Podcasts about determined

Happy Monday. It's time to get Mighty! Ryan is here to help review the 1993 classic, Rookie of the Year. ABOUT COOL RUNNINGS:When a Jamaican sprinter is disqualified from the Olympic Games, he enlists the help of a dishonored coach to start the first Jamaican Bobsled Team.AIR DATE & NETWORK FOR COOL RUNNINGS:October 1, 1993 | TheatersCAST & CREW OF COOL RUNNINGS:Leon as Derice BannockDoug E. Doug as Sanka CoffieRawle D. Lewis as Junior BevilMalik Yoba as Yul BrennerJohn Candy as Irving “Irv” BlitzerBRAN'S COOL RUNNINGS SYNOPSIS: We're in Jamaica, and it's not quite bobsled time. We meet Jamaican sprinter Derice running through town. It's November 1987, and Derice is preparing to qualify for the Olympics. He runs until he reaches the pushcart competition, where his best friend Sanka competes in the big pushcart race. Sanka crashes, but no problem—Derice keeps running.It's time for the qualifying race. Derice is the clear favorite. The top four finishers will represent Jamaica in the Olympics. Unfortunately, the runner next to him, Junior, stumbles and takes Derice down with him.Derice tries to convince the Olympic committee leader to rerun the race, but it's a no-go. On his way out, he notices a picture of his late father standing next to another man. He asks who it is, and learns that it's Irv Blitzer, a fellow gold medalist who once competed in bobsledding. Irv lives in Jamaica now, working as a bookie and living a miserable life.It takes a while, but Derice finally wears him down, and Blitzer agrees to give him a shot. They gather a group of people together, but Blitzer scares them off by showing a reel of bobsled crashes. By the time it ends, the room is empty—except for one of the other runners who fell with Junior, a grumpy guy named Yul. The problem is, there's no such thing as a three-man bobsled team. That's when Junior shows up. Yul tries to fight him when he walks in, but—like it or not—that's their squad.They get to work, and after a lot of crashing and falling, they finally manage to get into the bobsled in under six seconds.Now they need funding. After failing to land a sponsor, they try random fundraisers, but still fall short. Junior steps up and sells his fancy car to cover the rest of the costs.To Calgary they go. Blitzer registers the team and borrows a rundown bobsled from a former teammate. The Jamaicans struggle to adapt to, well, ice. Derice talks to an opponent who warns him that Blitzer is holding him back—that he hasn't been the same since he was caught cheating.Meanwhile, the other teammates get into a bar fight at a honky-tonk. Derice gives them a pep talk about locking in and focusing.It's time for qualifying, and Blitzer surprises them with their very own uniforms. They need to make it under 60 seconds—and THEY DO IT!They celebrate by painting their sled and naming it Cool Runnings. But soon after, they receive a letter: they've been disqualified. Blitzer storms into the rules committee meeting, insisting they not penalize the team for his past mistakes. After deliberation, the committee reinstates them.It's Olympic time. Back home, everyone watches as they march in the opening ceremonies. Junior's dad tries to pull him back home, but Junior stands up to him at last.The team's first run on the track is a disaster, and they finish dead last. Derice tries copying the Swiss team's methods, but Sanka pushes back—telling him they need to be themselves. On the second day, they race in their own style and finish eighth.During their final race, a loose screw causes one of the bobsled's blades to detach, sending the sled crashing and flipping over. Determined to finish, the team lifts the sled and carries it across the finish line. The crowd erupts in applause—including Junior's father.The epilogue explains that the team returned to Jamaica as heroes, and came back four years later to the Winter Olympics to compete as equals. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

"I've been an ardent fan of the big bands all my life. As a child growing up in New Jersey, I set my radio dial to WNEW, where "Make Believe Ballroom" featured a constant stream of recordings by big bands and their vocalists. Swing music went into hibernation for a while, as vocalists like Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Rosemary Clooney, and Perry Como stole the spotlight away. Determined to keep the old sound alive, I accumulated a collection of over 9,000 recordings. With such a rich resource at my fingertips, it was a natural next step to inaugurate a weekly radio program, which went on the air in 1983 and is now carried by over 40 National Public Radio stations."

Detective Bre first meets Anthony during a heartbreaking case involving a young victim. When a second, eerily similar case with Anthony surfaces, Bre realizes this isn't a one-time offense…It's a pattern. Determined to stop Anthony for good, Bre joins forces with Detective Brian in a high-stakes undercover operation to protect vulnerable young people before it's too late. Detective Bre has been in law enforcement for nearly two decades as both a detective and a member of the Special Victims squad, investigating crimes against children, adult sex crimes and child death investigations. She is currently assigned to the Homicide Squad working cold cases. Bre grew up in a law enforcement family and shares the profession with her sister, Alia, and dad, who retired after 33 years.

When Hala Taha started her podcast as a side hustle, she struggled with the same challenges most creators face: low discoverability, no clear path to monetization, and limited marketing know-how. Determined to succeed, she mastered the business side of podcasting by learning SEO, social media growth, and sponsorship strategies. This transformed Young and Profiting into a top-ranked show and led to the launch of YAP Media Network. In this episode, Hala joins Lori Harder on the Girlfriends & Business event to share unbeatable marketing strategies for transforming a podcast into a profitable business. In this episode, Lori and Hala will discuss: (00:00) Introduction (02:00) Hala's Origin Story and Podcasting Journey (09:00) Podcasting Evolution and Digital Trends (11:44) Video Marketing Strategies and Podcast SEO (17:08) Secrets to Ranking High on Apple Podcasts (19:36) Effective Podcast Monetization Strategies (23:40) Podcast Sponsorships and Marketing Conversions (27:46) Networking and Guest Booking Strategies (30:38) Q&A: Mastering the Business of Podcasting Hala Taha is the host of Young and Profiting, a top 10 business and entrepreneurship podcast on Apple and Spotify. She's the founder and CEO of YAP Media, an award-winning social media and podcast agency, as well as the YAP Media Network, where she helps renowned podcasters like Jenna Kutcher, Neil Patel, and Russell Brunson grow and monetize their shows. With her business on track to hit eight figures in 2025, Hala stands out as a leading creator-entrepreneur. Sponsored By: Airbnb - Find yourself a cohost at airbnb.com/host  Indeed - Get a $75 sponsored job credit to boost your job's visibility at Indeed.com/PROFITING  Shopify - Start your $1/month trial at Shopify.com/profiting.  Mercury - Streamline your banking and finances in one place. Learn more at mercury.com/profiting  Open Phone - Get 20% off your first 6 months at OpenPhone.com/profiting.  DeleteMe - Remove your personal data online. Get 20% off DeleteMe consumer plans at to joindeleteme.com/profiting  SKIMS - Shop SKIMS Fits Everybody collection at SKIMS.com  Policy Genius - Secure your family's future with Policygenius. Head to policygenius.com/profiting  Masterclass - Get an additional 15% off any annual membership at https://masterclass.com/profiting  BitDefender - Save 30% on your subscription at bitdefender.com/profiting  Resources Mentioned: Hala's Podcast, Young and Profiting: bit.ly/_YAP-apple  Hala's Agency, YAP Media: yapmedia.com    Earn Your Happy by Lori Harder: bit.ly/EYH-apple  Active Deals - youngandprofiting.com/deals  Key YAP Links Reviews - ratethispodcast.com/yap YouTube - youtube.com/c/YoungandProfiting LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/htaha/ Instagram - instagram.com/yapwithhala/ Social + Podcast Services: yapmedia.com Transcripts - youngandprofiting.com/episodes-new  Entrepreneurship, Entrepreneurship Podcast, Business, Business Podcast, Self Improvement, Self-Improvement, Personal Development, Starting a Business, Strategy, Investing, Sales, Selling, Psychology, Productivity, Entrepreneurs, AI, Artificial Intelligence, Technology, Marketing, Negotiation, Money, Finance, Side Hustle, Startup, Mental Health, Career, Leadership, Mindset, Health, Growth Mindset, E-commerce, LinkedIn, Instagram, Digital Marketing, Content Creator, Storytelling, Advertising, Social Media Marketing, Communication, Social Proof, Marketing Trends, Influencers, Influencer Marketing, Marketing Tips, Content Marketing, Online Marketing, Marketing Podcast 

In this episode, Julie opens up about her race at the Grand Rapids Last Chance BQ.2, a marathon that didn't go according to plan.She reflects on:​What it felt like in the moment to step off the course.​The physical and mental signals she listened to (and the ones she ignored).​Why stopping was both the hardest and the smartest decision.​How a DNF doesn't mean failure.​What she learned about fueling, pacing, and resilience.This is an episode for runners who's ever had to wrestle with disappointment, and for anyone who needs the reminder that every race—finished or not—teaches us something powerful.You can find us on Instagram and and Facebook. Looking for coaching? Email us at julieandlisa@runfartherandfaster.com to set up a coaching call. Thanks for listening!

First Time?Start Here: https://bit.ly/MarinersconnectcardCan we pray for you? https://bit.ly/MarinersPrayerOnlineYou can find information for all our Mariners congregations, watch more videos, and learn more about us and our ministries on our website https://bit.ly/MarinersChurchSite. Support the ministry and help us reach people worldwide: https://bit.ly/MarinersGiveFIND US ON SOCIAL MEDIA• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marinerschurch• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marinerschurch• Twitter: https://twitter.com/marinerschurch• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marinerschurch

This PROSPECTS podcast episode explores young refugees' rights to and at work. Despite international commitments recognizing their right to decent work, refugee youth continue to face legal, political, and practical barriers to full economic inclusion. Hasan Almatroud, a young Syrian refugee leader and Programme Coordinator for Amala Education in Jordan, and Shadya Abduljabbar, a Yemeni refugee in Ethiopia and Founder of Ethio Friends Foundation discuss their experiences, the challenges of navigating the labour market, and the importance of protecting and promoting youth rights at work.

-ALIEN FROM LA -GRIND

Recurring subscriptions – such as streaming services, apps, and memberships - can quietly drain a budget. Many people don't realize how much they're spending until it's too late. If you are one of the many people trying to manage several streaming services and other subscription services, it is crucial to pay special attention to subscription payments to properly manage and understand their total cost over time.  Links: Explore Triangle's Money Management tool in online and mobile banking Check out TCU University for financial education tips and resources! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter! Learn more about Triangle Credit Union   Transcript: Welcome to Money Tip Tuesday from the Making Money Personal podcast.  Let's start this tip off with a short story.  Ryan, a tech-savvy professional, was taken aback when he reviewed his bank statement and found over a dozen subscription charges he had overlooked. Each month, small fees from various fitness apps, streaming services, and even a couple of online magazines accumulated, ultimately totaling hundreds of dollars. As he analyzed the list, he remembered signing up for some of these services during promotional periods, but many had slipped his mind entirely. The realization left him feeling a bit frustrated, as he struggled to keep his finances in check amidst an overwhelming number of recurring payments. Determined to regain control, he decided it was time to reassess his subscriptions and prioritize his spending.  There are many people out there who can relate to Ryan's story. We eagerly sign up for subscriptions to services and platforms that we don't always remember we're on the hook to pay for month over month.   The real challenge arises when we've accumulated so many subscription services over time that we've stopped paying attention to how many we're paying. This can be dangerous, not only because it can lead to wasteful spending, but subscription prices can rise over time to where we'll likely find ourselves paying way more than we initially planned.    This tip is about empowering you to live more financially free by building awareness on how to properly manage the subscriptions you currently use.   Here are three things you can do to take charge of your subscriptions so you can enjoy the benefits without letting them wreak havoc on your wallet.   First of all, do the math. Add up the cost of every subscription service you're paying for. The only way to determine if your subscriptions are becoming too expensive is to know how much they're costing you in the first place. Don't assume you know each charge because prices may have changed since you first signed up. It's not uncommon for subscription services to increase prices periodically so what used to be $5.99 a month might now be $8.99.   Second, stay organized. Keep track of all the subscriptions. Use a financial app or other tool that can give you a snapshot of all your subscriptions and their due dates. Using a tool like Triangle's Money Management makes it easy to categorize all your payments into groups. Creating a category for streaming services will make it easy to see every charge that goes towards subscriptions.   Third, use it or lose it. Cancel any subscriptions you find you're no longer using. If you haven't gone to the gym in months, but are still paying for it, consider either blocking time off the schedule to head there or cancel it altogether. Signed up for monthly delivery boxes or paying for a streaming service you haven't used in a while, it might be time to cut those out of your budget. This step is all about truly reflecting on your needs and wants and determining whether there are any opportunities to free up some extra money by shedding unnecessary spending.   Finally, for any new subscriptions you consider, take time to look up and understand the cancellation terms. Before signing up for a new subscription, take a moment to review the cancellation policy. Check for cancellation fees, renewal costs or other changes. You don't want to get caught paying extra money to cancel your subscription.   If there are any other tips or topics you would like us to cover, let us know at tcupodcast@trianglecu.org. Like and follow our Making Money Personal FB and IG page and look for our sponsor, Triangle Credit Union on social media to share your thoughts.    Thanks for listening to today's Money Tip Tuesday and check out our other tips and episodes on the Making Money Personal podcast.    Have a great day!  

In this chilling episode of The Book Fix, we dive into Stephen Graham Jones' haunting novella Mapping the Interior. Blending horror with sharp commentary on identity, grief, and family, this story takes listeners deep into a house that's far more than it seems.The book follows a fifteen-year-old boy who one night glimpses a figure moving through his home—someone who looks eerily like his late father, who died mysteriously years earlier. As the boy follows the apparition, he uncovers unsettling truths: the house is larger, stranger, and darker than he ever realized. Determined to chart its shifting rooms and corridors, he begins “mapping the interior,” but his exploration soon entangles his younger brother in terrifying danger. What starts as a desperate attempt to connect with his father becomes a harrowing journey of sacrifice, survival, and the heavy cost of protecting family. Join the besties as they discuss whether or not this spooky book fixed their life or not. Support the showOur Linktree: https://linktr.ee/thebookfix?utm_source=linktree_admin_sharebecome our Patron ♡ https://www.patreon.com/BookFixbuy us a book ♡ https://www.buymeacoffee.com/thebookfixBusiness Inquiries: thebookfixpodcast@gmail.comfollow us on Tiktok! ♡ https://www.tiktok.com/@thebookfix

Police say they're determined to find anyone who helped Tom Phillips hide with his children for nearly four years. Lauren Crimp has more.

You're not rude. You're just in peak week mode. In today's episode of The Rachel Rampton Show, we're getting raw and real about the final three weeks of bikini prep — the season where most people fall off or freak out, but where the rare 2% woman leans in. From changing gym locations just to avoid small talk (yep, we do it)… to spiritual mindset shifts that anchor your soul when your body is exhausted — this episode is your behind-the-scenes truth-teller on what it really takes to finish strong. If you've ever felt:

Last time we spoke about the Japanese encirclement of Nanjing. As battles erupted around Lake Tai, the Chinese troops used guerrilla tactics and artillery to resist the technologically superior Japanese. However, internal strife and logistical issues began to weaken their defense. On December 1st, Japan's Central China Area Army was ordered to assault Nanjing, and despite heavy resistance, the Japanese forces swiftly captured key towns. By December 7th, with Japanese troops closing in, Chiang Kai-Shek prepared to evacuate the capital. Anxiety and fear gripped the city as civilians witnessed horrific atrocities in the countryside, where Japanese soldiers unleashed violence against unarmed populations. The defense of Nanjing became symbolic of Chinese perseverance against oppression. As the city faced inevitable destruction, hope rested on the courage of its defenders and the belief that they could rally against the relentless tide of attack, knowing their plight was drawing the world's attention amidst a brutal conflict.   #166 Enemy at the Gates of Nanjing  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. War was steadily creeping toward Nanjing, and the remaining residents understood this grim reality. Starting December 8, the distant sounds of artillery began to echo through the city. The following day, the first shell from a Japanese battery struck downtown, detonating at Xinjiekou square. Amid the chaos and anarchy engulfing much of Nanjing as the population dwindled, looting became rampant. Chinese soldiers were reportedly seen stealing from abandoned stores. Daily life had largely ground to a halt. To this desolate and partially lawless city, refugees from the war continued to arrive. However, on December 8, the influx of refugees came to an abrupt halt. All gates in the city wall were locked, only to be opened for urgent military needs. Even soldiers injured in battles near the city were reportedly denied entry, left to perish just minutes away from desperately needed medical care. As the Japanese forces tightened their grip around Nanjing, more civilians sought refuge in the safety zone. American missionary Ernest Forster wrote in a letter to his wife “I wish you could witness the influx of people into this area from other parts of the city. All the roads leading here are lined with groups transporting whatever possessions they can carry, tireless rickshaws, some even pulled by students, wheelbarrows, trucks, baby carriages, anything with wheels.” On the evening of December 7, bonfires lit by soldiers of Japan's 16th Infantry Division near Unicorn Gate were clearly visible from Purple Mountain, which was defended by the elite Training Division of the Chinese Army. The bonfires presented an enticing target for this division, established as a model to inspire the rest of the Chinese forces, who remained eager to prove themselves even as defeat loomed. Commander Zhou Zhenqiang of the Training Division's 1st Brigade suggested a counterattack and had a plan in place. His brigade would launch a frontal assault while the 3rd Brigade, stationed to his left, would execute a flanking maneuver to encircle the unsuspecting adversary. Although this strategy had potential, it was never put into action. The Nanjing garrison dismissed the proposal, citing that “too many of our troops are already worn down,” according to Tang Shengzhi's staff. They warned that if the counterattack failed, there wouldn't be enough soldiers left to defend Nanjing. Consequently, the Training Division was compelled to dig in and await the enemy's arrival. While Chinese defenders were ordered to hold their ground, the 16th Japanese Infantry Division approached Purple Mountain. The slopes of the mountain were cloaked in conifers, interspersed with dense bamboo thickets that created almost jungle-like combat conditions. As one Japanese soldier of the 20th regiment noted  “Just a few paces ahead, you couldn't see anything. Even worse, you didn't know where the enemy was. When we heard gunfire, we shot back at random. Bullets were flying everywhere.” As the Japanese soldiers ascended the slope, they were halfway to the mountain's summit when they encountered white smoke and the characteristic cracking of burning bamboo. The Chinese troops, benefiting from a favorable wind, had set fire to the bamboo. Swiftly, the Japanese soldiers drew their swords and bayonets, cutting a wide firebreak through the bamboo to halt the flames. At the forefront of Purple Mountain was a key defensive position known as Old Tiger's Cave, located just east of the mountain. As long as this location remained in Chinese control, the Japanese could not capture the mountain itself. Understanding its significance, Chinese commanders stationed a battalion of well-equipped and highly motivated soldiers from the Training Division's 5th Regiment there. Fighting erupted in the afternoon of December 8, when the Japanese commenced a fierce artillery barrage on Old Tiger's Cave, followed by an infantry assault aimed at taking the hill. Under the cold-blooded command of their leaders, the Chinese battalion employed disciplined and concentrated fire, inflicting heavy casualties on the advancing Japanese troops, who were unable to advance that day. The following morning, the Japanese intensified their assault, combining artillery fire and aerial bombardment on Old Tiger's Cave. Their infantry again attempted the treacherous climb, hoping smoke grenades would obscure the defenders' line of sight. Once more, they were thwarted, facing additional pressure as a neighboring Chinese unit launched a counterattack against the Japanese right flank. The successful defense came at a significant cost; by the afternoon, over half of the battalion defending Old Tiger's Cave had become casualties. Given the hill's exposed position and difficulties in resupply, the officers of the Training Division reluctantly decided to abandon the position. The battered battalion, now without its commander, retreated to the second-highest peak of Purple Mountain. While the loss of Old Tiger's Cave was a setback for the Training Division, it also conferred certain advantages. The Chinese soldiers withdrew to a series of prepared defensive lines through terrain they knew intimately. This stronghold centered on Xiaolingwei, a town where the Training Division had moved into new barracks over four years prior. The battalion's soldiers were familiar with every creek, hamlet, bamboo grove, and pond in the region. The Japanese faced a daunting challenge ahead. Due south of Nanjing, the 6th Japanese Division had finally caught up with the 114th Division and was deployed to its left for the final push toward Nanjing. Between the division and the city wall lay a terrain of hills and low mountains dominated by two prominent features known as General's Peak and Ox Head Peak. The task fell to the division's 13th Regiment to proceed north along the highway, while the 23rd Regiment maneuvered left around the mountains before advancing north along the Yangtze River. The division's artillery regiment, functioning at only half its typical strength due to two of its four battalions remaining in the Hangzhou Bay area, was ordered to concentrate its firepower in support of the 13th Regiment as it navigated the terrain beneath the mountain peaks. Unfortunately, the regiment's advance became mired in unexpected Chinese resistance, and with the artillery deployed too far behind to provide adequate support, divisional command decided to halt the advance until the following day, December 9. Under the cover of darkness, the artillery units were repositioned closer to the front, and the artillery commanders established their command on a hill nearby. At dawn, they began firing at the Chinese positions with much greater precision than the previous day. Meanwhile, a column of tankettes rolled down the road between General's Peak and Ox Head Peak in support of the 13th Regiment. The first tank when it came under attack from hidden mountain guns. The enemy scored several hits on the tank, forcing the driver to crawl out of the burning vehicle. The driver's pants were engulfed in flames, and as men attempted to extinguish the fire, enemy machine gun fire ripped into the driver's chest, killing him instantly. The second vehicle also came under fire from shells and burst into flames. The commander and his driver attempted to escape the turret but were trapped when another shell hit, engulfing them in flames. Unaware of the unfolding disaster, the column continued its advance, and two more tankettes were destroyed. This skirmish proved costly, resulting in the loss of four vehicles and seven men. Despite the heavy losses, the coordinated operations involving infantry, armored vehicles, and artillery gradually succeeded in dislodging the Chinese from their positions. By nightfall on December 9, the first Japanese soldiers arrived in the town of Tiexinqiao, just south of Nanjing. Meanwhile, the 23rd Regiment continued its advance north along routes west of the mountain range. This maneuver required the regiment to abandon the relatively solid road it had used thus far, opting instead for primitive trails ill-suited for wheeled transport. The major drawback of this shift was the slow transportation of artillery. The consequences became evident when one of the regiment's battalions was ordered to dislodge enemy positions on a low peak known as Hill 154, situated astride the main route of advancement. With no artillery support available, half the battalion's strength, two companies remained in the rear to safeguard the artillery pieces as they were being repositioned. The battalion ordered the remaining two infantry companies to mount an assault on Hill 154. In place of artillery, they were instructed to utilize small-caliber knee mortars. As the Japanese forces advanced towards Hill 154, the Chinese defenders opened fire with everything at their disposal, heavy and light machine guns, rifles, and mortars. The Japanese were quickly pinned down, moving slowly toward the summit under the cover of fire from the knee mortars. A breakthrough occurred when a Japanese light machine gun crew spotted a large group of Chinese soldiers repositioning on the hill. A sustained burst of fire from their weapon struck true, sending dead and wounded Chinese soldiers tumbling down the slope. Seizing the opportunity, the Japanese platoon commander sprang to his feet and charged up the hill, followed closely by the machine gunner, with the rest of the platoon trailing 10 to 20 yards behind. As they advanced, they encountered four Chinese soldiers raising their rifles to shoot. The Japanese machine gunner was quicker, firing from the hip and killing all four in an instant. The remainder of the skirmish descended into chaos. The Japanese soldiers captured the hill and took aim, firing carefully and lethally at the backs of the defeated Chinese as they fled northward. Other Japanese troops swept through the trenches with fixed bayonets, mercilessly killing all Chinese soldiers present, those who were injured, those who attempted to surrender, and even those feigning death. As Japan's 10th Army advanced on Nanjing from the south, the Shanghai Expeditionary Force was making its way in from the east. The tactical situation was fluid, fast-changing, and unpredictable, with Japanese spearheads penetrating deep into Chinese-held territory, often bypassing large enemy troop formations that would then courageously launch counterattacks from the rear. On December 8th, the 16th Division was advancing into some mountainous terrain north of Jurang where their vanguard ran into an ambush. 200 Japanese soldiers were having lunch over a 300 foot hilltop position when suddenly Captain Akao Junzo heard his comrade shout “Thousands of enemies are coming up from behind! They are heading right towards you!” Rushing outside, Akao witnessed what appeared to be a wall of Chinese soldiers marching down the valley from the rear. He dashed to the next building, bursting through the door to find his soldiers preparing lunch, he shouted at them “The enemy is here! Come with me!” The soldiers dropped their cooking utensils, grabbed their rifles, and followed Akao up the hillside behind the farm buildings. Initially, the fighting seemed evenly matched. However, the Japanese quickly brought up their two heavy machine guns, set up just 50 yards apart. Firing at a rate of 500 rounds per minute, they caught the Chinese troops in a devastating crossfire. Nine light machine guns soon joined the fray. Within moments, the cohesion of the Chinese formation collapsed, and as some soldiers broke ranks and began to retreat, Akao's men eagerly pursued them with fixed bayonets. A young, aggressive officer led the charge, wildly swinging his sword until it snapped in two. Akao watched with satisfaction. This was the kind of warfare he and his men had trained for tirelessly, month after month, and they executed their tactics with precision. However, his attention soon shifted to the hill across the valley where he had previously posted the observation squad. The entire hill was now crawling with Chinese soldiers, all firing at the peak where the small group of Japanese soldiers was entrenched in what appeared to be a desperate battle. Determined to reclaim the hill, Akao led part of his men in a charge uphill but found themselves pinned down by Chinese gunfire halfway up. A force of three squads had arrived, bringing with them what was urgently needed: knee mortars. They were accompanied by the officer with the broken sword. Akao directed the mortar fire towards the top of the hill, watching as each explosive shell detonated among the dense cluster of Chinese soldiers. Taking advantage of this momentary confusion and disarray, Akao and his men rapidly climbed the hill with swords drawn. Upon reaching the peak, they found only a few Chinese soldiers remaining. One of them pointed a handgun at the officer with the broken sword. Realizing he had no means of defending himself, the officer could only shout, “Bastard!” This unexpected outburst caused the Chinese soldier to hesitate for a brief moment before pulling the trigger. That split second marked the difference between life and death. Another Japanese officer, whose sword remained intact, lunged forward and cut down the would-be shooter. Following this, Akao and his men discovered the beleaguered Japanese squad. The soldiers' bodies had been mutilated almost beyond recognition. Some had their eyes gouged out, others had their noses or ears sliced off, and many were missing hands and feet. There were no survivors. In the early hours of December 9, just before dawn, advance units of the Japanese Army's 36th Regiment, consisting of infantry and light tanks, encountered fierce resistance from a battalion of the Chinese Training Division stationed at Hongmaoshan Hill, located southeast of the Nanjing city wall. A prolonged exchange of fire ensued, forcing the Chinese defenders to withdraw after sustaining heavy casualties. The Japanese, eager to capitalize on their advantage, followed closely. As the first light of dawn cut the horizon, they faced the imposing silhouette of the Nanjing city wall, which appeared more like a natural formation than a man-made structure. Despite their exhaustion, the soldiers erupted in victorious cries of "Banzai" and advanced energetically toward an enormous gate in the wall, this was the “Guanghua Men” or “the Gate of Enlightenment”. The Chinese defenders reigned fire, and artillery upon the Japanese columns. At that time, the gate remained shut; the moat surrounding the city was 500 feet wide and up to 15 feet deep, while the city wall towered 40 feet high. The approach to the gate was obstructed by an antitank ditch and five rows of Spanish riders, these are portable wooden frames wrapped in barbed wire. Along the road from the gate to the moat, additional rows of barbed wire further fortified the defenses. Two mountain guns, hastily transported through the rugged terrain during the 36th regiment's rapid advance to Nanjing, were positioned at the Antiaircraft Academy and commenced firing directly at the gate. While they succeeded in damaging the heavy wooden doors, it quickly became apparent that the gate had been reinforced from behind with solid beams and densely packed sandbags, so robust that, as one Japanese soldier noted, “even a row of ants wouldn't be able to make it through.” Shelling alone would not suffice to break through the defenses, prompting the call for engineers to venture into the open, exposed to enemy fire from the top of the wall, to attempt clearing the obstacles and detonating explosives at the base of the gate. While their comrades provided cover fire to keep the defenders suppressed, the engineers maneuvered past the Spanish riders to plant their explosives at the foot of the gates. An ear-splitting explosion shattered the morning air, but when the dust settled, the gate remained largely intact. To the Japanese attackers, the Chinese defenders appeared firmly entrenched; however, the reality was that they were nearing a breaking point. The artillery shelling, coupled with several Japanese air raids earlier in the day, had resulted in over 100 casualties surrounding the gate. Reinforcements were hastily summoned from nearby city sectors, including a platoon of military police cadets led by Lieutenant Xiang Hongyuan. Armed with six ZB vz 26 machine guns, the cadets commandeered a series of buses and made their way to the Gate of Enlightenment.  The hours before sunset dragged on with a tense stalemate around the Gate of Enlightenment, as neither side managed to achieve a decisive advantage. The Japanese engineers made two more perilous attempts to blow up the gate, only to find their explosives insufficient to breach the strong defenses. In a bold move, the Chinese defenders launched a risky assault outside the wall to incinerate a flour mill taller than the city wall, which, if captured, could provide the Japanese with an excellent observation point. The Chinese infantry, sprinting towards the building with jerry cans and wood, became easy targets for the Japanese fire. Despite suffering heavy losses, enough soldiers managed to reach the mill and set it ablaze. As the battle for the gate intensified on December 9, the elite 88th Division of the Chinese military became increasingly involved. The division's 262nd Brigade, comprising the 523rd and 524th Regiments, was tasked with defending the city wall between the Gate of Enlightenment and the Chinese Gate. One battalion from the 524th Regiment was dispatched to bolster the defenses at the Gate of Enlightenment. As the Japanese attacks escalated, this battalion incurred around 300 casualties. One notable instance saw 17 surviving members of a company withdraw from the battlefield, led by a platoon commander after both the company commander and his deputy had been killed. The 36th Japanese Regiment had two battalions positioned on either side of the gate, with a third held in reserve. However, that reserve battalion soon uncovered that their rear was just as perilous as the front. They were consistently attacked by Chinese stragglers from the countryside, who aimed to break through to the city gate. A Chinese unit also maintained control of a hill southwest of the Antiaircraft Academy, directing fire at Japanese soldiers within the campus. This ongoing threat from Chinese stragglers made it extremely challenging for the forward regimental positions to communicate with brigade headquarters at Qiweng Bridge farther behind. Several messengers lost their lives while trying. Ultimately, all communication shifted to wireless methods. On December 9 at noon, a solitary Japanese bomber appeared above Nanjing, but rather than its usual payload of bombs, it carried leaflets. Signed by General Matsui, the leaflets boldly declared the futility of resistance for the Chinese defenders. With Nanjing surrounded, the message conveyed that the Japanese had the power to bring the conflict directly to the Chinese. Instead, the leaflet urged surrender, stating, “The deadline for a response is tomorrow, that is the 10th”.. The Chinese were instructed to submit their response by noon to the Japanese lines near Sun Yat-sen Gate. The leaflet warned that if the Chinese did not comply, the Japanese would have no choice but to launch an assault. The tone was stern and intimidating: “The Japanese Army shall show no mercy toward those who offer resistance, treating them with extreme severity, but shall harm neither innocent civilians nor Chinese military personnel who manifest no hostility.” It emphasized the dire consequences that awaited anyone who did not lay down their arms. In response, Chinese General Tang Shengzhi reiterated his order for all troops under his command to fight to the last drop of blood. At around noon on December 10, a lone car approached Nanjing's city wall along the road from Jurong. Inside was Muto Akira, the vice chief of staff for the Central China Area Army, accompanied by another senior officer and an interpreter fluent in Chinese. Upon reaching the Japanese line near Sun Yat-sen Gate, they halted and waited. Their mission was to meet with representatives of the encircled Chinese garrison and receive their response to the previous day's request for surrender. As the minutes ticked by, there was no movement from the other side. After an hour of waiting, the three Japanese officials concluded their visit had been in vain. The vehicle turned around and retraced its path. Earlier that  morning, the Japanese had deployed a large balloon over the city wall, carrying a large white banner with a simple message in Chinese: “Give up this hopeless fight. Open the city gates and surrender!” However, this effort seemed to prove useless. As the morning progressed, Chinese shelling intensified, confirming that there was no intention among the defenders to surrender. The absence of a formal reply by the established deadline served as confirmation that the Japanese had no choice but to prepare for a massive frontal assault on the fortified city walls. Matsui wrote in his diary that day “Today at noon, we still hadn't received a reply from the Chinese to my offer of surrender. So I issued an order for the two armies to launch the attack on Nanjing beginning this afternoon. The resistance put up by the enemy is almost symbolic at this stage. It will certainly have no real effect.” The Japanese advance was set to occur along the entire front, targeting Chinese positions at Yuhuatai, the Gate of Enlightenment, Tongji Gate, and the heights of Purple Mountain. Still, one final option remained: the proposal for a three-day truce sent to both the Chinese and Japanese governments by Rabe and other foreign representatives from the day before might still be acceptable. However, this hope was dashed later that afternoon. Tang issued an order at 7:00 pm, calling for a fight to the bitter end. He warned that anyone leaving their post without permission would face severe punishment, and those failing to prevent others from withdrawing would also be penalized. Additionally, he dispatched Song Xilian and his 36th Division, his closest equivalent to a Praetorian Guard, to patrol the Yangtze docks and thwart any attempts to escape across the river. “We must defend the city with all our strength. We cannot give up an inch of our soil.” The battle for the Gate of Enlightenment remained fiercely contested. Soldiers of the 9th Japanese Infantry Division, surrounded by Chinese forces, found themselves questioning whether they were the ones laying siege or if it was the other way around. The division's 36th Regiment, entrenched directly in front of the gate, was effectively cut off from the rest of the division, lacking even a telephone line to the 18th Infantry Brigade's headquarters at Qiweng Bridge in the rear. The area was swarming with Chinese stragglers trying to return to their units. Japanese infantrymen who exposed themselves in the open risked being fired upon from all directions by unseen adversaries. Things changed at 8:00 am when the brigade's deputy commander climbed into an armored vehicle at Qiweng Bridge and led a supply column through terrain that was only partially under Japanese control. The column, carrying 500 artillery shells and machine gun ammunition, arrived without incident, replenishing the 36th Regiment, which was dangerously low on supplies. Soon after, signal troops established a telephone link to the regiment, enabling communication to flow freely. B 4:00 pm a breach had finally appeared in the outer gate. The Japanese artillery units could now see well-fortified sandbag positions inside the gate, which would also need to be destroyed, but for now, they had overcome their first obstacle. Cheers erupted among the batteries. Tang Shengzhi understood the significance of the Gate of Enlightenment in the battle for Nanjing. He had entrusted its defense to remnants of the elite German-trained 87th Infantry Division. He also deployed survivors from the 156th Division and dispatched armored cars to the section of the city wall and rolled artillery near the gate to provide close tactical support. Then suddenly cries of banzai rang out as a Rising Sun flag hoisted above the city gate. Major Ito Yoshimitsu, the commander of the 1st Battalion positioned near the Gate of Enlightenment had ordered his 1st Company to ascend the debris-laden slopes flanking the gate that had accumulated during hours of shelling. As the soldiers of the 1st Company infiltrated the gate, Ito quickly instructed the 4th Company to follow closely behind. By the time the Chinese forces recognized the critical breach in their defenses, it was too late. The two Japanese companies secured the gate and moved up to 100 yards inside the city, establishing positions in several buildings. They had created a foothold. A few miles southwest of the Gate of Enlightenment, the elite german trained 88th Chinese Infantry Division, was embroiled in fierce combat. They were defending the rugged hills in front of the Chinese Gate known as Yuhuatai, which were crucial to holding Nanjing. As General Sun Yuanliang, the division's commander, succinctly put it, “The enemy won't die by himself!” The division deployed its 527th Regiment to Yuhuatai alongside two artillery companies, while keeping the 528th Regiment in reserve. Although the 88th Division had once been part of the pre-war elite, it had suffered significant losses during months of grueling fighting, first in and around Shanghai and then during the retreat to Nanjing. The division now comprised only 6,000 to 7,000 soldiers, of which 3,000 were newcomers brought in to replenish their depleted ranks.  The division did possess one notable advantage over its opponents: the terrain. Yuhuatai was a nightmare for attackers. Military planners had long assumed invaders would assault from the south, leading to the fortification of the area. Consequently, the defenses included extensive antitank ditches, concrete-reinforced pillboxes, and rows of barbed wire, all designed to thwart an invasion. Moreover, Yuhuatai had frequently served as a training ground, allowing the 88th Division's soldiers to jump into prepared trenches during maneuvers. When the 6th Japanese Division arrived at Yuhuatai on December 10, it became immediately clear to its officers that the Chinese had transformed the area into a formidable stronghold. Strategically placed Chinese machine gun nests pinned down Japanese infantry, rendering them unable to advance or retreat. To counter this, the 6th Division set up its artillery to provide close tactical support, even at great risk. A battery commander was killed while maneuvering his guns to target a heavily fortified Chinese position. Despite the added firepower, the Japanese forces advanced slowly through the hilly landscape and sustained heavy casualties. They faced repeated obstacles from barbed wire barricades, which could only be dismantled by soldiers exposing themselves to pinpoint enemy fire. The Chinese defenders often fought to the last man; one Japanese officer noted that a pillbox had been locked from the outside, leaving the soldiers inside with no chance to escape. The experience of a company from the 6th Division's 23rd Regiment was typical. They found themselves pinned down in an antitank ditch, barely able to move. At the slightest motion, a vigilant Chinese machine gunner from a pillbox 50 yards away unleashed carefully aimed bursts of fire. Gradually, however, Japanese shelling began to weaken the Chinese positions, prompting the defenders to retreat one by one, even forcing the machine gunner to withdraw. When the Japanese troops finally emerged from cover, they spotted the fleeing gunner in the distance. Eager for revenge, they fired at him as he crossed a low ridge. He initially collapsed, only to rise again and continue fleeing. This cat-and-mouse chase occurred several times, and the Japanese soldiers couldn't tell whether they had hit him. Later that day, as they advanced further, they discovered him dead, still clutching his machine gun. The 6th Division faced the familiar issue of advancing too rapidly and bypassing Chinese units that still posed a threat. A 1,600-foot hill in the path of the 47th Regiment remained occupied by Chinese soldiers, who continued firing into the backs of the advancing Japanese troops. The Japanese forces managed to take the hill in the evening of December 10 and held it throughout the night despite repeated Chinese counterattacks. On the Chinese side, the 88th Division's 527th Regiment was engaged in particularly heavy fighting, but unlike their Japanese counterparts, they struggled with inadequate artillery support. Reluctant to risk valuable materiel, a concern that was rarely matched by a similar regard for personnel, Chinese commanders had positioned their artillery behind a low hill for protection against direct Japanese fire. However, this placement also meant they had no clear view of the enemy. Equipment lost in battle could not be replaced, but men lost were another matter. By the evening, the battle for the Gate of Enlightenment was reaching a critical point. Chinese commanders deployed every available unit to close the gap in their defenses created by the Japanese 36th Infantry Regiment, which had managed to establish a tenuous foothold near the gate. The pressure was immense, as there was no doubt that dire consequences awaited if the gate were lost. By midnight, a squad of southern Chinese soldiers from the 156th Division devised a ruthless plan to eliminate the remaining Japanese defenders, they intended to burn them out. Climbing the wall overlooking the Japanese positions with timber and cans of gasoline, they dropped burning logs onto the Japanese troops below at 1:00 am, trapping them under the heavy, flaming debris and inflicting devastating injuries. This cruel assault may have been driven by revenge, as many in the 156th Division had witnessed their comrades burned alive on the hilltop outside Nanjing just days earlier. By the morning the fight for the Gate of Enlightenment devolved into a stalemate. Nanjing was facing a siege. 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. General Tang Shengzhi led a defiant defense of Nanjing and  despite despair, civilians fortified the city, aware that its fall could shatter Chiang Kai-Shek's government. By early December, the Japanese were gradually surrounding the capital. Assaults were made against her walls and now it seemed the capital was about to face a brutal siege.

Future Planning Series: “Putting the Puzzle Pieces Together” with Amanda Owen You're not gonna want to miss this inspiring episode with author, speaker, and entrepreneur, Amanda Owen, founder and executive director of Puzzle Pieces in Owensboro, Kentucky. Amanda shares her journey from special education teacher and sibling to nonprofit leader, highlighting the challenges, triumphs, and personal motivations behind her mission. On this first episode of our Future Planning Series, We talk about the impact of community support, innovative programs, and how her organization transforms lives of individuals with intellectual disabilities. Don't miss Amanda's heartfelt stories and empowering message. Let's get started! Bio: Amanda Owen is a dynamic storyteller, advocate, and changemaker. As an author, speaker, podcaster, and nonprofit founder, she has dedicated her life to championing individuals with disabilities. Inspired by her older brother Nick, one of the first in the world diagnosed with a rare chromosomal disability, Amanda's journey into advocacy began at home. This unique experience ignited her passion for inclusion and advocacy from a young age. Determined to make a difference, Amanda became a special education teacher but soon realized her vision for empowering families extended beyond the classroom. Over 12 years ago, she made the bold decision to leave teaching and launch Puzzle Pieces, a Kentucky-based nonprofit that provides life-changing services to individuals with disabilities. From residential living to vocational training, supported employment, and the region's only targeted autism programming, Amanda's organization now serves over 400 clients with the support of a dedicated team of 100+ staff members and a $6 million operating budget. Amanda's work has set a new standard for disability services both statewide and nationally. She was appointed by the Kentucky Governor to the Employment First Council and was recognized as a 40 Under 40 influential leader in her community. As a sought-after speaker, she shares her unique sibling perspective and insights on advocacy with audiences across the country. Amanda's recently released memoir, "Rarely Different," offers a deeply personal look into her life as a special needs sibling, providing a perspective that resonates with many families navigating similar challenges. Her life's mission is clear: to ensure people with disabilities are not just included, but celebrated within their communities. Amanda's infectious energy and relentless optimism inspire everyone around her to dream big, work hard, and embrace the lessons that come with failure. Above all, Amanda encourages people to show up authentically and never forget to find joy in the journey. Amanda loves connecting with families and caregivers, offering support, sharing experiences, and building a community of understanding. Connect with her on Instagram @pieceofmebyamanda or visit her website at piecesofme.org to follow along on her journey and learn more. www.piecesofme.org www.puzzle-pieces.org @piecesofmebyamanda www.piecesofme.org www.puzzle-pieces.org @piecesofmebyamanda   For a family raising a child with special needs, life can be difficult. There are many storms to weather and struggles to address, and we often feel isolated and alone due to the nature of our circumstances. Families have a need to connect and find resources, a need to be encouraged, and a need for hope as we walk down what can be a very hard road at times. Hope on the Hard Road Special Needs Podcast was created for this purpose. Our vision is to grow a thriving community, where families with children of all ages with special needs can feel connected, be encouraged, and find hope for the road ahead. Connect with Us: If you enjoy this podcast please share us with others and be sure to follow us so won't miss an episode. We'd love to hear from you so please leave us a comment or rating and connect with us on social media or on our website. Email us: info@hopeonthehardroad.org Website: https://hopeonthehardroad.org/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hopeonthehardroad/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hopeonthehardroad/ Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2621447987943459 Free Youtube Resource Library: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsSAfvTkSy87X-fEqtVR2qvo7w9UQBuxz   Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Hope on the Hard Road, Inc. This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional, medical, or legal advice.

In this episode of the Born Wild Podcast, Sophia Henderson sits down with Rachael, midwife and creatrix of the Elemental Birth Rites course journey, to explore the profound intersections of loss, birth, and personal transformation. Drawing from her own experiences with miscarriage and witnessing challenging birth stories, Rachael shares how these moments shaped her approach to midwifery and deepened her reverence for the sacredness of birth.The conversation touches on the importance of addressing the “mother wound,” embracing rites of passage, and integrating ancestral healing into the birth space. Rachael also speaks to the significance of self-care for caregivers and the need to normalize discussions around loss in pregnancy.⸻What You'll Learn: • How personal loss shaped Rachael's path into midwifery • Why miscarriage and loss must be openly acknowledged and supported • The role of ancestral healing, shadow work, and earth-based spirituality in birth work • Understanding and healing the “mother wound” • Threshold tending and rites of passage in pregnancy and birth • Why self-care is essential for midwives and birth workers • How death and birth are interconnected as sisters • The vision and offerings of the Elemental Birth Rites course journey⸻Guest Bio:Rachael is the creatrix of the Elemental Birth Rites course journey and founder of Elemental Midwifery in rural Maine. Her background in alternative healing—massage therapy, sound healing, herbal medicine, and more—deeply informs her approach to midwifery. Since graduating in 2015, Rachael has provided home birth care in the mountains of Colorado and beyond, witnessing firsthand the impact of unprocessed trauma in the birth space.Determined to address the emotional, spiritual, and ancestral dimensions of birth, she created the Elemental Birth Rites course journey, a synthesis of ancestral healing, transpersonal psychology, and earth-based spirituality. Through her work, podcast (Reclaiming the Sacred Feminine Arts), and community offerings, Rachael supports families and birth workers in honoring the full spectrum of the birth experience.⸻Links and Resources Mentioned:

Welcome to the Word of Life AG podcast! Today Pastor Tom Wood is beginning a new series filled with vision, but first… If you're looking for next steps, please head to our website at https://www.wordoflifeag.org/

Sunday Morning 9/7/2025

A woman in Henan Province received Dafa books from a relative in 1998 and cherished the Fa and began to cultivate along with many others in her county. When the CCP began persecuting Falun Dafa, and she went to Tiananmen Square and unfurled a banner supporting Falun Dafa. When questioned by the police she was […]

Carl and Mike come back and revisit some of their conversation with Rick Stroud as he spoke with them about what the Bucs are going to be asking of Baker Mayfield to which Stroud shares Todd Bowles and the coaching staff want him to be himself and have some of who he was at Oklahoma in him. As they discuss they note Stroud's comments in regards to the Bucs coming to Atlanta with a "bad taste in their mouth" after losing both games to the Falcons last season.

What is sacred birthing? How does a mother follow her instincts while having past trauma and fears? How can we support birthing in today's world of over intervention and AI? What does mother and baby really need?  Special Guest Episode: Sunni- "At 10, I told my mother that I was going to deliver babies when I grew up. In 1979, I founded The Lancaster Waldorf School in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. For the next 6 years, I taught kindergarten and found that these very young children, ages 3-6 were already wounded. This was a surprise to me, and soon I was shown that these wounds were formed in the womb in the period from conception, thru birth, and was also directly related to the child's birth trauma. Since 1987 I have been a Past Life Therapist of the Netherton method. This is a method of resolving beliefs, phobias, and patterns of stress in the present, by using past lives as source material. This modality has accomplished great equanimity in the emotional responses of my clients. Past life therapy again directed me to become a midwife since I ‘discovered' that birth contains the seeds of all patterns in adult life. In the process of resolving my very traumatic, near-death birth, I was unknowingly pushed me toward my life's passion. Since 1994, I have been a practicing Midwife, helping parents to understand the importance of pregnancy and birth and how it affects the entire life of their child. I have delivered many babies in a way that supports and allows their vast consciousness to be accessed as a newborn and child. When birth is gentle and non-traumatic to the physical and emotional body, only then is the highest consciousness maintained. I am the author of Sacred Birthing, Birthing A New Humanity. This is a work that addresses newborn trauma, but more importantly, how NOT to create trauma at birth. It includes a handbook for parents and midwives to accomplish this end. Please see:www.sacredbirthing.com. In 2005, I taught workshops in New Zealand and Australia to help resolve birth trauma in adults. 6 workshops in various cities were held, teaching about and helping them re-experience their birth, in order to understand the connection to the patterns within their lives today. I am a grandmother of 6, the children of my 2 deliciously different son and daughter." Books: Sacred Birthing, Birthing a New Humanity Conceiving Souls of Magnificence, Pearls of Sacred Birthing, Making Love to Source. Contact her works at www.sacredbirthing.com & IG @sacredbirthing  

On today's episode, I sit down with Scott DeLuzio, an army veteran who served in the Connecticut Army National Guard as an infantryman between 2005-2011 and was deployed to Afghanistan in 2010. Scott discusses the challenges veterans face, including mental health issues and the search for purpose after service. He highlights the importance of community support, the complexities of combat experiences, and the role of humor in coping with trauma. During his deployment, tragically, Scott became a Gold Star Brother when his younger brother, Sergeant Steven DeLuzio was killed in action while they were both deployed only miles apart from each other in Afghanistan. Scott’s experiences in combat and the loss of his brother have fueled his passion for veteran advocacy and honoring the legacy of those who served. After returning home, Scott struggled with PTSD, grief, and the transition to civilian life. Determined to address the mental health challenges facing veterans, he launched the Drive On Podcast, now in its fifth year with over 450 episodes.   Links Scott's Website  My new thriller How It Falls Apart out now

Tá an teicneolaíocht fite fuaite i mbeagnach gach gné dár saoil laethúil. Mar sin féin, ní thuigeann muid i gcónaí an taobh diúltach den nuálaíocht seo, cé go bhfuil na bagairtí a bhaineann le Big Tech feicthe againn arís agus arís eile. Oibríonn Pat de Brún agus a fhoireann chun an dochar atá á dhéanamh ag na comhlachtaí teicneolaíochta a nochtadh. Láithreoir: Tessa Fleming, Aoi: Pat de Brún (Head of Big Tech Accountability le Amnesty International) Foclóir: Cearta daonna: Human rights Imscrúdú: Investigation Mífhaisnéis: Misinformation Abhcóideacht: Advocacy Gníomhaíochas: Activism Cos ar bolg: Oppress Brabús: Profit Gealltanais folmha: Empty promises Claontacht: Bias Marfach: Leathal Fianaise: Evidence Cinsireacht: Censorship Ardán: Platform Rialtas Údarásach: Authoritatian Government Cosaintóirí cearta daonna: Human rights defenders Tacú: support Sárú: Infringement or breach of Airdeallach: Alert Cinedhíothú: Genocide Dualgas: Obligation Dearadh: Design See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Finding a bra that truly fits and feels good can feel impossible but it shouldn't have to be! In this episode, we sit down with Bree McKeen, the founder of Evelyn & Bobbie, who knows this struggle firsthand. As a 34G woman, Bree experienced years of discomfort, from aching shoulders and headaches to posture problems, before deciding to take matters into her own hands. She left a career in finance to create a brand focused on comfort, support, and solutions that actually work for real women. Tune in to hear her journey and tips for finding a bra that supports both your body and your health.  The Flourish Heights Podcast was made for women, by women. To be empowered in health starts with a true connection with your body. Join Valerie Agyeman, Women's Health Dietitian as she breaks through topics surrounding periods, women's nutrition, body awareness, and self-care.  About Bree McKeen Bree McKeen is the visionary founder and CEO of Evelyn & Bobbie, a brand revolutionizing the intimates industry with a focus on comfort, innovation, and inclusivity. As a 34G woman, Bree endured years of discomfort from traditional underwire bras, experiencing shoulder pain, tension headaches, and posture issues. Determined to find a solution, she left a promising career in finance to create a better alternative. Drawing from her background in medical anthropology and business, Bree developed the patented EB Core® technology, a structural innovation that offers support without the discomfort of underwires. Since launching in 2019, Evelyn & Bobbie has grown rapidly, now available in over 300 stores across the U.S., with net sales reaching $17 million and a 93% year-over-year growth. Beyond business success, Bree is deeply committed to honoring the women who inspired her brand. Evelyn & Bobbie is named after her grandmother, Evelyn, a model and starlet who epitomized elegance, and her aunt, Bobbie, a seamstress and entrepreneur who instilled in Bree a passion for design and detail. Bree's journey reflects her belief that comfort and performance are non-negotiable, and she continues to lead with a vision to redefine what lingerie can and should be. Connect with Bree McKeen: IG: @BreeMckeen x Evelyn & Bobbie: @EvelynBobbie Website: www.evelynbobbie.com   Stay Connected: Is there a topic you'd like covered on the podcast? Submit it to hello@flourishheights.com Subscribe to our quarterly newsletters: Flourish Heights Newsletter Visit our website + nutrition blog: www.flourishheights.com Follow us on social media: Instagram: @flourishheights / Women's Health Hub: @flourishvulva / @valerieagyeman Facebook: @flourishheights Twitter: @flourishheights Want to support this podcast? Leave a rating, write a review and share! Thank you!

After years of severe constipation and a diagnosis of colonic inertia at 13, I was told at 16 that my only option was surgery to remove most of my bowel. Feeling hopeless, I searched for alternatives and discovered colon hydrotherapy, which provided instant relief and changed my life. Learning to do enemas at home gave me control over my health, and through detoxification with coffee enemas, I experienced a complete transformation - clear skin, mental clarity, and even the ability to conceive naturally despite previous medical doubts. Determined to share this life changing knowledge, I became a colon hydrotherapist and founded Happy Bum Co to break the stigma surrounding gut health and provide simple, effective solutions. Today, Happy Bum Co is a global leader in at-home detox, empowering individuals to reclaim their well-being, and I am so grateful to be part of this movement.https://happybumco.com/https://www.facebook.com/happybumcohttps://www.instagram.com/happybumco/________________________________________________________________________________________Come join my Buff Muff Community www.buffmuff.comThank you so much for listening! I use fitness and movement to help women prevent and overcome pelvic floor challenges like incontinence and organ prolapse. There is help for women in all life stages! Every Woman Needs A Vagina Coach! Please make sure to LEAVE A REVIEW and SUBSCRIBE to the show for the best fitness and wellness advice south of your belly button. *******************I recommend checking out my comprehensive pelvic health education and fitness programs on my Buff Muff AppYou can also join my next 28 Day Buff Muff Challenge https://www.vaginacoach.com/buffmuffIf you are feeling social you can connect with me… On Facebook https://www.facebook.com/VagCoachOn Instagram https://www.instagram.com/vaginacoach/On Twitter https://twitter.com/VaginaCoachOn The Web www.vaginacoach.comGet your Feel Amazing Vaginal Moisturizer Here

Last time we spoke about the battle of Lake Tai. In November 1937, as Japanese forces advanced, Nanjing's fate hung in the balance. Commander Tang Shengzhi led the desperate defense amidst disarray among Chinese generals, many advocating retreat. Despite political strife, civilians rallied, fortifying the city, knowing its fall could destroy Chiang Kai-Shek's government. On November 19, Japanese Commander Yanagawa seized the moment, directing his troops towards Nanjing, igniting panic in Tokyo.  As fierce battles erupted around Lake Tai, the Chinese forces, though outmatched in technology, employed guerilla tactics and stubborn resistance. Chinese artillery delivered devastating blows, and bold counterattacks kept Japanese momentum in check. However, as the month closed, the tide turned, logistical challenges and internal chaos hampered communication. The stage was set for one of the darkest chapters of modern Chinese history, where the battle for Nanjing would symbolize the struggle against oppression.   #165 Nanjing Surrounded Welcome to the Fall and Rise of China Podcast, I am your dutiful host Craig Watson. But, before we start I want to also remind you this podcast is only made possible through the efforts of Kings and Generals over at Youtube. Perhaps you want to learn more about the history of Asia? Kings and Generals have an assortment of episodes on history of asia and much more  so go give them a look over on Youtube. So please subscribe to Kings and Generals over at Youtube and to continue helping us produce this content please check out www.patreon.com/kingsandgenerals. If you are still hungry for some more history related content, over on my channel, the Pacific War Channel where I cover the history of China and Japan from the 19th century until the end of the Pacific War. On December 1st, Jiangyin fell. That same day Japanese Army General Staff Deputy Chief Tada Hayao arrived to the Shanghai region to conduct an inspection of the front lines and personally deliver Tokyo's orders authorizing an assault upon Nanjing. The directive was exceptionally brief: “The Central China Area Army is to attack Nanjing in coordination with the Navy.”  Later that same day, at 7:00 pm more detailed instructions were issued by the Central China Area Army. The 10th Army was set to begin its decisive assault on Nanjing on December 3, advancing along two primary routes toward the capital. The left flank was to advance through Wuhu, while the right flank would move via the city of Lishui. The Shanghai Expeditionary Force, having endured more strain than the 10th Army due to its longer tenure at the front, was scheduled to launch its attack two days later, concentrating its forces around Danyang and Jurong. On December 2nd, Matsui received a promotion, given overall command of the Central China Area Army. The responsibility for the Shanghai Expeditionary Force was entrusted to a recent appointee in the Shanghai theater, Prince Asaka Yasuhiko, a member of the Imperial family. As Matsui noted in his diary that day "It's a great honor”. He promptly issued orders to ensure the prince's comfort and safety by all available means. At the age of 55, Prince Asaka, Emperor Hirohito's uncle, boasted a successful military background, including a tenure at the Japanese embassy in Paris. However, this experience had left its mark on him in two significant ways: he walked with a limp due to a car accident in France and spoke French fluently. Despite his talents and efforts, he did not earn the highest regard from Hirohito. He had not demonstrated the loyalty expected of him during the February 26th Coup attempt in 1936 and had since been met with a cold shoulder from the emperor Command in China presented a crucial opportunity for him to restore his standing in the eyes of Hirohito. Meanwhile over in the capital a war for air supremacy raged. More and more soviet pilots were arriving alongside their Polikarpov I-16 fighters. Exhausted from the long distance travel to Nanjing, the Soviet pilots were given no respite and tossed into the fray, performing 5 sorties in their first day. The Soviets were kept very busy as the Japanese increasingly unleashed raids against the airfields in the Nanjing region. The raids became so intense, the Chinese had to relocate their aircraft to bases hundreds of miles behind the front. While the Polikarpov I-16's were severely hampering the Japanese, suddenly a new adversary emerged. The Mitsubishi A5M fighter, still a prototype was rushed into service to help escort the bombers. This was the predecessor to the legendary A6M Zero fighter. Like I mentioned previously I wrote the Kings and Generals episode on the A6M Zero Fighter's history and over at my patreon I have a hour long podcast on it. Needless to say the A5M changed everything in the theater, taking away the advantage the Soviet fighters had wielded for a brief window of time.  At 9:00 am on December 2, a small customs cruiser waving a swastika flag docked at the Nanjing waterfront after making an overnight journey down the Yangtze River from Wuhan. German Ambassador Oskar Trautmann quickly disembarked, accompanied by embassy councilor Heinz Lautenschlager and Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Xu Mo. Trautmann's mission was so secretive that although he had dined with a secretary from the Italian embassy, an Axis partner just hours before departing from Wuhan, he made no mention of his impending trip.  Despite the secrecy surrounding his visit, news of Trautmann's arrival in Nanjing spread rapidly within the German community. Businessman John Rabe, noted in his diary that day “I assume his return has something to do with Germany's attempt to act as a mediator”. Just before Trautmann's arrival, Chiang Kai-shek had a meeting with his closest advisers, primarily military generals. Vice Foreign Minister Xu briefed those present on the peace conditions proposed by the Japanese nearly a month prior. Many in attendance were hearing these terms for the first time and were startled to discover that Japan did not require reductions in Chinese armaments. Bai Chongxi was the first to speak “If these are the only terms, then why should there be war?” Given that the Japanese proposal seemed to allow for the continuity of the Kuomintang led Chinese nation, the generals present, including Tang Shengzhi, agreed to use it as a basis for negotiations. Later, at 5:00 pm Chiang met with Trautmann. The German diplomat said “I believe it is necessary for China to declare its willingness to discuss the Japanese terms in a conciliatory spirit.” Chiang replied, “I intend to do so, but I also expect the same from Japan.” Chiang then explained that they needed to be addressed for peace talks with Japan to proceed, explicitly stating that he would not accept Japanese control over northern China and that he was unwilling to sacrifice his recent friendship with the Soviet Union to achieve peace with Japan. Having secured Chiang's agreement to initiate talks with Japan, Trautmann promptly returned to the German embassy to report to his superiors in Berlin. He then headed back to the docks, boarding the same vessel that had brought him to Nanjing, traveling back up the dark Yangtze River. One particular concern weighed heavily on Trautmann's mind: a request from Chiang to maintain absolute secrecy regarding the upcoming Sino-Japanese negotiations. Trautmann believed that Germany should support this request. He was convinced that if news leaked about Chiang's willingness to engage with the despised Japanese, it could spell the end of his government in China, allowing the Soviets to take charge. At this time, both the Germans and Japanese feared fragmenting China further. Both wanted the Kuomintang to remain in charge and maintain the status quo as they benefitted from it greatly. Staff officer Kawabe Torashiro after a recent tour of the front lines had this to say, “To dismantle the Chiang regime would leave it in a dire situation, giving it the desperate tenacity of a cornered rat in its struggle against Japan. Whether we destroy it or not, we would ultimately contribute to a fragmented China for many years, one that would be a significant drain on the Empire's resources well into the future.” Meanwhile, the city of Changzhou fell on December 2nd, without any resistance. Private Azuma Shiro landed at Changzhou and was ordered alongside his 20th regiment to prepare an assault upon Danyang,  a walled city located about 25 miles northwest of Changzhou. The road between the two locations was nearly straight, running parallel to the railway connecting Shanghai and Nanjing, allowing the 20th Regiment to make swift progress. Upon arriving at Danyang, Azuma's platoon cautiously approached a bamboo grove concealing a Chinese position. Suddenly, a ZB vz 26 machine gun opened fire. Taking cover, the Japanese soldiers entered a nearby cemetery, where the small grave mounds offered some protection. The platoon's knee mortars responded, firing shells that silenced the machine gun. Seizing the opportunity, they launched their assault, swords raised and bayonets fixed, shouting at the top of their lungs. As they closed the distance to the bamboo grove, the machine gun sliced them down. When they finally reached the trench, they discovered it was already abandoned; the occupants had fled mere moments before. Danyang also fell on December 2, clearing one of the significant obstacles in the 16th Division's path to Jurong. Meanwhile to the south, the 9th Division was advancing from Tianwangsi towards Chunhua village, just miles from the capital, while elements of the 3rd Division were also making significant headway. At the northern end of the front, the Amaya Detachment was approaching the Yangtze port city of Zhenjiang, preparing to cross the river and sweep west along the opposite bank. As Matsui noted in his diary that day “The enemy's entire defensive line has been breached, and their morale has declined sharply. I believe there won't be much fight left in them moving forward”. Although the Shanghai Expeditionary Force had yet to launch its final assault on the capital, the soldiers were managing to advance at an impressive pace. Matsui noted in his diary on December 4th “I plan for an orderly occupation of Nanjing. Before entering the city, we must offer Chiang Kai-shek or the garrison commander the opportunity to surrender. While occupying Nanjing, I hope we can avoid unnecessary damage to the city and harm to the population.” Over in Nanjing, Henri Johan Diederick de Fremery, a Dutch officer serving as an advisor to the Chinese army, had assessed the city's fortifications prior to the war and found them lacking. He noted that coastal batteries had been installed to the north and northeast of the city, including outdated muzzle-loaders. In his report he stated  “They might serve against warship attacks, but who would think of attacking this city with warships?” Although some artillery pieces were positioned along the city wall, they were insufficient in number. Some locations were poorly constructed due to material shortages. For instance, a portion of the wall between Sun Yat-sen Gate and the Gate of Enlightenment had been reinforced with makeshift structures, concrete on the outside and a fragile network of bamboo within. It was a façade that would collapse upon the impact of the first Japanese shell. Natural obstacles like Purple Mountain to the east and the Yuhuatai hills to the south existed, but little was done to incorporate these features into the defensive network. The river, which served as a natural moat, became shallower on the eastern side, allowing for relatively easy crossing. As further noted by de Fremery “Nanking cannot be justifiably termed a heavily defended city”. Meanwhile the Chinese Army was engaged in a frantic effort to prepare for the anticipated Japanese onslaught. Engineers readied to demolish strategic bridges, and in many cases, entire villages were set ablaze, blackening the horizon with thick smoke. Heart-wrenching scenes unfolded as farmers were evicted from homes that had been in their families for generations.  By the end of the first week of winter, distant bombings echoed through the air, with explosions powerful enough to rattle windows within the city. The front lines were alarmingly close, leading to a steady influx of injured Chinese soldiers into Nanjing on foot. A pervasive sense of foreboding enveloped the city. Amidst the gloom, there lingered a belief that despite impending challenges, life would somehow continue. On the morning of December 3, a ship departed from Nanjing, loaded with treasures that represented three millennia of Chinese history. Thousands of crates filled with irreplaceable bronzes, porcelain, paintings, and other art objects were sent upriver. These invaluable items had been moved from Beijing four years earlier and stored in vaults in Nanjing. It was evident that the situation could deteriorate rapidly, leaving little time to respond. On December 5, all US citizens in Nanjing were urged to pack their essential belongings and be prepared to leave the city on short notice. The following day, a final order was issued: all American passport holders were directed to make their way to the Yangtze docks and board a river gunboat awaiting them, the USS Panay. As the Japanese Army advanced westward toward Nanjing, it left behind a horrifying trail of arson, rape, and murder. Helpless civilians who fell into the hands of the victorious soldiers endured brutal treatment that often defied comprehension. Now similar to other episodes I have done on my own channel or Pacific War Week by Week, this is a disclaimer, I am about to talk about some gut wrenching horrifying stuff. We are reaching Nanjing, and yes the infamous massacre is going to be told to the fullest. So warning, its about to get graphic. At the hamlet of Nanqiantou 38 residents were met with atrocities that would become more and more common. The Japanese Army set fire to the twelve homes that comprised the hamlet, forcing the captives to witness the destruction. When some of the residents attempted to escape and salvage their belongings, the soldiers trapped them inside, locking the doors and sealing their fate as the roofs collapsed in flames. Among the victims, two women, one of whom was pregnant, were subjected to repeated rapes. In a particularly gruesome act, the soldiers “cut open the belly of the pregnant woman and gouged out the fetus.” Amid the chaos, a 2 year old boy cried out, and a soldier seized him from his mother's arms, throwing him into the flames. The frantic mother was bayoneted and discarded into a nearby creek. The remaining captives met a similar fate, dragged to the water's edge, stabbed, and pushed into the stream. The 170 miles between Shanghai and Nanjing transformed into a nightmarish wasteland of death and destruction. For miles, the only living beings visible were the deceased. The reputation of the Japanese soldiers preceded them, leading many Chinese civilians to prefer a swift death at their own hands rather than the prospect of a slow demise at the hands of the Japanese. While passing through the town of Pinghu on their way to Nanjing, First Lieutenant Nishizawa Benkichi and his men from the 114th Division spotted two Chinese girls across a river. They appeared to be strolling hand in hand, possibly sisters. As they stepped onto a bridge, the girls began to walk towards the Japanese soldiers but suddenly stopped. Still clasping hands, they jumped into the river, disappearing into the swift current. Military efficiency was accompanied by a staggering brutality, where victories against armed opponents were often followed by the massacre of unarmed women and children. This pattern parallels the incomprehensible behavior of German soldiers on the Eastern Front, though there are significant differences. The Germans viewed themselves as a superior race compared to their Slavic adversaries, labeling them as "untermensch." In contrast, the Japanese could not deny their connections to the Chinese. Japan's historical role as a major influence on Chinese civilization was undeniable, as reflected in aspects as basic as the shared writing system. To many Japanese, their nation's relationship with China resembled that of two brothers, one younger and righteous, the other older and misguided, in need of redemption. Matsui Iwane embodied this perspective. Alongside his military duties, he held a deep interest in fostering cooperation among the peoples of Asia, who he believed remained under the yoke of Western imperialism. Since his youth, Matsui had been captivated by China, and while other ambitious officers sought postings in Western capitals like Paris or London, he applied to serve in China, remaining there for nearly a decade as part of Japan's diplomatic representation. By the 1930s, Matsui's commitment to this pan-Asian vision had gained a political dimension, leading him to become a prominent founder of the Greater Asia Association in 1933. This of course was created mostly through the work of Kanji Ishiwara. What was once a exclusive on my patreon can be found over at Echoes of War or my youtube channel, its a four part series on the life of Ishiwara and it goes into the history of how he tried to forge pan asianism, but ultimately failed against his adversaries like Hideki Tojo. Its fascinating stuff, please if you are interested check it out on youtube and comment where you came from.  This organization, though dominated by Japan, has been described as "probably the single most influential organization propagating Pan-Asianism during the 15 year war. During a visit to China in late 1935, Matsui helped establish the Chinese Greater Asia Association in the northern port city of Tianjin. For individuals like Matsui, Japan's actions on the Asian mainland were akin to liberating its peoples. They viewed the establishment of the Japanese-controlled puppet state, Manchukuo, in northeast China in 1932, as a bold experiment in nation-building, hoping the rest of China would benefit similarly. As Matsui wrote in 1933 “Next, we must also extend to the 400 million people of China the same help and deep sympathy that we provided to Manchuria, relieving them of their miserable condition of political, economic, and intellectual subjugation by various countries of the world.” The violence perpetrated by the Japanese Army stemmed from numerous variables. One was a grotesque belief they were actually liberators to what they deemed, ungrateful Chinese. The Japanese believed their presence in China was partly for the benefit of the Chinese people and felt a messianic obligation to save them. This led to frustration akin to that of a father confronting a disobedient son, compelling them to punish what they perceived as disobedience. While the rank-and-file soldiers might not have reflected deeply on these issues, such philosophies filtered down from their leaders. Of course there is a lot more to it, and sorry again for shamelessly plugging it, but on my patreon I specifically did an episode titled “why the Japanese army was so brutal” where I went through everything involved. It ran from cultural issues, to the brutal system of abuse in the military, to racism, radicalization of male youth in Japan, its a very complicated matter. Because again, most of the atrocities were committed by 20-30 year old grunts who had families back home. This was not like the traditional “I was following orders” type of situation, these were atrocities committed by the lowest ranks upwards.  The safety zone, created by Rabe and a handful of other foreigners, began to take shape in the first week of December. It was officially announced, and four committees were established to manage food, housing, finances, and sanitation. Once the plans for the zone were publicized in local newspapers, scared Chinese civilians flocked to it by the hundreds. From its inception, the zone faced numerous problems. Thousands of bags of rice and flour intended for the future residents of the zone were left unguarded and quickly looted, leading many to assume they had been stolen by military personnel. More troubling were the issues that arose when Chinese military units began digging trenches and setting up field telephones within the safety zone, putting it at heightened risk of a Japanese attack. Chinese officers assured organizers that they would vacate the area, but the delay led to growing frustration among those overseeing the zone. Until all Chinese soldiers withdrew, the organizers could not erect flags to formally designate the area as demilitarized. Although the Japanese refused to officially recognize the safety zone, they pledged to respect it.    Following the outbreak of the battle for Shanghai, the Chinese Red Cross stepped in where military medicine had faltered, establishing first-aid teams and emergency hospitals while ensuring that wounded soldiers were accommodated in existing medical facilities. In October, they opened a 3,000-bed hospital on the campus of the National Central University, staffed by 300 doctors, nurses, and 400 orderlies. By the end of October, the hospital had admitted 1,200 patients and performed over 50 operations daily, primarily amputations. However, as the Japanese forces advanced toward Nanjing, doctors and nurses were evacuated westward along the Yangtze River. The entire Red Cross hospital was dismantled, and at the American Mission Hospital, the staff, which had initially numbered nearly 200 doctors, nurses, and trained personnel, dwindled to just 11 by the onset of winter.  With medical facilities on the brink of collapse, a group of foreigners took the initiative to improve conditions, achieving small victories along the way.  Back at the front, the 10th Army continued their march to Nanjing. On the right flank, the 114th Division had marched through Liyang within hours, covering 40 miles over the next two days to reach Lishui on December 4. Behind them, the 6th Division was still lagging somewhat, struggling to catch up after making a large detour east of Lake Tai. The Kunisaki Detachment was tasked with reaching the Yangtze at Taiping, crossing the river, and heading for Pukou, directly opposite Nanjing, to cut off any retreating Chinese forces. To the left of the 6th and 114th Divisions, the 18th Division received orders on December 2 to march northwest from the Guangde area toward Nanjing. However, when intelligence reports indicated that large numbers of Chinese troops were withdrawing south toward Ningguo, trying to escape encirclement, thus the 18th Division had its mission altered. On December 4, they were instructed to change course and press straight west, aiming to trap as many Chinese soldiers as possible. The residents of Nanjing were jolted awake by the roar of airplanes shortly before 6:00 am on December 7. It was the sound of Chiang Kai-shek and Song Meiling departing the capital. Three days before his departure, Japanese forces had advanced dangerously close, and their shelling had intensified to the point that he was forced to move from his residence on Purple Mountain to a villa belonging to a famous scholar who had since passed away, located within the city walls. While organizing his departure, Chiang kept the morale of the troops and civilians trapped in Nanjing at the forefront of his mind. In his diary, Chiang noted, “Staying in Nanjing until the last moment has not only enabled us to complete military preparations, but it has also boosted the morale of soldiers and civilians alike. The evacuation of necessary material has been carried out without disorder. I cannot imagine what might have happened if I had left ten days earlier.” On one of his last nights in Nanjing, Chiang gathered all officers of major general rank and above at Tang Shengzhi's headquarters in the Railroad Ministry. With the First Lady by his side, he delivered an inspiring pep talk ahead of the impending battle, emphasizing that although the Chinese had faced temporary setbacks, they had managed to strike back at the Japanese forces, thwarting their plans for a swift victory. Additionally, he noted that China had garnered the sympathy and support of the international community. “You're being watched by the entire nation, indeed by the whole world. We cannot abandon Nanjing!” He then formally handed overall responsibility for the defense of the capital to Tang Shengzhi, urging the officers to obey him as they would obey Chiang himself. He insisted that this would not be merely a symbolic fight; a sustained defense of Nanjing could tie down Japanese forces, giving the bulk of the Chinese Army the opportunity to regroup and strengthen. He promised that three divisions, fully equipped and at peak strength, would soon arrive from the southwestern province of Yunnan. He pledged to personally lead them back to Nanjing to break the siege.  Meanwhile on the front of the Shanghai Expeditionary Force, the 16th Division had broken through Chinese lines at the crucial town of Jurong, located 30 miles east of the Nanjing city wall, and was now advancing toward the village of Tangshui. To the south, the 9th Division had reached Chunhua, another strategic town straddling the approaches to the capital. Meanwhile, to the north, soldiers from the 13th Division were crossing the Yangtze River at Zhenjiang to establish a foothold on the other side. Progress was similarly swift in the 10th Army's sector. The 114th Division had advanced all the way to Molingguan, a town less than 20 miles south of Nanjing. The 6th Division, having rushed to the front since the order to capture China's capital had been issued in early December, was expected to arrive later that day. To the south of these two divisions, the 18th Division was set to capture the city of Ningguo while continuing its push toward the Yangtze, effectively completing the encirclement of Nanjing. By December 5th, Matsui and his staff completed its transfer from Shanghai to Suzhou, they issued a general directive for the attack on Nanjing. This order outlined two possible scenarios. In the best-case outcome, the Chinese defenders would surrender and open the city gates. In that event, each Japanese division would send in one battalion to complete the pacification of the city and eliminate any remaining pockets of resistance from soldiers unwilling to capitulate. In the worst-case scenario, if the Chinese commanders disregarded Japanese offers to surrender and prepared for a prolonged defense of their capital, Japan would unleash the full force of its artillery on the city. Each division would then send in one regiment to breach the city gates and engage in a fierce battle, fighting street by street and house by house. It quickly became evident to the Japanese, the Chinese had no intention to simply hand over their capital. New York times correspondent, F Tillman Durdin witnessed action between the recently arrived 154th and 156th divisions from southern China who were quickly encircled atop a cone-shaped peak. “The Japanese set a ring of fire around the peak. The flames, consuming trees and grass, gradually crept closer and closer to the summit, forcing the Chinese upward until, huddled together, they were mercilessly machine-gunned to death.” As the Japanese troops closed in on Nanjing, the level of destruction left in the wake of the Chinese defenders became increasingly apparent. Near the capital, hardly a bridge remained intact as efforts intensified to hinder the invaders. The rush to reach Nanjing heightened rivalries within the Japanese Army. In early December, soldiers from the 16th Infantry Division traversed hilly terrain at what they believed was a vigorous pace. Suddenly, to their left, they spotted a parallel column of Japanese soldiers, quickly identifying them as members of the 9th Infantry Division's 35th Regiment. The company commander shouted “Don't let the 35th beat us to Nanjing! Get moving!”  Cities, towns, villages, and hamlets lay in the path of Japan's multifaceted advance on Nanjing. Some areas fell without much resistance, while others were fiercely defended by Chinese soldiers determined to hold their ground until the end. Chunhua, a town located roughly 15 miles southeast of Nanjing, was among the latter. The town was defended by troops from the Chinese 51st Infantry Division, who had participated in some of the toughest battles around Shanghai during the autumn months. The 51st Division found its withdrawal to Nanjing cut off by fast-moving Japanese columns. Only with the assistance of local civilians were various units able to sneak back to the capital, filtering through enemy lines. Upon arrival, the division's soldiers had hoped for a chance to cross the Yangtze for much-needed rest. Instead, Chiang Kai-shek ordered them to immediately reinforce the defenses at Chunhua. As the troops arrived in Chunhua village in early December, they were dismayed to find the pillboxes in disrepair. Some bunkers had been buried too deep to function effectively as defensive structures, while others had excessively large embrasures that offered little to no protection from enemy fire. Most frustratingly, keys to the bunkers were often missing, making entry problematic. The division worked tirelessly to improve their positions using whatever materials could be requisitioned from the area, but time was too short to bring the defenses up to the standard the commanders desired. Nonetheless, they achieved significant upgrades: three lines of defenses in front of Chunhua, centered around several pillboxes; two rows of barbed wire; and an antitank ditch to complicate any advance. Hidden machine gun nests also provided surprises for the Japanese infantry. On December 4, the Japanese vanguard, a column of about 500 soldiers from the 9th Division, was spotted, and over the next two days, the solitary company at Shuhu endured intense assaults. The Chinese dispatched an armored platoon as temporary reinforcements, marking one of the rare instances when Chinese tanks confronted Japanese infantry directly. The Chinese lost three armored vehicles, while the Japanese reported around 40 casualties among their infantry. By the afternoon of December 6, the surviving Chinese soldiers at Shuhu, numbering fewer than 30, abandoned their positions and fought their way back to Chunhua, leaving their fallen comrades behind. Advancing units of Japan's 9th Division closely followed, initially avoiding contact with the Chinese defenses to conduct reconnaissance. Based on their observations, the Japanese concluded that although the Chinese defenses appeared well-prepared, they were thinly manned. Costly fighting resulted in the Japanese gaining control over only the first of the three Chinese defense lines. Determined to capture the next two lines, they once again depended heavily on their artillery.  In several sectors along the front, soldiers of the 9th Japanese Division found themselves caught in the deadly crossfire of Chinese machine guns, creating a virtual kill zone from which there was no escape. For the Chinese defenders, the conditions were equally horrific. As recalled by the commander of the Chinese 51st division, Wang Yaowu “The shelling was incessant. Body parts were flying through the air. Some men lost legs, others arms. Brains were splattered everywhere”. The division's 301st Regiment, which bore the brunt of the battle, suffered approximately 1,500 casualties among its officers and soldiers. On the second day of the battle for Chunhua, December 7, their left flank made some gains, penetrating the area behind the village. The breakthrough, however, came in the afternoon of December 8 when an entire regiment that had been lagging behind the rest of the 9th Division arrived just in time to join the fight. This bolstered the morale of the Japanese troops and provided momentum to their attack. By the end of that day, Chunhua was firmly under Japanese control. 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. As the Japanese forces advanced, Nanjing's fate teetered on the brink. Commander Tang Shengzhi led a beleaguered defense amidst chaos, while civilians fortified the city, aware of its significance. On December 1, General Matsui officially ordered an assault on Nanjing. As Japanese troops closed in, brutality loomed on the horizon, heralding one of China's darkest chapters in its fight against oppression.

In today's story, we'll meet a little cloud who feels left out because everyone else seems to have a name, children, birds, even airplanes! Determined to find one for herself, she floats across mountains, oceans, and forests, asking each what she should be called. But when she drifts over a meadow full of children, she discovers something magical: she doesn't need just one name. She can be many things to many people - soft as a feather, watery as raindrops, or even shaped like a bunny or a ship!

Join me as I join Mya's founder, Kati Whitledge, brand new author, host of Beyond the Technique podcast and overall amazing and inspiring woman. I am so privileged to share a convo with this Faith-Based babe who's story is inspiring as it is tear-jerking. Subscribe, Listen, Enjoy.WANT MORE KATI? Book: https://joinmya.com/from-first-date-to-forever-bookPodcast: https://joinmya.com/podcastWebsite: https://joinmya.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiwhitledge/All the Links: https://linktr.ee/beyondthetechnique?utm_source=linktree_profile_share

Without Your Head Podcast: Nasty Neal with Burnin' Percebes (Juan González and Fernando Martínez) creators of The Fantastic Golem Affairs in theaters now!The story begins with Juan and David playing a movie guessing game on a rooftop. During an animated round, David strips naked, mimics a monkey and accidentally falls to his death. However, instead of a conventional fatal impact, his body inexplicably shatters into ceramic-like fragments. Juan, devastated and confused, attends David's funeral, where his remains are treated with eerie indifference. As Juan attempts to process his grief, he is bombarded with bureaucratic nuisances, including funeral expenses and insurance claims for the damaged car David landed on. Determined to uncover the truth behind his friend's bizarre demise, Juan embarks on an investigation.

In which the Mister joins me in reviewing FIXED (2025), from a script by Genndy Tartakovsky, Jon Vitti and Steve Greenberg and story credit to Steve GreenBerg, Rich Lufrano, Genndy Tartakovsky and Jon Vitti, the film is directed by  Genndy Tartakovsky. The film is an adult animated comedy film about a happy-go-lucky dog named Bull (voiced by Adam Devine) who learns he is going to be neutered. Determined to have one last night of freedom with his friends before the procedure, Bull embarks on a wild, raunchy adventure. The film, which has been described as a "hard R-rated" comedy, explores themes of friendship and self-acceptance through its explicit and often crude humor. The film clocks in at 1 h and 27 m, is rated R and currently streaming on Netflix. Please note there are SPOILERS in this review.#Fixed #GenndyTartakovsky #JonVitti #SteveGreenberg #RichLufrano #AdamDevine #Bull #IdrisElba #Rocco #KathrynHahn #Honey #FredArmisen #Fetch #BobbyMonihan #Lucky #BeckBennett #Sterling #MichelleButeau #Molasses #RiverGallo #Frankie #AdultAnimation #DarkComedy #Adventure #HandDrawnAnimation #RaunchyComedy #Romance #RomanticComedy #Animation Comedy @Netflix #FridayFamilyFilmNightOpening intro music: GOAT by Wayne Jones, courtesy of YouTube Audio Library

In this episode of the Frugalpreneur podcast, host Sarah St. John sits down with Corey Ganim, a self-made entrepreneur who shares his journey of bootstrapping an Amazon-based business from scratch. Corey recalls the pivotal moment that pushed him to pursue entrepreneurship full-time: witnessing a senior manager at IBM frequently missing family time due to work commitments. Determined to avoid that fate, Corey ramped up his Amazon side hustle, which initially involved flipping used books found at thrift stores.Starting with just a couple hundred dollars—$200 for equipment and $100 for inventory—Corey describes how he reinvested profits to gradually scale his business, reaching over $13 million in sales. He emphasizes the importance of resourcefulness and a frugal mindset, using free or low-cost tools like Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace to acquire inventory and even leveraging 0% APR credit cards to finance growth early on.Corey opens up about his biggest mistake: underestimating how long true, sustainable scaling takes when bootstrapping, and making some hasty decisions as a result. On the flip side, he highlights the value of being disciplined about every expense, a habit that's served him well even as the business grew.To help others interested in the Amazon wholesale model he now follows (buying bulk products from manufacturers and reselling them on Amazon), Corey offers a free step-by-step online course at freewholesaleguide.com.The episode is packed with practical advice and real-world insights for anyone starting or scaling a business on a tight budget.Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction & Episode Purpose- Host Sarah St. John introduces the Frugalpreneur showcase format: bootstrapped entrepreneurs share their tips, tactics, and tools, plus valuable takeaways for listeners' own business journeys.00:35 – Corey's Entrepreneurial Turning Point- Corey recalls the pivotal moment in 2019 that motivated him to take his Amazon side business seriously. - Realized through a corporate anecdote (his manager, John) that he didn't want to miss out on life and family due to endless corporate travel.02:31 – Bootstrapping the Amazon Selling Business- Started immediately after college graduation with a label printer and scanning tool from his mom (approx. $200 investment). - Began by flipping used books from thrift stores on Amazon with just $100 in startup inventory.- Highlights the “snowball” potential: reinvest profit for exponential compounding growth.04:02 – Growth and Scale- Systematic reinvestment led from a couple hundred dollars to over **$13 million** in product sales. - Emphasizes disciplined scaling, only investing more capital down the line—with slow, steady growth.05:46 – Biggest Bootstrapping Failure- Underestimated the time required to scale; thought he could hit $1M in sales within two years, but realistic bootstrapping took longer.- Early mistakes from “get-rich-quick” mindset: poor product and partner choices.- Key lesson: adopt a long-term, patient growth strategy.06:47 – Bootstrapping Success: The Frugal Mentality- Lack of excess capital forced careful, intentional spending.- Avoided unnecessary expenses (e.g., expensive websites, assistants).- Developed financial discipline and appreciation for responsible scaling—a mindset he still applies today.07:40 – Corey's Actionable Bootstrapping Tips-Leverage free/low-cost industry resources: - Example: posted on Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace offering free removal of unwanted books—led to profitable inventory at zero cost.- Smart use of 0% APR credit cards: - Used cards with promotional rates or delayed payment windows to purchase inventory. - Cautions to understand personal risk tolerance before adopting this...

While it remains to be seen how many of the greater than 30 states that could redraw maps to attempt to extract a greater partisan advantage, what's clear is that there will be more than just California and Texas attempting to redraw congressional maps mid-decade.

In this episode, I sit down with Tiffanie, a mother of two from Mt Isa, who shares her raw and powerful birth stories—two very different journeys that shaped her into the woman and mother she is today.Tiffanie's first pregnancy was planned as a freebirth, but at 38+4 weeks she developed preeclampsia so severe she was losing her vision for up to ten minutes just from standing up. When she presented at the hospital, doctors told her she was on the edge of eclampsia—her liver and kidneys were shutting down—and a caesarean was her safest option. What followed was an incredibly tough start to motherhood, with Tiffanie sent to ICU and separated from her newborn for 30 hours due to a covid patient being in ICU at the same time.Her second pregnancy, however, was completely different. Choosing a wild pregnancy with just one ultrasound at 21 weeks, Tiffanie leaned into her intuition, knowledge, and body wisdom. Determined not to repeat her first experience, she focused on prevention and balance:Following the Brewer's Diet with an emergency protocolUsing Celtic salt shots and water to regulate her blood pressureStaying strong and active with F45 training throughout pregnancyAt 42+3 weeks, Tiffanie went into spontaneous labour and birthed her baby at home in a beautiful freebirth. Her baby was born sunny side up, and with the loving support of her husband and sister-in-law Sarah by her side, Tiffanie welcomed her baby into the world on her own terms.This episode is a powerful reminder of the strength it takes to reclaim trust in your body after trauma, and the importance of preparation, nutrition, and support when navigating birth after preeclampsia.Enjoy this podcast episode!More from Ashley:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The VBAC Village⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Insta: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@ashleylwinning⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.ashleywinning.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join our⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ VBAC Homebirth Support ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Group here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Love the podcast? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Buy me a⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ coffeeDisclaimer: The VBAC Homebirth Stories Podcast is for educational and inspirational purposes only. The stories and opinions shared are personal experiences and should not be considered medical advice. Every birth journey is unique, and we encourage you to research, trust your intuition, and consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about your pregnancy, birth, and postpartum care.

In this episode, Mike Michalowicz opens up about his entrepreneurial highs, devastating lows, and the creation of the Profit First system that has transformed over a million businesses worldwide. From launching his first company in 1996 and joining EO Forum — where he discovered the unmatched value of honest peer connection — to losing everything in 2008, Mike shares the raw lessons that reshaped his outlook on business and life.Determined to end “entrepreneurial poverty,” Mike reveals how he flipped the script on traditional accounting by putting profit first instead of last, using behavioral psychology to help owners build sustainable, thriving companies. He also discusses his work on The Money Habit, his upcoming TV show The Four Minute Moneymaker, and the personal philosophies that guide him today.This is a powerful conversation about resilience, reinvention, and the systems that can help entrepreneurs around the world achieve lasting financial health.Please visit www.internationalfacilitatorsorganization.com to learn more about Mo Fathelbab and International Facilitators Organization (IFO), a leading provider of facilitators and related group facilitation services, providing training, certification, marketing services, education, and community for peer group facilitators at all stages of their career.

We've got a special guest this week with Jennifer Horn. You'll hear in this episode that Jennifer had the determination from day 1 to become a successful farrier and blacksmith. She managed to build a successful business, become a Certified Journeyman Farrier and compete at farrier contests while raising a family and managing a horse farm. A lot of people have seen the great works of art she has created as a blacksmith and is always generous to donate elaborate pieces to associations auctions to help raise funds. In the northern part of Michigan she has figured out a way to manage a farrier business and operate a blacksmith shop, which I Imagine isn't very easy to do. We enjoyed talking with Jennifer on this episode and hope you enjoy the listen!Also check out our website-www.forgingbrains.comOur Proud Sponsors of the Showwww.farrierbox.com use code BRAINS for 25% off your first month's order!www.well-shod.com use code BRAINS for a surprise product in your order!www.worldchampionshipblacksmiths.com use code BRAINS for 10% off in their online store! (not including membership/contest entry fees)www.yukonforge.com use code BRAINS for 10% off your order!

HR2 - Versatility, Special Teams ability how Falcons final roster spots will be determined In hour two Mike Johnson, Beau Morgan, and Ali Mac talk about what Atlanta Falcons players on defense will be fighting for those final few roster spots on the Falcons' 53-man roster, and explain why they think the final spots on the Falcons' defense will come down to who can and will play special teams well. Then, Mike, Beau, and Ali recap and react to the Atlanta Braves coming back from a 10-4 deficit last night to beat the Chicago White Sox 11-10 in game two of their three game series. The Morning Shift crew also talks about how this Braves' season has been a tale of two halves. Mike, Beau, and Ali also react to the latest news, rumors, and reports in the NFL as they go In The Huddle. The Morning Shift crew also reacts to NFL.com writers Ali Bhanpuri and Adam Rank putting out an article yesterday where they are predicting every game, and the final 2025 record for each NFC team, and have the Falcons finishing 8-9 and 6-11 respectively. Mike, Beau, and Ali also talk about how this article proves that a lot of national writers have no business talking about the Falcons. Finally, Ali gets Mike and Beau to debate it out in a game of Which One to close out hour two.

In the early twentieth century, anarchists like Emma Goldman and Alexander Berkman championed a radical vision of a world without states, laws, or private property. Militant and sometimes violent, anarchists were heroes to many working-class immigrants. But to many others, anarchism was a terrifyingly foreign ideology. Determined to crush it, government officials launched a decades-long “war on anarchy,” a brutal program of spying, censorship, and deportation that set the foundations of the modern surveillance state. The lawyers who came to the anarchists’ defense advanced groundbreaking arguments for free speech and due process, inspiring the emergence of the civil liberties movement. Today’s guest is Michael Willrich, author of “American Anarchy: The Epic Struggle between Immigrant Radicals and the US Government at the Dawn of the Twentieth Century.” We look at this tumultuous era and parallels with contemporary society.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

https://amzn.to/45ECWxtBrain Damage: A Juror's Tale: The Hammer Killing TrialThe gripping debut True Crime book by award-winning author Paul Sanders. *In the middle of a sleepy Phoenix neighbourhood, Marissa DeVault murdered her husband.January 14, 2009. Dale Harrell is found clinging to life by police, his skull brutally beaten with a hammer. The resulting criminal trial catapults twelve ordinary jurors into a powerful struggle with complex questions. On the surface, the murder seemed clear. But lurking beneath was a gnawing doubt – was this the act of a cold-blooded murderer, or the last-ditch effort of a desperate woman who was left broken by years of domestic abuse?Paul Sanders served as juror #13. Expertly retelling his story in vivid and gritty detail, he recounts the sleepless nights and painstaking debates that echoed around the trial, gaining a deep glimpse into the day-to-day lives of a family torn apart by murder. Determined to cut through the confusion and finally deliver justice to a victim, he shares his remarkable true story of a criminal case that's packed with fascinating twists and turns.With an honest perspective of every day he spent in the jury box with his fellow jurors, Paul invites you into his world, depicting every character with a larger-than-life persona that reels you in and frames each scene in dramatic detail. The trial of Marissa DeVault left the jurors with a question that had far-reaching consequences: should the defendant pay for her crime with her life?Praise for Brain Damage:“Mr. Sanders is a brilliant writer. You feel like you are right in the courtroom with him…” – Reviewer“This is a must-read for any avid trial watcher!” – Reviewer“Brain Damage is a very interesting journey through a death penalty trial. It made me want to be a juror!” – Reviewerhttps://amzn.to/45ECWxtBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-opperman-report--1198501/support.

Shawn French, Founder and Host of The Determined Society LLC, shares his powerful message on the importance of determination and mental toughness in today's world. He opens up about what inspired him to launch The Determined Society, how he personally defines determination, and the challenges he's overcome that shaped his journey. French also dives into practical strategies for building resilience, advice for those battling failure or burnout, and his perspective on the difference between “toxic positivity” and genuine personal growth.

Gut Health Over 40: Tiny Health's Microbiome, Longevity, and ResilienceClick On My Website Below To Schedule A Free 15 Min Zoom Call:www.Over40FitnessHacks.comOver 40 Fitness Hacks SKOOL Group!Get Your Whoop4.0 Here!Cheryl Sew Hoy - CEO of "Tiny Health"www.TinyHealth.comSocials: @Tiny.HeatlhPodcast Summary: Brad Williams (Over 40 Fitness Hacks) welcomed Cheryl, founder of Tiny Health, after first learning about her company through Crowd Health. Brad shared his personal journey with gut testing, food allergies, and how microbiome awareness changed his approach to health. He also mentioned his recent Tiny Health score of 82/100, which outperformed his family's results.Cheryl (age 42, mom of three) founded Tiny Health after her first child, born via C-section, developed eczema and food allergies linked to disrupted microbiome colonization.Determined to prevent the same issues, she researched microbiome science and saw improved outcomes with her next two children (both vaginal births, no allergies).Tiny Health began with a focus on baby gut health but was always designed to expand into longevity and adult health, supporting people through all stages of life.Today, Tiny Health powers gut testing not only for families but also for longevity clinics, health assessment companies, and even the Mayo Clinic.Microbiome Importance: 80% of the immune system is housed in the gut. Early life gut balance impacts long-term immune strength, allergy risk, metabolic health, and autoimmune conditions.Technology Advantage: Traditional stool tests (PCR) only detect targeted pathogens, while Tiny Health uses metagenomic sequencing to capture a complete, functional view of the microbiome, including beneficial bacteria and pathways.Scoring & Metrics: Results include overall gut scores, resilience scores, antibiotic resistance, and insights into digestion, immune function, and hormone regulation.Supplements vs. Food:Supplements can help correct imbalances short-term, but lasting gut health requires prebiotic fibers and diverse whole foods.Fermented foods and polyphenol-rich foods (like berries) boost diversity and resilience.Leaky Gut Explained: The gut lining acts like a castle wall; without enough butyrate (produced by fiber-digesting bacteria), food particles and pathogens can cross, triggering immune responses and food sensitivities.Resilience & Recovery: Antibiotics, infections, or travel (“Bali belly”) can disrupt the microbiome for months or longer. Retesting 4–6 weeks after such events helps measure recovery.Aging Microbiome: After 40, resilience decreases, making gut testing and diet/lifestyle adjustments more important.Red Meat & Alcohol: Red meat isn't inherently bad, but must be balanced with fiber to prevent protein fermentation issues. Alcohol negatively impacts gut health and sleep, but moderation and timing can help reduce effects.If you're interested in online personal training or being a guest on my podcast, "Over 40 Fitness Hacks," you can reach me at brad@over40fitnesshacks.com or visit my website at:www.Over40FitnessHacks.comAdditionally, check out my Yelp reviews for my local business, Evolve Gym in Huntington Beach, at https://bit.ly/3GCKRzV

This is a Grave Talks CLASSIC EPISODE! From the moment he could hold a flashlight, Joe Nelson was chasing shadows. What began as childhood curiosity soon turned into a lifelong obsession with uncovering the truth behind the paranormal. After moving to South Carolina—a state steeped in dark history and ghostly legend—Joe's fascination only deepened. The eerie stories woven into the Lowcountry's past demanded more than just reading; they demanded investigation. Determined to peel back the veil, Joe assembled his own paranormal team and set out to explore the places where the living and the dead collide. From the cold, stone cells of infamous jails to the quiet, dim-lit corners of private homes, he's encountered forces that defy explanation. Joe shares his journey, his most chilling encounters, and the truths that haunt him still. This is Part One of his story today on The Grave Talks. Become a Premium Supporter of The Grave Talks Through Apple Podcasts or Patreon (http://www.patreon.com/thegravetalks) There, you will get: Access to every episode of our show, AD-FREE! Access to every episode of our show before everyone else! Other EXCLUSIVE supporter perks and more!

This is a Grave Talks CLASSIC EPISODE! From the moment he could hold a flashlight, Joe Nelson was chasing shadows. What began as childhood curiosity soon turned into a lifelong obsession with uncovering the truth behind the paranormal. After moving to South Carolina—a state steeped in dark history and ghostly legend—Joe's fascination only deepened. The eerie stories woven into the Lowcountry's past demanded more than just reading; they demanded investigation. Determined to peel back the veil, Joe assembled his own paranormal team and set out to explore the places where the living and the dead collide. From the cold, stone cells of infamous jails to the quiet, dim-lit corners of private homes, he's encountered forces that defy explanation. Joe shares his journey, his most chilling encounters, and the truths that haunt him still. This is Part Two of his story today on The Grave Talks. Become a Premium Supporter of The Grave Talks Through Apple Podcasts or Patreon (http://www.patreon.com/thegravetalks) There, you will get: Access to every episode of our show, AD-FREE! Access to every episode of our show before everyone else! Other EXCLUSIVE supporter perks and more!

In part 24, Nicole wakes to the memory of yesterday's discoveries, and a new worry. School is starting in just two weeks, will she have time to visit the magical garden and her friend Angus? Determined to share everything she's learned about their families' connection, Nicole steps through the garden door and into the past. There, a wooden box, a letter, and an unexpected visitor reveal just how deep the bond between guardians and caretakers truly runs. ✔️ Perfect for ages 5+ ✔️ Themes: friendship • responsibility • family connections • coping with change • trust • self-discovery • balancing priorities Sleep Tight!, Sheryl & Clark ❤️

In this powerful episode of MAX Afterburner, Kentucky native and retired U.S. Army veteran Derek R. Poor shares his deeply personal journey from the high-stakes world of Special Operations to profound healing and transformation. Derek served over two decades in uniform, beginning as an Aircraft Armament Repairman and Missile Systems Maintainer for the OH-58D Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter before being selected for the elite 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne), the legendary “Night Stalkers.” Providing critical ground support for America's most sensitive missions, Derek carried the weight of years of service, leadership, and sacrifice, along with the invisible wounds of a traumatic brain injury sustained in the line of duty.Like too many of his brothers-in-arms, Derek faced the crushing reality of TBI symptoms, PTSD, and the devastating loss of friends to suicide, including one the day after he returned from his first ibogaine journey. Determined to find a path forward, Derek turned to powerful entheogenic sacraments: ibogaine and 5-MeO-DMT. These sacred medicines not only brought him profound personal healing, but also transformed the life of his wife, Jennifer, who had battled debilitating autoimmune conditions for years.In this conversation, Derek opens up about his service with the Night Stalkers, the toll of TBI, and the healing potential of sacred plant medicines. He shares lessons learned from both the battlefield and his journey home, along with his mission to help other veterans struggling in silence. Derek's story is one of courage, resilience, and hope - proof that there is a way through the darkness, and that no warrior has to walk that path alone.

In this powerful and eye-opening conversation, we sit down with the founders of WeNatal, a company redefining preconception health for both women and men. Together, we dive into the overlooked science of Trimester Zero—the 3 - 4 months before trying to conceive—and why this time frame can be a game-changer for both natural conception and IVF outcomes. From egg and sperm quality to the role of mitochondria, epigenetics, and environmental toxins, this episode breaks down the science, dispels myths, and provides tangible, realistic steps you can take to optimize your fertility—without the stress of perfectionism. We also unpack why the conversation around fertility needs to shift from being a “women's health” issue to a team sport. *** About the WeNatal Founders: After experiencing heartbreaking miscarriages just one week apart, best friends Vida and Ronit were devastated—and confused. Both healthy, taking standard prenatal vitamins, and yet with no answers from their doctors beyond “it's random” or “it's your age,” they began digging deeper. In their search, they uncovered a glaring gap in the conversation: the male partner's health. Half the equation was being left out entirely. Determined to change the fertility journey for themselves and others, they poured over the research, worked with leading experts, and developed a science-backed prenatal system for both women and men. What started as a deeply personal mission has now grown into WeNatal, a movement to empower couples with the knowledge, tools, and products to support conception, pregnancy, and the lifelong health of future generations. *** Subscribe to The Neuro Experience for more conversations at the intersection of brain science and performance. I'm committed to bringing you evidence-based insights that you can apply to your own health journey. *** A huge thank you to my sponsors for supporting this episode. Check them out and enjoy exclusive discounts: Boncharge: Go to https://boncharge.com | Code: NEURO15 for 15% off Caraway: https://caraway.com/neuro for an additional 10% off your purchase LMNT: Use code drinklmnt.com/neuro to get a free 8-count Sample Pack of LMNT's most popular drink mix flavors with any purchase. Thrive Market: Go to ThriveMarket.com/neuro to get 30% off your first order, and a free $60 gift. OSEA: Get 10% off your first order site wide with code NEURO at https://OSEAMalibu.com. You'll get free samples with every order, and free shipping on orders over $50. *** I'm Louisa Nicola — clinical neuroscientist — Alzheimer's prevention specialist — founder of Neuro Athletics. My mission is to translate cutting-edge neuroscience into actionable strategies for cognitive longevity, peak performance, and brain disease prevention. If you're committed to optimizing your brain — reducing Alzheimer's risk — and staying mentally sharp for life, you're in the right place. Stay sharp. Stay informed. Join thousands who subscribe to the Neuro Athletics Newsletter → https://bit.ly/3ewI5P0 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/louisanicola_/ Twitter : https://twitter.com/louisanicola_ Topics discussed: 00:00:00 — The #1 thing ruining women's fertility 00:03:09 — Trimester Zero: preconception importance00:05:14 — Male fertility: sperm quality & regeneration 00:06:42 — Epigenetics & passing traits to children 00:08:36 — Role of mitochondria in egg quality 00:10:46 — Myth-busting egg quantity vs. quality & aging 00:12:07 — Environmental changes & food nutrient depletion 00:17:10 — Plastics, toxins & lifestyle adjustments 00:21:25 — AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone) misconceptions 00:28:08 — Fertility industry concerns & preparing for conception 00:32:01 — Biological vs. chronological age in fertility 00:38:09 — IVF, diet changes & improved outcomes 00:42:01 — Key supplements: CoQ10, PQ, omega-3s 00:48:48 — Supplement regulation & quality control Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Meet Cute Presents: Ship Happens, Season 1 - Part 1. Determined to outdo her father's young fiancée, notorious party-girl Jenny Milton plans a luxury yacht trip for his 60th birthday. Meanwhile, her billionaire dad, Harry, invites a mysterious guest, who is sure to blow this yacht off course. Story by Ali Lu. Produced and Directed by Mia Walker. Sound Design and Editing by Tanya Orlov. SVP, Production: Lucie Ledbetter. Head of Development: Savannah Hankinson. Starring: Jasper Lewis, Elliott Ross, Dennis Kleinman, Katie Flamman, Alan Kelly, Sachin Kumar, Jake Robertson, Khaya Fraites, Gabrielle Filloux. Follow @MeetCute on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ and @MeetCuteRomComs on ⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠.  Check out our other rom-coms, including KERRI with Pauline Chalamet, IMPERFECT MATCH with Arden Cho, and DUMP HIM! with Minnie Mills. Check out our other dramas, including FIRE & ICE with Chiara Aurelia and Jack Martin, and POWER TEN.  Check out our other fantasies, including A PROPHECY OF INCENSE AND SNOW and I'VE BECOME A TRUE VILLAINESS.  Have a crush on us? Follow Meet Cute, rate us 5 stars, and leave a review! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent recently took himself out of the running to take over as Chair of the Federal Reserve at the end of Jerome Powell’s term. (Or when Trump fires him illegally.) Perhaps it has something to do with his serious flub recently when he said the quiet part out loud about privatizing Social Security. Either way, Trump is on a mission to cut the Federal Funds rate to as low as one percent. In today’s episode, we game it out to explain what would happen if rates suddenly dropped so low in this economic environment. (Spoiler: It would be catastrophic for the average American.) Then we reveal what Trump’s actual motives might be for doing so. Chapters Intro: 00:00:40 Post Show Musings: 00:14:59 Resources The New York Times: Trump says Treasury’s Bessent rules out replacing Powell as the Fed chair. MSNBC: Bessent walks back suggestion that Trump accounts are 'backdoor' to privatize Social Security UNFTR Resources Trump Accounts. Stablecoin and the Stable Genius: Donald Trump’s Plan to be the Central Banker to the World Video: Trump’s SHADOW CRYPTO Network is WORSE Than You Think Project 2025. -- If you like #UNFTR, please leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify: unftr.com/rate and follow us on Facebook, Bluesky, TikTok and Instagram at @UNFTRpod. Visit us online at unftr.com. Join our Discord at unftr.com/discord. Become a member at unftr.com/memberships. Buy yourself some Unf*cking Coffee at shop.unftr.com. Visit our bookshop.org page at bookshop.org/shop/UNFTRpod to find the full UNFTR book list, and find book recommendations from our Unf*ckers at bookshop.org/lists/unf-cker-book-recommendations. Access the UNFTR Musicless feed by following the instructions at unftr.com/accessibility. Unf*cking the Republic is produced by 99 and engineered by Manny Faces Media (mannyfacesmedia.com). Original music is by Tom McGovern (tommcgovern.com). The show is hosted by Max and distributed by 99.Support the show: https://www.unftr.com/membershipsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The first year of the siege of Leningrad that began in September 1941 marked the opening stage of a 900-day-long struggle for survival that left over a million dead. The capture of the city came tantalizingly close late that year, but Hitler paused to avoid costly urban fighting. Determined to starve Leningrad into submission, what followed was a winter of unimaginable suffering for ordinary citizens and defenders alike. First-hand accounts from Soviet and German soldiers, many never previously published, together with those of the civilians trapped in the city detail the relentless specter of death which defined life in and around Leningrad. Today’s guest is Prit Buttar, author of “To Besiege a City: Leningrad 1941-42.” Personal vignettes give a glimpse into the reality of life in a city under siege. The teenage volunteer climbers, weak from hunger, scaling the slender spire of the Peter and Paul Fortress to shroud it in camouflage as the German bombers circle overhead like vultures. Or the soldier trombonist completing a long day on the front line to perform Shostakovich’s epic Seventh Symphony alongside a starving and sickly orchestra – an act of defiance broadcast to defenders and attackers alike.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.