Young: Now, was it before or after they started putting it in supermarkets? Stephen Semple: I do not know the answer to that question. Dave Young: Probably predates. Stephen Semple: I’m going to suspect after. Dave Young: Okay. Stephen Semple: But the story starts with Philip’s mother, Cecilia Chiang. Cecilia was born in Beijing in 1920 to a really wealthy family. She grew up in a palace in China, ate high-end food, full staff, chefs, the whole nine yards, part of the aristocracy. And during the Chinese Civil War and the Japanese occupation, her family fled China and relocated in Japan, and there, the family opened a restaurant. Now in the 1960s, she travels to the U.S. Cecilia travels to U.S. to help her sister who came to America because of the economic challenges in Japan, and her sister had opened a restaurant in San Francisco and needed help- Dave Young: Okay. Stephen Semple: … and Cecilia came over to help her. But that venture failed, but Cecilia still remained in the U.S. And look, Chinese food in America at that time was not good. If you look at just about every food that has come to United States, the first people who brought it, whether it was Italian, whether it was Mexican, whether it was Chinese, the first immigrants were the people who were poor. Dave Young: Yeah. What years are we talking about here? Stephen Semple: 1960. Dave Young: Okay. Stephen Semple: So the first immigrants who came were the people who were poor, so therefore, typically the food is not the great food, it’s not made with the great ingredients. And so here she is, she’s looking around and she’s saying, “Look, there’s this poor Chinese food, all basically from the Canton region.” And most of it has been also turned into an American version, because basically, again, people were making it with whatever was available, so it really became very Americanized. Dave Young: Right. Stephen Semple: And Cecilia saw that, and what she wanted to do was introduce America to a more refined Chinese food, what she had experienced growing up as a wealthy person in China. So in 1961, she opens a sit-down restaurant with food from Northern China called The Mandarin. Dave Young: Okay. Stephen Semple: And it opens not in Chinatown, because here’s the thing that she recognized, context is everything. If she opened it in Chinatown, people’s expectation would be it would be the same as all the Chinese restaurants in Chinatown. Dave Young: All of them. Right, right. Stephen Semple: So what she did, she opened it on Polk Street, not far from Pacific Heights in San Francisco. Dave Young: Okay. Stephen Semple: Bit of a bold move, but she wanted to be seen as different, and that was how you did it. Dave Young: Makes sense. Stephen Semple: Now, the menu had some things that were unfamiliar, like pigeon, and it did not have some things that were expected like chow mein. And she struggled initially, because America was not really ready to try new things. Now, after two years of struggle came her breakout moment. The restaurant was visited by a guy by the name of Herb Kane, who was the most influential columnist in San Francisco history. He was a writer for the San Francisco Chronicle. But here’s the interesting thing, not a food critic. And he comes in the restaurant, falls in love with it, and gives it a great review. And overnight, the place becomes famous. You couldn’t get into it. It was visited by the likes of Julia Child, James Beard. It was totally on the radar. And I actually think the review may have even been more powerful because he was not a food critic. Dave Young: Sure. Yeah. Stephen Semple: But it also goes to show you… We talk about influencers, influence and all these other things, most restaurants be like, “We’ve got to get the food critics in here.” This guy was just a columnist who came in to try out their food- Dave Young: Right. Stephen Semple: … and it made them famous. And one of the things he loved was Peking duck, and so today Peking duck is pretty normal, it was really new back then. And suddenly, authentic Chinese food started to pop up. This really started it. In the late 1960s, Chinese restaurants in the United States doubled to about 10,000 of them. 1966, the first sushi restaurant opens. She opens the second restaurant, and Philip… And we’re talking about Philip Chiang? Dave Young: Right, right. Stephen Semple: Philip, her son, joins the business, and opens The Mandarin Cafe in LA, where he starts modernizing Chinese dishes for American diners, so starts doing a bit more of a fusion, right? Dave Young: Mm-hmm. Stephen Semple: Now, it’s here that Philip meets Paul Fleming, from Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse. Dave Young: Right. Stephen Semple: And Philip starts to build a bit of a friendship with Paul, and wants to work with Paul, wants to leverage his knowledge. Because after all, Ruth Chris is an upscale restaurant, and there’s this rise of casual chains, but Paul is not super excited, because none of them are Chinese, nor is Cecilia. She’s like, “I don’t really want to do this.” Philip is determined, he stays in touch with Paul. So 1979, things really start to change, because the restaurant called China Coach is opened by Wolfgang Puck, and it grows very quickly to 50 restaurants. And it’s the early ’90s, and Cecilia is ready to sell the restaurants. Dave Young: Stay tuned, we’re going to wrap up this story and tell you how to apply this lesson to your business right after this. [Using Stories To Sell Ad] Let’s pick up our story where we left off, and trust me, you haven’t missed a thing. Stephen Semple: And it’s the early ’90s, and Cecilia is ready to sell the restaurants, which basically frees Philip to make the changes he wants to do. He cycles back to Paul. Paul’s now looking at it going, “Well, there is this place for this growth and all of this.” So they decide to start something new. And Philip wants to bring other Asian cuisines, he wants to take it beyond Chinese. Dave Young: Okay. Stephen Semple: So he wants to add other Asian foods to it. So he spends three years developing the menu, and they changed the spelling of his last name to make it easier. And in 1993, here’s the other thing I found really, really interesting, they chose to open in Scottsdale in 1993. And here’s where Philip learned something from Cecelia, she did not open in Chinatown, she opened somewhere where there was not Chinese restaurants. At the time in Scottsdale, it’s described as a Chinese food desert at the time. Virtually no Chinese restaurants in 1993. Now, many people would go, “Well, you want to open up somewhere…” Nope, open it in Scottsdale. Opening weekend, they had 1,000 people, some waited for hours. Dave Young: Wow. Stephen Semple: Lined up around the block. Now, what really made them successful is Paul brought his ability to be able to scale a business, upscale dining, and really grow the business. And this is what allowed them to quickly… They quickly drove to 200 locations in a few years. And in 2012, 19 years later, they sold it for $1.1 billion. Dave Young: A billion bucks. Stephen Semple: Yeah. And there was also a point in there where they went public, gave them a bump, and then they were sold, and business was taken private, and it’s changed hands a few times. Dave Young: Well, one thing I’ve always known is that they’re not like every Chinese restaurant you’ve ever been in. Even every small town in America has a Chinese restaurant that they always seem to almost even share the same menus. Stephen Semple: Same thing here. Dave Young: Right. And- Stephen Semple: No matter how tiny the community is, there’s a Chinese restaurant. Dave Young: And- Stephen Semple: But it would have those things like chow mein, and- Dave Young: [inaudible 00:11:43], and Kung Pao chicken, and… Stephen Semple: Yeah. Dave Young: Sure. Stephen Semple: She took those things that were very common and very familiar and left them off of her menu, which was a bold move as well. Dave Young: Yeah, because otherwise we’d all be going in there ordering the Kung Pao chicken. Stephen Semple: We wouldn’t be having the Peking duck. Right. We wouldn’t be having the Peking duck. Dave Young: Yeah. Stephen Semple: So it was really interesting what she did, she leaned in to the difference in terms of opening it, because her mission was to bring this food, didn’t open in Chinatown, and left some popular things out, added some interesting things. But let’s face it, she struggled, and then there was the breakout moment. But here’s the part about all of this, now sometimes the trick is you have to be able to survive. If you’re able to survive, and you’re doing something truly remarkable, that breakout moment often happens. Now, advertising and promotion can accelerate that breakout moment, because it exposes people to this new idea, and entices them to come in. But if you do something… But it really and truly has to be remarkable. If you do something remarkable, and you do it really well, and if you can survive through the slow times, you get those breakout moments. Dave Young: Yeah. Yeah. It’s a really cool story. And the place has always felt… Yes, it’s Chinese, but no, it’s different. Stephen Semple: Yeah. Well- Dave Young: You can see the Ruth’s Chris DNA in the place, right? The- Stephen Semple: It’s funny, I had no… And I’ve been in a couple of P.F. Chang’s, and I had no idea the relationship with it. And as soon as I read that, I was like, “Oh, that makes…” It was sort of one of those. As soon as it’s presented that he was involved, it was like, “Oh, that makes so much sense, and I can see it.” It’s sort of funny how you didn’t see it, a lot of these things, hidden, and then it’s revealed, and suddenly it’s obvious, right? Dave Young: Yeah. In the last episode we talked about… I think it was one of the last episodes, we talked quite extensively about brand extension. Stephen Semple: Yes. Dave Young: And this is another good example of what we know would not have worked, and that would’ve been a Chinese restaurant by Ruth Chris. Stephen Semple: Correct. Correct. That’s a great observation. Yes. It would not have worked. Dave Young: Ruth’s Chris Chinese would not have worked. Stephen Semple: Right. Dave Young: You couldn’t leverage the good name of a steakhouse into a Chinese restaurant. Stephen Semple: No. Dave Young: Because that would not work. But you can take the DNA from the steakhouse, the high-end ritzy steakhouse, and apply it in measured ways to a high-end Chinese restaurant. And that’s exactly what they did, they took the luxury part of it, and made a luxury Chinese restaurant. Stephen Semple: Yeah. How the food is presented, how the place is decorated, although it would be decorated regionally different, and how the staff are trained, and all of those… And how the kitchen is run. I bet you if you walk into the two kitchens, you’d go, “Oh, I totally see…” I bet you the methodology in terms of how the kitchen is managed and all those other things is probably exactly the same. Yeah, so you’re right. You’re taking the DNA, and then basically modifying the presentation of that DNA to fit that thing, and giving it its own identity. And the problem that people make is they’ll look at it, go, “Well, the DNA is the same, so why can’t you just name it same?” And it’s, again, it’s like you talked about before, those hidden barriers. We think about the places of steakhouse, what’s the expectation? The expectation is steak, fine wines, potatoes, shrimp, lobster. Yes, there’ll be also vegetables, and grilled things, and all this other stuff, right? Dave Young: Yeah. Stephen Semple: You could even put in an appetizer of Peking duck and it would be fine, but you can’t make it a Chinese restaurant. Dave Young: Yeah, I think- Stephen Semple: Just like you couldn’t go the other way. Dave Young: You and I should buy Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse. Stephen Semple: Why should we do that? Dave Young: Just so we could change the name to Dave’s Steve’s Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse. Stephen Semple: Yeah, I’m going to pass. As awesome in ideas that sounds, as amazing as we would be at running- Dave Young: Another brand violation. I can see it now. Stephen Semple: Is this like a restaurant? Dave Young: All right. Well, thank you for sharing the P.F. Chang story. Now I’ve got to find one near me, and… I don’t want the bag of frozen stuff from the restaurant, I want to go in. Stephen Semple: God, no. You want to go and do the restaurant. Dave Young: Yeah, I want the experience. Stephen Semple: And they are good. They are fine. Dave Young: Yeah, yeah, every time I’ve been, but I just haven’t been very many times. Stephen Semple: Right. Dave Young: All right. Thank you. Stephen Semple: All right. Awesome. Thanks, David. Dave Young: Thanks for listening to the podcast. Please share us. Subscribe on your favorite podcast app, and leave us a big, fat, juicy five-star rating and review at Apple Podcasts. And if you’d like to schedule your own 90-minute empire-building session, you can do it at empirebuildingprogram.com.
The coach with the most Lombardi Trophies isn't headed to Canton just yet. Correspondent Gethin Coolbaugh reports.
This week I returned to The Hub in Canton, Ohio for an awesome in person sit down with Canton's own talented visual artist Chase Alexander Chadwell. Chase and I originally got connected at Jéan P The MC's album release show in October and shortly after my interview with Napolean Solo he reached out about being a guest. This was definitely an opportunity I was excited for as Chase is the first podcast producer and videographer I've been able to speak with on the show! He also co-produced this episode so shout to him for taking the time to do that! We discussed his initial move to Wisconsin and back to the city of Canton where he and Jéan began a consistent run of work together leading to his main role as the producer of the Say What You Mean Podcast. From there Chase has been able to connect and collaborate with many local acts and artists which has helped continue to grow his network and skills all in real time. Citing Joe Lewis and Jordan Tucker as main supporters and inspiration in his work, Chase talks about not only what he's learned from them but what he's looking to apply moving forward into the next chapter of his journey. This will include the launch of “Chasing Artistic Content” a brand that will house his many productions and projects starting this year in 2026. I could tell in our conversation that he's very excited to not only launch this awesome brand but also to keep putting himself out there and pushing past the limits of his own comfort zone. There were most definitely a lot of gems in this one for any kind of creative to pull from and I want to thank Chase again for having this idea to connect. I'm thrilled to see what he has planned this year and look forward to working with him more on future collaborations!Consider donating to the show via our Ko-Fi profile here
Evangelical Free Church of Canton
CTL Script/ Top Stories of January 23rd Publish Date: January 23rd Pre-Roll: From the Ingles Studio Welcome to the Award-Winning Cherokee Tribune Ledger Podcast Today is Friday, January 23rd and Happy Birthday to Earl Falconer I’m Chris Culwell and here are the stories Cherokee is talking about, presented by Times Journal Former Cherokee County Probate Court judge retires New Kilwin's store opens at The Mill on Etowah in Canton Cherokee County school board member won’t seek reelection Plus, Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on breads We’ll have all this and more coming up on the Cherokee Tribune-Ledger Podcast, and if you’re looking for Community news, we encourage you to listen and subscribe! Commercial: INGLES 2 STORY 1: Former Cherokee County Probate Court judge retires After 50 years in the legal world, Kipling “Kip” McVay has officially retired, closing the book on a career that spanned everything from title research to serving as Cherokee County’s probate judge. Her last day? December 4, 2025, when Governor Brian Kemp accepted her resignation. McVay’s career began in 1973, digging into title research at Sen. Sam Nunn’s old law firm. From there, she wore countless hats: prosecutor, trial attorney, ethics commission director, private practice owner, and eventually, Cherokee County’s first female probate judge. Oh, and she also became the first woman to conduct a jury trial in the county. Her time as probate judge (1997–2008) was transformative. She modernized the office, introduced mediation to resolve family disputes, and even handpicked her successor, Keith Wood, who’s still serving today. After stepping down as probate judge, McVay wasn’t done. She served as a senior judge for Georgia’s Probate Courts, taking on cases across the state—sometimes for years at a time. One particularly messy case involved an estate with no will, feuding heirs, and years of unresolved disputes. Now retired, McVay has traded courtrooms for family time and volunteering at Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Gainesville, where she moved in 2020. “It’s been a good run,” she said, “but I’m enjoying this new chapter.” STORY 2: New Kilwin's store opens at The Mill on Etowah in Canton Canton just got a little sweeter—Kilwin’s is now open at The Mill on Etowah, serving up chocolate, fudge, and over 30 flavors of ice cream. The shop, which opened Dec. 18, sits next to Rock N Roll Sushi and shares a building with Campania. Franchisee Mona Rathore, who also owns the downtown Woodstock location, said Canton was the perfect spot. “We wanted to create a family-friendly space where people could enjoy our sweets. The Mill felt like the heart of the community—it just made sense.” Kilwin’s menu is a sugar lover’s dream: hand-dipped caramel apples (made fresh in-store), creamy fudge, specialty chocolates, and, of course, their famous ice cream. So far, the response has been incredible. “We love seeing families stop by after dinner,” Rathore said. “Even though we’re a franchise, we feel like a local business. We live, shop, and eat here—it’s home.” Kilwin’s Canton is open daily from noon to 8 p.m., with extended hours coming this summer. Online ordering and delivery through DoorDash and Uber Eats are on the way, too. STORY 3: Cherokee County school board member won’t seek reelection Cherokee County School Board Member Susan Padgett-Harrison is calling it a career. After decades in education and public service, she’s announced she’ll retire at the end of the year and won’t seek another term. Padgett-Harrison’s career spans 29 years as a teacher, principal, and district leader before joining the board in 2023. During her tenure, CCSD’s state “report card” score hit a record 87, and the district climbed from 21st to 8th in state rankings. She’s proud of the progress: lower debt, expanded career programs, and rising AP scores. Three other board seats (Districts 3, 4, and 5) are also up for grabs this year, with elections set for May 19 and Nov. 3. We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.874.3200 for more info. We’ll be right back. Break: INGLES 3 STORY 4: Creekview wins back-to-back duals state titles Creekview did it again—back-to-back Class AAAAA duals state champs. And this one? It was a nail-biter. The Grizzlies edged out South Effingham 36-35 in the final, capping off a perfect 4-0 run at Legacy Arena in Douglasville. Wins over Habersham Central, Villa Rica, and Dunwoody set the stage, but the finale? That was something else. Down 35-6 with five matches left, Creekview pulled off the unthinkable: five straight pins. Aaron Campbell, Pierce Marsh, Weston Wilkie, Logan Pritchett, and Costen Wright stepped up, with Wright sealing the deal at 175 pounds. Even a loss at 132 pounds by Bo Richardson turned out to be crucial, saving a team point that made the difference. South Effingham was no pushover—they’d dominated all tournament long, just like Creekview. But the Grizzlies weren’t about to let this one slip. With the traditional tournament still ahead, Creekview’s not done yet. BRAVES: Carlos Beltrán and Andruw Jones are headed to Cooperstown, two center fielders who dominated their eras with a mix of power, speed, and jaw-dropping defense. Born just a day apart in April 1977, they’ll now share the stage at the Hall of Fame induction on July 26. Beltrán, in his fourth year on the ballot, finally crossed the 75% threshold, earning 84.2% of the vote. Jones, in his ninth year, got 78.4%. Both had to climb uphill—Beltrán’s path clouded by the Astros’ sign-stealing scandal, Jones’ by a slow start in Hall voting (just 7.3% in 2018). Beltrán, a nine-time All-Star, hit .279 with 435 homers and 1,587 RBIs over 20 seasons. He was a postseason monster, batting .307 with 16 homers in 65 playoff games. “The Mets are a big part of my identity,” he said, though his career spanned stints with Kansas City, Houston, St. Louis, and others. Jones, meanwhile, was a defensive wizard, winning 10 Gold Gloves and smashing 434 homers. He’s now the sixth Braves legend from their 1990s dynasty to make the Hall, joining Maddux, Glavine, Smoltz, Chipper, and McGriff. STORY 5: Winter storm watch issued for Cherokee County this weekend Brace yourselves, north Georgia—winter’s about to get messy. The National Weather Service says a storm is rolling in this weekend, and Cherokee County is under a winter storm watch from 1 a.m. Saturday to 10 a.m. Monday. South of Cherokee? No watch, but don’t get too comfortable. Here’s the deal: expect freezing rain, sleet, and maybe some snow. Saturday starts with rain, but by nightfall, temps drop to 27, and things get icy—literally. Sunday? More freezing rain, highs around 34, and a low of 17. Power outages? Likely. Roads? Treacherous. If you must travel, pack a winter kit—blankets, water, flashlight, the works. And don’t forget to protect your pets, plants, and pipes. Need shelter? MUST Ministries’ warming center on Bells Ferry Road opens Saturday, serving dinner at 5 p.m. Stay safe, stay warm, and keep an eye on updates. And now here is Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on breads Commercial: We’ll have closing comments after this. COMMERCIAL: INGLES 4 SIGN OFF – Thanks again for hanging out with us on today’s Cherokee Tribune Ledger Podcast. If you enjoy these shows, we encourage you to check out our other offerings, like the Cherokee Tribune Ledger Podcast, the Marietta Daily Journal, or the Community Podcast for Rockdale Newton and Morgan Counties. Read more about all our stories and get other great content at www.tribuneledgernews.com Did you know over 50% of Americans listen to podcasts weekly? Giving you important news about our community and telling great stories are what we do. Make sure you join us for our next episode and be sure to share this podcast on social media with your friends and family. Add us to your Alexa Flash Briefing or your Google Home Briefing and be sure to like, follow, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Produced by the BG Podcast Network Show Sponsors: www.ingles-markets.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
(Jan 23, 2026) The Adirondack Park Agency approved a battery storage site near Great Sacandaga Lake at its meeting yesterday; Clarkson University has owned a historic portrait of George Washington for decades, and it's being sold at auction today; and we'll get a preview of a storytelling event in Canton this weekend, hosted by NCPR and the Adirondack Center for Writing.
I'm celebrating 6 years in podcasting today!
In this episode, Chris Maurice, Co-founder & CEO of Yellow Card, joins us to explore how compliant crypto rails are reshaping everyday money movement across Africa. We dig into stablecoins as practical financial tools, the regulatory groundwork that makes them usable, and what it takes to build a pan-African fintech that can withstand FX volatility, fragmented payment systems, and shifting policy environments. -- Quadrillions brings together the voices defining the next era of finance. From institutional rails to stablecoins and privacy, the series dives into how traditional markets, crypto innovation, and regulatory frameworks are converging to bring the full force of capital markets onchain. Join hosts Jason Yanowitz, Yuval Rooz, and Eric Saraniecki for deep dives with special guests Shaul Kfir, Don Wilson, Mike Belshe, Justin Peterson, Acting Chair Caroline Pham, Eli Ben-Sasson, and more. Produced by Blockworks and Canton Network. For more information, check out https://quadrillionspod.com/ -- Follow Canton: https://x.com/CantonNetwork Follow Yellow Card: https://x.com/YellowCard_App Follow Chris: https://x.com/chrismaurice Follow Eric: https://x.com/wesarn_real Follow Jason: https://x.com/JasonYanowitz Follow Empire: https://twitter.com/theempirepod -- Timestamps: (0:00) Introduction (2:02) Crypto Adoption Worldwide (6:24) What's Blocking Dollar Demand? (9:28) Canton's Focus on Emerging Markets (12:39) Infrastructure Challenges (15:46) The Role of Stablecoins (19:23) L1 Activity and Self-Custody Trends (25:04) FX Challenges (37:15) Regulations in Africa (41:37) Emerging Markets in Crypto -- Disclaimer: “Quadrillions” is a mini-series produced by Blockworks, and is sponsored by Canton Network. Nothing on this show is a recommendation to buy or sell securities or tokens. It's for informational purposes only, and the views expressed by anyone on the show are solely their opinions, not financial advice or necessarily the views of Blockworks. Our hosts, guests, and the Blockworks team may hold positions in companies, funds, or projects discussed, including those related to Canton Network.
Last time we spoke about the climax of the battle of Lake Khasan. In August, the Lake Khasan region became a tense theater of combat as Soviet and Japanese forces clashed around Changkufeng and Hill 52. The Soviets pushed a multi-front offensive, bolstered by artillery, tanks, and air power, yet the Japanese defenders held firm, aided by engineers, machine guns, and heavy guns. By the ninth and tenth, a stubborn Japanese resilience kept Hill 52 and Changkufeng in Japanese hands, though the price was steep and the field was littered with the costs of battle. Diplomatically, both sides aimed to confine the fighting and avoid a larger war. Negotiations trudged on, culminating in a tentative cease-fire draft for August eleventh: a halt to hostilities, positions to be held as of midnight on the tenth, and the creation of a border-demarcation commission. Moscow pressed for a neutral umpire; Tokyo resisted, accepting a Japanese participant but rejecting a neutral referee. The cease-fire was imperfect, with miscommunications and differing interpretations persisting. #185 Operation Hainan 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. After what seemed like a lifetime over in the northern border between the USSR and Japan, today we are returning to the Second Sino-Japanese War. Now I thought it might be a bit jarring to dive into it, so let me do a brief summary of where we are at, in the year of 1939. As the calendar turned to 1939, the Second Sino-Japanese War, which had erupted in July 1937 with the Marco Polo Bridge Incident and escalated into full-scale conflict, had evolved into a protracted quagmire for the Empire of Japan. What began as a swift campaign to subjugate the Republic of China under Chiang Kai-shek had, by the close of 1938, transformed into a war of attrition. Japanese forces, under the command of generals like Shunroku Hata and Yasuji Okamura, had achieved stunning territorial gains: the fall of Shanghai in November 1937 after a brutal three-month battle that cost over 200,000 Chinese lives; the infamous capture of Nanjing in December 1937, marked by the Nanjing Massacre where an estimated 300,000 civilians and disarmed soldiers were killed in a six-week orgy of violence; and the sequential occupations of Xuzhou in May 1938, Wuhan in October 1938, and Guangzhou that same month. These victories secured Japan's control over China's eastern seaboard, major riverine arteries like the Yangtze, and key industrial centers, effectively stripping the Nationalists of much of their economic base. Yet, despite these advances, China refused to capitulate. Chiang's government had retreated inland to the mountainous stronghold of Chongqing in Sichuan province, where it regrouped amid the fog-laden gorges, drawing on the vast human reserves of China's interior and the resilient spirit of its people. By late 1938, Japanese casualties had mounted to approximately 50,000 killed and 200,000 wounded annually, straining the Imperial Japanese Army's resources and exposing the vulnerabilities of overextended supply lines deep into hostile territory. In Tokyo, the corridors of the Imperial General Headquarters and the Army Ministry buzzed with urgent deliberations during the winter of 1938-1939. The initial doctrine of "quick victory" through decisive battles, epitomized by the massive offensives of 1937 and 1938, had proven illusory. Japan's military planners, influenced by the Kwantung Army's experiences in Manchuria and the ongoing stalemate, recognized that China's sheer size, with its 4 million square miles and over 400 million inhabitants, rendered total conquest unfeasible without unacceptable costs. Intelligence reports highlighted the persistence of Chinese guerrilla warfare, particularly in the north where Communist forces under Mao Zedong's Eighth Route Army conducted hit-and-run operations from bases in Shanxi and Shaanxi, sabotaging railways and ambushing convoys. The Japanese response included brutal pacification campaigns, such as the early iterations of what would later formalize as the "Three Alls Policy" (kill all, burn all, loot all), aimed at devastating rural economies and isolating resistance pockets. But these measures only fueled further defiance. By early 1939, a strategic pivot was formalized: away from direct annihilation of Chinese armies toward a policy of economic strangulation. This "blockade and interdiction" approach sought to sever China's lifelines to external aid, choking off the flow of weapons, fuel, and materiel that sustained the Nationalist war effort. As one Japanese staff officer noted in internal memos, the goal was to "starve the dragon in its lair," acknowledging the limits of Japanese manpower, total forces in China numbered around 1 million by 1939, against China's inexhaustible reserves. Central to this new strategy were the three primary overland supply corridors that had emerged as China's backdoors to the world, compensating for the Japanese naval blockade that had sealed off most coastal ports since late 1937. The first and most iconic was the Burma Road, a 717-mile engineering marvel hastily constructed between 1937 and 1938 by over 200,000 Chinese and Burmese laborers under the direction of engineers like Chih-Ping Chen. Stretching from the railhead at Lashio in British Burma (modern Myanmar) through treacherous mountain passes and dense jungles to Kunming in Yunnan province, the road navigated elevations up to 7,000 feet with hundreds of hairpin turns and precarious bridges. By early 1939, it was operational, albeit plagued by monsoonal mudslides, banditry, and mechanical breakdowns of the imported trucks, many Ford and Chevrolet models supplied via British Rangoon. Despite these challenges, it funneled an increasing volume of aid: in 1939 alone, estimates suggest up to 10,000 tons per month of munitions, gasoline, and aircraft parts from Allied sources, including early Lend-Lease precursors from the United States. The road's completion in 1938 had been a direct response to the loss of southern ports, and its vulnerability to aerial interdiction made it a prime target in Japanese planning documents. The second lifeline was the Indochina route, centered on the French-built Yunnan-Vietnam Railway (also known as the Hanoi-Kunming Railway), a 465-mile narrow-gauge line completed in 1910 that linked the port of Haiphong in French Indochina to Kunming via Hanoi and Lao Cai. This colonial artery, supplemented by parallel roads and river transport along the Red River, became China's most efficient supply conduit in 1938-1939, exploiting France's uneasy neutrality. French authorities, under Governor-General Pierre Pasquier and later Georges Catroux, turned a blind eye to transshipments, allowing an average of 15,000 to 20,000 tons monthly in early 1939, far surpassing the Burma Road's initial capacity. Cargoes included Soviet arms rerouted via Vladivostok and American oil, with French complicity driven by anti-Japanese sentiment and profitable tolls. However, Japanese reconnaissance flights from bases in Guangdong noted the vulnerability of bridges and rail yards, leading to initial bombing raids by mid-1939. Diplomatic pressure mounted, with Tokyo issuing protests to Paris, foreshadowing the 1940 closure under Vichy France after the fall of France in Europe. The route's proximity to the South China Sea made it a focal point for Japanese naval strategists, who viewed it as a "leak in the blockade." The third corridor, often overlooked but critical, was the Northwest Highway through Soviet Central Asia and Xinjiang province. This overland network, upgraded between 1937 and 1941 with Soviet assistance, connected the Turkestan-Siberian Railway at Almaty (then Alma-Ata) to Lanzhou in Gansu via Urumqi, utilizing a mix of trucks, camel caravans, and rudimentary roads across the Gobi Desert and Tian Shan mountains. Under the Sino-Soviet Non-Aggression Pact of August 1937 and subsequent aid agreements, Moscow supplied China with over 900 aircraft, 82 tanks, 1,300 artillery pieces, and vast quantities of ammunition and fuel between 1937 and 1941—much of it traversing this route. In 1938-1939, volumes peaked, with Soviet pilots and advisors even establishing air bases in Lanzhou. The highway's construction involved tens of thousands of Chinese laborers, facing harsh winters and logistical hurdles, but it delivered up to 2,000 tons monthly, including entire fighter squadrons like the Polikarpov I-16. Japanese intelligence, aware of this "Red lifeline," planned disruptions but were constrained by the ongoing Nomonhan Incident on the Manchurian-Soviet border in 1939, which diverted resources and highlighted the risks of provoking Moscow. These routes collectively sustained China's resistance, prompting Japan's high command to prioritize their severance. In March 1939, the South China Area Army was established under General Rikichi Andō (later succeeded by Field Marshal Hisaichi Terauchi), headquartered in Guangzhou, with explicit orders to disrupt southern communications. Aerial campaigns intensified, with Mitsubishi G3M "Nell" bombers from Wuhan and Guangzhou targeting Kunming's airfields and the Red River bridges, while diplomatic maneuvers pressured colonial powers: Britain faced demands during the June 1939 Tientsin Crisis to close the Burma Road, and France received ultimatums that culminated in the 1940 occupation of northern Indochina. Yet, direct assaults on Yunnan or Guangxi were deemed too arduous due to rugged terrain and disease risks. Instead, planners eyed peripheral objectives to encircle these arteries. This strategic calculus set the stage for the invasion of Hainan Island, a 13,000-square-mile landmass off Guangdong's southern coast, rich in iron and copper but strategically priceless for its position astride the Indochina route and proximity to Hong Kong. By February 1939, Japanese admirals like Nobutake Kondō of the 5th Fleet advocated seizure to establish air and naval bases, plugging blockade gaps and enabling raids on Haiphong and Kunming, a prelude to broader southern expansion that would echo into the Pacific War. Now after the fall campaign around Canton in autumn 1938, the Japanese 21st Army found itself embedded in a relentless effort to sever the enemy's lifelines. Its primary objective shifted from mere battlefield engagements to tightening the choke points of enemy supply, especially along the Canton–Hankou railway. Recognizing that war materiel continued to flow into the enemy's hands, the Imperial General Headquarters ordered the 21st Army to strike at every other supply route, one by one, until the arteries of logistics were stifled. The 21st Army undertook a series of decisive occupations to disrupt transport and provisioning from multiple directions. To sustain these difficult campaigns, Imperial General Headquarters reinforced the south China command, enabling greater operational depth and endurance. The 21st Army benefited from a series of reinforcements during 1939, which allowed a reorganization of assignments and missions: In late January, the Iida Detachment was reorganized into the Formosa Mixed Brigade and took part in the invasion of Hainan Island. Hainan, just 15 miles across the Qiongzhou Strait from the mainland, represented a critical "loophole": it lay astride the Gulf of Tonkin, enabling smuggling of arms and materiel from Haiphong to Kunming, and offered potential airfields for bombing raids deep into Yunnan. Japanese interest in Hainan dated to the 1920s, driven by the Taiwan Governor-General's Office, which eyed the island's tropical resources (rubber, iron, copper) and naval potential at ports like Sanya (Samah). Prewar surveys by Japanese firms, such as those documented in Ide Kiwata's Minami Shina no Sangyō to Keizai (1939), highlighted mineral wealth and strategic harbors. The fall of Guangzhou in October 1938 provided the perfect launchpad, but direct invasion was delayed until early 1939 amid debates between the IJA (favoring mainland advances) and IJN (prioritizing naval encirclement). The operation would also heavily align with broader "southward advance" (Nanshin-ron) doctrine foreshadowing invasions of French Indochina (1940) and the Pacific War. On the Chinese side, Hainan was lightly defended as part of Guangdong's "peace preservation" under General Yu Hanmou. Two security regiments, six guard battalions, and a self-defense corps, totaling around 7,000–10,000 poorly equipped troops guarded the island, supplemented by roughly 300 Communist guerrillas under Feng Baiju, who operated independently in the interior. The indigenous Li (Hlai) people in the mountainous south, alienated by Nationalist taxes, provided uneven support but later allied with Communists. The Imperial General Headquarters ordered the 21st Army, in cooperation with the Navy, to occupy and hold strategic points on the island near Haikou-Shih. The 21st Army commander assigned the Formosa Mixed Brigade to carry out this mission. Planning began in late 1938 under the IJN's Fifth Fleet, with IJA support from the 21st Army. The objective: secure northern and southern landing sites to bisect the island, establish air/naval bases, and exploit resources. Vice Admiral Nobutake Kondō, commanding the fleet, emphasized surprise and air superiority. The invasion began under the cover of darkness on February 9, 1939, when Kondō's convoy entered Tsinghai Bay on the northern shore of Hainan and anchored at midnight. Japanese troops swiftly disembarked, encountering minimal initial resistance from the surprised Chinese defenders, and secured a beachhead in the northern zone. At 0300 hours on 10 February, the Formosa Mixed Brigade, operating in close cooperation with naval units, executed a surprise landing at the northeastern point of Tengmai Bay in north Hainan. By 04:30, the right flank reached the main road leading to Fengyingshih, while the left flank reached a position two kilometers south of Tienwei. By 07:00, the right flank unit had overcome light enemy resistance near Yehli and occupied Chiungshan. At that moment there were approximately 1,000 elements of the enemy's 5th Infantry Brigade (militia) at Chiungshan; about half of these troops were destroyed, and the remainder fled into the hills south of Tengmai in a state of disarray. Around 08:30 that same day, the left flank unit advanced to the vicinity of Shuchang and seized Hsiuying Heights. By 12:00, it occupied Haikou, the island's northern port city and administrative center, beginning around noon. Army and navy forces coordinated to mop up remaining pockets of resistance in the northern areas, overwhelming the scattered Chinese security units through superior firepower and organization. No large-scale battles are recorded in primary accounts; instead, the engagements were characterized by rapid advances and localized skirmishes, as the Chinese forces, lacking heavy artillery or air support, could not mount a sustained defense. By the end of the day, Japanese control over the north was consolidating, with Haikou falling under their occupation.Also on 10 February, the Brigade pushed forward to seize Cingang. Wenchang would be taken on the 22nd, followed by Chinglan Port on the 23rd. On February 11, the operation expanded southward when land combat units amphibiously assaulted Samah (now Sanya) at the island's southern tip. This landing allowed them to quickly seize key positions, including the port of Yulin (Yulinkang) and the town of Yai-Hsien (Yaxian, now part of Sanya). With these southern footholds secured, Japanese forces fanned out to subjugate the rest of the island, capturing inland areas and infrastructure with little organized opposition. Meanwhile, the landing party of the South China Navy Expeditionary Force, which had joined with the Army to secure Haikou, began landing on the island's southern shore at dawn on 14 February. They operated under the protection of naval and air units. By the same morning, the landing force had advanced to Sa-Riya and, by 12:00 hours, had captured Yulin Port. Chinese casualties were significant in the brief fighting; from January to May 1939, reports indicate the 11th security regiment alone suffered 8 officers and 162 soldiers killed, 3 officers and 16 wounded, and 5 officers and 68 missing, though figures for other units are unclear. Japanese losses were not publicly detailed but appear to have been light. When crisis pressed upon them, Nationalist forces withdrew from coastal Haikou, shepherding the last civilians toward the sheltering embrace of the Wuzhi mountain range that bands the central spine of Hainan. From that high ground they sought to endure the storm, praying that the rugged hills might shield their families from the reach of war. Yet the Li country's mountains did not deliver a sanctuary free of conflict. Later in August of 1943, an uprising erupted among the Li,Wang Guoxing, a figure of local authority and stubborn resolve. His rebellion was swiftly crushed; in reprisal, the Nationalists executed a seizure of vengeance that extended far beyond the moment of defeat, claiming seven thousand members of Wang Guoxing's kin in his village. The episode was grim testimony to the brutal calculus of war, where retaliation and fear indelibly etched the landscape of family histories. Against this backdrop, the Communists under Feng Baiju and the native Li communities forged a vigorous guerrilla war against the occupiers. The struggle was not confined to partisan skirmishes alone; it unfolded as a broader contest of survival and resistance. The Japanese response was relentless and punitive, and it fell upon Li communities in western Hainan with particular ferocity, Sanya and Danzhou bore the brunt of violence, as did the many foreign laborers conscripted into service by the occupying power. The toll of these reprisals was stark: among hundreds of thousands of slave laborers pressed into service, tens of thousands perished. Of the 100,000 laborers drawn from Hong Kong, only about 20,000 survived the war's trials, a haunting reminder of the human cost embedded in the occupation. Strategically, the island of Hainan took on a new if coercive purpose. Portions of the island were designated as a naval administrative district, with the Hainan Guard District Headquarters established at Samah, signaling its role as a forward air base and as an operational flank for broader anti-Chiang Kai-shek efforts. In parallel, the island's rich iron and copper resources were exploited to sustain the war economy of the occupiers. The control of certain areas on Hainan provided a base of operations for incursions into Guangdong and French Indochina, while the airbases that dotted the island enabled long-range air raids that threaded routes from French Indochina and Burma into the heart of China. The island thus assumed a grim dual character: a frontier fortress for the occupiers and a ground for the prolonged suffering of its inhabitants. Hainan then served as a launchpad for later incursions into Guangdong and Indochina. Meanwhile after Wuhan's collapse, the Nationalist government's frontline strength remained formidable, even as attrition gnawed at its edges. By the winter of 1938–1939, the front line had swelled to 261 divisions of infantry and cavalry, complemented by 50 independent brigades. Yet the political and military fissures within the Kuomintang suggested fragility beneath the apparent depth of manpower. The most conspicuous rupture came with Wang Jingwei's defection, the vice president and chairman of the National Political Council, who fled to Hanoi on December 18, 1938, leading a procession of more than ten other KMT officials, including Chen Gongbo, Zhou Fohai, Chu Minqi, and Zeng Zhongming. In the harsh arithmetic of war, defections could not erase the country's common resolve to resist Japanese aggression, and the anti-Japanese national united front still served as a powerful instrument, rallying the Chinese populace to "face the national crisis together." Amid this political drama, Japan's strategy moved into a phase that sought to convert battlefield endurance into political consolidation. As early as January 11, 1938, Tokyo had convened an Imperial Conference and issued a framework for handling the China Incident that would shape the theater for years. The "Outline of Army Operations Guidance" and "Continental Order No. 241" designated the occupied territories as strategic assets to be held with minimal expansion beyond essential needs. The instruction mapped an operational zone that compressed action to a corridor between Anqing, Xinyang, Yuezhou, and Nanchang, while the broader line of occupation east of a line tracing West Sunit, Baotou, and the major river basins would be treated as pacified space. This was a doctrine of attrition, patience, and selective pressure—enough to hold ground, deny resources to the Chinese, and await a more opportune political rupture. Yet even as Japan sought political attrition, the war's tactical center of gravity drifted toward consolidation around Wuhan and the pathways that fed the Yangtze. In October 1938, after reducing Wuhan to a fortressed crescent of contested ground, the Japanese General Headquarters acknowledged the imperative to adapt to a protracted war. The new calculus prioritized political strategy alongside military operations: "We should attach importance to the offensive of political strategy, cultivate and strengthen the new regime, and make the National Government decline, which will be effective." If the National Government trembled under coercive pressure, it risked collapse, and if not immediately, then gradually through a staged series of operations. In practice, this meant reinforcing a centralized center while allowing peripheral fronts to be leveraged against Chongqing's grip on the war's moral economy. In the immediate post-Wuhan period, Japan divided its responsibilities and aimed at a standoff that would enable future offensives. The 11th Army Group, stationed in the Wuhan theater, became the spearhead of field attacks on China's interior, occupying a strategic triangle that included Hunan, Jiangxi, and Guangxi, and protecting the rear of southwest China's line of defense. The central objective was not merely to seize territory, but to deny Chinese forces the capacity to maneuver along the critical rail and river corridors that fed the Nanjing–Jiujiang line and the Zhejiang–Jiangxi Railway. Central to this plan was Wuhan's security and the ability to constrain Jiujiang's access to the Yangtze, preserving a corridor for air power and logistics. The pre-war arrangement in early 1939 was a tableau of layered defenses and multiple war zones, designed to anticipate and blunt Japanese maneuver. By February 1939, the Ninth War Zone under Xue Yue stood in a tense standoff with the Japanese 11th Army along the Jiangxi and Hubei front south of the Yangtze. The Ninth War Zone's order of battle, Luo Zhuoying's 19th Army Group defending the northern Nanchang front, Wang Lingji's 30th Army Group near Wuning, Fan Songfu's 8th and 73rd Armies along Henglu, Tang Enbo's 31st Army Group guarding southern Hubei and northern Hunan, and Lu Han's 1st Army Group in reserve near Changsha and Liuyang, was a carefully calibrated attempt to absorb, delay, and disrupt any Xiushui major Japanese thrust toward Nanchang, a city whose strategic significance stretched beyond its own bounds. In the spring of 1939, Nanchang was the one city in southern China that Tokyo could not leave in Chinese hands. It was not simply another provincial capital; it was the beating heart of whatever remained of China's war effort south of the Yangtze, and the Japanese knew it. High above the Gan River, on the flat plains west of Poyang Lake, lay three of the finest airfields China had ever built: Qingyunpu, Daxiaochang, and Xiangtang. Constructed only a few years earlier with Soviet engineers and American loans, they were long, hard-surfaced, and ringed with hangars and fuel dumps. Here the Chinese Air Force had pulled back after the fall of Wuhan, and here the red-starred fighters and bombers of the Soviet volunteer groups still flew. From Nanchang's runways a determined pilot could reach Japanese-held Wuhan in twenty minutes, Guangzhou in less than an hour, and even strike the docks at Hong Kong if he pushed his range. Every week Japanese reconnaissance planes returned with photographs of fresh craters patched, new aircraft parked wing-to-wing, and Soviet pilots sunning themselves beside their I-16s. As long as those fields remained Chinese, Japan could never claim the sky. The city was more than airfields. It sat exactly where the Zhejiang–Jiangxi Railway met the line running north to Jiujiang and the Yangtze, a knot that tied together three provinces. Barges crowded Poyang Lake's western shore, unloading crates of Soviet ammunition and aviation fuel that had come up the river from the Indochina railway. Warehouses along the tracks bulged with shells and rice. To the Japanese staff officers plotting in Wuhan and Guangzhou, Nanchang looked less like a city and more like a loaded spring: if Chiang Kai-shek ever found the strength for a counteroffensive to retake the middle Yangtze, this would be the place from which it would leap. And so, in the cold March of 1939, the Imperial General Headquarters marked Nanchang in red on every map and gave General Okamura the order he had been waiting for: take it, whatever the cost. Capturing the city would do three things at once. It would blind the Chinese Air Force in the south by seizing or destroying the only bases from which it could still seriously operate. It would tear a hole in the last east–west rail line still feeding Free China. And it would shove the Nationalist armies another two hundred kilometers farther into the interior, buying Japan precious time to digest its earlier conquests and tighten the blockade. Above all, Nanchang was the final piece in a great aerial ring Japan was closing around southern China. Hainan had fallen in February, giving the navy its southern airfields. Wuhan and Guangzhou already belonged to the army. Once Nanchang was taken, Japanese aircraft would sit on a continuous arc of bases from the tropical beaches of the South China Sea to the banks of the Yangtze, and nothing (neither the Burma Road convoys nor the French railway from Hanoi) would move without their permission. Chiang Kai-shek's decision to strike first in the Nanchang region in March 1939 reflected both urgency and a desire to seize initiative before Japanese modernization of the battlefield could fully consolidate. On March 8, Chiang directed Xue Yue to prepare a preemptive attack intended to seize the offensive by March 15, focusing the Ninth War Zone's efforts on preventing a river-crossing assault and pinning Japanese forces in place. The plan called for a sequence of coordinated actions: the 19th Army Group to hold the northern front of Nanchang; the Hunan-Hubei-Jiangxi Border Advance Army (the 8th and 73rd Armies) to strike the enemy's left flank from Wuning toward De'an and Ruichang; the 30th and 27th Army Groups to consolidate near Wuning; and the 1st Army Group to push toward Xiushui and Sandu, opening routes for subsequent operations. Yet even as Xue Yue pressed for action, the weather of logistics and training reminded observers that no victory could be taken for granted. By March 9–10, Xue Yue warned Chiang that troops were not adequately trained, supplies were scarce, and preparations were insufficient, requesting a postponement to March 24. Chiang's reply was resolute: the attack must commence no later than the 24th, for the aim was preemption and the desire to tether the enemy's forces before they could consolidate. When the moment of decision arrived, the Chinese army began to tense, and the Japanese, no strangers to rapid shifts in tempo—moved to exploit any hesitation or fog of mobilization. The Ninth War Zone's response crystallized into a defensive posture as the Japanese pressed forward, marking a transition from preemption to standoff as both sides tested the limits of resilience. The Japanese plan for what would become known as Operation Ren, aimed at severing the Zhejiang–Jiangxi Railway, breaking the enemy's line of communication, and isolating Nanchang, reflected a calculated synthesis of air power, armored mobility, and canalized ground offensives. On February 6, 1939, the Central China Expeditionary Army issued a set of precise directives: capture Nanchang to cut the Zhejiang–Jiangxi Railway and disrupt the southern reach of Anhui and Zhejiang provinces; seize Nanchang along the Nanchang–Xunyi axis to split enemy lines and "crush" Chinese resistance south of that zone; secure rear lines immediately after the city's fall; coordinate with naval air support to threaten Chinese logistics and airfields beyond the rear lines. The plan anticipated contingencies by pre-positioning heavy artillery and tanks in formations that could strike with speed and depth, a tactical evolution from previous frontal assaults. Okamura Yasuji, commander of the 11th Army, undertook a comprehensive program of reconnaissance, refining the assault plan with a renewed emphasis on speed and surprise. Aerial reconnaissance underlined the terrain, fortifications, and the disposition of Chinese forces, informing the selection of the Xiushui River crossing and the route of the main axis of attack. Okamura's decision to reorganize artillery and armor into concentrated tank groups, flanked by air support and advanced by long-range maneuver, marked a departure from the earlier method of distributing heavy weapons along the infantry front. Sumita Laishiro commanded the 6th Field Heavy Artillery Brigade, with more than 300 artillery pieces, while Hirokichi Ishii directed a force of 135 tanks and armored vehicles. This blended arms approach promised a breakthrough that would outpace the Chinese defenders and open routes for the main force. By mid-February 1939, Japanese preparations had taken on a high tempo. The 101st and 106th Divisions, along with attached artillery, assembled south of De'an, while tank contingents gathered north of De'an. The 6th Division began moving toward Ruoxi and Wuning, the Inoue Detachment took aim at the waterways of Poyang Lake, and the 16th and 9th Divisions conducted feints on the Han River's left bank. The orchestration of these movements—feints, riverine actions, and armored flanking, was designed to reduce the Chinese capacity to concentrate forces around Nanchang and to force the defenders into a less secure posture along the Nanchang–Jiujiang axis. Japan's southward strategy reframed the war: no longer a sprint to reduce Chinese forces in open fields, but a patient siege of lifelines, railways, and airbases. Hainan's seizure, the control of Nanchang's airfields, and the disruption of the Zhejiang–Jiangxi Railway exemplified a shift from large-scale battles to coercive pressure that sought to cripple Nationalist mobilization and erode Chongqing's capacity to sustain resistance. For China, the spring of 1939 underscored resilience amid mounting attrition. Chiang Kai-shek's insistence on offensive means to seize the initiative demonstrated strategic audacity, even as shortages and uneven training slowed tempo. The Ninth War Zone's defense, bolstered by makeshift airpower from Soviet and Allied lendings, kept open critical corridors and delayed Japan's consolidation. The war's human cost—massive casualties, forced labor, and the Li uprising on Hainan—illuminates the brutality that fueled both sides' resolve. In retrospect, the period around Canton, Wuhan, and Nanchang crystallizes a grim truth: the Sino-Japanese war was less a single crescendo of battles than a protracted contest of endurance, logistics, and political stamina. The early 1940s would widen these fault lines, but the groundwork laid in 1939, competition over supply routes, air control, and strategic rail nodes, would shape the war's pace and, ultimately, its outcome. The conflict's memory lies not only in the clashes' flash but in the stubborn persistence of a nation fighting to outlast a formidable adversary. I would like to take this time to remind you all that this podcast is only made possible through the efforts of Kings and Generals over at Youtube. Please go subscribe to Kings and Generals over at Youtube and to continue helping us produce this content please check out www.patreon.com/kingsandgenerals. If you are still hungry after that, give my personal channel a look over at The Pacific War Channel at Youtube, it would mean a lot to me. The Japanese invasion of Hainan and proceeding operations to stop logistical leaks into Nationalist China, showcased the complexity and scale of the growing Second Sino-Japanese War. It would not merely be a war of territorial conquest, Japan would have to strangle the colossus using every means necessary.
In 1834, Britain sent a man to China almost perfectly unsuited to the job... only to forbid him from actually doing it. William John Napier, naval officer, socialite, & dilettante with no experience in diplomacy, trade, or China, arrived at Canton convinced he was destined to break open the Qing Empire by force of his will alone. But he would not get quite the war he wanted. Nor the recognition he imagined. Nor the vindication he believed history owed him. Which is not to say he got nothing at all... Time Period Covered: January-October, 1834 Major Historical Figures: The Qing Empire: The Daoguang Emperor (Aisin-Gioro Minning) [r. 1820–1850] Lu Kun, Governor-General of Liangguang [1772–1835] The British Empire: King William IV [r. 1830-1837] William John Napier, 9th Baron Napier, Chief Superintendent of British Trade in China [1786-1834] Henry John Temple, 3rd Viscount Palmerston [1784–1865] Charles Grey, 2nd Earl Grey [1764–1845] Major Sources Cited: Fairbank, John K. Trade and Diplomacy on the China Coast Platt, Stephen R. Imperial Twilight: The Opium War and the End of China's Last Golden Age. Wakeman, Frederic, Jr. “The Canton Trade and the Opium War,” in The Cambridge History of China, Vol. 10. Wakeman, Frederic, Jr. The Fall of Imperial China. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
THE REVIEW is recorded live on X and available on all major streaming platforms. Head to Spotify for the video recording.Follow our hosts:Ken - https://x.com/NFTMachinistAaron - https://x.com/GuyettAaronLearn more about Canton Network @ https://canton.networkTHIS SHOW DOES NOT PROVIDE FINANCIAL ADVICE
Evangelical Free Church of Canton
49ers legend Patrick Willis joins the show to break down what it really takes to beat a team twice in one season, especially on the road in Seattle’s hostile environment. Willis also shares his thoughts on Frank Gore’s eligibility for the Pro Football Hall of Fame, reflecting on why his former teammate deserves Canton recognition. Plus, he discusses looking up to Bryant Young, and how the standard set by past 49ers greats continues to guide today’s team. A powerful and insightful conversation with one of the franchise’s most respected leaders.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
49ers legend Patrick Willis joins the show to break down what it really takes to beat a team twice in one season, especially on the road in Seattle’s hostile environment. Willis also shares his thoughts on Frank Gore’s eligibility for the Pro Football Hall of Fame, reflecting on why his former teammate deserves Canton recognition. Plus, he discusses looking up to Bryant Young, and how the standard set by past 49ers greats continues to guide today’s team. A powerful and insightful conversation with one of the franchise’s most respected leaders.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Brock and Salk react to their conversation with Daniel Jeremiah from yesterday in which he says that the 49ers will need a "Canton, Ohio level gameplan" to beat the Seahawks this weekend due to all of their injuries. Do they agree? They discuss. They then bring on Joel Klatt of FOX Sports for his weekly segment, in which he shares his thoughts on the upcoming Seahawks-49ers matchup, Sam Darnold, ranking his remaining NFL playoff QB's and much more.
Double Tap Episode 444 This episode of Double Tap is brought to you by: Gideon Optics, Primary Arms, Medical Gear Outfitters, Bowers Group, Mitchell Defense, and Flatline Fiber Co Welcome to Double Tap, episode 444! Your hosts tonight are Jeremy Pozderac, Aaron Krieger, Nick Lynch, and me Shawn Herrin, welcome to the show! Text Dear WLS or Reviews +1 743 500 2171 - Dear WLS Anonymous Coward from Nebraska - Dear wls, I have a Mitchell defense bought the green grips to go with the green gun. What would be a good green butt stock or just put on purple butt stock? Still deciding on a flow-through can to put on it. Justin T - This question is for Shawn. In the early parts of Covid, you were going to have a medical class in Canton, Ohio. Ohio shut down so you canceled the class. If you come teach a class at Rivers edge tactical. Can the people that paid for the Canton class come to that one? Ps. A couple shows ago that you guys were talking about a volcanic action pistol I'm fairly certain I seen Tippmann ordnance the same company that has the Glock mag Gatling gun was gonna make a volcanic pistol chambered in .380 and 22lr Trucker Matt - Do any of the cast members have experience with IWA civilian-legal flashbangs, smoke grenades or any of their other products? I've been looking at them and thinking about buying some for "airsoft/paintball", and definitely not for SHTF reasons. Would love your input, or just general thoughts on them even if you have never used them. Thanks. Full-grown Human - Shawn stated that you didn't like we the people holsters, and I had never had any issues with them but I also didn't have to deal with the customer service side of them. I now have had to deal with their half-ass customer service and their subpar duty belts. My question is what issue did you have with them? I don't buy nearly enough guns or gear so I do like to take the advice of people who do. Aside from blue alpha do you have any other companies that the cast would recommend for a duty belt? I don't carry too much on my belt at work but I don't want this cheap made product. Amanda Hungnkiss - I was thinking about getting a Marlin in .357, but then they announced the 10mm model. As a 10mm fan, I was stoked to hear that, but also a bit confused about which one would be the better choice for overall power?Ammo cost isn't a big deal since I already have a 10mm pistol and a 357 revolver. So, which caliber marlin would you pick and why? Robbie R - Ok, hear me out. Gun Fights, but poll the listeners. EXAMPLE, Mitchell Defense rifle, suppressor, optic, maybe accessories. Each cast member makes a package, and listeners vote. Maybe Mitchell Defense offers it as a package. The winner of this week's swag pack is Anonymous Coward from Nebraska! To win your own, go to welikeshooting.com/dashboard and submit a question! Gun Industry News Derya Arms TM22 Flash Tactical .22LR Rifle Title: Derya Arms Launches TM22 Flash Link: The Firearm Blog Summary: Availability: Launched early January 2026; available through distributors like GunBroker. Cost: MSRP $249.00. Different/Special: A lightweight (4.85 lbs) semi-automatic .22LR rifle designed for speed ("Fast and Faster" motto). It features an 18-inch target barrel, integrated Picatinny top rail, M-LOK forend, and an adjustable stock. It uses a 10-round magazine (compatible with 15/25-round options) and is marketed as an affordable, tactical plinker. UK Police FN 15 ASR Title: UK Police Select FN 15 ASR for National Carbine Framework Link: The Firearm Blog Summary: Availability: Restricted to UK law enforcement agencies; not a commercial retail release. Cost: Undisclosed government contract pricing. Different/Special: The FN 15 ASR (Advanced Semi-Automatic Rifle) was selected for the UK's "Police Primary Carbine System" framework. It features a fully ambidextrous lower receiver, a hard chrome-lined barrel made from proprietary steel for extreme durability, and is optimized specifically for police patrol and response requirements. Taurus TX9 Title: New Taurus TX9 Modular Optics-Ready Handgun Series Link: Guns.com Availability: Launching January 2026. Cost: MSRP $499.99 (Street price likely ~$450). Different/Special: A striker-fired 9mm platform built around a serialized modular chassis (FCU), allowing users to swap grip frames and slide sizes (Full, Compact, Subcompact) similar to the SIG P320/P365. It comes standard with the TORO optics-ready system and boasts a high capacity (up to 17 rounds) at a budget-friendly price point. Glock GR-115 for UK Police Title: Glock GR-115 Selected as the Weapon of Choice for UK Firearms Units Link: Soldier Systems Availability: Restricted to selected law enforcement and military customers. Cost: Undisclosed government contract pricing. Different/Special: The GR-115 is an AR-15 style rifle (not a pistol) manufactured by Glock. It was selected after extensive UK police trials for its superior accuracy in both suppressed and unsuppressed configurations, beating out other major global manufacturers for the contract. Dark Storm Industries DS-25 Title: Dark Storm Industries Introduces the DS-25 Modern Fighting Rifle Link: Soldier Systems Availability: Currently available/on sale. Cost: MSRP ~$1,995.00. Different/Special: A "hybrid" platform that bridges the gap between AR-15 and AR-10 sizes. It offers the intermediate power of cartridges like 6.5 Creedmoor in a receiver set that is lighter and more compact than a traditional AR-10, designed as a "Modern Fighting Rifle" for patrol or long-range sport use. YHM Victra 20 Gauge Suppressor Title: YHM Announces 20 Gauge Victra Shotgun Suppressor Link: The Firearm Blog Availability: Production models shipping early 2026. Cost: Pricing not explicitly listed in announcement, but likely similar to the 12-gauge Victra (~$819 - $959). Different/Special: A dedicated 20-gauge version of the modular Victra line. It is user-configurable for length (can be shortened from 10.4" down to 4"), weighs just 22 oz in full config, and mounts via the host shotgun's choke threads (retaining choke functionality). EOTECH OGL-C Title: EOTECH Launches the OGL-C Commercial Laser System Link: Shooting Wire Availability: Now available (Commercial version). Cost: ~$2,799.00 - $2,999.00. Different/Special: The civilian-legal version of EOTECH's military "On-Gun Laser." It features a VCSEL infrared illuminator with variable beam divergence and a co-aligned visible green/IR aiming laser. It is extremely compact (deck-of-cards size) and features a unique, ergonomic lever for instant adjustment between spot and flood modes. Shield Sights OMSX Title: Shield Sights Announces the New OMSX Micro Red Dot Sight Link: Shooting Wire Availability: Debuting SHOT Show 2026; shipping to follow. Cost: MSRP $489.99. Different/Special: A hybrid design that combines the "translucent roof" architecture of the OMSsc (for maximum light gathering and visibility) with the wide, competition-style window of the RMSx. It is designed to offer the fastest possible sight picture acquisition in a micro-compact footprint. ATN 6th Generation Thermal Title: ATN Unveils Its Most Advanced Thermal Optics Platform Ever: The 6th Generation Line Link: Shooting Wire Availability: Unveiled January 2026; specific models (ThOR 6, Odin 6) entering market now. Cost: Varies by model; ThOR 6 ranges ~$1,995–$4,500; Odin 6 ~$5,000+. Different/Special: The new Gen 6 core features ultra-sensitive sensors (some
Is Canton a real blockchain or a new kind of capital-markets operating system? Digital Asset co-founder Yuval Rooz explains why Canton prioritizes privacy as “need-to-know” information sharing and a federated “cantons” design that still allows atomic cross-canton transactions without bridges. We unpack the two-tier architecture (edge validators + super validators that stitch cantons together and validate the public Canton Coin) and what that means for governance in regulated finance. Plus: DTCC's tokenization pilot starting with U.S. Treasuries, and why CC fees are USD-denominated with a burn/mint mechanism designed to track real network utility. ------
Thank you to our sponsor, Mantle! Canton's in bed with Nasdaq, a Google DeepMind's paper talks up the role of blockchain in an agentic economy and an alleged insider cashes in on Maduro's capture. In this DEX in the City episode, hosts Katherine Kirkpatrick Bos, Jessi Brooks and Vy Le dive into the implications of Canton's Nasdaq deal, why DeepMind's study matters for crypto and the legality of insider trading on prediction markets. Vy highlights what Canton's Nasdaq deal signals about the priorities of institutions adopting blockchain technology. Katherine and Jessi engage in what happens when the machines take over. Plus, should federal officials be banned from using prediction markets? Hosts: Jessi Brooks Katherine Kirkpatrick Bos TuongVy Le Links: Bitcoin Rallies to $93,000 After U.S. Attack on Venezuela How the x402 Standard Is Enabling AI Agents to Pay Each Other Why the Black Friday Whale's $192 Million Crypto Trade Was Legal DEX in the City: Insider Trading and Crypto: What the Law Actually Says Google DeepMind's agentic economy paper Pawthereum's website A copy of Rep. Ritchie's bill Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this empire business, you gotta make the opium first. Then when you get the opium, you get the silver. Then when you get the silver, then you get the tea.Time Period Covered:ca. 1760-1839 CEMajor Historical Figures:Qing Empire:The Daoguang Emperor (Minning) [r. 1820–1850]Governor-General of Liangguang, Ruan Yuan [1764–1849]"The Hoppo" (Imperial Superintendent of Maritime Customs), The emperor's personal revenue agent at CantonChinese Commercial Interests:"The Cohong" (Gonghang), the licensed guild of Cantonese merchants authorized to trade with foreigners"The Consoo Fund" (Gongsuo), the Cohong's collective insurance poolYaokou Dealers & River Smugglers, opium wholesale intermediaries and armed transporters inland via the Pearl River systemBritish & Foreign Interests:The British East India Company (EIC)The Select Committee at Canton, the EIC's on-site management teamDr. William Jardine (1784–1843), physician-turned-opium magnateThe True Protagonists:Silver, shinyTea, fragrantOpium, somniferousMajor Works Cited:Fairbank, John K. Trade and Diplomacy on the China Coast: The Opening of the Treaty Ports, 1842–1854.Platt, Stephen R. Imperial Twilight: The Opium War and the End of China's Last Golden Age.Wakeman, Frederic, Jr. “The Canton Trade and the Opium War” in The Cambridge History of China, Volume 10: Late Ch'ing, 1800–1911, Part I. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices