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Comedian Shapel Lacey discusses the power of music, inspiration and how a 1981 Black Flag video sparked a lifelong punk obsession that shaped his identity, art, and resilience. Shapel Lacey tour dates  |  comedy special  |  Mad Peaceful band Topics Include: Talks local record stores, Amoeba, old Sunset location Discovers deep-cut Swedish hardcore at Eastside Records, Arizona Reflects on pre-streaming era, hunting records in person Notices rosary on Crash's grave, debates his beliefs Traces punk discovery to junior high guitar class Friend introduces him to ska punk, then Black Flag Watches 1981 Target video of Rollins-era Black Flag Rise Above vocals trigger emotional, tearful revelation Explains Black Flag filled a void from turbulent childhood Contrasts Korn/Deftones' anger with punk's empowering message Credits Rollins with teaching self-understanding and personal growth Recalls performing onstage with Rollins at Ohio festival Anger management counselor used Rollins to redirect his aggression Growing up Black, punk, skateboarding in Arizona desert Faced criticism from all sides for musical taste Explored funk, hip-hop, grunge without genre boundaries Connects N.W.A. and Black Flag's shared themes of injustice Discusses punk and hip-hop confronting police brutality parallels Champions open-mindedness across seemingly opposite music scenes Describes local DIY scene at Mesa's Nile basement Panhandled for five dollars to attend all-ages shows Cheerleading came after punk, called "most punk rock" act Discusses tattoos, straight-edge culture, Minor Threat connection Shares personal encounters meeting Henry Rollins and Ian MacKaye Praises Rollins and MacKaye's discipline, historical knowledge, friendship Draws parallels between punk and comedy's DIY authenticity Talks band Mad Peaceful, growing sold-out comedy success Discusses Australia tour interest, interview wrap up High resolution version of this podcast is available at: www.Patreon.com/VinylGuide Apple: https://tinyurl.com/tvg-ios Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/tvg-spot Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/tvg-amazon Support the show at Patreon.com/VinylGuide

Listen to the Top News of 20/07/2026 in Hindi.

Charles Spicer describes how, following the May 1940 retreat at Dunkirk, Winston Churchill became Prime Minister, finally acting on the intelligence Christie had provided for years. The polemic Guilty Men was published, simplifying the blame for the war onto appeasers like Chamberlain and Baldwin. Meanwhile, Lord Lothian, serving as ambassador to the US, successfully mobilized the "arsenal of democracy" by persuading Roosevelt and the American public to support Britain. The segment also notes the Rudolf Hess mystery, as the deputy Führer flew to Scotland in 1941, mistakenly believing his Fellowship connections could facilitate a peace treaty with the British elite. (14)1939

Charles Spicer describes how, as 1939 began, the diplomatic situation worsened due to the catastrophic appointments of Henderson and Ribbentrop. Henderson, the "arch-appeaser," fed Chamberlain's natural tendencies and suppressed reports that might upset Hitler. Conversely, Ribbentrop had become irrational and vitriolic toward the British, feeling socially snubbed. Despite accurate intelligence from Christie and Conwell-Evans flowing to Halifax, the Foreign Secretary vacillated between their warnings and Henderson's appeasement. Although the Fellowship's activities were suspended after the invasion of Prague, it remained a vital conduit for information that the official British embassy in Berlin failed to provide. (11)1940

Charles Spicer describes how, during the 1937 coronation of George VI, Ribbentrop hosted a chaotic, overcrowded party at the German embassy. Despite the champagne-fueled festivities, the event was a social failure that highlighted the growing friction between the two cultures. Meanwhile, Vansittart realized the traditional intelligence services had poor access to the Nazi leadership. He established a parallel network—"Van's Detective Agency"—utilizing Christie and Conwell-Evans as private intelligence sources. Conwell-Evans, previously optimistic, underwent a total volte-face in 1937, bravely shifting his focus to gathering intelligence through his high-level German networks to warn the Britishgovernment. (7)1945

Charles Spicer describes how, during the 1937 coronation of George VI, Ribbentrop hosted a chaotic, overcrowded party at the German embassy. Despite the champagne-fueled festivities, the event was a social failure that highlighted the growing friction between the two cultures. Meanwhile, Vansittart realized the traditional intelligence services had poor access to the Nazi leadership. He established a parallel network—"Van's Detective Agency"—utilizing Christie and Conwell-Evans as private intelligence sources. Conwell-Evans, previously optimistic, underwent a total volte-face in 1937, bravely shifting his focus to gathering intelligence through his high-level German networks to warn the Britishgovernment. (7)1940

Charles Spicer describes the 1936 Berlin Olympics as a deceptive high point for Anglo-German relations. While Hitlersought a pact granting him control over Europe in exchange for British imperial security, Vansittart remained skeptical of Ribbentrop's intellectual weight. Because Prime Minister Stanley Baldwin refused to meet Hitler, Conwell-Evansrecruited former Prime Minister David Lloyd George for a substitute mission. Lloyd George, known as the "Welsh Wizard," believed that dialogue was essential to "civilize" the dictator and prevent another catastrophic war, viewing himself as a free agent capable of building necessary rapport. (4)1945

Lorenzo Fiori describes Italy's extreme heatwave, with temperatures reaching 122 degrees, followed by the threat of violent thunderstorms. For relief, he recommends Radicofani in Tuscany, showcasing its medieval fortress, world-class olive oil, and traditional recipes like gratinated tomatoes paired with local Brunello wine. (6)MESSINA, ITALIA

Alan Mikhail describes how, as the English seized New Amsterdam in 1664, Anthony and Grietje transitioned into respectable property owners who aged into the colony's social fabric. Mikhail argues that these individuals, alongside long-resident enslaved figures like Mary Angola, should be recognized as the true founders of New York City. (11)1889

Alan Mikhail describes the "half-freedom" status given to some enslaved Africans, a system that cruelly ensured generational slavery. He also details the brutal violence of "Kieft's War" against Native Americans. Despite these conflicts and their exile, Anthony and Grietje prospered on their Long Island farm. (12)1654

Alan Mikhail describes how the couple settled in Manhattan as ambitious farmers but faced friction with neighbors who used "the Turk" as a xenophobic insult. Their contentious behavior led to their banishment to Gravesend, Long Island. Mikhail highlights the clash between Dutch property rights and indigenous use-rights. (11)1650

What if everything you've been searching for has been within you all along? In this episode, Pratiqk Jaani, author of Drashti: The Perception and creator of the Drashti Method, shares the life-changing realization that transformed the way he experiences success, relationships, and everyday life. After years of pursuing achievement, personal growth, and external validation, he discovered that lasting fulfillment isn't something we find. It's something we remember. Pratiqk explains how the subconscious mind shapes our beliefs, behaviors, and relationships, often without us realizing it. Through personal stories, practical examples, and thought-provoking analogies, he reveals how changing our perception can lead to greater peace, stronger relationships, and a life no longer driven by fear or the need for constant achievement.   [00:02:30] What He Does and Who He Serves Author of Drashti: The Perception and creator of the Drashti Method. Helps people understand the subconscious patterns behind fear, anxiety, and emotional struggle. Guides individuals toward greater awareness, inner peace, and lasting fulfillment. Believes lasting transformation begins by changing how we perceive ourselves and the world. [00:05:00] The Search for Something More Spent years pursuing success through business, personal development, and achievement. Discovered that every accomplishment led to another goal instead of lasting fulfillment. Began questioning why external success never felt complete. Realized the answers he was seeking couldn't be found outside himself. [00:08:00] Discovering Wholeness Experienced a shift from constantly chasing to living from a place of completeness. Learned that peace comes from recognizing what already exists within us. Stopped measuring life by outcomes and started appreciating each experience. Says fulfillment isn't something we achieve, but something we awaken to. [00:12:00] Why We Keep Chasing Explains how society conditions us to seek happiness through external achievements. Believes most goals are driven by a desire to feel complete. Shares why success alone can never satisfy the deeper longing within us. Introduces the core philosophy behind the Drashti Method. [00:16:00] The Closed Fist Analogy Uses a clenched fist to illustrate how fear and tension block new opportunities. Explains why operating from survival keeps people focused on scarcity. Encourages people to relax their grip and trust the process. Says openness allows life to unfold in unexpected ways. [00:19:00] Turning Insight Into a Movement Began sharing these ideas after witnessing profound change in others. Wrote Drashti: The Perception to introduce a new way of understanding life. Created the Drashti Method to help people experience those insights for themselves. Describes the work as a calling rather than a career. [00:21:00] Helping Others Break Through Fear Shares the story of a friend who dreamed of leaving corporate life to start a car business. Helped him realize his greatest obstacle was the fear of being judged. Once that fear was addressed, he confidently launched his business. Sold his first seven cars almost immediately after taking action. [00:24:00] Letting Go of the Outcome Explains why forcing results often creates unnecessary resistance. Compares personal growth to planting a seed and allowing it time to grow. Believes our responsibility is to take action without becoming attached to outcomes. Says life often responds when we stop trying to control every detail. [00:27:00] Seeing Life Through a Different Lens Encourages people to stop labeling experiences as good or bad. Uses simple everyday examples to illustrate how perception shapes reality. Explains that every experience offers an opportunity for growth. Believes acceptance creates greater peace than resistance. [00:29:00] The Relationships That Shape Us Credits both sets of grandparents for teaching sacrifice, unconditional love, and strong values. Learned valuable lessons from mentors, friends, clients, and even difficult relationships. Believes every relationship enters our lives for a reason. Says the people around us often become our greatest teachers. [00:33:00] Understanding the Patterns We Learned Reflects on childhood experiences that shaped his beliefs about love and acceptance. Realized he had learned to earn affection by constantly giving to others. Explains that awareness is the first step toward lasting change. Encourages people to address the root of their struggles instead of the symptoms. [00:36:00] Relationships Without Expectations Found greater freedom by serving others without expecting anything in return. Says authentic relationships flourish when validation is no longer the goal. Believes inner peace changes the way we show up for others. Explains that fulfillment grows through genuine connection. [00:38:00] When Healing Changes Everything Shares how understanding subconscious patterns transformed the lives of people he has worked with. Explains that awareness creates lasting change without relying on willpower alone. Believes healing naturally strengthens families, friendships, and communities. Says personal transformation always creates a ripple effect. [00:41:00] Final Thoughts Encourages listeners to begin with Drashti: The Perception before exploring the Drashti Method. Invites people to approach the work with curiosity and an open mind. Offers support for anyone seeking greater clarity, peace, and purpose. Leaves listeners with a reminder that the freedom they seek has been within them all along.   KEY QUOTES "Everybody deserves the life they want. And because of the conditioning and because of the fears, people spend their life hoping that one day they will do it, and that day never comes." - Pratiqk Jaani "No matter how much money you earn, you are always going to chase more because you're not really wanting more money. What you really want is to feel that fulfillment. To feel completeness." - Pratiqk Jaani "If you want to receive something, you have to keep your arms open or your hands open. If you make a fist, you can't receive it." - Pratiqk Jaani CONNECT WITH PRATIQK JAANI Website: https://www.pratiqkjaani.com Drashti Method: https://www.drashtimethod.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pratiqkjaani Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/janipratikk   Thanks for tuning in! If you liked my show, please LEAVE A 5-STAR REVIEW, like, and subscribe! Find me on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | iHeart Radio | Stitcher

The former flatmate of a man who attacked customers at an Auckland supermarket, says he would talk about ISIS as if it was a sports team. Finn Blackwell reports.

What if you're just one great relationship away from completely transforming your life or business? In this episode, entrepreneur, sales expert, and eCircle Academy founder Nicky Billou shares why relationships have been the driving force behind every major breakthrough in his life and business. After losing his event business during the pandemic, he discovered a new path through podcast guesting. What started as a survival strategy became one of the most powerful client acquisition systems he has ever built. Nicky also reflects on the people who changed the course of his life. He opens up about the mentor who helped him rebuild after divorce, the partnership he shares with his wife, Theresa, and the emotional client story that reminded him his work is about far more than business. This conversation is filled with practical wisdom, powerful relationship lessons, and a compelling reminder that one introduction can change everything.   [00:05:00] Serving Entrepreneurs Who Want to Make a Difference Helps coaches, consultants, and service-based entrepreneurs grow their businesses. Shows experts how to become more visible and attract ideal clients. Believes entrepreneurs create meaningful change through service. Teaches that selling should always come from a place of genuine care. [00:08:00] When Everything Changed His live event business came to a halt during the pandemic. Lost a significant source of revenue almost overnight. Turned to his coach to find a new way to grow his business. Began exploring podcast guesting as a long-term strategy. [00:10:00] One Hundred Podcasts in Thirty Days Committed to appearing on as many podcasts as possible. Completed 100 interviews in his first 30 days. Didn't generate immediate business but gained invaluable experience. Learned that repetition and consistency create mastery. [00:13:00] The Three Intentions Behind Every Podcast Appearance Inspire and educate the audience. Help the host look great by delivering real value. Build a meaningful business relationship with the host. Explains why most guests overlook the biggest opportunity after the interview ends. [00:18:00] Turning Conversations Into Business Relationships Always sets aside time after the interview to connect with the host. Practices intentional listening instead of waiting for his turn to speak. Look for opportunities to serve before asking for anything. Built hundreds of valuable business relationships through genuine conversations. [00:24:00] Why Preparation Matters Treats every podcast appearance like a planned business strategy. Refined his approach through hundreds of interviews. Encourages entrepreneurs to master proven systems before expecting results. Says preparation creates confidence and consistency. [00:26:00] The Results of Relationship-Based Podcasting Turned podcast interviews into clients, partnerships, and mastermind enrollments. Shares how one student landed a coaching client after a single podcast appearance. Another client generated more than €124,000 in sales within 84 days. Proves that authenticity matters more than perfect communication. [00:29:00] The Relationship That Changed His Life Opens up about the depression that followed his divorce. Credits relationship coach Owen Williams with helping him rebuild. Says that mentorship shaped his life as a father, entrepreneur, and husband. Believes that one introduction eventually led him to meeting his wife, Theresa. [00:33:00] Building a Business With Theresa Shares how he and Theresa combine their strengths to serve clients. Describes her as one of the best coaches he has ever worked with. Believes strong relationships should always come before business decisions. Shows how partnership strengthens both family and business. [00:37:00] The Story That Became His Mission Helped a struggling entrepreneur rebuild her business after losing everything. Learned that restoring her income also restored peace within her family. Was deeply moved when her son called him "the man who saved our family." Left with the conviction that business is ultimately about serving people and changing lives.   KEY QUOTES "A lot of people will hear the strategy and think they're doing exactly what I said, but they're really doing what they think they heard. Success is in the nuances, and those nuances only come through preparation and repetition." - Nicky Billou "Your podcast appearance isn't something you wing. It needs to be meticulously planned and executed. When you've done the work, it feels effortless to everyone else, but that's because you've mastered the process behind the scenes." - Nicky Billou "You don't have to be the most articulate person in the room or have English as your first language. If you have a proven system, stay consistent, and keep showing up, the opportunities will come." - Nicky Billou CONNECT WITH NICKY BILLOU Website: https://www.ecircleacademy.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickybillou Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nicky.billou   Thanks for tuning in! If you liked my show, please LEAVE A 5-STAR REVIEW, like, and subscribe! Find me on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | iHeart Radio | Stitcher

Pigeons: The Heroic Communicators of Modern Warfare Guest: Stephen Moss Book Title: Ten Birds That Changed the World The humble pigeon is celebrated for its extraordinary homing skills, which Moss describes as making it the "ultimate mailman." While legends like the Rothschilds using pigeons to profit from the Battle of Waterloo are mostly myth, the bird's real-world contributions to communication during the World Wars were pivotal. During D-Day, radio silence was mandatory, and pigeons were released from Normandy beaches to carry news of successful landings back to Britain. Moss highlights Cher Ami, a pigeon that saved a New York battalion from "friendly fire" despite being severely wounded. These birds were so effective that the British military even deployed a unit to hunt peregrine falcons to protect pigeon messengers. Moss notes the paradox of the pigeon: often dismissed as urban pests, they were actually reliable, "unturnable" assets that saved the democratic world through their instinctual drive to return home. (2)1849 RAVEN

The Tigers dropped their last two games against the Phillies to get to the All-Star break at 44-52

Jeremy Zakis describes being five minutes late for breakfast, leading his dog, Dallas, and local magpies to protest through a glass door. The animals vigilantly monitored the food preparation to ensure they were fed ham and cheese. Both Dallas and the birds finished their meal within twenty seconds. (12)

Headline: Italian Summer: Over-Tourism, Extreme Heat, and the Charm of Bassano del Grappa Guest: Lorenzo Fiori Lorenzo Fiori describes record-breaking heat and humidity in Italy, suggesting tourists visit Bassano del Grappato avoid crowds. He discusses the historic Palio horse race in Siena and recommends enjoying grappa with chocolate and ciabatta bread while overlooking the beautiful Dolomite mountains. (6)

Rafael Nadal was known for being one of the best clay court tennis players but, ever since he started playing at four years old, it was his ambition to triumph on grass and win Wimbledon. After losing twice in the final to his great rival, Roger Federer, they played one of the longest finals - finishing just before nightfall.Rafael Nadal describes how winning Wimbledon in 2008 was the catalyst to winning 22 majors before retiring in 2024. Produced and presented by Uma Doraiswamy.Eye-witness accounts brought to life by archive and testimony. Sporting Witness is for those fascinated by sporting history. We take you to the events that have shaped the sports world through the eyes of the people who were there. For nine minutes, you become a fan in the stands as we take you back in time to examine memorable victories and agonising defeats from all over the world. You'll hear from people who have achieved sporting immortality, or those who were there as incredible sporting moments unfolded.Recent episodes explore the forgotten football Women's World Cup, the plasterer who fought a boxing legend, international football's biggest ever beating and the man who swam the Amazon river. We look at the lives of some of the most famous F1 drivers, tennis players and athletes as well as people who've had ground-breaking impact in their chosen sporting field, including: the most decorated Paralympian, the woman who was the number 1 squash player in the world for nine years, and the first figure skater to wear a hijab. You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the tennis player who escaped the Nazis, how a man finally beat a horse in a race, and how the FIFA computer game was created.(Photo: Rafael Nadal celebrates after beating Roger Federer at Wimbledon 2008. Credit: Ian Walton/AFP via Getty Images)

Josh Dean describes the early days of the Lockheed Corporation and the birth of Skunk Works. After saving the company by fixing the Electra, Kelly Johnson promised a jet fighter in just six months. Operating out of a circus tent, his team produced the P-80 in 143 days. (6)1951

Does Rover feel differently about weighted vests? Would Krystle let someone poop on her for $5k? JLR is trying to get out of paying a bet and describes his shower routine. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Does Rover feel differently about weighted vests? Would Krystle let someone poop on her for $5k? JLR is trying to get out of paying a bet and describes his shower routine. The World Cup is going to have a halftime show. Bonnie Tyler passed away. Charlie had Sonny's sperm extracted. People are outraged by how Subway makes their bread. Charlie has taken Viagra before. A man chopped off his own penis and lit it on fire. Woman training with a flight instructor was in shock when he jumped out of the plane without a parachute. Cop was shot and killed near where Rover lives. Cuyahoga County paid $400k to settle a discrimination claim. News station comments about their staff's social media accounts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I am wired more as a thinker and theologian, rather than an intuitive seer. If I were to use words common to some, I would say, "I lean more left-brain, while my wife leans more right-brain." I prefer to think things through, while Patti prefers being intuitive and sensing her heart for the right solution.Read more here.Support the show

A former girlfriend of Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner who had previously accused him of violence told CNN she was heartened that he was facing broad calls to drop out of the race after another woman accused him of rape. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ahmad Sharawi. Sharawi discusses Syria's attempt to regain political influence in Lebanon without military intervention. He describes the newly formed Syrian parliament as a non-representative body designed solely to consolidate power under the current regime. (14)1920

Edmund Fitton-Brown. Fitton-Brown describes Houthis as autonomous Iranian proxies testing regional blockades. He notes Oman serves as a critical, unpressured hub for smuggling weapons and illicit goods, enabling Houthis to recover from strikes. (12)1905

George Black, guest author, describes how Manus Campbell's experience in the mountains of I Corps was defined by the arbitrariness of death and survival. His unit frequently walked into triangular ambushes set by elite North Vietnameseregulars, resulting in horrific firefights where survival had little to do with skill. Campbell witnessed companions die in his place due to random movements, a primary root of his subsequent PTSD and survivor guilt. Meanwhile, Chuck Searcy experienced the Tet Offensive from Saigon, realizing that while the North suffered military losses, they won a strategic victory by turning the American public against the war. Searcy and his colleagues in intelligence were acutely aware that they had been asked to misrepresent the war's progress to the public. A pivotal moment for both men occurred in June 1968, when they heard about the death of Robert F. Kennedy on Armed Forces Radio. This event signaled a deep fracture in American society, leaving them to wonder what kind of country they would return to. After their tours, Campbell struggled with alcoholism and psychological torment in Europe, while Searcy eventually joined the anti-war movement after becoming convinced of its credibility during his time in Germany. The Long Reckoning (4)

Professor William Taubman, guest author, describes how McNamara's loyalty to LBJ even extended to acting as a political spy, reporting on the Kennedys' private intentions during the 1964 election to soothe the president's insecurities. Meanwhile, he maintained a loving relationship with Jackie Kennedy, who viewed him as a father figure for her children while simultaneously pounding on his chest and begging him to "end the slaughter" in Vietnam. This dual existence saw him serve as the architect of the war by day while sharing anti-war sentiments with Jackie in private. McNamara at War: A New History (6)1967

Geoffrey Wawro, guest author, describes how Westmoreland's strategy consisted of three phases: a massive logistical buildup, crushing search-and-destroy operations, and eventually handing the war over to a capable South Vietnamesearmy. However, the plan faltered because the vast majority of operations never made contact with the enemy, who chose to protract the war to exhaust American patience. The metric of success became the "body count," yet the NVAmaintained strategic patience. Regarding the sanctuaries in Cambodia and Laos, Johnson initially respected their technical neutrality to avoid international backlash and a wider conflict. Revisionists argue for earlier incursions, but the vast, trackless jungles were already controlled by the NVA, making permanent clearance nearly impossible without a massive, unsustainable troop commitment. This segment highlights how the war's financial and political costs began to fray American resolve early on. The Vietnam War: A Military History (3)

Professor William Taubman, guest author, describes how, after the war, McNamara joined the "Whiz Kids" at Ford Motor Company, rising to become president through his mastery of data and safety innovations like seat belts. In 1960, he was recruited by the Kennedy administration, initially resisting the call before accepting the role of Secretary of Defense on the condition that he could manage the Pentagon through meritocracy rather than politics. He became the star of the Kennedy cabinet, so admired that the brothers considered him a potential vice presidential or presidential candidate for 1968. McNamara at War: A New History (3)

George Black, guest author, describes how, in the late 1990s, the Canadian organization Hatfield Associates collaborated with the Vietnamese 1080 Committee to conduct a comprehensive study of dioxin contamination. They chose the A Shau Valley as a study site because its lack of industrialization proved that any dioxin found must have originated from Agent Orange. The study revealed that while dioxin had degraded in most soil, it remained highly concentrated in hotspots around old US military bases where chemicals were stored or leaked. These hotspots, such as the airbases at Da Nang and Bien Hoa, allowed dioxin to enter the food chain through fish and ducks. Most tragically, the study mapped how dioxin was passed from mothers to infants through breast milk. These findings made the truth of the contamination impossible to evade, though it still took several years for the first US aid to arrive. Additionally, Susan Hammond began investigating the "deep secret" of herbicide use in Laos, mapping patterns of disability in villages along former flight paths. Her work eventually led to the first-ever humanitarian aid program for Lao victims of Agent Orange in 2023. The Long Reckoning (7)

Geoffrey Wawro, guest author, describes how Nixon's "Vietnamization" policy aimed to prepare the South Vietnamesearmy (ARVN) to fight independently through massive equipment transfers. However, the 1971 invasion of Laos (Lam Son 719) proved a disaster, revealing that the ARVN lacked the leadership and staff work to execute complex operations without American ground support. In 1972, Nixon responded to the NVA Easter Offensive with the Linebackerbombing campaigns, which were far more aggressive and pitiless than those under Johnson. During this time, Nixon also pursued diplomatic "triangulation" with China and the Soviet Union, hoping to leverage these superpowers to pressure Hanoi into a peace deal. The "Christmas bombing" of 1972 (Linebacker II) targeted urban centers like Hanoi and Haiphong, killing thousands of civilians to force the final signing of the peace accords in January 1973. The Vietnam War: A Military History (7)

Blues legend Taj Mahal shares rare stories about Jimi Hendrix, the Rolling Stones, and the unreleased Bill Withers song that shaped his stunning new record. Topics Include: Taj Mahal discusses his new album, Time, and its origins Reveals his decades-long friendship and mutual respect with Bill Withers Explains how Bill Withers heard and loved this unreleased demo Bill Withers' wife gave final approval before the song's release Withers walked away from music rather than change his sound Why the industry pushed Withers to sound more commercial Taj shares why vinyl beats digital for capturing real sound Breaks down the "bell curve" problem with digital audio quality Approaches albums as full journeys, not three-minute singles Reveals how effortlessly he sequences songs like a live set Traces his musical roots to a tight-knit 1940s community Recalls learning piano, clarinet, trombone before finding the guitar Explains how guitar evolved from rhythm to lead instrument Names the blues legends who shaped his earliest influences Credits Ray Charles as one of his deepest musical influences Shares rare stories of jamming with Jimi Hendrix live Discusses bootlegs, tape trading, and the ethics of live recordings Compares the Grateful Dead's bootleg policy to other artists Tells the wild story of Rolling Stones' Rock and Roll Circus Recalls dancing Stones and Clapton watching him at the Whisky Explains how British rockers reintroduced blues to American audiences Describes his first-class trip to London and Stones' hospitality Reveals why Labor of Love was released only on vinyl Shares the surprising stat: vinyl never drops below 6% globally Talks new tour dates and hopes to return to Australia Photo by Mike Coeyman High resolution version of this podcast is available at: www.Patreon.com/VinylGuide Apple: https://tinyurl.com/tvg-ios Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/tvg-spot Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/tvg-amazon Support the show at Patreon.com/VinylGuide

Colonel Jeff McCausland describes how, on the morning of July 1, 1863, Union General John Buford's cavalry identifies Confederate infantry advancing from the west toward the vital crossroads of Gettysburg. Recognizing the critical nature of the terrain, Buford deploys his men on McPherson's Ridge and Oak Hill to delay the advance, sending an urgent request to General John Reynolds for infantry support. The "speed of trust" between the two commanders facilitates a rapid Union response, but tragedy strikes when General Reynolds is killed by a Confederate marksman while directing troops near Herbst Woods. Command devolves to Abner Doubleday and later General Howard as the Union line collapses under pressure from General Richard Ewell's forces arriving from the north. Despite the breakthrough, Ewell famously hesitates to seize the high ground at Culp's Hill and Cemetery Hill as ordered by Robert E. Lee, a pivotal decision on the first day. (1)1863

Patrick K. O'Donnell, guest author, describes how, in the war's final hours, Robert E. Lee faced a monumental decision: follow Jefferson Davis's orders to scatter his army into the mountains to conduct guerrilla warfare, or surrender. Leechose to put "America first," rejecting the insurgency path to avoid subjecting the South to generations of further destruction. This act of statesmanship led to the meeting at Appomattox Courthouse on April 9, 1865, where Grantoffered exceptionally favorable terms, allowing Confederate officers to keep their sidearms and horses. The surrender was marked by mutual respect, exemplified by Union General Joshua Chamberlain ordering a salute to the surrendering Confederates as "honor meeting honor." After the war, John Singleton Mosby underwent a radical transformation; he became a close personal friend of Ulysses S. Grant and served as his campaign manager in Virginia. Defying local sentiment, Mosby joined the Republican Party, famously remarking that "hell is being a Republican in Virginia." He later served as a diplomat in Hong Kong, where he fought against human trafficking. In his final years, Mosby befriended a young George S. Patton, and it is believed that Patton's future mastery of maneuver warfare was influenced by the aging partisan's tactical lessons. The story of the "Unvanquished" thus concludes with a narrative of reconciliation, showing how these former shadow warriors helped forge the foundations of modern America and its special operations legacy. The Unvanquished (8)1922

  Patrick K. O'Donnell, guest author, describes how, in early 1864, the Union launched the Dahlgren Raid, a daring "decapitation raid" aimed at infiltrating Richmond to burn the city and kill or capture Jefferson Davis. Led by Ulric Dahlgren and General Kilpatrick, the mission disintegrated in the Richmond suburbs, and Dahlgren was killed. Orders found on his body—initially dismissed as a Southern plant but later proven authentic through forensic analysis—sparked massive controversy over "ungentlemanly warfare." While the Union struggled with these covert actions, the Confederacy developed a highly sophisticated Secret Service. This shadow organization utilized a signal corps for coded telegraphy and conducted influence operations in the North, plying Democratic editors with gold to write defeatist stories about the "forever war." These agents even helped draft the 1864 Democratic campaign platform, which called for an armistice. Amidst this shadow war, the author Herman Melville embedded with the Union's Second Massachusetts Cavalry to observe Mosby's Rangers. Melville's subsequent poetry captured the terror Mosby inspired as his men lurked in the shadows of "Mosby's Confederacy." By this point, Mosby's force had mushroomed into multiple companies totaling nearly 1,800 men, gaining fame for daring coups like kidnapping a Union general from his encampment. This segment underscores the integration of partisan activity and political subversion used to undermine the federal government's credibility. The Unvanquished (3)

Robert Cwiklik, guest author, describes how, following the legislative intervention, Sheridan sent his infamous "Banditti" telegrams to Secretary of War William Belknap. He proposed that Congress declare the White Leagueringleaders "Banditti" so they could be tried by military commissions and executed. Sheridan's blunt call for military justice against "respectable" white citizens sparked national outrage, leading to "indignation meetings" across Northern cities. Even prominent Republicans like Senator Carl Schurz denounced the move as unconstitutional and lawless, reflecting a growing Northern desire to end Reconstruction. Grant was forced to defend his administration to the Senate; while he refused to apologize for restoring order, he stopped short of endorsing Sheridan's proposal. Grant noted that while military tribunals might be effective, they were no longer strictly legal because his habeas corpus suspension powers had expired in 1871. This episode became a massive self-inflicted wound for the Reconstruction effort, turning public opinion against further federal enforcement of Black rights. Sheridan's Secret Mission: How the South Won the War After the Civil War (7)

Robert Cwiklik, guest author, describes how, by 1874, the Crescent City White League, an armed vigilante group, emerged to violently intimidate Republican officials and Black voters in Louisiana. Their aggression was fueled by a circuit judge's opinion suggesting that federal Enforcement Acts might be unconstitutional, which white Southerners interpreted as a "green light" for resistance. In September 1874, the White League engaged in the Battle of Liberty Place, a full-scale rebellion involving over 8,000 armed men. They confronted the state militia and Metropolitan Policeled by former Confederate General James Longstreet, who was wounded in the fray. The White League successfully drove Republican Governor William Pitt Kellogg out of New Orleans and briefly seized control of the government. Although Grant eventually sent federal troops to restore Kellogg, the event signaled a reassertion of Confederate-style rebellion that the thin federal military presence in the South struggled to permanently suppress. Sheridan's Secret Mission: How the South Won the War After the Civil War (4)

Fitzhugh Brundage, author of A Fate Worse Than Hell, describes how Andersonville became a death camp where 35,000 men were crammed into a space with no shelter and polluted water. Commander Henry Wirz oversaw a site where over 100 men died daily from starvation and disease. After the war, Wirz was prosecuted for war crimes, arguing unsuccessfully that he was only following orders from superiors like Winder. His execution set an international precedent for military accountability and helped shape the future Geneva Conventions. (7)1865

Fitzhugh Brundage, author of A Fate Worse Than Hell, describes how Union administrator William Hoffman managed Northern prisons with a focus on extreme cost-savings, even diverting ration funds into camp improvements. Meanwhile, the Lieber Code (General Order 100) was drafted to codify humane treatment for POWs and civilians. However, it included a "military necessity" loophole that allowed commanders to bypass these protections in dire situations. The Confederacy denounced this code as illegal window dressing for the Union's conduct during the ongoing conflict. (4)1865 RICHMOND

Fitzhugh Brundage, author of A Fate Worse Than Hell, describes how Andersonville became a death camp where 35,000 men were crammed into a space with no shelter and polluted water. Commander Henry Wirz oversaw a site where over 100 men died daily from starvation and disease. After the war, Wirz was prosecuted for war crimes, arguing unsuccessfully that he was only following orders from superiors like Winder. His execution set an international precedent for military accountability and helped shape the future Geneva Conventions. (7)1865

Daniel Rood, author of In the Shadow of the Great House, describes how, during the Siege of Yorktown, Cornwallisprioritized British sugar profits in Jamaica over the lives of thousands of black refugees, pushing them out to starve or face recapture. In contrast, the American "patriots" used human property as a military recruitment tool, offering poor white soldiers land and "one healthy sound negro" for their service. This strategy hardened the link between slavery and freedom for white Americans, ensuring the plantation system's survival long after the Revolution concluded. (12)1800

Ronald White, guest author, describes how Chamberlain began his academic career at Bowdoin College in 1855, seeking to instill critical thinking in his pupils rather than treating them as mere boys to be regimented. His tenure was marked by encounters with significant historical figures, including visiting senator Jefferson Davis and neighbor Harriet Beecher Stowe, whose readings of Uncle Tom's Cabin he attended. As the nation drifted toward Civil War, Chamberlainfelt an internal crisis, compelled to join the fight despite being a respected professor and father of two young children. In 1862, he famously declined a lucrative sabbatical to study languages in Europe to enlist in the volunteer 20th Maine. Rejecting an initial offer to lead a regiment as colonel, he insisted on "earning and learning" his way to command by serving as a lieutenant colonel under a professional soldier. This choice defined his transition from an intellectual to a battlefield hero. On Great Fields: The Life and Unlikely Heroism of Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain (2)1840 BOWDOIN

Ronald White, guest author, describes how, returning home as a hero, Chamberlain overcame a stutter to become one of the nation's most eloquent orators, focusing on the themes of national reconciliation. He was drafted by the Republican Party and served four one-year terms as Governor of Maine, where he championed economic reconstruction, railroads, and the founding of an agricultural college. However, his public success hid a private agony caused by his unhealed Petersburg wound, which forced him to work while lying down or with his legs extended. This physical toll and his long absences in Augusta strained his marriage to Fanny, who may not have fully grasped the depth of his suffering. Despite his prominence and the respect of political giants like James G. Blaine, his integrity and refusal to self-promote likely prevented him from pursuing national office, leaving him to serve his state in persistent pain. On Great Fields: The Life and Unlikely Heroism of Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain (5)1879 AUGUSTA

Ronald White, guest author, describes how, in his final decades, Chamberlain served as the surveyor of the port in Portland, a position that allowed him to continue writing and speaking while undergoing repeated surgeries for his Petersburg wound. Even in his 80s, his intellectual curiosity remained boundless; he traveled to Egypt and the Holy Land, reading the Bible in Greek and the Quran in Arabic each evening. He endured profound personal losses, including his wife Fanny and his brother Tom, yet he remained active in civic roles for the blind and Bible societies. Prevented by failing health from attending the 50th Gettysburg reunion in 1913, he died at home in 1914. He is widely remembered as the final casualty of the Civil War because his death was the direct result of the wound he received five decades earlier. He is buried in Brunswick's Pine Grove Cemetery near his beloved Bowdoin. On Great Fields: The Life and Unlikely Heroism of Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain (8)1903

Preview: Professor Daniel Rood discusses Charles Dickens' historical American tour and his observations of the brutal overland slave trade. Rood describes Dickens' harrowing account of witnessing a mother and children separated from their family by sale. This poignant encounter illustrates the profound human suffering inherent within the expanding southern plantation economy.1850 LOWELL MASS

Michael Vorenberg describes how Ulysses S. Grant found himself caught between the warring factions of the Johnsonadministration. After witnessing Johnson's disastrous "swing around the circle" tour, Grant realized the President was unfit for loyalty. Grant eventually sided with Secretary of War Stanton, facilitating his 1868 presidential run. (16)1896

Colonel Jeff McCausland describes how, on the third day, Lee ordered a frontal assault on the Union center despite Longstreet's protests. Pickett's Charge resulted in devastating casualties, with nearly 60-65% of the force lost to artillery and rifle fire. Longstreet was visibly overwhelmed by the certainty of the attack's failure. (4)1922

Anne Stevenson-Yang describes the collapse of China's real estate market, where half-empty apartment towers in ghost cities now offer cheap rent to young workers. Municipalities are burdened with massive debt from failed development projects, and building maintenance is deteriorating as developers walk away. (15)19116

The Escalating Persecution of Christians Within the Islamic Republic of Iran. Guest: Mariam Wahba. Mariam Wahba describes how the Iranian regime is using current regional tensions as a pretext to clamp down on domestic Christians. The regime specifically targets converts, labeling them as "Zionist" mercenaries and national security threats. Imprisonment of Christians has surged sixfold as the regime seeks scapegoats for its international military setbacks. 51705